4 PCSR 09-21-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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D. 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 hookup to the water and sewer systems in order to subdivide and develop land. The one exception is that area between 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 compatible residential environment. The downtown commercial zone should be an area where creative housing opportunities are offered. This residential influence will diversify the land uses in the downtown and add to its vitality. Although a lot of the housing within the urban service area is new the city will have to develop programs to maintain the integrity of its existing housing stock. This is particularly important for the multi-family and other rental units in the community. The deterioration of these units can have serious effects on surrounding neighbors, public health and public safety concerns. • Residential development in Zone 2, will be guided to a minimum density of one housing unit per two and a half acres. This area is currently not planned to be serviced with municipal services. However, the City may amend its comprehensive plan in the future to have municipal water and sewer extended to serve portions or all of this area. If these services and their related costs are extended through the area many landowners may want to further subdivide their land. Therefore, the City should encourage overlay plats illustrating future development potential. Zone 2 can be considered the transition zone between the urban service area and the agricultural zone. This zone offers the semi-rural flavor with lot sizes varying from 2/ acres up to 80 acres or more. To preserve this semi-rural character cluster development will be encouraged. Zone 3, the northern third of the City, is to be regulated so as to provide for large lot, rural housing and agricultural land uses. Single family lots can be subdivided from larger parcels to a development density of one unit per ten acres. Maintaining the larger lot size will protect agricultural lands from development pressure and preserve the rural character of Elk River. Cluster development will also be encouraged within this residential area. The city may offer increased housing density in exchange for public open space through dedication, land trust, conservation easement or other similar methods. E. NECESSARY ACTIONS 1. ADOPT A NEW LAND USE PLAN WHICH REFLECTS THE ELEMENTS OF THIS • DOCUMENT.