Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/04/2012

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A2012 -7 Staff Report June 5, 2012 Page 3 of 16 Most of the uses in this land use category are of the "one- stop" variety; they are commonly not dependent on "shopping trips" or on "walk -in" trade. Rather, special trips are made for a specific trade or service. Uses in this category are often located near other business facilities. Location Criteria GC — General Commercial uses should be: • Near principal access points of limited access highways or major thoroughfares. • Developed in clusters rather than in a "strip" pattern. • Buffered by other commercial, industrial or medium /high density residential land uses and not adjacent to low density residential land uses. Site Development Standards General Commercial uses should have access and interior traffic movement should be designed so that vehicles may enter and leave the site without interfering with the traffic movement on the abutting highway or arterial. If adjacent to residential areas, particular concern should be given to the orientation of access and service vehicles, buffering, and the location of adverse site features, such as trash enclosures, parking, lighted signs, and outside display. The land use section of the comprehensive plan also outlines several goals to consider when reviewing land use and that are specific to this application. 1. Encourage a land use balance within the City to promote the efficient provision of City services, the generation of revenues to cover the cost of those services, and a mix of employment and housing opportunities. Land use balance refers to an appropriate mix of various land uses that are interdependent and mutually supportive. • Ensure that public properties are maintained in a timely manner. • Improve and upgrade older public utility and infrastructure facilities through a program of scheduled improvements. • Continue to expand and continue to diversify the economic base. • Encourage the provision of life cycle housing. 2. Evaluate future use of City owned lands. • Periodically update the City Council on City owned land that is underutilized and could be used for future economic development where appropriate. • Consider the citywide benefit of selling /developing City owned land. 3. Consider physical development within a community -wide framework which recognizes the unique aspects of the City's setting and ensures top quality design of new construction and development. • Promote the application of urban design considerations which define and enhance the City's unique character. Urban design deals with the quality of the built environment -- how it looks, feels, functions, and how it embodies local culture and City of Anoka