5.5. PCSR 06-08-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR ACTION To Item Number Plannin Commission 5.5. Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Planning Items June 8, 2010 Jeremy Barnhart, Planning Manager Item Description Reviewed by Request by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment Jerem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er Regarding I-1 and I-2 Industrial Zones in the Urban Service Reviewed by District, Public Hearing -Care No. OA 70-OS Action Requested Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as drafted. Problem Statement Staff is concerned that land uses that do not require water or sewer, or high capacity street infrastructure (for example, mini storage), if located in areas with those services, reduce the ability for the Cityto attract businesses and operations employing greater numbers of people, in part because there is less land available for them. Employment is predominantly centered in the Business Park and industrial zones, and land available in these zones is dwindling. The majority of these areas are developed. (The Focused Area Study identifies some areas focused toward job creation, but much of that is redevelopment, and therefore, more expensive. Secondly, it is anticipated that the mining area will host large scale employment in the future, but due to the ongoing mining operations, and the cost to extend water and sewer, this is not expected until well into the future.) Background/Discussion While all non residential zones provide for employment, the areas of the cityfocused for employment growth are the industrial (I-1, I-2) and business park (BP) zones. Employment areas generally require water and sanitary sewer, higher quality access routes for both personal and delivery vehicles, and personal amenities. Proximityto services (food, shopping, and personal care) and proximity to recreational amenities (walking, green space, etc) have also been identified as desirable qualities for employment growth. There are several I-1, I-2, and business park zones scattered throughout the city, mostly along Hwy 10 and the southern portion of County Rd 1. About a third of these areas are outside of the urban services district. Areas outside of the urban services district are not expected to have water and sewer extended to them. Because it is difficult to deny an application for a ministorage business in the sewered area of the city (a conditional use in the current ordinance), Staff suggests developing a new zoning district, entitled General Industrial. The general industrial is proposed as a mix of I-1 and I-2 permitted and conditional uses that