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~ Development City to Update Mississippi River Regulations The city is required by State law and the 2002 Comprehensive Plan to update the zoning regulations that govern development along the Mississippi River. The proposed reg- ulations contain specific As a result of a few pending developments, there have been many questions from residents regarding cluster subdivisions. As many of you lmow, the city of Ramsey has a mix- ture of housing types, including those who are served with city sewer and water and those whose properties are served by septic systems and private wells. As the Twin Cities metropoli- tan area continues to grow, there will continue to be development pressures in cities like Ramsey who have large undeveloped parcels. The city began to look at ways to address the growth and also adhere to Metropolitan Council's guidelines regarding growth in the seven county metro area. We explored methods that would allow for limited development now and preserve land for future development over the next 25 years. The City Council and Planning Commission discussed general growth issues in the rural developing area over a series of thirteen meetings before adopting the cluster subdivi- sion ordinance in February 2005. Over the years, the Rural Developing area has seen a variety of ordinances restricting lot sizes to anywhere from 1 acre to 10 acres. Previous to the adoption of the clus- ter subdivision ordinance, the minimum lot size was 2.5 acres and the maximum density was 1 lot per requirements for new development within the corridor, from lot stan- dards to maintenance of natural vegetation. The City Council will be considering the proposed code for adoption over the next few months. If Cluster Subdivision 2.5 acres in the Rural Developing area. The basic concept of the cluster ordinance included keeping the num- ber of eligible lots created to 1 per 2.5 acres. But, the cluster ordinance also required the lots to be: ( a) small- er in size; (b) "clustered" in one area of the plat rather than scattered throughout the property; and (c) served by a common septic system that would allow for ease in transi- tioning to city sewer and water when it became available. The clustering method will allow for more efficient use of infrastructure. For example, a 40 acre parcel would be eligible for subdivision into 16- 2.5 acre lots prior to the cluster ordinance. Under the cluster ordinance, a 40 acre par- cel is still eligible for 16 lots, but the lots sizes are smaller which enables you to cluster the lots in a specific area of the parcel. Clustering the lots requires less road construction and maintenance than if the lots were spread throughout the 40 acre parcel. There is also less impact to the envi- ronment with clustering, especially tree removal. In addition, the unde- veloped portion of the property would remain as open space and be restricted from any further develop- ment until city sewer and water were available to the property. In some areas, sewer and water may be avail- able within 5 years, in other areas of you have any questions or would like a copy of the proposed changes, please contact Associate Planner Amy Geisler at ageisler@ci.ramsey.mn.us or 763-433-9903. the city it may never be available. The City Council has begun to take another look at the cluster subdi- vision ordinance and how to improve it. The aspects to be reviewed will include density transitioning between cluster subdivisions and "acreage" subdivisions, the possibility of requir- ing some type of permanent open space within each cluster subdivision, and greater guidance for the profes- sional management and maintenance of the common septic systems. Any questions regarding the cluster subdi- vision ordinance can be directed to the Planning Division at City Hall at 763-427-1410. Development Update The city of Ramsey continues to see strong demand for new home and business construction. There are numerous residential and commercial developments currently being built as well as several more under considera- tion. A full listing of all the developments occurring in Ramsey can be found at the city's website at www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/departments/C ommunity/III.asp. This page is updat- ed frequently, so please mal(e sure that you check it often! 4 www.ci.ramsey.mn.us