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Memo to Planning Commission/0A96-2 Page 2 April 23, 1996 • Analysis Attached to this memo are a couple of articles discussing growth management and why it has become such an important issue for cities to consider. I would encourage the Planning Commission to read through these articles and recognize that growth management is a comprehensive issue, not solely predicated on the efficient extension of city water and sewer. In a nutshell, cities practice growth management to minimize extraordinary or premature expenditures for infrastructure improvements as a result of growth (sprawl). This "pattern" of growth can strain the city's ability to efficiently provide services. On the other hand, if the demands for services can be concentrated geographically, the city's ability to efficiently deliver those services is enhanced. This is not only good public policy but good business sense. Cities throughout the country have implemented various methods to control growth. Arguably, there is probably not one perfect growth management method; however, the common denominator is to prevent "sprawl" and direct "development" in areas with existing infrastructure. Local examples include cities such as Woodbury, Rogers, Brooklyn Park, and • Maple Grove. These communities do not rezone property within their urban service areas to its highest and best use until municipal services are available. Through this application of zoning, subdivision regulation and comprehensive plan policies, cities have been able to control their growth and once again, focus development (infill) in areas with existing infrastructure. There may not be a perfect answer to this issue; however, what staff has found is most communities have selected to implement some form of growth management policies. If there is one common thread in every community, it seems to be the need to become more efficient and basically "do more with less". In order to successfully accomplish that efficiency, some type of growth management needs to be implemented. Sprawl vs. Development The terms, sprawl, development and growth are often times used interchangeably, when in fact they have different meaning. Sprawl and growth relate to a spatial or physical spreading of land use consumption. While development is more of a qualitative measurement of a physical occurrence. Development is harmonious with growth management but just the opposite of sprawl. • s:\planning\pc\oa96-2xx.doc