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