Laserfiche WebLink
water. Being Energy City also obligates us to promote conservation and make wise use of a <br />limited resource. <br />We are proposing a black dirt ordinance with the urging of the DNR as a strategy to reduce <br />irrigation needs. Tilling black dirt into the native soil will help retain moisture longer in the grass <br />root area thus reducing irrigation needs from 10% to 25% although these numbers are very <br />difficult to substantiate with any degree of accuracy. This also has the benefit of reducing soil <br />compaction thus minimizing run off. This strategy is particularly effective in sandy soil which is <br />prevalent in the Elk River area. <br />The following communities have implemented a black dirt ordinance. <br />Otsego -developers must use 6" of black dirt where the ground is sandy. <br />Rogers - 4" black dirt. Much of Rogers is heavy clay. They will be annexing additional areas with <br />sandy soil. <br />St. Michael/Albertville - 2" black dirt ordinance is under consideration. DNR is encouraging <br />them to adopt an ordinance. <br />Big Lake -requires 4" of black dirt for seeded lawns and 2" of black dirt under sodded areas. <br />Becker -requires 3" of black dirt by homeowner, not developer. <br />Ramsey - no requirements. <br />Monticello -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Andover -requires 4" of black dirt. Winter construction developer puts money in escrow. <br />Zimmerman -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />St. Francis - 2" of black dirt. <br />Brooklyn Park -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Blaine -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Maple Grove -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Stillwater -requires 4" of black dirt in boulevards only. <br />Northfield -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Buffalo - 4" top soil. <br />Princeton - 4" top soil. <br />Coon Rapids - 2" top soil. <br />The above cities we surveyed, generally the city building inspection department does the <br />inspection and enforcement. It is also interesting to note that many of the above referenced cities <br />include a landscaping ordinance specifying number and size of trees and shrubs for residential lots. <br />Financial Impact <br />This will cost the new home owner approximately $3,000 for an average city lot and may be <br />difficult to enforce. Some communities have experienced lawns not being installed due to the <br />added cost. <br />S:\GM Documents\Black Dirt Ordinance Requested.doc <br />