Agenda - Council - 05/11/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Land Use Plan Goals and Objectives The following goals and objectives are general statements of intent that focus on the land use issues identified through the planning process. Goals are broadly worded, while objectives define major themes under each goal. The policies and action items listed later in this chapter are related to the goals and objectives, but are more specific and detailed. Many of the goals and objectives are the same or similar to those of the 1998 plan, but have been updated to address progress toward the goals and improved understanding of the relationship of land use and natural resources. Agriculture Goal 1. Sustain agriculture as a desirable land use for the long term. Objective 1. Nurture and preserve a sound agricultural economy. Objective 2. Preserve highly valued farmland for agricultural pursuits. Objective 3. Develop management methods for accommodating different types of agricultural activity. Goal 2. Minimize land use conflict between agriculture and other land uses. Objective 1. Maintain suitable boundaries for urban, rural residential and agricultural areas. Objective 2. Provide standards to protect new and existing land uses from incompatible land uses. Growth and Development Goal 3. Manage the impacts of growth and development on the County's rural character Objective 1. Discourage incompatible land uses through effective land use controls. Objective 2. Identify appropriate areas for commercial, industrial, and non -farm rural residential developments. Objective 3. Deter premature development in rural areas and in urban expansion areas around cities. Goal 4. Sustain the current livability and diversity of Stearns County. Objective 1. Recognize and respond to the differences in community needs and character, development patterns, and natural resources in different regions of the County. Objective 2. Preserve and protect significant, unique or sensitive natural and scenic resources. Objective 3. Respect and preserve architectural, archeological, and cultural history. Objective 4. Encourage a diversity of housing opportunities meeting the needs of both the cities and the townships. Goal 5. Use existing infrastructure and resources efficiently. Objective 1. Coordinate infrastructure expansion with development; and encourage development where the infrastructure is adequate to serve that growth. Objective 2. Provide public services and infrastructure that can be sustained over time. Objective 3. Support the provision of joint services among jurisdictions.