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new boundary removes these business from the Wild and Scenic River District. <br /> • The proposed boundary will also remove the impediments to enhancing these <br /> businesses and consequently the aesthetics along the river can be improved. <br /> 2. Ordinance changes to accommodate urban residential development <br /> Urban services being provided to residential development along the Mississippi River <br /> will not detract from the values that cause it to be included in the Wild and Scenic River <br /> District. Undoubtedly, water quality is better served by residential development with <br /> urban services versus on-site septic systems. In addition, controlled storm water with <br /> adequate treatment and retention, as is the case with urban development under best <br /> management practices,better addresses run-off quality and quantity than does the typical <br /> storm water plan in a rural subdivision. <br /> What will detract from these values are more houses being allowed along Mississippi <br /> and/or allowing houses to be closer to the river. The city proposes to keep the frontage <br /> and setback requirements as specified in the DNR's ordinance. Consequently,the <br /> number of houses allowed along the river and how far back they are from it is not <br /> changed from the city's version of the ordinance to the DNR's. However, the city would <br /> like certain areas to develop with urban service,providing the benefits listed above. <br /> Regrettably,the lot sizes proposed in DNR's draft ordinance economically preclude the <br /> • creation of lots that are served with urban services. The city is proposing to modify these <br /> lot size requirements so they are compatible with urban lots and its comprehensive plan <br /> and can see no negative effect on the Mississippi River by doing so. <br /> Finally the city is proposing to remove reference to duplexes, triplexes, and quads in <br /> unsewered areas because it is felt that these structures concentrate septic systems too <br /> densely. <br /> 3. Specific changes to the DNRs version of the Wild and Scenic River Ordinance <br /> As you can note, the City of Elk River is proposing very few changes to the ordinance. <br /> The changes are as follows: <br /> A. The definition of a"Bluff' from the Shoreland Ordinance is proposed to be <br /> added. <br /> B. The city is proposing that all unsewered riparian and nonriparian lots in the <br /> District be a minimum of 2.5 acres. The current ordinance allows 20,000 <br /> square foot riparian lots and 40,000 square foot nonriparian lots in some areas. <br /> The city feels these lot sizes concentrate septic systems too densely. <br /> C. The city's ordinance allows urban services anywhere within the city limits, <br /> but does so with the current ordinance's unsewered lot frontage (100 feet), <br /> setback (100 feet) and minimum riparian lot size (20,000 square feet). <br /> • Nonriparian lot sizes are proposed to be those dictated by city code. The <br /> exception to this is in Sections 33 & 34, T33N, R26W, where the current <br />