7.6 PCSR 03-11-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River Comprei,,.ve Plan Implementation Key actions or strategies that are intended to accomplish the objectives for housing include: encouraging strong residential property maintenance, supporting safe and attractive neighborhoods, promoting green building techniques, ensuring new housing and housing renovation, respecting neighboring properties and the overall character of the neighborhood, and promoting opportunities for "aging in place" enabling existing residents to stay in their homes longer. Further implementation strategies include: Revise the Zoning Ordinance as necessary to ensure review fees, increased density, or administrative flexibility that any infill development or further subdivision to grant minor variances (such as setback variances) that of large lots will not adversely affect the existing would support green building techniques and renewable character of the neighborhood. energy sources. Study the possibility of allowing accessory dwelling Review and modify ordinances as necessary to promote units in the City of Elk River to help promote affordable building compatibility with the site. For example, strive to housing and to help those who may need physical ensure that development does not unnecessarily remove assistance, including elderly residents. mature trees or other desirable site features. Ensure the City has adequate and appropriately zoned Strive to identify, study, and map unique residential land to meet the changing housing needs of the neighborhoods in Elk River. To the extent feasible, community. work with the neighborhoods to identify the qualities Continue to monitor and enforce timely progress of the neighborhood that they would like to see related to residential building permits. Do not preserved. As necessary, modify existing ordinances allow building projects that have been started to go or develop guidelines to ensure that future renovations unfinished for an excessively long period. and development are consistent with the desired neighborhood character. Study the need for, and if appropriate, implement a residential rehabilitation program using state funding, Before applying for the necessary development approvals, community development block grants (CDBGs), or encourage the developer or landowner to conduct a other suitable resources to provide rehabilitation loans neighborhood meeting to review proposed development, and grants for residents in need. redevelopment, or renovations that my impact the neighborhood character. Offer meeting space at City Hall Continue to monitor and enforce home occupation or other community facilities as a means to support this ordinances in the city to ensure safe and healthy effort. neighborhood conditions. Where guided in the Land Use Plan, promote the In accordance with the policies of this Comprehensive redevelopment of existing vacant or underutilized Plan, coordinate the effective and cost effective commercial property to include moderate to high density extension of municipal sewer and water to residential residential housing. In particular, promote mixed areas that are not served by public utilities. commercial and moderate to high density housing in To the maximum extent feasible, ensure the the downtown area and near future transit hubs in the preservation of existing natural features and promote City. Ensure that housing is consistent with the desirable the sensitive integration of natural features, such character of the area. as wildlife corridors, into existing and proposed Promote flexible development standards and innovative development. development techniques hat encourage development, Support neighborhoods in their efforts to beautify redevelopment, and renovation of existing housing without their homes and neighborhoods. jeopardizing the desirable character of the area. Identify and remove possible barriers in the zoning Study the feasibility and desirability of allowing multiple ordinance and subdivision regulations that discourage types of housing units in existing neighborhoods that or prohibit the use of green building techniques and/or are currently restricted to single family dwellings. For renewable energy sources. example, explore the possibility of allowing outright, or as Study opportunities to provide incentives that a conditional use, duplexes and/or twin homes in single encourage the use of green building techniques and family districts. renewable energy sources, as appropriate. Incentives Conduct a housing market study based on the City's may include expedited review time, reduction of goals and future needs. 84 / Chapter 7: Housing