Laserfiche WebLink
Although much of the housing within the urban service area is new the city will have to <br /> • develop programs to maintain the integrity of its existing housing stock. This is particularly <br /> important for the multi-family and other rental units in the community. The deterioration of <br /> these units can have serious effects on surrounding neighbors, public health and public safety <br /> concerns. A rental inspection program of multi-family units would address the concerns <br /> previously mentioned. <br /> Residential development in Zone 2, will be guided to a minimum density of one housing unit <br /> per two and a half acres. This area is currently not planned to be served with municipal <br /> services. However, the City may amend its Comprehensive Plan in the future to have <br /> municipal water and sewer extended to serve portions or all of this area. If these services and <br /> their related costs are extended through the area many landowners may want to further <br /> subdivide their land. Therefore, the City should encourage overlay plats illustrating future <br /> development potential. Zone 2 can be considered the transition zone between the urban <br /> service area and the agricultural zone. This zone offers the semi-rural flavor with lot sizes <br /> varying from 2% acres up to 80 acres or more. To preserve this semi-rural character, cluster <br /> development will be encouraged. It has been recommended by the Steering Committee that <br /> cluster development in the Ria include a minimum lot size of one acre and require fifty <br /> percent (50%a) of developable land be forever preserved using conservation easement, land <br /> trust or other mechanism. <br /> Zone 3, the northern third of the City, is to be regulated so as to provide for large lot, rural <br /> housing and agricultural land uses. Single family lots can be subdivided from larger parcels to <br /> a development density of one unit per ten acres. Maintaining the larger lot size will protect <br /> agricultural lands from development pressure and preserve the rural character of Elk River. <br /> • Cluster development will also be encouraged within this residential area. In preparing this <br /> Comprehensive Plan, the Steering Committee discussed adjusting residential lot sizes to <br /> complement natural surroundings and provide diversity in lot size within developments. The <br /> Committee recommended that the City Council consider the following: <br /> • Increasing the minimum lot size in certain areas of Rlc (Single Family Residential) <br /> zoning districts to 14,000 square feet, with a minimum lot frontage of 90 feet, in order <br /> to protect environmental concerns such as steep slopes, preservation of trees and <br /> wetlands. <br /> • Increasing the minimum lot size in Rlc (Single Family Residential) zoning districts to <br /> 11,000 square feet with a 13,000 square foot average lot size. <br /> • Changing the zoning designation of properties currently zoned R1 b to Ri c, and to <br /> change certain Rlc zoned properties to Rld. <br /> • The Planning Commission consider changing the rear setback requirement in all <br /> residential zoning districts from the existing ten (10) foot requirement to thirty-five (35) <br /> feet. <br /> E. NECESSARY ACTIONS <br /> 1. Adopt a new land use plan which reflects the elements of this document. <br /> • 2. Modify zoning ordinance and map to reflect changes in residential classifications. <br /> 33 <br />