Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/01/2004

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Associate Planner Geisler explained that based on discussion, Staff has prepared a draft amendment to 9.20.11 — R-1 Residential District. She indicated the purpose of this amendment is to define additional standards for the Rural Developing Area and describe additional information that will be required for new developments in this area. She stated that as written, the ordinance would require clustering of the number of units currently permitted under the 2.5- acre density requirement. She advised Staff is suggesting applying the R-1 Urban bulk standards to the Rural Developing Area. She further advised that as written, all new subdivisions would need to meet the new standards, regardless of lot size, and there would be no exception for simple lot splits. She stated parcels that are five acres or larger would be eligible for subdivision under the new requirements, as is the case under the current code. Associate Planner Geisler advised the draft ordinance only applies to new development in the Rural Developing Area; however Staff would like the Planning Commission to consider applying these new standards to the Central Rural Reserve Area and the Rural Preserve Area, and possibly making a recommendation to the City Council. Associate Planner Geisler stated the new subdivisions in the Rural Developing Area would still go before the Park and Recreation Commission for recommendation on park dedication, and would still be subject to current Park and Trail requirements. She indicated with regard to density transition, proposed subdivisions would still need to meet the requirements when new units are proposed adjacent to existing homes. Associate Planner Geisler reviewed Subd. 6, items a — g and the language changes Staff is suggesting. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon noted this is a rough cut for review before it gets to a public hearing. He stated they want to make sure the Planning Commission feels Staff is on the right track. Vice Chair Johnson asked what city they molded the language after. Associate Planner Geisler indicated they looked at Inver Grove Heights' ordinance and made some Ramsey -specific modifications. Vice Chair Johnson asked when they get to the point they discussed last time of where the traffic corridors are laid out and the streets will be. He stated he would feel more comfortable if they had a big picture. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon advised they are using July to gather information for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, which will be completed over the next six months. He stated part of that amendment will be a traffic element. He indicated the current comprehensive plan has some of that incorporated, but the process took so long that the land use plan and traffic plan do not necessarily mesh. He stated those two elements need to be brought back together. Planning Commission/July 1, 2004 Page 8 of 13