B Strategic Plan - Preserv. Ord
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Bou levard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone 952.2271100
Fax 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone 952.227.1180
Fax 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone 952.227.1160
Fax 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone 952.227.1140
Fax 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone 952.227.1120
Fax 952.2271110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone 952.227.1400
Fax 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone 952.227.1130
Fax 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone 952.2271300
Fax 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone 952.227.1125
Fax 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.cl.chanhassen.mn.us
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist
February 15, ZOO5 ~
Issue Paper - Tree Inventory Requirements per City Code Chapter
18, Subdivisions
DATE:
SUBJ:
BACKGROUND
In May of 2004, the City Council approved reVISIons to Section 18-61,
Landscaping and Tree Preservation. The revisions included new parameters for
the tree inventory requirements. Previously, developers were required to
inventory all significant trees, those 12" DBH and larger, within a proposed
subdivision. The revised ordinance requires all trees larger than 6" DBH to be
inventoried. Staff has been requested to review the ordinance.
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE
Previous City Code requirements for a tree inventory were: "This survey shall
include the species, DBH size, condition, location of all significant, special,
damaged or diseased trees on site. All significant special, damaged or diseased
trees shall be tagged and identified by number on the survey."
Revised City Code requirements for a tree inventory are: "This survey shall
include the species, DBH size (DBH means diameter measured at breast height,
4.5 feet above the ground), condition, location of all trees over six inches in
diameter and any damaged or diseased trees on site. All significant special,
damaged or diseased trees shall be tagged and identified by number on the
survey."
City Code requirements for a survey submitted for building permit applications:
"The building official may require that plans and specifications, required by the
Minnesota State Building Code, include a survey of the lot upon which the
proposed building or construction is to be done, prepared and attested by a
registered surveyor. An original signature is required on the certificate of survey.
The survey shall provide the following information unless otherwise approved by
the administrative authority: ....
(16) All trees in excess of six (6) inches in diameter (diameter measured at four
(4) feet above grade); "
The City of Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks A great place to live, work, and play.
DISCUSSION
Tree inventory requirements were revised for two reasons. First, to be consistent
with existing City Code requirements for building permit surveys. Second, to
give a more comprehensive picture about the composition of existing woods on a
site. Previously, the minimum required size to be inventoried was 12 inches for
trees. Now, trees in the 6 - 12 inch range are also shown on the survey. This is
beneficial for a number of reasons:
· Building permit requirements include that all trees 6 inches and above be
shown. Previously, this requirement fell to the builder. To send one company
out to survey trees 12 inches and larger and later another company to
inventory trees 6-12 inches on the same property is inefficient and redundant.
· Trees that have reached 6 inches in diameter are, generally, about fifteen to
twenty years old. This is a valuable resource in a new subdivision where
replacement trees are only 2 Y2 inches in diameter.
· Trees in the 6-12 inch range are excellent candidates for preservation due to
their resiliency and vigor. Trees above the 12 inch size are also good
candidates for preservation, but as the size increases the extenuating
circumstances (grade changes, exposure, location) play bigger roles in the
survivability of the tree.
Tree inventories provide crucial information on trees within the grading limits of
a subdivision. With them, city staff and officials can gain a better understanding
of the integrity and value of the resource and how best to utilize or preserve it.
The fact that a tree is not at least 12 inches in diameter should not preclude it from
being viewed as valuable and worth noting during the decision-making process.
Expanding the requirements for the tree inventory reflects the importance of
gaining a clear picture of the existing landscape, its health, its sustainability and
its potential for preservation. Trees bring natural elements and wildlife habitats
into urban surroundings, all of which increase the quality of life for residents of
the community. The benefits of trees include social, communal, environmental
and economic paybacks. They provide increased property values, reductions in
stormwater run-off, clean air, wind protection, shade, habitat, and beauty.
Protection and preservation of these resources are crucial for maintaining and
securing a high quality of life in Chanhassen neighborhoods.
The city does have some discretion in requiring tree inventories. In large, wooded
areas that the developer designates for preservation, inventory requirements have
not been applied in most cases. These specific areas are only measured for the
purpose of canopy coverage calculations. Within wetlands, bluffs, or areas
proposed for public dedication, surveys are not required and these areas are not
included in canopy coverage calculations.
SUMMARY
Staff's reasoning for recommending changes to the previous tree inventory
requirements have been presented for your review. Staff is seeking your direction
regarding the tree preservation ordinance.
Random sample - lot depicting tree survey of all trees 6" and larger DBH
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Sample - same lot depicting tree survey of only trees 12" and larger
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g:\plan\js\tree issues in development\tree inventory issue paper.doc