7.11 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Memo to Planning Commission Page 2 Case No. ZC 96-7 February 27, 1996 • The surrounding land uses are low density residential, vacant land and farm land on the north, south and east. To the west are the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks. These tracks provide a physical separation between the residential property to the east and the industrial and commercial uses to the west. The land under consideration for rezoning is primarily vacant land and farm land; there are two residences located in this area. The physical characteristics of the area are diverse. There is a drainage ditch that runs parallel to the railroad tracks. There is a substantial low area and wetland that is associated with the ditch. There is an upland area that separates the ditch from the railroad track. The area to the north and east of the ditch is an upland area with farmland, woodland and the two residences. Vegetation ranges from wetland vegetation, to brush land, hardwood forests and tillable farm land. Background The City is proposing an amendment to the zoning ordinance relating to dimensional regulations for the Rte zoning district. The amendment will change • the minimum lot size from 20,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet. The 12,000 minimum lot size will be applied when sewer and water become available. Until municipal services are available, the minimum lot size will be 10 acres. The City recently expanded the boundaries of the urban service area to include this area that is being considered for rezoning. The lot sizes allowed under the proposed Rte zoning district reflect the urban density residential development made possible in areas that have municipal sewer and water. The City is initiating this rezoning request so that the zoning would be consistent with the land use designation of MR (Medium Density Residential). The land use designation of this area was recently changed from LR (Low Density Residential) as part of the recent update of the Comprehensive Plan. This rezoning request is part of a larger process that the City is undertaking to rezone certain properties so that they are consistent with the land use map. Evaluation of Request In order to approve a rezoning request there must be a finding that a) the plan was in error when it was adopted and therefore, should be changed, or b) the times and circumstances have changed since the plan was adopted, and a • change is warranted. s:\planning\scott\zc96-7.doc