Agenda - Council - 03/09/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

CC Regular Session 7, 3, Meeting Date: 03/09/2021 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Information Title: Introduce Ordinance #21-02 Amending City Code Section 117-148 Entitled Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Purpose/Background: This is a republish of the original case from January 26, 2021. Subsequent to that review, the ordinance was reviewed at the February 16, 2021 City Council Work Session. Below are highlights (not all inclusive) of updates based on Council Comments. Minutes from previous meetings are attached for review. 1. Definitions - Local Park Agencies. References to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Three Rivers Park District (from DNR Model Ordinance) have been removed as they are outside of Ramsey's border. A reference to Anoka County Parks as implementing agency for Regional Parks in Ramsey has been added. 2. References to Vermillion River (from DNR Model Ordinance) have been removed as it is not found within Ramsey's borders. 3. Summary of ordinance has been updated to better reflect intent of ordinance. Please note that even minor edits significantly changed the line numbers from the original comparison document to the DNR model ordinance. Since this ordinance has gone through 2 separate reviews, Staff has removed the model ordinance and crosswalk to avoid confusion. Additionally, Staff has received comment from the Friends of the Mississippi which is attached to this case. No amendments to the draft ordinance are required; these are advisory comments. The purpose of this case is to consider amending the City's regulations within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Overlay District. This overlay district is required by the State of Minnesota and establishes minimum land use standards within the District. The Overlay District was originally created in the late 1970s and recently updated in 2017. The District requires a general land use plan be included in the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is now complete and in effect. The next step is to amend our official controls (Zoning Code). Staff is advancing the amendment now ahead of the anticipated schedule due to the proposed Riverstone South proposal. The updated rules are more reflective of the proposed Riverstone South subdivision. While the City was very active during the State of Minnesota Rulemaking Process and subsequent update to the City's Comprehensive Plan, including this area, this is the first read of the actual official controls/zoning code update. The City Council should feel comfortable tabling action if additional time and information is necessary. However, it should be noted that a delay in this ordinance update will delay the Riverstone South proposed subdivision. At this time and after Work Session review, Staff does not believe additional postponements are necessary. If there are remaining typos and/or clarifications, the City Council may introduce the ordinance with direction to correct typos, as long as they don't materially change policy as introduced. Alternatives 1. Adopt the Ordinance as presented (meets minimum requirements) 2. Adopt the Ordinance as modified 3. Postpone action to further refine draft ordinance 4. Do not adopt the ordinance (would not be in compliance with State Statute/Minnesota Rules)