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~ ' Creative Solutions for Land Planning and Design Hoisington Koegler Group mil " '(gO Memorandum To: Jim Norman, City Administrator: Sylvia Frolik, Community'Development Director CC: Mark Koegler, Hoisington Koegler Group From: Brad Scheib, Hoisington Koegler Grou~ Date: 01/28/00 Re: Metropolitan Council "lO-day completeness" Review letter -- Comprehensive Plan This memo addresses the items identified as incomplete for formal review of the Ramsey Comprehensive Plan by the letter from the Metropolitan Council (Richard Thompson) dated January 13, 2000. Where possible, solutions or "responses" are suggested to the Metropolitan Council that might clarifY misunderstandings. Other issues will take more consideration and action by the City of Ramsey. This memo identifies those issues as well. Forecasts, Land Use and Density It is indicated that this section is "mostly" complete for review but needs some clarification as to projected development in the "rural developing area." The following bullets address questions posed by Sandra Pinel: . Density's within the rural developing area are "1 unit per 2.5 acres gross" (see first sentence of paragraph 3 on page V-13 or table V-3 on page V-21). When calculating gross density, wetlands and preserved areas are included in the calculation. By removing wetlands and preserved areas from the calculations, fewer units would result. A gross density calculation is used in the rural developing and permanent rural areas to give credit to potential developments for wetlands as an incentive to preserve environmentally sensitive areas beyond those already protected by state and local laws. Table V -6 reflects total units projected in this area and has been revised to correct a miscalculation. . The intensity of development is described as I unit per 2.5 acres gross. Minimum lot sizes are an element that would be further refined in the zoning ordinance. For the sake of planning, we have indicated that lot sizes should be a subject of site condition and allowable standards under Minnesota Rule 7080 (see policy 5 and Performance Criteria 2 on page V-14.) In other words, lot sizes should be flexible (while still meeting regulatory requirements) depending upon site conditions to allow for unique developments that preserve open space. 1