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040312 PlanningPLANNING COMMISSION MEETING City Hall, 4401 Xylon Avenue North Tuesday, April 3, 2012 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. CONSENT BUSINESS 4. PUBLIC HEARING 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS 5.1 Design and Review Committee - next meeting April 12,7:30 a.m. (if needed) 5.2 Codes and Standards Committee 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 PC 12 -03, Discussion of City Center Zoning (one hour) 6.2 PC12 -04, Discussion of Ron Clark Construction proposal (30 minutes) 6.3 Discussion of Weed Ordinance (15 -30 minutes) 6.4 Discussion of Shingle Creek 3rd Generation Watershed Plan (15 -30 minutes) 7. OLD BUSIIVEs"7S 7.i Approve iviarch 6, 2012, Planning Commission Minutes 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 9. ADJOURNMENT • Petitioner must be in attendance at the meeting Planning Commission Guidelines for Public Input The Planning Commission is an advisory body, created to advise the City Council on land use. The Planning Commission will recommend Council approval or denial of a land use proposal based upon the Planning Commission's determination of whether the proposed use is permitted under the Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Plan, and whether the proposed use will, or will not, adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood. The Planning Commission holds informal public hearings on land use proposals to enable you to learn, first -hand, what such proposals are, and to permit you to ask questions and offer comments. Your questions and comments become part of the record and will be used by the Council, along with the Planning Commission's recommendation, in reaching its decision. To aid in your understanding and to facilitate your comments and questions, the Planning Commission will utilize the following procedure: 1. The Planning Commission Chair will introduce the proposal. 2. City staff will outline the proposal and staff's recommendations and answer any questions from the Planning Commission. 3. The petitioner is invited to describe the proposal, make comments on the staff report, and answer questions from the Planning Commission. 4. The chair will open the public hearing, asking first for moose who wish to speak to so indicate by raising their hands. The chair may set a time limit for individual questions /comments if a large number of persons have indicated a desire to speak. Spokespersons for groups will have a longer period of time for questions /continents. R Un,a" r b the chair, the p erson wisl�.ing to speak is asked to come forward and to give V. ..1l- �,. �. their full name and address clearly. Remember, your questions /comments are for the record. 6. Direct your questions /comments to the chair. The chair will determine who will answer your questions. 7. No one will be given the opportunity to speak a second time until everyone has had the opportunity to speak initially. Please limit your second presentation to new information, not rebuttal. 8. At the close of the public hearing, the Planning Commission will discuss the proposal and take appropriate action. A. If the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve or deny a request, the planning case will be placed on the City Council agenda for the next regular meeting. Usually this meeting is within one to two weeks of the Planning Commission meeting. B. If the Planning Commission tables the request, the petitioner will be asked to return for the next Commission meeting. Memorandum To: Planning Commission Curtis Jacobsen, Director of Community Development Cc: Pam Sylvester, Administrative Specialist Al Brixius, Planning Consultant Steve Sondrall, City Attorney Chris Long, City Engineer From: Eric Weiss, CD Assistant Date: March 29, 2012 Subject: City Center Zoning As you are well aware, the city has been conducting a transit oriented design (TOD) study of the City Center area for nearly two years. The intent of the study was to research and analyze ways to foster and encourage pedestrian- scaled and compact redevelopment of the city's downtown area. In June of 2011, the city adopted the New Hope City Center Vision, a sort of guidebook for redevelopment of the area. Moving forward, it became apparent the city needed to create a separate zoning district for this area due to its unique characteristics and its importance as the business, commercial, and cultural center of the city. The draft zoning code before you has been crafted by Sherri Buss, consultant with planning firm TKDA, and city staff, along with consultation by Al Brixius, the city's regular planning consultant. The draft code was prepared utilizing language from a variety of sources including the city's existing zoning code, the City Center Vision, the Design Guidelines, and TOD and pedestrian- oriented districts in other cities. The intent of the code is to provide both a level of flexibility in design and site standards as well as to create a more pedestrian- centric neighborhood. Two meetings of the Codes and Standards Committee have been held to review the proposed ordinance. The intent is to have the Planning Commission begin review of the document in April. A public hearing has been scheduled for the May Planning Commission meeting. Staff intends to hold two open houses before the May meeting to gather public input. Staff will prepare a Power Point presentation to guide the Planning Commission through the document and to provide visuals. The major changes proposed in the first half of the document include: 1. Section 4- 17(c). Permitted Uses. The CC district will allow for a mix of residential, commercial, and civic uses. There will be a minimum and maximum level of residential density permitted with the intent of creating a compact neighborhood with reasonable density levels. 2. Section 4- 17(d). Bulk, Building Placement and Dimensional Standards. To create a pedestrian - friendly traditional downtown district, the setbacks have been reduced from the existing CB, commercial business, requirements. Additionally, to bring buildings closer to the sidewalk and street, a "street- side" yard "build -to line" has replaced the traditional setback. In order to create an attractive and orderly streetscape, buildings will be required to be oriented to the "street- side" yard, that being the yard that faces the primary street. Streets will be defined in a hierarchy of importance and function. This will help to negate some of the issues with odd orientation of corner lots. The build -to line will be a range in which buildings must be constructed (10 -25 feet behind the property line). Additionally, the concept of floor area ratio (FAR) has been introduced. A handout from the Met Council has been attached to help visually clarify these concepts. 3. Section 4 -17(e). Architectural Standards. Many of these standards have been transferred from the Design Guidelines into the zoning language to provide stronger enforcement and to reiterate the importance of pedestrian- friendly design in the City Center district. 4. Section 4 -17 (f). Vehicle and Bicycle Parking Requirements. One goal of the City Center Vision is to decrease the amount of expansive parking lots. The proposed parking requirements intend to balance the needs of vehicles and bicycles and to create a more moderate level of surface parking. Parking requirements for the City Center district will be different from other areas of the city as this is intended to be a TOD area. Parking minimums have been reduced and a cap on the number of parking stalls - a parking maximum - has been imposed. This will limit over - parking as well as under- parking. Provisions have been included to push parking lots towards the rear and side of buildings and to encourage structured parking. For the first time, a bicycle parking standard will be required. 5. Section 4- 17(g). Lighting, The intent of this section is to create a well -lit district with particular attention paid to a variety of pedestrian areas. 6. Section 4- 17(h). Useable Open Space. One of the key components of the City Center Vision and TOD Study was the need for more green space in City Center. This section will require private land owners to provide space that is useable as open space (as opposed to just green space). 7. Section 4 -17(i) through Section 4 -17(k). These sections reiterate the importance of pedestrian and bicycle connections from public to private areas, landscaping, and design guidelines. 8. Section 4 -17(l). Signs. In order to reduce the visual clutter often associated with signage, this section further regulates signs in City Center and mandates they be integrated with the overall site and building. A limit of ten feet in height has been placed on ground and monument signs. Please feel free to contact staff with any questions or concerns before the meeting. Some of the language included may be new to a number of you. An internet search may be helpful if you are struggling to comprehend the new concepts, especially for some of the geometric and visual ideas. Please keep in mind that this is still in draft form, meaning amendments are likely and encouraged. All concepts proposed have been adopted elsewhere successfully. Finally, please refer back to the New Hope City Center Vision for guidance, available on the city's website at http://www.ci.new- hope.mn.us/ departments /communitydevelopment /pl ann;n g /city_center /index. shtml. It is staff's intention to limit discussion of this topic to a maximum of one hour at this meeting. 2 A draft zoning map has been included. This is the map that was decided upon at the last joint Planning Commission -City Council meeting. In its review, the Codes and Standards Committee recommends terminating the City Center district at the railroad tracks, thereby removing the properties to the east of the railroad from the district. Attachments: Draft CC, City Center Zoning District City Center Zoning Map Met Council land use handouts Email correspondence — Al Brixius 3 CITY OF NEW HOPE — DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE FOR CITY CENTER DISTRICT Sec. 4 -17. CC, city center district. (a) Purpose. The purpose of the CC, City Center district is to encourage a mixture of residential, commercial, office, and civic uses in the City Center area to enhance its function as the heart of the community. The district is designed to: (1) Provide a diversity of housing opportunities and land uses by encouraging a mix of medium- and high- density residential uses with commercial, entertainment, employment, and civic uses in vertical (uses located in separate structures) and horizontal (uses located in the .same structure) mixed use areas; (2) Increase opportunities for residents to live in close proximity to jobs, non- residential development and transit connections; <' (3) Provide for development that.is conveniently and safely. accessible by multiple travel modes including transit, walking and bicycling, and for people of all levels of mobility; (4) Require aesthetically pleasing building and site design through the use of high - quality building materials, landscaping and architectural design; (5) Encourage a sense of activity and liveliness along front building facades, public open spaces and - sidewalks; (6) Provide parking in an efficient manner.. (7) Provide public gathering spaces and green spaces; (8) Encourage appropriate transitions between higher- intensity uses within commercial and 1111Ae u - Se areas aiiu auJae,e11L power- density residential districts; (9) Encourage sustainable design practices; (10) Create : 'a unified district and implement the goals outlined in the New Hope City Center Vision, Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines. (b) Procedure. All developments, except for improvements to existing buildings, must be completed through the Site Plan Review process, as outlined in Section 4 -35 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) process can be applied, at the request of the property owner, to provide flexibility in the planning process as outlined in Section 4 -34. (c) Uses, CC. The following table indicates permitted, conditional, temporary, and administrative uses in the CC district: TABLE 4- 17(c) -1 USE Permitted I Conditional Temporary I Admin - Residential Uses Multi - family housing (10 -50 units per acre, net) C I I Live -work building C Mixed -use, residential and commercial P PUD, residential C Residential care facility (7 -16 persons) C Licensed day care facility C Senior /disabled housing C Civic Mgd Public Uses Community centers P Government buildings P Essential services P Farmers' markets, festivals T A Park and ride facility, structured P Public parks and playgrounds P Recreation facilities, public P. Commercial Uses Appliance and furniture Sales - <10,000 SF ft P Auto repair, excluding painting or body work C , Biotechnology and research C Clinic r r Conference center C Convenience with gasoline C Daycare and adult daycare C Financial services P Funeral home /mortuary - C Grocery, supermarkets P Hospitality business'" NMA P Internet publishing, Broadcasting P Office business P . Personal service businesses P Printing, publishing, engraving, under 2,000 SF C PUD, Commercial C Recreational business; under 10,000. SI' P Recreational business,`over.. mono S1' C Research, medical, dental or optical laboratories C Restaurant, bakery, coffee shop (not drive -in) P Retail business P Service business P Structured parking facility P Studios — dance, health, art P Theatre C Training and trade school P Veterinary Clinic C . . ... Accessory Uses Adult uses P Auto washing C Auto parking P Drive -thru service lane A Entertainment, live, as accessory to restaurant C Home occupations, permitted and conditionally- permitted C A Newsstand P Off -street loading P Open/outdoor sales, seasonal products T A Outdoor dining A Radio and television receiving antennas P Signs, as regulated by Section (g)(7) of this chapter C (1) Administrative uses. Administrative uses listed in Table 4- 17(c) -1 are subject to the following administrative use provisions: a. Farmers markets', festivals b. Drive -thru service lane c. Home occupations, permitted and conditionally permitted, accessory d. Open /outdoor sales, seasonal products;, e. Outdoor dining (2) Conditional uses. Conditional uses . listed in Table 4- 17(c) -1 are subject to the following conditional use permit provisions: a. Multi- family housing U. Live ll mxjd ..g c. PUD, residential d.' :Residential care facility e. Licensed day care facility f. Senior/disabled housing g. Auto - repair, excluding painting or body work h. Biotechnology and research i. Conference center j., 'Convenience with gasoline k. Daycare and adult daycare 1. Funeral home /mortuary m. Printing, publishing, engraving, under 2,000 square feet n. PUD, Commercial o. Recreational business, over 10,000 square feet p. Research, medical, dental, or optical laboratories q. Theatre r. Veterinary care s. Auto washing, accessory t. Entertainment, live, as accessory to restaurant u. Home occupations, permitted and conditionally permitted, accessory v. Signs, accessory (3) Temporary uses. Temporary uses listed in Table 4- 17(c) -1 are subject to the following temporary use provisions: a. Farmers' markets, festivals b. Open/outdoor sales, seasonal products (d) Bulk, building placement and dimensional standards. The following requirements shall be observed in the CC zoning district, subject to additional requirements, exception and modification set forth in this Code::.. , TABLE 4-17(d)- I Lot Standards Minimum lot area All uses No minimum Minimum lot width All uses < <- No minimum Structure Heights Maximum height Principal building 72 feet Accessory building. � 20 feet Structure Setback Street side build -to range All uses - 10 -25 feet Side yard setback Uses .adjacent to non- residential or multi- family uses or districts 5 feet Uses adjacent to single - family residential uses or districts 20 feet 10 feet - _ Corner, local or arterial street Rear yard setback . < Uses adjacent to non- residential or multi - family uses or districts 10 feet Uses adjacent to single- family residential uses or di stricts 20 feet Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Minimum Net FAR All uses, except civ 0.5 FAR Minimum Net FAR Civic uses _ None Green Space Minimum green space Residential 10 percent Commercial, mixed use 5 percent (1) The street side shall be determined to be the yard facing the primary street. The primary street is defined as the street as outlined in the following hierarchical order: City Center Main Street, Minor Arterial, City Center Collector. Streets 4 in the city center district are to be designated under this hierarchy as- part of the comprehensive plan. (2) Residential Density. The maximum residential density is 50 units per net acre. Maximum densities may be increased by up to 25 percent if two of the following amenities are provided and up to 50 percent if four or more of the following amenities are provided: a. At least 80 percent of the required parking is provided in under- ground or above - ground structures, including all levels of parking ramps. b. Housing is provided above ground floor commercial or civic uses and the total floor area of the housing is at least twice the floor area of the commercial and /or civic uses. c. Buildings are placed at or near the:street right -of -way and off -street parking is screened from public right -of -way by buildings. d. At least 50 percent of the building ground coverage is concentrated in structures of four or more stories in height; thereby conserving open space within the development site. e. Durable exterior wall 'tlnishes consisting of glass, brick, stone or stucco on 80 percent of the wall. face. f. Indoor recreation and social rooms equal to a minimum of 25 square feet per unit &.75.0 square feet total, whichever is greater. g. Rooftop outdoor..7recreational facilities such as swimming pools, porches, tennis courts,;gardens or similar facilities equal to a minimum of 25 square feet' . er unit or 750 square feet total, whichever is greater. h. Transit service available within 300 feet of entrance. (3) In eases of double frontage Iots, buildings should be oriented to the primary street, but buildings are permitted to follow the street side yard build -to requirements on both fronts. (4) .All above - ground utility structures associated with electric, natural gas, telecommunications, cable television distribution lines, pipes, conduits, or other public utilities shall be located behind the minimum setback unless otherwiseapproved as part of the site plan approval. This applies to air vents, utility boxes, and back -flow preventers. (5) Driveways may cross the street side setback, but shall be perpendicular to the street for pedestrian safety and to minimize the intrusion into any landscaped area:: (ej Architectural standards (1) At intersections, buildings shall have front and side facades aligned at or near the street'side property line and towards the public right -of -way. (2) Building entrances and orientation. At least one or more operable pedestrian entrances per building shall be provided, and: a. When a lot abuts a public street right -of -way, at least one entrance shall be provided along all building fagade(s) fronting the street side. Additional secondary entrances may be oriented to a secondary street or parking area. b. Entrances shall be clearly visible and identifiable from the street and delineated with elements such as roof overhangs, recessed entries, landscaping or similar design features. c. When a lot abuts an existing or proposed public open space system, multi -use trail, or greenway, an entrance(s) or sidewalk connection shall be provided on the building facade closest to the public open space, multi -use trail, or greenway. (3) Facades a. All non - residential buildings fronting directly on a street shall be designed so that the first floor street facade of the building(s) along all streets include clear glass window and doors to create pedestrian interest. These openings shall be arranged so that the uses are visible from and to the street on at least 50 percent of the length and at least 40 percent of the area of the first floor street level facade frontage. At least 50 percent of the windows shall have the lower sill within three feet of the grade. b. For residential uses, buildings shall be designedso that the first floor street facade along all streets includes the use of clear . glass windows and doors arranged so that the uses are visible from and/or accessible to the street on at least 25 percent.of;the length of the first floor street frontage. c. Expanses of blank walls shall not exceed 20 continuous feet in length. A blank wall is a facade that does not contain clear glass windows or doors or sufficient: ornamentation, decoration, or articulation. d. Visual .Breaks. The exterior of new buildings shall be designed with visual breaks through the use of decorative tile work, masonry (but not flat concrete block), belt courses of a different texture and color, projecting cornices, medallions opaque or translucent glass, artwork, vertical articulation, lighting fixtures, or architectural elements not listed herein as approved by the City Council. e. Width. A building more than 45 feet in width shall be divided into increments of no -more than 20 feet through articulation of the facade. This can be achieved through combinations of the following: 1. Facade modulation – stepping back or extending forward a . .portion of the facade; 2: Vertical division — using different textures or materials, providing materials are drawn from a common palette; 3. Storefronts — division of the building face into distinct storefronts with separate entrances and display windows; 4. Roof lines – varied roof lines with alternating dormers, stepped roofs, gables or other roof elements; 5. Articulation interval — placement of arcades, awnings, window bays, arched windows, or balconies at intervals equal to the articulation interval. f. Canopies, awnings, cornices, and similar architectural accents are permitted on exterior building walls. Such features shall be constructed N . of rigid or flexible material designed to complement the streetscape of the area. Any such feature may extend from the building no more than four feet. In no instance shall such feature extend over or interfere with the growth or maintenance of any required tree plantings. Minimum overhead clearance shall be eight feet. Ground supports for these features are not permitted in the sidewalk or public right -of -way. g. Balconies may project up to five feet over the street side or side corner yard setbacks. Balconies shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet from grade. (4) Exterior Materials and Detailing a. A mixed -use development must provide a range of building types. b. Development shall provide sensitive: - transitions between the new development and existing residential uses and adjacent uses. c. New buildings and structures, additions, and renovations must be constructed of durable materials. d. The primary exterior opaque materials on each elevation of a building, except for the service side, must be brick, stone," decorative masonry, or similar materials or a combination thereof e. The following materials are not allowed as exterior materials: painted or unpainted concrete block, aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass siding or roofing materials, precast concrete materials. f Alternative Designs or'Materials. To encourage creativity, imagination, innovation, and variety in architectural design, the planning commission may recommend modifications of the requirements of this Section-and the city`couneil may approve such modifications upon determining that the proposed architectural design or exterior facades materials: meet all of the following conditions: 1. '�..Jle plUiJOaeU design or m LLLell[LL is consistent Wl Ulu jn,uiose5 of this section.. 2. The proposed design or material would enhance the architectural appearance of the building and would be equal or superior to designs or materials permitted by this section. I" The proposed design or material would be in harmony with the character of adjacent buildings and the surrounding district. 69 Vehicle and bicycle parking requirements. For purposes of this section, new uses within the CC district shall be required to meet the minimum/maximum parking spaces as shown i n the following chart. All square footage is measured as `gross footage.' Table 4 -17 -1 Off- Street Parking Ratios Land Use Unit Minimum Ratio Maximum Ratio Residential Per housing unit 1, plus 10% for guest parking 2.5, plus 10% for guest parking Commercial retail Square feet 1 per 400 SF 1 1 per 200 SF Commercial service Square feet 1 per 400 SF 1 1 per 200 SF 7 Commercial office Square feet 1 per 400 SF 1 per 300 SF Restaurant Square feet 1 per 200 SF 1 per 75 SF Restaurant, on -sale Square feet 1 per 100 SF 1 per 50 SF liquor Shared parking. areas" between abutting uses 10 percent Hotel or motel Per room .75, plus 10% for 1.5, plus 10% for A reduction in the required number of parking stalls may g uests and staff guests and staff Clinic Square feet 1 per 300 SF 1 per 100 SF Community center, Square feet 1 per 400 SF 1 per 200 SF Conference center, customer traffic, etc. library, health club, museum Theatre Per seat .-167 (1 per 6 .333 (1 per 3 seats), plus 5% for seats), plus 10% staff for staff (1) The required/permitted number of parking spaces of any building within the CC District, including mixed -use buildings,. shall be the sum total of the requirements for each use in the building. (2) Parking minimums may be reduced under the following circumstances, if one or more of the following,is_provided: Table 4-17(f)-2 w Parking Minimums Provision Adjustment Principle useig located within 800 feef of.a parking 25 percent facility with public spaces available to the general public reduction or within 800 feet of a public transit park and ride facility with an a ' roved joint -use agreement Shared parking. areas" between abutting uses 10 percent reduction Paymeni in lieu of parking provided for use of existing Per stall reduction municipal: parking stall, A reduction in the required number of parking stalls may Negotiated also be permitted if evidence is provided demonstrating reduction that the parking requirements of the proposed use will be less ilian the number of parking stalls required above during the'peak demand period, based on factors such as number of employees, type of use, projected volume of customer traffic, etc. (3) Parking maximums may be exceeded under the following circumstances, if one or more of the following is provided: Table 4- 17(n -2 rarxin : Avi.aximums Provision Adjustment Structured above - ground or under- ground parking is 25 percent increase provided on site Shared parking agreement is executed 20 percent increase All parking spaces are located behind the building and 10 percent increase are not visible from the public right-of-wa Driveways and access points are shared by at least two 10 percent increase adjacent properties Combining or interconnecting adjacent parking lots and 10 percent increase p edestrian access points (4) In no case shall the cumulative increase or decrease in parking exceed 25 percent. (5) The off -street parking dimensional standards shall conform to the general requirements for off -street parking loeated`in. Section 4 -3(e) of this Code. (6) No surface parking or maneuvering space shall be permitted within a required setback as outlined in Section 43(6) or between the primary structure and the abutting street side lot line, except that driveways providing access to the parking area may be installedacross these areas. (7) No surface parking shall be located on corner lots at the point of street intersections. (8) Parking and loadin'.facilities, and all other areas upon which motor vehicles may be located fronting along a public street, public sidewalk or public pathway may be provided if the.following<standards are met: a. A landscaped yard at least: °seven feet wide shall be provided along the public street, sidewalk or pathway, except where a greater yard is required.. If a parking facility contains. over 100 parking spaces, the minimum required landscaped yard shall be increased to ten feet in width. b. Screening consisting of either a. masonry wall, fence, or hedge, or combination thereof that forms a screen three feet in height and not less than 60 percent opaque shall be provided, except that where areas are devoted principally to the parking or loading of trucks or commercial vehicles of more than 15,000 pounds screening six feet in height and not less than 60.percent opaque shall be required. c. Not less one tree shall be provided for each 20 linear feet or fraction thereof of parking or loading area lot frontage. T ota l 1 1 l o t f'ro not exceed nn lira u. � ota� �,ar��g or ioadiiig area �o� u.,..tage shall 1. .�..� exceed ...., feet<along a public street, public sidewalk or public pathway. (1) On -street parking spaces located along the portions of a public street(s) abutting the use where parking is currently permitted may be counted toward the minimum number of parking spaces as required by this section. Those on- street parking spaces must be located on the same side of the street as the use, have a dimension of at least 20 feet in length, and be located in areas approved by the city's Public Works Department. On -street parking directly across the street from the use may be counted if that parking abuts property that is undevelopable because of physical constraints. (2) On- street parking shall not be counted in calculating maximum parking spaces. (3) Parking requirements may be met on -site or off -site at a distance of up to 800 feet from the permitted use. Off -site parking to meet the requirements of this section may be provided through a lease, subject to the review and approval of the city. (4) Parking that is located to the rear of the primary structure may extend the entire width of the lot, with the exception of any required screening or landscaped areas. Shared parking shall be permitted and encouraged. (5) Bicycle parking shall be provided as a component of all parking facilities as a ratio of one bicycle space per 20 automobile spaces or a minimum of two bicycle parking stalls, whichever is greater. Bicycle parking must be provided within view of each business front entrance. ;Adioining businesses may share common bicycle parking areas. (6) All parking areas for more than ten . otorized_ vehicles, except for parking areas for townhouse dwellings on a single lot;'•shall provide screening. If a wall is provided, then the area devoted. to the wall shall be wide enough to allow for its maintenance. The screening may be eliminated if abutting parking lots are combined or interconnected'with vehicular and pedestrian access. (7) Structured parking, with the exception of civic structured parking, shall meet the following additional requirements: e. At least 50 percent of the linear street level frontage of the facility shall be devoted to retail, office, civc,:institutional or residential uses. If 75 percent or more of the Jinear street' frontage is devoted to such uses, then the total square footage . of these uses shall be credited 100 percent toward the required FAR minimums. f. If retail- office, civic, institutional or residential uses are constructed on the rear or side of the facility or above the ground floor on the street frontage of the facility, then the total square footage of these areas shall be credited I00'percent toward the required FAR minimums. g. Under - ground parking structures are permitted. Under - ground parking located in', the minimum setback shall be permitted with an eight foot clearance from the top of the under- ground structure to the sidewalk, subject to an approved encroachment agreement. No ventilation shall be permitted in the setback. h. A minimum nine foot clearance shall be maintained on the first level and anv'additional level that provides disabled parking spaces. A minimum seven -foot clearance shall be maintained throughout the remainder of the parking deck to ensure the safe movement of vans and emergency vehicles. (g) Lighting a. Exterior lighting shall meet the requirements of this Ordinance, Section 4 -3(5), and the following additional requirements: 1. Poles within landscaped areas and plazas shall have a maximum height of 20 feet, measured from grade, and shall be coordinated with city standards. 10 2. Lighting fixtures mounted directly on structures shall be permitted when utilized to enhance specific architectural elements or to help establish scale or provide visual interest. 3. Shielded illumination or fixtures shall be permitted to light building mounted signage, building facades, or pedestrian arcades if they are integrated into a building's architectural design. 4. Lighting should highlight entrances, art, terraces, and special landscape features. 5. Separate pedestrian scale lighting or other low -level fixtures, such as bollards, shall be incorporated for all pedestrian ways through parking lots and drop -off areas at entrances to buildings. 6. All primary walkways; steps, or; ramps along pedestrian routes shall be illuminated; b. Light Intensity 1. The following., minimum levels of illumination must be maintained for each of the specific locations: Table 4- 17(g) -1 Gross floor area GFA Location Minimum Level of Illumination (foot candles) Building entrance 5.0 'Sidewalks : 2.0 Bikeways 1 0' Courts, plazas and terraces 1.5 Stairways, ramps and underp, sses 5.0 Parking `"lots 1.0 ,h) .Useable open space. (1) Useable open space for public congregation and recreational opportunities shall be required for all new commercial and mixed -use buildings with a gross floor area 20,000 square feet and greater. Such buildings must provide useable open space proportionate to the building square footage according to the following schedule.: Table 4 -17 h -1 Gross floor area GFA Useable Open Space Minimum 20,000- 39,999 SF 1 SF per 150 SF GFA 40,000+ SF 1 SF per 100 SF GFA a. Open space may be located on roofs of buildings or enclosed on the ground floor. A maximum of 30 percent of the required open space may be provided on an enclosed ground floor level. 11 b. All required open space shall be accessible to the users of the building and shall be improved with seating, plantings, and amenities, and be visible from the street or pedestrian areas. c. FAR credits are allowed for all new developments when the pedestrian space is available for use by the public, including widened sidewalk areas. d. To encourage semi - public useable open space and a pedestrian- friendly atmosphere, useable open space may encroach into the setbacks under the following circumstances: 1. In the street side yard facing a.public street, sidewalk or pathway; 2. In the side yard facing a public street, sidewalk or pathway; 3. In an interior side yard; setYiaek three feet from the property line; 4. When adjacent. to non- residential zoning district. (i) Pedestrian and bicycle access (1) Connectivity and Circulation. Uses in the CC district shall.be integrated with the surrounding area, easily accessible, and :have a good internal circulation system for a variety of travel modes a. The pedestrian sidewalk system shall meet the following standards: 1. Internal sidewalk connections are required between buildings and from buildings to all on =site facilities such as but not limited to parking areas, bicycle facilities, and open space. 2. External sidewalk coiuiections are required to provide direct connections from all buildings on -site to the existing and/or required sidewalk system and to adjacent trails, parks, and greenways. Z -� 11 .ntern al girlewalks shall be finished with a hard surface and maintain at.open width of at least five feet. 4.' All crosswalks across public or private drives shall be a mirimurn of five feet wide and shall be constructed with a distinctive paving material, as approved by the city. (j) Landscape and buffer standards. (1) Landscape standards a. The landscape plan must be consistent with the city's design guidelines and any applicable master plan for the City Center. b. The plan for landscaping must include ground cover, shrubs, trees, foundation plantings, sculpture, fountains, decorative walks, or other similar site design features or materials. Landscaping must conform to the requirements of the City Code Section 4- 3(d)(4), and the following: 1. A minimum of one deciduous or evergreen shrub per one linear foot of foundation. 2. The periphery of all parking lots shall be landscaped and screened in compliance with this ordinance. (2) Buffer Standards 12 (k) ( a. All uses shall provide landscaping along all property lines abutting residentially used property located adjacent to the CC district. This requirement also applies in situations where an alley with a right -of- way width of 25 feet or less separates uses in the CC district from a non -CC district residential property. Landscaping shall be provided along all property lines abutting the alley when adjacent to residential uses. Multi - family developments in the CC district are exempt from this landscaping requirement when they abut other multi - family uses. b. In no instance shall a chain link, wood, vinyl, or barbed wire fence be permitted. Design standards (1) All design requirements, as outlined in. the' design guidelines, for the City Center district shall apply. The design guidelines have been adopted as part of the city's comprehensive plan. Signs, banners, flags and pennants (1) Signage shall be designed to be integral with the architectural character of the building to which it belongs. Specifically, the scale, proportion, and color shall be appropriate to the building in which the -sign is attached. Elements to be considered include architectural appearance, sign size, type of illumination, sign motion, sign setback, surface colors, and message. The architectural appearance of the sign shall;not be so dissimilar to the existing signage on surrounding buildings as. to cause impairment in property value or constitute a blighting influence. (2) Where signs,_ banners, flags and pennants for identification or decoration are provided, they shall conform to the followiing; a. Wall signs shall have .a. maximum of 150 total square feet or five percent of the building wall area occupied by the user, whichever is I eSS. "vq aii iva in creased vy , .v square is e� per Sig"a� iii Lieu O a ground" mounted o monument sign. b. Wall signs are permitted to project up to two feet into the minimum setback as measured from the building. A minimum overhead clearance of eight feet from the sidewalk shall be maintained. c. Marquee signs are permitted. d. Ground mounted or monument signs are permitted as follows: l,.. Signs shall not exceed ten feet in height and 40 square feet in area. 2.'' Signs shall be located behind the right -of way and out of any sight distance triangle. 3. Signs shall be setback five feet from any property line. 4. No freestanding pole signs shall be permitted. 5. No off - premise signs shall be permitted. 13 [ 4j:F"-LL-U Eli TF R-4 I J I cc 42N[) AVE N City Center Zoning Map Zoning Districts CC City Center I Industrial R-1 Single Family Residential R-2 Single/Two Family Residential R-3 Medium Density Residental R-4 High Density Residential city limits I inch = 500 feet 12/2012011 RA '' iii i R-4 GC �i I I AND -USE DENSITIES: RtILO ES OF "? UMB Land -Use. Densities a Guide for Transit-Odena e¢' Development These guidelines are recommendations that communities and developers can use in building walkable, transit - supportive development, ' %Residential densities shown In tapje {gross densities) equal the number of units divided by all [arid devoted to residential use, including local streets but excluding parks and constrained land. Net densities, on the other hand, are generally 25% higher than gross densities. General guideline: minimum number of housing units within a TOD = 300+ y` `Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is averaged based on all uses including residential. The intention is to allow a diversity of uses within the TOD. Net FAR is based on the parcel size and does not include streets or other public spaces. The FAR is based on reduced parking square footage per retail square footage ratio of three stalls per 1,000 square feet. Back to main section August 2006 a rarsit- Orienteal D ent Settings Urban Suburban Town Center/ Urban Downtown rdei hborhood Commuter Tovvil TOD size by location in a transitway (acres) 1-3 10 - 50 50-125 Resident al Uses Apartments, condominiums, townhomes (alone or as part of a mixed -use building), duplexes and small -lot single - family homes Minimum units /acre^ Bus 50 25 ; 5 Rail 75 40 30 Employment Uses i Office, health care ed ucational, hotel or other employment uses with high employees /acre ratio Minimum employees /acre 200 75 1 50 i Nlin: of Uses Retail, restaurants, personal services, office, cinema, grocery, hotel, apartments /condominiums, day care, civic uses, park/plaza. Mixed uses as percent of At least 40% of TOD's mixed -use center has ground - floor retail, restaurant /cafes, commercial or TOD center personal services. Small TODs, bus -stop areas or areas surrounding the TOD central area have as little as 5,000 square feet o these u ses. Number of different uses At least 5 to 15 types mixed with residential M4i nirrurl net FAR** Bus 3.0> 7 1.0> 0.5 Rail 3,0> I 2.0 I 1.5 ' %Residential densities shown In tapje {gross densities) equal the number of units divided by all [arid devoted to residential use, including local streets but excluding parks and constrained land. Net densities, on the other hand, are generally 25% higher than gross densities. General guideline: minimum number of housing units within a TOD = 300+ y` `Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is averaged based on all uses including residential. The intention is to allow a diversity of uses within the TOD. Net FAR is based on the parcel size and does not include streets or other public spaces. The FAR is based on reduced parking square footage per retail square footage ratio of three stalls per 1,000 square feet. Back to main section August 2006 Metropolitan fmunoil - anapazt R.Ieve;opmmeum^Sulde for :Iane!opmae: Floor area ratio (FAR) can be a useful measure of development intensity for mixed-use and cornrnancia\ areas in the TOO. FAR is the ratio of to building floor area to parc2\ area exclusive of streets. If project uses this particular measure., there are various ways it can meet a TOD's FAR objectives. | L�� Diagrams shown,, different ! ways of meeting various FAR � oc8eczmsa. For example, a 1.0 FAR can be achieved wit h a one-story building i occupying an eDtirg |{t (middle top)... ... or with a two-story building with afD[tDhrt ofha�th�|��/n1i�d|� | ` bottom). Top of section % Back to main section 0.5 FAR 1 FAIR 1-9 FAR \ } | | Augus0p_006 MetrapoHtan Coun AA Compact Development • Guide for Transit - Oriented Devalopment Q 1 E Q�L QP © My Left: Single - family types using garage andlor surface parking 5 to 15 units per acre ® Possible use$: Small -lot single- family, stand6rd -lot single - family, duplexes, carriage units Left: Multifamily types using attached garages * 20 to 35 units per acre * Possible uses: "Tuck - under" apartments, townhomes, livelwork units August 2006 metropolitrm Counca A L I Compact Development - Guide for Transit-Oriented Development N .a ! 3 eehCeayho-� i'r�ti ' ?Ri EM 26DU TAC 304 ® 16DU /AC 0% 100WAC sus EM F DU /AC 2M 7 1GDWAC W% l� 10 DD /AC M ua FMI 76DWAC As. R 36au /AC 37C C3 101)U /AC U% Left: Multifamily with surface parking ®15 to 25 units per acre ® Possible uses: Garden apartments, senior housing Left: Multifamily with structured parking ® 35 to 60 units per acre m Possible uses: Mid -rise apartments, podium apartments, mixed -use retail with apartments Left: Examples of alternative housing combinations that produce a net housing density of 18 units per acre. ..$uqust =06 : etrouoi tau OouncH �n Commercia' A eas C, e1'€�'eg S3 a 54' - C -uidee for li f"c nr.K-0rIented Developrrten Rules of Thumb Land -use densities Left: Lawson Commons, Saint Paul Right: Elliot Dark multi - story structured parking, Minneapolis Left: Office types with surface parking 018 to 84 jobs per o Possible uses: Low - intensity office, research & development industrial := .eareasV 2'�S�a The more employm?nt opportunities within a TOD, the more jobs there are within walking distance to transit. Office and ;mixed - use buildings, with ground- floor retail and upper -story office space, are promising commercial land uses in a TOD. iwetrogollt= Council Compact Development a Guide for Transit-Oriented Development Left: Office types with structured parking w 250 jobs per acre © Possible uses: High - intensity office August 2006 t l � � mao.aa.. = — T . Nwfit SwGce Pa�M'vg �• - Act.1 Aeu�t Suu'MM PY44 Attu Left: Mixed -use types with surface parking 40 jobs per acre with 50 housing units per acre OR 0 80 jobs per acre © Possible uses: Retaillresidential, retail /office (low intensity) Left: Mixed -use types with structured parking 100 jobs per acre with 50 housing units per acre OR ®150 jobs per acre o Possible uses: Retai[/off ce!res idential, retailloffice (high intensity) Weiss Eric From: Alan R. Brixius [abrixius @nacplanning.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9:58 AM To: Weiss Eric Cc: Jacobsen Curtis Subject: Re: City Center Uses Eric In addressing just the uses I offer the following comments. 1. Gas sales, and Funeral home. If the CC district would end at the railroad tracks, the CC district will not currently contain these uses. Do these uses fit the purpose statement of the district? The CC district residents and businesses will have access to these uses just east of the railroad tracks. Do we have ambitions of changing these sites? I would suggest that we not include them as allowed uses in the CC district. 2. Auto repair, Autohaus is the only site that offers auto repair west of the rail road tracks. 1 don't know if they offer body repair. The CC district does not allow for auto body repair or an auto sales lot, as such we will be making portions of Autohaus nonconforming. Autohaus may not fit with the image and purpose of the CC district as such changing the zoning is appropriate, however, I would then also question allowing auto repair within the district. This land use is available to CC district residents east of the railroad tracks and with in the city's other commercial zoning district. 3. We list printing, publishing and engraving under 2000 square feet as a CUP. What are the activities of this use that require a CUP? We may just want to list this as a permitted use. 4. Hospitality businesses are defined in the current ordinances as including conference centers, exhibition halls, hotels, motels and convention facilities. Hospitality uses are listed as a permitted use in the CC district. The CC district also lists conference centers as a CUP and hotels as a permitted use. The current CB district just lists hospitality businesses as a permitted use. I would suggest we do the same in the CC district to avoid confusion or contradiction in the definitions. 5. Let's make sure we get a definition of Trading and Trade School that distinguishes these uses from Charter or elementary schools. 6. We list auto washing as a conditional accessory use. Is this a commercial car wash or a car washing area that may be established as part of a residential build? If it is a commercial car wash, I believe that we could remove it from the CC district if the district ends at the railroad tracks ( see my gas sales and funeral home comments). An Auto washing area associated with a high density residential building may not need a CUP. 7. Residential PUD should include all townhomes. I would suggest that the listing should read "Residential PUD and Townhomes" similar to the listing in the R -4 district. Thank you for the review. - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: Weiss Eric To: Alan Brixius Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 12:38 PM Subject: City Center Uses Al, Did you have any particular thoughts or concerns related to the administrative, conditional, and temporary uses for the City Center district? My intent would be to use the CB and R4 language as a base and work from there to make the standards a bit more urban. It'd be great if we could be on the same page. Memorandum To: Planning Commission Curtis Jacobsen, Director of Community Development Cc: Pam Sylvester, Administrative Specialist Al Brixius, Planning Consultant Steve Sondrall, City .Attorney Chris Long, City Engineer From: Eric Weiss, CD Assistant Date: March 29, 2012 Subject: PC 12 -04 Ron Clark Construction Ron Clark Construction and Design is proposing construction of a multi- family residential apartment building at the southwest corner of 62nd Avenue and West Broadway Avenue. The proposal is for a three and four story building with a total of 74 units, underground and surface parking, and a small play lot. The apartment is proposed for five lots, four of which are city - owned. The project will require a number of approvals and is likely to move through city zoning approval process in two phases. Phase I 1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment 2. Rezoning Phase H Subdivision and Platting 2. Planned Unit Development and Site Plan Review The Design and Review Committee reviewed the proposal at its March 14, 2012, meeting and was generally supportive. The City Council reviewed the proposal at its March 19, 2012, work session and was also generally supportive. The full Planning Commission will be asked to review and discuss the proposal at its April meeting. A public hearing for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning is scheduled for the May Planning Commission meeting. Attachments: - March 28, 2012 planning consultant memo NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4804 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 planners @nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Curtis Jacobsen FROM: Alan Brixius DATE: March 28, 2012 RE: New Hope — 62 Avenue North / West Broadway Redevelopment FILE NO: 131.00 —12.01 BACKGROUND Ron Clark Construction and Design is interested in working with the City of New Hope in redeveloping a site at the corner of West Broadway and 62 Avenue North. The redevelopment site consists of an abandoned gas station, three vacant properties, and a four -plex site. The total site area is approximately 1.67 acres. Mr. Clark's concept is to construct a four story, 74 unit family apartment building. This redevelopment project iQ of a Qi7P and dPncity that nnaC ha\ /nnd the City's stanrinrd R -4 Hinh I7enCity 7nninn District. The Design and Review Committee reviewed this concept on March 1, 2012 and the City Council considered the application on March 19, 2012. City staff is now presenting the concept plan to the full Planning Commission to gain input as to how this application will proceed. APPLICATIONS To facilitate this redevelopment project, the following development applications would need to be pursued: 1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The site is currently guided for medium density residential land uses. A change to high density residential land uses would be necessary. 2. Rezoning. The sites will need to be rezoned to accommodate the new use and densities. Because of the need for flexibility in areas of density, setbacks, parking and green space, the change in zoning would be to a Planned Unit Development District. The City would approve the site plan which would establish the performance standards for this district. 3. Subdivision. The site exists as multiple lots that will need to be combined through a platting process. 4. Planned Unit Development (PUD). The PUD process will require an extensive site and building plan review. CONCEPT PLAN The concept plan illustrates a 74 unit apartment building on a i.67 acre site. The following table illustrates a project comparison with the City's current R-4 Zoning District standards: R -4 DISTRICT COMPARISON Required Proposed Lot Area 15,000 square feet 1.67 acres Lot Area Per Unit 2,200 square feet 983 square feet Density Allowed 20 units per acre 44.3 units per acre Density Allowed with Bonuses 24 units per acre Lot Width 100 feet 165 feet Setbacks: Front (East) Ship- rnrnPr (Nnrth) Side, Interior (South) Rear West 30 feet 25 feet 20 feet 30 feet 20 feet 5 feet 35 feet 90 feet Building Height 6 stori or 72 feet 3 and 4 stories Green Space 35% 22% Recreational Area 2,000 square feet plus 50 square feet per unit 625 square feet plus 84 square feet per unit Parking 2.25 stalls per unit 1.86 stalls per unit The concept plan and the previous comparison demonstrates the contrasts between the proposed development and New Hope's current high density standards. The greater density may be appropriate provided the City is comfortable that the following issues can be addressed. Redevelopment Area. The attached photographs were taken to illustrate existing land use and site conditions. The sites consist of a closed convenience store /gas sales, three vacant parcels, and a four unit apartment on the west end. The condition of the site and remaining buildings are marginal and in need of redevelopment. 2 The surrounding land uses include: North: Commercial / Multiple Family / School East: Commercial / Convenience Store / Gas Sales West: Multiple Family South: Low Density Single Family The land uses to the north in Brooklyn Park include a commercial site, a three story apartment building and a school building. The introduction of this high density residential development is complementary to these uses. The apartment building would also complement the commercial site east of West Broadway. The existing multiple family land uses west of the subject site area are of a condition that the City has identified these properties as a target residential redevelopment area in its 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The site abuts low density single family neighborhoods to the south. The proximity to These homes presents some compatibility concerns related Wu laid use intensity and site design. To mitigate some of these concerns, the site plan includes the following features: 1. The building is located at the north end of the site with a reduced setback along 62 Avenue. This location is intended to move the taller building away from the single family homes. 2. The building will have variable elevations. The wings extending south toward the single family homes will be three stories and the balance of tine structure along 62 " Avenue will be four stories. The variable elevations are intended to reduce the visual impact of the taller building for the residents to the south. 3. The concept plan illustrates an intensive landscape screen along the south property line to screen and block views to the building and parking lot. This landscaping, along with fencing, is intended to physically separate the different land uses. Setbacks. The proposed street side setbacks are significantly different than the standard R -4 District setbacks. These reduced setbacks present the following issues: 1. The 62 Avenue setback will place the building and dwelling units in close proximity to on- street tragic and pedestrians using the sidewalk. T he building design must address noise mitigation and building /unit security. 2. The five foot building setback along 62 "d Street provides little room for landscaping. As the project progresses, the City will want a detailed streetscape design for this edge of the property. 3 3. There exists an overhead utility located on the south side of the sidewalk along 62 Avenue (see photos). The reduced five foot building setback will bring the four story building into close proximity to the utilities. If the reduced setback is acceptable, the overhead utilities will have to be buried. 4. With reduced setbacks at both the street frontages, the site design must provide unencumbered sight lines where the driveways enter the streets. Parking. The New Hope Zoning Ordinance requires at least one enclosed parking space and one and one - quarter stalls per unit. The concept plan illustrates 74 underground parking stalls and 64 surface parking stalls, for a total of 138 total parking spaces (1.86 stalls per unit). Review of the concept plan raises the following concerns: 1. This apartment complex is intended to be family - oriented as reflected in the apartment unit composition (89% of the units consisting of two and three bedroom units). This market orientation suggests a demand for parking for both residents and guests. The applicant must provide information that demonstrates the apartment can effectively operate below the City's parking standards. 2. The adjoining streets offer no on- street parking and adjoining properties do not offer opportunities for off -site parking. In this respect, the City must be comfortable that the proposed 74 units can function with 138 parking stalls. 3. The parking lot and garage design appear to meet minimum parking dimensions. A number of corner garage stalls will be difficult to access and egress. Green Space. The concept plan falls below the City's requirement for green space and recreational space. The concept plan is a very urban design and the reduction in green space can be compensated for with a detailed landscape plan that addresses: 1. The streetscape treatment along 62 Avenue will need to address: a. Overhead utilities. b. Sidewalk and pedestrian elements. c. Building elevations including entrances, windows, balconies, etc. d. Landscaping. 2. The south edge of the property will need to address: a. Fencing to segregate the project from the single family neighborhood. b. Landscaping to provide an aesthetically pleasing property edge, screening of headlights and outdoor activities, and to break up the building elevations. 4 Recreational Areas. The site plan shows a 625 square foot tot lot. This is significantly below the City's standards of 50 square feet per unit or 3,700 square feet. This will be a family- oriented building. The site is not located near a City park and as such there is a need for some on -site recreational area. Absent adequate recreation component, outdoor activities may extend into the limited exterior parking area. CONCLUSION The site will significantly benefit with redevelopment and the proposed housing appears to be a quality product by a reputable developer. The proposed concept plan requests flexibility from City standards. In review by the Design and Review Committee, they were open to providing flexibility related to setbacks and density provided the developer could demonstrate the building and site design can function related to parking and recreational space for the site residents. The applicant must demonstrate that these issues can be addressed to the satisfaction of the City. cc: Eric Weiss Steve Sondrall Pam Sylvester Roger Axel Mike Waldo, Ron Clark Construction 5 � � 06 o p-- oo- oppoe L 4d t f pl Ll Cl , Cl C1 A Dl t Cl Cl C2 C2 Cl _ Cl , I .. D5 D D5 D5 first Flott Plots I .t Yt!h51fki�t ��. 7 t... ' t., �. .. s t i E d Garage Plan F T IF ` ` 62nd Ave N & West Broodwa - New Hoe MN AMR scab. t - 40 4th Floor DI A C1 Cl I C1 I C1 C1 C1 A D1 Cl C1 Fc , C2�_. µC1 r• - D5 D5 D1 A C1 C1 CI C1 Cl C1 A D1 C1 C I C2 ,.z.yx,, C2 C as C i D5 D5 R5 D5 2 nd Floor 62nd Ave N & West Broad - New Hope, M N . �►► SCOlB: I" -_� • 40' �.�rrrr.. �ww rrw D5 LD5 3rd Floor 62nd Ave N & West Broadway - New Hope, MN Project Data (311912012) 72,675 sf =1.67 acres 982 sf 44 units /acre 167 ft 20 ft 5 f 35 ft 90 ft Building 3 & 4 stories 1st Floor: 26,294 Space: Green 16,170 sf =,37 acres (22 26,135 Recreational Area: Tot Lot W ti 127.35'6 • 1st Fir; 2nd Fir 3rd Fir 4th F 18R (Al) - 750 sf 2 2 2 2 2BR (Cl) - 996 sf 8 ...... ...10....... 10 6 26R (C2) - 977 sf 2 2 2 2 2BR (0) -1014 sf - _._ .......... . ............... - - 2 38R (U1) -1291. sf 2 2 2 2 38R (W) -1289 sf - - - 2 3BR (MS 4 4 4 - ! T. 18 20 20 16 Gatage: 25,745 1st Floor: 26,294 2nd Floor: 26,135 3rd Floor: 26,135 4th Floor; 1 22,047 W ti 127.35'6 11% 59% (2BR) 303S' (3BR) z VON Memorandum To: Planning Commission Cc: Steve Sondrall, City Attorney Al Brixius, Planning Consultant From: Curtis Jacobsen, Director of CD Date: April 3, 2012 Subject: Request that PC comment on weed ordinance The weed ordinance in New Hope has been somewhat controversial in that the current process is quite lengthy and cumbersome. Shawn Markham, the city's assistant weed inspector is looking at changes to meet the expectations of city residents. For those of you who don't know, by state statute, the Mayor is the official weed inspector for the city. The City Council has asked for input from both the CAC and the Planning Commission on this matter. The CAC was given the first look at the issue and therefore the first opportunity to comment. As a result you will be provided with both the materials reviewed by the CAC and also the results of their review for your review and comment. Please review all of the following documents, but if you run into a time crunch the first three may suffice for this review. Attachments: • Weed Ordinance recommended changes • CAC minute related to weed ordinance • Crystal weed ordinance • Golden Valley weed ordinance • New Hope weed ordinance • Alternative vegetation • Margate, FL ordinance Weed ordinance recommended changes based upon Citizens Advisory Commission (CAC) concerns: Concern: Dealing with repeat violations at a single property or residence and deal with the properties in a timely manner by adopting an ordinance in line with the City of Golden Valley. I would recommend adopting a shorter timeline between weed violation notification and corrective actions by the City of New Hope. Currently our city has a 10 day waiting period between notification and eradication of an observed weed violation. Each repeat violation requires the same process and 10 day waiting period which frustrates residents dealing with unkempt neighboring properties. Shortening the eradication timeline to 7 days and loosening procedures for repeat violations, similar to Golden Valley's ordinance (listed below), will make weed inspections more efficient and better satisfy residents. B. The Weed Inspector or his/ her designee shall, seven ( 7) days prior to removing any Turf Grass, Weeds, Noxious Weeds, Rank Vegetation, or and Native Vegetation not covered by a Native Vegetation Permit send by U. S. Mail a letter notifying the property owner of the upcoming removal and stating that unless such is removed in accordance with this Section, such shall be removed and the costs of removal shall be assessed against the property in accordance with Minn. Stat. Sect. 429. 101. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any failure of the Weed Inspector or his/ her designee to send such a letter or for such a letter to be received by the property V.aner shall not make notice ineffective. For properties for which there have been two ( 2) or more notices issued within the prior twelve ( 12) month period, a mailed notice is not required. For those properties, the second notice issued within a twelve (12) month period shall contain a general notice that the City may abate future violations without providing additional specific notice of violation. Concern: Making exemptions for native plantings. Currently the City of New Hope has no provisions for residents or businesses that use native plants as part of their landscaping. The cities of Golden Valley, Crystal, and St. Louis Park are nearby communities that have adopted a permitting process for individuals to plant native plants that would be exempt from the city's weed ordinance with conditions. The three city's "Native Planting" Permitting process is virtually identical. I would recommend we adopt a similar permitting process to assure native planting beds are maintained properly and allow residents to plant a variety of plants which are beneficial to wildlife and can beautify the city. Excerpt from Crystal's ordinance: Subd. 4. Native Vegetation. a) Permit. Upon satisfaction and completion of all the requirements of this section, the city manager or designee shall approve all applications for a native vegetation permit and issue such permit. A native vegetation permit shall grant any property owner or occupant (with written permission of the owner) the ability to cultivate native vegetation on their property. A native vegetation permit shall be valid for five years from the date of approval. The city manager or designee shall approve no native vegetation permit for any applicant having unresolved city code violations or administrative citations. (Amended, Ord. 2007 -04, Sec. 2) 640.17. Application. Subdivision 1. The Application for a native vegetation permit and renewal application, which shall be provided by the city manager or designee shall contain the following: a) Statement of intent and purpose in cultivating native vegetation. b) Site plan showing lot lines, buildings, location of proposed native vegetation, the property's legal description, corner visibility requirements as defined by subsection 515.07 of city code, and right -of -way requirements as defined by subsections 800.03 and 800.21 of city code. Crystal City Code 640.19 (Rev. 2006) c) Latin and common names of the species the property owner or occupant plans to cultivate. d) Maintenance requirements for said species. e) Name and address of a professional landscaping company which has been hired to perform maintenance on the native vegetation; or the name, address, and qualifications of the person(s) who will be responsible for maintenance of the native vegetation. f) A maintenance plan, which shall contain the following: 1) Planting diagram showing the !-cation and mature height of all specin�,ens of native vegetation; and 2) Detailed information on the upkeep of the planting; and 3) Details of any long -term maintenance required for the native vegetation. 640.19. Assessment. Subdivision 1. The city manager or designee may regularly inspect any property holding a native vegetation permit for compliance with the maintenance plan on file with the city for the property. For any property out of compliance with the maintenance plan, the city manager or designee shall give notice to the holder of the native vegetation permit by US mail stating that the property must be in compliance with the maintenance plan within 30 days. Should that period pass without action by the holder of the native vegetation permit, the city manager or designee shall: a) Revoke the native vegetation permit; b) Remove all improperly maintained native vegetation; c) Declare the property ineligible for a native vegetation permit, unless sold, for a period of two years; and d) Assess the property for all fees associated with inspection of the property and any removal of improperly maintained native vegetation in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 429.101 and subsection 8.02 of the city charter, as each may be amended. 640.21. Penalty. A person who fails or neglects to cut and remove or otherwise eradicate weeds or grass as directed in this section, or who fails, neglects, or refuses to comply with the provisions of any notice provided herein, or who violates the provisions of this section, or who resists or obstructs the weed inspector in the cutting, removal, or eradication of weeds or grass, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day on which the violation continues is a separate offense. 640.23. Weed Inspector. The mayor is the weed inspector as provided by law. The mayor may assign the duty to the city manager. Concern: Sidewalks and Right -of -Ways, at the city's main corridors (36 Avenue, Winnetka Avenue, Boone Avenue, 42 " Avenue, etc.), are not being properly maintained. Properties along the main corridors within the city are typically well maintained However, at times, the side walk portion of the property has been neglected allowing weeds and debris to accumulate and detract from the city's overall appearance. The city has planned on putting together a mailing list of all residential and commercial properties which have sidewalks within the city's Right -of Way and sending out a friendly letter letting property owners know they are expected to maintain that portion of the property and let them know that portion of the property is not exempt from the city's ordinances. The CAC was very supportive of this action. Concern: Many commercial properties in New Hope have not been maintaining their properties to expected standards. City staff could /would prepare a pamphlet on basic landscaping expectations of commercial properties as commercial properties play as much of a role in the city's personality /appearance as the residential areas do. (See attached MARGATE FL. Property standards as an example of minimum standards) The CAC would also like to present a RAVE! Award to commercial properties in recognition of landscape i,rnprove- mantc, Thic Mn,arri may coax commercial property owners into making improvements and hopefully create a sense of pride that will spread from property to property. CITY OF NEW HOPE 4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA 55428 Citizen Advisory Commission Regular Meeting CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 14, 2012 New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m. Chair London called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Present: Commissioners Culver, Kilsdonk, London, Nolte, Riley, Sarvi, Sievert, Wills Absent: Commissioner Terres Staff Present: Susan Rader, Staff Liaison Motion was made by Commissioner Nolte to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2012 meeting. Commissioner Culver seconded the motion. All present voted in favor. Motion. carried. UPDATE ON WEED Chair London reported that he and Commissioner Riley had reviewed the weed ORDINANCE ordinances of neighboring cities and felt that an ordinance similar to that of Crystal or Golden Valley would be a good fit for the city of New Hope. He noted that under those ordinances, violations were handled in a more timely manner. Ms. Rader added that Shawn Markham, Contract Manager /City Forester would be gathering information from the Citizen Advisory Commission, as well as the P' -=—� Comm i s sion, = a `'-^ ^^ 4 �^ date the current iaiu i g Co ui issioi , aid using uL.,O-Ce recOr Unl encLati w up ordinance. He would then make a final recommendation to council. MOTION Commissioner Riley made a motion to recommend that the city of New Hope adopt a weed ordinance similar to the city of Crystal's or the city of Golden Valley's, with an emphasis on enforcement and addressing native plant criteria. Commissioner Culver seconded the motion. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. Commissioners London and Riley also suggested offering a RAVE! Award for commercial property owners who enhance their outdoor aesthetics. Commissioner Riley explained that there were two segments to the current residential award: Landscaping improvements and interior or exterior home improvements. The commissioners tabled further discussion of this topic. Crystal Weed Ordinance Section 640 - Vegetation (Repealed, Ord. 2006 -06, Sec. 1) (Added, Ord. 2006 -06, Sec. 2) Section 640 - VEGETATION 640.01. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum standards for lawn maintenance while recognizing that a variety of landscapes within a community adds diversity and richness to the quality of life for all residents. Turf grass lawns continue to be recognized as the dominant feature in the landscape; however, alternatives to this traditional type of lawn are recognized as important parts of a diverse and successful landscape. 640.03. Definitions. Subdivision 1. The following terms have its meaning given them in their subsections. Subd. 2. "Maintenance plan" —A document submitted with an application for a native vegetation permit demonstrating a precise course of maintenance for numerous individual plants in a landscape over months and seasons. Subd. 3. "Native vegetation" —Those indigenous trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and other plants that have naturally adapted themselves to the climate and soils of the area but require cultivation and maintenance to remain viable. Subd. 4. "Native vegetation permit" —A permit issued by the city pursuant to this section allowing an owner or occupant to cultivate native vegetation upon their property, subject to the restrictions of this section. A native vegetation permit exempts an owner or occupant from subsection 640.13, subdivision 3 of this section. Subd. S. "Natural habitat" — Specially uncultivated valued and sensitive habitat whereupon native vegetation exists in a pristine state and provides habitat for a variety of species native to the area. Such vegetation shall maintain itself in a stable condition with minimal human intervention. Subd. 6. "Noxious weeds" —An annual, biennial, or perennial plant designated by the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture or the council as injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property. Subd. 7. "Rank vegetation" — Uncultivated vegetation growing at a rapid rate due to unplanned, unintentional, or accidental circumstances. Subd. 8. "Turf grass" — r , 1 1 tivated vegetation consisting of a highly maintained surface of dense grass underlain by a thick root system. Subd. 9. "Weeds" — Unsuitable, unwanted, or uncultivated vegetation, often causing injury to the desired vegetation type. Crystal City Code 640.13 (Rev. 2007) 640.13. General Rules. Subdivision 1. All lot areas not designated for buildings, pedestrians or vehicles, parking, recreation, and storage shall be provided with turf grass, native vegetation, or combined ground cover of cultivated vegetation, garden, hedges, trees and shrubbery. Subd. 2. No owner or occupant of any lot shall allow to grow any noxious weeds on any part or portion of said lot as designated by Minnesota Statutes, section 18.78. Subd. 3. No owner or occupant shall allow any turf grass, weeds, or rank vegetation to grow to a height greater than eight inches on a majority of any lot or parcel of land. The height of native vegetation shall be as stated in the permit authorized by subsection 640.15 of the city code. (Amended, Ord. 2007 -04, Sec. 1) Subd. 4. The provisions contained city code section 800.20, boulevard plantings, shall apply to this section. 640.15. Exemption. Subdivision 1. The following exemptions shall apply according to their terms. Subd. 2. Vacant land. The owner of vacant and unoccupied land consisting of a contiguous tract of one acre or more is exempt from subsection 640.13, provided that weeds, turf grass, native vegetation, and rank vegetation thereon are cut twice annually. The first cutting shall not be later than June 1, and the second cutting shall be made between July 15 and September 15. Subd. 3. Natural habitat. a) All private lands designated by the council as natural habitat shall be exempt from conflicting portions of this section 640. b) All public lands designated in the city's comprehensive plan as natural habitat shall be exempt from conflicting portions of section 640. Subd. 4. Native Vegetation. a) Permit. Upon satisfaction and completion of all the requirements of this section, the city manager or designee shall approve all applications for a native vegetation permit and issue such permit. A native vegetation permit shall grant any property owner or occupant (with written permission of the owner) the ability to cultivate native vegetation on their property. A native vegetation permit shall be valid for five years from the date of approval. The city manager or designee shall approve no native vegetation permit for any applicant having unresolved city code violations or administrative citations. (Amended, Ord. 2007 -04, Sec. 2) 640.17. Application. Subdivision 1. The Application for a native vegetation permit and renewal application, which shall be provided by the city manager or designee shall contain the following: a) Statement of intent and purpose in cultivating native vegetation. b) Site plan showing lot lines, buildings, location of proposed native vegetation, the property's legal description, corner visibility requirements as defined by subsection 515.07 of city code, and right -of -way requirements as defined by subsections 800.03 and 800.21 of city code. Crystal City Code 640.19 (Rev. 2006) c) Latin and common names of the species the property owner or occupant plans to cultivate. d) Maintenance requirements for said species. e) Name and address of a professional landscaping company which has been hired to perform maintenance on the native vegetation; or the name, address, and qualifications of the person(s) who will be responsible for maintenance of the native vegetation. f) A maintenance plan, which shall contain the following: 1) Planting diagram showing the location and mature height of all specimens of native vegetation; and 2) Detailed information on the upkeep of the planting; and 3) Details of any long -term maintenance required for the native vegetation. 640.19. Assessment. Subdivision 1. The city manager or designee may regularly inspect any property holding a native vegetation permit for compliance with the maintenance plan on file with the city for the property. For any property out of compliance with the maintenance plan, the city manager or designee shall give notice to the holder of the native vegetation permit by US mail stating that the property must be in compliance with the maintenance plan within 30 days. Should that period pass without action by the holder of the native vegetation permit, the city manager or designee shall: a) Revoke the native vegetation permit; b) Remove all improperly maintained native vegetation; c) Declare the property ineligible for a native vegetation permit, unless sold, for a period of two years; and d) Assess the property for all fees associated with inspection of the property and any removal of improperly maintained native vegetation in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 429.101 and subsection 8.02 of the city charter, as each may be amended. 640.21. Penalty. A person who fails or neglects to cut and remove or otherwise eradicate weeds or grass as directed in this section, or who fails, neglects, or refuses to comply with the provisions of any notice provided herein, or who violates the provisions of this section, or who resists or obstructs the weed inspector in the cutting, removal, or eradication of weeds or grass, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day on which the violation continues is a separate offense. 640.23. Weed Inspector. The mayor is the weed inspector as provided by law. The mayor may assign the duty to the city manager. § 10.51 Section 10.51: Lawn Maintenance Subdivision 1. Purpose The purpose of this Section is to establish minimum standards for lawn. maintenance while recognizing that a variety of landscapes within a community adds diversity and richness to the quality of life for all residents. Turf grass lawn$ continue to be recognized as the dominant feature in the landscape; however, alternatives to this traditional type of lawn are recognized as important parts of a diverse and successful landscape. Subdivision 2. Definitions A. Maintenance Plan H document submitted with an application for Native Vegetation Permit demonstrating a precise course of maintenance for numerous individual plants in a landscape over months and seasons. B. Native Vegetation: Those indigenous trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and other plants that have naturally adapted themselves to the climate and soils of the area but require cultivation and maintenance to remain viable. C. Native Vegetation Permit: A permit issued by the City pursuant to this Section allowing an owner or occupant to cultivate Native Vegetation upon his /her property, subject to the restrictions of this Section. A Native Vegetation Permit exempts an owner or occupant from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section. D. Natural Habitat: Specially uncultivated valued and sensitive habitat whereupon native vegetation exists in a pristine state and provides habitat for a variety of species native to the area. Such vegetation shall maintain itself in a stable condition with minimal human intervention. E. Noxious Weeds: An annual, biennial, or perennial plant designated by the MN Commissioner of Agriculture or the Council as injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property. F. Rank Vegetation: Uncultivated vegetation growing at a rapid rate due to unplanned, unintentional, or accidental circumstances. G. Turf Grass: Cultivated vegetation consisting of a highly maintained surface of dense grass underlain by a thick root system. H. Weeds: Unsuitable, unwanted, or uncultivated vegetation, often causing injury to the desired vegetation type. Golden Valley City Code Page 1 of 4 § 10.51 Subdivision 3. General Requirements A. All lot areas not designated for buildings, pedestrian or vehicle, parking, recreation, and storage shall be provided with Turf Grass, Native Vegetation, or combined ground cover of cultivated vegetation, garden, hedges, trees, and shrubbery. B. No owner or occupant of any lot shall allow to.grow any Noxious Weeds on any part or portion of said lot as designated by Minn. Stat. Sec. 18.78. C. No owner or occupant shall allow any Turf Grass, Weeds, Native Vegetation or Rank Vegetation to grow to a height greater than eight (8) inches on a majority of any lot or parcel of land. Subdivision 4. Exemptions A. Vacant Land. The owner of vacant and unoccupied land consisting of a contiguous tract of one (1) acre or more is exempt from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section, provided that Weeds, Turf Grass, Native Vegetation, and Rank Vegetation thereon are cut twice annually. The first cuttina shall not be later than June 1, and the second cutting shall be made between July 15 and September 15. B. Natural Habitat. 1. All private lands designated by the Council as Natural Habitat shall be exempt from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section. 2. All public lands designated in the City's Comprehensive Plan as Natural Habitat shall be exempt from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section. C. Native Vegetation. 1. Native Vegetation Permit. Upon satisfaction and completion of all the requirements of this Section, the City Manager or designee shall approve all applications for a Native Vegetation Permit and issue such. permit. A Native Vegetation Permit shall grant an property owner or occupant so interested the ability to cultivate Native Vegetation on his /her property and exempt the owner and occupant from the requirements of Subdivision 3(C) of this Section. A Native Vegetation Permit shall be valid for five (5) years from the date of approval. The City Manager or designee shall approve no Native Vegetation Permit for any owner or occupant having unresolved City.code violations or administrative citations. 2. Application. The Application for a Native Vegetation Permit and Renewal Application, which shall be provided by the City Manager or designee shall contain the following: Golden Valley City Code Page 2 of 4 § 10.51 a. Statement of intent and purpose in cultivating Native Vegetation; b. Site plan showing lot lines, buildings, location of proposed Native Vegetation,. the property's legal description, corner visibility requirements as defined by Section 7.04 of City Code, and right -of- way requirements as defined by Section 7.05 of City Code. c. Latin and common names of the species the property owner or occupant plans to cultivate; d. Maintenance requirements for said species; e. Name and address of a Professional Landscaping Company which has been hired to perform maintenance on the Native Vegetation; or the name, address, and qualifications of the person(s) who will be responsible for maintenance of the Native Vegetation. f. A Maintenance Plan, which shall contain the following: 1.) Planting diagram showing the location and mature height of all specimens of Native Vegetation; and 2.) Detailed information on the upkeep of each specimen; and 3.) Details of any long -term maintenance required for the Native Vegetation. 3. Revocation. The City Manager or designee may regularly inspect any property holding a Native Vegetation Permit for compliance with the Maintenance Plan on file with the City for the property. For any property out of compliance with the Maintenance Plan, the. City Manager or designee shall give notice to the holder of the Native Vegetation Permit by US Mail stating that the property must be in compliance with the Maintenance Plan within thirty (30) days. Should that period pass without action by the holder of the Native Vegetation Permit, the City Manager or designee shall: a. Revoke the Native Vegetation Permit; b. Remove all improperly maintained Native Vegetation; c. Declare the property ineligible for a Native Vegetation Permit, unless sold, for a period of two (2) years; and d. Assess the property for all fees associated with inspection of the property and any removal of improperly maintained Native Vegetation in accordance with Subdivision 5 of this Section. Golden Valley City Code Page 3 of 4 § 10.51 Subdivision S. Violations A. On or before May 1 of each year, the Clerk shall publish once in the official newspaper a notice directing owners and occupants of property within the City to remove all Turf Grass, Weeds, Noxious Weeds, Rank Vegetation, and Native Vegetation not covered by a Native Vegetation Permit exceeding eight (R) inrrhes in height. Said notice shall state that if such vegetation is not removed within ten (10) days after publication of said notice, it may be removed by the Weed Inspector or his/her designee at the expense of the property owner which may be assessed against the property in accordance with Minn. Stat. Sec. 429.101. Source: Ordinance No. 324, 2nd Series Effective Date: 3 -25 -05 B. The Weed Inspector or his /her designee shall, seven (7) days prior to removing any Turf Grass, Weeds, Noxious Weeds, Rank Vegetation; or and Native Vegetation not covered by a Native Vegetation Permit send by U.S. Mail a letter notifying the property owner of the upcoming removal and stating that unless such is removed in accordance with this Section, such shall be removed and the costs of removal shall be assessed against the property in accordance with Minn. Stat. Sect. 429.101. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any failure of the Weed Inspector or his /her designee to send such a letter or for such a letter to be received by the property owner shall not make notice ineffective. For properties for which there have been two (2) or more notices issued within the prior twelve (12) month period, a mailed notice is not required. For those properties, the second notice issued within a twelve (12) month period shall contain a general notice that the City may abate future violations without providing additional specific notice of violation. Source: Ordinance No. 407, 2nd Series Effective Date: 8 -29 -08 C. Property owners shall be notified by U.S. Mail immediately thereafter of any work performed and all administrative and removal work costs involved and that such will be assessed against the property. The Weed Inspector or his /her designee shall keep a record of all properties whereupon removal was necessary and the number of times it was necessary, and, by October 1 of each year, he /she shall give copies of such records to the Clerk to file as special assessments against each said property which shall become liens on such lots or lands. This shall be an additional remedy and not in lieu of any other penalty provided for in City Code or state law. Source: Ordinance No. 324, 2nd Series Effective Date: 3 -25 -05 Golden Valley City Code Page 4 of 4 New Hope Weed Ordinance Sec. 9 -70. - Weed elimination. (a) When weeds nuisance. Any weeds, whether noxious as defined by law or not, growing upon any lot or parcel of land outside the traveled portion of any street or alley in the city, to a height greater than six inches or which have gone or are about to go to seed, are a nuisance. The owner and the occupant shall abate or prevent such nuisance on such property and on land outside the traveled portion of the street or alley abutting on such property. (b) Notice to destroy. On or before May 15 of each year and at such other times as ordered by resolution of the council, the clerk shall publish once in the official newspaper as prescribed by Minn. Stat. § 18.8 3, a notice directing owners and occupants of property within the city to destroy all weeds declared by this section to be a nuisance and stating that if not so destroyed within ten days after publication of said notice, the weeds will be destroyed by the department of public works at the expense of the owner and if not paid, the charge for such work will be made a special assessment against the property concerned. (c) Removal by city. If the owner or occupant of any property in the city fails to comply with the notice provided above within ten days after its publication, the department of public works shall cut and remove such weeds. The department shall keep a record showing the cost of such work attributable to each separate lot and parcel and shah deliver such information toe clerk. Assessment. On or before September 1 of each year, the clerk shall list the total unpaid charges for the weed removal against each separate lot or parcel to which they are attributable under this section. The council may then spread the charges against property benefitted as a special assessment under Minn. Stat § 429.101 and other pertinent statutes for certification to the county auditor and collection the following year along with current taxes. (e) Penalty for interference. Any person who interferes with a city employee or other authorized person in the performance of his duties under subsection 9 -70 (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor, but a prosecution shall be brought for such violation only on the direction of the Council. (Code 0 10 166; Code 072684; Ord. No. 94 -10) CITY OF S�: LOUIS P ARK a htr YNESOTA Parks & Recreation Department 7305 Oxford Street St. Louis Park MN 55426 -451 ( 952 )929 -2565 i v .sllouispark _Qrg Permit Application (Fee $75.00) (For Native Vegetation greater than 800 square feet or greater than 25 % of pareel area, whichever is smaller)) New Application Name Property iD # Renewal Address NATIVE VEGETATION Date Owner Renter — Legal Description Horne Phone Cell Phone Fax _ E -mail Location of native landscaping (if different from above) Explain Purpose /lntentof Native Landscaping Project Start Date Site Plan Please use the space below or altach a separate sheet to show lot limes, buildings, and location ofproposedplarrtings. Clearly address any corner visibility requirements and right- of -way restrictions. • Planting Plan Include complete list ofspecies (Latin and common names) to be used. • Maintenance Plan Provide complete maintenance plan including mattwe height of all vegetation species crud long term maintenance requirements for each (Species at mana•ity cannot exceed 6 feet; forprescribed btu-its must attain permit from City Fire Marshall) • Contact information Provide name and address of the professional landscaping cornparry hired to perform maintenance on the native vegetation; or rramreladdresslgrialiflcatiorts of persons) who will be responsible for mraintedning the native vegetation. I have read and understand all applicable state statutes. city ordinances and other information included in this application packet. I certify that the information supplied in this application is correct. If granted this permit, I agree to comply with all regulations, limitations and conditions that apply to lawn maintenance in St. Louis Park. Permit must conform to plan within 34 days or City nuisance ordinance will be enacted. Applicant's Signature Printed Name OFFICE USE ONIX Permit Approved _ Permit Denied _ ^ Permit Tee Pa Application Checklist: ❑Statement of Intent Mite Plan OPlant List OMaintenance Plan OMamtenance Responsibility & Qualifications Migned Sunned Date Jim Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator City of St. Louis Parlc Code Chapter 34 ARTICLE IV. VEGETATION MAINTENANCE Sec. 34 -114. Purpose. The purpose of this Article is to establish minimum standards for lawn maintenance while recognizing that a variety of landscapes within a community adds diversity and richness to the quality of life for all residents. Turf grass lawns continue to be recognized as the dominant feature in the landscape; however, alternatives to this traditional type of lawn are recognized as important parts of a diverse and successful landscape. A parcel with proposed Native Vegetation that exceeds 800 square feet or exceeds 25% of parcel surface area will require a Native Vegetation Permit. (Ord. No. 2355 -08, 6 -13 -2008) Sec. 34 -115. Definitions. The following terms when used in this Article shall have the following meanings: (a) "Maintenance Plan" — a document submitted with an application for a Native Vegetation Pennit demonstrating a precise course of maintenance for numerous individual plants in a landscape over months and seasons. (b) "Native Vegetation" — those indigenous trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and other plants that have naturally adapted themselves to the climate and soils of the area but require cultivation and maintenance to remain viable. (c) "Native Vegetation Permit" — a permit issued by the City pursuant to this article allowing an owner or occupant to cultivate Native Vegetation upon his/her property. A Native Vegetation Permit exempts an owner or occupant from Section 34- 116(c). Stipp. No. 17 (12 -08) 34:7 St. Louis Park City Code § 34 -115 VEGETATION (d) "Natural Habitat" — specially uncultivated, valued and sensitive habitat whereupon native vegetation exists in a pristine state and provides habitat for a variety of species native to the area. Such vegetation shall maintain itself in a stable condition with minimal human intervention. (e) "Noxious Weeds" — an annual, biennial, or perennial plant designated by state statute, the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture or the City Council as injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property. (f) "Rank Vegetation" — uncultivated vegetation growing at a rapid rate due to unplanned, unintentional, or accidental circumstances. (g) "Turf Grass" - cultivated vegetation consisting of a highly maintained surface of dense grass underlain by a thick root system. (h) "Weeds" — unsuitable, unwanted, or uncultivated vegetation, often causing injury to the desired vegetation type, excluding noxious weeds. (Ord. No. 2355 -08, 6 -13 -2008) Sec. 34 -116. Lawn Maintenance Requirements. (a) All lot areas not covered by buildings, designated parking areas, paths, driveways and impervious surface shall have planted Turf Grass, Native Vegetation, or combined ground cover of cultivated vegetation, garden, hedges, trees and shrubbery. (b) No owner or occupant of any lot shall allow any noxious weeds to grow on any part or portion of said lot. (c) No owner or occupant shall allow any Turf Grass, Weeds, Native Vegetation or Rank Vegetation to grow to a height greater than six (6) inches on any lot or parcel of land. (Ord. No. 2355 -08, 6 -I3 -2008) Sec. 34 -117. Exemptions. The following land is exempt from the requirement of Section 34- 116(c): (a) Vacant and unoccupied land consisting of a contiguous tract of one (1) acre, provided that Weeds, Turf Grass, Native Vegetation, and Rank Vegetation thereon are out twice annually. The first cutting shall not be later than June 1, and the second cutting shall be made between July 15 and September 15. (b) Private lands designated by the City Council as Natural Habitat. (c) Public lands designated in the City's Comprehensive Plan as Natural Habitat. (d) Native Vegetation, with a Native Vegetation Permit in accordance with Section 34 -118. (Ord. No. 2355 -08, 6 -13 -2008) Supp. No. 17 (12 -08) 34:8 St. Louis Park City Code VEGETATION § 34 -119 Sec. 34 -118. Native Vegetation Permit. (a) Permit. Upon satisfaction and completion of all the requirements of this section, the City Manager or designee shall issue a Native Vegetation Permit. A Native Vegetation Permit permits the permitee to cultivate Native Vegetation and exempts the property from Section 34- 116(c). A Native Vegetation Permit shall be valid for five (5) years from the date of approval. The City Manager or designee shall not approve a Native Vegetation Permit for property with unresolved Code of Ordinance violations or administrative citations. (b) Application. The Application for a Native Vegetation Permit which shall be provided by the City Manager or designee shall contain the following: (1) Statement of intent and purpose in cultivating Native Vegetation. (2) Site plan showing lot lines, buildings, location of proposed Native Vegetation, the property's legal description, and- corner visibility requirements as defined by Section 24 -47 of the City Code. (3) Latin and common names of the species the property owner or occupant plans to cultivate. (4) Maintenance requirements for said species. (5) Name and address of a professional landscaping company which has been hired to perform maintenance on the Native Vegetation; or the name, address, and qualifications of the person(s) who will be responsible for maintenance of the Native Vegetation. (6) A Maintenance Plan, which shall contain the following: a) Planting diagram showing the location and mature height of all specimens of Native Vegetation; b) Detailed information on the upkeep of the plantings; and C) Details of any long -term maintenance required for the Native Vegetation. (c) Revocation. The City Manager or designee may regularly inspect any property holding a Native Vegetation Permit for compliance with the Maintenance Plan on file with the City for the property. if any property is not in compliance with the Maintenance Plan, the permitee may be notified and ordered to bring the property into compliance with, the approved permit within thi: ;, (30) days. If the permitee falls to comply with the order, the City Manager or designee may: (1) Revoke'the Native Vegetation Permit; (2) Remove all improperly maintained Native Vegetation; (3) Declare the property ineligible for a Native Vegetation Permit, unless sold, for a period of two (2) years; and (4) Assess the property for all costs associated with inspection of the property and any removal of improperly maintained Native Vegetation in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 429.101. (Ord. No. 2355-08,6-13-2008) See. 34 -119. Penalty. The violation of any provision of this Article is a misdemeanor and the violator shall be fined or penalized not more than the maximum levels established by the State of Minnesota for misdemeanor offenses. Each day on which the violation continues is a separate offense. (Ord. No. 2355 -08, 6 -13 -2008) Sees. 34- 120 - -34 -209. Reserved. Stipp. No. 17 (12 -08) 34:9 St. Louis Park City Code MARGATE FLORIDA PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Section 23.9. Landscaping maintenance requirements. All owners of land shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping. This includes mowing and maintaining abutting rights -of -way, swales, lake and canal banks. Landscaping shall be maintained in a good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance at least equal to the original installation and shall be mowed or trimmed in a manner and at a frequency so as not to detract from the appearance of the general area. Landscaping shall be maintained such that it will not cause property damage and public safety hazards, including removal of living, dead or decaying plant material, removal of low hanging branches below twelve (12) feet above grade and those obstructing street lighting. Landscaping shall be maintained in accordance with the following standards: (a) Insects, disease, etc.: Landscaping shall be kept free of visible signs of insects and disease and appropriately irrigated and fertilized to enable landscaping to be in a healthy condition. (b) Mulching: Three (3) inches of clean, weed -free, appropriately sterilized organic mulch shall be maintained over all areas originally mulched at all times until landscaped area matures to one hundred percent (100 %) coverage. (c) Turf edge trimming: All roadways, curbs and sidewalks shall be edged to prevent encroachment from the adjacent turfed areas. (d) Maintenance of irrigation systems: Irrigation systems shall be maintained to eliminate water loss due to damaged, missing or improperly operating sprinkler heads, emitters, pipes and all other portions of the irrigation system and shall not be installed or operated to place water on roads. (e) Replacement requirements: An owner is responsible to ensure that living material are replaced with like material if such living material or trees die, or are abused. (f) Removal of root systems: Removal of root systems which show evidence of destroying public or private property is required. (g) Tree Abuse: Tree abuse is prohibited within the City in accordance with Section 12% -16 of the City of Margate Code of Ordinances. (h) Tree Pruning: (1) All owners of land must prune trees in accordance with the National Arborist Association Standards. Any pruning performed without conformance to the National Arborist Association Standards shall be subject to enforcement by the City. (2) All tree pruners or removers that provide services for a fee within the City of Margate shall hold a valid occupational license in either Broward, Palm Beach, or Miami -Dade Counties. Section 23.10. Maintenance of swales. (a) Maintenance Responsibility. It shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain the swale area to the following minimum standards: (1) free of debris; and (2) grass and or weeds cut no higher than six (6) inches and edged away from the sidewalk and roadway; and (3) shrubs legally existing as of the date of this ordinance shall be kept trimmed to a height not to exceed four (4) feet and provide unrestricted visibility at driveways and street intersections; and (4) overhanging branches of trees shall be pruned to a height of at least twelve (12) feet above grade; and (5) the swale shall be kept free and clear of prohibited species, as set forth in Section 12% -10 of the City of Margate Code of Ordinances. Section 23.11. Maintenance of canal right of way or easements. No owner of land or any persons in their employ or under their control shall deposit in any of the waters of the lakes ponds canals. ditches or waterways within the city, any rubbish, filth, construction debris, litter, garbage, grass cuttings or poisonous or deleterious substance or substances liable to affect the health, safety and welfare of persons or fish within the waterways. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the appearance of the canal right of way, easement or waterway area to the following minimum standards: (1) free of debris; and (2) grace and nr yue9ric rift nn higher than six (6) inches, and (3) overhanging branches of trees shall be pruned to a height of at least twelve (12) feet and be free and clear of the waterway, and (4) the canal right of way or easement area shall be kept free and clear of prohibited species, as defined in the Code of the City of Margate. (5) All canals, lakes and other bodies of water shall be kept free of nuisance aquatic plants and in no instance shall any body of water have a surface covering of any type or species of aquatic plant. Memorandum To: Planning Commission Cc: Steve Sondrall, City Attorney Al Brixius, Planning Consultant From: Curtis Jacobsen, Director of CD Date: April 3, 2012 Subject: Shingle Creek 3rd Generation Watershed Plan The Planning Commission has been assigned the task of participating in the 3rd Generation Watershed Plan for the Shingle Creek Watershed. The participation and input we may offer, although useful to Shingle Creek in the development of the plan will also serve as an educational tool for Planning Commissioners and staff. Last month the materials sent out by the Watershed Commission staff for March review barely made it out on time for the March 6 Planning Commission meeting. As of the writing of this memo, the Watershed materials for April review have yet to arrive. If they arrive prior to the meeting they will be distributed at the meeting. Council Member Stauner is not available for the April meeting but is very much looking forward to the May meeting and being able to review the plan with the Commission. It may be helpful if you have any questions on the materials that you have reviewed for staff to relay those to the Council Member. Attachments • March Packet from Shingle Creek 1 NONVIONAWN 1800 Pioneer Creek Center, Maple Plain, MN 55359 Phone: 763-479-4200 Fax: 763-479-4242 Wenck Engineers • Scientists To: Shingle Creek/West Mississippi WMO Commissioners From: Ed Matthiesen, P.E. Diane Spector Date: March 2, 2012 Subject: Revised Schedule for Third Generation Plan Public Input Process The following is the revised schedule for completing the Third Generation Plan. There are three CAC opportunities over the next few months for citizen meetings to review components of the Plan. There are also three TAC meetings to complete the rules review, develop the implementation plan, and review the draft report. Attached is a draft of a presentation for the first CAC meeting. We've annotated it with a number of notes to give the presenters more background and help them to make the presentation. The EPOC will be reviewing a press release, website content, and a survey for the general public for release in the next week. March 2012 CAC meetings to review issues and goals, EPOC meetings to finalize education and outreach plan March 22, 2012 TAC final review of rules, begin implementation plan April 12, 2012 Commission final review of rules begin implementation plan April 2012 CAC meetings to review implementation actions, education and outreach plan April 26, 2012 TAC final review of implementation plan, review of draft Plan May 10, 2012 Commission review of draft Plan May 2012 CAC meetings to gather input on draft Plan June 7, 2012 Commission authorize 60-day review period June 8 — August 31 60 day city and agency review period, collate and respond to comments September 13, 2012 Public Hearing, approval to submit final Plan August-November 2012 Final BWSR and agency review and approval December 13, 2012 Commission adopts Plan Recommended Commission Action Review and comment on the schedule and draft presentation. ZAShingle CreeklManagementPlanN- revised 3rd gen schedule.doc Meeting Purpose Provide an overview of the Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commissions and their work Get your input on water resources priorities for the coming io years The Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commissions are boards of citizens from ten cities who are charged with managing the lakes, streams, and wetlands in this area. The Commissions are preparing their next ten year management plan, and the purpose of this meeting is to let you know what the Commissions have been working on the past ten years, and to get your input on what they should be focusing on in the next ten year plan. 2 Agenda • What is a watershed and what is a watershed management commission? • What is a watershed management plan and how does it relate to what cities do? • What have the Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commissions accomplished in the past ten years? • What are the issues identified for next ten years, and how do the Commissions plan to address them? We will start with some background on watersheds and management planning, then talk about what has been accomplished and some of the issues the Commissions see being important in the coming years. Then we'll open up for discussion on what you see and what you think should be priorities. 3 What is a Watershed? What Is a Watersh Some of this may be information you already know, but let's start with some basics. Watersheds are drainage areas and can be as large as the Mississippi River basin, for example, or as small as a few blocks in your neighborhood. The size doesn't matter, what matters is that anything that happens within that drainage area eventually has an impact on downstream water resources. Even though you may not live near a lake or stream, the stormwater that runs off yo::r proper ;y and down your curb and gutter eventually is carried to the nearest waterbody through a storm sewer, channel, or stream. That's why when we think about managing our lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands, we have to think about managing the whole area or watershed that drains to them. 4 A weteriW 0 th* aria of WA VW drabs to a Peauiar Pohl ONV a OMM Why Manage Water Resources? 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) was intended: "... to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters." First off, why do we manage water resources? Shouldn't that be the responsibility of the people that live on them? In the early 1970s, Congress passed sweeping new environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Threatened and Endangered Species Act, and established the Environmental Protection Agency. Before the Clean Water Act was passed, the federal government had standards only for "navigable waters" such as big rivers, and this was mainly to protect their use for shipping and interstate commerce. The Clean Water Act established a national policy that all the Nation's waters should be "fishable and swimmable." In other words, lakes and streams ought to be clean enough to swim safely, and to support a fish community with healthy fish that can be safely eaten. 5 Surface Water Management Act 1982 (Metro. Water Planning Law) During its first decade, the Clean Water Act focused on cleaning up point - source pollution, such as industrial discharges from pipes. In the early 1980s, attention turned to nonpoint source pollution, or pollutants from diffuse sources such as fertilizer, erosion, trash, petroleum, bacteria, etc. The Minnesota State Legislature passed the Surface Water Management act in 1982, which mandated that the seven county Metro area be divided in waters Lach watershed is requI. to prepare a mana� . p .a n dra ±ailing hnw it will address nonpoint source pollution and clean up and manage lakes, streams, and wetlands. 9 Metro Area Watersheds This is a map of watersheds in the Metro area. Those in red are Joint Powers organizations like Shingle Creek and West Mississippi. The ones in blue are Watershed Districts like Minnehaha Creek and Rice Creek. Watershed Districts are special units of government with their own taxing authority, but joint powers organizations get their funding from the member cities, who also appoint the commissioners. 7 Watwohad Districts and ManagemOtOrganizations In tare 7Win Cities Metropolitan Aria cww west Shingle i Mississippi . {t Creek and W - �':- --.-- riyy ! Mississippi Shingle.`° Watersheds Creek 1 M, r O .V r ,x This is a map of the Shingle Creek and West Mississippi watersheds. Shingle Creek encompasses parts of nine cities and is 43.5 square miles in size. West Mississippi includes parts of five cities, and is 23.5 acres in size. The Shingle Creek watershed extends west to just past Vicksburg Lane in Plymouth, and Shingle Creek discharges into the Mississippi River just north of the Camden Bridge in Minneapolis. There are sixteen lakes in the watershed and about 25 mil of stream. ;, "vest Mississippi extends from jest wect of TH 169 in Brooklyn Park and Champlin to the Mississippi River. There are no lakes in West Mississippi, and about 15 miles of channel. While they are two separate entities, the two watersheds consider themselves "sisters," and do much of their work jointly. 8 Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commissions An important note is that the ten cities in the two watersheds very deliberately chose to organize as joint powers WMOs rather than watershed districts. They felt is was important to have local control over the planning process. They also did not want to create a new layer of government with its own taxing authority, 9 Watershed Roles and Responsibilities Planniag studies Develop Developm eat mndards monitorins, adelf% education and outreach Capital prc)Je is M"aintemnee Ena &t ordinances, standard . pP'u` cbm , etc,, The watershed commissions generally take a coordinating and policy role, with the cities responsible for implementation, such as building projects, undertaking maintenance, etc. The commissions also provide watershed -wide activities such as monitoring, education, and public outreach. Some cities do this as well to supplement what the Commission does. The Commissions also coordinate with other watersheds nearby, such as Bassett Creek, Elm Creek, and I`V"innehaha Creek. For example, education and outreach is coordinated through the West Metro Water Alliance, or WMWA, which includes Shingle Creek, West Mississippi, Elm Creek, Bassett Creek, and Pioneer -Sarah Creek and partners Hennepin County, Three Rivers Park District, and the Freshwater Society. 10 Let's move on to the real purpose of this meeting, which is to talk about the upcoming new watershed management plan. This photo is of Minneapolis Patrick Henry High School students doing macro!nvertebrate sampling as part of their summer 3 -week education program, which is cosponsored by the Shingle Creek commission. 11 Watershed_ Management Pians A framework guiding annual work plans and city Local Water Management Plans Assessment of problems and issues and corresponding goals, policies and strategies Specific steps to be undertaken over ten years Funding and partnership strategies Watershed Management Plans are a framework for what the Commissions and the cities will try to accomplish in the coming ten years. They set policies and general goals and activities that are then refined in the annual work plan. 12 Relationship with City Planning After the watershed commissions complete their watershed management plan, each city is required to have a local water resources plan with details of what they will do to meet not only the city's goals but also the watershed's goals. So, for example, since a part of New Hope is in the watershed of Upper Twin Lake in Crystal, New Hope's plan must include some actions to help improve that lake even though it is not in New Hope. 13 Management Planning First Generation Plan, 1990-2002: focus on water quantity, preventing flooding • Second Generation Plan, 2003 -2012: focus on water quality, education and outreach Third Generation Plan, 2013 -2022: focus on implementation and achieving outcomes Our first management plan focused on controlling the amount of stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and erosion. This was important because at that time large areas of Plymouth, Maple Grove, northern Brooklyn Park, and Champlin hadn't been developed yet. The plan was to prevent development from causing any flooding issues downstream — and it worked. The second generation plan focused on water quality. For the past ten years �__- ....._:a „d +.. we've b stu d y i ng lakes a streams we een ��onit �r in,g au � Y stu ying - an st __.. to understand their water quality and other issues. This next plan will focus on taking what we have learned about our water resources and implementing projects and other actions to improve water quality. 14 Overview of Past 10 Years: Successes 1 3 lake, n utrient TM hhigl� wid Bass Qree6 ;biotic and Dissolved Oxygen TI ADL A - t uount of Pollutant load reduction ae e List 0 141,1iiiii", all t11 Because many of our lakes and streams do not meet state water quality standards, much of the Commission's time in the past ten years has been spent undertaking Total Maximum Daily Load studies, or TMDLs, which are detailed diagnostic studies to determine as best we can why a lake, for example, has severe algae blooms or why a stream like Shingle Creek doesn't support a good fish community. The chloride TMDL for Shingle Creek was the first in Minnesota, and it helped the state better understand the impacts of road salt use on our lakes and streams. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is using our :Mo i Shingle Creek to develop new programs and standards throughout the Metro area. We now have a set goal for each lake, and a good idea about the amount of pollutant reduction that would have to happen for the lake to meet its goals. Each TMDL has an Implementation Plan that lists the various types of actions that cities and others can take to reduce pollutants. Some of these actions are specific projects, like new stormwater ponds, and some are general actions, such as encouraging rain gardens, sweeping str ^:ore frequentl; or taking advantage of street or highway projects to reduce and treat runoff. Every five years the Commission will review what actions have been taken and evaluate whether water quality has gotten better, and if necessary come up with additional actions to take over the next five year cycle. This "adaptive management" cycle will go on until the water body meets its goals or there isn't anything left to do. 15 Overview of Past 10 Years: Successes m io of e Gatti n and Obtained $a.2 M, HUM in granU for prqject and studies 4` Calibrated hydrology, hydraulic, and water duality models The Commissions significantly increased the amount of education and outreach happening in the watersheds, working with schools, lake associations, and other property owners. The Commissions have been very successful obtaining grant funds. Almost all of the work done to study the lakes and streams and determine how improve them was paid for by grant funds. The models we have help us to understand where pollutants are coming from, so we can spend funds in the most cost- efI'eive places- 16 These are problems and issues the Commission and city staff have identified. We are interested in your comments and whether there are other things to be concerned about. This photo is Shingle Creek in Brookdale Park in Brooklyn Park. 17 Maintaining 8t Improving Water Resources What we've found through our monitoring program and through completing TMDLs on the lakes and streams in the watersheds is that our water resources have been highly impacted by the built environment. As we developed, we have created more stormwater runoff, and our storm sewers and channels carry this runoff and pollutants directly to our lakes, streams, and wetlands. 13 of our 16 lakes contain too much phosphorus. Our lake TMDLs big I ^^n .,.Auction nmiartc , cn most of the future improvement only found a f ew p otential i r . ,.�... is going to have to come from small projects and practices scattered around the entire watershed. The biotic integrity of Shingle and Bass Creeks is poor — in other words, they don't have many %h and can't sustain other aquatic life such as macroinvertebrates, or aquatic bugs. This is mainly because we have altered those streams over time so they are very efficient at carrying large amounts of runoff from our storm sewers down to the Mississippi River. The TMDL showed we need to reconstruct these streams to improve habitat 18 Funding is tight for everybody and managing water quality has to compete with basic city services such as public safety and public works. The Legacy Amendment Clean Water Fund raises about $68 million annually. That goes for lots of things statewide such as wastewater treatment plant upgrades, groundwater protection, and water testing and monitoring. The actual amount of grants for local projects by cities and watersheds is $7 -8 million annually, for the entire state. 19 Financial Stability Unknowns such as the Lake Pepin TMDL (now the South Metro Turbidity TMDL) will require cities and watersheds to take on new actions, but we don't know what yet. Water quality standards are always changing or being added, so we have to keep up with those. Another big unknown is what impact climate change will have. We already know precipitation has changed, that we are getting more intense storms. We don't know yet how that's going to have an impact on our lakes and streams and what we should plan on doing about it. 20 Regulations, Rules, and Standards These are some other issues that are important to talk about. There is a requirement that we clean up our lakes and streams, but how fast? How do we show the public, the taxpayers, that we're having a positive impact? What motivates people to change how they maintain their properties, for example, to stop mowing their lawns down to the edge of the lake? What do you think? 21 Evaluation and Communication This is a photo of Bass Lake in Plymouth. This next section reviews some of the preliminary goals for the next ten years that were developed by the Commissions and the cities. These goals will be used to come up with programs and projects throughout the two watersheds. As we go through these, please comment on what YOU think the goals and priorities ought to be. 22 Water Quantity Goats Continue to .% prevent flooding *Increase summer flows in Shingle and Bass Creeks shuWe Cmek in Brooklyn Park When land is converted from a natural use such as a prairie or a forest, lots of that natural surface is covered up with hard surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and buildings. These impervious surfaces do two things. One, when rain falls on them, instead of soaking into the ground it runs off into storm sewers and channels which carries all this water into streams like Shingle Creek. When it rains, Shingle Creek can rise two or three feet very fast. If there is a lot of rain, it can overtop the streambank and cause flooding. So, the first goal is to control the amount of new runoff so there is no new flooding. Second, the rain that used to soak into the shallow ground water was an important source of the water in lakes, streams, and wetlands. Some of our wetlands dried up when the groundwater table fell. Other streams like Bass and Shingle Creek go dry in summer unless we get rain. We've got to figure out how to increase infiltration to replenish our groundwater so that our streams and wetlands don't dry up. 23 Some ways to increase infiltration and restore surficial groundwater include things like bioinfiltration swales adjacent to roads and highways; boulevard rain gardens that infiltrate runoff from neighborhood streets; and porous pavement. The porous pavement photo is from our research project in Robbinsdale, which is investigating whether porous pavement at street corners will reduce ice buildup and thus reduce the need to apply road salt. Notice the ponded water on the traditional pavement. Even though the porous pavement had just been laid down (it is steaming in the rain as it is being rolled), the rain is soaking right through it. 24 Water Quality Goals Improve water quality to meet state standards in these lakes: • Schmidt • Bass • Eagle • Crystal • Middle Twin • Ryan Lakes These are some aggressive water quality goals. Many of the listed lakes are close to the state standard, and need only some concentrated effort to get them to meet water quality standards. others are more difficult and will take a lot of effort, but some improvement can be made. At a minimum, it is a goal of the Commissions that none of our lakes or streams get any worse than they are now. 25 Meadow Lake, New trope Water Quality Goals Improve water clarity in other lakes by io% Complete stream improvements on 30% of the length of Shingle Creek Shingle Creek, Brooklp Park 26 Groundwater_. and- Wetlands Goals Increase infiltration to restore groundwater • Protect existing wetlands • Improve functions and values of wetlands where possible ctiewxm Ww %x41aua, Drww,m In the past groundwater was not paid much attention, but we realize now that we have to know more about how it impacts our surface waters such as wetlands and streams. We also have to do more to protect and improve our wetlands. We have lost many of wetlands, and those that haven't been filled or drained are in poor condition. We need to look for ways we can restore the native vegetation in wetlands that are now, for example, mostly cattails. We do have some remaining good quality wetlands, and those need to be preserved as much as possible because they provide important habitat and other functions to the landscape. 27 Operations and Programming Goals • Operate within sustainable funding level • continue to share in the cost of implementation projects • Continue to seek out grants and other funding sources Funding is one of the most important issues facing cities and watersheds. Most of Shingle Creek and West Mississippi's operational funding comes from the ten cities in the watershed. Grants help fund special projects, but there is a lot of competition for that funding. Hennepin County also levies a special property tax across all the properties in the watersheds to pay for certain types of projects. But there is so much that needs to be done, all these sources are not sufficient to pay for everything, so we have to make choices and prioritize what we can do. That's where we need your help, in deciding what is most important. 28 The Commissions do a lot of lake and stream monitoring, both to keep track of conditions and to determine if the projects and other actions being taken have a measurable impact on improving the lakes and streams. Some of that monitoring is performed by volunteers. High school students collect m a croi nverteb rates (bugs) from streams in several locations in the two watersheds. Adult volunteers measure lake water clarity, and in a new program also help monitor conditions in some wetlands. 29 Continue Education and Outreach Programming Sponsor volunteer events Participate in education fain Provide classroom education Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Commissions provide a number of opportunities for education and participation. A small grant program helps volunteer groups pay for materials to restore native vegetation on shorelines, or plant rain gardens on public property to treat runoff. We sponsor an annual Earth Day /Week event, the Great Watershed Cleanup. Commission members participate in education fairs and home and garden shows to get the word ?gut, The Commissions sponsor rain garden workshops through Metro Blooms, and education on water issues for city staff and city councils. We have a website www.shinglecreek.org, which includes information about the Commissions and our work, and about other water issues. We also partner up with several other watershed organizations in the West Metro Water Alliance, WiMWA, and participate in other collaborations such as Blue Thumb and Watershed Partners. Can you think of other types of education and outreach you'd like to see the Commissions try? 30 Operations and Programming Goals • Maintain updated hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality models • Maintain and update development rules and standards • Serve as a technical resource for cities • Continue research projects Coordinate water management between cities And finally, one of our goals for the coming ten years is to keep on doing what we've been doing successfully for the past ten years. We require new development and redevelopment projects to manage their stormwater to reduce runoff, and to treat what does leave their site. We stay current on the latest research, and do research ourselves through grant - funded projects. We are a resource for cities, and we are a means to collaboration. We meet monthly, so the cities have a regular opportunity to get together aged share information and talk through problems and issues. 31 Some Questions What do you think are the most important issues regarding our lakes and streams? « Are there some additional things we could consider doing to help our water resources? ® What's the best way to get information about water resources issues to residents and to commercial properties? How would you persuade someone to consider doing something new, such as a rain garden? We've covered a lot of material and you've asked some good questions and made several suggestions. What else do you think the Commissions should think about as they develop their next generation management plan? 32 SC I Management Plan I Third Generation Plan I Citizens Committee I CAC Presentation 1 33