HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetland Setbacl Topic: Wetland Setback
Date Introduced: February 10, 2010
Why on the list: This issue was brought up by the Energy and Environment
Commission.
History: The underlying Watershed Districts (Nine Mile Creek and
Minnehaha Creek) are the regulatory agencies for the City of
Edina in regard to wetland protection and review and approval
of new grading and drainage plans.
Decision Points: 1. Are the current watershed district standards adequate?
(See the standards below.)
2. Should the City of Edina go beyond watershed district
regulations on wetland setbacks?
Options: • 1. Recommend establishing wetland setback requirements
beyond watershed district standards.
2. Continue to have the watershed district regulate wetland
setbacks.
3. Refer the issue to the Energy and Environment Commission. •
Minnehaha Creek — Existing Standards
Size of Wetland Setback/Buffer
0 - 1 acre 1.6.5 feet
1 - 2.5 acres 20 feet
2.5 - 5 acres 25 feet
Si-- acres 35 feet
Minnehaha Creek — Proposed Standards Currently Under Consideration
Type of Wetland Setback/Buffer
Manage 3 20 feet
Manage 2 30 feet
Manage 1 40 feet
Preserve 75 feet
Nine Mile Creek _ Existing Standards
Wetland Value Setback/Buffer
Low 20 feet
Medium 40 Feet
High 6() feet
Discussion
Committee Members acknowledged that despite the failed attempt to pass a tree
ordinance in 2002 it appears interest has again peaked. Commissioners raised
the following:
• At this time what is the driving force behind a drafting a tree ordinance? Is
it development/redevelopment.? Members noted Edina residents
consistently plant new trees and replace trees when remtned .
• Where is the public benefit? Is there really a problem? It has been
acknowledged if a tree ordinance is adopted policing and enforcement
issues will occur. Staffing is an issue.
• Will a permit be required to remove a tree? And if so; would there be a
minimum diameter requirement before a permit is needed. Would there
be a maximum diameter whereby a tree can't be removed?
Planner Teague reiterated in Edina residents plant trees, adding he believes the
correct way to proceed would be to reevaluate the City's landscaping
requirements and make changes where needed. Continuing, Planner Teague
said the Committee could also consider forwarding this issue to the Energy and
Environment ammission for their comments.
Action
Referrarto Energy and Environment Commission.
TOPIC: Wetland Setback
Date Introduced: February 10, 2010
Introduction
Planner Teague explained that the issue of wetland setback was brought up by
Commissioner Risser during a recent development review. Planner Teague
reported that currently the underlying Watershed Districts (9-Mile and
Minnehaha) are the regulatory agencies for the City in regard to wetland
protection, review and approval of new grading and drainage plans.
Planner Teague said he sees the following as decision points:
1. Are the current watershed district standards adequate?
2. Should the City of Edina go beyond watershed district regulations on
wetland setbacks
6
The following are options:
1. Recommend establishing wetland setback requirements beyond the
watershed district standards.
2. Continue to have the watershed district regulate wetland setbacks
3. Refer the issue to the Energy and Environment Commission.
Discussion
Committee Members raised the following:
• Should the City of Edina go beyond Watershed District regulations on
wetland setback?
- If so, Why?
- What are the benefits?
- How does the City prevent confusion?
- Can the City legally do this?
- What is the City trying to accomplish?
The discussion ensued with Committee Members in agreement that changing the
City's process on how the City addresses wetlands is very involved and it would
benefit the Committee if another body with more expertise would review the
present policy and if changes are warranted suggest them. Committee Members
agreed that the regulations established by both Watershed Districts and the DNR
appear to work in Edina. Committee Members cautioned that if the requirements
are changed the City would need to ensure that the new restrictions would not
render a property unbuildable.
Action
Referral to the Energy and Environment Commission.
Chair Fischer stated the next meeting of the Zoning Ordinance Update
Committee is March 10, 2010, 7:30
IV. ADJOURNMENT:
The Committee Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM
Submitted by:
Yti,ye.iwz,C,67
,
7