Agenda - Council - 02/25/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I CASE # 4 CONSIDER INITIAL RESEARCH REGARDING IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS By: Planning Intern Kirk Skoog Background: In recent City Council workshops, concern has been expressed regarding the impacts of new development on existing neighborhoods within the community. Possible steps to address this issue include creating buffer zones between rural and urban residential areas, establishing architectural review standards, low density zoning, etc. Staff has conducted initial research on these topics. The following summarizes this research. Observations: The possible need for buffer zones between urban and rural residential areas in Ramsey reflects the relatively unique position that the City is in. Few cities in the metro area have experienced rural large lot development in the past to the extent that Ramsey has and are currently undergoing rapid urban development. The two cities that are probably in the most equivalent position are Andover and Lino Lakes. Cities expanding rapidly in the south and west metro area did not experience extensive large lot development in the past primarily because many of these areas contain prime agricultural land which is not particularly attractive for acreage homesites. This contrasts with much of the north metro area, including Ramsey, which has an abundance of wetlands and woodlands. This situation is a factor in the historically higher level of demand for large lot development to the north. Neither Andover nor Lino Lakes have ordinances in place that address adjacent urban and rural residential areas. Both cities, however, have experienced controversy regarding these areas. Many communities, including Ramsey, have ordinances that pertain to adjacent residential and commercial and/or industrial uses. Perhaps the possibility exists that would allow for the conversion of such ordinances to a format that could address adjoining residential lots of different size. Maple Grove has an ordinance that contains language which could be particularly useful for addressing this topic. Concerning architectural standards, Staff has conducted initial research that has produced information on setting standards for community design and appearance that focuses on design quality and maintenance including buffering and screening requirements, building design guidelines, and property standards. Other information has been obtained that discusses the ability of cities to adopt and enforce zoning ordinances based on aesthetic considerations. Minnesota Statute 462.357 lists broad categories of things that cities may regulate in their zoning ordinances, however, past legal challenges to aesthetic control suggest that legally defensible controls should include explicit guidelines for regulating community appearance. Recommendation: City Staff recommends that Council review and discuss these issues and provide Staff with guidance in order to further pursue these topics. Council Action: Motion will be based on your discussion.