Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/05/2003

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9.20.31 Town Center District Subdivision 1. Intent. The primary intent of the Towh Center District is to create a focal point in the community that embOdies the principles of transit-oriented and mixed-use development. The ToWn Center District envisions a distinctly different development pattern, with a more urban structure of streets and blocks, than the suburban and rural patterns that have shaped the community to date. The Ramsey Town Center area is comprised of a number of distinct Sub-Districts intended to define the type and intensity of uses, location of amenities and overall character of development. -The Town Center District incorporates the Ramsey Town Center Urban Desig-n Standards by reference to provide necessary building and site design features that are essential to a pedestrian environment. Subd. 2 Town Center Sub-District Definition. The Town Center District consis.ts of six Sub-Districts that define the type and intensity of land use. Mixed-Use Core Sub-District - "TC-I." The Mixed-Use Core is intended to provide a mix of retail, service, professional, community service, daycare, recreational and similar uses near, and within easy walking distance of the transit station. The broadest variety and highest intensity of uses, including high density housing and lodging facilities, are encouraged near. the station. Vertically-integrated mixed use projects with' retail, restaurant and service uses, especially at corner locations, are strongly encouraged. In order to contribute to an active.pedestrian envirom3a, ent, each block within the TC-1 Sub-District shall include at least two of the following uses: commercial, office, civic and/or residential use. A minimum residential density of 15 units per acre is intended to provide the population necessary to facilitate transit oriented development. A minimum of 70 percent of ground floor frontage along primary and/or through streets as defined in the- Master Plan shall be reserved for retail, restaurant and service uses that directly serve the public. Commercial Sub-District - "TC-2" and "TC-2a" The TC-2 Commercial Sub-District is desig-nated to provide a location for retail commercial businesses that are not appropriate in the TC-1 Subdstrict, including larger scale "big box" retail and other auto- oriented commercial uses. Such uses tend to benefit, from direct highway access and good Visibility, and may have market areas that extend beyond the community. These commercial and auto- oriented uses shall be clustered in compact identifiable areas and not present th& look of typical strip suburban development. Buildings shall be designed with a pedestrian orientation and- Mm' I, 2003 Dra/) 265