8.1 SR 10-18-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Rural Residential Rural residential areas include established rural residen- tial developments in the north of the city. Rural residential is located outside of the Urban Service Area and is not connected to any municipal utilities. As such, these devel- opments typically utilize septic and wells for sewer and water. Rural residential features large lots that are typically located off of arterial roadways. While large lots are the primary type of development, the rural residential char- acter area also includes some subdivision developments. Because rural residential is located outside of the Urban Service Area it is not recommended for increased residen- tial development. Encourage Trail & Sidewalk Connections While many of the existing rural residential subdivisions have limited sidewalks and connections to neighboring subdivisions, they are well positioned to incorporate extensions to the city's adopted Trails Master Plan network. Elk River should encourage the creation of these trail and pathway connections throughout existing rural residential neighborhoods as infrastructure maintenance occurs. This will promote walkability and connect residents to the city's parks and other destinations. In addition, the city should also encourage new rural residential development incor- porate sidewalks, make connections to adjacent neighbor- hoods, and provide access to the city's trail network. Shared Septic Many rural residential areas utilize shared septic systems for wastewater treatment. As these systems age, they become increasingly expensive to maintain. The Windsor subdivision development in the northwest of Elk River has already reached out to the city to request municipal service extension to connect their shared septic system into the city's service lines. In the future, the city may be asked to connect more devel- opments into the municipal sewer system. As such, the city should be prepared to handle these requests and work with residents and the Public Works Department to design a balanced approach for such service extensions in the future. The Infrastructure and Urban Service Area Manage- ment Plan chapter further elaborates on how shared septic systems can be connected to the Elk River municipal sewer system. Example: Area with shared septic in Elk River Elk River Comprehensive Plan • Housing Plan 07IM-11ara 01AS : LVAI:OW97ilk1W1 41