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Environmental committee reviews landscaping code updates and flags shortfall in tree replacements for 424 Butler Avenue plan
Summary
Committee members reviewed proposed landscaping code updates and discussed a 13‑unit townhome site plan at 424 Butler Ave. that would remove 116 trees; staff said the applicant’s proposed replacements fall 61 trees short of the city’s 30% replacement requirement.
The West St. Paul Environmental Committee met Jan. 7 and reviewed proposed revisions to the city’s landscaping code while also evaluating the site plan for 424 Butler Avenue East, a project that would build three townhome buildings and 13 units.
Melissa Houtsma, a non‑voting member, presented the draft landscaping code changes and asked committee members to rank priority areas on a 1–5 scale. Houtsma said the proposed updates address inconsistent language about allowable plantings, replacement rules, differing tree‑size minimums across zoning districts, and preservation of existing trees, and noted the city’s Comprehensive Plan review (a 2–3‑year process) could incorporate those code changes.
The committee also reviewed the 424 Butler Avenue East site plan. Houtsma told the committee the proposal would remove 116 trees; under the city’s 30% replacement requirement (measured at 2.5 caliper inches), the equivalent replacement total would be 144 trees. "The proposed replacement falls shy at 61 trees," the minutes state. Committee members recommended the developer provide pedestrian access to Thompson County Park, use larger‑caliper tree replacements where possible, and include pollinator‑friendly shrubs such as serviceberry mixed with other species beneficial to birds.
The meeting record shows the committee approved the minutes from the Oct. 1, 2025 meeting during the new‑business segment. No mover/second or vote tally was recorded in the minutes text.
Why it matters: landscaping standards and replacement requirements determine how development affects tree canopy and habitat over time; the committee’s recommendations could lead to stronger code language or site‑specific conditions when the Planning Commission and City Council consider related approvals.
The committee did not record a formal vote on code changes or a final decision on the 424 Butler site plan during this meeting; the items were presented for review and committee feedback. The minutes state follow‑up actions include the committee’s ranking of priority areas for draft code changes and staff pursuit of larger‑caliper replanting and park access as recommendations to the applicant.
