4.a 3 Comments submitted by DNR via email 11-1-2016COMMENTS SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL 11/1/2016
I participated in pre -application discussions and site visits and I commented at that time on how the
proposed design could be altered to better meet the intent of the Lower St. Croix Riverway ordinance. In
addition, requirements of the National Park Service easement introduced design constraints. The
applicants have worked to modify the design to accommodate recommendations made by the MNDNR,
which is reflected in this variance application and appreciated by the MNDNR. MNDNR understands the
limitations of the site (much of the lot is bluff). Overall, this proposal minimizes impacts to views from
the river and the applicant has taken into consideration bluff slope and existing vegetation when
determining where to place the structure.
DNR submits the following comments:
• On Page 2 of the memo to the Planning Commission, in addition to the City's Development Code
requirements for sloping building sites, the Lower St. Croix Riverway standard is: No structures
shall be placed or grading done on any slopes greater than 12 percent (12 feet vertical rise in
100 feet horizontal distance) (Washington County Ord No. 14, 402.02). Please include this
stricter standard which applies in the Riverway in the memo and include a variance for
construction or grading on slopes greater than 12 percent, in addition to variances to the OHW
and bluff line setbacks.
• Please follow the City Engineer's recommendations made in comments on this variance
application. It is key that structures on the bluff be built so that they are structurally sound and
avoid drainage issues.
• Please include a condition requiring that a vegetation management and replacement plan (short
narrative and plant/seed list) be prepared and followed. DNR recommends use of vegetation
native to the St. Croix River valley.
• Please include a condition requiring that a soil and erosion control plan be prepared and
followed.
• Please include a condition requiring that colors matching the existing home be used for the
garage. The home is painted a very dark green, which meets the color requirements of the
riverway ordinance and blends in very well with surrounding vegetation.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment and feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss these
comments further.
Jenifer Sorensen, PE, PhD — East Metro Area Hydrologist (Ramsey and Washington Counties)
MN DNR, Division of Ecological and Water Resources 11200 Warner Rd I St Paul, MN 55106
(651) 259-5754 1 ienifer.sorensen(@state.mn.us