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<br />Rural Cluster Development - Managing Growth and Maintaining the Rural Landscape <br /> <br />Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br />The diagram (at right) shows the hierarchy of <br />allowable activities and uses in cluster <br />development. Homes, garages, and other <br />structures occupy a small building "envelope" that <br />is clustered around a community green. Typically, <br />this green is owned and maintained through a <br />homeowners' association. Gardens, lawns, and <br />pets are permitted in a larger "active open space" <br />area within each lot. <br /> <br />The remainder and majority of each lot-typically <br />50 to 70 percent-is set aside as natural open <br />space, where activities are restricted to those that <br />do not disturb the natural landscape or habitat. <br /> <br />Beyond the private lots is the preserved natural <br />habitat or farmland (not shown). A land trust or a <br />public agency should maintain permanent control <br />over this land. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Na.turaI opef1 Sp~ce <br />(Acthoities restrictl!ld) <br /> <br />Active Open Space <br />(CoRWUaIGn. fences. <br />pats plmt!llttetfJ <br /> <br />6ui1ding 5~. <br />(Loc::atklnilndorianti.ti01'4 <br />n::;trirnon;) <br /> <br />Co",mon 01>"" 51'0'. <br />(Nltur.lIle3Iwte:S <br />........J>05SIbIo) <br /> <br />Clustering Options <br /> <br />The plan at left shows several different styles and sizes of cluster d <br />The most valuable open space, with an existing pond and prairie, i, <br />its natural state. <br /> <br />Homes are clustered in groups ranging from about 5 to 30 homes. <br />has a central green, which functions as a gathering and recreation <br />community. Streets circulate around this space, providing convenie <br />and enhancing safety and the overall activity level. <br /> <br />Clusters are differentiated by their distinctive features. The cluster; <br />integrates an important community component through the incorpo <br />civic feature; in this case an interpretive center that showcases the <br />hab~at of the region. The large cluster in the middle, situated near' <br />of the area, includes an overlook that is linked to a trail system that <br />through the site. The clusters at the bottom of the drawing have loh <br />sufficiently large to allow small agricultural plots or additional open <br /> <br />Although the streets within cluster developments do not form an int <br />network, pedestrian paths and trails facilitate walking and cycling b <br />different neighborhoods and clusters. Clustering will not significantl <br />dependence on the automobile, since homes are still far from majo <br />schools, and offices, and it is difficult or impossible to serve the sm <br />clusters with transit. However, bicycling may be a viable alternative <br />some situations if a regional network of trails or bicycle-friendly roa <br />distances are not too long. <br /> <br />Open Space Design Development: A Guide for Local Government! <br />from the Metropolitan Council provides a Twin Cities perspective 01 <br />development. It includes the Washington County cluster ordinance <br />resources for local planners. <br /> <br />THE ST. CROIX VALLEY DEVELOPMENT DESIGN STUDY <br /> <br />.. Start Page: (Table of Contents} .. Previous: (Oak Park Heiahts: Walkable Residentia! Devel.) II-' Next: 1St. Joseph Township: Rural Cluster Dev <br /> <br />http://www.metrocouncil.org/planning/stcroixvalley/rural_dev.htrn <br /> <br />9/7/2004 <br />