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Land Use Introduction Land use patterns define the community. The organization of residential,business, and public uses influences how people choose to live, work and play in the community. Land use is a key to achieving the Vision for the future of Elk River. The Land Use Plan seeks to accommodate growth while reinforcing the desired qualities of the community. The Land Use Plan serves as the guide for the future development of Elk River. The Plan guides the use of land in a manner that achieves the vision for the future of Elk River. Implementation of the Land Use Plan produces several important implications: • Uses. Every parcel is placed into a specific land use category. Each category includes a description of the type of land use intended for that category. This description should match with the types and forms of development currently found in Elk River and desired for the future. • Relationships. Much like a jigsaw puzzle,the true picture comes from how each piece fits together into a whole. The Land Use Plan guides how elements of the built and natural environment come together in Elk River. These relationships will determine how Elk River will look, function and feel. • Actions. The Land Use Plan sets the framework for public actions and • investments. Utilities, streets, parks, and facilities are all influenced by the form and pace of development. Existing Land Use The planning process began with an investigation and analysis of existing land use. Elk River is constantly changing. Development converts vacant land to built uses. Redevelopment changes the character and,at times, the use of land. The analysis that follows takes a snapshot of Elk River in 2002. The picture shows both graphically and numerically Elk River as it exists today. This information forms the foundation of the Land Use Plan by describing: • The nature and diversity of land uses in Elk River. • The relationships between built and natural features of the community. • Areas with potential capacity to accommodate future growth. The map in Figure 5-1 on the next page shows existing land use in Elk River. This inventory of land uses evolved during the planning process. A variety of sources contributed to the inventory including property information, aerial photography, and windshield surveys. Existing Uses The inventory of existing land uses divides Elk River into a series of residential, • E� Building the Future -A Comprehensive Plan for Elk River 5•I River