04-17-2017 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

The subject property Is located adjacent to the North Arm Drive - Varied Enclosure described In the Rural Oasis Study was determined for the site.The portion of North Arm Dr. closest to the subject parcel is identified as varied enclosure, with the north and south property lines creating a row of dense trees for minimal views. The middle of the property from North Arm Dr. contains an open enclosure creating long views to the lake.The existing structures are difficult to see due to flat topography near North Arm Dr. then dropping off suddenly towards Lake Minnetonka. This creates a positive native view shed. The proposed site plan contains a long native buffer feature by setting the homes back into the middle and west end of the property. The mature trees throughout the east portion of the site visually obstruct most of the adjacent homes and outbuildings. The residential properties adjacent to the project site are medium-heavily wooded creating a varied enclosure with positive views. The existing topography along the southern property line situates the adjacent homes in Pirates Cove above the grade of the subject property, making them more difficult to notice. A tree line creates a barrier along the north property line to shield most of the negative views of the adjacent home. This is true while standing on North Arm Dr. in front of the project area, and while standing in the middle of the project area. In general, there appears to be a combination of positive and negative views from North Arm Dr., with positive views being more abundant. Portions of the adjacent homes in Pirates Cove to the south are visible (more so In the winter), while the adjacent home to the north is mostly covered by existing trees and topography. The remainder of the subject property and adjacent properties are obscured by tree and shrub vegetation. Please see the attached Photo Log (Appendix C) at the end of this report. MLCCS Data Review Review of MN DNR MLCCS data indicates that approximately 2.1 acres of the project area is covered with long grasses and mixed trees with 11-25% impervious cover (13125). Approximately 0.76 acres of the project area is made up of maple-basswood forest with 26-50% impervious cover(11233), and the remainder of the site made up of 0.95 acres of short grasses and mixed trees with 26-50% impervious cover. The Orono Natural Resources Inventory Land Cover Classification - Level 1 (Figure 6) identifies the project area ad Artificial Surfaces and Associated Areas (10000). Franzel Addition 800 North Arm Drive, Orono, MN Page 2