12-07-22 PC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 9, 2022 11 need of all types of landscaping as defined in the ordinance (i.e. trees, grasses, shrubs). The City Council requested Staff develop language that would be broadened the ordinance to include items, such as, landscaping or other green spaces. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the proposed amendments would add language applicable to all zoning districts that revises and updates the City’s current tree preservation ordinance to restate when a mitigation plan is required for extensive tree removal on a parcel of land, what is required of a landscape plan and the calculation of fees for tree loss when replanting on the affected site is not practical, and clarifies that those collected fees can be expended for tree and landscape purposes. To be clear, the proposed amendment is not modifying the minimum requirements for tree preservation and/or replacement. Instead, the draft language is intended to add language within the landscaping and tree preservation sections of the city code to allow for both forms of plantings to function as one “landscaping fund” in satisfaction of the ordinance going forward. It should be noted that any tree funds remaining will need to be kept separate and still need to be spent solely on tree related expenses. Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the proposed Ordinance amendment in further with the Commission and offered the following Findings of Fact for review: General Findings: 1. The City of Arden Hills is proposing to amend ordinance language applicable to all zoning districts that would revise and update the City’s current tree preservation ordinance to include items, such as, landscaping and other green spaces. 2. The proposed ordinance amendment will reaffirm when a mitigation plan is required on a parcel of land, what is required of a landscape plan, and the calculation of fees for tree loss when replanting on the affected site is not practical. 3. The proposed ordinance amendment clarifies that those collected fees can be expended for tree and landscape purposes. 4. The proposed ordinance will include amendments to the language of Chapter 13 – Zoning Code of the City Code. 5. Amendments to the Zoning Code regulations require a public hearing prior to action by the City Council. Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1. Recommend Approval with Conditions 2. Recommend Approval as Submitted 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Vijums opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Jefferys asked how these changes would project forward.