04-16-2012 Planning Commission Packet

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� � 11-3534 15 November 2011 Page 4 of 5 Rural Oasis, Conservation Design &Woodland Impacts The property has a an area of existing woods along Willow Drive and a mature pine stand along the northern property line,three wetland bodies and an open view-shed over the wetlands to the east. The Rural Oasis Study and Conservation Design Master Planning process has been formulated to help determine on a case-by-case basis what natural values should be preserved. The purpose of Conservation Design is summarized in the Conservation Design ordinance as follows: The City of Orono as a result of the Rural Oasis Study conducted in 2005 finds that there is an intrinsic link between the natural systems and the valued scenic character that exist throughout the community. The requirements of this conservation design ordinance are meant to preserve and enhance this ecological/aesthetic character by requiring: (1J protection and enhancement of drainageways and water quality; (2J protection and enhancement of ecological communities; � (3J reinforcement and establishment of ecological connections throughout the city; (4J augmentation and preservation of viewsheds including corridor enclosure and buffering; (5)preservation and improvement of views;.and (6)preservation or reinterpretation of local landmarks. Conservation Design is defined in the ordinance as follows: Conservation design means a two-phased approach to design and development that maintains or improves ecological assets, provides infrastructure that works with the land, and incorporates people's instinctive desire to experience nature. Some conservation design strategies include: identifying and avoiding sensitive natural features, planning roads along contours, allowing lots to border natural open space, inteqrating ecological stormwater management, using smaller lots, and educating developer and buyers about the ecological values of the landscape. The first phase entails an inventory and analysis of the potential development site's natural features, existing land uses, and wetland delineation. The second phase entails analyzing the design implications of the findings from the initial phase, alternative stormwater design, and a conceptual design for road and lot layouts. Issues for Discussion Conservation Desi�n: In January 2010, the City formally adopted a Conservation Design Ordinance. This proposed subdivision is required to conform to the standards outlined within the Conservation Design Ordinance. The developer should develop a plan which identifies and outlines measures for preserving . the ecological assets unique to this property. This plan should be submitted to the City to be reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to final review and approval of the preliminary plat. Existin� Buildin�s: Planning Commission should also discuss the existing buildings on the property.The existing ±1,200 square foot barn is situated within 10 feet of the side lot line of Lot 2. Is a 10-foot setback from adjacent lot appropriate? The zoning code would normally require that a structure ofthis size meet the principal structure setbacks. Access: The applicant is proposing to utilize the existing private drive location for the new private road. Widening the private drive and upgrading it to City standards will impact the adjacent wetlands. The proposed fill within the wetlands will require a Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) permit from the MCWD. Wetland buffer mitigation will be required as part of this approval. See John Smyth's memo (exhibit C)for more detail.