HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 502.19 Land, Woodland PreservationORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.19-1
Section 502.19: LAND, WOODLAND AND WETLAND PRESERVATION
Subd. 1: Purpose. The purpose of this Subdivision is to ensure that the natural features
within the City are protected and to minimize any adverse effects development might have on the
environment.
Subd. 2: Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control.
a) General Standards.
1. All development shall conform to the natural limitations presented by the
topography and soil in order to create the best potential for preventing soil
erosion.
2. Development on slopes with a grade above 12 percent shall be carefully
reviewed to ensure that adequate measures have been taken to prevent
erosion, sedimentation, and structural damage.
3. Land shall be developed in increments of workable size such that adequate
erosion and siltation controls can be provided as construction progresses.
The smallest practical area of land shall be exposed at any one period of
time and no exposure shall exceed 65 days unless extended by the
Council.
4. Where the topsoil is removed, sufficient arable soil shall be set aside for
re-spreading over the disturbed area or new topsoil shall be brought in.
The topsoil shall be restored to a depth of four inches and shall be of a
quality at least equal to the soil quality prior to development.
Subd. 3: Woodland Preservation.
a) Structures and other amenities shall be located in such a manner that the optimum
number of trees shall be preserved.
b) If there are no feasible or prudent alternatives to the cutting of trees on a
development site and if trees are cut, trees should be re-planted to restore the
density of trees to that which existed before development.
c) Forestation, reforestation, or landscaping should utilize a variety of tree species
and should not utilize any species under disease epidemic. Species planted should
be hardy under local conditions and compatible with the local landscape.
ORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.19-2
d) Development including grading and contouring shall take place in such a manner
that the root zone aeration stability of existing trees will not be affected and
should provide existing trees with a watering area equal to not less than one-half
of the crown area.
Subd. 4: Regulation of Activities Adjacent to Wetlands.
a) The following activity shall be subject to a 50-foot setback from wetlands: The
construction or maintenance of a building attached to a foundation, including but
not limited to, pole buildings, and the construction or maintenance of paved
driveways or areas designed for parking vehicles or trailers. For purposes of this
paragraph, pump houses, moveable storage sheds, recreational docks and storm
water or erosion control devices shall not be considered buildings.
b) The following activities shall be subject to a 100-foot setback from wetlands:
1. The construction or maintenance of a well used for agricultural irrigation,
or any well less than 50 feet in depth.
2. External storage of materials used in conjunction with industrial or
commercial processing or manufacturing.
3. The storage of waste or refuse generated by industrial or commercial
activities.
4. The construction or maintenance of a septic system.
Amended 04/2021