Laserfiche WebLink
Last revised July 24, 2014 <br />• Explore use of tax abatement, fee waivers, or other locally available finance tools to encourage <br />the maintenance and preservation of naturally -occurring affordable housing. <br />• Provide incentives such as reduced inspection fees or home rehabilitation grants that <br />encourage the quality upkeep of naturally occurring affordable housing. <br />Leverage housing investments with our existing infrastructure <br />Orderly and efficient land uses lay the foundation for a prosperous region. The Council sets the <br />framework for land use patterns and guides the overall development of the region, as directed by the <br />Metropolitan Land Planning Act (Minn. Stat. 473.145). To be fiscally responsible, the Council guides <br />new housing to locations that leverage the region's existing infrastructure investments. Directing new <br />housing to meet the region's growth to places where infrastructure already exists reduces the need to <br />add roads or expand the regional wastewater system, thus preventing additional expenditures. Making <br />efficient use of land also reduces outward development pressures in rural and natural resource areas. <br />Residential density also increases overall housing affordability by allowing more housing units per acre <br />of land. <br />The region is able to provide cost-effective infrastructure <br />and services when it can anticipate where, when, and to <br />what extent growth will occur. The Council establishes <br />overall density expectations for communities based on <br />their Community Designation. Density thresholds are <br />based on an understanding of future regional growth, <br />market demand in different parts of the region, existing <br />development patterns and redevelopment opportunities, <br />and existing planned land uses in local comprehensive <br />plans. <br />Each community's values are unique, so how and where <br />density is guided is determined by each community <br />consistent with regional policies. Communities in the <br />Metropolitan Urban Services Area (MUSA) and Rural <br />Center communities are expected to plan for achieving <br />the overall minimum average density expectations14 in <br />their community across all areas identified for new <br />growth, development, and redevelopment. <br />Overall Density Expectations for New <br />Growth, Development, and Redevelopment <br />(from Thrive MSP 2040) <br />Average Net Density <br />Urban Center <br />Urban <br />Suburban <br />Suburban Edge <br />Emerging Suburban <br />Edge <br />20 units / acre <br />10 units / acre <br />5 units / acre <br />3-5 units / acre <br />3-5 units / acre <br />Rural Service Area: Maximum Allowecil <br />Density, except Rural Centers <br />Rural Center <br />Rural Residential <br />Diversified Rural <br />Agricultural <br />3-5 units/acre minimum <br />1-2.5-acre lots existing, <br />1 unit / 10 acres where <br />possible <br />4 units / 40 acres <br />1 unit / 40 acres <br />14 The Council measures minimum net density across all areas identified to support forecasted growth by taking <br />the minimum number of planned housing units and dividing by the net acreage. Net acreage does not include <br />land covered by wetlands, water bodies, public parks and trails, public open space, arterial road rights -of -way, <br />and other undevelopable acres identified in or projected by local ordinances such as steep slopes. <br />2040 HOUSING POLICY PLAN I METROPOLITAN COUNCIL <br />DRAFT RELEASED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Part II: Outcomes (Stewardship) I Page 21 <br />