Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Isanti adds ash trees to prohibited list and votes to remove tier‑one peripheral zoning
Summary
The planning body voted to add Fraxinus (ash) species to the city's prohibited tree list due to emerald ash borer and approved repealing tier‑one zoning authority on legal grounds after attorney and county consultation. Both changes passed unanimously after brief public hearings.
Isanti planning staff recommended amending the zoning ordinance to add ash (genus Fraxinus) to the prohibited tree list, citing emerald ash borer and resulting liabilities. Commissioners discussed grandfathering of existing trees (no mandatory city removal of private trees absent a follow‑up ordinance) and enforcement steps for newly planted trees; staff said removal would be handled through the usual administrative code‑enforcement process if a violation occurred in the right‑of‑way.
Separately, staff described the statutory authority for 'tier‑one' zoning (Minn. Stat. 462.357) and explained that most surrounding county and township areas now have their own zoning, making the city's tier‑one overlay largely ineffective and potentially legally risky. After attorney review and consultation with county staff, the commission voted to remove tier‑one districts from the zoning ordinance and map. Staff said they had briefed county staff and would notify the county upon final action.
Both public hearings were opened and closed at the meeting, and motions to adopt the amendments carried with unanimous votes.
