9.1 SR 02-16-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Ells Pdver To: Parks and Recreation Commission Memorandum From: Amanda Bednar, Environmental Coordinator & Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator Date: September G, 2018 Subject: Riverwalk Apartments shoreland and floodplain information The proposed parking lot, driveway and park location on the River Walk Apartments is located along the Mississippi River and very near to floodplain and wetland areas. Locating a parking lot at or near the 100 year flood elevation could require meeting Sec. 30-1913 paragraph 5 and Sec. 30- 1914 conditional uses of the city code. Vehicles could also be viewed as equipment that is flammable, explosive or potentially hazardous to humans, animals or plant communities especially near the floodplain area. Additionally there are concerns in relation to the bluff area. The driveway and roadway would require significant grading and manipulation to establish those structures. This would also cause erosion issues and destabilize the bluff, altering stormwater runoff. City code requires all structures including roads, parking lots and park structures be 30 feet from the top of the bluff. Stairways and landings are the only items exempt from the bluff and top of bluff setbacks. Stairways and lifts are the preferred alternative to driveways in accessing land below the bluff and steep slopes. Specific requirements for such access are outlined in the city code. Intensive vegetation clearing within the shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is not allowed. Limited clearing is allowed to provide view of the water, stairways or landings, picnic areas or access paths. Walking paths and park amenities may be permitted in this area. Roads, driveways, and parking areas shall meet structure setbacks and shall not be placed within bluff and shore impact zones. Documentation shall be provided by a qualified individual that all roads and parking areas are designed and constructed to minimize and control erosion to public waters. Public and private roads and parking areas shall be designed to take advantage of natural vegetation and topography to achieve maximum screening from view from public waters. All plans would also require review and possible permits from the Department of Natural Resources.