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e-c,/ <br /> Item # 5. <br /> • <br /> City of <br /> Elk Ri• <br /> ver MEMORANDUM <br /> TO: Planning Commission <br /> FROM: Scott Harlicker, Senior Plann <br /> DATE: December 12, 2000 <br /> SUBJECT: Cluster Ordinance <br /> It been about 1 year since the City adopted the cluster ordinance. Since its <br /> adoption we have approved four cluster developments: Windsor Park, Rolling <br /> Hills, Whitetail Ridge and Meadowwoods Village. Preliminary application for a <br /> fifth development, Ridges at Rice Lake, is likely to be submitted this winter. With <br /> each new development, staff, the City Council and the Planning Commission <br /> have noted or commented on sections of the ordinance that could be fine-tuned. <br /> 1111 <br /> Over the next month or two we would like to amend the cluster ordinance to <br /> address the various concerns raised by the Council, Commission and staff. <br /> At Tuesday's meeting we will be discussing staff and Council concerns regarding <br /> the ordinance, and would like to hear the Commission's thoughts on fine tuning <br /> the ordinance. Staff and Council comments include the following: <br /> • Leap frog development—the cluster ordinance seems to be encouraging <br /> development of agricultural property at the far corners of the City. The <br /> density bonus for the agricultural district may be too high. <br /> • Quality of open space —the quality of the preserved open space is lower <br /> than what was anticipated. The ordinance could be adjusted so that higher <br /> quality usable open space is preserved. One option might be to include a <br /> certain percentage of"buildable area" as part of the preserved open <br /> space; another option would be to include portions of the shoreline <br /> ordinance's section on design criteria for PUDs. <br /> • The ordinance should include a clear mechanism for the City to say "no, <br /> this property is not suitable for cluster development". <br /> • Accessory structures on open space —When open space is left as outlots, <br /> • which is how open space is currently being platted, building permits can <br /> not be issued for those lots. Platting open space as a lot would allow the <br /> 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD & Phone (763) 441-7420 • Fax (763) 441-7425 <br />