01-17-2012 Planning Commission Packet

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I J 11-3531 9 January 2012 Page 5 of 5 Issues for Discussion Conservation Desi�n: Attached to this report as Exhibit I are table of contents and map excerpts from the Orono Natural Resources Inventory and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System Mapping (NRI) document. The NRI is one of the resource documents available to the City, developers and land owners to utilize when conducting a conservation design analysis. The applicant has submitted their response to the City's request for a conservation design analysis and plan consisting of the City's review checklist and a short letter. The applicant's conservation design submittal appears to indicate there are no natural resources present on the subject property to be enhanced, preserved or protected. However it is difficult to ascertain their conclusions without a detailed analysis. The applicant has not referenced specifically how the subject property is classified within each of the NRI maps. The submitted conservation design materials appear to be lacking critical elements such as detailed reporting and analysis of the site's natural values and visual documentation such as photographs which illustrate existing viewsheds, etc. Further, while invasive species (buckthorn and reed canary grass) have been identified no plans for removal and maintenance have been contemplated. Please see the City Engineer's memo regarding the submitted conservation design review. � Staff Recommendation The proposed subdivision meets the minimum requirements outlined within �the RR-1A zoning district standards as well as the subdivision requirements for the creation of a new, buildable lot. Separate easement documents are required to be submitted to convey the appropriate easements. The conservation design analysis and conclusions submitted by the applicant appear to suggest the property is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get site with little to no worthwhile natural value based on the conservation design standards. The Planning Commission should consider the submitted conservation design analysis and determine if sufficient information has been provided to satisfy the conservation design analysis requirements. If so,and the Commission agrees with the "conclusions" of the applicant's report which seem to indicate a lack of existing natural value within the site, a motion to approve the subdivision should be considered. If not,the applicant should be so directed.