Agenda - Council - 12/14/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. Owner /developer agree to on -site septic system inspections in accordance with City requirements. 4. The plan reflects a strong sensitivity to protecting and enhancing natural resources (wetlands, tree canopy, ponds, drainage ditches, rivers, etc.) particularly in relation to the greenway corridor system. The site uses landscaping and natural vegetation (such as planting of windrows or shade trees) to improve the energy efficiency of housing. Urban Residential All future (new) urban residential development will be served by public sewer and water according to the development staging plan as further described later in the future land use plan. Exceptions to this rule may occur in areas where pre- existing large lot development surrounds vacant urban lands and soils are well suited for on -site septic systems. Densities within the urban residential area may vary by district; however, an average gross density of all future urban residential development is targeted at 3 or more units per gross acre (a goal consistent with regional growth policy). Overall, the plan encourages a higher density of development in the urban area to provide a wider variety of housing opportunities including single family and multi - family housing affordable to a range of household incomes. Furthermore, higher density development increases land use efficiency. A concern expressed by many residents living in the rural areas of Ramsey and on large lot developments within the existing Metropolitan Urban Services Area involved the transition between future urban development and existing rural development. It is the intention of this plan to assure compatibility between future urban housing and existing residential developments by establishing some form of transition between existing single family homes and future (new) urban development. Areas where transitions are necessary are primarily (but not exclusively) located along the edges of the urban services boundary and are to be served by municipal sewer and water. Land uses within the urban residential area include: • Low and high density housing including predominantly single - family housing but also multi - family housing and accessory apartments • Limited, small -scale home occupations • Education and institutional services limited to schools and churches • Park & open space The principles of affordable housing and preservation of open space are addressed in the urban residential areas through the provision of density bonuses and density credits. These are voluntary provisions that provide incentives to developers who provide affordable housing or preserve significant natural resources and open space.