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City of Ramsey 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update <br /> Chapter 7:Housing Plan <br /> a. Tactic: Improve the licensing and inspection process,and update City Code as needed. <br /> b. Tactic: Provide additional outreach to landlords on the requirements of the program. <br /> HOUSING GOAL#4: <br /> Provide a development environment that increases residential health and respects the natural <br /> environment. <br /> SUPPORTIVE FINDING. <br /> Ramsey is a developing community that will have an impact on the protection and improvement of the <br /> environment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Center for Sustainable Development,buildings <br /> consume 40% of the world's total energy, 25% of its wood harvest and 16% of its water. While researchers <br /> remain cautious, many public health professionals, and a growing number of affordable housing developers <br /> believe sufficient evidence exists to justify adoption of basic "healthy homes" practices to keep homes dry, <br /> clean, well ventilated. Some of the key benefits to encouraging green building and sensitive land planning <br /> include: <br /> • lower electric and water utility costs <br /> • environmentally effective use of building materials <br /> • enhanced health and productivity <br /> • long-term economic returns <br /> • reduced environmental impact <br /> IMPLEMENTATIONS STRATEGIES: <br /> 1) Encourage development that incorporates environmentally sensitive site planning, resource efficient <br /> building materials and superior indoor environmental quality practices. <br /> a. Tactic: coordinate policies within the land use section of the comprehensive plan update <br /> that will include specific code amendments <br /> b. Tactic: educate residents on environmental issues and the financial impacts of implementing <br /> sustainability within the home <br /> 2) Evaluate additional sustainability standards, such as Minnesota Green Star Certification or LEED, <br /> for the Ramsey Town Center. <br /> 3) Encourage housing development that incorporates connections to existing pathways and creates <br /> natural and safe walkable areas. <br /> 4) Develop partnerships with utilities, banks and green building experts to develop financial incentives <br /> for incorporation of green building technologies. <br /> 5) Evaluate the cost and benefits of incorporating geothermal heating within new and existing housing <br /> developments. <br /> a. Tactic: create a geothermal prototype to present to housing developers <br /> b. Tactic: create a deferred loan program for households that incorporate geothermal heating <br /> within scattered site housing development and renovation. <br /> c. Tactic: evaluate zoning and building codes to ensure that geothermal heating can be <br /> implemented with no additional permitting costs <br /> City of Ramsey 2030 Comprehensive Plan Page 7-19 <br />