8.4.B. PRSR 03-08-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Natural Resource Inventory Task Force Recommendations to the Planning and Parks and Recreation Commission Findings of Fact In August 2004, the Elk River City Council adopted a revised Comprehensive Land Use Plan. In December 2004, the Elk River City Council accepted the Elk River Natural Resources Inventory and its recommendations, including the identification of high quality natural areas. Both documents recommend that the City of Elk River pursue establishment of a greenway system for the preservation of natural resources and use by the public as trails. The Task Force acknowledges that implementation of the greenway system will need to be a public/private partnership and that market forces may be utilized. Recommendations 1. Preserve existing, high quality natural areas (identified as A and B in the inventory) through modifications to the subdivision ordinance, incentives in the open space preservation (cluster) subdivision requirements, park dedication requirements, conservation easements, or outright purchase as recommended. 2. Establish a voluntary Transfer of Development Rights Program to allow property owners to sell their development rights to others for use. 3. Adopt a wetland buffer ordinance to prohibit encroachment into and degradation of wetlands. 4. Adopt anecology-based tree preservation ordinance that sets high priority on preserving native trees and woodlands. 5. Modify the subdivision ordinance to: • Require cluster subdivisions on parcels containing high quality natural sites (A&B) • Require developers to update the natural resources inventory information on their site, including the qualitative ranking and submit it in electronic format for inclusion in the City's inventory 6. Modify the open space preservation (cluster) portion of the subdivision ordinance to increase the number and the amount each density bonus is worth by modifying the following bonuses: • Set the endowment level at a minimum $5,000 (3% bonus versus current 5%) • Provide public access to trails, parks, water bodies, or other recreational facilities (7% bonus versus current 5%) • Provide an additiona110 percent open space (5% bonus as now)