Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2017

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These treatment standards ensure that runoff from impervious surfaces in the water quality impact zone will meet current standards. The 10,000 square foot threshold is consistent with standards used by the Capitol Region Watershed District. The area of this threshold is roughly equivalent to a 30-space parking lot. Subpart 8. Development on steep slopes. To address the impact of land alterations on steep slopes (i.e. slopes between 12 and 18%) this subpart retains the best management practices for development set forth in Executive Order 79-19. Most local governments in the MRCCA have adopted ordinances that include these provisions. Subpart 9. Compliance with other plans and programs. Many watershed management organizations and watershed districts exist within the MRCCA, and each prepares its own water plan to comprehensively address water quality within its watershed. Most local governments also participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and have local floodplain ordinances to reduce the risk of flood damage and loss. Finally, most local governments also have local wetland ordinances under the Wetland Conservation Act to protect wetlands within their jurisdiction. This subpart requires all development in the MRCCA to comply with these local water plans and floodplain and wetland standards, which focus on protecting these key features and resources in the MRCCA. 6106.0170 Subdivision and Land Development Standards Conventional subdivisions, with their uniform lots and blocks, are inadequate to achieve the purposes of the MRCCA. The division of a tract of land into individual lots without regard to the corridor's natural or cultural resources often leads to fragmentation and degradation of natural vegetation and habitat. Land development patterns within the MRCCA over the past 35 years have historically been guided by the general performance standards and guidelines set forth in Executive Order 79-19. These standards and guidelines encouraged "the clustering of structures and the use of designs which will reduce public facility costs and improve scenic quality." In addition, local governments and regional and state agencies were directed by Executive Order 79-19 to "develop plans and regulations to maximize the creation and maintenance of open space." Additionally, developers were required to dedicate a reasonable portion of "appropriate" riverfront access land or other lands for public use when developing residential, commercial or industrial subdivisions within the MRCCA. Executive Order 79-19 also permitted contribution of cash in lieu of land as an alternative to land dedication. Executive Order 79-19's general performance standards and guidelines for subdivision and development within the MRCCA were advisory and have not consistently resulted in the intended preservation of open space. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0170 seeks to correct this shortcoming by requiring either conservation design or other alternative design standards within the MRCCA. The inclusion of alternative design standards such as conservation design in the MRCCA rules is intended to protect the multiple resource values of the MRCCA while providing a framework for future development of those large private landholdings that remain within the MRCCA. Conservation design is a valuable tool for protecting water quality and wildlife habitat when appropriately applied, and also provide amenities to residents. An evaluation of 50 matched pairs of 62