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Home My WebLink About2017-07-13 TPC Memorandum TPC3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100OVLRE 2 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone:763.231.5840 Facsimile: 763.427.0520 TPC@PlanningCo.com MEMORANDUM TO: Eric Johnson FROM: Scott Richards DATE: July 13, 2017 RE: Oak Park Heights — Comprehensive Plan 2018 TPC FILE: 226.10 At the July 20, 2017 meeting, the Planning Commission will discuss the following related to the Comprehensive Plan 2018: Issues The Planning Commission, at their April 13, 2017 meeting, reviewed the list of issues that were identified as part of the Comprehensive Plan 2008 process. The City Council reviewed the issues at their May 9, 2017 Work Session. The City is in the process of gathering issues from residents and business owners through the Community Survey. A draft of this section with the community mission statement, goals, and policies will be available for review at the August meeting. Community Survey The survey was distributed at the Party in the Park on June 8, 2017 and is available on the City website. The Summer Newsletter also included an invitation for residents to complete the survey. Surveys will be collected until August 25, 2017. From the survey, the Issues Identification section of the plan can be developed. Social Inventory Please find attached the Introduction and Social Inventory sections of the draft Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission reviewed the draft at the June meeting and suggested corrections and changes. Find as attached the revised section. Land Use The Introduction, Physical Profile and Goals and Policies Sections of the Comprehensive Plan are attached. Please review the Existing Land Use Map and note any changes that should be made. Also included is an updated Base Map, Natural Environmental Features Map and a Zoning Map. The actual Land Use Plan has not been included pending the Planning Commission's review of the preceding elements of the Land Use chapter. Next Steps For the August meeting, the Planning Commission will review the results of the Community Survey that have been gathered to date. An issues summary as well as the mission statement, goals and policies will be provided for review. The Land Use Plan draft will be completed with a Proposed Land Use Map. Pc: Julie Hultman 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The development of the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee. Their courtesy, cooperation, and contribution is greatly valued and appreciated. City Council: Mary McComber, Mayor Mike Liljegren Chuck Dougherty Mike Runk Mark Swenson Planning Commission: Jim Kremer, Chair Robin Anthony Timothy Freeman Parks Commission: Aaron Bye, Chair Anthony Weyer David Johnson Jimmy Norton Judith Chirhart Staff/Consultants: Eric Johnson, City Administrator Scott Richards, City Planner, TPC, Inc. Lee Mann, City Engineer, Stantec Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction and Community Background 1 Social Inventory 5 Issues Identification 13 Mission Statement, Values and Community Goals Land Use Physical Profile Goals and Policies Land Use Plan Transportation Physical Profile Goals and Policies Transportation Plan Community Facilities Physical Profile Goals and Policies Community Facilities Plan Administration Goals and Policies Administration Plan Parks and Trails Physical Profile Goals and Policies Parks and Trails Plan Neighborhood Planning Districts Planning District 1 Planning District 2 Planning District 3 ... Planning District 4 Planning District 5 Planning District 6 4i Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Implementation Appendix A—Anticipated Capital Improvement Program Appendix B — Draft Proposed Parks and Trails Map List of Maps: Oak Park Heights Base Map Land Use Issues Map Transportation Issues Map Community Facilities Issues Map Parks and Trails Issues Map Natural Environmental Features Map Existing Land Use Map Zoning Map Future Annexation Plan Map Proposed Land Use Map Roadway Jurisdiction Map Functional Classification Map Traffic Volumes Map St. Croix River Crossing and Highway 36 Alternative Map Transit Map Transportation Plan Map Traffic Analysis Zones Map Community Facilities Map Existing Parks and Trails Map Washington County Park and Trail Map Planning Districts — Proposed Land Use Map Planning District 1 Map Planning District 2 Map Planning District 3 Map Planning District 4 Map Planning District 5 Map Planning District 6 Map Comprehensive Plan 2018 z' City of Oak Park Heights ��r TABLE OF CONTENTS Page List of Tables: Population Growth 1990-2004 Oak Park Heights Household Information Oak Park Heights 1990 and 2000 Household Type Oak Park Heights Population Growth by Age Group 1990 and 2000 Occupations 2005 Washington County Employment 2000 Educational Attainment 1989 and 1999 Income Oak Park Heights 1989 and 1999 Household Income Existing Land Use 2007 Zoning Breakdown Summary of Zoning District Classifications and Requirements Household and Population Growth Population, Households and Employment Projections Functional Classification of Streets Minnesota Department of Transportation —Access Control Allocation of Forecasts to Traffic Analysis Zones School District Enrollment Existing Park Components Comprehensive Plan 2018 " City of Oak Park Heights INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND The City of Oak Park Heights is in Washington County, Minnesota, on the banks of the lower St. Croix Scenic Riverway, which is the state border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Situated between the Cities of Stillwater and Bayport and 20 miles east of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area, the City's population has increased in the last 10 years to almost 5,000 persons. The City is surrounded by the City of Stillwater to the north, the City of Bayport to the southeast, Baytown Township to the south and Lake Elmo/Stillwater Township to the west. The area was first platted in the late 1800s. Oak Park Heights was incorporated as a village in 1938 and became a City by State Statute in 1972. The City has been designated as Suburban by the Metropolitan Council, the regional planning agency in the area. As a component of the St. Croix Valley, Oak Park Heights offers an attractive quality of life with excellent educational, health care, and cultural facilities. Oak Park Heights is a very diversified community, being home to a large commercial/retail area with many national businesses and local enterprises, including the Highway 36 and Highway 15 commercial areas, Xcel Energy power generation plant, the Sunnyside Marina, and the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility. Housing in Oak Park Heights is both attractive and diverse and features starter homes, bluff line river view homes, riverfront condominiums, and the Boutwells Landing senior community. The City currently has over 100 acres of designated park space comprised of five municipal park facilities. The parks consist of skating/hockey rinks and warming houses, softball/baseball fields, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and general playground equipment. The City has been awarded the "Tree City USA" award for the past 36 years. The City operates under a "Plan A, Council-Administrator" form of government, consisting of a Mayor and a four-member Council. The Mayor and Council are elected at large on a non-partisan basis, the Mayor for a four-year term and the Council for four- year staggered terms. The Council is responsible for adopting policies affecting City affairs, approving the annual budget, enacting ordinances and resolutions, and providing policy direction for City departments and activities. The City Council currently serves as the Economic Development Authority. The City has a Planning Commission and a Parks Commission. The Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 2008. The Metropolitan Land Planning Act requires communities to review and update their Comprehensive Plans every 10 years, with the next update for Oak Park Heights due in December 2018. The City will also be updating its utility plans, Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan, and amend its Zoning Ordinance and map, as necessary. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 1 K W.. 6 INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND The City of Oak Park Heights Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, and staff have recognized the need for the update of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan as it is outdated with the current growth and change over the past 10 years. The Planning Commission and Parks Commission have been tasked with developing the draft Comprehensive Plan and the Parks and Trails Plan. The Comprehensive Plan document will be divided into specific sections, as found in the Table of Contents, located in the beginning of this document. The process by which the plan has been developed can be divided into five sections including issues identification, inventory, policy planning, plan development, and implementation. Each portion of the process will involve citizen participation and involvement of City officials. Issues identification involves a Community Survey, and opinion gathering process to determine a specific set of issues that must be addressed by the Comprehensive Plan. The inventory consists of documenting the City's existing conditions at a point in time. The results of gathering inventory information will provide a basis of text, charts, and maps illustrating the most relevant collected information. The next stage, policy planning, will determine future directives for Oak Park Heights through the identification of goals and policies. The City will also develop its vision statement. The policies that are created will promote direction for the subsequent planning sections of the document. The stage that follows consists of development of the physical plans and programs which will lay out the City's proposed land use, transportation, and community facilities plans. The final stage, implementation, will involve a discussion on how the plan will be used and brought into action. It will also provide the opportunity for the City to prioritize the plans and projects that result from the planning efforts of the Comprehensive Plan. On the following page, a base map of the City is represented. The map illustrates the corporate boundaries of the City at the beginning of 2017. This will be used throughout the plan as the basis for mapping the City of Oak Park Heights. Comprehensive Plan 2018 4.4 K City of Oak Park Heights Page 2 w F INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND INSERT BASE MAP HERE • Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 3 in l a . I� i11°0 =•02 •f4(4 v",(1 0111 Ill I I co V1 i s 0 Oh.1.0011\\1114 pi- Cot Oi a N y m d il, �•i\lift r•IU OA X101 1101 Y t N y0► ►.•X10 Y1t1 �i Q1 o iiiM�111P i4 tit 04•••.10 111 L m o E .1 �1 �1_dimm111f 11111■111 11111 111111 Ili:111 1 4- E m I�and 11.:111■u un■m 1 Inn[ 0 O € / 1■11/■■t•I 11111 11111■111.1�IIIMIU �, ■1111111:111 1■1 mu I■1 1111 z,V u a mum;111111 III■1 t�1 �m 11��! 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' f 1 .2.obi I. 111 ntzAIR:, gib�!;�� I' Simi to m1J� 1`S`1Jrnu1-1 1 I'Illne I to ■ OS til tlt1111r•. ,� 10 VP• . ,.iUM /G 1 1 Tl r ..rA 0 4,-,11.t en lapip,, ir, z; afte-* ••••,..,11110 I- ,I At -4, r;,1ko,,_-.,..N,,,• AvAj„,ii look Of III v.•if le. :sig , • –0P-imp------... al -- 1■Ar...d:_old I, •- . d,,affil-, 1_ SOCIAL INVENTORY INTRODUCTION The City of Oak Park Heights has recognized the need to develop a Comprehensive Plan as a means of addressing and accommodating the community's future growth and development. The purpose of the Social Inventory is to identify past trends, to document the current conditions and to help identify issues for establishing a hierarchy of planning policies. These policies will help the community address a broad base of land use and development issues. With the help of a solid information and policy base, decision makers can evaluate and prioritize proposals for the community while fulfilling the City's long-term goals and objectives. Additional inventory information will be included in each of the individual sections of this plan. Population trends and projections will be included within the Land Use section. Oak Park Heights as well as Washington County population projections will be evaluated to show the overall growth, as well as detailing change by age groups. POPULATION GROWTH The statistics in the following table illustrate the trends in population within Oak Park Heights, surrounding cities, and Washington County. Between 2000 and 2015, the City grew at a rate of 19 percent, and Washington County grew at a 25 percent rate. The populations of the surrounding communities of Stillwater and Lake Elmo have been growing at a similar pace since 2000, while the City of Bayport has seen a slower rate of population growth at 16 percent. The population increases in the City have been attributed to job growth, and a continued increase in senior residential development in Oak Park Heights. The 2015 estimate and the projections of population reflected in the chart below is from the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council numbers are generally regarded as being accurate population estimates during non-census years. POPULATION GROWTH 2000 2010 2015 2020 2030 2040 2000-2015 Projection Projection Projection %Change Oak Park Heights 3,957 4,445 4,706 4,880 5,300 5,700 19% Bayport 3,162 3,471 3,675 3,970 4,340 4,640 16% Stillwater 15,323 18,277 19,754 20,600 21,800 22,800 29% Lake Elmo 6,863 8,061 8,643 10,500 14,100 18,200 26% Washington Co. 201,130 238,136 251,015 268,410 299,130 330,200 25% Source: U.S. Census 2000/2010 Estimates from Metropolitan Council Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 5 SOCIAL INVENTORY HOUSEHOLD GROWTH AND TYPES In looking at the data for Oak Park Heights since 2000, the number of households has steadily increased, while the number of persons per household has slightly declined. This is likely reflective of an increase in persons age 65 and over. It also reflects the natural trend of people having fewer children and the dynamics of the modern family. The 2015 estimate of population and households reflected below is from the Metropolitan Council. 2000-2015 OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION Year Population Households Persons Per Household 2000 3,957 1,528 2.26 2010 4,445 1,911 2.05 2015 4,706 2,178 1.93 Source: U.S. Census 2000, 2010 Metropolitan Council 2015 The 2000 and 2010 Census provides a demographic profile of the households in Oak Park Heights as illustrated in the following table. As the table indicates, the households of married families with children decreased significantly from 21.7 percent in 2000 to 14.4 percent in 2010. The number of unmarried families with children also decreased. The percentage of households where people lived alone or where in non-family households increased. Household Type Household Percentage 2000 2010 Lived Alone 34.6% 43.4% Families Without Children 28.7% 30.3% Married Families with Children 21.7% 14.4% Unmarried Families with Children 9.9% 4.04% Non-Family Households 4.3% 8.08% Source: U.S. Census Comprehensive Plan 2018 !` City of Oak Park Heights Page 6 SOCIAL INVENTORY AGE CHARACTERISTICS The following table illustrates Oak Park Heights' population by age group. The table utilizes information from the 2000 and 2010 Census as well as a projection for 2015 from the Metropolitan Council. In 2000, the labor force (ages 20-59) represented the largest age group, at 59.4 percent. In 2000, this age group was again the City's largest, accounting for 52.1 percent of the total population. By 2015, that age group had fallen to 49.9 percent of the population. At 24.2 percent in 2000, the next largest age group for this Census year was school age children. By 2000, this population group had fallen to 19.6 percent and 16.3 percent in 2015. Population growth over these 15 years has been in the retired persons category with the persons over 80 years old increasing from 4.0 percent in 2000 to 17.2 percent in 2015. Changes in the demographics of the City and surrounding area will have significant planning implications for the future. OAK PARK HEIGHTS POPULATION GROWTH BY AGE GROUP Age Group 2000 2000% 2010 2010% 2015 2015% sse,. .: vzi ' x A i. /WeNW' rtx '' sVii^ .4i' :'%'sy Under 19 960 24.2 852 19.6 775 16.3 20-39 1,277 _ 32.2 1,008 23.2 1,097 23.1 40-59 1,076 27.1 1,255 28.9 1,270 26.8 60-64 136 3.4 225 5.2 141 2.9 Sub-Total 2,489 62.9 2,488 57.3 2,508 52.9 x.„ ..s r.:.. - ;, sem . rte;;` 7.- .... 1 �; p «,.e 65-69 122 3.1 158 3.6 198 4.1 70-79 225 5.6 304 7.0 437 9.2 80+ 161 4.0 537 12.3 819 17.2 Sub-Total 508 12.8 _ 999 23.0 1,454 30.7 TOTAL 3,957 100% 4,339* 100% 4,737 100% Source: U.S. Census 2000/2010 Metropolitan Council 2015 *Population by age group not adjusted for corrected total population z Comprehensive Plan 2018 «, t City of Oak Park Heights Page 7 SOCIAL INVENTORY OCCUPATION Information from the 2010 and 2014 Census regarding employment demographics for Oak Park Heights and Washington County are depicted in the table below. The majority of those employed in the City both in 2000 and 2014 were in retail. The second largest category was health care. Employment demographics for Washington County follow a similar pattern with health care being the largest and retail second. The numbers indicate the recovery of certain industries following the economic downturn. 2010 AND 2014 OCCUPATIONS Oak Park Heights Washington County 2010 % 2014 % 2010 % 2014 Accommodation and Food 285 7 237 6 6,365 10 7,273 10 Services Administrative 32 - 24 - 3,183 5 2,697 4 Agricultural, Forestry, 1 - 1 - 500 1 529 1 Fishing and Hunting Arts and Entertainment 41 1 34 1 1,257 2 1,329 2 Construction 184 5 311 7 2,700 4 3,450 5 Educational Services 278 7 255 6 7,647 12 8,076 11 Finance and Insurance 11 - 47 1 2,267 4 3,517 5 Health Care 775 19 790 19 9,363 15 10,950 15 Information 8 - 13 - 548 1 488 1 Management companies 500 12 495 12 1,011 2 1,373 2 and Enterprises Manufacturing and Mining 65 2 55 1 6,938 10 7,314 10 Other services 219 5 171 4 2,409 4 3,035 4 Professional and Technical 65 2 77 2 2,642 4 3,229 4 Public Administration 352 9 353 9 3,384 5 3,676 5 Real Estate 47 1 44 1 678 1 701 1 Retail Trade 899 22 958 23 8,533 13 10,200 14 Transportation and 243 6 237 6 2,366 4 1,745 2 Warehousing Utilities 0 - 1 - 29 - 8 4 Wholesale Trade 58 2 77 2 1,814 3 2,528 TOTAL 4,063 100 4,180 100 63,634 100 72,118 100 Source: U.S. Census 2010/2014 Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 8 t SOCIAL INVENTORY EMPLOYMENT The following table represents the overall employment numbers for Oak Park Heights, projections to 2040 and the percent of change from one year to the next. The City regards the employment projects from the Metropolitan Council as optimistic with the limited land available for future commercial development. 1990-2040 Employment Oak Park Heights Number Percent Change 1990 2,200 2000 2,713 23.3 2010 4,358 60.6 2015 4,524 3.8 2020 5,900 30.4 2030 6,800 15.2 2040 7,500 10.3 Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000, 2010 Estimates from Metropolitan Council Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 9 SOCIAL INVENTORY EDUCATION The following table illustrates education levels for residents ages 25 and over in 2010 and 2015. As indicated for 2010, 93.1 percent of the population has attained a high school diploma or higher degree, while 31.1 percent of the population has attained a Bachelor's degree or higher. For 2015, 94.8 percent of the population has obtained a high school degree or higher and 33.5 percent have been awarded a Bachelor's degree or higher. 2010/2015 OAK PARK HEIGHTS EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (Ages 25 and over) Level Attained 2010 2010 % 2015 2015 % Did Not Graduate High School 224 6.9 193 5.2 High School Graduate 966 29.7 1,018 27.1 Some College (no degree) 720 22.2 934 24.9 Associate Degree 328 10.1 350 9.3 Bachelor's Degree 742 22.8 895 23.9 Graduate/Professional Degree 269 8.3 360 9.6 TOTAL 3,249 100% 3,750 100% % of High School Grad + 93.1% 94.9% % of Bachelor's Degree + 31.1% 33.5% Source: U.S. Census 2010 Metropolitan Council 2015 c., Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 10 SOCIAL INVENTORY INCOME The 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2015 data regarding income for Oak Park Heights and Washington County is illustrated in the following tables. The first column indicates per capita income; the second, median family income; third, percent below poverty level and forth, individuals below poverty level. The per capita income and median family income levels for the City are below that of Washington County. A higher percentage of people are below the poverty level in Oak Park Heights than Washington County. Oak Park Heights has experienced a decrease in median family income from 2010 to 2015. 1990, 2000, 2010, 2015 INCOME Per Capita Median Percent Individuals Income Family Below Below Poverty Income Povert Level Level Oak Park Heights $15,200 $33,200 7.9% 275 Washington County $17,400 $44,100 4.4% 6,419 Oak Park Heights $23,300 $48,400 3.4% 128 Washington County $28,100 $66,300 2.9% 5,833 Oak Park Heights $28,600 $50,400 11.0% 489 Washington County $36,200 $79,100 5.2% 12,383 ' '''"71141;7 � . Oak Park Heights $30,600 $49,800 10.0% 470 Washington County $38,500 $83,700 5.4% 13,555 Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000, 2010 Metropolitan Council 2015 Comprehensive Plan 2018 }' s: City of Oak Park Heights Page 11 LAND USE - INTRODUCTION The basic intent of the comprehensive planning process is to provide a well founded and coordinated decision-making framework to guide both public and private development and community improvements. In this regard, this represents the development framework to guide land use decisions for the City of Oak Park Heights. The Land Use section is based upon the physical profile information, as well as the community issues which have been identified in determining community goals and policies. The Land Use section assists policy makers in daily decision-making. Since the maps and plans in the Comprehensive Plan may be quickly outdated, reliance on a land use map for guidance on a specific issue may be difficult for decision-makers. However, the relative consistency of community goals and policies ties the land use activities together over the long term. The Land Use Plan is the basic plan for growth and development in the community. It establishes the general parameters, issues, and goals which are to be achieved. It further defines and establishes direction for the basic elements of the development regulations that will be updated after the planning process is completed. The arrangement of this section includes the Physical Profile of the City to include the Existing Land Use Map, Goals and Policies related to land use, and finally, the Land Use Plan. In sum, the Land Use Plan provides the foundation for guiding and managing land use expansion and redevelopment within Oak Park Heights. It determines directives and means for specific assignments and accomplishments. Additionally, it establishes the ground work and parameters for facilities planning. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 1 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FEATURES Topography The terrain in Oak Park Heights can be characterized as gently rolling in the west and increasing in slopes until a ridge of severe slope at the edge of the St. Croix River Valley. The least significant topographic changes occur in the western portions of the City. The most severe topography changes extend from the eastern portion of the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility grounds north to the Highway 36. This topography change is best described as a ridge separating the City's higher elevations from the lower elevations of the river valley. Soils The soils found in an area often determine the type and extent of urban development that can occur in the area. Factors such as soil strength, drainage and frost characteristics may serve to limit the amount and type of urban development that can be accommodated on the land. The United States Department of Agriculture completed a detailed survey of soils within Washington County, including the area of Oak Park Heights, in 1977. While it should be recognized that any large-scale mapping of soils results in an extremely generalized graphic statement, the information does serve to illustrate the relationship between soils and the areas available for development. Generally, the soils within Oak Park Heights belong to one of three soil associations. These categories are as follows: Santiago-Kingsley. This soil association is characterized by undulating to steep slopes, are well drained with a moderately coarse texture. Soils within this association are characterized as being good to fair for supporting urban development. Antigo-Chetek-Mahtomedi. Soils in this association are generally formed in outward areas with slopes ranging from nearly level to steep. These soils are typically well to excessively drained with a medium to coarse texture. These soils are generally well suited for supporting urban development. Antigo-Comstock. These soils are generally level to moderately sloping and are formed predominantly in underlying sandy outwash plains and glacial lake plains. The main limitation of this series for urban development is susceptibility to frost heaving and a high-water table in low lying areas. Comprehensive Plan 2018 •• City of Oak Park Heights Page 3 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE A more detailed description of the soils found within Oak Park Heights, in terms of suitability for urban development, is provided on maps available at City Hall. Generally, the soils along the river bluffs and on the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility grounds on the southern area of the City are poor for urban development purposes. Of greater importance, the Department of Agriculture has classified most of the soils in the western portion of the City as moderate for urban development purposes. The limitations of these soils are related mostly to the slopes of the soil types found in this area. WETLANDS The City of Oak Park Heights contains wetlands which are generally widespread throughout the community as shown on the following Natural Environmental Features Map. Many of these wetlands are large and represent potential physical barriers to development and street connections. Most of these wetlands are in the western areas of the City. The largest of the wetlands in Oak Park Heights, Perro Pond, is in the southeastern portion of the City. This wetland is located almost entirely within the boundaries of the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility and Valley View Park. These wetlands serve an important function as ponding areas for excess storm water runoff. In addition, these areas are also valuable for flood water retention, ground water recharge, nutrient assimilation, wildlife habitat and aesthetics. In 1991, the Wetlands Conservation Act was passed requiring the preservation of all wetland areas unless federal and state approvals are granted. The filling of designated wetlands requires that the wetland be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio, that is, for every acre of wetland removed, two acres would need to be replaced. VEGETATION Existing natural vegetation masses are found throughout Oak Park Heights. The largest areas of vegetative cover are in the western areas of the City and around the large wetland area which extends from the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility grounds through Valley View Park. 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Xit' „,'\4....„ 41111161111111/ 01*01$•ot dakNIrri/PON? il -4%1K,Ab , la. 01101101 Jae MI tt .4. Illtef 1=.- \ :kittON: It.. 4_, ,a,„ . 1%1111.1 40 a. Is ONE 0 Alk i MIMI' 1 7,.4*R4 Kip *Op L S)111 • 4,4,* „.__Ipipp„,,, 4011 book...., _ • (Li ,,,,,„„„:,-..a 0 • g ,/0,..„,ii •;.. LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE FLOODPLAIN A small area on the extreme eastern portion of the City adjacent to the St. Croix River Valley has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as being within the 100-year floodway. Due to the bluffs leading up from the St. Croix River Valley, the remainder of the City is not affected by flooding during high water periods of the St. Croix River. Those areas within the 100-year floodway are identified on the Natural Environment Features Map. POLLUTION Pollution has generally not been an issue in Oak Park Heights. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides information on past pollution problems which have been reported. In addition to minor chemical leaks or spills, typically gasoline or oil associated with businesses, one significant site was identified. The Xcel fly ash disposal site, which is south of Highway 36 and east of Osgood Avenue, was used to dispense of an ash by-product created at the Allen S. King power generating facility located adjacent to the St. Croix River. The site has been capped and is now Oak Park Crossing Park. The fly ash monitoring will continue under the management of Xcel but the park is under the management of the City. Another potential pollution issue is the Baytown Township groundwater contamination site which is the result of the disposal or spillage of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the area south of Highway 15 and west of Manning Avenue, and the use or spillage of carbon tetrachloride at a nearby grain storage facility. The site consists of an area of groundwater contamination that is more than six square miles and affects four major groundwater aquifers. Although there has been no issue for the City of Oak Park Heights' municipal water system, the City continues to monitor the spread of the contamination and will consider the pollution impact with any new well or well reconditioning. The area west of Osgood Avenue in the City is included in a Drinking Water Supply Management area as identified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. y r t Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 7 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS The development patterns of land use in the City of Oak Park Heights are clearly established by the influence of both man-made and natural environmental features. The most significant influences have been Highway 36 and the power line easement/lines from the Allen S. King power generating facility. Development patterns in Oak Park Heights and other jurisdictions have also influenced the east-west orientation of the community along Highway 36. The highways, in particular Highways 36, 15, and 95 functions as physical barriers, but also the primary connections for Oak Park Heights to the region. The highways have also significantly influenced the location of commercial development in the community. The easterly portion of the community is almost completely developed. In coming years, there will not be significant changes other than specific redevelopment in the commercial areas. To the west of Oakgreen Avenue, there are undeveloped commercial areas both for retail/office and business/warehouse uses. It is expected that these areas will be completely developed in the next five to ten years. Other than what is currently in development, there is no significant parcels of residential land available for development in the City. There is one potential area for limited annexation, south of Highway 36 to Manning Avenue. The City will not actively pursue annexation, but work with property owners and adjoining jurisdictions when an owner requests annexation to City services. The Existing Land Use Map, as found on the following page, graphically illustrates the distribution and variety of land use types in Oak Park Heights. The map was developed in July 2017. An analysis of the breakdown by acreage of land use types follows the Existing Land Use Map. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 8 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE INSERT EXISTING LAND USE MAP Comprehensive Plan 2018 �;, t City of Oak Park Heights Page 9 '0 II � d d 2 a N tl�l i \it 1�. N 11 O\0 �i / d d 1. LI'. 100 .11.• 11\1 d11 ►►0 • ��*II y\p�11\�;j1\1\11\11�1� Y Z J `�u1111 un mu nnl 1111 lnl nu l 1. C ®g �--I am m.:nl...-Ami un mu nn nio■nuummunu■Num1 K ~5 j1101��!mugumn■umnnumum Z.,%-, W 8m r i IIIb milli r nlnl um I no um m ; 111I'. 1111.M...amR fin V . �� _CPA■ n�/i. I t AIIIIILA Z LI- . 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E11 1111 I1!H 1111111 p, i ._ N■El,%. 1 E co 1447--1 co wris.21 „, -�� g 1/1■/6 1 N=.III • —n •iI,#.In — vi 1 i1 amnm _ .■6so s e .• m c -9Z1111P.11110�nU0a\ala. .: :- _ ♦ N 1L.JAIL . .1►�1� - c m 11111 _lI= �� .nn%ile m - u_ E �u >, `..`.IIIIII� I�— L0ENm p ®111111ii■ • U > . L 111.; _. fig �,�i� . i 11111 FF _ - ll _o 0 _.1;0:ni■� L''■1'1NI, ' row S �_�� m mom cii rjj !!:::p1a!iT �1/111111111 _ �� .� C •C U 7 gi �� am ..=1♦i -Ill ! E a1 E (1' a ►,1 ==MEI- ,..1 �' � i ii o L � a VW*4'0E11111f All..11''‘ , I 111114.alf4,1,111 Illiktill Al �,N r 1 � oirAV-: �.�. Mill o m rn ”vi, lir iv JPitiii1 1461111111024 i*t leotoo.0 iiiii •-N,1 .0) a; I,fit.,?.4 gi -A ,: ''.,,, .10 tioint_ .. 0 01.5 lir Kb. lib I r Ma 'I .if.,.{. ;'. 0.__Iti inn iiti 44 liNp014#•%.,��row `` , . _ -,,,,,, i.itio.,,. ...."1„,lll �� U ramp,. .:: LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS The City of Oak Park Heights is 1,847 acres in size. The predominant land uses in the City include low density residential (14 percent), commercial (12 percent), and government (10 percent). The next largest land use category is industrial at 9 percent. A relatively small percentage (3 percent) is vacant property, only some of which is developable land. A detailed explanation of each land use category follows the existing land use table. EXISTING LAND USE Category Acres Percent Percent by of Total Cate•o Low Densit 265 14% Medium Densit 62 3% 21% Hi•h Densit 80 4% Commercial 212 12% 12% Hi•hwa Business/Warehouse 74 4% Industrial 170 9% 13% ,a School Facilities 128 7% g% Quasi-Public 11 1% Government 192 10% 10% Park Facilities/O•en S•ace 133 7% 7% Water 133 7% 7% Vacant 62 3% 3% Ri•ht-of-Wa 352 19% 19% TOTAL 1,847 100% 100% Source: Ci of Oak Park Hei•hts, Stantec RESIDENTIAL As shown in the previous table, residential land use occupies 21 percent of the total land area in the City. Low density family dwellings are scattered throughout the City. The City's original single family homes are in the eastern portion of the City. More recent low-density development, however, has occurred in the western and central portions of the City. Medium density residential development is located primarily in four locations. First, the development east of Osgood Avenue on Upper 56th 57th, and 58th Streets; second, on' Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 11 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE Oxboro Avenue; third, south of Highway 36, west of Oakgreen Avenue; and on Norwich Circle North. High density residential development is primarily located in five locations. First, in the northeast corner of the City on the St. Croix River, there is a large area of high density residential apartments. Second, there are two high density developments south of Highway 36 and east of Osgood Avenue, and finally, there are two locations north of Highway 36 on both sides of Osgood Avenue and east of Osgood Avenue on Paris Street North. Lastly, the Boutwells Landing development contains high density buildings. COMMERCIAL Existing commercial development presently accounts for 12 percent of the City's total land use. Virtually all of the existing retail and service facilities are clustered along State Highway 36. While there is a small scattering of vacant commercial property, the majority of available land for commercial development is located just south of Highway 36 and Krueger Lane. INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS WAREHOUSE Industrial/business warehouse land uses in Oak Park Heights total 244 acres or 13 percent of the total land area in the City. Virtually all of this acreage is attributed to the Xcel Power Plant located on the St. Croix River. Two smaller industrial areas or business warehousing/highway business areas are located on County Road 21 near the southern border of the City, and the Kern Center west of Highways 15 and 36. There are no parcels available for future industrial development. The only area available for additional business warehouse development is in the Kern Center at 58th Street and State Highway 5. GOVERNMENTAL FACILITIES A significant amount of land within Oak Park Heights is devoted to governmental facilities which encompass 192 acres or 10 percent of the City's total land area. Governmental facilities include the St. Croix Valley Sewage Treatment Plant, the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility, City Hall, and the water tower site at Norell Avenue and 58th Street North. Comprehensive Plan 2018 f,,. ; City of Oak Park Heights Page 12 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE PARKS The City parks are separately classified in the Land Use Table. These areas encompass 133 acres or 7 percent of the City's total land area. VACANT/UNDEVELOPED The vacant/undeveloped land identified on the Existing Land Use Map and the Land Use Table includes that which has not been developed, permanent open space, or that which has been subdivided for development, but remains vacant. It totals 62 acres or 3 percent of the total land area in Oak Park Heights. The immediacy of the prospects for development on these parcels varies considerably and are closely tied to the current climate in the housing market, commercial development interest, and other variables. PHYSICAL BARRIERS Natural features such as lakes, streams, and wetlands, as well as constructed features such as highways, utility lines, or existing development, often act to contain land use and restrict access. From another perspective, many of the natural features such as lakes, wetlands, trees, or topography can be used to positively enhance a community and its housing and business areas. Physical barriers within Oak Park Heights include the river, wetland areas, Highways 36, 15, and 96, and the utility line connections. The impact of physical barriers may be seen as having both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, barriers serve to define cohesive areas and to lend structure to the arrangement of land uses, often separating uses which would otherwise generate conflict. On the negative side, barriers may artificially constrain development, and in separating developed areas, produce problems of access and circulation between related land uses. The physical barriers within Oak Park Heights are seen primarily as restricting access from north to south or east to west within the City. These physical barriers can be overcome with improvements to the transportation system, both by car, pedestrian and bicycle. Comprehensive Plan 2018 ��, t, City of Oak Park Heights Page 13 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE LAND USE CONTROLS Land uses within Oak Park Heights are presently governed by the City Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. Applications for development and associated plans are reviewed by City staff and submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and approval. The table below indicates the breakdown of existing zoning districts and the acreages currently devoted to each within the City. Acreages for water and right-of-way have not been included. On a following page, the Zoning Map illustrates the arrangement of each zoning district in Oak Park Heights, showing only those districts currently within the City. 2017 TOTAL ZONING BREAKDOWN Category Acres Percent Percent by of Total Category R-1, Single Family Residential 236 15% R-1A, Single Family Residential 0 0% R-1 B, Single Family Residential 0 0% R-1 C, Single Family Residential 0 0% 25% R-2, Low and Medium Density Residential 71 5% R-3, Multiple Family Residential 50 3% R-B, Residential Business Transitional 29 2% B-1, Neighborhood Business 0 0% B-2, General Business 161 11% B-3, Highway Business and Warehouse 88 6% 22% B-4, Limited Business 71 5% B-W, Business/Warehousing 4 0% I-1, Industrial 249 16% 16% 0, Open Space Conservation 392 26% 26% P-I, Public/Institutional 0 0% 0% PUD—Commercial 23 1% 4% PUD - Residential 45 3% Parks 104 7% 7% TOTAL 1,522 100% 100% Source: City of Oak Park Heights, Stantec • t' Comprehensive Plan 2018 v4. L City of Oak Park Heights Page 14 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE The following paragraphs summarize the districts of the Zoning Ordinance and how they are applied in the City. The Zoning Map is found following these descriptions. 0, Open Space Conservation District The 0, Open Space Conservation District is intended to provide a district which will allow suitable areas of the City to be retained and utilized for open space, agricultural uses and provide a "holding" zone for newly annexed lands to ensure that development will be staged to maintain reasonable economy in public expenditures for public utilities and service. The district allows farming, nurseries, tree farms, green houses, and very low density single family dwellings as a permitted use. R-1, Single Family Residential District The purpose of the R-1, Single Family District is to provide for low density single family detached residential dwelling units and directly related, complementary uses. The district is the primary single-family district in the community. The district allows single family residential uses and recreational uses as permitted and schools, places of worship, and bed and breakfast facilities as conditional. R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, Single Family Residential District These districts allow for the same permitted and conditional uses as the R-1 District, but at different densities. There are no areas in the community currently zoned R-1A, R-1 B, or R-1 C. R-2, Low and Medium Density Residential District The purpose of the R-2, Low and Medium Density Residential District is to provide for low to moderate density residential dwellings and directly related, complementary uses. Single and two-family units are allowed as permitted uses, townhomes, condominiums, and multiple family dwelling structures with not more than four units are allowed as conditional. R-3, Multiple Family Residential District The purpose of the R-3, Multiple Family Residential District is to provide for medium to high density housing in multiple family structures and directly related, complementary uses. Multiple family structures are a permitted use and private marina and boat storage facilities, as well as other uses specified in previous districts, are conditional. 44 • q,z,‘14'' Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 15 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE R-B, Residential Business Transitional District The purpose of the R-B, Residential Business Transitional District is to provide for high density residential use and for the transition in land use from residential to low intensity business allowing for the intermixing of such uses. In the R-B District, multiple family dwellings are listed as permitted uses and limited office use, nursing homes, elderly and group housing, limited retail uses, and limited warehousing activities are conditional. B-1, Neighborhood Business District The purpose of the B-1, Neighborhood Business District is to provide for the establishment of local centers for convenient, limited office, retail or service outlets which deal directly with the customer for whom the goods or services are furnished. These centers are to provide services and goods only for the surrounding neighborhoods and are not intended to draw customers from the entire community. Barber shops, beauty parlors, convenience grocery stores, and laundromats are limited permitted uses. Conditional uses include governmental and public utility buildings, as well as professional and commercial offices. B-2, General Business District The purpose of the B-2, General Business District is to provide for high intensity, retail or service outlets which deal directly with the customer for whom the goods or services are furnished. The uses allowed in this district are to provide goods and services on a community market scale and located in areas which are well served by collector or arterial street facilities. A significant portion of the commercial uses in Oak Park Heights are zoned B-2 District. The district allows a full range of retail and commercial services as permitted. Open and outdoor sales and service, drive throughs, automotive related uses such as car washes, motor fuel stations and auto repair as listed conditional uses. B-3, Highway Business and Warehousing District The purpose of the B-3, Highway Business and Warehousing District is to provide for the establishment of retail and wholesale sales, storage, warehousing and limited manufacturing and production. The overall character of the B-3 District is intended to be transitional in nature, thus uses allowed within this district shall be limited to those which can compatibly exist adjacent to commercial and lower intensity activities. The B- 3 District allows a wide variety of commercial uses. Restaurants, auto service centers, vehicle dealerships, mini storage, animal clinics, landscape sales and certain educational facilities are allowed as conditional. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 16 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE B-4, Limited Business District The purpose of the B-4, Limited Business District is to provide a district accommodating retail sales, service and office functions in a highly planned and coordinated area. The uses allowed in this district are similar to but not as extensive, especially as it relates to automotive vehicle sales and service, as the B-2, General Business District. Retail and commercial uses are permitted while drive in restaurants, minor auto repair, open and outdoor storage, sales and service, and two family, townhomes and multiple family dwellings are conditional. B-W, Business/Warehousing District The purpose of the B-W, Business/Warehousing District is to provide for the establishment of wholesale and retail trade of large volume or bulk commercial items, storage and warehousing. The overall character of the B-4 District is intended to be transitional in nature, thus industrial uses allowed within this district shall be limited to those which can compatibly exist adjacent to commercial and lower intensity activities. Commercial and professional offices, printing establishments, conference centers, indoor commercial recreation and wholesale showrooms are permitted, while open and outdoor storage, services, sales and rental, and manufacturing are listed conditional uses. I, Industrial District The purpose of the I, Industrial District is to provide for the establishment of warehousing and light industrial development. General industrial uses such as storage and warehousing, manufacturing power generation plants, and wholesale business and office establishments are listed permitted uses. Conditional uses include open and outdoor storage as an accessory use. P-I, Public-Institutional District The P-I District is intended to provide a specific zoning district for facilities directed to serving the public and specialized government and semi-public uses. It is unique in that the primary objective of uses within this district is the provision of services, frequently on a non-profit basis, rather than the sale of goods or services. It is intended that uses within such a district will be compatible with adjoining development and they will be located on or in proximity to a collector street or arterial street. The district permitted uses include government buildings, parks and recreational facilities while schools, places of worship, hospitals, correctional facilities, nursing homes, cemeteries, and Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 17 .fir° LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE limited retail are conditional. The City has established the P-I District in the Zoning Ordinance but has not zoned property to this district. PUD, Planned Unit Development District The purpose of the PUD, Planned Unit Development District is to provide for the integration and coordination of land parcels as well as the combination of varying types of residential, commercial and industrial uses. The City has a limited number of areas zoned PUD. Most development is zoned residential or commercial and is applied with a PUD to allow for mixed use and multiple structures on one parcel. River Impact District The River Impact District is established to provide necessary protection to lands which fall within the designated regional floodplain and Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway area as defined by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations. This district shall include all lands lying riverward from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad right-of-way. Application of district regulations shall be imposed as an overlay upon currently applied zoning use districts. ZONING DISTRICT AREA WIDTH SETBACK AND BUILDING REGULATIONS The specific requirements for each of the zoning districts is found on the following page. The complete lot area and width, setbacks, building height and other zoning regulations are found in the General Provisions section of the Zoning Ordinance. A copy of the Zoning Ordinance is on file at City Hall. The table, as follows, summarizes all of the established zoning districts along with their minimum lot area, width, setbacks, lot coverage and other standards. It is intended as a general reference source. - Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 18 LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE Summary of Zoning District Classifications and Requirements Minimum Setbacks Principal Zoning Minimum Lot Width Building District District Classification Lot Size (interior) F S-I S-C R Height 0 Open Space Conservation 5 acres 200 feet 50 30 30 50 35 feet R-1 Single Family Residential 10,300 sf 80 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet R-1A Single Family Residential 12,500 sf 85 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet R-1B Single Family Residential 15,000 sf 90 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet R-1C Single Family Residential 20,000 sf 100 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet R-2 Low and Medium Density 10,400 sf 90 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet Residential R-3 Multiple Family Residential 15,000 sf 100 feet 30 20 20 30 35 feet R-B Residential Business 15,000 sf 100 feet 30 10 10 30 35 feet Transitional B-1 Neighborhood Business 15,000 sf 100 feet 30 20 20 30 35 feet B-2 General Business 15,000 sf 100 feet 40 10 20 20 35 feet B-3 Highway Business and 15,000 sf 100 feet 40 10 20 20 35 feet Warehousing B-4 Limited Business 15,000 sf 100 feet 40 10 20 20 35 feet B-W Business/Warehousing 30,000 sf 100 feet 50 20 50 20 35 feet I Industrial 1 acre 100 feet 50 30 30 40 45 feet P-I Public/Institutional varies --- varies 45 feet PUD Planned Unit Development --- --- --- --- --- --- --- River Impact District --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Source: City of Oak Park Heights F = Front yard setback as measured from the property line S-I = Side yard setback on interior lots S-C = Side yard setback on corner lots R = Rear yard setback Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 19 z � . 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Although such information is a critical element of any plan, the changing nature of that information can give a community only a snapshot of its needs or direction. A more comprehensive review of the community and its direction can be found through its adopted goals and policies. The goals and policies do not provide information on the timelines and priorities needed for development or community improvements. Instead, it provides a series of criteria which can be used to direct general actions. Furthermore, the policies are not absolute directions for City staff, Planning Commission, or City Council members. Instead, they are guides to assist in decision-making and goal achievement. Moreover, the policies should be considered and utilized collectively. In some cases, a single policy may define and outline a course of action. More frequently, however, a group of policies will be applied to a given situation. The flexibility and adoptability of the goals and policies is particularly useful when unanticipated development decisions emerge. It complements the maps, ordinances and City Code which are more static documents. In some instances, policies may not address a new situation in the community. In this case, the goals and policies should be updated or modified. This would give the Comprehensive Plan an up-to-date quality which will withstand the test of time. For purposes of definition, goals may be described as the ways in which we think about the community — descriptive statements of the ultimate direction we would want to see the City proceed. Policies may be described generally as positions the City will take on a specific issue. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Natural resources are of prime importance to the community. In addition to serving as aesthetic amenities which enhance the quality of life in the area, natural areas often perform important ecological roles. These natural features can serve as buffers or barriers in determining the extent and direction of development and growth. Therefore, it is necessary that special consideration be given to natural features and systems in formulating Oak Park Heights' Comprehensive Plan. Environmentally sensitive areas include those characterized by waterbodies, floodplain, steep slopes, vegetation, soil limitations, and wetlands. The Comprehensive Plan 2018 t';7", City of Oak Park Heights Page 23 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES City has expressed an interest in the preservation and enhancement of these features within the City limits. WETLANDS, LAKES AND STREAMS AND GROUND WATER Goal: Preserving the water resources of the St. Croix River and existing wetlands and streams is recognized as a high priority in Oak Park Heights. Policies: A. Restrict or prohibit development/redevelopment within Oak Park Heights' drainageways, floodplains, wetlands, and other natural features which perform important environmental functions in their natural state. B. Require all development/redevelopment to manage its on-site storm water generation to ensure no negative impact to downstream flooding or water quality. C. Require grading and drainage plans as part of any new residential or commercial development/redevelopment. These plans must illustrate proposed drainage patterns, plans for on-site storm water retention and erosion control. D. Maintain and update as necessary floodplain, shoreland and wetland regulations to regulate development within these sensitive areas. E. Incorporate low impact development (LID) principles and practices into design, construction and operation of public projects as feasible. F. Work with residential and commercial developers to incorporate low impact development practices that protect native vegetation and soils and reduce impervious surface. HISTORIC PRESERVATION Goal 1: The preservation, protection and continued use of areas, buildings, structures and other objects that have historic, aesthetic or community values is a benefit to the welfare and education of the City of Oak Park Heights. Policies: A. Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and structures that reflect elements of the City's cultural, political, economic, visual or architectural history; evaluate and establish historic districts. B. Promote the preservation and continued use of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of Oak Park Heights. C. Foster community identity and civic pride by protecting historical area, structures or accomplishments of the past. Comprehensive Plan 2018 ��, `� City of Oak Park Heights Page 24 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES TREES, LANDSCAPING AND STREETSCAPING Goal: Provide continuing and enhanced streetscapes, landscaping as part of development/redevelopment, and protection and preservation of the community's vegetative resources. Policies: A. Continue to implement and expand the City's comprehensive streetscaping and landscaping efforts through participation in Tree City USA and development review. B. As a high priority in the City, preserve and protect existing stands of mature trees. C. Promote programs designed to protect trees from disease. D. Require all development/redevelopment proposals to indicate the location, type, and condition of existing vegetation, and preserve existing trees wherever feasible. E. Require that development/redevelopment projects within the City plant new trees, particularly in areas where existing vegetation is removed. F. Provide City financial support to the ongoing tree protection, streetscape and landscaping programs. NATURAL FEATURES Goal: Ensure preservation and enhancement of slopes and soils in Oak Park Heights through careful development review and approvals. Policies: A. In areas of soils that have limitations for development/redevelopment, perform soil testing to identify the soil correction measures necessary to insure safe and quality construction. B. Require erosion control plans for all site grading to prevent erosion, dust, and soil sedimentation. C. Restrict or prohibit development/redevelopment on steep slopes. In instances where development on steep slopes is permitted, plans must be provided for grading and erosion control which prevent erosion, dust, and soil sedimentation. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 25 Vii'' `''. LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES AIR QUALITY AND POLLUTION Goal: Protection of air quality and ground water and soils, as well as efforts to control noise and light pollution, are important to the community. Policies: A. Incorporate State and Federal pollution regulations into local policy as required. B. Require a ground water monitoring plan or ground water protection plan as part of a permit application for businesses that store, use or transport hazardous materials and for properties formerly used as a waste disposal site or waste transit facility. Where available, use well head protection plans to assist with this process. C. Assure coordination with other adjoining jurisdictions for ground water sensitive areas, well head protection areas, water use contingency and allocation plans, and other ground water issues where plans may affect other jurisdictions. RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE REDUCTION Goal: Encourage recycling programs and solid waste reduction initiatives. Policies: A. Recycling programs which conserve natural resources shall be continued and promoted. B. Oak Park Heights shall encourage enhanced waste reduction/separation practices to improve solid waste management. C. Residential and commercial generators of solid waste shall be encouraged to act voluntarily to evaluate their use of energy and raw materials and to reduce consumption where technically and economically feasible. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Goal 1: Create a sustainable community that provides balance between a growing economy, protection for the environment and social responsibility to enhance the quality of life while preserving the same for future generations. Policies: A. Promote the use of sustainable design practices during all phases of development including design, deconstruction, construction, and building operation and maintenance. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 26 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES B. Promote national, regional and state sustainable building design programs including utility-sponsored renewable energy and conservation programs. Goal 2: Create a livable community where development incorporates sustainable design elements such as resource and energy conservation and use of renewable energy. Policies: A. Encourage energy and resource conservation strategies to limit the effects of climate change, including decreased use of fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy resources. B. Promote the use of renewable energy, including solar energy, in new residential and commercial developments. C. Review the potential for use of renewable energy, including solar energy, in all new public buildings. D. Consider varying setback requirements within PUD's in all residential and commercial zoning districts as a means of protecting solar access. E. Implement alternative energy regulations including solar, wind energy, geothermal and biomass requirements in the Zoning Ordinance. Goal 3: Protect and enhance air quality and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and control of climate change locally and globally. Policies: A. Encourage alternative transportation by providing trails and encouraging transit opportunities. Continue expanding the trail system by implementing the Park and Trail System Plan. B. Educate and inform businesses and residents about opportunities and incentives to increase the utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. C. Improve the City's environmental performance by setting targets, using innovative approaches, encouraging employees to conserve resources and improving on the existing recycling program as an example to residents and business owners. D. Support and encourage community efforts in environmental awareness and education through the use of the City web site, programs,, newsletters and the media. Comprehensive Plan 2018 3114,-:;:'',43--; City of Oak Park Heights Page 27 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 4: Reduce waste stream toxicity and amount; minimize generation of hazardous waste and increase reuse, recycling, composting and purchasing of environmentally preferred products with minimal or no packaging. Policies: A. Support and encourage community efforts in environmental awareness and education. B. Support waste reduction activities including recycling, reuse, and composting through policies and educational outreach opportunities for citizens and businesses. C. Emphasize the importance of directing waste that cannot be reused, recycled, or composted to facilities that recover some of the energy value in garbage with use of landfills as the last alternative. D. Continue to provide and encourage curbside recycling of reusable waste materials through educational events, promotional materials and volunteer efforts. LAND USE Land use goals create a vehicle by which the community can determine, organize and define the character and intensity of development and redevelopment in Oak Park Heights. The policies will guide proposed land use through the stages of growth and change planned for the community. Related to land use, the protection of the natural environment is of major importance to Oak Park Heights and the surrounding area. The focus for land use in the City will be the continual development infill of residential, commercial and industrial areas. Redevelopment, especially in commercial areas along the Highway 36 corridor, will also be a priority in the next 20 years. GENERAL LAND USE Goal 1: Provide for responsible and orderly expansion of the City's land area as requested by property owners and agreed to by the affected jurisdiction. Policies: A. The City, in planning for future land use, transportation/community facilities or utility extensions, may include areas not within its municipal boundaries. This planning is done in anticipation of demand for services to accommodate future urban growth. 4rt, Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 28 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES B. The City shall extend utility service to only those areas that are within the City, annexed to the City or part of an orderly annexation agreement. C. The City should consider annexation only if requested by the property owner and agreed to by the affected jurisdiction. D. The City shall plan its utility, service and street extensions to accommodate long term growth and expansion in the community. E. The City will work to achieve cooperation in annexation requests by discussing annexation issues with Baytown Township and adjacent municipalities. F. Orderly annexation will be considered in order to identify boundaries and target years for areas eligible for orderly annexation. Goal 2: A cohesive land use pattern which ensures compatibility and strong functional relationships among activities is to be implemented. Policies: A. Prevent over-intensification of land use development, that is, development which is not accompanied by a sufficient level of supportive services and facilities (utilities, parking, access, etc.). B. Examine requested land use changes in relation to adjoining land uses, site accessibility, utility availability, and consistency with the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan and policies. C. Attempt to make transitions between distinctly differing types of land uses in an orderly fashion which does not create a negative (economic, social or physical) impact on adjoining developments. D. Infill development of compatible land uses shall be strongly encouraged. E. Where practical, conflicting and non-complementary uses shall be eliminated through removal and relocation. F. Encourage the development and redevelopment of under-utilized and substandard property throughout the City. Goal 3: The preservation, protection and continued use of areas, buildings, and structures that have historic, aesthetic or community values is of benefit to Oak Park Heights. Policies: A. Where practical, safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and structures that reflect elements of the City's cultural, political, economic, visual or architectural history. Comprehensive Plan 2018 ,: City of Oak Park Heights Page 29 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES B. Foster community identity and civic pride by promoting the preservation and continued use of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of Oak Park Heights. HISTORIC PRESERVATION Goal: The preservation, protection and continued use of areas, buildings, structures and other objects that have historic, aesthetic or community values is a benefit to the welfare and education of the City of Oak Park Heights. Policies: A. Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and structures that reflect elements of the City's cultural, political, economic, visual or architectural history; evaluate and establish historic districts. B. Promote the preservation and continued use of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of Oak Park Heights. C. Foster community identity and civic pride by protecting historical area, structures or accomplishments of the past. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE Goal 1: Provide a variety of housing types, styles and values to meet the needs of the community and the changing demographics of the City and region through new development and redevelopment. Policies: A. Encourage design and planning innovations in housing units and land development. B. Recognize the development of townhouses, condominiums and non-traditional home types to supplement existing conventional single-family homes, and apartments, giving due consideration to local market demands. C. Attempt to provide housing opportunities which attract persons of all ages and income levels and which allow them the ability to maintain residence within Oak Park Heights throughout the various stages of their lives. D. Allow the development of additional owner and renter occupied affordable housing units on a case-by-case basis to achieve established housing goals. E. Encourage development of housing options to meet the needs of all segments of the population, including the disabled, and senior living options through life cycle housing. 4irComprehensive Plan 2018 ;'" City of Oak Park Heights Page 30 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES F. Housing units identified as substandard for safe occupancy shall be rehabilitated, replaced, or developed with an appropriate guided land use, wherever possible. Goal 2: Maintain and enhance the strong character of Oak Park Heights' single family residential neighborhoods. Policies: A. Promote private reinvestment in the City's single-family housing stock. B. Pursue the redevelopment of substandard single-family homes when it is judged not economically feasible to correct the deficiencies. C. Encourage single family home rehabilitation programs through the City. Goal 3: Promote multiple family housing alternatives as an alternative life cycle housing option. Policies: A. Consider the redevelopment of substandard multiple family properties that display deteriorated building conditions, no site amenities, poor site design, or incompatible land use patterns. B. Encourage developers of medium and high-density developments to provide adequate accessory amenities such as garages, parking, open space, landscaping, and recreational facilities to ensure a safe, functional, and desirable living environment. C. Consider mixed land uses as an alternative land use option in planning and redevelopment of obsolete commercial, industrial, or residential areas. D. Avoid concentrations of multiple family dwellings and apartments in the City. Locate such housing within appropriately designated zoning districts and in proximity to areas which offer a wide range of existing supportive services, commercial and recreational facilities. COMMERCIAL LAND USE Goal 1: Maintain and improve Oak Park Heights' commercial areas as vital retail and service locations. Policies: A. Encourage communication with local business people to gain an understanding of the changing needs of the business environment. • Comprehensive Plan 2018 t, City of Oak Park Heights Page 31 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES B. Promote a full and broad range of office, service, retail, and entertainment uses within the commercial areas of Oak Park Heights. C. Attract new businesses to Oak Park Heights that will contribute to the customer attraction and business interchange of the local commercial areas. D. Promote the redevelopment and expansion of existing businesses within the City to obtain a higher level of sales and business attraction. Goal 2: Promote continued development, investment and enhancements in the commercial areas. Policies: A. Promote a mixed-use environment within the commercial areas consisting of retail, office, and service land uses. B. Encourage a combination of public and private investment in the commercial areas for public improvements and building redevelopment. C. Address parking issues and review supply and demand, signage and education programs for better parking-utilization. D. Update architectural design guidelines as necessary to guide the commercial areas' development and redevelopment. E. Substandard residential and commercial properties shall be rehabilitated, replaced or redeveloped in conformance with the land use plan. Goal 3: Encourage continued development and redevelopment activities along the City's highway corridors. Policies: A. Encourage private and continued City investment in the Highway 36 corridor. B. Encourage investment in rehabilitation and redevelopment of substandard properties along the highway corridors. C. Ensure that all service and commercial uses are adequately screened or buffered from any adjacent residential development. D. Commercial and service areas should provide safe and convenient pedestrian movement, including access for persons with disabilities. t t Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 32 LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES BUSINESS/WAREHOUSE/INDUSTRIAL LAND USE Goal 1: Retain Oak Park Heights' existing business/warehouse and industrial land uses to ensure a diverse tax base and local employment opportunities. Policies: A. The City will continue its efforts in retaining and attracting new businesses for new development and redevelopment. B. The City will work with Xcel Energy on issues related to the Allan S. King Power Plant, transmission lines and substations within Oak Park Heights. Goal 2: Maintain a high standard of business/warehouse and industrial development including appearance of sites, buildings and outside storage areas. Policies: A. Encourage site upkeep and maintenance to promote a positive business/ warehouse and industrial and commercial image for Oak Park Heights. B. Promote high quality business/warehouse and industrial construction to ensure building durability and an aesthetically attractive appearance. C. Existing and new business/warehouse and industrial development shall not cause pollutants or contaminants to be emitted into the surrounding environment (including air, soils, ground water, drainageways, sanitary sewer and storm sewer) in excess of state and federal regulations. INSTITUTIONAL LAND USE Goal 1: Cooperate with existing and expanding institutional facilities to ensure compatibility and a high level of design. Policies: A. Transitions between differing types of land uses must be done in an orderly fashion while minimizing impacts on adjoining development. B. All institutional development proposals must be analyzed to determine the most appropriate land uses within a neighborhood and the community as a whole. C. Adequately screen, landscape and buffer institutional facilities to minimize the impact on surrounding uses and enhance the neighborhood and community in which they are located. Comprehensive Plan 2018 ,{w City of Oak Park Heights Page 33