550.2110. - Protection of natural features.
(a) In general. All development shall be located so as to preserve the natural features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity, to minimize the creation of impervious surface area, to contribute to ecological function, and to minimize negative impacts on and the alteration of the natural environment. In addition to protected areas in the SH Shoreland Overlay District and MR Mississippi River Critical Area Overlay District, the following areas shall be preserved as undeveloped open space, to the extent consistent with the reasonable utilization of land, and in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local regulations:
(1) Significant trees or plant communities including remnant stands of native trees or remnant prairie grasses, trees or plant communities that are rare to the area or of particular horticultural or landscape value, or trees with a diameter at breast height of twelve (12) inches or larger.
(2) Habitats of threatened or endangered wildlife, as identified on federal or state lists, including the Federal Endangered Species Act, and the Minnesota County Biological Survey.
(b) Mitigation. Where preservation is not consistent with the reasonable utilization of land, the city may require mitigation through replacement of the resource or similar resource on the site, restoration of former natural amenities to the site, or other reasonable measures to mitigate the effects of the development and protect or enhance the natural features of the land.
