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The submitted soil analysis does state that the property has limited suitability for construction. The analysis includes guidelines for future construction on the site to mitigate the effects of the low soil suitability for development. D. Trees and Tree Removal (Section 1140.05 Subd 4) The applicant has submitted a preliminary tree removal plan. The City does not currently have a tree preservation ordinance; however, the Code does encourage developers to retain as many healthy and well-placed trees as possible. Lots 1 and 2 would require very little if any tree removal because the dry area is, for the most part, treeless. Lots 3 and 4 would require tree removal along the Hamline Avenue right-of-way and into the property for the driveway and dwelling. Tree removal would not occur until each lot is developed. Trees could not be removed from the easements or wetland area without City or RCWD approval. The Subdivision Code requires the following (Section 1140.05 Subd 4.A): A. Each lot shall be provided with a minimum of three (3) trees to be placed in the front yard. They must be placed inside the property line and not in the boulevard unless approved by the city engineer. The type of tree shall be subject to city approval (The city will provide a list of species). Coniferous trees must be at least six (6) feet high and deciduous trees must be at least two and one-half (2 1/2) 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 1/2) inches for deciduous and six-foot height for coniferous and four (4) feet above the ground is located in an appropriate location on the lot. There are currently more than three trees that are larger in size than the above requirement on each lot. Staff would recommend accepting the current trees on the lots to satisfy the tree requirement. E. Park Dedicatiou (1130.08 Subd 2) The property is subject to the park dedication fee. Section 1130.08 Subd 2 ofthe subdivision regulations permit the City to charge as much as eight percent ofthe fair market value of the property at the time of the final plat approval. The City has used the Ramsey County land value as a proxy for the market value in the past; however, the 2007 value set by Ramsey County is only $31,600. At eight percent of the 2007 taxable land value, the total park dedication fee would be a total of $2,528 for all four lots. Over the past twelve months, other park dedication fees have ranged between $5,250 and $6,276 per lot. City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meetingfor Julyll, 2007 \lMetro~inet.us\ardenhills\Planning\Planning Cases\2007\07-015 Christensen Estates Plat (COMPLETE)\071107 - PC Report - Christensen Estates Plat.doc Page 5 of9