HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-17 ENR Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCESCOMMISSION
Monday, July 17, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers -Maplewood City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Agenda
4.Approval ofMinutes:June 19, 2017
5.New Business
a.2040 Comprehensive PlanOverview
6.Unfinished Business
a.Urban Agriculture –Zoning Review
7.Visitor Presentations
8.Commission Presentations
9.Staff Presentations
a.Emerald Ash Borer Update
b.Capital Improvement Plan –July 18 Planning Commission Meeting
c.National Night Out –Tuesday, August 1
d.Master Water Stewards –Tuesday, August 8
e.Nature Center Programs
10.Adjourn
Agenda Item 4
MINUTES
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
7:00 p.m., Monday,June 19,2017
Council Chambers, City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:07
p.m.by Chair Palzer.
2. ROLL CALL
Keith Buttleman, Commissioner Present
Mollie Miller, Commissioner Present
Ann Palzer, Chair Present
Ted Redmond, Commissioner Present
Ryan Ries, Vice Chair Present
Tom Sinn, Commissioner Present
Staff Present
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
Steve Love, City Engineer
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Staff added2 items to Staff Presentations including Fish Creek Open House and Green Step
Cities Step 5 Award.
Commissioner Riesmoved to approve the agenda as amended.
Seconded by CommissionerMiller. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Redmondstated that his name was left off the vote for approving the wetland
buffer variance page 3, item 2.
CommissionerRedmondmoved to approve the May 15,2017, Environmental and Natural
Resources Commission Meeting minutes as amended.
Seconded by CommissionerMiller. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. NEW BUSINESS – PUBLIC HEARING
a.NPDES Phase II and MS4 Permit, 2016 SWPPP Annual Report
i.City Engineer, Steve Love gave the report on the NPDES Phase II and MS4
Permit, 2016 SWPPP Annual Report and answered questions of the commission.
June 19, 2017
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Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
City Engineer Steve Love gave presented the SWPPP annual reportand discussed how
the City has made process toward meeting the MS4 permit goals in 2016.
Chair Palzer opened the meeting floor to public comment. No comments were heard.
City Engineer Love stated that staff will address all comments received,incorporate the
commentsinto the report,and then finalize the report for submittal to the MPCA.
No further action is required.
6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Urban Agriculture –Zoning Review
i.Environmental Planner, ShannFinwall gave an update on the Urban Agriculture -
Zoning Review.
The Commission continued their review of crop agriculture including community gardens,
front yard gardening, private gardening on vacant lots, market gardens, and urban farms.
Staff will make the suggested changes to the draft ordinance amendment and bring it
back to the Commission forreview. Once the crop agriculture ordinance amendment
recommendations are complete, the Commission will finalize the urban agriculture zoning
review with a review of direct toconsumer sales (farm stands, etc.).
7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
Maplewood resident, Candace Schomburg, 1968Ide Street, Maplewood, was visiting the
Commission meeting to better educate herself on what the Commission does. She also
commented on her experience building anew home in Maplewood and how the tree preservation
ordinance affectedtheir project. She stated that even though they were required to replace trees
and pay into the City’s tree fund, she felt that protecting trees is an important part of development
of property.
8.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
a.Commissioner Redmond-Climate Mayors’ Commitment to Adopt, Honor, and Uphold
the Paris Agreement
The agreement commits the City to pursue actions to achieve an emissions reduction
target through:
1)Developing a community GHG inventory
2)Setting near-and long-term targets to reduce emissions
3)Developing a Climate Action Plan aligned with the City’s targets
These are items the City of Maplewood has already undertaken or is currently reviewing
as part of the planning process for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Redmond moved to recommend approval of the resolution in support of the
Paris Agreement.
Seconded by Commissioner Miller.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
June 19, 2017
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Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a.Waterfest Recap–Waterfest was held Saturday, June 3, 2017and was a success. Staff
thanked the Environmental Education Subcommittee for coming up with this year’s booth
theme and Commissioners Miller and Redmond for volunteering during the event.
b.2040 Comprehensive Plan Update–the first Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
meeting was held on May 22, 2017.Commissioner Miller is the ENR Commission’s
liaison to the committee. The next steering committee meeting will be July 27,2017. In
addition to the Steering Committee, each of the City’s Commissions will begin reviewing
their pertinent chapters of the comprehensive planin July/August.
c.LoGoPEP (Local Government Energy Planning) Update–Staff gave a brief update on
the LoGoPEP project. The wedge tool for energy goal implementation strategies will be
available soon.
th
d.Light It Up Maplewood Fourth of July Celebration –4of JulyCelebration at
Hazelwood Park from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.with a band, food, beverages and fireworks.
e.National Night Out –National Night Out will be on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Staff will
email the commission about this event.
f.Nature Center Programs-Environmental Planner, ShannFinwall presented the
upcoming Nature Center Programs. For more information contact the Maplewood Nature
Center at (651) 249-2170.
g.Fish Creek Open House–The official open house for the new Fish Creektrailwill be
held on June 27, 2017 from 6:30 –8:30 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be held at 7:30 p.m.
on top of the bluff.
h.Green Step Cities Step 5Award–Mayor Slawik accepted the award on behalf of the
City at the League of Minnesota Cities conference in Rochester on June 15, 2017. For
more information please visit www.maplewoodmn.gov/greenstepcities
10.ADJOURNMENT
Chair Palzer adjourned the meeting at 9:05p.m.
June 19, 2017
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Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
Agenda Item 5.a.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Environmental Commission
FROM:Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
DATE: July 12, 2017for the July 17 ENR Commission Meeting
SUBJECT:2040Comprehensive Plan Overview
Introduction
The City’s existing 2030 Comprehensive Plan was adopted on January 25, 2010. As required
by state law, Maplewood must update its comprehensive plan to meet policies established by
the Metropolitan Council’s Thrive MSP 2040 policy plans.
Background
The City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan kick off meeting was held on May 22, 2017. The meeting
was attended by members of the Steering Committee, appointed by the City Council to help
guide the development of the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Miller represents the
Environmental Commission on the Steering Committee.
Discussion
In additionto the Steering Committee, City staff and consultants willbeworking directly with
each of the City’sCommissionsand Boardtoreview their respective chaptersofthe
ComprehensivePlan.We envision this work to be spread over a numberofmonthsthis
summer andfall with theintention of having a complete draft of the Comprehensive Plan
available forthe Steering Committee to review in November.To meet this schedule,the
following topics will beconsidered at the upcoming Environmental Commission meetings:
July - Comprehensive Planintroduction/overview.
August – Identification of policies and initiatives with general prioritizationof initiatives.
September – Open for needed discussion and follow-up.
October – Review of draft chapters.
To facilitate discussion by the Environmental Commission the following 2030 Comprehensive
Plan chapters are being attached to this report: Sustainability and Natural Resources. During
the July Environmental Commission meeting staff will presentthe notable accomplishments
stemming from these chapters of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and identify issues and
opportunitiesin these areas for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Recommendation
Review the Sustainability and Natural Resources chapters of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and
be prepared to discuss issues and opportunities in these areas during the meeting.
Attachmentsand Links
1.2030 Comprehensive Plan
a.Sustainability Chapter
b.Natural Resources Chapter
2.January 25, 2010 2030 Comprehensive Plan:
http://www.maplewoodmn.gov/1719/2030-Comprehensive-Plan
3.Metropolitan Council Comprehensive Planning:
https://metrocouncil.org/Communities/Planning/Local-Planning-
Assistance/Comprehensive-Planning.aspx
4.Local Planning Handbook: https://metrocouncil.org/Handbook.aspx
5.Local Planning Handbook Elements (Resiliency Chapter):
https://metrocouncil.org/Handbook/Plan-Elements/Resilience.aspx
6.Local Planning Handbook Elements (Land Use to Include Natural Resources):
https://metrocouncil.org/Handbook/Plan-Elements/Land-Use.aspx
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Attachment 1.a.
Chapter 3: Sustainability
Our world is facing many complex environmental challenges, and possible solutions will require the
creativity and energy of forward-thinking people and communities. One way the City of Maplewood
will undertake this challenge isthrough our City’s comprehensive planning process.
Maplewood’s quality of life depends on the preservation and enhancement of its environment. The
City recognizes the sensitive interface between the natural and built environmentsandas such will
promote balanced and sustainable practices in the community in order to accommodate the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Maplewood’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan as a whole will encourage sustainable practices through
the use of land, management of water, and protection of our remaining natural resources. These
practices and policies will ensure that the residents, businesses, and property owners live and
function in a way that considers the livelihood of future generations and of other living beings on
this planet.
In addition to the overriding theme of environmental stewardship found throughout the plan,the
sustainability chapter willfocus on sustainable policies and guidelines directed toward theCity’s
human activities and built environment.This will be accomplished through the developmentof
goals that will serve as important building blocksto future sustainable policies and implementation
strategies which will assist Maplewood in feasibly obtaining those goals.
Vision
The City strives to improve upon the natural and built environment by using best practices for
sustainability. The City believes that property values and the City’s overall marketability will rise
over time by improving upon these environments. Following its traditionas an environmental
leader, the City of Maplewood holds the following vision for sustainability:
The City of Maplewood, in order to ensure stewardship of its environment, will promote
sustainable developmentand practices for the preservation, design, and maintenance of
its natural and built environments. Developments and practices should maintain or
enhance economic opportunity and community well-being while protecting and restoring
the natural environment that people,economies, and ecological systemsdependon.
Goals
The sustainability chapter is a tool for actionand is intended to change long-standing practices
through the creation of goals and implementation strategies. To realize the sustainabilityvision,
the City will promote these goals:
1. Protect and enhance air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Make energy efficiency and conservation a priority through building code improvements
and city operations.
Sustainability3-1
3.Promote sustainable building practices such as green building standards.
4.Encourage sustainable and aesthetic design and maintenance practices for multi-family
residential and commercial developments.
5. Adopt an urban tree program that encouragesa healthy and thriving urban tree canopy
and other desirable forms of vegetation.
6. Provide transportation options by promotingatransportation system that is safe, efficient,
minimizes disruption, promotes better land development, improves the aesthetic
appearance of the City, reduces air pollution, and provides pedestrian connections.
7. Follow low impact and environmentally sensitive city maintenance and operation practices.
8.Address noise, air, and waterpollutionby takingmeasures to reduce these pollutants at
point and non-point sources.
9. Focus on reducing, reusing and recycling solid waste prior to disposal.
10. Provide educational opportunities to promote sustainable practices.
11. Promote local production and consumption of foods and products.
12. Encourage and promote healthy lifestyles for residents.
Implementation Strategies
The City’s present and future residents, businesses,and property owners will benefit from
Maplewood’s sustainable practices and guiding principles. The plan for sustainability has the
following strategies:
Education/Partnerships
Give annual sustainability progress reportsto the city counciland the community.
Prepare a sustainable newsletter and brochures for residents and businesses.
Create a sustainability page on the City’s website.
Continue and expand environmental and sustainable programs which outreach to the youth,
adults, and businessesin the City.
Coordinate with mass transit providers to facilitate bus transportation and promote alternative
mass transit options.
Provide educational material on sustainable building and operational practices.
Work with other government units, owners,and developers to identify and implement ways to
buffer,reduce, or eliminatenoise, air, and waterpollutionoriginating from businesses,
industries, railroads, and highways.
Have a City employee become certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) standardsor its equivalentto serve as a community resource.
Sustainability3-2
Encourage efficient City trash hauling by reducing multiple pick ups and trips in one
neighborhood.
Encourage composting.
Create opportunities for community gardens.
City Policies,Ordinances, and Programs
Modify the City’s policies,ordinances, or programsto implement feasible sustainability strategies
that:
Encourage developments to utilize renewable energy sources including solar, wind,
geothermal, hydro, and biomass.
Encourage low impact development and conservation design practices to include:
o Green building modeled after the United States Green Building Council’s
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Minnesota GreenStar
programs.
o Low impact landscapingwhich promotes native plantingsand do not require
irrigation.
o Green spacerequirements.
Encourage and offer incentives to developments which can obtain points toward LEED
standardsor which can become LEED certifiedor its equivalent.
Continue to strive for and improve on building design standards and ordinances that will
include provisions about building massing, architectural design, off-street parking ratios and
location, access, traffic impacts, landscaping, fencing or screening, and trash handling, while
minimizing the adverse effects of lighting, noise and smell.
Encourage the planting of trees and protect the City’s urban tree canopy by:
o Requiring a no net loss policy for the City’s urban tree canopy by maintaining and
preserving existing trees and planting new trees on public and private property.
o Requiring new subdivisionsto plant trees.
o MaintainingTree City U.S.A. standards.
Use existing development review processto actively promote alternative modes of
transportation such as public transit, bicycles, car and bike share programs, carpools, and
promote alternative work schedules.
Enforce and strengthen ordinances which requirebuffering of developments fromthe impacts
of noise pollution.
Sustainability3-3
City Operations
The City is in a unique position to implement and influence approaches to achieving a balance
between the environment, the economy,and our community. The City can demonstrate and
showcase applications of new sustainable technologiesin the following ways:
Take an inventory of current City operation efforts that make progress toward sustainability and
be frank about areas that need improvement.
Work to increase awarenessof sustainability among its staff and management.
Create a green team made up of City employees to make suggestions and help implement
sustainable practices within all areas of City operations.
Encouragepartnerships with other organizations to make public buildings, operations, and
maintenance sustainable.
Establish goals for reduction of greenhouse gasses within all aspects of the City’s operations
including such things as a “no idle” policy, increasing the fuel efficiency of City fleet vehicles,
andthe conversion of vehicles that operate with environmentally sustainable alternative fuels.
Require that all new City buildings or City-funded buildingsobtain at least ten points toward the
LEED standardsor its equivalent.
Recycleat all parks,Citybuildings, and City events.
Increase recycling efforts at multi-tenant buildings and schools.
Encourage employees to commute to work by alternative modes of transportation than single-
car commuting.
Become paperless in City operations where feasible.
Measure the carbon footprint of City operations and take measures to reduce carbon
emissions where feasible.
City Budget
Modify the City’s operating procedures and annual budgets to implement the sustainability
strategies found to be feasible.
Sustainability3-4
Attachment 1.b.
Chapter 7: Natural Resources
Protect, Connect, Restore, and Manage Ecosystems, Plant Communities and Species
Why a Natural Resources Plan is Needed
Maplewood’s quality of life depends on how it managesits natural resources. Natural resources are theair, minerals,
land, water, and biotathat form the foundation to life in Maplewood. For example, the oxygen we breathecomes
from plants. Without plants, the atmosphere would be poisonous to people and animals.That is a free ecosystem
service that benefits people in Maplewood. There are many others.
The benefits of treating natural resources in a sustainable wayinclude:
High quality forests, savannas, prairies, wetlands, lakes, and streams will support a variety of life—trees,
shrubs, wildflowers, groundcover, fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Lakes, streams, and wetlands will be clean enough tosupport aquatic life and provide recreational
opportunities.
Undeveloped land will provide essential ecosystem services.
Vegetation will help preventsediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, and contaminants from reaching lakes,
streams, and wetlands.
Rainwater infiltrates, which reducesflooding and feeds groundwater.
Groundwateris rechargedand can be used for drinking, irrigation, and to feedcold, clean water to lakes,
streams, and wetlands.
Water levelsare more stable, which prevents erosion ofshorelines and stream channels.
Beautiful placesexistforpeople tosee and visit.
There is an economic value to treating natural resourcesin a sustainable way. Property values are higher near
1
natural areas and open space. New developments that protect natural resources using conservation design and
2
low-impact developmenttechniquescan save an average of 24-27%in construction costs per development.
Damage to stormsewer outfalls, shorelines, and buildings due to flooding are reducedin such developments.In
addition to the economic and recreational benefits of natural resources, for many people nature and natural
resources merit protection and care due to their intrinsic value.
This natural resources plan is a guide for how Maplewood can manage natural resources in a sustainable way.It will
help protectand enhance Maplewood’s quality of life for current and future generations. It suggests strategies to
protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species.This plan can guide zoning and
ordinances.It gives citystaff and officials information to use when making annual and long-range budgets.This plan
will also provide citizens withan understanding of how they can play a role in achieving these goals through wise
land use and management of their property.
1
Embrace Open Space study is at: http://www.embraceopenspace.org/EOSReport/EconomicValueofOpenSpace.pdf.
2
EPA Low Impact Development study isat: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/costs07/documents/reducingstormwatercosts.pdf;
AES study is at: http://www.appliedeco.com/Projects/ConDevArticleLayout.pdf.
Natural Resources
7-1
st
Wiseuse and management of natural resources isnotall that Maplewood needs to be a great place to live in the 21
century: the city also needs good schools, a vital economy, and efficient public services. But healthy natural
resourceswill help ensure that Maplewoodhas a high quality of lifethat can be sustained far into the future.
Vision and Goals for Natural Resources inMaplewood
The City of Maplewood has led the way in urban natural resource conservation in Minnesota.From a bonding
referendum in 1993to protectforests and wetlands, to a raingarden program for recharging groundwater and
purifying runoff to its lakesand streams, Maplewood’s citizens and elected leaders quickly adopt new ideas from
scientists, businesses, and regulatory agencies. Maplewood has learned that supporting environmental laws and
best practices has benefits for cityresidents.The cityalso believes that property values and the city’s overall
marketability will increase over time by improving natural resources and the environment.
Maplewood’s desire to become sustainable depends on stewardship of its ecosystems, plant communities, and
species. Good stewardship protects the functions of ecosystems and the free ecosystems services necessary for a
high quality of life.
Following its tradition, the City of Maplewood holds the following vision for natural resources:
The City of Maplewood,inorderto preserve a beautiful, functional,and varied environment for current and
future residents, will protect, connect, restore and manage its ecosystems, plant communities, and species.
The city will do this byusing the best science and striving forthe highest ecological standard.
To realize this vision, the City of Maplewood has these goals for natural resources:
Natural Resources Goal 1.Protect and buffer ecosystemsforests, savannas, prairies, lakes, streams,
wetlandsand other natural resources.
Natural Resources Goal 2.Connect and enlarge natural areas and wildlife habitat.
Natural Resources Goal 3.Restore and manage natural areas,wildlife habitat, and other natural resources
for high ecological qualityand for diversity of plant and animalspecies.
Natural Resources Goal 4.Restore the natural ecological functions involving water by better managing
stormwater runoff. This means vegetation filtering, infiltration, groundwater recharge, and maintaining
stable water levels.
Natural Resources Goal 5.Fund natural resourceprogramsto achieve the vision and goals.
Natural Resources Goal 6.Integrate the citys natural areas, open space, and active parks and trails.
Natural Resources Goal 7.Incorporate the vision and goals for natural resources in the citys
comprehensive plan, ordinances, policies, development standards, and zoning.
Natural Resources Goal 8. Enhance publicunderstanding of nature, natural systems, and environmental
issuesby providing programs, information, and interpretive facilities.
Natural Resources
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Natural Resources Goal 9.Promote a culture of stewardshipon public and private land through access to
natural areasand education and volunteer opportunities in natural areas restoration and management.
Natural Resources Goal 10. Seek cost savingsby using natural systems to provide services such as
heating, cooling, stormwater managementand water conservation.
The Natural Environment of Maplewood
Prior to settlement in 1851,most of Maplewood was covered by oak savanna, aplant community with scattered oak
trees or oak groves and a groundcover of grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Hazelnut, chokecherry, juneberry,
nannyberry, and wild plum grew in the savanna and at wetland edges. Low, wet areas contained wet prairies, sedge
meadows, and marshes. Forests grew on the Mississippi River bluffs in south Maplewood and in valleys where fires
were not severe. Some forests were mainly oak and in others sugar maple and basswood mingled with oaks. Lakes
were smaller at the time, and were later enlarged by excavating wetland vegetation from the shorelines.
Nearly every year the Mdewakanton Dakota Indians ignited fires in the region; the fires had burned the savannas and
wetlands for thousands of years. As a result, most of the plants and animals living in the natural areas of Maplewood
were residents of savannas, marshes, wet prairies, and sedge meadows. Plants and animals of forest settings lived
in the small forest areas of the Mississippi bluffs and in ravineswith flowing streams.
After settlement, many changes took place in Maplewood:
Natural lands were developed with farms, houses, and businesses.
Large savannas andforests were broken into smallseparatedparcels.
Remaining savannas became overgrownwith trees and shrubs.
Many wetlands were drained, excavated, and filled.
Plant life was altered by grazing and the introduction of non-native plants.
Trees from river floodplains seeded into uplands and wetlands.
Erosion occurred in streams, at shorelines, and on steep slopes.
More sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen reached lakes, streams, and wetlands than historically.
Some wildlife was eliminated by hunting.
Some wildlife left or died out because there was not enough habitatto successfully breed.
More water flowed directly into lakes, streams, and wetlandsafter rainstorms.
Water levels in groundwater fell, and water levels in lakes, streams, and wetlandsrose and fellmore often
and more quicklythan historically.
One example of what these changes mean ismany wildlife species are disappearingor are indecline.Generalist
species, such asraccoonand deer, are species that can adapt to different types of habitat, including urban habitats.
Many generalist species thrive in Maplewood. But specialist species, such as the ovenbird and Blanding’s turtle, are
more particular about habitat and often need large, connected habitat to persist. These species have declined, or are
in danger of declining locally. Many of the species in Table 7.1 are specialists.
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Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood. These species are on the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ list of species in greatest conservation need and are found in the
east Twin Cities region. The list is for illustration only and was not checked by field surveys.
Once Present, Now GonePossibly Present, In Decline?Species Restored
American WoodcockCommon MudpuppyBald Eagle
Black-crowned Night-heronBrown ThrasherPeregrine Falcon
Eastern MeadowlarkCommon Nighthawk
Red-headed WoodpeckerEastern Wood-pewee
Red-shouldered HawkField Sparrow
Sedge WrenLeast Flycatcher
Trumpeter SwanNorthern Rough-winged Swallow
Upland SandpiperOvenbird
Wood ThrushRose-breasted Grosbeak
Persius DuskywingSwamp Sparrow
RegalFritillaryVirginia Rail
American BadgerYellow-bellied Sapsucker
Franklin's Ground SquirrelAmerican Brook Lamprey
Prairie VoleLeast Weasel
Blanding's TurtleCommon Snapping Turtle
Gopher SnakeSmooth Green Snake
Western Hognose SnakeEastern Fox Snake
Eastern Hognose Snake
Today, Maplewood is a patchwork of developed land and undeveloped natural areas(Figure 7.1). Maplewood has
several lakes and ponds in the north, fringed by small amounts of wetland vegetation. The urban watershedthat
feeds the lakes provides poor water quality.There are many wetlands, but aggressive cattails andreed canary-grass
cover most.
South Maplewood has large forests. The once large expanses of savanna and prairie no longer exist—remaining
grasslandsare small andsupport only a few species.Three streams—Battle Creek, Fish Creek, and Snake Creek—
flow from Woodbury through Maplewood and then to the Mississippi. Inplaces their banks are eroding andwater
quality is poor because the headwaters are in developed areas. Despite the problems they support a variety of
aquatic insect and fish life.
There are few natural areas of high quality in Maplewood. Most have lost plant and animal species because they are
smalland suffer serious edge effects—invasion by non-native species,for example. However, in several places in
the citythere are large, continuous habitats well suited to preserving a wide variety of wildlife and plantsif restored
and managed.In many local habitats native plants and animals persist despite thesmall size of the habitat.
Maplewood faces the following challenges in managingitsnatural resources:
1. How to integrate a developed city and dense population with natural resource conservation.
2. How to protectand restore ecosystems in the cityso that ecosystem services will continue.
3. How to retain and attract animal species that need high qualityor large habitats (e.g., specialist species).
4. How to protectand restore the quality of upland and lowland plant communities, wildlife habitats, lakes, and
streams.
5. How to generate funding for natural resourcesand associated infrastructure.
6. How to prioritize projects.
Natural Resources
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7. How to involve city residents and businesses with city staff and officials in carrying out thevision and goals
for natural resources.
Natural Resources in Maplewood
The City of Maplewood intends toachieve its vision and goals for natural resources using a comprehensive
approach. Maplewood’sframework for protecting and managing natural resources focuses on four levels.
Natural Area Greenways.Natural Area Greenways are large contiguous areas of habitat that cross
ownership boundaries. They protect and expand ecosystem services and habitat.Because they are large
they have the potential to provide habitat for both generalist and specialist species.Maplewood has
identified four greenways.
Local Habitats.Local Habitats are individual natural areasand backyard habitat connections. They serve
the needs of people wanting to enjoy and learn about wild habitat near theirhomes and also provide
ecosystem services and wildlife habitat locally. Because they are relatively small, they are typically not able
to provide habitat for specialist species.Local habitats may be public or private lands.
Active Parks and Trails. Active Parks and Trails connect Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitatsand
give people places to play sports, picnic, and bike.
Natural Resource Issues.Somenatural resource issues are addressed city-wide through individual
programs, such as stormwater management.
Natural Area Greenways
Maplewood defines Natural Area Greenways aslarge contiguous areas of habitat that cross ownership boundaries.
Thepurpose of Natural Area Greenways is to protect, connect, and restore large scale ecosystems and ecosystem
services and provide habitat for speciesthat need large natural areas.Greenways contain large natural areas, high
quality plant communities and wildlife habitat, and provide a wide, continuous corridor for animal movement. In
general, a corridorin a greenway should not be narrower than the habitat size for a species that needs the corridor.
Scientific studies vary tremendously in their recommendations for corridor width. For Maplewood a reasonable
minimum corridor width in a greenway is660 feet (200 meters). This width tries to balance the limitations on natural
resources in cities with the needs of animals that use corridors to survive.It is unlikely Maplewood will be able to
achieve this minimum width throughout a whole greenwaydue to existing roadsand development, however it is a
goal to reach for where feasible.
Four Natural Area Greenways exist in Maplewood(Figure 7.2). They were selected by mapping and connecting
large, better quality natural areas and avoiding major roads and watershed divides that are barriers to many species
(Appendix 7.1). The two northern greenways are mostly lowland ecosystems (lakes and wetlands) north of I-94. The
two southern greenways consist mostly of upland ecosystems (forests, grasslands)with smallwetlands and streams
south of I-94.
Greenways provide stopovers for the hundreds of bird species that migrate through Maplewood each spring and fall.
But birdsalso use Local Habitats and backyards if food and shelter are present.Bird and insect migrants (e.g.,
monarch butterfly) move through Maplewood along a broad front. They may concentrate in some places due to local
Natural Resources
7-5
geography and vegetation. The Mississippi Flyway, for example,is wider than the Mississippi River.Waterfowl,
waterbirds, and shorebirds generally orient to itand use its open water in the spring while waiting for ice to melt on
lakes and wetlands in the surrounding area. Once in Maplewood, these birds choose migratory stopover habitat
based on size, quality, and isolation, not geographic location. Migrating songbirds from the tropics and subtropics
also move on a broad front, but descend from flight elevations and move through vegetation eating insects as they
journey north. As they move through Maplewood, these birds concentrate in woodlots, dense tree patches in
developments, grasslands and brushland, and in the vegetated edges of wetlandsand lakes. The more patches of
permanent vegetationthere are,the more opportunities these birds have to feed as they migrate.
1. Phalen-Casey Chain-of-Lakes
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, lowland greenway consists of a chain of lakes in formerly extensive wetlands. Stretching from Phalen
Lake to Casey Lake, it includes Round, Keller, Gervais, Kohlman Lakes and Kohlman Creek.Most of the greenway
is open water with a narrow wetland fringe. More wetlands are east of Kohlman Lake.This greenway extends into
North St. Paul, Little Canada, and St. Paul.
Regional barriers to the movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic life are the urban
development south and west of the greenway, and the major watershed divides to the north and east.Water leaves
this greenway from Phalen Lake and travels in a large storm sewer until it discharges tothe Mississippi River at
Mounds Park, St. Paul.
Elevenconstrictions (pinch points) with greenway width of <660 feet(Figure 7.2)restrictwildlife movementin the
greenway. Pinch points are mainly at road crossings (Frost Avenueat Round Lake, Highway61 at Keller Lake,
Highway36 at Keller Lake, Highway61 east of Kohlman Lake, west side of Hazelwood Park, and White Bear
Avenue). Other pinch points are the outlet of LakeGervais, the outlet of Kohlman Lake, a narrow wetland west of
Hazelwood Park, and a drop structure at the outlet of Casey Lake.
Greenway challenges
Reduced infiltration due to high percentage of impervious surface in the watershedcauses a lower water
table and reduces groundwater inflow to lakes and wetlands.
Poorwater quality inlakes and wetlands due to large amount of surface runoff from impervious surfaces
and turfgrassbrings sediment, nutrients, and pollutantsto waters.
Narrow lake and wetland buffersreduce the filtering and cleansing effect of vegetation at the water-upland
edge.
The small size of upland habitats next to lakes and wetlandspreventssome wetland animals from
completing a life cycle that includes using uplands (e.g., Blanding’s Turtle).
Over-abundance of reed-canary grass and cattaildegrades wetland habitat.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated several lakes in this greenway as impaired: Kohlman,
Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, and Phalen.
2. Holloway-Beaver Lake Wetlands
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, lowland greenwayis more or lesscontinuous wetland habitat from the marshlands north of Holloway
Avenue, southwest to wetlands and uplands at Priory Neighborhood Preserve, and continuing southwest along
wetlands and Beaver Creek to Beaver Lake. This greenwayextends into North St. Paul, Oakdale, and St. Paul.
Natural Resources
7-6
Beaver Lakehas a narrow wetland fringe. This is a historical wetland area, containing wet prairie, wet meadow, and
marsh. Thelowland forests with ash, elm, cottonwood, and silver maplethat exist inthis greenwaywere not here
historically.
Regional barriers include a major watershed at the east edge, dense urban development inSt. Paul, and minor
watershed divides to the north and south. The greenway drains out of Beaver Lake and the water flows in a large
storm sewer west to Phalen Creek. The movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic
speciesarerestricted by these barriers.
Sevenpinch pointswith greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2)restrict wildlife movementin the greenway. Pinch
points are where roads (Century Avenue, Maryland Avenue,andLakewood Drive) and a railroad cross the
greenway. The narrow wetland between Maryland Avenue and Lakewood Drive isalsoa pinch point.
Greenway challenges
Thechallenges are the same as for Phalen-Casey Chain of Lakes above.
3. Battle Creek Forests
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, mostly forested greenway includes Battle Creek Regional Park and connects to the Mississippi River
bluffs in St. Paul. This greenway includes the Ponds at Battle Creek Golf Course,the forested portion of Highwood
neighborhood, and Applewood Neighborhood Preserve. The largest, best qualityforests are in Battle Creek
Regional Park. Battle Creek is part of this corridor and begins in Tanner’s Lake in Landfall, then flows to Battle Creek
Lake in Woodbury, and then through a narrow stream valley to Battle Creek Park. This is a historical forestarea of
oak forest,oak-maple-basswood forest, and aspen-oak woodland.
Regional barriers around this upland greenway are the major divided highways: US61, I-494, and I-94. These
highways prevent themovement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling insects that are an
important part of the forest’s food chain. Theyalso pose a significant risk to other mammals, birds, and flying insects
(e.g., butterflies, dragonflies) attempting to cross them.
Two pinch points in the continuous forest are on Battle Creek and Lower Afton Road west of McKnight Road. A
pinch point in the greenway exists at Lower Afton Road between Battle Creek Regional Parkand the golf course.
Battle Creek is pinched where it crosses under I-94 between Tanner’s and Battle Creek Lake, at the outlet of Battle
Creek Lake, and at Century Avenue.Only two pinch points are within the City.
Greenway challenges
The large forests are far from each other and connected by poor quality corridors.
Development at the edges of the large forests affects habitat quality inside the forests. Edge effects shrink
the actual size of interior forest habitat, reducing breeding areafor forest songbirds (e.g., warblers, vireos)
and other forest animals.
Low quality forest habitat is due to over-abundance of European buckthorn and invasion by other non-native
plants (e.g., garlic mustard).
Groundcover plants, trees, and shrubs were affected by cattle grazing in the past, and are today affected by
abundant white-tailed deer. Grazing and browsing affects some plant species but not others, reducing
forest plant diversity.
The forests were protected from severe fires historically, but not from all fire.
Feral and free-roamingcats affect small mammal populations and shrub nesting birds.
Natural Resources
7-7
Two-and four-lane roads inside the greenway prevent movement of some species.
The challenges described for the lowland greenways affect Battle Creek, a mostly developed 11.4 square
mile watershed. Battle Creek is a typical urban stream, with very low flowsat times andwith very highflows
3
after rainstorms, but water quality and aquatic lifeare fair to good.
4. Fish CreekForests
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, mostly forested greenway includes fourunits of Ramsey County’s Fish Creek Open Space. It is at the
north end of a large, mostly forested greenway that includes forests in Newport, St. Paul, and Cottage Grove. Fish
Creek is part of this corridor and begins at Carver Lake in Woodbury, then flows through the Fish Creek Open Space
and beneath I-494 and US61 to the Mississippi River. A smaller creek, Snake Creek, begins in the Bailey Nursery
grounds and also flows to the Mississippi. This is a historical forestarea of oak forest,oak-maple-basswood forest,
and aspen-oak woodland.
A portion of this greenway is in the Mississippi River Critical Area and the Mississippi National Riverand Recreation
Area.The Critical Area was designated and established by two governors and the Metropolitan Council between
1976 and 1979. Executive Order 79-19 requires that municipalities and agencies coordinate planning and
4
management in the Critical Area using common guidelines.In 1991 the legislature made the National River and
Recreation Area (part of the National Park Service) a critical area under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 116G. The
legislation also made the boundariesof the Critical Area and the National River and Recreation Area the same.
Regional barriers to this upland greenway are the major divided highwayI-494and development to the east in
Woodbury. These barriers prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling
insects that are an important part of the forest’s food chain. The highway poses a significant risk to other mammals,
birds, and flying insects (e.g., butterflies, dragonflies) attempting to cross it.
The main pinch pointsin the continuous forest arenear SterlingStreet atI-494and on the Bailey property.
Greenway challenges
The challenges are the same as the challenges for Battle Creek Forests above.
Loss of private land to development will decrease the amount of natural land in this greenway.
Unwise developmentmay degrade habitat.
Developers and landowners are often not knowledgeable about or are not receptive to conservation design
strategies.
Fish Creek and Snake Creek are reported to have eroding banks and beds.
Local Habitats
Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat connections(Figure 7-3).The purpose of Local
Habitatsis to protect,buffer, and manage small, isolated wild habitats and protectlocal ecosystem servicesoutside
the Greenways.Local Habitatswill be difficult to enlarge and connect and will usually benefit generalist speciesbut
3
See Met Council monitoring reports for 2001 and 2003 at:
http://www.metrocouncil.org/environment/Riverslakes/Streams/Reports/Battle.pdf,
http://www.metrocouncil.org/environment/RiversLakes/Streams/Reports/2003_Report/03Battle.pdf
4
For guidelines see: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/critical_area/execord.pdf.
Natural Resources
7-8
not specialistspecies. These lands may be private or public. Private lands are included to show thenatural
resources that exist in the city. These private lands are not open for public use and these sites may bedeveloped
someday. Many of thepublic sites provide access and opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about wild
habitats.
Local Habitats include:
Some Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves;
Natural areas withinactive parks;
Neighborhoods that have contiguous backyard habitat;
Natural areas that are used for stormwater management;
County and city open space sites that have natural vegetation;
Private sites that have natural vegetation.
Two Local Habitats are significant because of their size and arrangement.
3M Lake Wetlands
This is the largest concentration of Local Habitatin Maplewood. It contains 3M Lake and wetlands identified by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as regionally significant.It is at the top of a watershed and runoff
comes from nearby. This improves chances to manage runoff and protector restore water quality in the lake and
wetlands.
Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands
The Highwood and VistaHills neighborhoodsare unique in Maplewood due to the dozens of small, kettlehole
wetlands formed by the glaciers melting in place here(i.e., an ice-stagnation moraine). It is at the top of a watershed
and runoff comes from nearbylawns, driveways, andstreets. This improves the chances to manage runoff and
protector restore water quality in the wetlands. The Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlandsoverlap with the Battle Creek
Forest Greenway.Small forested wetlands provide excellent habitat for frogs and other aquatic life.
Local HabitatChallenges
Small habitats are affected more than large habitats by edge effects. Edge effects include invasion by non-
native plants (e.g., European buckthorn, garlic mustard) and animals (e.g., European Starling, House
Sparrow) and predation on wildlife by feral and free-roamingcats.
Many native species do not survive in small habitats for very long because they have small populations, and
small populations can easily go extinct.
Small habitats can be over-used by peoplebecause the impacts are concentratedin a small area. In small
habitats vegetation is easily trampled and lost, erosion is quick to start, and dumping of trash, lawn
clippings,leaves, and debris often happens.
Small lakes and wetlands are easily polluted because the runoff from impervious surfaces and turfgrass is
large and overwhelms the ecosystem’s ability to absorb and treat it. When they are at the top of a
watershed, small lakes and wetlands tend to have better water quality because less runoff reaches them.
Active Parks and Trails
The purposeof active parks and trailsis to provide easy access for people’s recreational enjoyment. These places
provide fewer ecosystem services than greenways and Local Habitats because they usually haveturfgrass,
compacted soils, and impervious surfaces, and are poor wildlife habitat. However, some parts of active parks,trails,
and golf coursescould be used to expand habitat and reduce edge effects in greenways and Local Habitats.In
Natural Resources
7-9
addition, areas withinactive parks that are not needed for active recreation may be restored to native plant
communities.The Parks Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan covers parks in detail.
Challenges in Active Parks and Trails
It is necessary to understand which parts of active parks and trails have an effect on greenways and Local
Habitats, positive and negative.
Some specialist wildlife isdisturbed by human activity. This is more important in greenways thaninLocal
Habitats.
Wheels, shoes, dogs, and wildlifespreadseeds of non-native plants to natural areas (e.g., garlic mustard).
Maintenance activities in parks and along trails can affect greenways and Local Habitats. Herbicide drift is
one example.
Special Natural ResourceIssues
Some natural resources issues arewidespread in the city and are addressed by topic through city-wide programs.
Existing programs include:
Stormwater Management Program;
Maplewood Tree Program;
Buckthorn Management Program.
Additional programs should be established to address natural resources issues such as:
Invasive plants and animals (other than buckthorn);
Wetland buffer improvements;
Sustainable landscaping and yard care;
Toxic waste sites;
Impaired waters. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated the following Maplewood Lakes as
impaired: Kohlman, Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, Phalen, Wakefield, and Beaver;
Stream restoration.
Thisnatural resources plan provides a newframework for protecting natural resourcesin Maplewood. It addresses
regional, city-wide, neighborhood, and site levels. It encompasses both public and private lands. This
comprehensive approachwill enableMaplewood to protect and manage natural resources. Implementation
strategies are discussed in the following section.
Natural Resources
7-10
Implementation Strategiesfor Natural Resources
The city’s present and future residentswill benefit by using Maplewood’s natural resourcesin a sustainable
way. The city’s reputation and its quality of lifewill be enhanced, residents and visitors will see beauty and
varietyinthe environment, and healthy ecosystems will provide services and benefits that keep the city’s
lakes and streams clean and its wildlife populations diverse.
This is a large vision with many ambitious goals for protecting,restoring and managing natural resources in
the city. It will take many yearsof discussion, planning, budgeting, and other work to make it a reality.
The implementationplan for natural resources has the following strategies. The city will need to review and
update the plan as priorities and resources change, as new strategies and opportunities arise, and as staff
and officials learn about new approaches to sustainability.
Education
Educate residents about nature, natural resources,and protection and management of resources.
Adopt both city-wide and neighborhood-based educational programming.
Give annual progress report tocity council and the community.
Organize public tours of the greenwaysand Local Habitats.
Develop educationalmaterials and create a natural resources pageon the city’s website. Post
natural resources plan, maps of greenways and Local Habitats, brochures, technical information for
stewardship work by residents, etc.
Present workshops to explain the natural resourcesplan. Answer questions: What are greenways
and Local Habitats, why are they needed, where are they, and how do they affect residents?
Develop programs and events to involve citizens in monitoring and conductingspeciesinventories.
Maplewood currently has citizen-monitoring programs for bluebirds, frogs, and for the
Neighborhood Preserves. Develop additional citizen-based inventory and monitoring programs to
gather information throughout the year. In addition, consider hosting events such as “BioBlitz Day”
to involve citizens in inventorying species on a single day.
Provide training on natural resources management for staff.
Collaborate with area schools to educate students on the local natural resources.
City Planning and Zoning
Integrate natural resources (e.g., greenways and Local Habitats) into the city’scomprehensive
plan, zoning, ordinances, development review, daily operations, capital budgeting, and bonding
initiatives.
Investigateoptions toencouragepreservation and management of Natural Area Greenways such
as educational programs, zoning overlays,or incentive programs for private landowners to adopt
certainapproaches to construction and land treatment thatimprovenatural resources in the
greenway.
Modify the city’s operating procedures and annual budgets to implement feasible strategies
identified above.
Hold brain-storming sessionswith cityleadership to identify strategies for implementing the natural
resources plan. Discussion should focus on three things: 1) integrating all public lands, across all
uses and owners; 2)integrating the public and private use of land and waters, where feasible;and
3) integratingthe existing stormwater infrastructure and management approach with the vision for
natural resources.Ideas for stormwater may include:
Natural Resources
7-11
Wetland and FloodplainBuffers.Set water quality buffer width using best available science
and incorporate in city ordinances and standards.
Stormwater Utility.Incorporate in the city’s stormwater utility the locations for stormwater
management that benefit greenways and Local Habitats. Implementation is ongoing, but focus
should includeregional view and the integration of greenways and Local Habitats.
Update the city’s zoning and ordinances to implement win-win strategies such as:
o Conservation Design Ordinance.Create an ordinance or zoning overlaysthat encourage
low impact development and conservation design practices. Examples include City of
Lino Lakes, rural residential cluster development ordinance of Chisago City and Marine on
St. Croix, and St. Croix County, WI.Examples of conservation development designs and
5
approaches are widely available.This type of ordinance preserves large natural areas,
manages stormwater ecologically, minimizes land clearing and grading, reduces
infrastructure costs (sewers, curb andgutter, irrigated turfgrass, pavement extent, utility
run lengths), and promotes stewardship of natural resources. Incentives to landowners
might include accelerated permitting, exemptions, and increased housing density.
Alternative Stormwater Standards. This tool is part of a conservation design ordinance or
can stand alone. Its focus is to promote low impact development practices for stormwater
management, and integrate thosepractices with existing stormwater management
infrastructure operations and maintenance. Many examples of low impact practices exist,
6
such as rain gardens, bioswales, porous pavement, and narrow streets.
Protection and Restoration
Inventory and Evaluate Natural Resources
Conduct landcover inventory for city using Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS).
At a minimum, MLCCS should be done for the greenways and for all city-owned Local Habitats.
Identifyparcels with high ecological quality that need protection.
Identify areas in active parks that could be restored to natural habitat.
Identify locations in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails that are part of greenways
and Local Habitatsand their buffers.
Identify locations in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails useable for alternative,
ecological stormwater management. These areas can manage runoff from the parks, golf courses,
and trails,or can intercept and manage runoff from other land.
Identify other locations on public land (e.g., school property, county land, City Hall) that benefit
greenways and Local Habitats.
Assess natural resources city-wide, identify opportunities,and prioritize conservation and
managementinitiatives.
Protect Natural Areas
Develop and adopt a land protection plan for Fish Creek Forests Greenway using strategies
outlined in this section and the section below on Protect Natural Areas on Private Land.
5
Applied Ecological Services: http://www.appliedeco.com/ConservationDev.cfm; Urban Land Institute:
http://minnesota.uli.org/Content/NavigationMenu18/ConservationDesign/ConservationDevelopmentFramework.pdf
6
Low Impact Development Center, Inc.: http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org; National Stormwater Center:
http://www.stormwatercenter.org; USEPA NPDES Stormwater Program:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatermonth.cfm; Minnesota Erosion Control Association: http://www.mnerosion.org;
Applied Ecological Services: http://www.appliedeco.com/StormWaterMgt.cfm.
Natural Resources
7-12
Pursue protection options initiated in 2007-2008 for city-owned parks and natural areas, including:
ordinances, no-net loss policy,zoning, conservation easements, and Comprehensive Plan. The
Comprehensive Plan should define special land use conditions for the Maplewood Neighborhood
Preserves, active parks, and other city open spaces. The Comprehensive Plan should also define
conditions and policies such as no-net loss in Neighborhood Preserveacreage.
Convene a budgeting session with cityleadership to identify the strategies to fund protection and
restoration of greenways,Local Habitats, and their buffers. Budget for the 5-yearand longer term
planning horizons. Strategies include:
Park Dedication.Transfer dedications from other parts of cityto greenwaysand Local
Habitats. Increase amount of parkdedication required.
Grants.Seek grants for greenways. (E.g., Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s
(MNDNR) Regional Park or Natural and Scenic Areas grantwith 40% match for Regional Park
7
or 50% for Natural and Scenic Areas.MNDNR Environmental & Conservation Partnerships
Grant program for up to $20,000, with 50% municipal in-kind/cash match.)
Private Easements.Encourage private landowners to enter into conservation easementswith
a group such as Minnesota Land Trust.
Donation of Land or Easement.Seek donation of land or donation of conservation easement.
Trust for Public Land can be intermediary. Donations can reduce federal and state taxes.
Identify key messages and incentives to landowners on tax benefits of donation.
8
Acquisition.Consider a bonding initiative for greenwayand Local Habitatacquisition.
Collaboration.Collaborate with adjacent communities, county, and agencies in development
and implementation of plans for Natural Area Greenways.
Protect Natural Areas on Private Land
Protecting natural areas on private land is complicated and requires a willing landowner. Each property
needs a different approach. Implementing the natural resources plan will lay the groundwork for
approaching landowners with ideas for protecting natural areas in greenways and Local Habitats. There are
several tools for approaching landowners:
Educate landowners about the resources on their particular siteand in their neighborhood.
Provide stewardship training to residents.
Encourage landowners to enter into conservation easements with agroup such as Minnesota Land
Trust.
Develop incentives for landowners to donate conservation land to city.
Adopt zoning and development ordinances with incentives to protect open space.
Natural Resources Management Plans
Develop and implement management plans for Natural Area Greenways and city-owned Local
Habitats.
Develop and implement site-specific management plans for each Maplewood Neighborhood
Preserve.
Develop and implement management plans addressing city-wide management issues such as
invasive species.
Develop and implementaMaplewood TreePlan to coverboulevard trees, park trees, woodlots and
forests.
Modify park and trail operations to adopt environmentally friendly maintenance practices and to
minimize edge effects to nearby greenways and Local Habitats.
7
See http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/land/natural_scenic.html
8
See http://conservationcampaign.org
Natural Resources
7-13
City-wide Natural Resources Issues
Stormwater Management
Alternative Stormwater Standards.Discussed above.
Identify Target Locations.Complete a study to identify and prioritize areas with existing conditions
that create problems for downstream lakes, streams, and wetlands in the city.
Blue Stormwater Program for Existing Developments.Create a program to deliver technical advice
and assistance about low impact retrofit practices to improve ecosystem services involving
stormwater (vegetation filtration, infiltration, recharge, and water level stability). These include rain
gardens, bioswales, infiltration plantings (e.g., butterfly and botanical gardens, prairies), tree boxes,
created wetlands, cisterns, and many more practices.
Inspection of structures. Continue city’s inspection program, which inspects all stormwater
pollution control devices annually.
Street and Boulevard Design and Maintenance
Investigate alternative road de-icing options. Options range from new formulations of calcium
chloride to a solution containing sugar beet juice.
Sweep streets on annual schedule. Currently the city sweeps most streets two times per year;
streets in sensitive areas are swept more often.
Identify erosion-prone street shoulders atlakeshores, streams, and wetland edges and take
corrective action. This is being implemented, and will include a focus on Natural Area Greenways
and Local Habitats.
Develop guidelinesfor environmentally friendly street design such as plantings in cul-de-saccenter
9
islands, tree boxes in boulevards, and innovations such as Portland’s Green Street program.
Develop pedestrian and bicycle-friendly street designs.
Urban TreeManagement
Develop and implement an Urban TreeManagement Plan for the city that addressesboulevard
trees, park trees, and woodlands.
Monitor tree disease and pest outbreaks and implement control program (Dutch elm, oak wilt,
emerald ash borer, etc.). Expand to include other diseases and pests as they occur.
10
Consider adaptingthe Minnesota Forest Stewardship whole-site planning model for the city.
Non-native Invasive Species Management
Educate city staff and residents on threat of invasive species and management options.
Develop a volunteer program to help monitor city-owned land for new invasions.
Partner with adjacent cities and agencies in controlling invasive species regionally.
Monitor developments in control methods for buckthorn, garlic mustard, reed canary-grass,
Siberian elm, and other target species and revise outreach materialsas needed.
9
See http://www.portlandonline.com/BES/index.cfm?c=44407&
10
http://na.fs.fed.us/stewardship/index.shtm
Natural Resources
7-14
Urban Wildlife Management
Educate residents about the value and stewardship of urban wildlife.
Participatein Ramsey County’s deer management program.
Explore options to reduce populations of bird and mammal species that compete with or prey on
native songbird populations (feral and free-roaming cats, raccoons, starlings, house sparrows,
crows and grackles, etc.).
Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Updatecity’s planning,development review, zoning and ordinances to be consistent with
guidelines for these areas.
Identify parcels of land in these areas that have high ecological quality and need protection.
Educate landowners in these areas about the designations and what they mean.
Natural Resources
7-15
ImplementationSchedule for Natural Resources Plan
The Natural Resources Plan proposes a new approach tomanaging Maplewood’snatural resources. One
of the first steps in achieving the goals is to gain a better understanding of Maplewood’s resources. To do
this, the implementation plan recommends that Maplewood conducts a land cover classification survey of
the whole city. This workwill lay the foundation for planning and management. It should be completed
before the city attempts to prioritize protection and restoration projects. Therefore, the implementation
schedule focuses on planning, not on specific restoration and management projects.
CategoryDateKey ActivitiesCost Estimate
Planning20091. Develop policies, zoning, and ordinances to Staff
implement natural resources plan
2. Develop land protection strategies for south Staff
Maplewood
3. Determine staffing needs for implementation of Staff
natural resources plan
4. Determine role of Environmental and Natural Staff, ENR
Resources Commission (ENR) in implementation of
Natural Resources Plan
5. Conduct MLCCS inventory for entire city ($10,000$25,000
grant received)
6. Assess and prioritize protection and management Staff
projects
7. Develop funding strategiesStaff
8. Develop Maplewood Tree PlanStaff
20101. Develop management plan for each greenway$40,000
2. Develop generalmanagement plan for Local $10,000
Habitats
2010+1. Develop individual management plansfor individual $30,000total
Neighborhood Preserves when fundingis available
to begin restoration at site
2. Develop programs that address natural resources staff
city-wide (ex: wetland buffers, sustainable
landscaping)
Education,2008-1.Develop natural resources workshop focusing on $5,000 grant
Outreach,2009protection and stewardship of neighborhood
Community resources
Engagement2.Present natural resourcesworkshop in four Staff
neighborhoods (two in 2008, two in 2009)
3.Enhance natural resources section of websiteStaff
4.Present community-wide programs on sustainable Staff
landscaping and natural resources
5.Conduct “BioBlitz” for one siteStaff
6.Develop strategies for citizen-based inventory and Staff
monitoring programs
20101. Present natural resources workshop for fourStaff
neighborhoods
2. Present community-wide programs on sustainable Staff
Natural Resources
7-16
landscaping and natural resources
3. Conduct “BioBlitz” for one siteStaff
4. Implement one new citizen-based inventory or Staff
monitoring program
20111. Present natural resources workshop for fourStaff
neighborhoods
2. Present community-wideprograms on sustainable Staff
landscaping andnatural resources
3. Conduct “BioBlitz” for one siteStaff
4. Implement one new citizen-based inventory or Staff
monitoring program
20121. Present community-wide programs on sustainable Staff
landscaping and natural resources
20131.Present community-wide natural resources Staff
programs
Restoration 2009-See Parks Chapter for restoration and management Staff
and 2013projects at Neighborhood Preserves.
Management
Natural resources management activitiesare contingent
upon assessment and prioritization which is scheduled
for 2009 (after MLCCS data compiled).
Land20091.Develop policies, zoning, and ordinances that help Staff/ENRC
Protectionprotect natural lands
and 2009-1.Acquire non-buildable land for preservation$25,000-
Acquisition2013$100,000/acre
2.Acquire buildable land for preservation$100,000-
(Cost-share grants available for land in Mississippi $300,000/acre
Critical Area)
3.Acquire land through donation$10,000/transaction
General costs for restoration and management:Per acre
Buckthorn removal$1000-$10,000
Prairie restoration (including three years management)$4000-$8000
Woodland restoration$2000-$20,000
Wetland restoration$2000-$8000
Yearly maintenance of restored areas$100-$250
Natural Resources
7-17
5.Figures
Figure 7.1. Natural and Semi-Natural Land in Maplewood
Figure 7.2. Natural Area Greenways
Figure 7.3. Local Habitats
Figure 7.4. Maplewood’s Natural Resources, Parks, Trails, and Open Space
6.Tables
Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood
Natural Resources
7-18
61
694
120
694
D
D
Owasso
Lydia
Joy
Silver
Silver
Lake
Lake
Kohlman
Kohlman
Lake
Lake
Casey
Casey
Lake
Lake
C
Gervais
Gervais
50th
17th
C
Lake
Lake
Keller
Keller
36
Lake
Lake
40
th
E
B
B
49
y
owa
Holl
RoselawnFrost
5
34th
Wakefield
Wakefield
Lake
Lake
Larpenteur
ur
pente
Lar
Wh
35
Lake
Lake
Phalen
Phalen
Ivy
Maryland
Beaver
Beaver
Lake
Lake
arvester
H
15th
120
5
10th
5
haha
Minne
3M Lake
3M Lake
Tanners
Tanners
94
Lake
Lake
Burns
Battle
Battle
Creek
Creek
Lake
Lake
Afton
Upper
Lower Afton
City of Maplewood Boundary
Forested Upland Habitat
10
Non-Forested Upland Habitat
Pigs Eye Lake
Pigs Eye Lake494
Forested Lowland Habitat
61
Non-Forested Lowland or Aquatic Habitat
Stream or Water Flow Path
00.51
Courtly
ighwood
H
Miles
Carver
Carver
Lake
Lake
Figure 1
r
Carve
Natural and Semi-Natural Land Cover
City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan
This map shows areas of Maplewood that have natural/semi-natural habitat
circa 2008. These areas include both public and private land.Bailey
Date: 06-06-08
Source: MNDNR Twin Cities Metro Hybrid Land Cover (2000) modified using
2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; StreetMap USA
Drawn by: DMM
Reviewed by: KAC
AES Job No.: 08-0036
File Name: maplewood_greenway_plan_10_figure1prioritization_02.mxd
61
694
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Owasso
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Lake
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Creek
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fton
Upper A
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Forests
City of Maplewood Boundary
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Natural Area Greenway
Pigs Eye Lake
Pigs Eye Lake494
Upland System Constriction
61
Lowland/Aquatic System Constriction
Lake
ghwoodCourtly
Hi
Stream or Water Flow Path
00.51
Miles
Carver
Carver
Lake
Lake
Figure 2
r
Carve
Fish
Natural Area Greenways
Creek
City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan
Forests
Bailey
Natural Area Greenways include both public and private land.
Date: 06-06-08
Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data;
StreetMap USA
Drawn by: DMM
Reviewed by: KAC
AES Job No.: 08-0036
File Name: maplewood_greenway_plan_10_figure2natlareagreenways_02.mxd
61
694
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Joy
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way
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pente
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Ivy
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arvester
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haha
Minne
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Wetlands
Tanners
Tanners
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Lake
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Burns
Battle
Battle
Creek
Creek
Lake
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Afton
Upper
Lower Afton
Highwood-
City of Maplewood Boundary
Vista Hills
10
Local Habitat
Wetlands 494
Local Habitat Concentration
61
Neighborhood Preserve
Pigs Eye Lake
Pigs Eye Lake
Lake
Courtly
ighwood
H
Stream or Water Flow Path
00.51
Miles
Carver
Carver
Lake
Lake
Figure 3
r
Carve
Local Habitats
City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan
Local Habitats include both public and private land.Bailey
Date: 06-09-08
Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data;
StreetMap USA
Drawn by: DMM
Reviewed by: KAC
AES Job No.: 08-0036
File Name: maplewood_greenway_plan_10_figure3localhabitats_02.mxd
61
694
120
694
D
Owasso
Lydia
Joy
Silver
Silver
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Lake
Kohlman
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Casey
Casey
Lake
Lake
C
Gervais
Gervais
C
Lake
Lake
Keller
Keller
36
Lake
Lake
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B
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RoselawnFrost
5
Wakefield
Wakefield
Lake
Lake
Larpenteur
Wh
35
Lake
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Phalen
Phalen
Ivy
Beaver
Beaver
Lake
Lake
15th
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5
5
3M Lake
3M Lake
Tanners
Tanners
94
Lake
Lake
Burns
Battle
Battle
Creek
Creek
Lake
Lake
City of Maplewood Boundary
Natural Area Greenway
Local Habitat
Local Habitat Concentration
Lower Afton
Neighborhood Preserve
City Park
Existing Regional Trail
Existing Road Trail
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Existing Walking Path
Pigs Eye Lake
Pigs Eye Lake
494
Mississippi River Critical Area
61
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Lake
Courtly
Stream or Water Flow Path
00.51
Miles
Carver
Carver
Lake
Lake
Figure 4
Natural Resources Plan Map
City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan
Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats include both public and private land.Bailey
Date: 04-28-08
Source: MNDNR Twin Cities Metro Hybrid Land Cover (2000); 2006 and 2003
digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data; StreetMap USA
Drawn by: DMM
Reviewed by: KAC
AES Job No.: 08-0036
File Name: maplewood_greenway_plan_10_figure4natlresourcesplan_02.mxd
Agenda Item 6.a.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
FROM:Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
DATE: July 13,2017, for the July 17 ENR Commission Meeting
SUBJECT:Urban Agriculture – Zoning Review
Introduction
Urban agriculture is the practice of growing, processing and distributing fresh food by people
living in urban areas. Urban agriculture is one of the Environmental and Natural Resources
(ENR) Commission’s goals. There are four aspects of the Commission’sreview including:
Animal agriculture (keeping of poultry, etc.)
Crop agriculture (community gardens, etc.)
Direct to consumer sales (farm stands, etc.)
City Programming (composting classes, etc.)
The ENR Commission has been reviewing the City’s ordinances and policies and making
recommendations that will remove barriers and promote urban agriculture, while ensuring no
negative impacts to surrounding properties.During the July 17,2017 ENRCommission
meetingthe Commission will finalize their review of crop agricultureand begin discussions on
direct to consumer sales.
Background
2015,2016, 2017: The ENR Commission identified urban agriculture asa goalin their annual
reports.
January 27, 2016: The ENR Commission formed an urban agriculture subcommittee made up
of three Commissioners. The subcommittee was charged with researching the City code to
determine where urban agriculture uses are permitted and prohibited, and reporting that
information to the full ENR Commission.
June 16, 2016: The ENR Commission’s urban agriculture subcommittee submitted the attached
urban agriculture report to the full ENR Commission (Attachment). Based on this report, the
ENR Commission has been reviewing and making recommendationsto City code to remove
barriersto urban agriculture uses, while ensuringno negative impacts to surrounding properties.
December 19, 2016: The ENR Commission recommended approval of animal agriculture
amendments.
Discussion
Crop Agriculture
There are six components to crop agriculture review including 1) community gardens; 2) front
yard gardening; 3) private gardening on vacant lots; 4) market gardens; 5) urban farms; and 6)
season extenders. During the June 19 ENR Commission meeting,the Commission
recommended the following ordinance amendments to promote crop agriculture(changes
proposed during the June meeting are underlined or stricken, original code language and
changes proposed are shown in italics):
Community and Market Gardens
Definition: ACommunity andMarketGarden areis a shared cultivated spacestypically
gardened and managed by one or more personscollectively by a group–either on
undeveloped lots or on leased landsfor private consumption or retail sale..–for private
consumption (not for retail sale).
1.Community or MarketGardens on Land Guided as Park –Allowed if it meets the City’s
Park Master Plan.
2.Community or MarketGardens Over One Acre -Allowed in any zoning district with a
conditional use permit.
3.Community or MarketGardens Under One Acre –Allowed in any zoning district with City
staff site plan review. The following standards must be met:
a.Maintain a 5-foot setback to all property lines.
b.On-site sales shall be limited only to products grown on the site with the following
requirements:
1)Sales shall be limited to no more than six (6) calendar days a year.
2)Sales shall only take place between the hours of 7am –7pm.
3)Sales shall not take place on the public sidewalk or boulevard.
c.Soil tests showing that lead levels are less than one hundred parts per million
(100ppm), or raised planting beds with soil barriers and clean, imported soil will
be required.
d.Community or marketgarden accessory structures are allowed including
greenhouses and hoop houses. A building permit is required for structures larger
than 200 square feet in area.
e.Subject to minimum property maintenance standards as outlined in Maplewood
City ordinances.
f.Abide by noise regulations as outlined in Maplewood City ordinances.
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g.Be conducted in a manner that controls odor, dust, erosion, lighting, and noise
and is in compliance with city standards so as not to create a nuisance.
h.Any tools, equipment, and material shall be stored and concealed within an
enclosed, secure structure.
i.When a community or marketgarden has been discontinued:
1)The property shallbepreferablyrestored withnative plantings; or at a
minimumgrass andground cover to control erosion, dust,andmud.
2)All structures accessory to the community or marketgarden shall be
removed.
Front Yard Gardening
Existing Definition: Accessory use means a use subordinate to the main use of land or of a
building on a lot and customarily incidental thereto.
New Definition: Home gardenis a garden within a residential property.an accessory use to
residential property and is a garden that is maintained by one or more individuals who reside in
a dwelling unit located on the subject property.Food and/or horticultural products grown in the
home garden may be used for personal consumption, and only whole, uncut, fresh food and/or
horticultural products grown in a home garden may be donated or sold on-site subject to the
home occupation ordinance in Section 14-56(licensing requirements).
Sec. 44-101. – Permitted uses.
The only uses permitted in the R-1 residence district are as follows:
1.One single-family dwelling and its accessory buildings and useson each lot....
. . . .
6.Home garden.
Section 44-103. – Prohibited uses.
The following uses areprohibited in the R-1residence district:
. . . .
2.Accessory buildings without an associated dwelling on the same premises,except for
accessory buildings approved as part of a community or market garden.
PermacultureIssues
The Environmental Commission inquired whether the City’s current ordinanceswould allow for
permaculturegardening within residential property.Permacultureisdefined assustainable
agriculturethatreliesonrenewable resources andaself-sustainingecosystem. TheCity’s
maintenance codesdo not prohibitpermaculturegardening,ut doprohibit noxious weeds
and tall grass asfollows:
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Sec. 12-99.–Yards(Rental Housing Maintenance Code)
. . . .
(d)Removal of noxious weeds. The yard shall be free from noxious weeds and tall grass as
required in section 18-31(8).
Sec. 12-147(Exterior Property Areas of Owner-Occupied Housing Maintenance Code)
. . . .
(b)Removal of noxious weeds and pests.All exterior property areas shall be kept free from
species of weeds or plant growth, rodents, vermin or other pests which are noxious or
detrimental to the public health.
Sec. 18-31. –Nuisances affecting health, safety, comfort or repose.
The following are hereby declared to be public nuisances affecting health, safety, comfort or
repose:
. . . .
(8)All noxious weeds.Noxious weeds shall be as defined by the state department of
agriculture. Tall grasses and other rank growths that are adversely affecting the public
health, safety, welfare, comfort or repose shall also be considered a public nuisance.
Wetlands and public open space such as parks, nature center or county open space, are
exempted fromthe tall grass part of this subsection. The noxious weed requirements
shall apply. The environmental health officer shall interpret and enforce this subsection,
subject to an appeal to the city council.
Urban Farms
Description: Large-scale gardening by a nonprofitgroup for training purposes.
1.Urban Farms on Land Guided as Park –Allowed if it meets the City’s Park Master Plan.
2.Urban Farms on Land Guided Commercial -Allowed with a conditional usepermit.
Other Crop Agriculture
The last two components of crop agriculture including private gardening on vacant lotsand
season extenderswere determined to be covered within the newly proposed ordinance
amendments described above or by existing ordinances.
Direct to Consumer Sales
The Direct to Consumer Sales section of the Guidebook for Municipal Zoning for Local Foods
describes this use as consumersbuyingagricultureproductsor prepared foods directly from
farmersor venders.Direct to consumer sales can bring fresh produce into areas where access
to nutritional food is not readily available. There are four components to direct to consumer
sales including: 1) community supported agriculture; 2)farm stands;3) farmers markets; 4)
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food trucks and push carts. Land use concerns with these types of usesinclude traffic, noise,
and parking issues.
The City’s ordinances would allow direct to consumer sales in the following manner:
Permitted Use:
Farm District–Stands for the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises is a
permitted use.
Residential Districts –Farm stands or CSAsto include the sale of produce from the
property would be allowed for up to 30 days per year per the City’s home occupation
ordinance.
Business Commercial, Light and Heavy Manufacturing District –Temporary exterior sale
of goods, up to four months per year.
Conditional Use:
Shopping Center District –exterior storage, display, sale, or distribution of goods or
materialsregardless of timeframe.
Business Commercial, Light and Heavy Manufacturing District –exterior storage,
display, sale, or distribution of goods or materials if longer than four months.Exterior
sale of goods allowed for less than four months with a licenseas described above.
Prohibited Use:
Business Commercial Modified and Mixed Use Districts–exterior storage, display, sale
or distribution of goods or materials regardless of timeframe.
Proposed Directto Consumer Sales Amendments
The Environmental Commission should discuss ways to promote direct to consumer sales while
ensuring no negative impacts to surrounding properties.
Commercial Direct to Consumer Sales:
o Existing Ordinance: The City has nine commercial zoning districtsincluding
Business Commercial(BC), Light Manufacturing(LM), Heavy Manufacturing(HM),
Shopping Center(SC), Business Commercial Modified(BCM),Mixed Use(MU),
Commercial Office(CO), Limited Business Commercial(LBC), and Neighborhood
Commercial(NC).The temporary exterior sale (up to four months) of goods would
be permitted within three of the commercial zoning districts(BC/LM/HM).The
exterior sale of goods for longer than four months is allowed with a conditional use
permit in four of the commercial zoning districts(BC/LM/HM/SC).The exterior sale
of goods either temporary or permanent is prohibited in two commercial zoning
districts(BCM/MU). And the language is silent on the use within three commercial
zoning districts(CO/LBC/NC).
o Proposed Amendments: The City could amend the temporary exterior sales
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language to (exterior sales for up to four months) to allow farm stands, CSAs,
farmers markets, food trucks and push cartswithin any commercial zoning district
with a license. Additionally, the City could expand the permanent exterior sales
language to allow for the use with a conditional use permit in other commercial
zoning districtsbesides BC/LM/HM/SC.
Residential Direct to Consumer Sales:
o Existing Ordinance:The existingordinanceswould allowstandsfor the sale of
agricultural productson the premises asa permitted use intheFarm District; and
farm stands toinclude the sale of producefromthe propertyas a permitted usein
single familyresidential districtsfor up to 30 days per year per the City’s home
occupation ordinance.Farm stands would also be allowedwithin all residential
zoning district(singlefamily or multi-family)if the stand is associated witha
communityor marketgarden as described above.
o Proposed Amendments: None
Recommendation
Recommend approval of the proposed crop agriculture ordinance amendments. Begin
discussions on direct to consumer sales.
Attachment
1.Urban Agriculture Zoning Study
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Attachment 1
City of Maplewood Urban Agriculture – Zoning Review
Update July 13, 2017
The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission’s 2016 goal is to review the
City’s ordinances and make recommendations that will remove barriers and promote urban
agriculture uses. There are four aspects of the Commission’s review including:
Animal agriculture (keeping of chickens, etc.)
Crop agriculture (community gardens, etc.)
Direct to consumer sales (farm stands, etc.)
City Programming (composting classes, etc.)
Review of Existing Codes
The urban agriculture subcommittee reviewed the City’s existing zoning code to determine
where urban agriculture uses are permitted, or could be interpreted to be permitted, and where
there are barriers to the use. For animal agriculture uses the following ordinances apply:
Residential
Farm District (Sections 44-71 and 44-72): It is estimated there are 200 residential lots that
are zoned Farm District. The Farm District zoning is a remnant district from the City’s
agricultural era. As large lots were subdivided into smaller lot residential developments,
Farm zoned land had been rezoned to Single Family Residential District (R-1).
o Permitted Uses (Section 44-71)
Commercial farming or gardening, including the use or storage of associated
equipment.
Commercial greenhouses or nurseries.
Stands for the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises is a permitted
use.
o Conditional Uses (Section 44-72)
Livestock raising and handling.Livestock is defined as “horses, cattle, mules, asses,
goats, sheep, swine, buffalo, llamas, ostriches, reptiles, genetic hybrids of the
foregoing, and other living animals usually kept for agriculture husbandry, or the
production of edible or salable byproducts.”
A landscape business or any other similar use as an accessory use to residential
property.
Single and Double Dwelling Residential Districts Including R-1, R-1(R), R-E, R-1S, R-2
(Sections 44-101,44-117,44-152,44-192,44-241):
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o Permitted Uses
Singlefamily homes and accessory uses.
Section 44-101includes permitted uses in residential zoning districts and specifies
that commercial plant nurseries and greenhouses on a property with adwelling are
allowed with a home occupation license.
Crop Gardens - Accessory uses include crop gardening. Most residential crop
gardens are planted in the back or side yard. The increasing popularity of
consuming home-grown produce has expanded to the front yard. Landuse
concerns include height of crops and aesthetics. The City code does not regulate
where a garden can be placed on the lot, except for restrictions on planting in the
boulevard. Sight Obstructions at Intersections (Section. 32-246
): Plant material that
is higher than 2 feet, 6 inches is prohibited within the right-of-way (boulevard).
Bees - Keeping of Certain Animals (Section 10-32):No person shall keep, maintain,
or harbor within the city any animal kept in such numbers or in such a way as to
constitute a likelihood of harm to the public, which constitutes a public nuisance.
Definition of animal includes “insect.” Interpretation – bees are allowed as long as
they don’t become a nuisance.
o Conditional Uses (in the R1(R) Zoning District Only)
Commercialfarming orgardening, including the use or storage oassociated
equipment when on a property with a single dwelling.
Stands for the sale of agricultural products grown or produced on the property.
o Prohibited Uses
Raising or handling of livestock and poultry(except chickens as outlined in Article
IX).
Accessory buildings without an associated dwelling on the same premises.
Commercial plant nurseries, commercial greenhouses, farms or any structure for the
sale or display of commercial products when not on a property with a residential use.
o Home Occupations (Division 2)with a permit approved by the City Council if any of the
following circumstances would occur more than 30 days each year.
Employment of a nonresident.
Customers or customers’ vehicles on the premises.
Home Occupations must not:
Have more than one vehicle associated with the home occupation which is classified
as a light commercial vehicle.
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Not generate traffic in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a
residential neighborhood.
Havemorethan one non-resident employee workingon thepremises.
Have vehiclesassociated with the home occupation parked on the street.
o Uses Allowed with a Permit
Chickens (Article IX): Keeping of up to ten hens with a permit approved by City staff
is allowed in residential districts (except R-1S). Maplewood’s chicken ordinance was
adopted in 2011 and allows the keeping of up to ten hens on residential property with
a permit. A property owner applying for a permit must have consent from 100
percent of their adjacent property owners for the City to issue the permit. The fee for
a chicken permit is $75 for the first year, and $50 thereafter.
Commercial
Business Commercial/Light and Heavy Manufacturing
o Pinclude the temporary exterior sale of goods, up to four
ermitted uses in Section 44-511
months per year, pursuant to licensing and permitting requirements in chapter 14, article
vi, chapter 20, article IV and chapter 28, article II. This language would allow farm
stands, food trucks and push carts, and farmers markets if the use was limited to four
months.
o Conditional uses in Section 44-512include the exterior storage, display, sale or
distribution of goods or materials.This language would allow farm stands, food trucks
and push carts, and farmers markets if the use continued for more than four months.
Shopping Center District
o Conditional uses in Section 44-597include the exterior storage, display, sale, or
distribution of goods or materials. This language would allow farm stands, food trucks
and push carts, and farmers markets within the Shopping Center District with a
conditional use permit, regardless of the timeframe.
Business Commercial Modified
o Prohibited uses in Section 44-559include the exterior storage, display, sale or
distribution of goods or materials. This language would restrict farm stands, food trucks
and push carts, and farmers markets within the Business Commercial Modified District.
Mixed Use District:
o Prohibited uses in Section 44-680include the exterior storage, display, sale or
distribution of goods or materials. This language would restrict farm stands, food trucks
and push carts, and farmers markets within the Mixed Use District.
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Light Manufacturing District:
o Permitted uses in Section 44-636allows manufacturing, assembly or processing of food
products, except meat, poultry or fish. This language would prohibit the assemblyor
processing of fish in an aquaculture or aquaponics, which refers to fish farming and
closed loop systems that create a relationship between plants and food.
Heavy Manufacturing District:
o Permitted uses in Section 44-676allow manufacturing, assembly or processing of food
products, except meat, poultry or fish.This language would prohibit the assemblyor
processing of fish in an aquaculture or aquaponics, which refers to fish farming and
closed loop systems that create a relationship between plants and food.
ConditionalUse Permits(Article V): The City Council may issue conditional use permits for
the following uses in any zoning district where they are not specifically prohibited: “Public
and private utilities, public service, or public building uses.”
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