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A2011 -12b Staff Report August 3, 2011 Page 4 of 9 4. Whether the proposed rezoning will have significant adverse impacts on the natural environment, including air, water, noise, storm water management and vegetation. Staff Findings: 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. Single family lot sizes are required to be increased from the minimum standards in the R- 1 district of 10,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet. This naturally reduces the density of any proposed development which in turn has positive impacts on air, water, noise, storm water management and vegetation. Density for townhome use is typical with other densities in the city; however the ordinance requires architectural standards on the housing to ensure a long lasting, quality end product, tree preservation if applicable, and landscaping. This is not typical in other residential zoning districts in the city. Naturally there will be an increase in impervious surface than what currently exists. However, lots within the Rum River Wild and Scenic River District shall not exceed a 25% impervious surface coverage. Typical allowed single family lot coverage is 35%. Townhome development may not exceed 50% which is typical city-wide. Any development that is proposed will have to meet stormwater regulations and be reviewed by the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization land within the Wild and Scenic, Minnesota DNR. Lastly, standards have been included in the zoning ordinance for the district that further regulates vegetation. In 2008, the City adopted a stricter tree preservation requirement than what was in place. Additionally, the zoning district requires a minimum four trees to either be preserved or planted on single family lots, and 10 shrubs or bushes. 5. Whether the proposed amendment will have significant adverse impacts on other property in the vicinity of the subject tract. Staff Finding: The general public and adjacent property owners/users have enjoyed open space in this area. Whenever a zoning change occurs to land that has been vacant, adjacent to publicly used land and development may occur, there will be change. However, the Planning Commission should consider whether that change is an adverse impact. Residential uses are the lowest impact land uses other than recreation. The