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2025 04-15 Planning Commission Meeting Packet
Meeting is also available on Comcast Ch. 16 and streaming vod.maplewoodmn.gov AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 15, 2025 City Hall, Council Chambers 1830 County Road B East A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes E. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Saint Paul Police Training Facility, 2621 Linwood Avenue East a. Conditional Use Permit Resolution b. Design Review Resolution c. Wetland Buffer Variance Resolution F. NEW BUSINESS None G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS None J. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS – 3 minute time limit per person K. ADJOURNMENT WELCOME TO THIS MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION This outline has been prepared to help you understand the public meeting process. The review of an item usually takes the following form: 1. The chairperson of the meeting will announce the item to be reviewed and ask for the staff report on the subject. 2. Staff presents their report on the matter. 3. The Commission will then ask City staff questions about the proposal. 4. The chairperson will then ask the audience if there is anyone present who wishes to comment on the proposal. 5. This is the time for the public to make comments or ask questions about the proposal. Please step up to the podium and speak clearly. Give your name and address first and then your comments. 6. After everyone in the audience wishing to speak has given his or her comments, the chairperson will close the public discussion portion of the meeting. 7. The Commission will then discuss the proposal. No further public comments are allowed. 8. The Commission will then make its recommendation or decision. 9. All decisions by the Planning Commission are recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes the final decision. “Welcome to the meeting of the Maplewood Planning Commission. It is our desire to keep all discussions civil as we work through difficult issues tonight. If you are here for a Public Hearing or to address the Planning Commission, please familiarize yourself with the Policies and Procedures and Rules of Civility, which are located near the entrance. At the podium please state your name and address clearly for the record.” Revised: 02/18 March 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 1 MINUTES MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 18, 2025 City Hall, Council Chambers 1830 County Road B East A.CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Commission was held and called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Desai B.ROLL CALL Tushar Desai, Chairperson Present Lue Yang, Vice Chairperson Present Paul Arbuckle, Commissioner Present John Eads, Commissioner Present Allan Ige, Commissioner Present Tom Oszman, Commissioner Present Scott Wullschleger, Commissioner Present Staff Present: Michael Martin, AICP, Community Development Director C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Oszman moved to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Arbuckle Ayes – All The motion passed. D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.January 21, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Commissioner Ige moved to approve the January 21, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Wullschleger Ayes – Vice Chairperson Yang Commissioner Eads Commissioner Ige Commissioner Oszman Commissioner Wullschleger Abstain – Chairperson Desai Commissioner Arbuckle The motion passed. E.PUBLIC HEARING 1.Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Verizon Wireless Communications Monopole, 1210Sterling Street South Michael Martin, AICP, Community Development Director, gave the presentation. Tammy Hartman, Verizon Wireless, addressed the commission and answered questions. D1 Planning Commission Packet Page 3 of 44 March 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 2 Chairperson Desai opened the public hearing. The following individuals addressed the commission regarding the project: Mark Johnson, 2454 Schadt Dr E Tammy Hartman, Verizon Wireless Chris Greene, 2351 Tilsen Ave E Chairperson Desai closed the public hearing. Commissioner Yang moved to approve a conditional use permit resolution for a 125-foot communications tower to be constructed at 1210 Sterling Street South. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 Verizon Wireless has requested approval of a conditional use permit to permit a 125-foot communications tower. 1.02 The property is located at 1210 Sterling Street South and is legally described as: PIN: 132822430022. The South seventy- four feet (S. 74') of the West Half of the Southeast Quarter (W 1/2 of SE 1/4) of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22, lying North of the South twenty-five (S. 25) acres, East of Sterling Street, and West of State Trunk Highway 494, it being the intention of the granters to convey a seventy-four foot (74') strip immediately to the North of the South twenty-five (S. 25) acres of the West Half of the Southeast Quarter ( W 1/2 of SE 1/4) of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22. AND Outlot A, HIGHWOOD ESTATES NO. 2, according to the recorded plat thereof. AND That portion of the SW 1/4 of the SE1/4 of Sec. 13, T. 28, R.22, according to the Government Survey thereof, described as follows: Commencing at the SE corner of the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Sec. 13, thence N. 50 rods, thence W. 80 rods to the Quarter Sec. line, thence S. 50 rods to the Sec. line, thence E. along the sec. line 80 rods to the place of beginning, being 25 acres, more or less. Less and Except that portion of the property conveyed by the following: As referred to in Warranty Deed recorded as Instrument No. 2717756: The east one-half of Sterling Street right-of-way that is located in the south half of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22 which is south of the south line of the following- described property and south of the (easterly) extension of said south line: the north 487.99 feet of the SW 1/4 of the SE l/4 of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22. AND Outlet A, Maplewood Highlands, Ramsey County, Minnesota according to the D1 Planning Commission Packet Page 4 of 44 March 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 3 recorded plat thereof. As referred to in Warranty Deed recorded as instrument No. 2718516: That part of the South 180.00 feet of the West 233.00 feet of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota lying East of the West 33.00 thereof. Ramsey County Abstract Property Section 2. Standards. 2.01 City Ordinance Section 44-512(4) requires a Conditional Use Permit for the exterior storage of goods or materials. 2.02 Communication Towers Conditional Use Permit Standards. City Ordinance Section 44-1326. 1.Standards in this Code. 2.Recommendations of the planning commission and community design review board. 3.Effect of the proposed use upon the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of residents of surrounding areas. 4.Effect on property values. 5.Effect of the proposed use on the comprehensive plan. 2.03 General Conditional Use Permit Standards. City Ordinance Section 44-1097(a) states that the City Council must base approval of a Conditional Use Permit on the following nine standards for approval. 1.The use would be located, designed, maintained, constructed and operated to be in conformity with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances. 2.The use would not change the existing or planned character of the surrounding area. 3.The use would not depreciate property values. 4.The use would not involve any activity, process, materials, equipment or methods of operation that would be dangerous, hazardous, detrimental, disturbing or cause a nuisance to any person or property, because of excessive noise, glare, smoke, dust, odor, fumes, water or air pollution, drainage, water run-off, vibration, general unsightliness, electrical interference or other nuisances. 5.The use would not exceed the design standards of any affected street. 6.The use would be served by adequate public facilities and services, including streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, water and sewer systems, schools and parks. 7.The use would not create excessive additional costs for public facilities or services. D1 Planning Commission Packet Page 5 of 44 March 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 4 8.The use would maximize the preservation of and incorporate the site’s natural and scenic features into the development design. 9.The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects. Section 3. Findings. 3.01 The proposal meets the specific conditional use permit standards. Section 4. City Review Process 4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this conditional use permit request. 1. On March 18, 2025, the planning commission held a public hearing. The city staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The planning commission recommended that the city council approve this resolution. 2. On April 28, 2025, the city council discussed this resolution. They considered reports and recommendations from the planning commission and city staff. Section 5. City Council 5.01 The city council hereby _______ the resolution. Approval is based on the findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the following conditions: (additions are underlined and deletions are crossed out): 1.All construction shall follow the plans approved by the city. The director of community development may approve minor changes. 2.The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of council approval, or the permit shall become null and void. 3.The city council shall review this conditional use permit in one year. 4.This conditional use permit is conditioned upon the applicant allowing the collocation of other providers' telecommunications equipment on the proposed tower. The applicant shall submit a letter to staff allowing collocation before a building permit can be issued. 5.The tower may not have any lighting on or illuminating the structure. 6.All wireless communication equipment on the ski jump must be removed when the new monopole tower is operational. Seconded by Commissioner Eads Ayes – All The motion passed. This item will go to the city council on April 28, 2025. D1 Planning Commission Packet Page 6 of 44 March 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 5 2. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Resolution, 1300 McKnight Road North Michael Martin, AICP, Community Development Director, gave the presentation and answered questions from the commission. Chairperson Desai opened the public hearing. The following individuals addressed the commission regarding the project: Chris Greene, 2351 Tilsen Ave E Toni Thorwick, 2285 Tilsen Court E Chairperson Desai closed the public hearing. Commissioner Oszman moved to approve an amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s Future Lane Use Map to re-guide the parcels located at 1300 McKnight Road North from High- Density Residential to Employment. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 John Fallin has requested approval of a comprehensive plan amendment. 1.02 The properties are located at 1300 McKnight Road North and are legally described as: PINs: 242922330064 and 242922310012. That part of the West Half of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 24, Township 29, Range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota bounded as follows: On the North by a line drawn parallel with and distant 95 feet Southeasterly, as measured at right angles, from the center line of the main track of said railway company, as now located and established; on the West by the East line of the West 66 feet of the Southwest Quarter of Said Section 24 to a point on the West line of said Section 24 which is distant 450 feet South of the Southerly line of the 100 foot right of way of said railway company, said Southerly line being a line drawn parallel with and 56 feet Southeasterly as measured at right angles, from the center line of the main track of said railway company as originally located and established, and on the East by the East line of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 24; excepting therefrom that part that lies Northwesterly of a line drawn parallel with and distant 8.5 feet Southeasterly, as measured at right angles from the center line of the most Southerly side track I.C.C. N.o. 114 of said railway company, as now located and established all in the County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota. EXCEPT that part of said West Half of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 24, lying easterly of the centerline of the 99 foot wide road easement as described in document No. 2325930. Section 2. Criteria. 2.01 The 2040 Comprehensive Plan states the document may require amending due to a property owner request to change land use designation to allow a proposed development or redevelopment. D1 Planning Commission Packet Page 7 of 44 March 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 6 2.02 The 2040 Comprehensive Plan amendment process follows the same City identified public hearing process as the major update process used to develop the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Amendments are required to submit and gain approval from the Metropolitan Council. Section 3. Findings. 3.01 The requested amendment would meet various amendment criteria outlined in the 2040 Comprehensive Guide Plan. Section 4. City Review Process 4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this amendment request. 1. On March 18, 2025, the planning commission held a public hearing. The city staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The planning commission recommended that the city council approve this resolution. 2. On April 14, 2025, the city council discussed this resolution. They considered reports and recommendations from the planning commission and city staff. Section 5. City Council 5.01 The city council above-described comprehensive plan amendment is ________ based on the findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to and only effective upon the following conditions: 1. Review and approval by the Metropolitan Council as provided by state statute. 2. All users must comply with all conditions outlined in City Council Resolution No. 10-05- 395 for a conditional use permit approved by the Maplewood City Council on May 10, 2010. Seconded by Commissioner Yang Ayes – All The motion passed. This item will go to the city council on April 14, 2025. F. NEW BUSINESS None G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS None I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS None J. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS D1 Planning Commission Packet Page 8 of 44 March 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 7 None K. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Desai adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. D1 Planning Commission Packet Page 9 of 44 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Planning Commission Packet Page 10 of 44 PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date April 15, 2025 REPORT TO: Michael Sable, City Manager REPORT FROM: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner PRESENTER: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner AGENDA ITEM: Saint Paul Police Training Facility, 2621 Linwood Avenue East a)Conditional Use Permit Resolution b)Design Review Resolution c)Wetland Buffer Variance Resolution Action Requested: Motion ☐Discussion Public Hearing Form of Action: Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐ Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Policy Issue: The City of Saint Paul Police Department proposes to update the existing training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. Ramsey County owns the property, and the City of Saint Paul has leased it since the mid-1960s. The proposed plans replace the classroom training facility and include accessibility and safety upgrades. To move forward with the proposal, the applicant requests approval of a conditional use permit, design plans, and a wetland buffer variance. Recommended Action: a)Motion to approve a conditional use permit resolution for the Saint Paul Police Department’s Training Facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue East, subject to certain conditions of approval. b)Motion to approve a design review resolution for constructing a training facility for the Saint Paul Police Department at 2621 Linwood Avenue East, subject to certain conditions of approval. c)Motion to approve a wetland buffer variance resolution for a new training facility to be constructed at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact? No ☐ Yes, the true or estimated cost is $ 0.00 Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source ☐Use of Reserves Other: n/a Strategic Plan Relevance: ☐Community Inclusiveness ☐Financial & Asset Mgmt ☐Environmental Stewardship ☐Integrated Communication Operational Effectiveness ☐Targeted Redevelopment E1 Planning Commission Packet Page 11 of 44 The city deemed the project application complete on March 27, 2025. The initial 60-day review deadline for a decision is May 26, 2025. As stated in Minnesota State Statute 15.99, the city can take an additional 60 days, if necessary, to complete the review. Background: Project Overview The City of Saint Paul Police Department proposes to update the existing training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. Ramsey County owns the property, and the City of Saint Paul has leased it since the mid-1960s. The proposed plans replace the classroom training facility with accessibility and safety upgrades, including a classroom, two armories, men's and women's locker rooms, a kitchenette/break room, and ADA-compliant restrooms. The existing facility utilizes well and septic infrastructure, both of which will be replaced due to the age of the existing systems. Conditional Use Permit Maplewood city code requires a conditional use permit (CUP) for the public building and its use on the property. When the Saint Paul Police Department began leasing the site from Ramsey County, a CUP was never obtained. The site's use is not changing, and the number of individuals from the Saint Paul Police Department who intend to utilize it is not anticipated to increase largely. To proceed, the proposed project requires the property to obtain a CUP to comply with the city code. Site Plan The 3,196-square-foot training facility is proposed in the southwest section of the site, adjacent to the existing building (which will be demolished). The site is accessed from the existing entrance point off Linwood Avenue. A small parking area is provided on the north and east sides of the proposed building. The existing facility utilizes well and septic infrastructure, which will be replaced as part of this project. The city knows a potential residential development to the north and east of this site, which would require connecting to city water utilities. The applicant has stated that any potential development in the future at the adjacent site (former golf course) does not currently align with their priority to complete this project as soon as possible. Setbacks The building and parking areas are set back 201 feet from the property line to the south along Linwood Avenue and 84 feet to the property line to the west. They are entirely screened from the adjacent public streets and residential properties. Code requires the building to be 30 feet from a street right-of-way and 50 feet from a residential lot line, and parking areas to be 15 feet from a street right-of-way and up to 20 feet adjacent to residential property. All setbacks are achieved. Building Elevations The one-story building varies in height between 12.6 feet and 19.2 feet as the grade changes. The proposed materials are insulated CMU blocks in a black and gray tone and asphalt shingles in a charcoal color. The building is not visible from the adjacent public streets or residential properties. Signage Any signage on the property is subject to review by the city and requires a sign permit, separate from this design review. E1 Planning Commission Packet Page 12 of 44 Landscaping and Screening The proposed landscape plan shows 18 trees would be removed along with some buckthorn on the property. The plan proposes 18 trees to be planted. Per the attached environmental review, the applicant must submit an updated landscape plan. All other tree coverage on the site remains to provide visual and acoustical screening of the building and exterior training areas. Parking City code does not identify a parking requirement for this proposed use; however, the code allows the community development director to review the parking requirements for a use similar to determining the space requirements. The applicant proposes 14 parking stalls, including one accessible stall. As a comparison, the City Code requires one parking stall for every 200 square feet of floor area for commercial, office, or recreational building use. Based on this type of use, the site would be required to have 16 parking stalls. The site will continue to be utilized privately by the City of Saint Paul Police Department for training. The site is not meant for regular public use, so staff believes the number of stalls is adequate. Lighting The applicant submitted a lighting plan illustrating the location and lighting types, which includes wall-mounted lighting on site. Also, a plan showing the light spread and foot-candle levels was provided, showing the levels at the [property lines meet code requirements. Wetland The site has two manage A wetlands on either side of the proposed training facility building, which requires a 100-foot buffer. The details are further outlined in the attached delineation, variance narrative, and environmental review. The project will encroach within the 100-foot buffer, requiring a buffer variance approved to move forward. Commission and City Council Review Community Design Review Board April 15, 2025: The CDRB will review the design plans. Planning Commission April 15, 2025: The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and review the conditional use permit and wetland buffer variance requests. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission April 21, 2025: The ENR will review the wetland buffer variance request. City Council May 12, 2025: The City Council will review the conditional use permit, design plans, and wetland buffer variance requests. Department Comments Fire – Jerry Novak, Fire Marshal A sprinkler system will be required for the proposed building. Building – Randy Johnson, Building Official The proposed building will need to be constructed to meet the minimum requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code. E1 Planning Commission Packet Page 13 of 44 Environmental – Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator Please see the environmental review dated April 2, 2025 (attached). Engineering – Jon Jarosch, Assistant City Engineer Please see the engineering review dated April 2, 2025 (attached). Public Comments Staff sent a public hearing notice and application details to the properties within 500 feet of the subject property. No public comments were received. Reference Information Site Description Site Size: 37.06 Acres Surrounding Land Uses North: Residential Park Land South: Residential Dwellings East: Residential Dwellings in the City of Woodbury West: Residential Dwellings Planning Existing Land Use: Park Existing Zoning: Farm Residential Attachments: 1.Conditional Use Permit Resolution 2.Design Review Resolution 3.Wetland Buffer Variance Resolution 4.Overview Map 5.Future Land Use Map 6.Zoning Map 7.Wetland Overlay Map 8. Application Narrative 9.Site and Elevation Plans 10.Engineering Review Dated April 2, 2025 11.Environmental Review Dated April 2, 2025 E1 Planning Commission Packet Page 14 of 44 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 The City of Saint Paul Police Department has requested a Conditional Use Permit to build a new training facility on the property at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. 1.02 The property located at 2621 Linwood Avenue East is legally described as: The west 600 feet of the South 525 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 12, Township 28, Range 22, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota. PIN: 122822440002 Section 2. Standards. 2.01 General Conditional Use Permit Standards. The City Ordinance states that the City Council must base approval of a Conditional Use Permit on the following nine standards for approval. 1. The use would be located, designed, maintained, constructed, and operated to be in conformity with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances. 2. The use would not change the existing or planned character of the surrounding area. 3. The use would not depreciate property values. 4. The use would not involve any activity, process, materials, equipment or methods of operation that would be dangerous, hazardous, detrimental, disturbing or cause a nuisance to any person or property, because of excessive noise, glare, smoke, dust, odor, fumes, water or air pollution, drainage, water run-off, vibration, general unsightliness, electrical interference or other nuisances. 5. The use would not exceed the design standards of any affected street. 6. The use would be served by adequate public facilities and services, including streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, water and sewer systems, schools and parks. 7. The use would not create excessive additional costs for public facilities or services. 8. The use would maximize the preservation of and incorporate the site’s natural and scenic features into the development design. 9. The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects. E1, Attachment 1 Planning Commission Packet Page 15 of 44 Section 3. Findings. 3.01 The proposal meets the specific Conditional Use Permit standards. Section 4. City Review Process 4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this conditional use permit request. 1. On April 15, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing. City staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The Planning Commission allowed everyone to speak and present written statements at the hearing. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council ________ this resolution. 2. On May 12, 2025, the City Council discussed this resolution. They considered reports and recommendations from the planning commission and City staff. Section 5. City Council 5.01 The City Council hereby _______ the resolution. Approval is based on the findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the following conditions: 1.All ground-mounted and roof-mounted mechanical equipment and trash receptacles shall be screened according to the ordinance. 2.Adequate separation, buffering, and screening must be provided around the training facility and exterior training areas. If the city determines additional screening or buffering is required, the applicant shall ensure this is completed as notified by the city. 3.All construction shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. 4.The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of council approval, or the permit shall become null and void. 5.The city council shall review this permit in one year. 6.The applicant shall meet the conditions outlined in the design review resolution. E1, Attachment 1 Planning Commission Packet Page 16 of 44 DESIGN REVIEW RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 The City of Saint Paul Police Department has requested approval of a design review to construct a new training facility on the property at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. 1.02 The property located at 2621 Linwood Avenue East is legally described as: The west 600 feet of the South 525 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 12, Township 28, Range 22, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota. PIN: 122822440002 Section 2. Site and Building Plan Standards and Findings. 2.01 City ordinance requires that the community design review board make the following findings to approve plans: 1.That the design and location of the proposed development and its relationship to neighboring, existing, or proposed developments and traffic is such that it will not impair the desirability of investment or occupation in the neighborhood; that it will not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring, existing or proposed developments; and that it will not create traffic hazards or congestion. 2.That the design and location of the proposed development are in keeping with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and are not detrimental to the harmonious, orderly, and attractive development contemplated by this article and the city's comprehensive municipal plan. 3.That the design and location of the proposed development would provide a desirable environment for its occupants, as well as for its neighbors, and that it is aesthetically of good composition, materials, textures, and colors. 2.02 The community design review board reviewed this request on April 15, 2025, and voted to ________ it. 2.03 The proposal meets the specific findings for design review approval. Section 3. City Council Action. 3.01 The above-described site and design plans are hereby approved based on the findings outlined in Section 2 of this resolution. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the design plans. Approval is subject to the applicant doing the following: 1.If the city has not issued a building permit for this project, repeat this review in two years. E1, Attachment 2 Planning Commission Packet Page 17 of 44 2. All fire marshal, city engineer, and building official requirements must be met. 3. Satisfy the requirements in the engineering review by Jon Jarosch, dated April 2, 2025. 4. Satisfy the requirements in the environmental review by Shann Finwall, dated April 2, 2025. 5. The applicant shall obtain all required permits from the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. 6. The applicant shall install a stop sign at the property exit on Linwood Avenue. 7. Per city ordinance standards, all mechanical equipment and trash receptacles shall be screened from view of all nearby residential properties or adjacent public streets. 8. Before the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit for staff approval the following items: a. The applicant shall provide the city with a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for all required exterior improvements. The amount shall be 150 percent of the cost of the work. b. Additional details to accompany the lighting plan: a description of each luminaire, including the manufacturer’s catalog cuts and drawings. c. An updated landscape plan as outlined in the environmental review. 9. The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building: a. Replace any property irons that were removed because of this construction. b. Provide continuous concrete curb and gutter around the parking lot and driveways. c. Install all required landscaping and an in-ground lawn irrigation system for all landscaped areas. d. Install all required outdoor lighting. e. Install all required sidewalks and trails. 10. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if: a. The city determines that the work is not essential to public health, safety, or welfare. b. The above-required letter of credit or cash escrow is held by the City of Maplewood for all required exterior improvements. The owner or contractor E1, Attachment 2 Planning Commission Packet Page 18 of 44 shall complete any unfinished exterior improvements by June 1 of the following year if occupancy of the building is in the fall or winter or within six weeks of occupancy of the building if occupancy is in the spring or summer. 11. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. E1, Attachment 2 Planning Commission Packet Page 19 of 44 WETLAND BUFFER VARIANCE RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 The City of Saint Paul Police Department has requested a wetland buffer variance to build a new training facility on the property at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. 1.02 The property located at 2621 Linwood Avenue East is legally described as: The west 600 feet of the South 525 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 12, Township 28, Range 22, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota. PIN: 122822440002 1.03 The site was originally developed and graded in approximately 1975, prior to the City’s wetland ordinance and wetland buffer requirements. The drive lane, tactical training buildings, storage building, and gravel pad extend into the 100-foot wetland buffers and are considered pre-existing nonconforming structures and encroachments. 1.04 The new development requires a 41-foot wetland buffer variance, wetland buffer averaging, and wetland buffer mitigation as required by the wetland ordinance. The new development will have grading to within approximately 53 feet of the eastern Manage A wetland for the extension of a utility line, parking stall, and septic system. Grading will come to within approximately 59 feet of the western Manage A wetland for building earthwork. Other portions of the new development will be located within the 75-foot minimum buffer. Section 2. Standards. 2.01 Wetland Buffer Variance Standards. The City Ordinance states that the City Council must base approval of a variance on the following standards for approval. 1.Before the city council acts on a wetland ordinance variance, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the city council. The city shall hold a public hearing for the variance. The city shall notify property owners within 500 feet of the property for which the variance is being requested at least ten days before the hearing. 2.The city may require the applicant to mitigate any wetland, stream, or buffer alteration impacts with the approval of a variance, including, but not limited to, implementing one or more of the strategies listed in subsection 18-221(e)(4) (mitigation). 3.To approve a variance, the city council shall apply the findings for variance approval as required in Minnesota Statutes. E1, Attachment 3 Planning Commission Packet Page 20 of 44 4.The applicant for a variance shall submit, with the variance application and any other required materials, a statement showing how the proposal would meet the findings for variance approval. Section 3. Findings. 3.01 The proposal meets the specific wetland buffer variance standards. Section 4. City Review Process 4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this wetland buffer variance request. 1.On April 15, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing. City staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The Planning Commission allowed everyone to speak and present written statements at the hearing. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council ________ this resolution. 2.On April 21, 2025, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission held a public meeting to discuss the proposal. The ENR recommended that the City Council _______ this resolution. 3.On May 12, 2025, the City Council discussed this resolution. They considered reports and recommendations from the planning commission and City staff. Section 5. City Council 5.01 The City Council hereby _______ the resolution. Approval is based on the findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the following conditions: 1.All construction shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. 2.The applicant shall meet the conditions outlined in the design review resolution. E1, Attachment 3 Planning Commission Packet Page 21 of 44 E1, Attachment 4 Planning Commission Packet Page 22 of 44 E1, Attachment 5 Planning Commission Packet Page 23 of 44 E1, Attachment 6 Planning Commission Packet Page 24 of 44 E1, Attachment 7 Planning Commission Packet Page 25 of 44 Community Development Design Review Narrative Conditional Use Permit Statement of Intent The proposed project at 2621 Linwood Ave, owned by Ramsey County and leased by the City of St. Paul, has been operating as the St. Paul police firearms training facility for approximately 50 years. The proposed project is a replacement of the classroom training facility. The existing building is planned to be demolished due to lack of insulation, severe plumbing issues, deterioration of the exterior structural walls and critter infestation in the attic. The proposed building is a simple replacement to house the same staff and functions as the existing facility, with accessibility and safety upgrades. Due to the use of the site not changing, no change in adjacent property values would be expected. With a similar number of staff and trainees, traffic to and from the site should remain similar to historical trips. The existing facility utilizes well and septic infrastructure, both of which will be replaced due to the age of the existing systems. The natural site grading does not allow for access to city water and sewer at this time. The site includes a designated wetland area on site, and one wetland area to the west. Both wetlands require a 100’ buffer for which this project will require a variance. See separate application for variance. Site storm drainage will continue to flow to the wetlands with no connection or change to city sewer services. The natural grade does provide for visual and acoustical screening of the training ranges. The grade and tree coverage is to be maintained, with a small percentage of trees replaced to allow for the new septic field and grading immediately adjacent to the new building. As the building is a replacement, public service needs will not change for streets, police, fire, school or parks services. The proposed new facility will include a classroom, two armories, men's and women's locker rooms, a kitchenette/break room, and ADA-compliant restrooms. Planned materials include Insulated Concrete Masonry Unit (ICMU) walls with decorative veneer finishes on all exterior walls. This choice will ensure the building remains well-insulated while providing a comfortable and resilient environment for occupants while being near the shooting range. Additionally, the bullet-resistant windows on the north side of the facility will create a secure viewing area overlooking the shooting range and tactical simulation space. To maximize natural light, we have incorporated a double shed roof with windows over the classroom, enhancing sunlight access in an area that would otherwise be dimly lit. Overall, we believe that this building will offer the St. Paul Police Department a much-needed modernized space that fosters the education and development of our community's service members. E1, Attachment 8 Planning Commission Packet Page 26 of 44 1 1795 St. Clair Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55105 | (651) 696-5186 www.oertelarchitects.com An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer Subject Date March 19, 2025 To: Elizabeth Hammond Shann Finwall From: Deb Brandwick RE: 2621 Linwood, Wetland Setback Variance Request Elizabeth and Shann, The project in question is the St. Paul Police Training Facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue. The existing site includes a classroom building that is proposed to be demo’d, a storage building proposed to remain, two shooting range areas to remain, and an area developed with partial structures for tactical training. The site has been utilized as a firing range since approximately 1975 (see included lease agreement). The failure of the existing septic system, disrepair and non-accessibility of the classroom building, and undrinkable well water have created the need for this proposed project. The site appears to have been graded in the 1975 era to provide a relatively flat area for the firing ranges, support buildings and parking. The surrounding bowl was kept intact, if not enhanced, to provide visual and sound protection for the firing ranges. While the bulk of existing development is between the two setbacks, the drivelane, tactical training buildings, storage building and gravel pad extend into the buffer setbacks. Both wetlands are listed as Manage A type, requiring a 100’ buffer/setback area to all improvements. With the two setbacks and the grading of the bowl, the developable portion of the site is extremely limited. Our proposed project will locate a new building between the two buffer setbacks. 11 of the required parking stalls are between the buffers, with three stalls between the 75’ and 100’ buffer lines. The area of the encroaching parking stalls is on an existing paved area, with the project including improvement of the pavement to provide a slight regrading to allow for proper drainage of the area. An area to the NE of the construction extents crosses the 75’ buffer line to allow for connection of the electrical utility. The area of disruption will be limited to that needed for electrical line only. This area is within an existing improved hard surface (class V). The new/replacement septic field is located to the SE of the construction limits, crossing the 100’ and 75’ buffer lines. A memo from the septic designer is attached describing the limited options for location of the septic field. The pipe between the septic tanks and the field will run between the 100’ and 75’ buffer lines. The area west of the proposed new building requires some regrading to allow for building access, accessible parking and to maintain access to the existing storage building. The amount of grading has been minimized by utilizing the building wall as a partial retaining wall, but the grading does extend across the 75’ buffer line, but the majority of the area to be regraded is already improved hard surface area. E1, Attachment 8 Planning Commission Packet Page 27 of 44 2 1795 St. Clair Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55105 | (651) 696-5186 www.oertelarchitects.com An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer Variance Request: We request the proposed project be approved to encroach into the wetland buffer as shown on the attached site plans. The dimensions of encroachment vary and are dimensioned on the site plan, and summarized here: Encroachment of grading at west edge of building earthwork: 12’ to 16’ Encroachment of septic field: 13’ Enchroachment of electrical utility: 21.5’ Encroachment of regrading at existing driveway: 11.5’ to 29.5’ Variance Reasoning: A.1 Reasonableness: The City of St. Paul intends to continue the use of property as a police training and firing range, as it has since 1975. The existing classroom building is in disrepair and not accessible, the septic system has failed requiring the use of porta-potties on site, and the well water is currently not drinkable. Thus, to maintain the existing use of the property, a new building and new utilities are required. The building, well and septic tanks will be outside of the buffer areas, but due to the tightness of the site, some grading to maintain access to existing features and create an accessible new building will encroach on the buffers. Please see attached memo for details relating to the location of the proposed septic field. The number of trainees utilizing the site is not proposed to change from counts prior to the septic system failure. A.2. Uniqueness: The property is largely covered by the main wetland and a steep sloping bowl at the perimeter. This leaves little flat developable land without encroaching into the sloped grades of the buffer areas. The workable area between the buffers is fully utilized by the building(s), parking, shooting ranges and tactical training area. The sloped areas are important to maintain on this site to buffer the neighboring lots from the visuals and sounds of the firing range. Thus, the proposed project is utilizing the lower bowl to the extent possible. Due to previous construction, a large class V pad exists just west of the main wetland. The project proposes improving a portion of that pad for better site drainage. The lack of City sewer and water creates the need for the septic field and well. Due to regulations around each of those independent of the wetland regulations, locating outside of the buffer would require displacing required parking, or regrading a steeper sloped portion of the site and removal of an additional number of trees. A.3 Essential Character: Due to the nature of the site grading, 308 inventoried trees, and the proposed new structure at the bottom of the bowl, the development will not be visible to adjacent properties, or from Linwood Avenue. E1, Attachment 8 Planning Commission Packet Page 28 of 44 3 1795 St. Clair Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55105 | (651) 696-5186 www.oertelarchitects.com An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer B. A portion of the buffer encroachment is in locations where hardscape improvements have previously been made. Thus, the current proposed improvements do not diminish the intent of the buffer ordinance. The unimproved buffer areas where encroachment is proposed have been minimized by utilizing the building as retaining wall, minimizing extents of construction to actual utility locations and needs. By minimizing tree removing, providing the required tree replacements, removing buckthorn from sections of the buffer, and application of native seeding to improve the buffer areas, the project is intending to meet the requirements to protect and maintain wetland areas, while maintaining the existing historical use of the site. Attachment: Wetland Buffer Variance_Septic Variance Site Plan E1, Attachment 8 Planning Commission Packet Page 29 of 44 Variance JusƟficaƟon of the New SSTS at the St. Paul Gun Range Author: Jesse Kloeppner – Advanced Designer Kloeppner Services & Design, LLC Here is a summary of the jusƟficaƟon of the placement of the SSTS. The system will infringe on the wetland buffer of 100 feet. Reasonable – The new SSTS system for the St Paul Gun Range will require three new precast tanks and a soil treatment area large enough for the esƟmated daily flow of the staff and guests. The locaƟon of the precast tanks will not infringe or encroach into the 100-foot buffer from the two delineated wetlands for the St Paul Gun Range site. However, the newly designed soil treatment area (mound) will be within 100 feet of the wetland along the Eastern of edge of the site. The locaƟon of the new mound was idenƟfied based on the need to idenƟfy natural, undisturbed soil, as well as an area large enough for the mound. Please note, the system cannot be placed in the same locaƟon as the original noncompliant trenches. So, a new area must be idenƟfied where the soil has not been cut, filled, or disturbed. Due to the buffers for the two wetlands, the amount of disturbed soil for the driveway, constructed berms around the building and range, necessary setback from the well, and the need for natural soil, the area on the top of the hill along Linwood Avenue is the best place for a soil treatment area. Uniqueness - The placement of the new mound is located along the hillside with a slope that is less than 12% and does not require a lot of trees to be removed. The construcƟon of a mound on slope >12% becomes a challenge to maintain the constructability and overall size. The longer and wider mound will require greater amounts of soil to build and need to remove addiƟonal trees. Due to the cut and disturbed soil throughout the site, this locaƟon provides the only viable long-term soluƟon. Though it looks as though the system could easily be moved to the West to meet the 100-foot buffer requirement, the topography does not allow the mound to be built according to standards set by the definiƟons for mound construcƟon by MPCA rules in Chapter 7080. The mound must be placed along the same contour and cannot be cut or graded to establish the upslope contour. EssenƟal character – The value of the locaƟon of the new mound serves as a great place to build a 4.5-foot-tall mound that will be 52.9’ wide by 83.4’ long. Though the mound will be visible from Linwood Ave, once the grass is established, it will be part of the natural hill landscape and provides an addiƟonal barrier from the acƟviƟes of the Gun Range and neighbors. E1, Attachment 8 Planning Commission Packet Page 30 of 44 Encroahment -existing paved/classV areaEncroahment -existing paved/classV areaEncroachmentEncroahment - existingpaved/class V areaEncroachment16'12'47'13'2'6.5'11.5'18'21.5'WETLANDBUFFERVARIANCEVARIANCENFDLBRemoval ofbuckthorn Additionof native seeding9,200 s.f.47'47 Removal ofbuckthorn Additionof native seeding8,500 s.f. E1, Attachment 9 Planning Commission Packet Page 31 of 44 Imagery ©2025 Airbus, CNES / Airbus, Maxar Technologies, Map data ©2025 Google 50 ft2621 Linwood Ave EDeveloped withsmall amount ofpavingExistingClass VExistingClass VExistingPavingCanopy is gone. Small amount ofpaving remains.Driveway is partial poor quality pavement / partial Class VExistingClass VExistingbuilding to bedemo'dExistingbuilding to beremainWetlandWetlandPoor qualitybuffer/edge E1, Attachment 9 Planning Commission Packet Page 32 of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,+(5(%<&(57,)<7+$77+,63/$163(&,),&$7,21255(3257:$635(3$5('%<0(2581'(50<',5(&7683(59,6,21$1'7+$7,$0$'8/</,&(16('$5&+,7(&781'(57+(/$:62)7+(67$7(2)0,11(627$6,*1$785( 5(9,6,216 352-(&71$0( 1RWIRU&RQVWUXFWLRQ127(6 &/,(17 &2168/7$17 /,&(16( '$7('5$:1%< &+(&.('%<352-(&7180%(5 '$7(&23<5,*+72(57(/$5&+,7(&76$//5,*+765(6(59('1RWIRU&RQVWUXFWLRQ1RWIRU&RQVWUXFWLRQ1RWIRU&RQVWUXFWLRQ1RWIRU&RQVWUXFWLRQ'(%5$%5$1':,&. $0$'%1)&%8,/',1*(/(9$7,216673$8/32/,&(75$,1,1*)$&,/,7<673$8/32/,&(75$,1,1*)$&,/,7</LQZRRG$YH(0DSOHZRRG01 &20081,7<'(6,*15(9,(: ($67(/(9$7,21 :(67(/(9$7,211R 'DWH'HVFULSWLRQ E1, Attachment 9 Planning Commission Packet Page 36 of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ttachment 9 Planning Commission Packet Page 37 of 44 Engineering Plan Review PROJECT: Saint Paul Police Firearms Training Facility 2621 Linwood Avenue PROJECT NO: 25-13 COMMENTS BY: Jon Jarosch, Assistant City Engineer DATE: 4-2-2025 PLAN SET: Engineering plans dated 3-8-2025 The applicant is proposing to replace the existing classroom training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue. In addition, the proposal includes replacing portions of the entrance drive and parking lot, the septic system, and the onsite well. This review does not constitute a final review of the plans, as the applicant will need to submit construction documents for final review prior to issuing permits. The following are engineering review comments on the design and act as conditions prior to issuing permits: Drainage and Stormwater Management 1)The applicant shall verify the total area disturbed by the project along with the total area of new impervious surfacing. Should the project exceed ½ acre of disturbance or add more than 5,000 square feet of new impervious surface, the project shall meet the City’s stormwater management standards. 2)Concrete curb and gutter is required around parking lots and entrance drives per City Code. The applicant shall include concrete curb and gutter along the parking lot edge and entrance drive. Water and Sewer Service 3)This project proposes the installation of a new well to provide potable water to the new classroom facility, as there is currently no water service available adjacent to this site. A housing development has been proposed at the adjacent Ponds at Battle Creek property. If this project is approved and moves forward, water main will be installed along Linwood Avenue to service the housing development. This water main could be utilized in lieu of installing a new well at the Saint Paul Police Firearms Training Facility. The applicant shall coordinate with the developer of the Ponds at Battle Creek site to determine whether or not connecting to the proposed water main is a viable solution. E1, Attachment 10 Planning Commission Packet Page 38 of 44 4)This project proposes the installation of a new septic system to provide sewer service to the new classroom facility, as there is currently no sewer service available near this site. If the adjacent development at the Ponds at Battle Creek site moves forward, sanitary sewer mainline may be made available adjacent to this site. The applicant shall coordinate with the developer of the Ponds at Battle Creek site to determine whether or not connecting to the proposed sewer mainline is a viable solution. 5)A subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) permit is required for new septic systems. All requirements of the SSTS Ordinance shall be met for the proposed septic system. Grading and Erosion Control 6)Inlet protection devices shall be installed on all existing and proposed onsite storm sewer until all exposed soils are stabilized. 7)Public and private drives and roadways shall be swept as needed to keep the pavement clear of sediment and construction debris. 8)All pedestrian facilities shall be ADA compliant. 9)A copy of the project SWPPP and NDPES Permit shall be submitted prior to the issuance of a grading permit. 10)All slopes shall be 3H:1V or less steep in slope. 11)The total cut/fill volume shall be noted on the grading plan. Public Works Permits The following permits are required by the Public Works Department for this project. The applicant should verify the need for other City permits with the Building Department. 12)Grading and erosion control permit 13)SSTS Permit 14)Right-of-way Permit (If work is completed within Linwood Avenue right-of-way.) -END COMMENTS - E1, Attachment 10 Planning Commission Packet Page 39 of 44 Environmental Review Project: St. Paul Police Training Facility Location: 2621 Linwood Avenue Date of Plans: March 18, 2025 Date of Review: April 2, 2025 Reviewer: Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator (651) 249-2304, shann.finwall@maplewoodmn.gov Background: The St. Paul Police Department is proposing to upgrade their training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. The development must comply with the tree and wetland ordinances, and landscape policies. Trees: 1.Tree Preservation Ordinance: a.Significant Trees: Maplewood’s tree preservation ordinance describes a significant tree as a healthy tree as follows - hardwood tree with a minimum of 6 inches in diameter, an evergreen tree with a minimum of 8 inches in diameter, and a softwood tree with a minimum of 12 inches in diameter. b.Specimen Trees: A specimen tree is defined as a healthy tree of any species which is 28 inches in diameter or greater. c.Tree Replacement: If less than 20 percent of the overall caliper inches of significant trees on the site are removed, applicants must replace one 2 diameter inch tree for each significant tree removed. If more than 20 percent are removed, replacement is based on the City’s tree replacement calculation which includes the overall caliper inches of significant trees located on the parcel versus the caliper inches of significant trees removed. Additionally, credits are given for all specimen trees that are preserved. 2.Tree Impacts: The tree survey identifies 308 significant trees on the site, however, the overall caliper inches of significant trees are not included. The site demolition plan shows the removal of 18 significant trees, however, the size and species of the trees are not included. Tree replacement cannot be determined without additional information, but it is likely that the tree removal is less than 20 percent of the overall caliper inches of trees on the site. In that case the required tree replacement is 18 – 2 diameter inch trees. 3.Tree Replacement: The landscape plan includes 18 – 2 diameter inch trees. E1, Attachment 11 Planning Commission Packet Page 40 of 44 4.Tree Recommendations: a.Prior to issuance of a grading permit the following is required: 1)Tree Plan: a.Identify which trees will be removed on the tree survey and the size and species on the site demolition plan. b.Add the City’s tree replacement calculation to the plans. The tree calculation will include the overall caliper inches of significant trees on the site versus the caliper inches of trees removed. 2)Tree Planting Plan: Final tree planting plan to be reviewed and approved by the City’s Natural Resources Coordinator. 3)Tree Escrow: Tree escrow in the amount of $60 per caliper inch of trees to be replaced on the site. The escrow will be released once the trees are planted with a one-year warranty. Wetlands: 1.Wetland Ordinance: a.Wetland Classification and Buffer Requirements: There are two Manage A wetlands, one adjacent the property on the vacant lot to the west and one on the east side of the property. The City’s wetland ordinance requires a 75-foot minimum and 100-foot average wetland buffer around a Manage A wetland. b.Wetland Buffer Averaging: The wetland ordinance allows flexibility in instances where, because of the unique physical characteristics of a specific parcel of land, the averaging of buffer width for the entire parcel may be necessary to allow for the reasonable use of the land during a development or construction project. In such cases decreasing the minimum buffer width will be compensated for by increased buffer widths elsewhere in the same parcel to achieve the required average buffer width. Averaging is allowed based on an assessment of the following: 1)Undue hardship would arise from not allowing the average buffer, or would otherwise not be in the public interest. 2)Size of parcel. 3)Configuration of existing roads and utilities. 4)Percentage of parcel covered by wetland. 5)Configuration of wetlands on the parcel. E1, Attachment 11 Planning Commission Packet Page 41 of 44 6)Averaging will not cause degradation of the wetland or stream. 7)Averaging will ensure the protection or enhancement of portions of the buffer which are found to be the most ecologically beneficial to the wetland or stream. 8)A wetland buffer mitigation plan is required for construction of development projects that will require averaging. In reviewing the mitigation plan, the city may require one or more of the following actions: a)Reducing or avoiding the impact by limiting the degree or amount of the action, such as by using appropriate technology. b)Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the buffer. c)Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by prevention and maintenance operations during the life of the actions. d)Compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute buffer land at a two-to-one ratio. e)Monitoring the impact and taking appropriate corrective measures. f)Where the city requires restoration or replacement of a buffer, the owner or contractor shall replant the buffer with native vegetation. A restoration plan must be approved by the city before planting. g)Any additional conditions required by the applicable watershed district and/or the soil and water conservation district shall apply. h)A wetland or buffer mitigation surety, such as a cash deposit or letter of credit, of 150 percent of estimated cost for mitigation. The surety will be required based on the size of the project as deemed necessary by the administrator. Funds will be held by the city until successful completion of restoration as determined by the city after a final inspection. Wetland or buffer mitigation surety does not include other sureties required pursuant to any other provision of city ordinance or city directive. c.Wetland Buffer Variance: Any deviation from the wetland buffer or wetland buffer averaging requires a wetland buffer variance. The City may require the applicant to mitigate wetland buffer impacts with the E1, Attachment 11 Planning Commission Packet Page 42 of 44 approval of a variance, including, but not limited to, implementing one or more of the strategies listed in the mitigation strategies above. 2.Wetland Impacts: a.Existing Conditions: The site was originally developed and graded in approximately 1975, prior to the City’s wetland ordinance and wetland buffer requirements. The drive lane, tactical training buildings, storage building, and gravel pad extend into the 100-foot wetland buffers and are considered pre-existing nonconforming structures and encroachments. b.New Development: The new development will have grading to within approximately 53 feet of the eastern Manage A wetland for the extension of a utility line, parking stall, and septic system. Grading will come to within approximately 59 feet of the western Manage A wetland for building earthwork. Other portions of the new development will be located within the 75-foot minimum buffer. The development requires a 41-foot wetland buffer variance, wetland buffer averaging, and wetland buffer mitigation as required by the wetland ordinance. 3.Proposed Wetland Mitigation: To mitigate the wetland buffer impacts the applicants are proposing to remove buckthorn in key areas of the buffer and add native seeding. 4.Wetland Buffer Recommendations: a.Prior to issuance of a grading permit the following is required: 1)Landscape Plan: Detailed plan for buckthorn removal and native seeding. Plan to show seed mix species and seeding installation methods. Final landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by the Natural Resources Coordinator. 2)Wetland Buffer Sign Plan: Identify the location of wetland buffer signs to be installed along the approved wetland buffers. The signs should be placed every 100 feet at a minimum. The City of Maplewood supplies wetland buffer signs identifying that no building, mowing, or grading should take place within the buffer. There is a $35 fee per sign. 3)Wetland Buffer Sign Installation: Install the wetland buffer signs prior to grading if feasible 4)Wetland Buffer Mitigation and Maintenance Agreement: Sign a wetland buffer mitigation and maintenance agreement with the City requiring that the applicant establish and maintain the required mitigation within the buffer for a three-year period. The City of Maplewood will draft the maintenance agreement once the wetland buffer mitigation plan is complete. E1, Attachment 11 Planning Commission Packet Page 43 of 44 5)Submit a cash escrow or letter of credit to cover 150 percent of the wetland buffer mitigation. The City will retain the escrow for up to three years as outlined in the maintenance agreement to ensure the wetland buffer mitigation is established and maintained. Landscape Policies: Review of the overall landscape plan to ensure nonnative and invasive species are avoided, seed mix is appropriate for use in areas proposed, and plantings are climate resilient. Prior to issuance of a grading permit the following is required: 1)Landscape Plan: Final landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by the City’s Natural Resources Coordinator. E1, Attachment 11 Planning Commission Packet Page 44 of 44