HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.A.2. Revisions to the Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria-Res. NO. 6878
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CITY OF SHAKOPEE
MEMORANDUM
Meeting Date:
Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
Jamie Polley, Director Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources 1
March 3, 2009
To:
From:
Subject:
Revisions to the Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria
INTRODUCTION:
This agenda item seeks approval of the amended Natural Resource Corridor Design
Criteria as recommended by the Environmental Advisory Committee,
DISCUSSION:
The EAC met to discuss the amended Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria on
November 6, 2008 and February 11, 2009, The City Attorney has reviewed the
language of the document and ensures that it is consistent with other City Code
documents, The following revisions were completed for consistency with the Natural
Resources Plan element of the Comprehensive Plan and the Tree Management
Regulations:
. The woodland design criteria were revised,
. The heritage tree definition was revised,
. The woodland definition was revised,
The following revisions were completed for consistency with the Natural Resources
Prioritization Matrix:
. The bluff definition was revised.
. The steep slope definition was revised,
The following revisions were completed to eliminate conflicts with potential development:
. The tree removal and replacement requirements were revised,
. The minimum design criteria for wildlife habitat were revised,
. The minimum design criteria for steep slopes and bluffs between 10% were
revised,
. The definition of a Bluff Face was included,
. The definition of a RidgelineNiewshed was included,
CITY GOALS:
D, Vibrant, resilient and stable,
ACTION REQUESTED:
If Council concurs, approve the Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria as
recommended by the EAC and offer Resolution No, 6878,
RESOLUTION NO. 6878
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE ADOPTING
NATURAL RESOURCES CORRIDOR DESIGN CRITERIA
WHEREAS, the Shakopee City Council adopted Ordinance No. 798, an ordinance
amending City Code Section 12.24, Subdivision 2 relating to Design Criteria on May 20, 2008;
and
WHEREAS, the Shakopee City Council adopted Resolution No. 6777 relating to the
Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria on May 20, 2008.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SHAKOPEE, MINNESOTA,
1. That it hereby approves and adopts the attached Natural Resources Corridor
Design Criteria.
2. Such design criteria shall be kept on file at City Hall and shall be made available
to the public.
3. That City Council Resolution No. 6777 is hereby repealed.
Adopted in
held this _ day of
session of the City Council of the City of Shakopee, Minnesota,
,2009.
John J. Schmitt
Mayor of the City of Shakopee
ATTEST:
City Clerk
City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009 5~ fL ~.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary 3
Section 1 Definitions 5
Section 2 Design Criteria for Lakes and Streams 11
Section 3 Design Criteria for Wetlands 15
Section 4 Design Criteriafor Woodlands 19
Section 5 Design Criteria for Upland Vegetation 25
Section 6 Design Criteria for Wildlife Habitat 27
Section 7 Design Criteria for Endangered and Threatened Species 29
Section 8 Design Criteria for Steep Slopes and Bluffs 31
Section 9 Design Criteria for Recreation Opportunities 33
Section 10 Design Criteria for Accessibility/Infrastructure 35
Section 11 Design Criteria for Connectivity 37
Appendix A Purpose and Goals of Design Criteria
Appendix B Ecological Basis for Design Criteria
Appendix C Design Criteria Photos
Appendix D MnDNR 2005 Alternative Shoreland Standards
Appendix E MnDNR Shoreline Alterations: Natural Buffers and Lakescaping
Appendix F MnDOT Parcel 75: Oak Savanna Vegetation Management Plan
Appendix G MnDNR A Prairie Restoration Handbook for Minnesota Landowners
Appendix H MnDNRA Handbookfor Collecting Vegetation Plot Data
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-'*'" City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Executive Summary
The City of Shakopee has a diversity of high quality natural resources, natural systems and
natural features that serve as the City's "green infrastructure." These resources comprise
Shakopee's natural heritage, provide critical functions that sustain the developed portions of the
City and shape the character of the City. While infrastructure sustains the community, it is not
inherently self-sustaining. Like the rest of Shakopee's infrastructure (roads, water and
wastewater systems, public buildings) green infrastructure must be considered within the
subdivision and development process, and maintained via routine public investment.
The following Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria are divided into sections addressing
specific natural features that were the basis for the composite Natural Resources Corridor map:
Section 2: Lakes and Streams - Conserve water quality, provide flood control, retain and
enhance the plant and animal communities associated with these ecosystems, and provide
recreation and open space for people.
Section 3: Wetlands - Conserve wetlands and the critical functions they provide in the
ecosystem for water quality, flood control, habitat, recreation, and open space.
Section 4: Woodlands - Conserve the various size woodland patches and reduce woodland
fragmentation to better sustain ecosystem functions.
Section 5: Upland Vegetation - Conserve the remaining native upland vegetation areas and
encourage restoration efforts to take place to connect isolated, naturally vegetated locations.
Section 6: Wildlife Habitat - Conserve existing wildlife habitat corridors and allow restoration
efforts to connect these isolated areas.
Section 7: Endangered and Threatened Species - Conserve the ecosystem upon which
species classified as endangered, threatened, or of special concern depend for survival.
Section 8: Steep Slopes and Bluffs - Conserve steep slope and bluff areas that help shape
the community character for future generations.
Section 9: Recreation - Enhance recreation to allow residents an opportunity to gain an
appreciation for natural resources.
Section 10: Accessibility/Infrastructure - Utilize existing infrastructure components of the
City as part of the Natural Resources Corridor system.
Section 11: Connectivity - Ensure recreational or natural resource connections between areas
that do not have connections with natural features.
The Design Criteria are intended to address connectivity issues. This requires conserving or
restoring natural features and the functions and connections they have to other natural features.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 11 Definitions
For the purposes of the Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria the following definitions
apply. Nothing in these definitions is intended to modify other terms used in any other City code
or City ordinance.
1. Applicant means any person proposing a Development.
2. Buildable area of land means the minimum contiguous area remaining on a lot or
parcel of land after all setback requirements and buffers, bluffs and restricted steep
slopes, easements and rights-of-way, historic sites, wetlands, and land below the
ordinary high water level of public waters are subtracted for the purpose of placement of
structures.
3. Bluff means a topographic feature such as a hill, cliff, or embankment having the
following characteristics:
a. The slope rises at least 25 feet in elevation above the toe of the bluff;
b. The grade of the slope from the toe of the bluff to a point 25 feet or more above the
toe averages 18percent or greater.
c. A distance of 50 feet or more as measured vertically along the bluff face.
d. A distance equal to or greater than 660 feet as measured horizontally along the most
direct route of the top of bluff in the bluff face. The horizontal distance can extend
beyond property lines.
4. Bluff face means the area between the toe of the bluff and top of the bluff.
5. Bluff impact zone means a bluff and land located within 50 feet from the top or the toe
of a bluff.
6. Buffer is an area of natural, unmaintained, vegetated ground cover abutting or
surrounding a wetland, watercourse, waterbody, habitat area, or other natural feature.
7. Conservation Easement is an easement granted in favor of the City and recorded with
the County over, above, and below a parcel of land to permanently protect the
environmental value of the land.
8. Conventional subdivision means a pattern of subdivision development that permits the
division of land in the standard form where lots are spread evenly throughout a parcel
with little regard for natural features or common open space as compared to a
conservation subdivision where lots are clustered and common opens space is provided.
9. Conservation subdivision means a method of subdivision characterized by common
open space and clustered compact lots, with the purpose of creating greater community
value through open space amenities for homeowners and protection of natural
resources, while allowing for the residential densities consistent with prevailing densities.
Site designs incorporate standards of low impact development, such as the use of some
single-load roadways and narrower rights-of-way, looped road-ways versus cul-de-sacs,
maximum road setbacks for structures, and preservation of trees, shoreline, unique
resources, and scenic vistas, and these developments use stormwater designs that
emphasize on-site retention and infiltration through the preservation of native vegetation
within the shore impact zone, use of pervious surfaces, rain gardens, and swales.
10. Core habitat area means the central area of a patch of habitat which maintains the
habitat's pre-fragmentation conditions.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
11. Corridor Connections means a corridor that provides residents and natural resources
an opportunity to travel between natural resource areas identified on the Natural
Resources Corridor map.
12. Diameter at Breast Height, or DBH, means the length of a straight line through the
trunk of a tree (in inches) measured at 54 inches above the ground from the uphill side
of the tree.
13. Development means any activity for which a preliminary plat, minor subdivision,
conditional use permit, variance, building permit, or grading permit is required.
14. Dripline means an imaginary vertical line that extends from the outermost branches of a
tree's canopy to the ground.
15. Easement means a limited property right to make use of a parcel or lot owned by
another person, such as a drainage and utility easement or conservation easement.
16. Ecosystem means the whole of the environment (physical, chemical, and biological)
and the organisms which interact within that system.
17. Edge habitat means the outlying areas of a patch of habitat which may be disturbed by
human activities and may have different wind, sun, and rain exposure than core habitat
areas.
18. Endangered Species is a species threatened with extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range in Minnesota.
19. Fragmentation means the process that occurs as people use the land resulting in the
natural landscape being divided into ever-smaller pieces by transportation and utility
corridors and residential, commercial and industrial land uses. The remaining natural
areas, or fragments, are reduced in size and degraded in quality, resulting in a decline in
plant and animal populations, and the disappearance of sensitive plant and animal
communities.
Fragmentation Figure
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Figure fmlll BjruOi aud _Fol'cs~*_ ~
Proportion of habitat remaining (%) e
Janel C (jfeellllnd MN DellI ol"Nalural ~
Resollrtes_ 11.)1.)5. Slale \)1" Minnesota. 5
Sdu:mnlif (If Im)J,'1"fSsi~IP fmg11lell/alion ami lOS_I at !t(/bitllt. TIlI"u: tm: Ilm'.IJIOM efferts ill fmgmf!nlaliolllltal
(/epmd (lllllw sped".1 /lmi its IwblJall1:qllintlUl'1lls. Hal1lJal gftltJmlisls (If'l' l1t:tli:r arlal"rd III SUfI/flit' in fmgJ/lI!1l1rrl
(muiscll/!"S l!tan Iwbilal SPl'citlli.\IS~ (ArlalJiirtl fmlll Antlrell 1994.)
Page 6 of37
City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
20. Habitat means areas that sustain native species of plant or animal by providing
necessary resources which may include shelter, food, protection, or reproduction areas.
21. Habitat buffer zone means undeveloped or agricultural areas surrounding a wildlife
corridor or habitat area intended to provide edge habitat and protect the wildlife corridor
from human disturbances.
22. Heritage Tree means a tree in fair or better condition meeting the following criteria:
a. Is a deciduous tree;
b. Has a DBH equal to or greater than 24 inches (a lesser size tree may be considered
to be a Heritage Tree if it is a rare species or can be utilized as a focal point in the
project;
c. Has a life expectancy of greater than 10 years;
d. Has structural integrity and shows no visible defects that would cause it to be
classified as a Hazard Tree;
23. High quality vegetation means those areas identified in the Scott County MLCCS land
cover survey with native vegetation and rated as "better" or "best" sites in the Shakopee
Natural Resources Corridor maps.
24. Highly erosive soils means those soils designated as highly erosive in the Scott
County Soils Survey database and maps.
25. Infrastructure means roads, driveways, parking lots, wastewater, stormwater
conveyance, water, electric, gas, or telecommunications equipment, pipes or associated
support structures.
26. Intensive vegetative clearing means the removal of trees or shrubs, or perennial native
grasses in a contiguous patch, strip, ro'M, or block.
27. Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) means the land cover
classification system created by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and
the completed land cover survey data collected and mapped by Scott County consistent
with the MLCCS. The classification system consists of five hierarchical levels. Levels 1,
2, and 3 are a hybrid based on the National Vegetation Classification System and the
Minnesota Natural Heritage plant communities data. Levels 4 and 5 use the Minnesota
Natural Heritage system to more explicitly identify plant community types.
28. Minnesota Routine Assessment Method (MnRAM) is a wetland functions assessment
tool created in Minnesota by an interagency workgroup in 1991 to help local officials
make sound wetland management decisions based on data gathered in the field. This
tool evaluates the following functions of a wetland and establishes a value of
exceptional, high, medium, or low for each function (MnRAM Comprehensive General
Guidance document, Board of Water and Soil Resources):
1. Vegetative Diversity/Integrity
2. Maintenance of Characteristic Hydrologic Regime
3. Flood/Stormwaterl Attenuation
4. Downstream Water Quality
5. Maintenance of Wetland Water Quality
6. Shoreline Protection
7. Maintenance of Characteristic fish Habitat
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
8. Maintenance of Characteristic Amphibian Habitat
9. Aesthetics/Recreation/Education/Cultural
10. Commercial Uses
11. Groundwater Interaction
12. Wetland Restoration Potential
13. Sensitivity to Stormwater and Urban Development
14. Additional Stormwater Treatment Needs
29. Natural Resources Corridor Map refers to the most recent version of the Shakopee
Natural Resources Corridor map approved by the Shakopee City Council.
30. Natural Resource Prioritization Matrix (NRPM) refers to the matrix system created by
the Shakopee Environmental Advisory Committee to evaluate natural features for the
creation of the Natural Resources Corridor map. The NRPM is included in the Natural
Resources Plan component of the Comprehensive Plan.
31. Native vegetation means plants and plant communities that occur naturally in the
Shakopee area.
32. Patch means a relatively homogeneous type of habitat that is spatially separated from
other similar habitat and differs from its surroundings. (Forman, R. 1995. Land Mosaics:
The Ecolo of Landsca e and Re ions. Cambrid e Universit Press, Cambrid e.
70%
PIIfdI .".". atJtI.... The<<lge to Interior ratio of a ha/JI.
tat patch Is affected by patch shape. A more convoluted, irregular. or
linear patch will have 8 higher proportion of edge, thus. Increasing the
number of <<lge s()CCles and decreasing ,he numlJer of Interior species.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
33. Recreation opportunities means an area that provides residents recreating an
opportunity to interact with natural resources in the Natural Resources Corridor.
34. RidgelineNiewshed means an area with a slope that is equal or greater than 18
percent that has a length of more than 660 feet as measured horizontally along the
most direct route of the area that would be considered the bluff face.
35. Right-of-way is a narrow length of land used for the route of a railroad, electric power
line, or public road.
36. Riparian refers to living or being located on the bank of a natural watercourse or
sometimes of a lake.
37. Riparian Rights are the legal rights of a landowner owning riparian land.
38. Setback is the minimum horizontal distance between a structure or other specified item
such as a wetland boundary.
39. Slope refers to the continuous inclination of the land surface for a distance of at least 50
feet, when measured perpendicular to the contour line. Most often slope is defined as
the percentage related to the inclination. For example, a 25percent slope would have a
one foot rise in land for every four feet of horizontal distance (see diagram below).
1 ft rise/4 ft distance = 0.25 l~t~
0.25 *100 = 25percent slope 4 Ft
Notto Scale
40. Special Concern Species is a species not listed as endangered or threatened, but is
considered extremely uncommon in Minnesota or has unique or highly specific habitat
requirements and deserves careful monitoring of its status. Species on the periphery of
their range that are not listed as threatened may be included in this category along with
those species that were once threatened or endangered but now have increasing or
protected, stable populations.
41. Steep slope means lands with the following characteristics:
a. Average slopes equal to or greater than 18percent.
b. A distance of 50 feet or more as measured vertically along the bluff face.
c. A distance equal to or greater than 660 feet as measured horizontally along the most
direct route of the top of bluff in the bluff face. The horizontal distance can extend
beyond property lines.
42. Threatened Species is a species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable
future throughout all or a significant portion of its range within Minnesota.
43. Toe of the bluff means the lower point of a 50 foot segment with an average slope
exceeding 18percent.
44. Top of the bluff means the higher point of a 50 foot segment with an average slope
exceeding 18percent.
45. Tree means a living specimen of a woody plant species that is either a deciduous tree
whose diameter is 6 inches or greater at DBH, or a coniferous tree whose height is 12
feet or greater.
46. Wetland means the lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems as
defined in the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA).
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
47. Wetlands, Exceptional Value are exceptional and highest functioning wetlands or
those sensitive wetlands receiving conveyed storm water runoff that have yet retained a
medium level of vegetative diversity/integrity according to the MnRAM 3.0 evaluation.
These wetlands are most susceptible to human impacts, are most unique, have the
highest community resources significance such as rare species habitats, and similar
characteristics.
48. Wetlands, High Value are high quality wetlands according to the MnRAM 3.0
evaluation. These wetlands are relatively undisturbed but exhibit evidence of more
disturbance or degradation than Exceptional Value wetlands. High Value wetlands have
conditions and functions that are susceptible to human impacts, are connected to other
wetlands or watercourses, and may contain locally significant or rare wetland types.
49. Wetlands, Medium Value are wetlands that provide medium functional levels
according to the MnRAM 3.0 evaluation. These wetlands typically provide a diversity of
habitats, are connected to other wetland or upland habitats to provide wildlife habitat,
and often provide the optimal restoration opportunity.
50. Wetlands, Low Value are wetlands that have been substantially disturbed according to
the MnRAM 3.0 evaluation. These wetlands tend to be less susceptible to further
impacts than the other wetland management classifications. They also have low
vegetative diversity/integrity and no connectivity to other wetlands and watercourses.
51. Wetland Boundary is the delineation between upland and wetland determined
according to the United States Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual
(January 1987). The wetland type must be determined according to United States Fish
and Wildlife Service Circular No. 39 (1971 edition).
52. Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) became effective January 1, 1992, to A) achieve no
net loss in the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of Minnesota's existing wetlands;
B) increase the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of Minnesota's wetlands by
restoring or enhancing diminished or drained wetlands; C) avoid direct or indirect
impacts from activities that destroy or diminish the quantity, quality, and biological
diversity of wetlands; and D) replace wetland values where avoidance of activity is not
feasible or prudent (Minnesota Rules Chapter 8420).
53. Wetland Delineation Report is the proof submitted to the local government unit in
compliance with Chapter 8420.0225 of the WCA identifying the wetland boundary.
54. Wetland Replacement Plan is an application form supplied by the applicant proposing
wetland impacts. The components of the plan must be in compliance with the
requirement of Chapter 8420.0530 of the WCA.
55. Wildlife corridors are linear landscape features composed of native vegetation that
connect two or more habitat patches to allow for the movement of animals, birds and
other species.
56. Wildlife habitat areas means areas identified as better or best wildlife habitat on the
Natural Resources Corridor Wildlife map.
57. Woodland means the area within the contiguous dripline created by a grouping of
woody plant species if the grouping contains at least 1 tree.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 1 Design Criteria for Lakes and Streams
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for lakes and streams address
all waters and drainageways within the Natural Resources Corridor map regulated by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, local watershed districts, local watershed
management organizations or City of Shakopee.
B. Principles for Design Criteria. The minimum Design Criteria for lakes and streams are
created to meet the following criteria:
1. Ensure the ongoing functioning of natural systems to manage stormwater.
2. Protect habitat areas at the critical water/land juncture.
3. Require minimum primary and secondary buffers to lakes and streams
4. Protect existing vegetation and require vegetation restoration where warranted.
5. Protect opportunities for public access, trails, and other recreation.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Lakes and Streams. The following minimum Design Criteria
are derived from the Department of Natural Resource's 2005 Alternative Shoreland
Management Standards. The Alternative Standards incorporate the most current natural
resource science research on protecting natural shoreland functions while still allowing
development along lakes, rivers, and streams. The standards shall apply to lake and stream
shoreland areas identified on the Natural Resources Corridor map.
1. Suitability Design Criteria. Subdivision of land within lake and stream shoreland
areas must ensure that each proposed lot meets suitability design criteria.
a. Sewered lots shall have a minimum of 8,400 square feet of buildable area per
dwelling unit.
b. Unsewered lots shall have a minimum buildable area of 17,400 square feet
per dwelling unit.
c. Proposed subdivisions that include stream or river shoreland areas must also
meet the above design criteria for lots that are within 300 feet of the OHWL.
2. Primary and Secondary Buffers. The total buffer (building setback) between
OHWL and any building in the shoreland area shall be no less than1 00 feet and shall
be greater as described below, or when the Shoreland Overlay requires a larger
setback. The buffer shall include a minimum of 50 feet for the primary buffer (shore
impact zone), and 25 feet of secondary buffer. For shoreland areas within the Natural
Resources Corridor map designated as Better or Best, the following buffer
requirements shall be met:
a. Better shoreland areas shall have a total buffer of at least 100 feet, including
at least 50 feet of primary buffer.
b. Best shoreland areas shall have a total buffer of at least 150 feet, including at
least 60 feet of primary buffer.
i A conservation easement shall be placed on the primary buffer, and
the primary buffer must be monumented to identify the border of the
easement.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
ii A larger primary buffer is, at the City of Shakopee's discretion, a
mitigating factor for reducing the total buffer/setback distance, if also
allowed under the Shoreland Overlay. In no case shall the
buffer/setback be less than 100 feet.
c. For shoreland with either the Better or Best designations the City of
Shakopee may, at its own discretion, use buffer averaging to modify buffer
requirements in order to best protect the shoreland and water resources.
3. Open Space Requirements for Lakeshore Subdivisions. All subdivisions that will
result in five or more development lots shall include open space areas to be
permanently protected.
a. Conventional subdivisions shall provide for open space by increasing the lot
size to be a minimum of 50percent larger than the minimum lot size allowed
in Shakopee's shoreland overlay.
b. Conservation subdivisions shall retain the full development rights of the
s~oreland overlay, provided that development site has enough buildable land
to meet suitability requirements. Conservation subdivisions shall meet the
open space design and protection requirements and the vegetation
management standards of the Department of Natural Resource's 2005
Alternative Shoreland Management Standards, or most recent version.
4. Vegetation Management Requirements. No vegetation removal is allowed in the
primary buffer (the shore impact zone), except as approved by the City of Shakopee
in a vegetation management plan for shoreland restoration. Each riparian lot may
also clear a 20-foot wide access area at the shore, not more than 15 feet long, and a
path area not more than six feet wide through the primary buffer. For shoreland
areas designated better or best the following additional design criteria shall apply:
a. New riparian lots shall have restored primary buffers, if the existing shore
impact zone is disturbed or vegetated with turf grass or non-native
vegetation. The shore restoration shall meet the requirements of the Scott
County Soil and Water Conservation District or Minnesota DNR standards for
shoreland restoration.
b. Approvals for variances, rezonings, or conditional uses for existing riparian
lots shall include shoreland restoration for the primary buffer.
5. Low Impact Development Preferred. Low impact development methods are the
preferred form of development in all shoreland areas. The City shall, at its discretion,
require low impact techniques to be incorporated into subdivision design,
landscaping, street and stormwater infrastructure design, and building construction in
approving rezonings, conditional uses, or variances. Low impact development
techniques include:
a. Minimizing impervious surfaces through the use of narrower rights-of-way
and narrower streets, looped road-ways versus cul-de-sacs, shorter building
setbacks from the road to minimize driveway length, and use of pervious
parking surfaces.
b. Stormwater management and infrastructure that emphasizes on-site retention
and infiltration through the preservation of native vegetation within the shore
impact zone, preservation of wooded shoreline, and use of rain gardens,
swales, and other small infiltration areas where soils are appropriate.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
6. Visual Impacts to be Mitigated. Building location, design, and buffer landscaping
shall minimize the building profile as seen from the closest shoreland point.
a. Existing trees shall be maintained to screen 50percent of buildings in leaf-on
conditions.
b. Break up building mass using methods such as broken planes, varying
rooflines, stepping back (from the shoreline perspective) of upper stories.
c. Use materials and colors that blend with the setting; avoid the use of
reflective materials.
d. Buildings on riparian lots should not exceed 30 feet in height. Buildings
higher than 30 feet must require additional setback distance.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 2 Design Criteria for Wetlands
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for wetlands addresses all
wetlands within the Natural Resources Corridor map as defined in the Minnesota Wetland
Conservation Act (WCA).
B. Principles for Design Criteria. The minimum Design Criteria for wetlands are created to
meet one the following criteria (Scott County WMO):
1. No Net Loss. Achieve no net loss of wetlands in Shakopee, in conformance with the
Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA).
2. Maximize Avoidance. Maximize wetland avoidance for all new developments and
land disturbing activities.
3. Mitigation Required. Require mitigation of wetland disturbance or risk of
degradation by replacing the lost or at risk wetland functions and values in the same
major watershed with equal or greater wetland function or value.
4. Require Transportation Project Compliance. Require transportation projects to
pursue wetland mitigation projects along the transportation corridor. (This does not
preclude the use of the BWSR Replacement Program.)
5. Recognize Multiple Functions. Identify and preserve wetlands for water retention,
recharge, soil conservation, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and natural enhancement of
water quality.
6. Stormwater Impacts. Manage changes in volume and quality of local stormwater
systems to minimize negative impacts to existing wetland functions, value, or
biological diversity.
7. Replacement. Replace affected wetlands where avoidance is not feasible and
prudent in order to sustain Shako pee's urban setting.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Wetlands. Following are the minimum Design Criteria that
shall apply to wetland areas:
1. Wetland Application. A wetland assessment and delineation report, the most
recent version of the MnRAM assessment, and replacement plan shall be submitted
to the City when required by Chapter 16 of the City Code The submittals must be
performed by a qualified wetland specialist and the wetland boundary in the report
shall be shown on a scaled drawing
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
2. Wetland Impacts and Replacement Requirements. The guidelines for proposed
wetland impacts and replacement requirements will be based on the approved
Minnesota Routine Assessment Method (MnRAM) assessment and are as follows:
MnRAM Management Class Impacts and Mitigation Criteria
Exceptional lNo impact allowed
High ~o impact allowed
Medium l)A voidance 2)On-site
l)A voidance 2)On-site
Low 3)Minor-watershed
4)Upstream minor-watershed
3. Wetland Buffer Setbacks. For any parcel created or redeveloped, all new
structures are required to have a setback from the wetland buffer as defined in this
section. The wetland buffer setback shall be measured from the outer edge of the
wetland buffer as defined in this section. For residential parcels, a 30 foot front and
rear yard wetland buffer setback and a 1 0 foot side yard wetland buffer setback is
required. All nonresidential parcels shall be required to provide a 10 foot structure
setback for the front, rear and side yards. If a wetland buffer is not required, a
wetland setback is not required.
4. Wetland Buffers. For any parcel created or redeveloped, a buffer from the wetland
boundary is required.
a. Required Wetland Buffer Dimensions. Wetland buffer dimensions are
based on the approved MnRAM assessment and are as follows:
MnRAM Average Minimum
Management Class Buffer Buffer
Width (feet) Width (feet)
Exceptional 65 25
High 50 25
Medium 35 25
Low 25 25
The required area of the wetland buffer shall be calculated using the average
buffer width as measured from the delineated wetland boundary.
b. Minimum Buffer Increased When Slopes are Present. The average and
minimum buffer width for areas with continuous slopes over 1 Opercent from
the edge of the wetland boundary and extending at least 20 feet from the
wetland boundary shall be increased by 25 feet.
c. Wildlife Habitat and Corridor Protection. The average minimum buffer
width for wetland areas with rare, threatened, or endangered species shall be
increased to 200 feet, and for wetlands with an exceptional MnRAM
classification for habitat function the minimum buffer shall be 100 feet.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
d. Wetland Buffer Vegetation. Buffer vegetation must be established and
maintained as follows:
i Protection during Construction. The first 25 of the wetland buffer
must not be disturbed during project construction with the exception of
public road and utility construction.
ii Retain Natural Vegetation. Where acceptable natural vegetation
exists in buffer areas as determined by the City, the retention of such
vegetation in an undisturbed state is required unless an applicant
receives approval to replace such vegetation. A buffer has
acceptable natural vegetation if it has a continuous, dense layer of
perennial grasses and/or an overstory of trees and/or shrubs that has
been uncultivated or unbroken for at least 5 consecutive years. The
City of Shakopee may determine existing buffer vegetation
unacceptable if the buffer has undesirable characteristics such as
noxious or invasive plant species or topography that channelizes the
flow of runoff.
iii Restoration with Native Vegetation. Where buffers are not
vegetated or have been cultivated or otherwise disturbed within 5
years of the application, such areas shall be replanted with approved
native seed mix and maintained. The buffer plantings must be
identified on the application. Any vegetation planted within the buffer
are independent of any landscaping required elsewhere by the City.
During the first 2 full growing seasons, the owner must replant any
buffer vegetation that does not survive. The owner shall be
responsible for reseeding/or replanting if the buffer changes at any
time through human intervention or activities.
iv Address Adjacent Wetlands. Buffers shall apply whether or not the
wetland boundary is on the same parcel as a proposed development.
An applicant is required to delineate the boundary for any wetland on
the project land. An applicant shall not be required to delineate
wetlands on adjacent property, but must review available information
to estimate the wetland boundary.
e. Wetland Buffer Recording and Monumentation. When a buffer is required
the applicant shall, prior to issuance of any building permit by the City,
complete the following:
i Conservation Easement or Outlot. Submit to the City for its
approval a conservation easement for protection of buffers and
wetlands on the property, or include the buffer and wetland in an
outlot dedicated to the City in the plat. The easement shall legally
describe the boundaries of the wetland or public waters wetland and
buffer, identify the monuments and monument locations, and refer to
the allowable wetland buffer uses as defined in this section.
ii Record Easement or Plat. Record the approved easement or final
plat with the County and submit evidence thereof to the City.
iii Provide Monuments to Identify Buffer. Buffers shall have
monuments installed to clearly designate the boundaries of all buffers
within new developments. A monument shall be required at each
parcel line where it crosses a buffer strip and shall have a maximum
spacing of 200 feet along the edge of the buffer. Additional
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
monuments shall be placed as necessary to accurately define the
edge of the buffer. A monument shall consist of a post and a buffer
sign. The signs shall be consistent with the current signage used as
part of the park, open space, and conservation easement boundary
marking program (Resolution 6417) and shall be securely mounted on
a post to a minimum height of 4 feet above grade.
f. Wetland Buffer Alterations
i Alterations Prohibited. Alterations including building or placement
of structures, storage of materials, paving, mowing, plowing,
introduction of noxious vegetation, cutting for non-management
purposes, dredging, filling, mining, dumping, grazing livestock,
agricultural production, yard waste disposal or fertilizer application,
are prohibited within the wetland buffer.
ii Allowed Activities. The following activities shall be permitted in the
wetland buffer and shall not constitute prohibited alterations:
1. Removal of noxious vegetation such as European buckthorn,
purple loosestrife and reed canary grass.
2. New plantings that enhance the natural vegetation.
3. Selective clearing or pruning of trees or vegetation that are
dead, diseased or pose similar hazards.
4. Use and maintenance of an unimproved access strip through
the buffer, not more than 20 feet in width, for recreational
access to the wetland. Access strips within shoreland areas is
governed under Design Criteria for Lakes and Streams.
5. Clearing, grading and seeding are allowed as part of a Local
Government Unit approved Wetland Replacement Plan.
6. Placement, maintenance, repair or replacement of trails, as
long as the area of the trail is not counted as wetland buffer
area.
7. Placement or maintenance of ponds or other stormwater
treatment facilities, so long as the area of the pond is not
counted as wetland buffer area and the embankment of the
pond is located 35 feet from the wetland boundary.
8. Construction of an individual sewage treatment system (ISTS)
so long as the vegetation growing on the system is maintained
in accordance with the City Code, the area for the ISTS is not
credited as a wetland buffer area and the edge of the ISTS is
located at least 35 feet from the delineated wetland edge.
9. Construction, maintenance, repair, reconstruction or
replacement of existing and future public roads, utilities or
drainage systems within a wetland buffer so long as any
adverse impacts of the construction and installation on the
function of the wetland buffer have been avoided or minimized
to the extent practical and the activity has been approved by
the City.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 3 Design Criteria for Woodlands
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for woodlands in this Section
shall apply to all woodland areas within the Natural Resources Corridor map.
B. Principles for Design Criteria. The minimum Design Criteria for woodlands are created to
meet one the following criteria:
1. Large Wooded Areas. Protects wooded areas that are large relative to all local
tracts of remnant wooded areas; or
2. Proximity. Protects wooded areas that are in relative proximity to other wooded
areas.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Woodlands. The following are the minimum Design Criteria
that shall apply to woodland areas:
1. Tree Removal Prior to Development Application is Prohibited. The deliberate
removal of any tree on any parcel of land containing a tree that is currently under
subdivision review by the City prior to approval of a management plan per City Code
Section 11.60, Subdivision 9, is prohibited except for the removal of individual dead,
diseased, or hazard trees for safety purposes.
2. Site Design. Structures, driveways, and parking facilities shall be located in such a
manner that the maximum number of trees should be preserved.
3. Management Plan Required. Any applicant for a preliminary plat, minor
subdivision, commercial building permit, conditional use permit, variance or grading
permit must submit a tree management plan per City Code Section 11.60,
Subdivision 9, prepared by a forestry specialist to the City and must demonstrate that
there are no feasible or prudent alternatives to removing any tree. Alternatives such
as; decreased setbacks, minimized grading, reduction in the number of proposed
dwelling units, reduction in street width or design, or other design modifications shall
be considered. Increased costs alone shall not be sufficient proof of lack of feasible
or prudent alternatives. An applicant for a residential building permit must complete
the City's "Tree Management Evaluation and Compliance Form" as their Tree
Management Plan. The City must also be provided with a certificate of survey that
contains all of the following information: 1) the location of all existing trees on the
property; 2) the location of all trees to be removed; 3) the location of all trees to be
preserved; and 4) the location and species of all replacement trees.
a. Pre-plan Meeting. The applicant is encouraged to meet with City of
Shakopee staff prior to the creation of a management plan per City Code
Section 11.60, Subdivision 9, to discuss subdivision design alternatives that
meet the requirements of this section.
b. Proof Required for Requesting Tree Removal. The proof required for an
assertion that no feasible or prudent alternative to tree removal exists shall
include, at a minimum, information on the following:
i A description and site design of alternatives considered prior to the
assertion of no feasible or prudent alternative;
ii Cost estimates of alternatives that were considered; and
iii Other information requested by the reviewing authority.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
c. Review by Expert. The City may engage one or more experts to assist in
the evaluation of an assertion that there are no feasible or prudent
alternatives to removing any tree. An expert may be engaged to review
biological information, cost estimates that are provided as proof of feasibility
or prudence, or other reviews deemed necessary by the City to evaluate. Full
costs of engaging such experts shall be charged to the applicant.
d. Final Determination of Feasibility or Prudency. The City of Shakopee
shall make the final determination of whether or not feasible and prudent
alternatives exist to tree removal.
e. Information required in Management Plan. The management plan per City
Code Section 11.60, Subdivision 9, must consist of the following:
i Tree Inventory Sheet
A survey depicting the location of all existing trees, as defined in
this Subdivision, on the property and the Natural Resources
Corridor Priority Ranking for each tree. Each tree shall be labeled
with a unique identification number.
ii Tree Removal/Preservation Sheet
A drawing that clearly illustrates the individual trees proposed for
removal and the manner in which by the applicant intends to
replace the removed trees. Trees intended for removal shall be
clearly distinguishable from those intended for preservation.
Proposed lot lines, building pads, driveways, streets, easements,
and any areas in which tree removal is expected shall be shown.
The location of the tree preservation fence should also be shown.
iii Tree Inventory Legend Sheet
A page showing a matrix listing the unique identification number for
the tree, the species or common name, the size in caliper inches at
DBH, and an indicator as to whether the tree is intended for
removal or preservation.
iv Tree Replacement Sheet
A page depicting the replacement tree locations with a legend
identifying the tree species, size, and quantity to be planted.
4. Tree Removal and Replacement. The following conditions shall apply to an
applicant proposing to remove trees from any parcel of land within the Natural
Resources Corridor map:
a. Preserve 50 percent of the trees.
b. All Heritage Trees must be preserved.
c. Tree removal on the parcel shall not have the effect of reducing a woodland
area, partially or entirely located on the parcel, to less than 5 acres.
Tree's Natural Resources Corridor Replacement Tree Ratio:
Priority Ranking:
Best 1: 1 (Remove: Replace
Better 2: 1 Remove: Re lace
Good 3:1 (Remove: Replace)
Buffer 4: 1 Remove: Re lace
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
5. Site Inspections Required. Site inspections to ensure compliance with the
Woodland Management Regulations must occur prior to the issuance of any permit
for the development. The applicant must survey and stake all platted property lines,
streets, parks, open spaces, building pads and install tree protection prior to site
inspection. At least two additional site inspections shall occur during site preparation
and construction of the development to ensure compliance with the approved
management plan per City Code Section 11.60, Subdivision 9. Additional site
inspections necessary because the applicants requested revisions to the approved
management plan per City Code Section 11.60, Subdivision 9, will be completed by
the City and the costs shall be charged to the Applicant and reimbursed from the
construction security.
6. Design Criteria for Tree and Woodland Protection during Grading, Contouring,
and Construction
a. All development activities, including grading and contouring, must take place
in such a manner that no more than one half of the area within the dripline of
any tree to be preserved is impacted.
Figure 3.3: Tree protection fence installation
Determining the construction danger zone between the
protective fence and the building site assists with final site and building
design and selection of equipment to be used. Note that the tree
protective fence is placed in front to prevent access and disturbanc:;:e to
the protected root zone.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 312/2009
b. Installation of snow fencing or polyethylene laminate safety netting shall be
placed at the drip line or at the perimeter of the critical root zone, whichever is
greater, of trees to be preserved. No grade change, construction activity, or
storage of materials shall occur within the area surrounded by tree protection
fencing..
c. The applicant and the applicant's contractors shall take steps to prevent the
change in soil chemistry due to concrete washout and leakage or spillage of
toxic materials, such as fuels or paints. Washout areas must be identified on
site and signage of those areas should be provided in the construction area.
d. Best management practices shall be followed for tree protection during site
grading and construction. The City adopts by reference the best
nianagement practices in the most current version of Conserving Wooded
Areas in Developing Communities - Best Management Practices in
Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Shade
Tree Advisory Committee, USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area State
and Private Forestry. State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources.
7. Dead or Diseased Trees. Trees determined to be dead or diseased by the City of
Shakopee will be required to be removed in accordance with City Code Section
10.70 and such removals will not require replacement or count towards the approved
removal quantity.
8. Woodland Design Criteria in Shoreland Areas. Tree removal in Shoreland areas
is subject to the provisions of this Section with the following additional requirements:
a. A management plan per City Code Section 11.60, Subdivision 9, shall not
allow tree removal within the shore and bluff impact zones and on steep
slopes or bluffs in shoreland areas as defined in the Natural Resources
Corridor Design Criteria.
b. Intensive vegetation clearing for forest land conversion to another use is
prohibited.
c. In shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes or bluffs as defined in
the Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria, limited clearing of shrubs and
cutting, pruning, and trimming of trees is allowed to provide a view to the
water from the principal dwelling site and to accommodate the placement of
stairways and landings, picnic areas, livestock watering areas, access paths,
beach and watercraft access areas, and permitted water-oriented accessory
structures of facilities, provided that:
i the access path is consistent with Lakes and Streams Design Criteria;
ij the screening of structures, vehicles, or other facilities as viewed from
the water, assuming summer, leaf-on conditions, is not substantially
reduced;
iii along rivers, existing shading of water surfaces is preserved; and
iv the above provisions are not applicable to the removal of trees, limbs,
or branches that are dead, diseased, or pose safety hazards.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
9. Security Required for Developer. Security shall be provided by the developer to
guarantee compliance with this chapter.
a. In order to ensure that there is compliance with the submitted tree
management plan and to ensure replacement of any replacement trees that die
during the warranty period and the removal of any diseased trees, the applicant
shall provide the City with a cash deposit, a letter of credit or escrow, in favor of
the City, in an amount of 150 percent of the tree replacement requirement
estimate.
b. All replacement trees planted must be warranted through two complete
growing seasons. If a replacement tree dies during the warranty period, it must
be replaced with a tree of the same size and species. Prior to the expiration of
the warranty period, a forestry specialist shall inspect the trees. As trees are
declared healthy by the forestry specialist upon inspection, the applicant may
request reductions to the financial security amount provided that adequate
funds remain equal to 150 percent of the cost to complete the remaining work.
c. Any trees required to be removed per Section 10.70 of the City Code from a
site shall be removed and disposed of according to Section 10.70 of the City
Code prior to release of the financial security.
d. Residential building permit applicants and the City are exempt from the
financial security requirement.
10. Penalty for Unauthorized Tree Removal. Any person, firm, or corporation who
causes the loss of trees identified as saved on the approved tree management plan
per City Code Section 11.60, Subdivision 9, shall be required to complete one of the
following:
a. Replacement of the tree removed according to the diameter of the tree. The
replacement ratio shall be 2 caliper inches for every 1 DBH inch of the tree
removed. Replacement trees shall be planted within the same development.
If replacement can not be completed within the project site, a cash amount
approved by the City Council shall be provided to the City to complete
management activities within the development, plant trees on the
development at a later time, or plant trees on public owned or managed
property.
b. Payment to the City from the construction security. The amount of the
payment will be $500 for every 1 caliper inch of the tree removed.
11. Plan is a Continuing Requirement. The management plan per City Code Section
11.60, Subdivision 9, shall be a continuing requirement on publicly owned or
managed property.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 4 Design Criteria for Upland Vegetation
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for areas with upland
vegetation address those areas mapped on the Natural Resources Corridor map.
Evaluation of these areas will be based on the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
(MLCCS) information and the Natural Resource Prioritization Matrix (NRPM).
B. Principles for Design Criteria. The minimum Design Criteria for high quality upland
vegetation areas include the following :
1. Protect and Connect High Quality Vegetation. Protect high quality upland
vegetation areas, and other vegetated, undeveloped areas connecting the high
quality upland vegetation, within the Natural Resources Corridor.
2. Protect Isolated Areas. Protect high quality vegetation areas outside the Natural
Resources Corridor to the maximum extent practicable, requiring delineation of high
quality vegetation and retaining 100percent of sites smaller than five acres or less
than 20percent of the development site, plus a minimum of 50percent of contiguous
vegetation for that portion of the site beyond the five acre/20percent threshold.
3. Encourage Restoration. Encourage (working with other organizations and willing
landowners) or require restoration of high quality upland vegetation areas consistent
with an approved management plan.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Upland Vegetation Areas. Following are the minimum
Design Criteria that shall apply to the upland vegetation areas.
1. Upland Vegetation. In all zones, high quality upland vegetation shall be protected
or incorporated into new development or infrastructure so as to retain the integrity of
Shakopee's heritage habitat areas, encourage restoration of those areas, and
provide for connections between distinct areas consistent with the needs of habitat
maintenance.
2. Delineation Required for High Quality Upland Vegetation Areas. Applications for
any development on or adjacent to parcels that include designated high quality
upland vegetation must include a delineation of any high quality upland vegetation
areas on the development parcel. The application shall also note the location of
mapped high quality upland vegetation areas on adjacent parcels.
3. High Quality Upland Vegetation Areas within the Natural Resources Corridor.
development is regulated in the following manner:
a. Development Prohibited. No development, intensive vegetative clearing, or
grading is allowed on any area within the Natural Resources Corridor
evaluated and determined to be better or best upland vegetation except for
vegetative restoration under a vegetative management plan approved by the
city.
b. Edge Habitat Buffers Required. Within 100 feet of the delineated high
quality upland vegetation sites:
i All buildings and roads are excluded.
ii Vegetative clearing is prohibited except for vegetative restoration that
is described in a vegetative management plan approved by the City.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
c. Restoration. Restoration of native habitat may be required, if determined by
the City to be necessary for sustaining the high quality upland vegetation
area.
4. Other Areas with Upland Vegetation Designations. Development is regulated in
the following manner:
a. Protection of Good Upland Vegetation. No more than 50percent of the
areas evaluated and determined to be good upland vegetation areas shall be
cleared or graded for development or infrastructure.
b. Exceptions. The City may allow more than 50percent of the good upland
vegetation to be developed if restoration of remaining areas is completed and
connectivity is maintained between high quality vegetation areas or to the
Natural Resources Corridor.
5. Restoration. Restoration of native upland vegetation areas, consistent with A
Prairie Restoration Handbook for Minnesota Landowners; Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources Ecological Services, is highly encouraged in the following areas.
a. High quality upland vegetation sites within the Natural Resources Corridor.
b. All vegetated areas connecting high quality upland, wetland, or shoreland
vegetation areas within the Natural Resources Corridor.
c. Edge habitat areas and buffer areas around high quality upland vegetation
areas.
6. Conservation Easements Required. Conservation easements shall be placed on
delineated high quality upland vegetation areas, as determined by the City, which are
required to be protected under this design standard.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 5 Design Criteria for Wildlife Habitat
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for wildlife habitat address
those areas mapped on the Natural Resources Corridor map.
B. Principles for Design Criteria. The minimum Design Criteria for high quality wildlife
habitat include the following :
1. Protect Habitat Function. Protect the habitat function of areas identified as Better
or Best on the Natural Resources Corridor map.
2. Ensure Barrier-free Movement. Ensure barrier free movement between wildlife
habitat within the Natural Resources Corridor map.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Wildlife Habitat Areas. Following are the minimum Design
Criteria that shall apply to wildlife habitat.
1. Site Survey Required. Where the development site includes or abuts an area
identified as Better or Best on the Natural Resources Corridor map a habitat site
survey shall be conducted and identify:
a. The type of habitat and species likely to utilize the habitat, and;
b. The necessary conditions to maintain the habitat function including protection
of core area and edge vegetation or other buffer, corridor width and
configuration and other elements of barrier-free movement, and any other
functions specific to the habitat.
2. Protect Functioning of Delineated Areas. Site configuration, preparation, and
development must protect the functioning of the site as wildlife habitat as identified in
the habitat site survey. In order to protect the habitat functions, site configuration,
preparation or clearing, and development shall:
a. Maintain a diversity of habitat by preserving the range of existing foliage
height including ground covers, shrubs and trees
b. Identify habitat buffer areas to the designated wildlife area, and identify
provisions for maintaining the habitat buffer over time. The habitat buffer
shall:
i Be a minimum of 40 feet wide, unless otherwise identified in the
habitat site survey.
ii Be consistent with the edge habitat conditions identified in the habitat
site survey, such as the need for native vegetation of differing heights,
including grasses, shrubs and trees
c. Minimize the amount of area within the habitat buffer that is converted to lawn
from existing vegetation.
3. Barrier-free Movement Required. The subdivision of any land within Better or Best
areas identified on the Natural Resources Corridor map shall make provisions for
barrier-free movement of wildlife across the site and maintain barrier-free movement
to Natural Resources Corridor areas abutting the development site.
a. Road and other above ground infrastructure shall not cross corridors unless
mitigating steps, meeting the approval of the City of Shakopee and consistent
with the findings of the habitat site survey, are taken.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
b. Corridors connecting wildlife habitat areas shall be a minimum of 100 feet
wide. Additional width may be necessary if warranted by the habitat site
survey.
c. Corridors shall be marked with signage indicating that the area should not be
disturbed and vegetation should not be cut.
4. Lights must be Shielded. Lights shall be fully shielded and directed so as not to
shine into the wildlife habitat or associated connecting corridor unless required for a
trail.
5. Conservation Easements. Conservation easements on wildlife habitat or corridors
within the Natural Resources Corridor may be required, at the discretion of the City,
as a condition of subdivision approval.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 6 Design Criteria for Endangered and
Threatened Species
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for endangered and threatened
species in this Section shall apply to all areas within the Natural Resources Corridor map.
B. Principles for Design Criteria
1. Consistent with DNR Rules. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is
required to adopt rules designating species meeting the statutory definitions of
endangered, threatened, or species of special concern. The design standard applies
to the species on this list, which is codified as Minnesota Rules Chapter 6134.
2. Consistent with Minnesota Statute. The Minnesota Endangered Species Statute
authorizes the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to regulate the treatment
of species designated as endangered and threatened (Minnesota Rules Chapter
6134).
3. DNR Permit Required. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources prohibits
taking, purchasing, importing, possessing, transporting, or selling endangered or
threatened plants or animals, including their parts or seeds, without a Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources permit. This regulation is set forth in Minnesota
Rule 6212.1800.
4. Habitat is Protected. Habitat is critical to sustaining any species, and in many
instances habitat destruction is the greatest risk to endangered, threatened or
special concern species. Such habitat within the Natural Resources Corridor map
needs to be identified and protected or mitigated.
5. Natural Heritage Database. Few requirements exist for documenting the existence
of endangered, threatened or special concern species habitat. Within the Natural
Resources Corridor, the DNR Natural Heritage database indicates the need for
investigation of existing habitat conditions.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Endangered and Threatened Species. Where the
development site includes an area covered or immediately abutting a site noted on the most
recent version of the DNR Natural Heritage database, a habitat site survey completed as
part of the Environmental and Park Plan Review shall be conducted to determine if the site
includes any endangered, threatened, or at risk species. The survey shall also determine if
there are any ecologically sensitive resources not in the DNR database.
1. Existence of Protected Species. If the site survey determines that endangered,
threatened, or at risk species or other ecologically sensitive resources are present,
all activities on the site, including application process and site design, shall:
a. Utilize appropriate mitigation measures that include avoiding, minimizing and
compensating for impacts. Examples include landscaping or revegetation
with plant species of value to wildlife, retaining wooded travel corridors
(especially along waterways), and construction or restoration of wetlands
b. Comply with the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16
USC 1531-1544), including acquisition of appropriate permits from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
c. Comply with the Minnesota's Endangered Species Statute (Minnesota
Statutes Section 84.0895) and associated rules (Minnesota Rules Chapters
6212 and 6134), including acquisition of appropriate permits from the DNR.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 7 Design Criteria for Steep Slopes and Bluffs
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria
1. Natural Resources Corridor Map. The Design Criteria for steep slopes and bluffs
address all slope areas within the Natural Resources Corridor map.
2. All Slopes Greater than 10 Percent. All areas with slopes greater than 10 percent
in the Natural Resources Corridor map and having moderately or highly erodible
land, as identified on the Scott County Soils Survey.
B. Principles for Design Criteria. The minimum Design Criteria for steep slopes and bluffs
are created to meet the following criteria:
1. Erosion, Landslides, Sedimentation. Prevent erosion and landslides, limit
increased sedimentation and impacts to water quality.
2. Aesthetic Integrity. Maintain the aesthetic integrity of a community by protecting
hillsides and ridgelines.
3. Protect Habitat. Protect habitat that needs undisturbed slopes to allow for
propagation and sustainability of plant or animal communities.
4. Minimize Maintenance and Replacement Costs. Ensure that development of
infrastructure on slopes minimizes long-term maintenance or replacement costs.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Steep Slopes and Bluffs. Following are the minimum
Design Criteria that shall apply to steep slope and bluff areas:
1. Slopes. In all zones, slopes in excess of 10 percent shall be protected or
incorporated into new development or infrastructure so as to limit erosion, manage
storm water runoff, and protect natural features using best management practices
(BMP's).
2. Bluffs. Development is regulated in the following manner:
a. Development Prohibited. No development or vegetative clearing is allowed
on any bluff impact zone except for vegetative restoration or management
under a vegetative management plan approved by the City
b. Protection of Prominent Natural Features. Within the bluff impact zone:
i All buildings are excluded.
ii Vegetative clearing is prohibited except for vegetative restoration that
is described in a vegetative management plan approved by the City.
iii Conservation easements shall be granted in favor of the City for all
bluff areas and bluff impact zones. The edge of the easement area
shall be identified with monuments.
iv Buildings on slopes greater than 10 percent uphill from the bluff
impact zone shall be designed and positioned so as to blend into the
slope rather than sit on top of the slope.
3. Steep Slopes. Development is regulated in the following manner:
a. Shoreland and Wetlands. Minimum buffers and setbacks around all
waterbodies shall be increased by 25 feet for slopes that are at least 50 feet
in length and greater than 10 percent.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
b. Protection of RidgelineNiewshed. Ridgeline/viewshed areas shall be
subject to the following minimum design criteria:
i All buildings and infrastructure, other than driveways, must be
designed to blend into the slope rather than sit on top of the slope.
ii All high quality native vegetation, as identified in the Minnesota Land
Cover Classification System (MLCCS) shall be protected.
4. Building Design Considerations. Buildings on slopes that exceed 10 percent and
are longer than one-eighth of a mile shall be designed to blend into the slope.
Design considerations include the following:
a. Locate and design buildings so that they do not loom over the bluff
b. Break up building mass using methods such as broken planes, varying
rooflines, stepping back (from the downhill perspective) of upper stories,
minimizing mass near waterbodies.
c. Use materials that blend with the setting; avoid the use of reflective materials.
d. Use suitable colors; subtle, subdued colors are best.
e. Buildings within 50 feet of the bluff impact zone and within 100 feet from the
top of a steep slope should not exceed 30 feet in height. Buildings higher
than 40 feet should be set back from the bluff impact zone an additional 25
feet.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 8 Design Criteria for Recreation Opportunities
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for recreation opportunities in
this Section shall apply to all areas within the Natural Resources Corridor map.
B. Principles for Design Criteria. The minimum Design Criteria for recreation opportunities
are created to meet one the following criteria:
1. Sufficient Quantities. Provide for fully developed parks, trails, facilities, and open
space in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of the City.
2. Enhance Natural Resources. Preserve and enhance the natural resources of the
community and provide residents an opportunity to interact with the natural
resources.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Recreation Opportunity. Following are the minimum
Design Criteria that shall apply to recreation areas:
1. Comprehensive Plan. Conformance with the goals and policies of the most recent
version of the Shakopee Comprehensive Plan adopted by City Council.
2. Ensuring Public Access. Provide public access to public land and utilize the
Natural Resources Corridor map when evaluating the location of public land in the
development and redevelopment review process.
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City of Shakopee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 9 Design Criteria for Accessibility/Infrastructure
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for accessibility/infra-structure
in this Section shall apply to all areas within the Natural Resources Corridor map.
B.. Principles for Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for accessibility/infra-structure are
created to meet the following criteria:
1. Utilize Easements. Utilize publicly owned or managed easements, outlots, and
unused right-of-way in the Natural Resources Corridor.
2. Accessibility. Provide accessibility to Natural Resources Corridor areas by the
public.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Accessibility/Infrastructure. Following are the minimum
Design Criteria:
1. Conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
2. Conformance with the most recent version of the Comprehensive Water Resource
Management Plan adopted by City Council.
3. Conformance with the most recent version of the City of Shakopee Engineering
Design Criteria adopted by City Council.
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City of Shako pee Natural Resources Corridor Design Criteria 3/2/2009
Section 10 Connectivity
A. Areas Subject to the Design Criteria. The Design Criteria for connectivity shall apply to all
areas within the Natural Resources Corridor map.
B. Principles for Design Criteria
1. The minimum Design Criteria for connectivity are created to meet one the following
criteria:
a. Provide for fully developed parks, trails, facilities, and open space in sufficient
quantities to meet the needs of the City.
b. Preserve and enhance the natural resources of the community and provide
residents an opportunity to interact with the natural resources.
2. The Design Criteria are to ensure compliance with the existing planning documents:
a. Shakopee Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan. The City of Shakopee
Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan (2004) includes goals, objectives, and
policies. This plan outlines the direction for parks, trails, and open space in
the City of Shakopee.
b. Scott County Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan. The vision statement
for the plan states "The vision for parks, trails, and open space in Scott
County is a coordinated system of natural resource based parks, open
spaces, and trails that enhance the quality of life for present and future
generation by acquiring, preserving, developing, maintaining, and managing
important natural, historic, and/or cultural areas and landscapes; providing
opportunities for the recreational enjoyment and education of the public; and
complimenting the opportunities offered by other outdoor education and
recreation providers." This plan also contains goals and policies for the
creation of a park, trails, and open space system.
c. City of Shakopee Design Criteria. The City of Shakopee Design Criteria
and General Plan Requirements for Grading, Street, and Utility Improvements
was created by the Engineering Department. This document provides
information and design criteria for sidewalks and trails (Section 9). Sidewalks
are important lateral connections for the trails system and provide residents
with safe access to trails, parks, and the open space system.
c. Minimum Design Criteria for Connectivity. Following are the minimum Design Criteria
that shall apply to connectivity:
1. Conformance with the goals and policies of the most recent version of the Shakopee
Comprehensive Plan adopted by City Council.
2. Provide connections between natural resource features where a Corridor Connection
is identified on the Natural Resources Corridor map in one of the following
procedures:
a. 20 foot wide trail easement granted to the City.
b. An outlot dedicated to the City on the final plat which will contain a 20 foot
wide trail.
c. A conservation easement granted to the City that allows for a 20 foot wide
trail to be constructed within the easement area.
Native planting consisting of native seed mixtures, native shrubs, or native trees are
to be used in Corridor Connection areas.
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