Discussion:
The applicant (D.R. Horton) submitted a complete Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) application for a replacement plan for the Highview Park development. The site is located on approximately 234 acres south of County Road 78 (130th St W) and west of CSAH 15 (Marystown Road). The project intends to construct 496 single-family lots and 92 twin homes with associated public roads, utilities, site amenities, and stormwater ponding.
The project proposes 36,267 sq ft (0.833 ac) of permanent impact to 5 wetlands for construction of the project. The applicant evaluated alternatives that would have avoided impacts to wetlands, but these alternatives were not feasible given requirements for roadway design and stormwater management. The wetlands that remain on site following construction will retain hydrology and will be protected with upland buffers per City of Shakopee ordinance.
The application was noticed to the WCA Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) on June 23, 2023. The TEP is advisory in nature and makes technical findings and recommendations. TEP members include representatives from the City, Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Comments were allowed until July 21, 2023. The TEP met July 11, 2023 to review the project and proposed wetland impacts. The TEP was supportive of the replacement plan and recommended approval.
D.R. Horton will replace wetland impacts at a 2:1 ratio by purchasing credits from an approved wetland bank within Scott County, which meets the replacement plan siting requirements of WCA. The total amount of wetland replacement provided will be 72,534 square feet (approximately 1.666 acres).
The plan was presented to the Planning Commission on September 7, 2023. The Planning Commission voted 6-0, recommending City Council approval of the wetland replacement Plan.
On behalf of the City of Shakopee, Local Government Unit for the Wetland Conservation Act, I recommend that the City Council approves the wetland replacement plan for the Highview Park development. As a condition of approval, the applicant will be required to provide verification of wetland credit purchase from the Board of Water and Soil Resources. A Notice of Decision is attached for review.