5.5. PCSR 07-08-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORDINANCE No. 08- CITY OF ELK RIVER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AMENDING SECTION 30- 416(0)(5)(e) OF THE CITY CODE TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TOP SOIL IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Elk River finds that excessive watering of green spaces is a waste of valuable natural resources, unnecessarily depletes our underground water supply, necessitates additional water infrastructure to supply and deliver water, and increases undesirable runoff to the storm water system; and that adding topsoil and tilling the top 8" of grade after building construction is complete breaks up compacted soil from construction activities and increases water penetration into the ground, therefore decreasing water runoff and increasing the drought tolerance of grass cover. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows: SECTION 1. Section 30-416(0)(5)(e) of the City Code shall be amended to read as follows: (e) For all lots less than one-half acre in size, all planned green space areas shall have 4" of top soil tilled into the upper approximate 8" of grade. For lots greater than one-half acre in size, all disturbed areas shall have 4" of top soil tilled into the upper approximate 8" of grade. Top soil shall meet the requirements of MNDOT Specification 3877 "Select Topsoil" containing the following approximate blend of materials: Minimum Maximum Sand 20% 70% Clay 5% 30% Silt 10% 70% Organic 10% 20% In locations where the above approximate blend of materials already exist on the lot, as determined by an independent certified testing laboratory or with prior approval of the Elk River building official, tilling the top 8" of grade only shall be allowed. Compliance with this Section 30-416(0)(5)(e) shall be documented to the satisfaction of the Elk River Building Official, either through on-site inspection or the submission of a Certificate of Compliance on a form approved by the Building Official, prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the Property. SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication as provided by law.