5.3. & 5.4. PCSR 06-09-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Case File: CU 09-12 ERL CUP Page 4 Ciry of Elk River land uses. Single family lots would be allowed to subdivide from larger parcels to a development density of one unit per ten acres. The goal was to protect agricultural lands from development pressure and preserve the rural character of Elk River. Cluster developments were encouraged in this area. For Highway Commercial, it was suggested that it be limited along Highway 169 to extend no farther than the 194t'' alignment on the west side of Highway 169 and 197tI' Avenue on the east side of Highway 169 as the thought was that this type of development had the greatest impact on the rural fabric of the community. The long range plan for Industrial Development in the City was to utilize the gravel mining area for future development opportunities. Although the schedule for mining was to continue for 25-75 years, it was stated that this area could be industrial. The Solid Waste Facility Overlay (SWF) District was part of this Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the SWF is to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare by providing a specific zoning district for the use of land for the establishment and operation of Solid Waste Facilities. Since these uses are so unique, their demands upon public services, such as transportation, are so intense and their potential for causing harm to the environment and to the public health, safety, and general welfare is so great, a special zoning district is necessary. Solid waste facilities shall not be permitted nor conditional uses in any other zoning district. 2004 Comprehensive Plan The City of Elk River's current Comprehensive Plan was adopted on August 16, 2004. The Plan consists of 13 elements, including the Land Use element. The introduction to the Comprehensive Plan states that "The Land Use element forms the practical foundation of the Comprehensive Plan." The Land Use element of the Comprehensive Plan is attached to this report for your reference. The Land Use Plan (figure 5-4) designates the area of the current Landfill as "Landfill." The proposed expansion area is designated "Mining." For the proposed expansion of the Landfill to move forward, the Comprehensive Plan must be amended to change the designation of the expansion area on the Land Use Plan from "Mining" to "Landfill." Land Use Amendment Although the Comprehensive Plan contemplates amendment, it also states (at page 3-10): "The Plan should not be amended capriciously. A great deal of thought, time and energy went into the creation of this Plan, and the same effort must go into any amendment." The Comprehensive Plan is the most important tool for guiding the development of Elk River. The Plan provides that a series of questions axe considered when changes to the Plan are proposed. They are as follows: • Is the project consistent with the land use plan? • Does the project move Elk River towards its vision for the future? • Is the project consistent with the policies contained in the Plan? A negative answer to one or more of these questions may illustrate flaws in the proposed project. These flaws may be fundamental and require denial of the project. S:\PLANNING MAIN\Case Files\CUP\CU 09-12 Elk River Landfill Inc\Staff report to PC-CU 09-12.doc