10-16-2001 Planning Commission Meeting

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DIVISION 30: HIGHWAY 371 CORRIDOR (HI) OVERLAY DISTRICT The land included in the Highway 371 Corridor Overlay district are properties abutting and within 200 feet of the right-of-way of Minnesota State Highway 371 as shown on the zoning map and shall be subject to the rules of the underlying zoning districts, as well as, the rules of the Highway 371 Corridor Overlay district, whichever is more stringent, and/or unless as noted herein. Section 30-010 Purpose and Intent. The Highway 371 Corridor (HI) Overlay District is intended to promote safe and reasonable access to Highway 371 from abutting properties and also maintain and require a buffer zone of trees and shrubs to preserve the northwoods atmosphere of the Township. The intent is to promote safety in the highway corridor and maintain the aesthetics of the existing forest and woodlands in the region while allowing a variety of uses along the corridor district in harmony with existing vegetation. Section 30-020 Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses. Permitted and conditional uses are as included in the zoning district classification for each underlying district. Permitted uses must meet the required criteria of both the zoning district and the Highway 371 Corridor Overlay District. In cases where two (or more) standards exist, the stricter standard shall apply. All new development, including additions or expansions to existing business in this district require a site plan showing: existing and proposed buildings/structures; existing trees and proposed landscaping; highway access points; lot size; and adjacent uses. These plans will be reviewed by the Minnesota State Department of Transportation and the Sibley Township Planning& Zoning Board. Upon approval by Sibley Township, a land use permit will be issued for permitted uses. Conditional Uses in the underlying zoning district will follow the procedures as found in Article V. Section 30-030 Tree Removal. Tree Removal applications required for the removal of more than 10 trees over 2" in diameter pp are re q (as measured at four(4) feet from the base of tree) from corridor property. These applications are available from the Sibley Township Zoning Administrator or the Sibley Township offices. See also "Timber Cutting Standards", in Division 110. Section 30-040 Buffer Zones. Buffer zones require provision of both physical separation and landscape elements to meet the intent of this district. Existing vegetation shall be used wherever possible, if it provides the same level of screening as the planted buffer required below. Vegetation to be saved shall be identified on site plans along with protection measures for existing trees. Site plans shall be required for all new development in the Highway 371 Corridor overlay district. Plantings shall consist of the following: 1. Large, indigenous trees with a minimum size of 1.5 inch caliper at planting are required. Large trees are those with a mature height of 30 feet or greater and a mature spread of 30 feet or greater. Of these, 25% must be evergreen trees which are described as trees having green foliage throughout all seasons of the year in the Sibley Township region. Sibley Township Zoning Ordinance Article II 40