Agenda - Planning Commission - 10/01/1996

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lames Johnson July 17, 1996 page two :! Finally, direct access to the highway from an individual property is discouraged by regional policy. Minor arterials such as TH 47 were constructed to serve regional mobility rather than local property access needs. Property access is most safely and efficiently accommodated by the local street network, with collectors or arterials intersecting the highway at appriately spaced points. When property accesses proliferate along a highway, congestion and safety problems are likely to follow. Mn/DOT's ability to promote safe and efficient traffic flow on the highway is compromised without the cooperation of property owners and local governments in the land development process. It is our deske to work in partnershir~ with you to manage the highway system effectively. As you know, we are scheduling a meeting to discuss this further. Any other use of or work within Mn/DOT right of way also requires an approved permit. The permit necessary depends on the nature of the proposed work. Bill Warden of our permits section may be contacted at 582-1443 for further information regarding the permit process. If the property is to be platted, the proposed plat must be submitted to Mn/DOT for review 30 da~ prior to any city action. Grading and drainage plans, showing both existing conditions and proposed conditions, must also be reviewed by Mn/DOT; these may be submitted with the plat if applicable. We also request that a copy of your traffic study for this site be forwarded to us. Any of the above items may be sent to the Local Government Liaison Unit at the above address. It is Mn/DOT's policy to assist property owners and local governments in promoting compatibility between land use and highways. The construction ora church or other noise-sensitive use adjacent to a highway often results in complaints about traffic noise. The 1Wmnesota Pollution Control Agency has established noise standards and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development also has guidelines. Traffic noise from TH 47 could exceed noise standards established by these agencies. Mn/DOT policy regarding new developments and redevelopments adjacent to existing highways prohibits the expenditure of highway funds for noise mitigation measures. The project proposer should assess the noise situation and take the action deemed necessary to minimize the impact of any highway noise.