Agenda - Council - 10/25/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A2011 -12b Staff Report August 3, 2011 Page 2 of 9 Notice of the rezoning was sent to Kate Drewry, Area Hydrologist at the Minnesota DNR. However, due to the state shutdown city staff has not yet received a response on the rezoning proposal. Staff doesn't anticipate a concern from the DNR because the land within the Wild and Scenic will be regulated by Minnesota Rules and Statutes. Also, Ms. Drewry had little concern with the Sensitive Development Zoning district and ordinance when it was originally established in 2010. Included for your review: 2030 Comprehensive Plan Amendment map, Proposed Rezoning map, Potential Access road map, site aerial showing Anoka Nature Preserve boundary, survey and legal description of the areas, letter sent to Jeannie Wilkinson of the Friends of the Anoka Nature Preserve, letter sent to property owners within the 350' notification area. ZONING MAP AMENDMENT The property is currently zoned R -F Rural Farm. The rezoning would change the zoning to Sensitive Development District. This district allows for single family, townhome and public use within designated areas legally described within the ordinance. Generally, the purpose of this district is to create residential development that is designed to prevent and mitigate irreversible damage to natural resources and to preserve and enhance their values to the public. Development shall be regulated to minimize the risk of environmental damage to these areas. This is accomplished through density control, lot size, public land dedication and tree preservation. Residential development in these areas should encourage creativity, variety and use of quality materials. River use and recreation on and along the Rum River is encouraged as the Rum River is viewed as a recreational asset to the City. The Planning Commission and City Council must consider the following criteria when considering a change to the zoning classification of a property: 1. Whether the proposed amendment corrects an error or addresses a changing condition, trend or fact. Staff Findings: This land has always been vacant. Since the 1970s this land has been a topic for several different development options however none were ever acted on. In 2006 200+ acres abutting the subject area were put in a conservation easement and is now known as the Anoka Nature Preserve. Since then, the City Council has directed staff and Planning Commission to look at future land use for this area. The existing R -F zoning was sufficient for the past and current uses. However, because the City Council wishes to market this land for development at certain densities and uses, the Sensitive Development District will be more appropriate. 2. Whether the proposed amendment will protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Staff Findings: The proposed Sensitive Development District generally would allow for residential and public uses. Approximately 12.8 acres is within the Rum River Wild and Scenic area. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has regulations outlined in