1k. Zoning Ordinance pertaining to excavating, mining, filling and grading ' If ' CHANHASSEN
C ITY OF ILK,..„,,ft.„
-- 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
111 (612) 937-1900 • FAX (612) 937-5739
Action by CitY Administrate'
Endorse" '�{ //-
I MEMORANDUM KyJIgui
Rejectce—A _
TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager Date___., v
I Date Submitted to Co. rssiol
FROM: Paul Krauss, Planning Director
Dote St't,mitted to Gouncit
' DATE: May 3, 1990 1�.-_/ ef_yu
SUBJ: Second Reading of Amendments to Chapter 7 and Chapter 20
of the Chanhassen City Code Pertaining to Excavating,
I Mining, Filling and Grading and Approval of an Ordinance
Synopsis for Publication Purposes
IPROPOSAL/SUMMARY
On April 23, 1990, the City Council approved the first reading of
ordinance amendments designed to facilitate enhanced regulatory
Icontrol over all grading, mining and related activity in the City.
The ordinance grew out of the City Council's desire to be able to
respond more directly to these activities and impacts related to
I them. Background materials pertaining to the ordinance and its
development are attached.
I As a condition of approval, the City council requested that a
number of detail changes be incorporated into the ordinance. The
City Attorney has accordingly revised the ordinance with the
revisions underlined for your review.
IThe Council discussed the administrative approval procedure that
had been developed. At the present time all grading activity in the
I City requires City Council approval resulting in extensive delays
and often resulted in owners by-passing the City approval process
with potentially adverse environmental impact. Staff had therefore
I proposed an administrative review procedure for grading requests to
move less then 1000 cubic yards of earth. The City Council
supported the administrative procedure but questioned the
appropriate cutoff with several members believing that the 1000
I yard maximum is excessive. Accordingly, the ordinance has been
revised to the 500 yard capacity that had been discussed.
I Staff has had an opportunity to develop and manage a similar
grading program in the past where a 1000 yards was employed. We
found it to be both manageable and reasonable based upon the types
IIof requests that were proposed. It should be pointed out that the
II
II
Excavating Amendment
May 2, 1990
' Page 2
ordinance requires the submittal of sufficient information for
staff to render an informal judgement and further that if staff
believes there is a potential for significant off-site impacts that
we could elect to require the applicant to go before the Planning
Commission and City Council in a formal review process. Therefore,
we continue to support the use of 1000 yard capacity but would
defer to the City council 's determination.
' The Council also asked staff to meet with Terry Beauchane to
discuss the ordinance. The meeting was held on May 1, and we
believe that most of his questions were answered. He continues to
be concerned that it may take litigation to bring about Moon Valley
' into compliance with the ordinance and that the time involved in
the process could allow them to operate without a permit during the
current construction season, but seemed to understand that this
cannot be avoided.
Based upon the foregoing, staff is recommending that the ordinance
' be approved along with a synopsis for publication purposes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
' Staff recommends the City Council adopt the second and final
reading amending Chapter 7 and Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City
Code pertaining to Excavating, Mining, Filling and Grading and
' Approval of an Ordinance Synopsis for Publication Purposes.
ATTACHMENTS
' 1. Revised ordinance amendment for adoption.
2 . Ordinance synopsis for publication.
3. Previous ordinance amendment.
' 4. Background information regarding amendment.
II
ORDINANCE NO. I
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7 & CHAPTER 20 OF THE
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
An ordinance amendment establishing revised and comprehensive
standards and procedures for regulating all grading, mining,
excavating and filling activity occurring within the City. All
existing operations occurring without a permit are required to
obtain one within 6 months of the date of adoption. The ordinance
also establishes an administrative procedure whereby permits for
small scale operation can be issued directly by staff in a timely
manner.
Enforcement of this ordinance shall be subject to the provisions of
the Zoning Ordinance. This ordinance is in full force commencing
on the date of publication of this summary.
Don Ashworth '
City Manager
(Publish in the Chanhassen Villager on ) '
CAMPBELL, KNUTSON, SCOTT & FUCHS, P.A.
RECEIVED
Attorneys at Law APR 2 51990
Thomas J. Campbell CITY DE CHANHASSEN
' Roger N. Knutson
Thomas M. (612) 456-9539
. Scott Facsimile (612) 456-9542
Gary G. Fuchs
James R. Walston
' Elliott B. Knetsch
Dennis J. Unger
April 24, 1990
' Mr. Paul Krauss
Chanhassen City Hall
690 Coulter Drive, Box 147
' Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317
RE: Mining Ordinance
' Dear Paul:
Enclosed please find revised ordinance pertaining to
' excavating, mining, filling, and grading. A red-lined copy is
also enclosed outlining the changes from draft dated 4/13/90.
Very truly yours,
' CAMP'" , ' UTSON, SCOTT
& FUCHS, '.A.
BY:
' Roger N. Knutson
RNK: srn
Enclosure
Yankee Square Office III • Suite 202 • 3460 Washington Drive • Eagan, MN 55122
I
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7 AND CHAPTER 20
OF THE CHANHASSEN CITY CODE PERTAINING TO
EXCAVATING, MINING, FILLING, AND GRADING
The City Council of the City of Chanhassen ordains as
follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 7 of the Chanhassen City Code is hereby
amended by adding Article III to read as follows:
7-30: PURPOSES AND INTENT.
The purpose of thisAarticle is to promote the health,
safety and welfare of the community and to establish reasonable
uniform limitations, standards, safeguards and controls for
excavating, mining, filling, and grading within the City.
Excavating, mining, filling, and grading permits for more than
Afifty (50) cubic yards, but less thanAfive hundred (500) cubic
yards of materialnin a twelve (12) month period may be processed
administratively. Excavating, mining, filling, and grading of
Afive hundred (500) cubic yards of material or more 4n a twelve
112) month period shall be processed in the same manner as an
interim use permit.
7-31: DEFINITIONS. ,
The following words, terms and phrases shall have the
following meanings respectively ascribed to them:
Earth Work or Work the Earth: Excavating, mining,
filling or grading. '
Excavating or Mining:
(a) The removal of the natural surface of the earth, '
whether sod, dirt, soil, sand, gravel, stone, or other matter,
creating a depression.a{Qte+a. "or daemtoNs".
(b) Any area where the topsoil or overburden has
been removed for the purpose of removing earthly deposits or
minerals. '
(c) Any area that is being used for stockpiling,
storage, and processing of sand, gravel, black dirt, clay, and
other minerals.
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Filling or Grading: To change the contour of the
land.
Overburden: Those materials which lie between the
surface of the earth and material deposit to be extracted.
' ARestoration: To renew land to self-sustaining long-
term use which is compatible with continguous land uses, present
and future, in accordance with the standards set forth in this
' article.
Topsoil: That portion of the overburden which lies
closest to the earth's surface and supports the growth of
' vegetation.
7-32: PERMIT REQUIRED.
Except as otherwise provided in this, article, it
shall be unlawful for anyone to work the earth without having
' first obtained a written permit from the City authorizing the
same in accordance with this article. Active Earth Work
operations that predate this article that do not have a permit
shallAcease operations or obtain an Earth Work permit within six
(6) months after the adoption of thisAarticle. Current permit
holders shall come into compliance with the terms of this article
no later than the renewal date of such permit holder's Earth Work
' permit.
7-33: EXEMPTIONS FROM PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
' The following activities do not require an Earth Work
permit:
A. Excavation for a foundation, cellar, or basement of a
building if a building permit has been issued.
' B. Grading a lot in conjunction with building if a building
permit has been issued.
C. Excavation by the federal, state, county, city,Aor other
' governmentnagencies in connection with construction or
maintenance of roads, highways, or utilities.
D. Curb cuts, utility hookups, or street openings for which
another permit has been issued by the City.
' E. Excavation or filling of less thanAfifty (501 cubic yards in
a calendar year.
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F. Plowing and tilling for agricultural purposes. I
G. Earth work in accordance with a development contract approved
under the City's Subdivision Ordinance. If the development
contract requires that a letter of credit or other security
be posted, the letter of credit or other security must be
posted before any excavation takes place.
7-34: EXEMPT EARTH WORK.
Earth work that is exempt from obtaining a permit
pursuant to Section 7-33 shall:
A. Comply with the City's erosion control standards.
B. Maintain natural or existing drainage patterns.
C. Comply with the City's other ordinance requirements including
tree preservation and wetland protection.
7-35: APPLICATIONS FOR EARTH WORK PERMITS.
A. An application for an Earth Work permit shall be processed in
accordance with the same procedures specified in the City
Code relating to interim use permits except that earth work
of more thanAfifty (50) cubic yards of material but less than
Afive hundred (500) cubic yards of material in a twelve (12)
month period may be approved administratively. '
B. An application for a permit shall contain:
1. The name and address of the operator and owner of the '
land, together with proof of ownership. If the operator
and owner are different, both must sign the application.
2. The correct legal description of the property where the
activity is proposed to occur.
3. A certified abstract listing the names of all landowners '
owning property within 500 feet of the boundary of the
property described above.
4. Specifications of the following, using appropriate maps,
photographs and surveys:
a. Proposed grading plan. '
Ab. Proposed stockpile sites.
g.. The physical relationship of the proposed designated
site to the community and existing development.
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' d. Site topography and natural features including
location of watercourses and water bodies.
e. The description and quantity of material to be
excavated.
f. The depth of water tables throughout the area.
g. The location and depth of wells and buried garbage,
' water, and fill.
5. The purpose of the operation.
' 6. The estimated time required to complete the operation.
7. Hours and months of operation.
8. A tree survey indicating the location and type of all
trees over six (6) inches in caliper. In a heavily wooded
' area only the boundaries of the tree areas must be
indicated on the survey.
9. An end use landscape plan and interim screening plan for
the operation period.
10. The plan of operation, including processing, nature of
the processing and equipment, location of the plant,
source of water, disposal of water and reuse of water.
' 11. Travel routes to and from the siteAand the number and
type of trucks that will be used.
d�.1e�e "
12. Plans for drainage/erosion control, sedimentation and
' dust control.
13. A restoration planAprovidinq for the orderly and
' continuing restoration of all disturbed landAto a
condition equal to or better than that which existed
prior to the earth work. Such plan shall illustrate,
using photographs, maps and surveys where appropriate,
the following:
a. The contour of the land prior to excavation and
' proposed contours after completion of excavation and
after completion ofArestoration.
b. Those areas of the site to be used for storage of
topsoil and overburden.
c. A schedule setting forth the timetable for excavation
' of land lying within the extraction facility.
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d. TheAgrade of all slopes after restoration, based upon
proposed land uses, and description of the type and
quantity of plantings where revegetation is to be
conducted.
e. The criteria and standards to be used to achieve
final, restoration as well as intermittent
stabilization.
14. A statement identifying the applicant's program to insure
compliance with the permit conditions, method of response '
to complaints and resolving conflicts that may arise as a
result of complaints.
15. Unless exempt under Minnesota Rules, an environmental 1
assessment worksheet, if required by the City.
16. A wetland alteration permit, if required by the City ,
Code, which shall be processed concurrently with the
excavation permit application.
17. Other information required by the City.
C. Applicants for Earth Work permits involving less than$five
hundred (500) cubic yards of material must only furnish the
information specified in Section 7-35B(1) , (2) , (4a) , (5) , (6) ,
(7) ,, j, (12) ,4 ) ,4 ) , and 17 .
7-36: PROCESSING OF EARTH WORK PERMIT APPLICATIONS. 111
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, the City Council shall
review the Earth Work permit application and shall approve
the permit if it is in compliance with this article, the
City's Zoning Ordinance, and other applicable laws,
ordinances, and regulations.
B. A permit may be approved subject to conditions necessary to
ensure compliance with the requirements and purpose of this '
article. When such conditions are established, they shall be
set forth specifically in the permit. Conditions may, among
other matters, limit the size, kind or character of the
proposed operation, require the construction of structures,
require the staging of extraction over a time period and
require the alteration of the site design to ensure I
compliance with the standardsAin this article. . dviete. remc,Ak,.
C. Earth work of more than fifty (50) but less than^five hundred
(500) cubic yards of material in a twelve (12) month period
may be approved by the City Staff. The applicant shall submit
the fee required by Section 7-39 of the City Code. Upon
receipt of a completed application, the City Staff shall
review the application within ten (10) working days and shall
notify the applicant of the decision by mail. The City Staff
may impose such conditions as may be necessary to protect the
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public interest. Bonding may be required in an amount
sufficient to ensure site restoration should the applicant
default. Any applicant aggrieved by a decision may appeal the
determination to the City Council.
7-37: TERMINATION OF PERMIT.
A. An Earth Work permit may be terminated for violation of this
particle or any condition of such permit. No Earth Work
permit may be terminated until the City Council has held a
' public hearing to determine whether such permit shall be
terminated, at which time the operator shall be afforded an
opportunity to contest the termination. The City Council may
' establish certain conditions, which if not complied with,
will result in immediate suspension of operations until the
public hearing to consider termination of the permit can be
' held.
B. It shall be unlawful to conduct earth work after a permit has
been terminated.
' 7-38: ANNUAL PERMITS.
i' A. Earth Work permits shall be renewedAannually. The purpose of
the annual permit is toAmonitor compliance with the
conditions of approval. The City Engineer, after consultation
with appropriate City staff, may issue renewal permits upon
' satisfactory proof of compliance withAthe issued permit and
thisAarticle. If the City Engineer denies a renewal permit,
the applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council by
filing a notice of appeal with the City Clerk within ten (10)
' days after the City Engineer denies the permit.
' B. Request for renewal of an Earth Work permit shall be made
sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date. If application
or renewal is not made within the required time, all
operations shall be terminated, and reinstatement of the
' permit may be granted only upon compliance with the
procedures set forth in this article for an original permit.
C. An Earth Work permit which is limited in duration cannot be
extended by the City Engineer. Extensions must be approved by
the City Council.
' 7-39: ISSUANCE OF PERMIT IMPOSES NO LIABILITY ON CITY AND
RELIEVES THE PERMITTEE OF NO RESPONSIBILITIES.
Neither the issuance of a permit under thisAarticle,
nor compliance with the conditions thereof or with the provisions
of thisAarticle shall relieve any person from any responsibility
otherwise imposed by law for damage to persons or property; nor
shall the issuance of any permit under thisAarticle serve to
impose any liability on the City, its officers or employees for
any injury or damage to persons or property. A permit issued
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pursuant to thisAarticle does not relieve the permittee of the
responsibility of securing and complying with any other permit
which may be required by any other law, ordinance or regulation.
7-40: FEES. z delaJce "-Car `E-4.Q. ¢xar«.%na�-:on • Q IParer:.4"
A schedule of fees shall be determined by resolution
of the City Council, which may, from time to time, change such
schedule. Prior to the issuance or renewal of any permit, such
fees shall be paid othe City and deposited in the general fund.
dQ1&}e "aeQrova\ ate"
7-41: AGREEMENT; IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT.
Prior to the issuance of an Earth Work permit, there
shall be executed by the operator and landowner and submitted to
the City an agreement to construct such required improvements and
to comply with such conditionsAof approval as may have been
established by the City Council. The agreement shall run with
the land and be recorded against the title to the property. The
agreement shall be accompanied by a letter of credit acceptable
to the City in the amount of the costs of complying with the
agreement as determined by the City Council. The adequacy of the
letter of credit shall be reviewed annually by the City. The City
Engineer may direct the amount of the letter of credit be
increased to reflect inflation or changed conditions. The City
may draw against the letter of credit for noncompliance with the
agreement and shall use the proceeds to cure any default.
7-42: SETBACKS. 1
Mining for the purpose of selling sand, gravel, black
dirt, clay, and other minerals shall not be conducted within: ,
A. One hundred (100) feet of an existing street or highway.
B. Thirty (30) feet of an easement for an existing public I
utility.
C. Three hundred (300) feet of the boundary of an adjoining ,
property not in mining use except that aggregate processing
that creates objectionable noise and dust, including but not
limited to crushing, must be set back one thousand five
hundred (1,500) feet from the boundary of adjoining property
not in mining use.
7-43: FENCING. '
During operations permitted under this,rticle, any
area where excavation slopes are steeper than one foot vertical
to one and one-half (1-1/2) feet horizontal shall be fenced,
unless the City determines that they do not pose a safety hazard.
Water storage basins shall also be fenced if the City determines
the basins pose a potential safety hazard. Unless otherwise
approved by the City, required fencing shall be a minimum six (6)
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foot high chain link fence meeting Minnesota Department of
Transportation standards for right-of-way fencing. An initial
fencing plan must be approved by the City Council. The City
' Engineer may subsequently authorize changes in the plan to
accommodate changing conditions.
7-44: APPEARANCE AND SCREENING.
The following standards are required at the site of
' any operation permitted under this article:
A. Machinery shall be kept in good repair. Abandoned machinery,
inoperable equipment and rubbish shall be removed from the
' site.
B. All buildings and equipment that have not been used for a
' period of one year shall be removed from the site.
C. All equipment and temporary structures shall be removed and
dismantled not later than ninety (90) days after termination
of the extraction operation and expiration of the permit.
D. Where practical, stockpiles of overburden and materials shall
' be used as part of the screening for the site.
E. Where the City determines it is appropriate to screen off-
site views, the perimeter of the site shall be planted with
coniferous trees, bermed, or otherwise screened. Trees shall
be at least six (6) feet in height at the time of planting.
' F. Existing tree and ground cover shall be preserved to the
extent feasible, maintained and supplemented by selective
cutting, transplanting of trees, shrubs, and other ground
' cover along all setback areas.
G. ANoxious Weeds shall be eradicated.
' 7-45: OPERATIONS; NOISE; HOURS; EXPLOSIVES; DUST; WATER
POLLUTION; TOPSOIL PRESERVATION.
' The following operating standards shall be observed
at the site of any operation permitted under thisAarticle:
' A. The maximum noise level at the perimeter of the site shall be
within the limits set by the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.
' B. Earth work shall be performed during only those times
established by the City Council as part of the permit, unless
otherwise provided in the permit. Such activity may only take
place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday
through Saturday. Such activity is also prohibited on the
following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th,
Labor Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.
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C. Operators shall use all practical means to eliminate
vibration on adjacent property from equipment operation.
D. Operators shall comply with all applicable city, county,
state and federal regulations for the protection of water
quality, including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and
Federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations for the
protection of water quality. No waste products or process
residue shall be deposited in any lake stream or natural
drainage system. All waste water shall pass through a
sediment basin before drainage into a stream. 1
E. Operators shall comply with all City, County, State and
Federal regulations for the protection of wetlands.
F. Operators shall comply with all requirements of the watershed
where the property is located.
G. All topsoil shall be retained at the site until complete
restoration of the site has taken place according to the
restoration plan.
H. Operators shall use all practical means to reduce the amount
of dust, smoke, and fumes caused by the operations. When
atmospheric or other conditions make it impossible to prevent
dust from migrating off site, operations shall cease.
I. To control dust and minimize tracking sand, gravel, and dirt
onto public streets, internal private roads from a mine to
any public roadway shall be paved with asphalt or concrete
for a distance of at least three hundred (300) feet to the
intersection with a public roadway. All internal roads shall
be swept and treated to minimize dust according to a schedule
established by the City. The City may approve alternatives to
paved internal streets that accomplish the same purpose. I
J. All haul routes to and from the mine shall be approved by the
City and shall only use streets that can safely accommodate
the traffic.
7-46: ARESTORATION STANDARDS.
The followingArestoration standards shall apply to
the site of any operation permitted under this^article:
A. The plan must be consistent with the City's comprehensive
plan and zoning ordinance.
B. ^Restoration shall be a continuing operation occurring as '
quickly as possible after the extraction operation has moved
sufficiently into another part of the extraction site.
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C. All banks and slopes shall be left in accordance with the
Arestoration plan submitted with the permit application.
' D. Slopes, graded areas and backfill areas shall be surfaced
with adequate topsoil to secure and hold ground cover. Such
ground cover shall be tended as necessary until it is self-
sustaining.
E. All water areas resulting from excavation shall be eliminated
upon,,restoration of the site. In unique instances where the
City Council has reviewed proposals for water bodies at the
time of approval of the overall plan and has determined that
such would be appropriate as an open space or recreational
' amenity in subsequent reuse of the site, water bodies may be
permitted.
' F. No part of theArestoration area which is planned for uses
other than open space or agriculture shall be at an elevation
lower than the minimum required for connection to a sanitary
or storm sewer. The City may waive this requirement if the
site could not reasonably be served by gravity sewer
notwithstanding the proposed operation. Finished grades shall
also be consistent with the established plan for the property
' Arestoration.
G. Provide a landscaping plan illustrating reforestation, ground
' cover, wetland restoration, and other features.
7-47: WAIVER.
' The City Council may allow deviation from the
standards set forth herein:
A. For operations that existed prior to the enactment of this
ordinance when it is not feasible to comply because of pre-
existing conditions.
' B. When because of topographic or other conditions it is not
possible to comply.
C. When alternates that accomplish the purpose and intent of the
standard set forth inAthis article are agreed upon by the
City and the operator.
' SECTION 2. Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by
amending Article XXVII in its entirety to read:
' 20-1351: DINING.
Mining is only allowed in the zoning district where
' such use is delineated as an allowed use. In addition to
complying with the requirements of the zoning ordinance, all such
uses shall comply with the Chanhassen excavation and mining
ordinance, Chapter 7, Article III, of the Chanhassen City Code.
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SECTION 3. This ordinance shall become effective immediately
upon its passage and publication.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chanhassen,
this day of , 1990.
ATTEST: I
Don Ashworth, City Manager Donald J. Chmiel, Mayor
(Published in the Chanhassen Villager on , 1990) . 1
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CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7 AND CHAPTER 20
OF THE CHANHASSEN CITY CODE PERTAINING TO
EXCAVATING, MINING, FILLING, AND GRADING
The City Council of the City of Chanhassen ordains as
follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 7 of the Chanhassen City Code is hereby
amended by adding Article III to read as follows:
7-30: PURPOSES AND INTENT.
The purpose of this article is to promote the health,
U safety and welfare of the community and to establish reasonable
uniform limitations, standards, safeguards and controls for
excavating, mining, filling, and grading within the City.
Excavating, mining, filling, and grading permits for more than
fifty (50) cubic yards, but less than five hundred (500) cubic
yards of material in a twelve (12) month period may be processed
administratively. Excavating, mining, filling, and grading of
' five hundred (500) cubic yards of material or more in a twelve
(12) month period shall be processed in the same manner as an
interim use permit.
t7-31: DEFINITIONS.
The following words, terms and phrases shall have the
' following meanings respectively ascribed to them:
Earth Work or Work the Earth: Excavating, mining,
filling or grading.
Excavating or Mining:
(a) The removal of the natural surface of the earth,
whether sod, dirt, soil, sand, gravel, stone, or other matter,
creating a depression.
(b) Any area where the topsoil or overburden has
been removed for the purpose of removing earthly deposits or
' minerals.
(c) Any area that is being used for stockpiling,
' storage, and processing of sand, gravel, black dirt, clay, and
other minerals.
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Filling or Grading: To change the contour of the I
land.
Overburden: Those materials which lie between the
surface of the earth and material deposit to be extracted.
Restoration: To renew land to self-sustaining long-
term
use which is compatible with continguous land uses, present
and future, in accordance with the standards set forth in this
article.
Topsoil: That portion of the overburden which lies
closest to the earth's surface and supports the growth of
vegetation. ,
7-32: PERMIT REQUIRED.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, it
shall be unlawful for anyone to work the earth without having
first obtained a written permit from the City authorizing the
same in accordance with this article. Active Earth Work
operations that predate this article that do not have a permit
shall cease operations or obtain an Earth Work permit within six
(6) months after the adoption of this article. Current permit
holders shall come into compliance with the terms of this article
no later than the renewal date of such permit holder's Earth Work
permit.
7-33: EXEMPTIONS FROM PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
The following activities do not require an Earth Work
permit:
A. Excavation for a foundation, cellar, or basement of a
building if a building permit has been issued. ,
B. Grading a lot in conjunction with building if a building
permit has been issued. '
C. Excavation by the federal, state, county, city, or other
government agencies in connection with construction or
maintenance of roads, highways, or utilities.
D. Curb cuts, utility hookups, or street openings for which
another permit has been issued by the City.
E. Excavation or filling of less than fifty (50) cubic yards in
a calendar year. '
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F. Plowing and tilling for agricultural purposes.
G. Earth work in accordance with a development contract approved
under the City's Subdivision Ordinance. If the development
contract requires that a letter of credit or other security
be posted, the letter of credit or other security must be
' posted before any excavation takes place.
7-34: EXEMPT EARTH WORK.
' Earth work that is exempt from obtaining a permit
pursuant to Section 7-33 shall:
A. Comply with the City's erosion control standards.
B. Maintain natural or existing drainage patterns.
' C. Comply with the City's other ordinance requirements including
tree preservation and wetland protection.
' 7-35: APPLICATIONS FOR EARTH WORK PERMITS.
A. An application for an Earth Work permit shall be processed in
accordance with the same procedures specified in the City
Code relating to interim use permits except that earth work
of more than fifty (50) cubic yards of material but less than
five hundred (500) cubic yards of material in a twelve (12)
' month period may be approved administratively.
B. An application for a permit shall contain:
' 1. The name and address of the operator and owner of the
land, together with proof of ownership. If the operator
' and owner are different, both must sign the application.
2. The correct legal description of the property where the
activity is proposed to occur.
3. A certified abstract listing the names of all landowners
owning property within 500 feet of the boundary of the
' property described above.
4. Specifications of the following, using appropriate maps,
' photographs and surveys:
a. Proposed grading plan.
' b. Proposed stockpile sites.
c. The physical relationship of the proposed designated
site to the community and existing development.
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d. Site topography and natural features including
location of watercourses and water bodies.
e. The description and quantity of material to be
excavated.
f. The depth of water tables throughout the area.
g. The location and depth of wells and buried garbage,
water, and fill.
5. The purpose of the operation. ,
6. The estimated time required to complete the operation.
7. Hours and months of operation.
8. A tree survey indicating the location and type of all
trees over six (6) inches in caliper. In a heavily wooded
area only the boundaries of the tree areas must be
indicated on the survey.
9. An end use landscape plan and interim screening plan for
the operation period.
10. The plan of operation, including processing, nature of
the processing and equipment, location of the plant,
source of water, disposal of water and reuse of water.
11. Travel routes to and from the site and the number and
type of trucks that will be used.
12. Plans for drainage, erosion control, sedimentation and
dust control.
13. A restoration plan providing for the orderly and '
continuing restoration of all disturbed land to a
condition equal to or better than that which existed
prior to the earth work. Such plan shall illustrate,
using photographs, maps and surveys where appropriate,
the following:
a. The contour of the land prior to excavation and
proposed contours after completion of excavation and
after completion of restoration. '
b. Those areas of the site to be used for storage of
topsoil and overburden.
c. A schedule setting forth the timetable for excavation
of land lying within the extraction facility.
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d. The grade of all slopes after restoration, based upon
proposed land uses, and description of the type and
quantity of plantings where revegetation is to be
' conducted.
e. The criteria and standards to be used to achieve
' final restoration as well as intermittent
stabilization.
14. A statement identifying the applicant's program to insure
' compliance with the permit conditions, method of response
to complaints and resolving conflicts that may arise as a
result of complaints.
' 15. Unless exempt under Minnesota Rules, an environmental
assessment worksheet, if required by the City.
' 16. A wetland alteration permit, if required by the City
Code, which shall be processed concurrently with the
excavation permit application.
17. Other information required by the City.
' C. Applicants for Earth Work permits involving less than five
hundred (500) cubic yards of material must only furnish the
information specified in Section 7-35B(1) , (2) , (4a) , (5) , (6) ,
(7) , (8) , (12) , (l3) , (16) , and (17) .
' 7-36: PROCESSING OF EARTH WORM PERMIT APPLICATIONS.
' A. Except as otherwise provided herein, the City Council shall
review the Earth Work permit application and shall approve
the permit if it is in compliance with this article, the
City's Zoning Ordinance, and other applicable laws,
' ordinances, and regulations.
B. A permit may be approved subject to conditions necessary to
' ensure compliance with the requirements and purpose of this
article. When such conditions are established, they shall be
set forth specifically in the permit. Conditions may, among
' other matters, limit the size, kind or character of the
proposed operation, require the construction of structures,
require the staging of extraction over a time period and
require the alteration of the site design to ensure
' compliance with the standards in this article.
C. Earth work of more than fifty (50) but less than five hundred
' (500) cubic yards of material in a twelve (12) month period
may be approved by the City Staff. The applicant shall submit
the fee required by Section 7-39 of the City Code. Upon
receipt of a completed application, the City Staff shall
review the application within ten (10) working days and shall
notify the applicant of the decision by mail. The City Staff
may impose such conditions as may be necessary to protect the
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public interest. Bonding may be required in an amount
sufficient to ensure site restoration should the applicant
default. Any applicant aggrieved by a decision may appeal the
determination to the City Council. '
7-37: TERMINATION OF PERMIT.
A. An Earth Work permit may be terminated for violation of this '
article or any condition of such permit. No Earth Work
permit may be terminated until the City Council has held a
public hearing to determine whether such permit shall be
terminated, at which time the operator shall be afforded an
opportunity to contest the termination. The City Council may
establish certain conditions, which if not complied with,
will result in immediate suspension of operations until the
public hearing to consider termination of the permit can be
held.
B. It shall be unlawful to conduct earth work after a permit has
been terminated.
7-38: ANNUAL PERMITS. '
A. Earth Work permits shall be renewed annually. The purpose of
the annual permit is to monitor compliance with the '
conditions of approval. The City Engineer, after consultation
with appropriate City staff, may issue renewal permits upon
satisfactory proof of compliance with the issued permit and
this article. If the City Engineer denies a renewal permit,
the applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council by
filing a notice of appeal with the City Clerk within ten (10)
days after the City Engineer denies the permit.
B. Request for renewal of an Earth Work permit shall be made
sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date. If application
or renewal is not made within the required time, all
operations shall be terminated, and reinstatement of the
permit may be granted only upon compliance with the
procedures set forth in this article for an original permit.
C. An Earth Work permit which is limited in duration cannot be
extended by the City Engineer. Extensions must be approved by
the City Council.
7-39: ISSUANCE OF PERMIT IMPOSES NO LIABILITY ON CITY AND
RELIEVES THE PERMITTEE OF NO RESPONSIBILITIES.
Neither the issuance of a permit under this article,
nor compliance with the conditions thereof or with the provisions
of this article shall relieve any person from any responsibility
otherwise imposed by law for damage to persons or property; nor
shall the issuance of any permit under this article serve to '
impose any liability on the City, its officers or employees for
any injury or damage to persons or property. A permit issued
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II pursuant to this article does not relieve the permittee of the
responsibility of securing and complying with any other permit
which may be required by any other law, ordinance or regulation.
I7-40: FEES.
I A schedule of fees shall be determined by resolution
of the City Council, which may, from time to time, change such
schedule. Prior to the issuance or renewal of any permit, such
fees shall be paid to the City and deposited in the general fund.
I7-41: AGREEMENT; IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT.
I Prior to the issuance of an Earth Work permit, there
shall be executed by the operator and landowner and submitted to
the City an agreement to construct such required improvements and
to comply with such conditions of approval as may have been
I established by the City Council. The agreement shall run with
the land and be recorded against the title to the property. The
agreement shall be accompanied by a letter of credit acceptable
to the City in the amount of the costs of complying with the
agreement as determined by the City Council. The adequacy of the
letter of credit shall be reviewed annually by the City. The City
I Engineer may direct the amount of the letter of credit be
increased to reflect inflation or changed conditions. The City
may draw against the letter of credit for noncompliance with the
agreement and shall use the proceeds to cure any default.
II7-42: SETBACKS.
Mining for the purpose of selling sand, gravel, black
dirt, clay, and other minerals shall not be conducted within:
One hundred (100) feet of an existing street or highway.
IA.
B. Thirty (30) feet of an easement for an existing public
utility.
IC. Three hundred (300) feet of the boundary of an adjoining
property not in mining use except that aggregate processing
I that creates objectionable noise and dust, including but not
limited to crushing, must be set back one thousand five
hundred (1,500) feet from the boundary of adjoining property
not in mining use.
I7-43: FENCING.
I During operations permitted under this article, any
area where excavation slopes are steeper than one foot vertical
to one and one-half (1-1/2) feet horizontal shall be fenced,
I unless the City determines that they do not pose a safety hazard.
Water storage basins shall also be fenced if the City determines
the basins pose a potential safety hazard. Unless otherwise
approved by the City, required fencing shall be a minimum six (6)
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foot high chain link fence meeting Minnesota Department of '
Transportation standards for right-of-way fencing. An initial
fencing plan must be approved by the City Council. The City
Engineer may subsequently authorize changes in the plan to
accommodate changing conditions.
7-44: APPEARANCE AND SCREENING.
The following standards are required at the site of
any operation permitted under this article:
A. Machinery shall be kept in good repair. Abandoned machinery,
inoperable equipment and rubbish shall be removed from the
site. ,
B. All buildings and equipment that have not been used for a
period of one year shall be removed from the site.
C. All equipment and temporary structures shall be removed and
dismantled not later than ninety (90) days after termination
of the extraction operation and expiration of the permit. '
D. Where practical, stockpiles of overburden and materials shall
be used as part of the screening for the site.
E. Where the City determines it is appropriate to screen off-
site views, the perimeter of the site shall be planted with
coniferous trees, bermed, or otherwise screened. Trees shall
be at least six (6) feet in height at the time of planting.
F. Existing tree and ground cover shall be preserved to the
extent feasible, maintained and supplemented by selective
cutting, transplanting of trees, shrubs, and other ground
cover along all setback areas.
G. Noxious Weeds shall be eradicated.
7-45: OPERATIONS; NOISE; HOURS; EXPLOSIVES; DUST; WATER
POLLUTION; TOPSOIL PRESERVATION.
The following operating standards shall be observed
at the site of any operation permitted under this article:
A. The maximum noise level at the perimeter of the site shall be
within the limits set by the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.
B. Earth work shall be performed during only those times
established by the City Council as part of the permit unless
otherwise provided in the permit. Such activity may only take
place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday
through Saturday. Such activity is also prohibited on the
following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th,
Labor Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.
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II C. Operators shall use all practical means to eliminate
vibration on adjacent property from equipment operation.
I D. Operators shall comply with all applicable city, county,
state and federal regulations for the protection of water
quality, including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and
I Federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations for the
protection of water quality. No waste products or process
residue shall be deposited in any lake stream or natural
drainage system. All waste water shall pass through a
IIsediment basin before drainage into a stream.
E. Operators shall comply with all City, County, State and
IFederal regulations for the protection of wetlands.
F. Operators shall comply with all requirements of the watershed
where the property is located.
IG. All topsoil shall be retained at the site until complete
restoration of the site has taken place according to the
Irestoration plan.
H. Operators shall use all practical means to reduce the amount
I of dust, smoke, and fumes caused by the operations. When
atmospheric or other conditions make it impossible to prevent
dust from migrating off site, operations shall cease.
II. To control dust and minimize tracking sand, gravel, and dirt
onto public streets, internal private roads from a mine to
any public roadway shall be paved with asphalt or concrete
;' for a distance of at least three hundred (300) feet to the
intersection with a public roadway. All internal roads shall
be swept and treated to minimize dust according to a schedule
established by the City. The City may approve alternatives to
Ipaved internal streets that accomplish the same purpose.
J. All haul routes to and from the mine shall be approved by the
I City and shall only use streets that can safely accommodate
the traffic.
II7-46: RESTORATION STANDARDS.
The following restoration standards shall apply to
the site of any operation permitted under this article:
IA. The plan must be consistent with the City's comprehensive
plan and zoning ordinance.
IIB. Restoration shall be a continuing operation occurring as
quickly as possible after the extraction operation has moved
Isufficiently into another part of the extraction site.
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C. All banks and slopes shall be left in accordance with the
restoration plan submitted with the permit application.
D. Slopes, graded areas and backfill areas shall be surfaced
with adequate topsoil to secure and hold ground cover. Such
ground cover shall be tended as necessary until it is self-
sustaining.
E. All water areas resulting from excavation shall be eliminated
upon restoration of the site. In unique instances where the
City Council has reviewed proposals for water bodies at the
time of approval of the overall plan and has determined that
such would be appropriate as an open space or recreational
amenity in subsequent reuse of the site, water bodies may be
permitted.
F. No part of the restoration area which is planned for uses
other than open space or agriculture shall be at an elevation
lower than the minimum required for connection to a sanitary
or storm sewer. The City may waive this requirement if the
site could not reasonably be served by gravity sewer
notwithstanding the proposed operation. Finished grades shall
also be consistent with the established plan for the property
restoration.
G. Provide a landscaping plan illustrating reforestation, ground
cover, wetland restoration, and other features.
7-47: WAIVER. '
The City Council may allow deviation from the
standards set forth herein:
A. For operations that existed prior to the enactment of this
ordinance when it is not feasible to comply because of pre- ,
existing conditions.
B. When because of topographic or other conditions it is not
possible to comply.
C. When alternates that accomplish the purpose and intent of the
standard set forth in this article are agreed upon by the
City and the operator.
SECTION 2. Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by
amending Article XXVII in its entirety to read:
20-1351: MINING.
Mining is only allowed in the zoning district where
such use is delineated as an allowed use. In addition to
complying with the requirements of the zoning ordinance, all such
uses shall comply with the Chanhassen excavation and mining
ordinance, Chapter 7, Article III, of the Chanhassen City Code.
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11 SECTION 3. This ordinance shall become effective immediately
upon its passage and publication.
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this ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chanhassen,
day of , 1990.
ATTEST:
1 Don Ashworth, City Manager Donald J. Chmiel, Mayor
1 (Published in the Chanhassen Villager on , 1990) .
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