5 Code Amendment, Ch. 18 Subs.CITYOF
C HASSEN
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUB J:
Planning Commission
Bob Generous, Senior Planner
December 2, 2003
Code Amendment, Chapter 18, Subdivisions
BACKGROUND
The Planning Commission originally reviewed the draft amendment on March 4,
2003. The Park & Recreation Commission met in April to review the proposed trail
and sidewalk criteria. Their only comment was to remove criteria for trails from the
ordinance. Subsequently, City Council reviewed the draft changes this past
summer.
DISCUSSION
Attached are the proposed revisions to Chapter 18 of the Chanhassen City Code in a
strike through and bold format as well as the ordinance amending Chapter 18.
Staff believes that the majority of the amendments are administrative in nature,
clarifying submittal requirements and timing. The following areas generated
additional issues at the previous Planning Commission and City Council discussions
of the ordinance amendments:
Section 18-57 streets. The Planning Commission wanted to require the
maximum street width for minor arterial and local street pavement
widths. Staff proposed using our existing detail plate pavement width.
Section 18-61 (c) landscaping and tree preservation. The Planning
Commission had wanted to void the application and make the applicant
start over. Staff has prepared language halting the process to get revised
plans, but not voiding the application.
Section 18-61 (d) (4) landscaping and tree preservation. This item
deals with the calculation of the amount of tree removal. Staff, at the
direction of city council, has proposed using a square footage amount,
rather than a building pad to estimate the area of tree removal for a
subdivision. Alternately, we could state that the estimate should be that
tree removal will occur within the first 105 feet of the lot.
The City of Chanhassen ·~ ~'' :7o',/~, Iq COiT'llLh'nt',~ ¢,,;? ,;i¢~ iai(E, ]L~aiii~ :,dio6is i~ (:l~!lr~ il; ,~ . ? , ; [ ,'
Chanhassen Planning Commission
December 2, 2003
Page 2
Tree removal on wooded lots can be based on the amount of area
generally removed in order to construct a house, deck and driveway.
If a typical lot is taken into consideration (90 ft. wide, 30 ft. front yard
setback), the removal area would be 80 ft. W x 105 ft. D or 8,400 sq. ft.
That area takes into account the clearing of the front yard, 60 ft. depth
for a house with a 10 ft. deck and 15 ft. around the foundation for
construction equipment access. Past experience shows that most trees in
the front and side yards are severely damaged and eventually killed by
construction practices and at least 15 ft. around the foundation is needed
for access to the building. There are examples in the city of residential
lots where less trees were removed than stated above, but the majority of
residential wooded lot examples show exactly those dimensions.
Section 18-61 (d) (5) landscaping and tree preservation. Staff is
recommending a financial penalty for the damage or removal of
protected trees in addition to the replacement of the tree(s).
Section 18-78 (b) (5) Required improvements. Staff had originally
proposed that sidewalks be included on all local streets. The Planning
Commission had previously agreed with the requirement. However, City
Council was not comfortable with the blanket requirement and directed
that staff develop criteria for the inclusion of sidewalks in a subdivision.
Staff is recommending approval of the amendments.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the following motion:
"The Chanhassen Planning Commission recommends approval of the ordinance
amending Chapter 18 of the Chanhassen City Code."
ATTACHMENT
Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Chanhassen City Code
Code Amendments Chapter 18, Subdivisions
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE,
SUBDIVISIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
Section 1. Chapter 18, Article I, Section 18-1 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen,
Minnesota, is hereby repealed.
Section 2. Section 18-39 (a) of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
After the pre-application consultation and at least twenty-eight (28) days prior to the
meeting of the planning commission at which action is desired, the applicant may file
with the city, an application for preliminary plat approval. The application shall be
accompanied by copies of the plat in such number as required by the city, an eight and
one-half-by-eleven-inch reduction of each sheet, proof of ownership satisfactory to the
city, and a list of property owners within five hundred (500) feet of the property certified
by an abstract company. The applicant shall pay the application fee established by city
council resolution. All required data, documentation plans, copies and fees must be
submitted before the application will be considered complete. Rejection of the plat by
the city council, or abandonment or withdrawal of the proposed plat by the subdivider,
shall not entitle the applicant to the return of all or any part of the application fee.
Section 3. Section 18-39 (f) (7) c. of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Lack of adequate sanitary sewer systems or no ISTS (individual sewage treatment
system).
Section 4. Section 18-40 (2) f. of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Topographic data within the property to be subdivided and one hundred (100) feet
beyond the property boundary, showing contours as follows: two foot intervals
where slope is ten (10) percent or less; five foot intervals where slope is ten (10) to
fifteen (15) percent; ten-foot intervals where slope is greater than fifteen (15) percent.
All areas of the subdivision to be platted with a slope greater than twenty-five percent
must be clearly indicated. However, on undevelopable sections or larger acre lots
topographic data may be reduced to significant physical characteristics, such as top
and toe of slope, if in the opinion of the city the area is viewed as unsuitable for
future subdivision. Location and elevations of on-site and abutting water courses,
lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams, and marshes at date of survey and their ordinary high
water mark plus approximate high and normal water elevations shall also be shown.
A wetland delineation report and surveyed wetland line for all jurisdictional wetlands
on or within one hundred (100) feet of the property boundary. The delineation shall
be no more than three (3) years old, unless accompanied by documentation
demonstrating the delineation has been reviewed in the past three (3) years and is
accurate or revised to reflect changes on-site. Flood plain areas, location of wooded
areas, rocky outcrops, power transmission poles and lines and other significant
physical features shall also be shown.
Section 5. Section 18-40 (4) c. of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
A drainage plan for the area indicating the direction and rate of natural storm water
runoff and those unaltered areas where storm water collects and percolates into the
ground. A proposed drainage plan for the developed site indicating the direction and
rate of runoff, the path of all storm water discharge to the public storm water
infrastructure and those areas where storm water will collect and percolate into the
ground shall also be included. Storm water management shall be consistent with the
city's surface water management plan.
Section 6. Section 18-41 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(a) Unless otherwise provided in the development contract for phased development,
within one (1) year after the date of the city council approval of the preliminary plat,
the subdivider shall file an application for approval of the final plat. In addition to the
application the subdivider shall submit:
(1) Copies of the plat in such quantities as is required by the city;
(2) Two (2) mylar copies of the plat;
(3) One (1) two hundred (200) scale copy of the plat.
(4) I"=200' scale mylar reductions of the final plat with just street names and lot and
block numbers.digital copy in .dxf format (the .dxf file must be tied to the cmTent
county coordinate system) and a digital copy in .tif format of the final plat shall be
submitted. If the final plat application is not filed within this period, the
preliminary plat will be considered void unless for good cause shown an extension is
requested in writing by the subdivider and granted by the city council prior to the
one-year anniversary date of the preliminary plat approval. The application for final
plat approval shall be filed at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the meeting of the
city council at which action is desired.
(b) The final plat shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and to all conditions
set forth in the approval of the preliminary plat as modified during final plat approval.
(c) The city council shall review the final plat and shall approve or disapprove it within
sixty (60) days of receipt of the completed application.
(d) No final plat shall be approved by the city council until the plat is in a form
acceptable for recording with the county, the proper filing fees have been paid to the
city, a development contract has been signed, appropriate security has been furnished,
and no other payments to the city related to the development are outstanding.
(e) Upon approval of the final plat by the city council, the city shall notify the applicant
of the approval and within thirty (30) days thereafter, the applicant or the city
attorney shall file the final plat with the county recorder and furnish the city evidence
of such recording. Failure of the applicant to comply shall be cause for revoking the
city's approval.
The developer shall pay the city a fee established by city council resolution to
reimburse the city for the cost of updating the city's base maps and geographic
information systems (GIS) data base files and converting the plat and record drawings
into an electronic format.
Section 7. Section 18-56 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
The proposed subdivision shall conform to the comprehensive plan, the design standards,
and Chapter 20 of this Code. The design standards set forth in this article are minimum
requirements. The city may impose additional or more stringent requirements concerning
lot size, streets and overall design as deemed appropriate considering the property being
subdivided.
Section 8. Section 18-57 (b) of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
b) Street right-of-way widths shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan and
official map, and shall conform to county and state standards for trunk highways. If no
such plans or standards are applicable, right-of-way and pavement widths shall not be
less than the following:
Street
IClassifications
IMinor arterial
ICollector
Right-of-Way
Widths (feet)
100
80
IRoadway/Pavement
Width (feet)
Local street (rural residential) 60 24
Local street (urban residential) 60 31
Local street 60
(commercial/industrial)
6O
Cul-de-sac, turnaround radius
(urban/residential)
36
45.5
:Cul-de-sac, turnaround 60 40
radius(rural residential)
!Cul-de-sac, turnaround 60 48
radius(commercial/industrial)
Private Street (Residential Serving 30 20
A-2, RR, RSF, R-4)
Private Street (Residential Serving 40 24
R-8, R-12, R-16)
Private Street 40 26
(commercial/industrial)
Section 9. Section 18-61 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(a) Required landscaping/residential subdivision.
Each lot shall be provided with a minimum of one (1) deciduous tree to be placed
in the front yard. The type of tree shall be subject to city approval. Coniferous
trees must be at least six (6) feet high and deciduous trees must be at least two and
one-half (21/2) inches in diameter at the time of installation. This requirement may
be waived by the city where the applicant can demonstrate that a suitable tree
having a minimum diameter of two and one-half (21/2) inches for deciduous and
six-foot height for evergreen is located in an appropriate location on the lot. The
following trees may be used to meet planting requirements:
Scientific Name
Deciduous Trees
Common Name
Acer saccharum Maple, Sugar or hard
Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory
Celtis occidentalis Hackberry
Juglans nigra Black Walnut
Quercus rubra Oak, Red
Quercus alba Oak, White
Quercus bicolor Oak, Bicolor
Quercus macrocarpa Oak, Bur
Tilia americatta Linden, American
4
Acer rubrum spp. Maple, Red, all varieties
Acer xfreemanii, spp. Maple, Freeman, all varieties
Acer saccoharinum 'Silver Queen' Maple, Silver Queen
Aesculus glabra Ohio Buckeye
Betula nigra Birch, River
Betula papyrifera Birch, paper
Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' Birch, cut leaf weeping
Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa
Fraxinus spp. Ash, all varieties
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo
Gleditsia triacanthos inermis, spp. Honeylocust, thornless - all varieties
Gymnocladus dioicus Coffeetree, Kentucky
Tilia spp. Linden, all varieties
Uhnus spp. ELM, DED-resistant varieties
Ornamental
Acer ginnala Maple, Amur
Amelanchier spp. Serviceberry or Juneberry
Crataegus spp. Hawthorn, all varieties
Malus spp. Crabapple, assorted flowering-Varieties,
Ostrya virginiana Ironwood
Populus tremuloides Aspen
Sorbus spp. Ash, Mountain, all varieties
Phellodendron arnurense Amur Corktree
Prunus cerasifera 'Newport' Plum, Newport
Prunus triloba Plum, flowering or Rose Tree of China
Prunus virginiana 'Schubert' Chokeberry, Schubert
Syringa reticulata Lilac, Japanese tree
Conifers
Abies balsamea Fir, Balsam
Abies concolor Fir, Concolor
Larix laricina Tamarack
Picea abies Spruce, Norway
Picea glauca Spruce, White
Picea glauca densata Spruce, Black Hills
?icea pungens Spruce, Colorado Green
Pinus nigra Pine, Austrian
Pinus ponderosa Pine, Ponderosa
Pinus resinosa Pine, Norway
Pinus strobus Pine, White
Pinus sylvestris Pine, Scotch
Pseudotsuga menziesii Fir, Douglas
Thuja occidentalis Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Techny' Techny Arborvitae
(2)
The tree(s) must be installed prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy or
financial guarantees acceptable to the city must be provided to ensure timely
installation.
(3)
All areas disturbed by site grading and/or construction must be seeded or sodded
immediately upon completion of work to minimize erosion. When certificates of
occupancy are requested prior to the satisfaction of this requirement, financial
guarantees acceptable to the city, must be provided.
(4) No dead trees or uprooted stumps shall remain after development. On-site burial
or burning is not permitted.
(5)
Landscaped buffers around the exterior of the subdivision shall be required by the
city when the plat is contiguous with collector or arterial streets as defined in the
comprehensive plan and where the plat is adjacent to more intensive land uses.
Required buffering shall consist of berms and landscape material consisting of a
mix of trees and shrubs and/or tree preservation areas. No fences will be permitted
between the required buffer and the collector or arterial street. Where appropriate,
the city may require additional lot depth and area on lots containing the buffer so
that it can be adequately accommodated and the homes protected from impacts.
Lot depths and areas may be increased by twenty-five (25) percent over zoning
district standards. The landscape plan must be developed with the preliminary and
final plat submittals for city approval. Appropriate financial guarantees acceptable
to the city shall be required.
(b) It is the policy of the city to preserve natural woodland areas throughout the city and
with respect to specific site development to retain as far as practical, substantial tree
stands which can be incorporated into the overall landscape plan.
(c) No tree removal shall be permitted except as approved in a subdivision, planned unit
development or site plan application. Removal of trees prior to city approval will
result in the issuance of a citation. The cleared area shall be replanted at a rate of two
(2) times the DBH inches (DBH means diameter measured at breast height, 4.5 feet
above the ground) of trees removed, if known, or one (1) tree per 1,089 square feet of
replacement area with the required replacement area calculated at 1.5 times the
canopy coverage area that was removed. Additionally, the development review
process shall be halted and the developer shall be required to resubmit revised
existing site condition and tree inventory plans and new landscaping plans
incorporating the additional planting requirements.
(d) The following standards shall be used in evaluating subdivisions and site plans:
(1) It is a policy of the City of Chanhassen to protect the integrity of the natural
environment through the preservation, protection, and planting of trees. The city
finds that trees provide many benefits including: stabilization of the soil by the
prevention of erosion and sedimentation, reduction of storm water runoff and the
costs associated therewith, improvement of air quality, reduction of noise
pollution, control of urban heat island effect, protection and increase of property
values, protection of privacy, energy conservation through natural insulation,
control of drainage and restoration of denuded soil subsequent to construction and
grading, protection from severe weather, providing habitat for birds and other
wildlife, conservation and enhancement of city's physical and aesthetic
environment, reforestation of open lands, and general protection and enhancement
of the quality of life and general welfare of the city. It is therefore the purpose of
this section to provide regulations related to the cutting, removal, or killing of
trees on construction and development sites and to ensure the protection and
preservation of the natural environment and beauty of the City of Chanhassen.
(2) Prior to the submittal of development plans, a tree survey of the site shall be
prepared by a registered landscape architect, licensed forester, or other
professional approved by the city. 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. A delineation of the existing
canopy coverage area(s) which outlines all areas covered by tree canopy shall be
included as part of the survey. Additionally, all damaged and diseased trees shall
be cataloged with the nature and extent of any damage or disease specified.
Based on this survey and either site observation and measurement or a current
aerial photograph (taken within one (1) year of the date of plan submittal)
interpretation, the following shall be calculated:
1. Base line canopy coverage.
2. Minimum canopy coverage requirements.
The following table shall be used to determine the minimum amount of
canopy coverage that must be maintained or provided on-site as part of the
development. It shall represent the minimum canopy coverage, consisting of
existing tree canopy and/or additional trees required for the site. Existing
wetland areas located on site shall be excluded from the calculation of site
area in the determination of site coverage. If a forested area is to be dedicated
to the city for park land, then this area shall not be included in the base line
canopy coverage area calculation nor shall it count towards the minimum
canopy coverage for the site.
Base Line Canopy Coverage Per Acre
Comprehensive Plan Designation 80-- 60--79% 40--59% 20--39% 19% or
100% less
Commercial/industrial/institutional 28% 25% 20% 14% 10%
High density residential 35% 30% 25% 20% 15%
Medium density residential 40% 35% 30% 25% 20%
Low density residential 55% 46% 35% 30% 25%
Large lot residential 68% 56% 43% 35% 25%
Base line canopy coverage is the canopy coverage existing at the time the
development application is filed with the city. Minimum canopy coverage is
determined by using the matrix.
Priority shall be given to retaining stands of trees and undisturbed wooded
lands over individual specimen trees that will be incorporated into the
development. No more than ten (10) percent of the canopy retention
requirement may be met by an individual tree that is not included within a
designated woodland area.
For developments that do not meet the minimum canopy coverage, the
developer shall be required to develop a forestation plan to bring the total
canopy coverage up to the minimum requirement. Where existing woodlands
are removed or there is a loss of trees that would otherwise be used to meet
the canopy coverage retention requirement, the developer shall develop a
woodland replacement plan. The replacement plan must designate an area at
least one and two-tenths (1.2) times the removed canopy coverage area that
shall be planted with replacement trees for those removed. These plans shall
locate additional trees either as a continuation of existing stands of trees that
are to be preserved or create new stands of trees in desirable locations such as
along roadway corridors, on the north and west perimeters of the
development, in common open areas, or adjacent to park facilities.
The following criteria shall be followed in establishing minimum canopy
coverage:
1. When planting trees, one (1) tree shall be deemed to provide one
thousand eighty-nine (1,089) square feet of required canopy coverage;
2. Trees must be from the approved list of desirable species (preference
given for trees designated as native);
3. No more than one-third (1/3) of the trees may be from any one (1) tree
species;
4. Trees shall average at least two-and-one-half-inch caliper and may be
a minimum of one-and-one-half-inch caliper;
5. Not less than twenty (20) percent of the trees shall be conifers;
6. Conifer trees shall average seven (7) feet and shall be a minimum of
six (6) feet in height;
7. Plant materials used for the reforestation shall be of a similar species
as vegetation found on site;
8. Trees shall be used that are appropriate to the soil conditions found on
site; and
9. Trees shall be from certified nursery stock as defined and controlled
by Minnesota Statute sections 18.44 through 18.61, the Plant Pest Act.
(3) In order to calculate the tree removal area on the lot, the applicant must estimate
8,400 square feet of tree removal area per lot.
(4) Minimizing the tree loss should be achieved by any combination of the following:
a. Realignment of streets, utilities and lot lines.
b. Consideration of alternative utility configurations such as the use of ejector
pumps, force mains, or revised home elevations to minimize grading.
c. Reductions in roadway width and right-of-way and increase in street grade up
to ten (10) percent when the applicant can demonstrate that significant tree
preservation is directly related to the modification.
d. Use of private streets in lieu of public streets.
e. Variation in street radius and design speed.
f. Modified grading plans.
g. Within PUDs, the city council may consider waiving minimum lot area
requirements and/or density transfers as long as it can be demonstrated by the
applicant, that tree preservation can be enhanced. In no case shall overall
project densities exceed what is allowed by the Comprehensive Plan. The
greater the level of preservation, the greater flexibility will be considered by
the city.
h. Within PUDs, variations to building setback lines provided a minimum twenty
(20) foot building separation is maintained between buildings on adjacent lots.
The setback variations shall be established and recorded as part of the plat
approval.
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Trees designated for preservation shall be protected by snow fences with clearly
marked signage specifying that the area is off limits for construction activities,
or other means acceptable to the city, prior to land preparation or construction
activities. Protective barriers in locations determined by the city must remain in
place until all construction activities are terminated. No equipment, chemicals,
soil deposits, or construction materials shall be placed within the protective
barriers. All understory trees and natural vegetation should be preserved within
the boundaries of the protective areas. Where this protection area cannot be
maintained or would otherwise render lots undevelopable, an alternate
protection, mitigation or tree replacement plan may be considered and approved
by the city. This plan may include the use of retaining walls, installation of
aeration systems, requirement for post construction deep root fertilization and
soil aeration, or construction vehicle ramp systems. Failure to properly protect
trees during construction will result in a fine of $100.00 per diameter inch of
tree(s) harmed, removed or destroyed.
At the city's discretion, conservation easements may be required to protect
designated tree preservation areas. Such easements shall be permanently marked
and signed as a conservation area with low profile monumentation acceptable to
the city. A monument is required for each three hundred (300) linear feet of tree
conservation area. Within designated woodland areas, the city shall encourage
the use of indigenous grasses and plant species to more closely resemble a
natural area. Home owners associations shall be responsible for the maintenance
of vegetation in common areas. Individual property owners shall be responsible
for the maintenance of vegetation on their property. The planting of trees in
excess of those required by this ordinance is permitted within the designated
woodland area.
During the removal process, trees shall be removed so as to prevent blocking of
public rights-of-way or interfering with overhead utility lines.
The removal of diseased and damaged trees is permissible only if they cannot be
saved. These trees shall not be counted when computing the base line tree
canopy coverage.
If any protected significant trees are removed or killed or there is a loss of trees
as the result of construction activities, the city requires replacement at the rate
of two (2) diameter inches per each inch of DBH of the removed, killed, or lost
trees. The replacement trees shall be at least two and a half (21/2) inches
diameter and will be species that conform to the List of Desirable Tree Species
for Planting in Chanhassen. No more than one-third (1/.~) of the trees may be
from any one (1) tree species. Other species or sizes may be used as
replacement trees subject to approval by the city. Alternately, at the city's
discretion, if a developer removes trees within a protected area, the canopy
coverage area shall be calculated for that area and a replacement area one and
one-half (1.5) times the canopy coverage area that was removed shall be
10
planted. One tree shall be planted for each one thousand eighty-nine (1,089)
square feet of required replacement area. Trees shall be from the list of desirable
tree species, no more than one-third (1/3) of trees from any one (1) tree species,
average two-and-one-half-inch diameter with a minimum one-and-one-half-inch
diameter, a similar species as vegetation existing on site, and appropriate to the
soil conditions. Any replacement trees that cannot be planted on the original site
due to space restrictions shall be planted on city property at locations to be
determined by the city.
(10)Financial guarantees acceptable to the city shall be required to ensure satisfactory
installation of landscaping requirements.
Section 10. Section 18-78 (b) (5) of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Sidewalks may be required. The following criteria shall be used in determining if
sidewalks are to be included in a development:
a. Sidewalks that connect to existing sidewalks.
b. Sidewalks that connect neighborhoods to schools, parks and neighborhood
commercial areas.
c. Sidewalks that connect neighborhoods to existing and proposed trails as
shown in the City of Chanhassen Comprehensive plan.
Section 11. Section 18-79 (f) of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Land area conveyed or dedicated to the city shall not be used in calculating density
requirements of chapter 20 and shall be in addition to and not in lieu of open space
requirements for planned unit developments.
Section 12. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
publication.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of
City Council of the City of Chanhassen, Minnesota
,2004, by the
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
Thomas A. Furlong, Mayor
(Published in the Chanhassen Villager on
11
Chapter 18, Subdivisions
CODE AMENDMENTS
12/27/02
2/20/03
3/13/03
11/18/03
Sec. 18-1. Definitions.
All definitions shall be consolidated in chapter 1.
Wetland delineation means a boundary between jurisdictional wetland and
nonwetland based on the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Acceptable wetland delineations shall be no more than three (3) years old, unless
accompanied by documentation demonstrating: 1. The delineation has been
reviewed in the past three (3) years by a person trained and experienced in the
application of the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual; and 2.
That the delineation is still accurate or has been revised to reflect existing site
conditions.
Wetland delineation report means a report containing a brief site narrative, maps of
the site and all pertinent data sheets that document the establishment of a wetland
delineation.
*This definition is necessary in order to specify what constitutes an acceptable wetland
delineation report. Definitions shall be incorporated in Chapter 1.
Sec. 18-39. Preliminary plat - Generally.
(a) After the preapplication consultation and at least ~ twenty-eight (28)
days prior to the meeting of the planning commission at which action is desired, the
applicant may file with the city, an application for preliminary plat approval. The
application shall be accompanied by copies of the plat in such number as required by the
city, an eight and one-half-by-eleven-inch transparency reduction of each sheet, proof of
ownership satisfactory to the city, and a list of property owners within five hundred (500)
feet of the property certified by an abstract company. The applicant shall pay the
application fee established by city council resolution. All required data, documentation
plans, copies and fees must be submitted before the application will be considered
complete. Rejection of the plat by the city council, or abandonment or withdrawal of the
proposed plat by the subdivider, shall not entitle the applicant to the return of all or any
part of the application fee.
*Submittal of preliminary plats 21 days prior to the Planning Commission date does not
provide sufficient time to notice the plat, nor distribute items for comments. The current
practice is to have submittal deadlines a month prior to the Planning Commission date.
(f) The findings necessary for city council approval of the preliminary plat and the final
plat shall be as follows:
(1) The proposed subdivision is consistent with the zoning ordinance;
(2 The proposed subdivision is consistent with all applicable city, county and regional
plans including but not limited to the city's comprehensive plan;
(3) The physical characteristics of the site, including but not limited to topography, soils,
vegetation, susceptibility to erosion and siltation, susceptibility to flooding, and storm
water drainage are suitable for the proposed development;
(4) The proposed subdivision makes adequate provision for water supply, storm
drainage, sewage disposal, streets, erosion control and all other improvements required
by this chapter;
(5) The proposed subdivision will not cause environmental damage;
(6) The proposed subdivision will not conflict with easements of record.
(7) The proposed subdivision is not premature. A subdivision is premature if any of the
following exists:
a. Lack of adequate storm water drainage.
b. Lack of dedicated and improved public streets.
c. Lack of adequate sanitary sewer systems and not ISTS (individual sewer treatment
system).
d. Lack of adequate off-site public improvements or support systems.
*This is a MCC recommendation. Sanitary sewer is requiredfor all suburban style
development. ISTS may be permitted in appropriate large lot developments and as
permitted in section 20-906.
Sec. 18-40. Same--Data required.
(2)
f. Topographic data within the property to be subdivided and one hundred (100)
feet beyond the property boundary, showing contours as follows: two foot
intervals where slope is ten (10) percent or less; five foot intervals where slope is
ten (10) to fifteen (15) percent; ten-foot intervals where slope is greater than
fifteen (15) percent. All areas of the subdivision to be platted with a slope greater
than twenty-five percent must be clearly indicated. However, on undevelopable
sections or larger acre lots topographic data may be reduced to significant
physical characteristics, such as top and toe of slope, if in the opinion of the city
the area is viewed as unsuitable for future subdivision. Location and elevations of
on-site and abutting water courses, lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams, and marshes
at date of survey and their ordinary high water mark plus approximate high and
Iow normal water elevations shall also be shown. A wetland delineation report
and surveyed wetland line for all jurisdictional wetlands on or within one
hundred (100) feet of the property boundary. The delineation shall be no
more than three (3) years old, unless accompanied by documentation
demonstrating the delineation has been reviewed in the past three (3) years
and is accurate or revised to reflect changes on-site. Where the subdivision
(2) ';s
Flood plain areas, location of wooded areas, rocky outcrops, power transmission
poles and lines and other significant physical features shall also be shown.
*The change is to make this rule consistent with the information required_for storm water
ponds The second change will ensure that staff has an adequate amount of time in which
to review the wetland delineation prior to final review of the subdivision. Inclusion of the
wetland delineation is _for clarification purposes, since these reports are required of
subdivisions. The requirement for a meander line two feet above the recorded high water
elevation is unnecessary.(7~8~03)
(4) c. A drainage plan for the area indicating the direction and rate of natural storm
water runoff and those unaltered areas where storm water collects and percolates
into the ground. A proposed drainage plan for the developed site indicating the
direction and rate of runoff, the path of all storm water discharge to the public
storm water infrastructure and those areas where storm water will collect and
percolate into the ground shall also be included. Storm water management shall
be consistent with the city's ste,..-'m surface water management plan.
*The first change will ensure that staff is able to evaluate any inconsistencies in data or
problems that may occur as a result of a subdivision's discharge through adjacent
properties. The second change will make the language consistent with the language used
throughout the rest of the city code(7/9/03)
Sec. 18-41. Final Plat
(a) Unless otherwise provided in the development contract for phased development,
within one (1) year after the date of the city council approval of the preliminary plat, the
subdivider shall file an application for approval of the final plat. In addition to the
application the subdivider shall submit:
(1) Copies of the plat in such quantities as is required by the city;
(2) Two (2) mylar copies of the plat;
(3) One (1) two hundred (200) scale copy of the plat.
(4) 1"=200' scale mylar reductions of the final plat with just street names and
lot and block numbers.digital copy in .dxf format (the .dxf file must be tied to the
current county coordinate system) and a digital copy in .tif format (pdf
compatible) of the final plat shall be submitted. If the final plat application is not
filed within this period, the preliminary plat will be considered void unless for good
cause shown an extension is requested in writing by the subdivider and granted by the
city council prior to the one-year anniversary date of the preliminary plat approval. The
application for final plat approval shall be filed at least ~ twenty-one (21)
days prior to the meeting of the city council at which action is desired.
(b) The final plat shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and to all conditions
set forth in the approval of the preliminary plat as modified during final plat approval.
(c) The city council shall review the final plat and shall approve or disapprove it within
sixty (60) days of receipt of the completed application.
(d) No final plat shall be approved by the city council until the plat is in a form
acceptable for recording with the county, the proper filing fees have been paid to the city,
a development contract has been signed, appropriate security has been furnished, and no
other payments to the city related to the development are outstanding.
(e) Upon approval of the final plat by the city council, the city shall notify the applicant
of the approval and within thirty (30) days thereafter, the applicant or the city attorney
shall file the final plat with the county recorder and furnish the city evidence of such
recording. Failure of the applicant to comply shall be cause for revoking the city's
approval.
f) The developer shall pay the city a fee established by city council resolution to
reimburse the city for the cost of updating the city's base maps and geographic
information systems (GIS) data base files and converting the plat and record drawings
into an electronic format.
*This sentence lists the deadline for submitting a final plat_tbr Council approval as 14
days prior to the Council meeting. Engineering staff has always used a three week (21
day) minimum for submitting a final plat prior to the Council meeting that it will be
considered. This is a more realistic deadline to ensure that staff has sufficient time to
process the final plat report, development contract, administration fee calculation, etc.
The city requires the 1 "=200' scale mylar reductions of the final plat with iust street
names and lot and block numbers for addressing purposes. To facilitate the updating of
the geographic in{brmation system, GIS, the city is requiring that plats be included in
electronic format.
Sec. 18-56. Generally.
4
The proposed subdivision shall conform to the comprehensive plan, zaning erdinance and
design 5andbe, a~,: standards, and Chapter 20 of this Code. The design features set forth
in this article are minimum requirements. The city may impose additional or more
stringent requirements concerning lot size, streets and overall design as deemed
appropriate considering the property being subdivided.
*MCC recommendation.
Sec. 18-57, Streets. Subsection b:
b) Street right-of-way widths shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan and
official map, and shall conform to county and state standards for trunk highways. If no
such plans or standards are applicable, right-of-way and pavement widths shall not be
less than the following:
Street
Classifications
Minor arterial
Collector
Local street (rural
residential)
Local street (urban
residential)
Local street
commercial/industrial)
Cul-de-sac, turnaround
radius (urban/residential)
Cul-de-sac, turnaround
radius(rural residential)
Cul-de-sac, turnaround
radius(commercial/industrial)
Private Street (Residential
Serving A-2, RR, RSF, R-4)
Private Street (Residential
Serving R-8, R-12, R-16)
Right-of-Way Roadway/Pavement
Widths (feet) Width (feet)
100 36 m-44
80 36
60 24
60 28 te 32 31
60 36
60 4-2 45.5
60 40
60 48
30 20
[0 40 24
Private Street ;0 40 26
(commercial/industrial)
* The table lists the allowable pavement widths for minor arterial streets as 36-44 {bet.
The Planning Commission recotnmends that the minimum roadwale width ./'or minor
arterials be 44 feet and the minimum local street width be 32 feet. Engineering staff[
has used a standard street width of 36 feet for minor arterial streets. In addition, the
City's standard detail plate for urban streets only shows a 36-foot wide street. The table
lists the allowable pavement widths for local (urban) streets as 28-32 feet. Engineering
staff has used a standard street width of 31 feet for local (urban) streets. In addition, the
City's standard detail plate for urban streets only shows a 31-foot wide street.
Engineering would like to eliminate the range and have 36 feet as the only listed
pavement width for minor arterials and 31 feet as the listed width for local urban streets.
Ifa range of street widths is allowed, engineering believes that developers will
undoubtedly choose to build the least costly option, i.e., a 28-foot wide street. This is in
direct conflict with what the City's standard has been in the past. To avoid confusion,
staff believes there should be one standard street width. Any deviation from the standard
would be approved as part of the subdivision review process as conditions warrant.
Section 18-56 (o) (7) requires a 40 foot easement for multifamily and commercial
industrial private streets.
Sec. 18-61. Landscaping and tree preservation requirements.
fa)
Required landscaping/residential subdivision.
(1) Each lot shall be provided with a minimum of one (1) deciduous tree to be
placed in the front yard. The type of tree shall be subject to city approval.
(Th '~* ..... ;n .....;,~ ~ ~;o, ~e ....;~o~ Coniferous trees must be at least six
(6) feet high and deciduous trees must be at least two and one-half (2~/2)
inches in diameter at the time of installation. This requirement may be waived
by the city where the applicant can demonstrate that a suitable tree having a
minimum diameter of two and one-half (2~/2) inches for deciduous and six-
foot height for evergreen and four (q) ~==,,~, ~=~,~ .... ,h,,~ ....... o-~.,~a is located in an
appropriate location on the lot. The following trees may be used to meet
planting requirements:
*This distinction is confusing and unnecessary. Deciduous added for clarication
purposes. The landscaping is provided as part of the landscaping plan for the project.
The ordinance contains the list of species. (7/15/03)
........ j ~, ......... Common Name
Deciduous Trees
Acer saccharum Maple, Sugar or hard
Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory
Celtis occidentalis Hackberry
Juglans nigra Black Walnut
Quercus rubra Oak, Red
Quercus alba Oak, White
6
Quercus bicolor Oak, Bicolor
Quercus macrocarpa Oak, Bur
Robinia Fze~doacacia ._.~.~,~rn~v .~.~o,r
Tilia americana Linden, American
ph ............... Map?, ~'~ ...... t ......
plr ............ 'Emcra'!d [ ~' .... c ~zF!c, E'"crr'~'z
~'[~F ,~1.,~ ...... ;.I .... 'q.~[ ....... ]I.,~~ ,~ .... I., q.~l ....... II..~
t~''' ............... '~ ...... ~" ........ ~'1 ............... ' ........
Acer rubrum spp. Maple, Red, all vadeties
Acer ~ ~reemg~ii, spp. M~ple, Freeman, ~1l
Acer s~cceh~rin~m 'Silver ~een' M~ple, Silver
AescM~s glabr~ Ohio
Bet~l~ ~igra Birch, River
BetMa papyri~er~ Birch, p~per
Bet, l~ pend, l~ 'D~lecarlica' Birch, c~t
C~I~Ip~ xpeciosa I Northern Cat~lp~
Fr~xin,s ' '; '
a:nc~,c~:na spp. Ash, ~4qdtc aH varieties
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo
Gleditsia triacanthos inermis, spp. Honeylocust, thornless - all varieties
Gymnocladus dioicus Coffeetree, Kentucky
Tilia spp. Linden, all vaHeties
Ulmus spp. ELM, DED-resistant varieties
Ornamental
Acer ginnala Maple, Amur
Amelanchier spp. Se~iceber~ or Juneber~
Crataegus spp. Hawthorne, all varieties
Malus (various xFeciex)spp. Crabapple, assorted flowering-Varieties~
Ost~a ~irginiana Ironwood
Populus tremuloides I Ax~e~
Sorbus sp~. Asi, Mountain, ~11 ~aNeties
Phellodendron amurense Amur Corktree
Prunus cerasifera 'Newport' Plum, Newport
Prunus triloba Plum, flowering or Roxe Tree of China
Prunus virginiana 'Schubert' Chokeber~, Schubert~
Syringa reliculata Lilac, ~apanese tree
Abies balsamea Fir, Balsam
Abies concolor
Fir, Concolor
Tamarack
Larix laricina
Picea abies Spruce, Norway
Picea glauca Spruce, White
Picea glauca densata Spruce, Black Hills
Picea pungens Spruce, Colorado Green
Pine, Austrian
Pinus nigra
Pinus ponderosa
Pine, Ponderosa
Pinus resinosa Pine, Norway
Pinus strobus Pine, White
Pinus sylvestris Pine, Scotch
Pseudotsuga menziesii Fir, Douglas
Thuja occidentalis Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Techny' Techny Arborvitae
*Changes denote spelling corrections and clarification of species. Deletions include
redundant mentions and poor selections.
(2) The tree(s) must be installed prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy or
financial guarantees acceptable to the city must be provided to ensure timely
installation.
*Grammatical correction.
(3) All areas disturbed by site grading and/or construction must be seeded or
sodded immediately upon completion of work to minimize erosion. When
certificates of occupancy are requested prior to the satisfaction of this
requirement, financial guarantees acceptable to the city, must be provided.
(4) No dead trees or uprooted stumps shall remain after development. On-site
burial or burning is not permitted.
*Burning organic waste, such as wood, is a waste of resources. A variety of other
disposal options are available.
Landscaped buffers around the exterior of the subdivision shall be required
by the city when the plat is contiguous with collector or arterial streets as
defined in the comprehensive plan and where the plat is adjacent to more
intensive land uses. Required buffering shall consist of berms and landscape
material consisting of a mix of trees and shrubs and/or tree preservation
areas. No fences will be permitted between the required buffer and the
collector or arterial street. Where appropriate, the city may require
additional lot depth and area on lots containing the buffer so that it can be
adequately accommodated and the homes protected from impacts. Lot
depths and areas may be increased by twenty-five (25) percent over zoning
district standards. The landscape plan must be developed with the
preliminary and final plat submittals for city approval. Appropriate financial
guarantees acceptable to the city shall be required.
(b) It is the policy of the city to preserve natural woodland areas throughout
the city and with respect to specific site development to retain as far as practical,
substantial tree stands which can be incorporated into the overall landscape plan.
(c) No clearcutting ~f ':,'e, adlan~ areas tree removal shall be permitted except
as approved in a subdivision, planned unit development or site plan application.
Removal of trees prior to city approval will result in the issuance of a citation. The
cleared area shall be replanted at a rate of two (2) times the DBH inches (DBH
means diameter measured at breast height, 4.5 feet above the ground) of trees
removed, if known, or one (1) tree per 1,089 square feet of replacement area with
the required replacement area calculated at 1.5 times the canopy coverage area that
was removed. Additionally, the development review process shall be halted and the
developer shall be required to resubmit revised existing site condition and tree
inventory plans and new landscaping plans incorporating the additional planting
requirements.
*There have been several cases in which a developer has begun clearing before final
approval. This is a problem in case the subdivision isn't approved by the city. The
Planning Commission has previously stated that it would like to make the application
void and have the developer restart the process. Sta[f has added the language that the
development review process be halted and the developer resubmit plans recognizing the
changed conditions. Our concern is that the review deadline may be exceeded. The
City Attorney's o.[fice concurred with stall's concern.
(d)
(l)
The following standards shall be used in evaluating subdivisions and site
plans:
It is a policy of the City of Chanhassen to protect the integrity of the natural
environment through the preservation, protection, and planting of trees. The
city finds that trees provide many benefits including: stabilization of the soil
by the prevention of erosion and sedimentation, reduction of storm water
runoff and the costs associated therewith, improvement of air quality,
reduction of noise pollution, control of urban heat island effect, protection
and increase of property values, protection of privacy, energy conservation
through natural insulation, control of drainage and restoration of denuded
soil subsequent to construction and grading, protection from severe weather,
providing habitat for birds and other wildlife, conservation and enhancement
of city's physical and aesthetic environment, reforestation of open lands, and
10
(2)
general protection and enhancement of the quality of life and general
welfare of the city. It is therefore the purpose of this section to provide
regulations related to the cutting, removal, or killing of trees on construction
and development sites and to ensure the protection and preservation of the
natural environment and beauty of the City of Chanhassen.
Prior to the submittal of development plans, a tree survey of the site shall be
prepared by a registered landscape architect, licensed forester, or other
professional approved by the city. 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 ~ ~-;~ .... ~"~
o.~ .......... , or ..... , 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. A delineation of the existing canopy coverage
area(s) which outlines all areas covered by tree canopy shall be included as
part of the survey. Additionally, all damaged and diseased trees shall be
cataloged with the nature and extent of any damage or disease specified.
*Locating all trees over six inches in diameter is consistent with the survey requirements
,for building permits.
a. Based on this survey and either site observation and measurement or a
current aerial photograph (taken within one (1) year of the date of plan
submittal) interpretation, the following shall be calculated:
1. Base line canopy coverage.
2. Minimum canopy coverage requirements.
The following table shall be used to determine the minimum amount of
canopy coverage that must be maintained or provided on-site as part of the
development. It shall represent the minimum canopy coverage, consisting of
existing tree canopy and/or additional trees required for the site. Existing
wetland areas located on site shall be excluded from the calculation of site
area in the determination of site coverage. If a forested area is to be
dedicated to the city for park land, then this area shall not be included in the
base line canopy coverage area calculation nor shall it eoumy count towards
the minimum canopy coverage for the site.
Base Line Canopy Coverage Per Acre
Comprehensive Plan Designation 80-- 60--79% 40--59% 20--39% 19% or
100% less
Commercial/industrial/institutional 28% 25% 20% 14% 10%
High density residential 35% 30% 25% 20% 15%
Medium density residential 40% 35% 30% 25% 20%
Low density residential 55% 46% 35% 30% 25%
Large lot residential 68% 56% 43% 35% 25%
11
Base line canopy coverage is the canopy coverage existing at the time the development
application is filed with the city. Minimum canopy coverage is determined by using the
matrix.
Priority shall be given to retaining stands of trees and undisturbed wooded lands over
individual specimen trees that will be incorporated into the development. No more than
ten (10) percent of the canopy retention requirement may be met by an individual tree
that is not included within a designated woodland area.
For developments that do not meet the minimum canopy coverage, the developer shall be
required to develop a forestation plan to bring the total canopy coverage up to the
minimum requirement. Where existing woodlands are removed or there is a loss of trees
that would otherwise be used to meet the canopy coverage retention requirement, the
developer shall develop a woodland replacement plan. The replacement plan must
designate an area at least one and two-tenths (1.2) times the removed canopy coverage
area that shall be planted with replacement trees for those removed. These plans shall
locate additional trees either as a continuation of existing stands of trees that are to be
preserved or create new stands of trees in desirable locations such as along roadway
corridors, on the north and west perimeters of the development, in common open areas,
or adjacent to park facilities.
The following criteria shall be followed in establishing minimum canopy coverage:
1. When planting trees, one (1) tree shall be deemed to provide one thousand
eighty-nine (1,089) square feet of required canopy coverage;
2. Trees must be from the approved list of desirable species (preference given
for trees designated as native);
3. No more than one-third (~/3) of the trees may be from any one (1) tree
species;
4. Trees shall average at least two-and-one-half-inch caliper and may be a
minimum of one-and-one-half-inch caliper;
5. Not less than twenty (20) percent of the trees shall be conifers;
6. Conifer trees shall average seven (7) feet and shall be a minimum of six (6)
feet in height;
7. Plant materials used for the reforestation shall be of a similar species as
vegetation found on site;
8. Trees shall be used that are appropriate to the soil conditions found on site;
and
9. Trees shall be from certified nursery stock as defined and controlled by
Minnesota Statute sections 18.44 through 18.61, the Plant Pest Act.
12
C. ooa 011 ............ 1~ ...........................
f. Location or. all v.~'~"~-,"~, ~ fencing;
* The Woodland Management Plan does not facilitate improved forestry tnanagement
procedures or increased awareness of building in wooded areas. It has not served the
purpose intended and should be eliminated.
(4)
.................. ' ........ t~o ex:st on each lot by describing a s~xty foot
~-'~2 .... o;~,.,,j ~,.~, ~,,;~m~,,,o .... ~.~ (which includes deck area) without intruding into
..... ;~ o~,~0~.o a.~ easements. In order to calculate the tree removal area
on the lot, the applicant must estimate 8,400 square feet of tree removal area
per lot. ................ - ...... ~-*~ a .... : ..... ~ .... : ............ s ......... average
* Grading and tree removal is usually misrepresented and underestimated on wooded
lots. This change would help minimize that problem. The intent is to recognize that the
tree impact area extends beyond the actual building. Tl~. ,~ ,~,.,~,.c:c'~" ,~.r'" acccmmodatcx t~c,.
(5)
Minimizing the tree loss should be achieved by any combination of the following:
a. Realignment of streets, utilities and lot lines.
b. Consideration of alternative utility configurations such as the use of ejector
pumps, force mains, or revised home elevations to minimize grading.
c. Reductions in stTee4: roadway width and right-of~way and increase in street
grade up to ten (10) percent when the applicant can demonstrate that
significant tree preservation is directly related to the modification.
d. Use of private dr-i-yes streets in lieu of public streets.
e. Variation in street radius and design speed.
f. Modified grading plans.
g. Within PUDs, the city council may consider waiving minimum lot area
requirements and/or density transfers as long as it can be demonstrated by
the applicant, that tree preservation can be enhanced. In no case shall overall
project densities exceed what is allowed by the Comprehensive Plan. The
greater the level of preservation, the greater flexibility will be considered by
the city.
13
(6)
h. Within PUDs, variations to building setback lines provided a minimum
twenty (20) foot building separation is maintained between buildings on
adjacent lots. The setback variations shall be established and recorded as
part of the plat approval.
Trees designated for preservation shall be protected by snow fences with clearly
marked signage specifying that the area is off limits for construction activities, or
other means acceptable to the city, prior to land preparation or construction
activities. Protective barriers in locations determined by the city must Joeqoc-ated
.,,,,~"' ~-,,,~, ...... ~.,~a -.~,o~' remain in place until all construction activities are terminated.
No equipment, chemicals, soil deposits, or construction materials shall be placed
within the protective barriers. All understory trees and natural vegetation should
be preserved within the boundaries of the protective areas. Where this protection
area cannot be maintained or would otherwise render lots undevelopable, an
alternate protection, mitigation or tree replacement plan may be considered and
approved by the city. This plan may include the use of retaining walls, installation
of aeration systems, requirement for post construction deep root fertilization and
soil aeration, or construction vehicle ramp systems. Failure to properly protect
trees during construction will result in a fine of $500 $100.00 per diameter
inch of tree(s) harmed, removed or destroyed.
*It is unreasonable to require tree protection fencing located 12x the diameter of the
tree. This generally makes wooded lots unbuildable. Tree protection should be required,
but it's location should be field located at each site. While the city may be serious about
protecting trees during construction, many developers and builders are not. A penalty
Jbr failing to protect trees is needed to quickly and effectively remedy the situation. Staff
had originally proposed $500 per diamenter inch. City Council felt that this was too
ornerous and not fair or equitable. There is a d(fference between whether trees are
removed accidentially or purposely, and proving the difference would be very difficult if
not impossible. Staff reviewed the City of Plymouths requirement which is $100 per
diameter inch and is proposing that amount as part of the code.
(7)
(8)
At the city's discretion, conservation easements may be required to protect
designated tree preservation areas. Such easements shall be permanently marked
and signed as a conservation area with low profile monumentation acceptable to
the city. A monument is required for each three hundred (300) linear feet of tree
conservation area. Within designated woodland areas, the city shall encourage the
use of indigenous grasses and plant species to more closely resemble a natural
area. Home owners associations shall be responsible for the maintenance of
vegetation in common areas. Individual property owners shall be responsible for
the maintenance of vegetation on their property. The planting of trees in excess of
those required by this ordinance is permitted within the designated woodland area.
During the removal process, trees shall be removed so as to prevent blocking of
public rights-of-way or interfering with overhead utility lines.
14
(9)
(1o)
(11)
The removal of diseased and damaged trees is permissible only if they cannot be
saved. These trees shall not be counted when computing the base line tree canopy
coverage.
If any protected significant trees are removed or killed or there is a loss of trees as
the result of construction activities, the city requires replacement at the rate of two
(2) ~ diameter inches per each inch of DBH of the removed, killed, or lost
trees. The replacement trees shall be at least two and a half (21/2) inches ~
diameter and will be species that conform to the List of Desirable Tree Species
for Planting in Chanhassen. No more than one-third (1/3) of the trees may be from
any one (1) tree species. Other species or sizes may be used as replacement trees
subject to approval by the city. Alternately, at the city's discretion, if a developer
removes trees within a protected area, the canopy coverage area shall be
calculated for that area and a replacement area one and one-half (1.5) times the
canopy coverage area that was removed shall be planted. One tree shall be planted
for each one thousand eighty-nine (i,089) square feet of required replacement
area. Trees shall be from the list of desirable tree species, no more than one-third
(1/3) of trees from any one (1) tree species, average two-and-one-half-inch ~
diameter with a minimum one-and-one-half-inch c-ahp~ diameter, a similar
species as vegetation existing on site, and appropriate to the soil conditions. Any
replacement trees that cannot be planted on the original site due to space
restrictions shall be planted on city property at locations to be determined by the
city.
with this section.
Financial guarantees acceptable to the city shall be required to ensure
satisfactory installation of landscaping requirements.
*The city only requires guarantee of the landscaping installation. Stating it twice was
redundant.
Sec. 18-63. Surface water management.
(b)
In accordance with the city's surface water management plan as a condition of
subdivision approval, subdividers shall pay a water quality and water quantity
connection charge. The charge shall be based upon the gross area of the
subdivision less the area to be dedicated to the city for ponding, parks and
wetland, and right-of-way for state highways, county roads, and local arterial
roadways. The subdivision will be given a credit for any on site stormwater
improvement which has been oversized to serve property outside the subdivision.
The charge for lots oversized due to individual on site sewage disposal and water
systems will be reduced to the charge that would be imposed on a one-half (1/2)
acre lot. An additional charge will then be imposed if the lot is further subdivided
less a credit for the charge previously paid. The charge shall be paid in cash
before the subdivision is approved by the city unless the city and subdivider agree
that the charge may be assessed against the property. Property being subdivided
15
shall be exempt from the water quality and water quantity connection charges
imposed by this section if the charges were paid or assessed in conjunction with a
previous subdivision of the property and if the property is not being zoned to a
classification with a higher charge. ~vn ....... , ,,F,n:o ~n ..... n,,, n~
*This change will allow the charge to be ad/usted automatically based on changes to a
standard cost index. A change is state statute requires adoption of most fees by
ordinance. The City has incorporated all the fees in Chapter 4. Inclusion of language
such as this would be appropriately located in Chapter 4.
Sec. 18-78. Required improvements. Subsection(b) (5)
(5)
· -- Sidewalks ma)' shall be required on at least one side of all Local streets. The
following criteria shall be used in determining if sidewalks are to be included
in a development:
a. Sidewalks that connect to existing sidewalks.
b. Sidewalks that connect neighborhoods to schools, parks and
neighborhood commercial areas.
c. Sidewalks that connect neighborhoods to existing and proposed trails as
shown in the City of Chanhassen Comprehensive plan.
* Staff is proposing that standards be established for sidewalks and trails. The Planning
Commission recommended that sidewalks be mandatorT. The Parks and Recreation
Commission recommends that references to trails be deleted. City Council did not
want to require sidewalks outright, but rather~ develop criteria to determine when
sidewalks should be included in a development.
Sec. 18-79. Park land dedication requirements.
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(f)
Land area conveyed or dedicated to the city shall not be used in calculating
density requirements of ~t,~.,,~ ,-,~J~:' ..... ~-,....,r,; .... ,~,~.,,,~,.,,,~'~; ..... chapter 20 and shall be in
addition to and not in lieu of open space requirements for planned unit
developments.
*MCC recommendation.
Minnesota Statutes
462.358 Procedure to effect plan: subdivision regulations.
Subdivision 1. Repealed, 1980 c 566 s 35
Subd. la. Authority. To protect and promote the public health, safety, and general
welfare, to provide for the orderly, economic, and safe development of land, to preserve
agricultural lands, to promote the availability of housing affordable to persons and
families of all income levels, and to facilitate adequate provision for transportation,
water, sewage, storm drainage, schools, parks, playgrounds, and other public services and
facilities, a municipality may by ordinance adopt subdivision regulations establishing
standards, requirements, and procedures for the review and approval or disapproval of
subdivisions. The regulations may contain varied provisions respecting, and be made
applicable only to, certain classes or kinds of subdivisions. The regulations shall be
uniform for each class or kind of subdivision.
A municipality may by resolution extend the application of its subdivision regulations
to unincorporated territory located within two miles of its limits in any direction but not
in a town which has adopted subdivision regulations; provided that where two or more
noncontiguous municipalities have boundaries less than four miles apart, each is
authorized to control the subdivision of land equal distance from its boundaries within
this area.
Subd. 2. Repealed, 1980 c 566 s 35
Subd. 2a. Terms of regulations. The standards and requirements in the regulations
may address without limitation: the size, location, grading, and improvement of lots,
structures, public areas, streets, roads, trails, walkways, curbs and gutters, water supply,
storm drainage, lighting, sewers, electricity, gas, and other utilities; the planning and
design of sites; access to solar energy; and the protection and conservation of flood
plains, shore lands, soils, water, vegetation, energy, air quality, and geologic and ecologic
features. The regulations shall require that subdivisions be consistent with the
municipality's official map if one exists and its zoning ordinance, and may require
consistency with other official controls and the comprehensive plan. The regulations
may prohibit certain classes or kinds of subdivisions in areas where prohibition is
consistent with the comprehensive plan and the purposes of this section, particularly the
preservation of agricultural lands. The regulations may prohibit, restrict or control
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development for the purpose of protecting and assuring access to direct sunlight for solar
energy systems. The regulations may prohibit the issuance of permits or approvals for
any tracts, lots, or parcels for which required subdivision approval has not been obtained.
The regulations may permit the municipality to condition its approval on the
construction and installation of sewers, streets, electric, gas, drainage, and water
facilities, and similar utilities and improvements or, in lieu thereof, on the receipt by the
municipality of a cash deposit, certified check, irrevocable letter of credit, or bond in an
amount and with surety and conditions sufficient to assure the municipality that the
utilities and improvements will be constructed or installed according to the specifications
of the municipality. Sections 471.345 and 574.26 do not apply to improvements made by
a subdivider or a subdivider's contractor.
The regulations may permit the municipality to condition its approval on compliance
with other requirements reasonably related to the provisions of the regulations and to
execute development contracts embodying the terms and conditions of approval. The
municipality may enforce such agreements and conditions by appropriate legal and
equitable remedies.
Subd. 2b. Dedication. The regulations may require that a reasonable portion of any
proposed subdivision be dedicated to the public or preserved for public use as streets,
roads, sewers, electric, gas, and water facilities, storm water drainage and holding areas
or ponds and similar utilities and improvements.
In addition, the regulations may require that a reasonable portion of any proposed
subdivision be dedicated to the public or preserved for conservation purposes or for
public use as parks, recreational facilities as defined and outlined in section 471.191,
playgrounds, trails, wetlands, or open space; provided that (a) the municipality may
choose to accept an equivalent amount in cash from the applicant for part or all of the
portion required to be dedicated to such public uses or purposes based on the fair market
value of the land no later than at the time of final approval, (b) any cash payments
received shall be placed in a special fund by the municipality used only for the purposes
for which the money was obtained, (c) in establishing the reasonable portion to be
dedicated, the regulations may consider the open space, park, recreational, or common
areas and facilities which the applicant proposes to reserve for the subdivision, and (d)
the municipality reasonably determines that it will need to acquire that portion of land for
the purposes stated in this paragraph as a result of approval of the subdivision.
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