Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/12/2012

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Land Use Designation and Boundary Clarification The original Master Plan draft established a boundary of approximately 322 acres. The forecasts were derived on a unit -count instead of a density range, and included a population of 2,500 households. However, upon implementation of the Master Plan through the establishment of the Zoning District, the boundary was revised to include an area west of Armstrong Boulevard and an area north of Bunker Lake Boulevard. This area was established as a 'Mixed -Use' District within the Comprehensive Plan. Upon completion of the Zoning District and Alternative Urbanwide Area Review (AUAR), the expanded boundary area forecasted a total of 2,400 households. The intent of this document is to clarify the official project boundaries and zoning boundaries to clear confusion on previous forecasts. Today, in order to work within the forecast methodology of the Metropolitan Council, a density of ten (10) units per acre was established to assist in forecasting purposes. This assumption alone supports the City's analysis that the revised Development Plan is consistent with previous forecasts. Residential densities range from 76 units per acre near the Ramsey Station, to approximately 15 units per acre in the middle portion of the development, to approximately four (4) units per acre on single-family areas adjacent to existing development. These progressively lower densities, or transects, are consistent with the original Master Plan contemplating much higher densities within the development, balanced by appropriate transitions to remain compatible with existing, surrounding development. The area is guided as Mixed Use to allow flexibility in design and promote a mix of uses. The Development Plan, as well as the original Master Plan, were not intended to serve as an approved site plan, but to guide potential future development. The Mixed Use designation allows the City the flexibility to shift land uses without the need for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment or Zoning Amendment, provided that the requirements of Minnesota Statute 473 are maintained and consistent with Metropolitan approval and jurisdiction. The analysis shows that based on revisions found in Development Plan 6.0, that the amendment is consistent with the City's System Statement and approved Comprehensive Plan. City of Ramsey Comprehensive Plan Amendment -The COR Page 7