4.6 PCSR 10-25-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 , City of Elk .� Request for Action ....,„ River To Item Number Planning Commission 4.6 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearings October 25, 2016 Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner Item Description Reviewed by City of Elk River—Ordinance Amendment Zack Carlton,Planning Manager • Ordinance Amendment to allow decks in the Kristin Mroz, Environmental Technician wetland buffer setback, Case No. OA 16-15 Reviewed by Action Requested Recommend, by motion, approval of the Ordinance Amendment as proposed. Background/Discussion In the past 16 months, the city has reviewed nine deck variances as they related to setbacks within the required 45'wetland setbacks (25 foot wetland buffer strip and 20-foot wetland buffer strip setback). The City Council did not review any of the nine variances as they were all approved by the Board of Adjustments. During the City Council meeting on September 19,2016, staff was directed to amend to ordinance to not apply the 20 foot wetland buffer strip setback, for decks only, on properties platted prior to the adoption of the wetland setback ordinance on June 19, 2006. The 25-foot wetland buffer strip will be maintained. During the work session, the City Council asked why only decks would be allowed. The ordinance is in place to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that reaches wetlands and retention stormwater ponds. Increased runoff adds sediments and nutrients from fertilizer to the water,requiring more frequent cleanouts of city owned infrastructure and an increase in aquatic vegetation and algae. Decks and permeable pavement will still allow some stormwater to infiltrate into the ground,reducing runoff. Roofs and non-permeable pavement do not meet these needs. Furthermore, natural wetlands can fluctuate in size. In times of heavy rainfall or above-average annual precipitation,wetlands and stormwater ponds may grow. There have been cases in Elk River with structures set less than 45 feet from a wetland boundary that now see ground saturation up to the structure. This is a concern for residents in terms of flooding and foundation damage. Staff is proposing to amend the following language: Sec. 30-1852. - Performance standards. (b) Wetland buffer strip setback. A minimum 20-foot setback from wetland buffer strips is hereby established by the city. No structure (principle or accessory), patio, paving, or other impervious surface shall be located within this setback. On property that was platted prior to June 19, 2006, uncovered decks and permeable pavement may be located within this setback. Nature trails, at the 'zity's approval, may be located within the wetland buffer strip setback. rOIVEREI r NATURE