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The density on Block 2 would be 14 units per acre, which exceeds the maximum allowed density by two units. The applicants are requesting flexibility on this item. C. Setbacks The minimum building setbacks in the R -4 District are 40 feet in the front yard, 30 feet in the rear yard, and five feet in the side yard, with both sides adding up to 15 feet. The proposed buildings on Block 1 exceed the minimum requirements for the building setbacks. The main building is setback 76 feet, ten inches from the nearest lot line; over twice what the minimum setback of 30 feet in the rear yard would require. The proposed main building also significantly increases the setbacks to Lake Johanna. The brownstone building located on Block 2 is proposed to be setback ten feet from the front and rear property line. While the Code requires a minimum front yard setback of 40 feet, the lot is not wide enough to accommodate any structure that meets this requirement, as it is very narrow. Section 1325 General Regulations A. Landscaping and Tree Preservation Section 1325.05 Subd. 1 and 1325.055 This is a heavily wooded lot that presents challenges for meeting the tree preservation requirements. Landscaping and Tree Preservation Plans were submitted by the applicant; however, adjustments to the plans are still being made. Based on the submitted plans, the applicant is proposing to remove 208 of the 317 significant trees that existing on site. Based on the varying sizes of the trees that would be removed, this would result in a required 1,658 caliper inches of replaced trees. This requirement will be met or exceeded by the proposed plans. The result of the tree preservation plan will be a net increase in the number of trees on site. While the total number of trees on site is proposed to increase, the number of caliper inches would be reduced. Section 1325.055 of the Zoning Code identifies several situations in which the City has the discretion to reduce the number of replacement caliper inches required for a particular development; providing affordable housing is one of them. The applicant has requested a reduction in the number of replacement caliper inches required from 557 to 195 in order to maintain the affordable housing component of the project. This reduction is at the discretion of the City Council and Planning Commission. All other requirements of the landscaping and tree preservation Code would be met or exceeded by the proposed plans. City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for October 6, 2010 Page 9 of 11