6.20. SR 04-19-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Figure 4-A illustrates the City's current housing characteristics. In total. there are 4,754 residential units as of 1994. This number includes all single family, two family, mobile housing units and multi- family. One of the housing characteristics that stands out is 22% of the city's total housing stock is multi- family (3 units or more). Figure 4-B is a list of existing multi-family projects throughout the city. A majority of the multi-family dwellings are located along School Street between Proctor and Jackson A venues. In comparison to other communities, this number is relatively high. However, the vacancy rate in 1994 was only 2% (Figure 4-C) which indicates a strong demand for this housing opportunity as well as a healthy market. Another important element of the City's housing inventory is the availability of housing opportunities which are subsidized by the agencies outside the City. According to a 1993 report from the Sf. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 216 units (5.1 % of the total housing units) qualify for a subsidized program. D. FUTURE PLAN The following plan for future residential development does not significantly alter the developing pattern of the City. Rather, it is intended to guide growth in a way which provides City officials effective policies with which to assess and work for the level of services and quality living environments the residents of Elk River expect and deserve. Figure 4-D illustrates three zones in which the different growth guidelines have been mapped. Zone 1 is located within the urban service district and provides for urban development with lot sizes between approximately one-fourth (1/4) and one-third (1/3) acre. All future residential development within the boundaries of the urban service district will require immediate hookup to the water and sewer systems. In order to subdivide minimum lot sizes large enough will be required to allow the extension of water and sewer. The one exception is that area between the Elk River, County Road 35, Meadowvale Road and the western boundary of the City which will require overlay plats for future development. Residential development within the urban service area will consist of an appropriate mixture of housing opportunities. Through the application of zoning and development guidelines, varying density of housing is planned to create a compatible residential environment. In preparing this Comprehensive Plan, the Steering Committee discussed adjusting residential lot sizes to complement natural surroundings and provide diversity in lot size within developments. The Committee recommended that the City Council consider the following: . Increasing the minimum lot size in certain areas of R1b (Single Family Residential) zoning districts to 14,000 square feet, with a minimum lot frontage of 90 feet. in order to protect environmental concerns such as steep slopes, preservation of trees and wetlands. . Increasing the minimum lot size in R 1 c (Single Family Residential) zoning districts to 11,000 square feet with a 13,000 square foot average lot size. ' . Changing the zoning designation of properties currently zoned R 1 b to R 1 c, and to change certain R 1 c zoned properties to R 1 d. 15