HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMP PLAN 2018Comprehensive Plan 2018
A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights
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. The list represents City Council and Advisory Commission members that
participated in the process in 2018 and 2019.
City Council: Mary McComber, Mayor
Mike Liljegren
Carly Johnson
Chuck Dougherty
Mike Runk
Mark Swenson
Planning Commission: Timothy Freeman, Chair
David White
Jennifer Bye
Jennifer Giovinazzo
Jennifer VanDyke
Robin Anthony
Jim Kremer
Parks Commission: Anthony Weyer, Chair
Aaron Bye, Chair
Randy Thoreson
David Johnson
Jimmy Norton
Judith Chirhart
Hal Peterson
Staff/Consultants: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
Scott Richards, City Planner, TPC, Inc.
Lee Mann, City Engineer, Stantec
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights
Page
Introduction and Community Background ………………………………….. 1
Social Inventory ……………………………………………………………….. 5
Issues Identification …………………………………………………………... 13
Mission Statement, Values and Community Goals ……………………….. 21
Land Use ………………………………………………………………………. 25
Physical Profile ……………………………………………………………. 26
Goals and Policies ………………………………………………………... 45
Land Use Plan …………………………………………………………….. 56
Transportation ………………………………………………………………… 79
Physical Profile ……………………………………………………………. 80
Goals and Policies ………………………………………………………... 94
Transportation Plan ………………………………………………………. 97
Community Facilities …………………………………………………………. 106
Physical Profile ……………………………………………………………. 106
Goals and Policies ………………………………………………………... 112
Community Facilities Plan ……………………………………………….. 114
Administration ………………………………………………………………… 116
Goals and Policies ……………………………………………………….. 117
Administration Plan .……………………………………………………… 121
Parks and Trails ………………………………………………………………. 124
Physical Profile ……………………………………………………………. 125
Issues ………………………………………………………………………. 130
Goals and Policies ………………………………………………………... 134
Parks and Trails Plan …………………………………………………….. 137
Implementation ……………………………………………………………….. 158
Appendix A – Capital Improvement Program
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights
Page
List of Maps:
Oak Park Heights Base Map ………………………………………………… 3
Natural Environmental Features Map ………………………………………. 29
Existing Land Use Map ………………………………………………………. 32
Zoning Map ……………………………………………………………………. 43
Gross Solar Potential Map …………………………………………………...
Future Annexation Map ………………………………………………………
Owner Occupied Single Family Housing Values Map …………………….
61
63
71
Proposed Land Use Map …………………………………………………….. 77
Roadway Jurisdiction Map …………………………………………………… 81
Functional Classification Map ……………………………………………….. 83
Historic and Projected Traffic Volumes Map ………………………………. 86
Street Reconstruction Management Plan Map ……………………………. 89
Transit Map ……………………………………………………………………. 92
Transportation Plan Map …………………………………………………….. 98
Traffic Analysis Zones Map ………………………………………………….. 102
Community Facilities Map ……………………………………………………. 108
Existing Parks and Trails Map ………………………………………………. 128
Proposed Plan Valley View Park Map ……………………………………… 142
Proposed Plan Brekke Park Map …………………………………………… 144
Proposed Plan Swager Park Map…………………………………………… 146
Proposed Plan Cover Park Map …………………………………………….. 148
Proposed Plan Autumn Hills Park Map …………………………………….. 150
Proposed Plan Oak Park Crossing Park Map……………………………… 152
Regional Connections Map ………………………………………………….. 154
Proposed Parks and Trails Map …………………………………………….. 156
I N T R O D U C T I O N A N D C O M M U N I T Y B A C K G R O U N D
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 1
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 bordered 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 County
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. As part of this
update, the City will also be reviewing its utility plans, Comprehensive Park and Trail
System Plan, and amend its Zoning Ordinance and map, as necessary.
I N T R O D U C T I O N A N D C O M M U N I T Y B A C K G R O U N D
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 2
The City of Oak Park Heights Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, and staff have
recognized the need for the update of the 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.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrail
S
t
at
e
H
i
g
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Base Map
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
City Limits
Major Roads
Land Parcel Boundary
Open Water Page 300.3 0.6 Miles¯
I N T R O D U C T I O N A N D C O M M U N I T Y B A C K G R O U N D
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 4
S O C I A L I N V E N T O R Y
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 5
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 2016, the City
grew at a rate of 19 percent, and Washington County grew at a 27 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 15 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 2016 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.
2000, 2010, 2016 AND PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH
2000 2010 2016 2020
Projection
2030
Projection
2040
Projection
2000-2016
% Change
Oak Park
Heights
3,957 4,445 4,712 4,880
5,300 5,700
19%
Bayport 3,162 3,471 3,622 3,970 4,340 4,640 15%
Stillwater 15,323 18,277 19,693 20,600 21,800 22,800 29%
Lake Elmo 6,863 8,061 8,748 10,500 14,100 18,200 26%
Washington Co. 201,130 238,136 253,128 268,410 299,130 330,200 27%
Source: U.S. Census, Estimates from Metropolitan Council
S O C I A L I N V E N T O R Y
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 6
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
national trend of people having fewer children and the dynamics of the modern family.
The 2016 estimate of population and households reflected below is from the
Metropolitan Council.
2000-2016 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
2016 4,712 2,199 1.93
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The 2000, 2010, and 2016 data 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 12.1 percent in 2016. The number of unmarried families with children also
decreased. The percentage of households where people lived alone or were in non-
family households increased.
2000, 2010, 2016 OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSEHOLD TYPE
Household Type Household
Percentage
2000 2010 2016
Lived Alone 34.6% 43.4% 46.8%
Families Without Children 28.7% 30.3% 28.3%
Married Families with Children 21.7% 14.4% 12.1%
Unmarried Families with Children 9.9% 4.04% 5.4%
Non-Family Households 4.3% 8.08% 3.6%
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
S O C I A L I N V E N T O R Y
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 7
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 2016
from the Metropolitan Council. In 2000, the labor force (ages 20-64) represented the
largest age group, at 62.9 percent. In 2010, this age group was again the City’s
largest, accounting for 57.3 percent of the total population. By 2016, that age group had
fallen to 55.2 percent of the population. At 24.2 percent in 2000, the next largest age
group for that Census year was school age children under the age of 19. By 2010, this
population group had fallen to 19.6 percent and 14.2 percent in 2016. 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, 12.3 percent in 2010, and 16.3
percent in 2016. Changes in the demographics of the City and surrounding area will
have significant planning implications for the future.
2000, 2010, 2016 OAK PARK HEIGHTS POPULATION GROWTH BY AGE GROUP
Age Group 2000 2000% 2010 2010% 2016 2016%
School Age
Under 19 960 24.2 852 19.6 679 14.2
Labor Force
20-39 1,277 32.2 1,008 23.2 1,203 25.1
40-59 1,076 27.1 1,255 28.9 1,270 26.5
60-64 136 3.4 225 5.2 171 3.6
Sub-Total 2,489 62.9 2,488 57.3 2,644 55.2
Retired
65-69 122 3.1 158 3.6 204 4.3
70-79 225 5.6 304 7.0 482 10.0
80+ 161 4.0 537 12.3 781 16.3
Sub-Total 508 12.8 999 23.0 1,467 30.4
TOTAL 3,957 100% 4,339* 100% 4,790 100%
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
*Population by age group not adjusted for corrected total population
S O C I A L I N V E N T O R Y
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 8
OCCUPATION
Information from 2010 and 2015 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 2015 were in retail. The second largest category
was health care. Employment demographics for Washington County follow a similar
pattern with retail being the largest and health care second. The numbers indicate the
recovery of certain industries following the economic downturn.
2010 AND 2015 OCCUPATIONS
Oak Park Heights Washington County
2010 % 2015 % 2010 % 2015 %
Accommodation and Food
Services 285 7 399 9 6,365 10 8,498 11
Administrative 32 - 11 - 3,183 5 3,263 4
Agricultural, Forestry,
Fishing and Hunting 1 - 0 - 500 1 626 1
Arts and Entertainment 41 1 33 1 1,257 2 1,430 2
Construction 184 5 325 7 2,700 4 3,773 5
Educational Services 278 7 260 6 7,647 12 7,903 10
Finance and Insurance 11 - 39 1 2,267 4 3,420 4
Health Care 775 19 754 17 9,363 15 11,467 14
Information 8 - 9 - 548 1 759 1
Management companies
and Enterprises 500 12 534 12 1,011 2 1,602 2
Manufacturing and Mining 65 2 67 1 6,938 10 7,942 10
Other services 219 5 155 4 2,409 4 2,887 5
Professional and Technical 65 2 112 3 2,642 4 3,392 4
Public Administration 352 9 368 8 3,384 5 3,748 5
Real Estate 47 1 74 2 678 1 784 1
Retail Trade 899 22 1095 25 8,533 13 12,254 16
Transportation and
Warehousing 243 6 169 4 2,366 4 1,788 2
Utilities 0 - 10 - 29 - 26 -
Wholesale Trade 58 2 15 - 1,814 3 2,680 3
TOTAL 4,063 100 4,429 100 63,634 100 78,242 100
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
S O C I A L I N V E N T O R Y
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 9
EMPLOYMENT
The following table represents the overall employment numbers for Oak Park Heights,
2020, 2030 and 2040 projections, and the percent of change from one year to the next.
1990-2040 OAK PARK HEIGHTS EMPLOYMENT
Number Percent
Change
1990 2,200
2000 2,713 23.3
2010 4,358 60.6
2016 4,494 3.0
2020 4,600 2.3
2030 5,100 10.8
2040 5,500 7.8
Source: U.S. Census, Estimates from Metropolitan
Council
S O C I A L I N V E N T O R Y
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 10
EDUCATION
The following table illustrates education levels for residents ages 25 and over in 2010
and 2016. 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 2016, 94.8 percent of the population has obtained a
high school degree or higher and 34.6 percent have been awarded a bachelor’s degree
or higher.
2010, 2016 OAK PARK HEIGHTS
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (Ages 25 and over)
Level Attained 2010 2010 % 2016 2016 %
Did Not Graduate High School 224 6.9 198 5.2
High School Graduate 966 29.7 1,061 27.7
Some College (no degree) 720 22.2 873 22.8
Associate and Vocational Degree 328 10.1 376 9.8
Bachelor’s Degree 742 22.8 879 22.9
Graduate/Professional Degree 269 8.3 447 11.6
TOTAL 3,249 100% 3,834 100%
% of High School Grad + 93.1%
31.1%
94.8%
34.6% % of Bachelor’s Degree +
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
S O C I A L I N V E N T O R Y
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 11
INCOME
The 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2016 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 household 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 slight increase in median household
income from 2010 to 2016.
1990, 2000, 2010, 2016 INCOME
Per Capita
Income
Median
Household
Income
Percent
Below
Poverty Level
Individuals
Below Poverty
Level
1990
Oak Park Heights $15,200 $33,200 7.9% 275
Washington County $17,400 $44,100 4.4% 6,419
2000
Oak Park Heights $23,300 $48,400 3.4% 128
Washington County $28,100 $66,300 2.9% 5,833
2010
Oak Park Heights $28,600 $50,400 11.0% 489
Washington County $36,200 $79,100 5.2% 12,383
2016
Oak Park Heights $32,919 $51,726 7.5% 304
Washington County $39,873 $86,689 5.1% 12,496
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
I S S U E S I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 13
INTRODUCTION
The Planning Commission and City Council have each discussed community issues as
part of the planning process. The representation of these City leaders and officials has
provided the insight and initial direction for the process. The community involvement will
continue throughout the comprehensive planning process with public meetings at the end
of each stage. Additionally, as an initial means of shaping the Comprehensive Plan, a
Community Survey was developed to gain insight from residents of the community.
This report provides a summary of the issues and directions which community officials
and residents have identified. As such, it will be utilized in conjunction with the technical
data compiled in the data collection process to formulate the policies as well as physical
layout of the community. Throughout the issues identification process, it was realized
that there is agreement on most of the issues but also differences in the philosophy and
details of the approaches to be taken. An additional purpose of this report is therefore to
highlight these matters so that they can be addressed as part of the planning process.
PLANNING PROCESS
The community-based information and directives summarized in this section serve to set
the stage for completion of the Comprehensive Plan. Complementing the issues
identification stage of the process will be the technical inventory of the community that is
found in each of the subsections of the plan. This information will provide decision-
makers with a basis from which problems and issues can be identified, objectives
discussed and required changes made. The results of this effort will be goals and policies,
as well as plans that are developed on a City-wide basis and for specific neighborhoods.
It should be noted that the issues identification study is only an initial forum for community
input into the planning process. As draft material is prepared, meetings will be held with
the Planning Commission, which will be the primary group to hold public hearings and
discussions on the plan. The Mayor, City Council, staff, general citizenry and business
interests will also be provided ample opportunity for review and discussion through
meetings and public hearings. While such involvement will be demanding, it is essential
for completion of a Comprehensive Plan which is truly reflective of Oak Park Height’s
goals and objectives.
A graphic at the end of this section illustrates the Comprehensive Plan Process.
I S S U E S I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 14
COMMUNITY SURVEY
As an initial means of shaping the Comprehensive Plan, a Community Survey was
developed to gain insight from residents of the community. The Community Survey was
made available on the City website and distributed at the Party in the Park event on June
8, 2017. There were 96 respondents to the survey, 83 were residents of the community.
While the survey is recognized as not being statistically significant, the results provided
the basis for the discussion of issues for this section. The respondents to the survey
identified themselves into these general categories:
Resident of the City 86.5%
Business Owner 3.1%
Visitor 5.2%
Other 5.2%
TOTAL 100%
Most of the resident respondents (48.3 percent) have lived in Oak Park Heights more
than 10 years. Another 32.2 percent have lived in the City less than five years. The
respondents to the survey generally reflect the demographic makeup of the City, although
a majority (31.0 percent) were 55 years and over. Many of the respondents (43.7 percent)
did not have children currently living in the household. A summary of the key findings of
the survey are as follows:
Is Oak Park Heights a better place to live and work today than when they first moved here
or began to work here:
1. Yes – 55.9 percent
2. Unsure – 35.7 percent
3. No – 8.3 percent
The favorite things about Oak Park Heights included:
1. The City parks and trails
2. The St. Croix River
3. The location
4. The small-town atmosphere
5. Schools
6. Retail businesses
I S S U E S I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 15
The most important challenges facing the City:
1. Protecting the St. Croix River and other bodies of water
2. Tax rates
3. Maintaining and enhancing municipal services
4. Reducing crime and enhancing public safety
5. Capital investments in community facilities, parks
6. Improving pedestrian and bicycle access and safety
Respondents had the following opinion regarding City streets:
1. Excellent – 9.5 percent
2. Above Average – 42.8 percent
3. Average – 39.3 percent
Respondents had the following opinion regarding the condition of City parks and trails:
1. Excellent – 23.2 percent
2. Above Average – 56.9 percent
3. Average – 16.2 percent
Respondents utilization of a City Park or trail is as follows:
1. Every day – 17.0 percent
2. A few times per week – 37.8 percent
3. On occasion – 26.8 percent
A copy of the complete results of this survey, including written opinions raised by the
survey respondents, is found in the Appendix of this plan. The Community Attitude
section, as follows was partially shaped by the results of the survey.
COMMUNITY ATTITUDE
The overriding attitude that was expressed by the residents of Oak Park Heights during
the issue gathering process was the positive attitude about the community and the long-
term prospects for continued growth and improvement. Residents cited the quality of life
in the area, the amenities of the nearby rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the City parks and
trails, the small-town feel, and the school systems and the retail businesses that
contribute to making Oak Park Heights an attractive place to live. Those persons who
took the survey and were involved in the opportunities and issues discussions as part of
I S S U E S I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 16
the Comprehensive Plan process listed the following as the positive aspects of the
community:
1. The City is situated in such a way that it is close to the St. Croix River Valley, rural
areas and open space.
2. Excellent access to the freeway system which provides connections to the entire
Minneapolis St. Paul area.
3. Positive small town/City atmosphere.
4. Excellent City park and trail system.
5. The community provides an adequate land use density with residential,
commercial, and industrial/business warehouse uses.
6. The community has several shopping, recreational and entertainment options for
its residents.
7. There are excellent housing options with two premier senior living complexes in
the City.
8. The school system is excellent, and the high school is located within the City.
9. The City has a good government structure with a high level of long term
participation on City boards and commissions.
10. The taxes are relatively low in comparison to other area cities.
There were few negative comments made by residents and most dealt with issues related
to the Highway 36 transportation corridor and the intersections that access the Oak Park
Heights frontage roads and street network. Residents question what impact the St. Croix
River Crossing will have on the community related to traffic and development.
LAND USE ISSUES
The following land use issues are recognized:
• Preservation of the high quality of life in the City neighborhoods.
• A balance of housing types for all age groups.
• Buildings and property in the City kept in a good state of repair and maintenance.
I S S U E S I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 17
• Preservation of affordable housing, improvement of low income housing and
affordability of living.
• Diverse and high quality commercial development and redevelopment.
• Impact of the St. Crossing River Crossing on the community and future
development.
• Creation of living wage jobs and job growth.
• Maximization of the amount of green space in development/redevelopment.
• Protecting the St. Croix River, wetlands, streams and other water bodies in the
area.
• Community support for application of sustainable development practices in all
public and private sector redevelopment.
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
The following transportation issues are recognized:
• Continued roadway and sidewalk maintenance and repair.
• Traffic congestion throughout the City, but in particular at the Highway 36
frontage roads and Norell/Osgood Avenues.
• Commuter bus service improvements.
• Sidewalk and trail linkages and connections.
• Traffic speed.
• Pedestrian/bicycle crossings throughout the community.
• Appearance of private/public parking lots.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES ISSUES
The following land community facilities issues are recognized:
• Continued maintenance and updates to the City Hall and public works facility.
• Support for the Bayport Fire Department, their personnel, equipment and
facilities.
• Park and trail facility maintenance and upgrades.
I S S U E S I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 18
PARKS AND TRAILS ISSUES – GENERAL
The following parks and trail issues are recognized:
• Preservation of and maintenance of existing parks and park facilities.
• Repair and maintenance of trails.
• Trail connections within Oak Park Heights and to adjoining cities.
• Safety of the parks and pedestrian/bicycle paths.
• Landscaping and streetscaping of City streets and property.
• Connection of the distinct areas of Oak Park separated by Highways 36, and
County Road 15.
• Pedestrian/bicycle crosswalk improvements.
• Disability access for sidewalks and trails.
• Park and trail signage improvements.
• Continued and expanded park programming.
• Possible splash pad.
ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
Administrative issues include those matters under government control, regulations, or
initiatives. The following administrative issues are recognized:
• Preservation of existing community character and quality.
• Protection of water resources and stormwater education for the general public.
• Drinking water safety and purity.
• Budgeting for street, water and sewer repairs.
• Enhancing the City with landscaping/plantings and welcoming entrances.
• Tree planting programs to increase diversity and tree cover.
• Tree management programs to prevent tree diseases.
• Preservation of the small-town atmosphere.
• Improved traffic flow through City.
• Incorporating low impact development principles and practices into public and
private projects.
• Continuation of good relations and cooperative efforts with Washington County,
Stillwater Area Schools, and surrounding communities.
• As a follow up to the Comprehensive Plan, the need to review the City’s Zoning
Ordinance and Design Guidelines.
I S S U E S I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 19
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ISSUES
Active and healthy lifestyles issues identified from the community include the following:
Connectivity/Access:
• Promotion of safe and barrier-free access to healthy food supplies, pharmacies,
medical services, employment opportunities and schools.
• Increasing access to public transportation.
• Safety of walking and biking paths and crosswalks.
Environment and Housing:
• Housing quality and safety.
• Affordable housing options in the City.
• Promotion of sustainable development in the community.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Children:
• Organized activity and recreational programs.
• Safe routes to schools as an alternative to busing.
• Promoting and access to healthy food choices such as fruits and vegetables.
• Encouraging less screen time and more active time.
Mental Health:
• More trees, green space, landscaping and plants.
• Stress reduction, less traffic and transportation conflict.
Social Capital:
• Preserving small town atmosphere.
• Encouraging community events.
• Walking clubs, biking clubs, block parties.
Water Quality:
• Treatment of stormwater prior to release into lakes rivers and streams.
• Use of rain gardens, green roofs, and other natural filtering systems.
• Use of natural landscapes to reduce runoff from yards and hard surfaces.
• Promotion of low impact development (LID) to promote environmental quality.
I S S U E S I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 20
M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T, VALUES A N D
C O M M U N I T Y G O A L S
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 21
21
The City of Oak Park Heights has developed a mission statement and values. The
mission statement and values will guide the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan and
influence how the City will implement the policies and plans that result from this effort.
MISSION STATEMENT
The City shall strive to provide and promote a living environment with quality public
services and facilities while protecting the community’s cultural, historical and natural
resources.
VALUES
Vibrant and Diverse Culture: Our community thrives from being a welcoming and
creative place that values and respects the opinions and contributions of all people.
Sustainability: We embrace public and private actions to preserve and enhance our
natural and built environments for all generations.
Excellence and Quality in the Delivery of Services: We strive for excellence in
providing quality community service while maintaining fiscal responsibility with public
resources.
Economic Vitality: Our community experiences economic prosperity through
diversity, interdependence and adaptability.
Community Character: We strive to preserve the higher quality of life, smallness and
friendliness that this place offers.
Healthy Community: We flourish as a community by caring about our residents needs
and supporting efforts to reach everyone’s full potential.
COMMUNITY GOALS
The goals are designed to address and influence the quality of life through the physical
environment. The goal statements have guided the preparation of the Comprehensive
Plan and influence how the City will position itself in its actions and practices. The goals
are not listed in a priority ranking; all are regarded as equally important statements for the
City’s direction.
M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T, VALUES A N D
C O M M U N I T Y G O A L S
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 22
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Actively involve and serve all our residents. Celebrate the diversity and the well-
being of all residents. Respect individual rights, yet be guided by our concern for the
common good.
Maintain and improve community health and vitality. The residents of the
community must provide and maintain those resources, community facilities,
accessibility and services essential for the protection of the health, safety and welfare
of individuals.
Encourage continued but orderly and diverse growth and redevelopment in
Oak Park Heights. To maintain a strong economic and social base for Oak Park
Heights, development and redevelopment is viewed as positive. In that the amount
of vacant, developable land is limited to primarily commercial properties, the focus of
the City will be on infill development of the remaining developable land and continued
redevelopment and improvements to commercial and industrial properties.
Preserve Small Town Character. The features and amenities of this small town are
regarded as the greatest community asset. Preserve small town character while
accommodating redevelopment, renewal and revitalization.
Establish and maintain a desirable community image within the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area. Oak Park Heights’ reputation within the region is that of an
established community with a range of housing options and an expanding commercial
sector. The City will need to maintain its quality neighborhoods and commercial areas
through continued redevelopment and investment. The City will need to ensure that
development regulations are kept current, code enforcement is continued, and public
improvements are of the highest quality.
Protect Oak Park Heights’ Natural Resources. The St. Croix River, as well as the
wetlands, ground water, surface water resources, and trees provide natural amenities
and add significant aesthetic recreational and economic value to the community.
Preserve and protect these resources by incorporating sustainable development
principles into public and private projects.
Maintain and improve a safe, viable, orderly, productive and enhanced
environment for all residents of the community. The community should provide
for planned and orderly land use and a functional transportation system to serve and
connect, but not disrupt, residential areas of the community. Moreover, the
community should provide and properly maintain those resources, community
facilities, and services essential for the protection of the health, safety and general
M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T, VALUES A N D
C O M M U N I T Y G O A L S
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 23
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welfare of individuals (schools, parks and trails) and necessary for the community
(water, sewer, streets, city administration, police, and fire protection).
Plan for coordinated, orderly growth and limited extra-territorial expansion.
Growth patterns in Oak Park Heights will include infill development, redevelopment,
and potential outward growth beyond its current boundaries. Extra-territorial growth
will only occur at the request of the property owner and agreement by the adjoining
jurisdiction. A planned and orderly land use with a functional transportation system
that accommodates all residents is desired to provide continuity and connections
throughout the community.
Promote a responsible fiscal balance (revenue versus service costs) on an
ongoing basis. The policies of the Comprehensive Plan are intended to outline the
community’s desires and set forth guidelines for how these desires are to be
achieved. These issues must be continually assessed in terms of value compared to
costs incurred by the City for implementation. Indicators of value include, but are not
limited to, potential revenue, facility enhancement, and the common good of the Oak
Park Heights community.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Aggregate Resources
The Minnesota Geological Survey Information Circular 46 indicates that there are several
small isolated sand and gravel deposits in Oak Park Heights, but no aggregate resource
deposits are if a size that can be economically mined in this City which is nearly
completely developed. The Land Use Plan is not impacted by these aggregate resource
deposits.
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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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 Energy 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 Energy, 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.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrailS
ta
te
H
ig
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Natural Environment
Features Map
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
City Limits
Open Water
Seasonally Flooded Basin or Flat
Shallow Marsh
Deep Marsh
Wet Meadow
Shrub Swamp
Wooded Swamps
Bogs
Industrial/Municipal Water Regime
FEMA Floodplain Page 2900.3 0.6 Miles¯
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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
function 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 are 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 City of Oak Park Heights is designated as a “Suburban” in the Thrive MSP 2040
regional planning document adopted by the Metropolitan Council in 2014. Under that
classification, the overall density expectation is five units per acre. Previously, the City
had been designated as a “Developing Community” as part of the 2008 Comprehensive
Plan Update. The ThriveMSP 2040 Community Designations map which shows Oak Park
Heights as Suburban is found on the following page.
The Existing Land Use Map, as found on a 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.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrai
l
S
t
at
e
H
i
g
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Existing Land Use Map
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive PlanCity Limits
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
High Density Residential
Quasi-Public Facilities
School Facilities
Government Facilities
Commercial
Industrial
Highway Business/Warehouse
Park Facilities/Open Space
Vacant
Right-of-Way
Open Water
Page 3200.3 0.6 Miles¯
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EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS
The City of Oak Park Heights is 2,152 acres in size. The predominant land uses in the
City include low density residential (12 percent), commercial (10 percent), and
government (9 percent). The next largest land use category is industrial at 8 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.
2017 OAK PARK HEIGHTS EXISTING LAND USE
Category Acres Percent
of Total
Percent by
Category
Residential Land Uses
Low Density 265 12%
19% Medium Density 62 3%
High Density 80 4%
Commercial and Industrial
Commercial 210 10%
21%
Highway Business/Warehouse 74 3%
Industrial 170 8%
Other Land Uses
School Facilities 128 6%6% Quasi-Public/Utility 11 0%
Government 192 9% 9%
Park Facilities/Open Space 142 7% 7%
Water 390 18% 18%
Vacant 56 3% 3%
Right-of-Way 372 17% 17%
TOTAL 2,152 100% 100%
Source: City of Oak Park Heights, Stantec
RESIDENTIAL
As shown in the previous table, residential land use occupies 19 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.
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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
Oxboro Avenue; third, south of Highway 36, west of Oakgreen Avenue; and within the
Boutwells Landing development.
High density residential development is primarily located in six 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 and the Oak Park Senior Living
development contain high density buildings.
COMMERCIAL
Existing commercial development presently accounts for 10 percent of the City’s total
land use. Virtually all of the existing retail and service facilities are clustered along
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 11
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 County Highway 15. 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 County
Highway 15.
GOVERNMENTAL FACILITIES
A significant amount of land within Oak Park Heights is devoted to governmental facilities
which encompass 192 acres or 9 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.
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SCHOOL FACILITIES
Oak Park Heights is the home to the Stillwater Area High School. The campus is 128
acres or 7 percent of the total land area.
PARKS/OPEN SPACE
The City parks are separately classified in the Land Use Table. These areas encompass
142 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 56 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 and 95, County Highway 15, 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.
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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 OAK PARK HEIGHTS TOTAL ZONING BREAKDOWN
Category Acres Percent
of Total
Percent by
Category
R-1, Single Family Residential 238 16%
25%
R-1A, Single Family Residential 0 0%
R-1B, Single Family Residential 0 0%
R-1C, Single Family Residential 0 0%
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%
22%
B-2, General Business 161 10%
B-3, Highway Business and Warehouse 88 6%
B-4, Limited Business 71 5%
B-W, Business/Warehousing 4 0%
I-1, Industrial 250 16% 16%
O, 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 1,525 100% 100%
Source: City of Oak Park Heights, Stantec
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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.
O, Open Space Conservation District
The O, 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-1B,
or R-1C.
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.
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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.
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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 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 limited retail are
conditional. The City has established the P-I District in the Zoning Ordinance but has not
zoned property to this district.
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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.
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OAK PARK HEIGHTS SUMMARY OF ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATIONS AND
REQUIREMENTS
Zoning
District
District Classification
Minimum
Lot Size
Minimum
Lot Width
(interior)
Setbacks Principal
Building
Height F S-I S-C R
O 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
Residential
10,400 sf 90 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet
R-3 Multiple Family Residential 15,000 sf 100 feet 30 20 20 30 35 feet
R-B Residential Business
Transitional
15,000 sf 100 feet 30 10 10 30 35 feet
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
Warehousing
15,000 sf 100 feet 40 10 20 20 35 feet
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
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrail
S
t
at
e
H
i
g
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Zoning Map
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive PlanCity Limits
R-1, Single Family Residential
R-2, Low & Medium Density Residential
R-3, Multiple Family Residential
R-B, Residential/Business Transitional
B-2, General Business
B-3, Highway Business and Warehouse
B-4, Limited Business District
B-W, Business/Warehouse
I, Industrial
Open Space Conservation
Open Space Conservation (Existing Parks)
PUD, Commercial Planned Unit Development
PUD, Residential Planned Unit Development
Page 4300.3 0.6 Miles¯
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INTRODUCTION
The value of a Comprehensive Plan for Oak Park Heights is only partially found in the
plans, maps, and data. 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 City
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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.
Assure that the systems are maintained as required in development agreements.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 adjacent townships and 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.).
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 and its potential closing, as well as 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
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(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.
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INTRODUCTION
Based upon the foundation established by the Physical Profile and the Goals and Policies,
this section provides the framework to guide community growth and improvements. The
Land Use Plan is a narrative and graphic description that provides the background and
rationale for land use designations as represented on the Proposed Land Use Map. The
plan has an educational and decision-making function, helping to improve the general
understanding of how physical development in the City of Oak Park Heights should take
place. Although the emphasis of this section is on land development, other areas such
as transportation, community service and facility needs are also addressed.
The Land Use Plan is divided into two main categories. The first section describes the
basis for Oak Park Heights’ community plan, including population projections as well as
how the natural features of the area will be protected. The second section describes
general land use plan elements, including a discussion of the Proposed Land Use Map
and review of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional development.
BASIS OF THE COMMUNITY PLAN
The major planning objective of Oak Park Heights is to establish and maintain attractive,
high quality living and working environments for community residents. In providing for
these environments, the City recognizes the necessity of providing utilities and services
that are demanded with urban development. Through the comprehensive planning
process, the City has the ability to direct and focus development in a pattern that
maximizes the utilization of existing utilities and services. This type of land use
management assists the community in regulating and budgeting for investment in future
public utilities, streets, and service needs.
With limited vacant land, it is likely that the City will be almost completely developed by
2025. Small parcels of residential property scattered throughout the community will be
infilled with single family and townhome development. Commercial areas along
Highways 36 and 15, west of Oakgreen Avenue, will also be completely filled in.
Redevelopment activities will likely focus on commercial areas east of Oakgreen along
the Highway 36 corridor. Based upon this premise, the focus of the land use,
transportation, community facilities/administrative sections of this Comprehensive Plan
will be on redevelopment, infill and maintenance of the community.
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PROJECTED GROWTH
Population and Households
The City of Oak Park Heights has had steady population growth. The expanding
residential and commercial sectors as well as the attractiveness of the community in its
location in the St. Croix River Valley has resulted in a steady population growth.
Household and population growth of the community from 1980 to 2016 is found in the
following table.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSEHOLD AND POPULATION GROWTH
1980 1990 2,000 2010 2016
Population 2,591 3,486 3,957 4,445 4,712
Households 955 1,322 1,528 1,911 2,199
Household Size 2.71 2.63 2.26 2.05 1.93
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The numbers above reflect the national and state trends of smaller household size. With
limited residential available, the expected population will continue to grow but at a much
slower rate.
Population, Household and Employment Projections
The Metropolitan Council, in its Thrive MSP 2040 Plan, has projected population,
household and employment forecasts. These forecasts are accepted by the City as the
basis for growth through 2040.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS POPULATION, HOUSEHOLDS AND EMPLOYMENT
PROJECTIONS
2010
Census
2017
2020
2030
2040
Population 4,445 4,742 4,880 5,300 5,700
Households 1,911 2,257 2,200 2,420 2,600
Employment 4,358 4,494 4,600 5,100 5,500
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
As indicated above, the Metropolitan Council projects that the population of the City will
exceed 5,000 persons between 2020 and 2030. With recent senior housing
developments, Oak Park Heights projects that the City will reach 5,000 persons before
2020. Once the City nears 5,500 to 5,700 people, the population will likely level off. With
no additional residential land available, it is expected the City’s population will likely
stabilize between 5,500 and 5,700 people. The household projections show a steady
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increase to 2,600 by the year 2040. The increase in households versus the stable
population levels is due to the ongoing trend of lower household size. The City will
experience limited infill development which will increase the number of households but
likely not to the extent projected by the Metropolitan Council.
Employment numbers are also projected to increase to a total of 4,600 in 2020, 5,100 in
2030, and 5,500 in 2040.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Environment
A variety of benefits are associated with environmental protection in Oak Park Heights.
Environmentally sensitive development will create a more aesthetic living and working
environment and prevent future public investment needed for clean up or reclamation.
The purpose of the City’s environmental regulations and the Zoning Ordinance is to
protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. The City has adopted
floodplain and wetland and stormwater regulations to provide the levels of protection to
preserve natural resources.
Environmental awareness and protection should generally address the following in Oak
Park Heights:
1. Implement and update, as necessary, environmental regulations such as
floodplain, wetland, stormwater, tree preservation regulations for the protection of
rivers, natural features, lakes, wetlands, and trees.
2. Direct development throughout the City that is compatible with environmentally
sensitive areas.
3. Address stormwater issues in all areas of the City through development and
appropriate facilities to hold and treat runoff. Utilize existing wetlands and low
areas to the extent possible for stormwater retention.
4. Work with Washington County and the Watershed Districts with ongoing
stormwater projects and recycling programs.
5. Utilize Best Management Practices for addressing stormwater runoff and retention.
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 59
6. Encourage alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energy in
appropriate areas of the City.
7. Extend utilities, as necessary, with annexation to address environmental issues
associated with development outside of the City boundaries.
Sustainability
The City of Oak Park Heights has recognized the importance of the conservation and
preservation of water, air, energy and other natural resources in order to achieve a more
sustainable community. It is recognized that there are four areas in which the City can
preserve natural resources and ensure that development recognizes the value of
environmental protection. An effective implementation program includes the work of
commissions, ordinance updates, permitting and other regulatory mechanisms; design
guidelines and performance standards; public education and involvement; and
intergovernmental cooperation.
The following implementation items are to be pursed:
1. Implement sustainable development practices into the design, construction and
operation of City facilities as feasible.
2. Work with developers to apply sustainable building practices in private sector
development and redevelopment. Utilize utility-sponsored renewable energy and
conservation programs where possible in development projects.
3. Continue to expand and promote the City sidewalk and trail system to encourage
an alternate form of transportation not dependent upon motorized vehicle use.
4. Work with the Metropolitan Council on expanding the transit service to Oak Park
Heights and the St Croix Valley area.
5. Work on the development of an environmental awareness program that is
designed to educate and inform residents and developers on energy efficiency
and utilization of renewable energy sources.
6. Develop a City policy on conservation of energy, to be used at all City facilities
and by all employees that can be used as a model for the rest of the community.
7. Continue developing programs for recycling, reuse and composting as well as
the education of citizens and businesses on waste reduction.
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 60
8. Work with the contracted waste hauler on alternatives to reducing the amount of
material that will be land filled.
Solar Access Protection and Alternative Energy Systems
Ensuring that all properties have equal access to sunlight is a priority not only for potential
solar energy systems, but for the protection of property and aesthetic values as well.
Solar access protection is provided for by the uniform implementation of lot and building
performance standards adopted as part of the Zoning Ordinance. Requirements such as
maximum building height and yard setback standards have been implemented for
creating separation between structures and allowing equal sunlight access between
structures. Additionally, the City adopted alternative energy system regulations in 2010
to promote and encourage ground source heat pump, wind and solar energy systems.
The map on the following page indicates the gross solar potential for Oak Park Heights.
The gross solar potential and gross solar rooftop potential for the City are expressed in
megawatt hours per year (Mwh/yr) and are estimates of how much electricity could be
generated using existing technology and assumptions on the efficiency of conversion.
The solar potential for Oak Park Heights is as follows:
Oak Park Heights Gross Solar Potential and Gross Solar Rooftop Potential
Gross Potential
(Mwh/yr)
Rooftop Potential
(Mwh/yr)
Gross Generation
Potential (Mwh/yr)
Rooftop
Generation
Potential (Mwh/yr)
4,484,353 425,301 448,435 42,530
Source: Metropolitan Council
ANNEXATION
The City’s policy toward annexation is consistent with the 2008 Comprehensive Plan. It
is recognized, just as it was in 2008, that the City will not aggressively pursue areas of
annexation from the Townships or detachment/annexation from one of the adjoining
cities.
As part of the planning process, the City has identified one area that potentially could
become part of the City in the next 20 years. The property is identified in the Future
Annexation Plan, found on a following page. The City would consider this area for
annexation if petitioned by the property owners and if the affected jurisdiction was willing
to detach the property. The area is at the intersection of Highway 36 and Manning
Avenue. The property is recognized as having value for commercial development if utility
and street infrastructure are extended by Oak Park Heights but paid for by the developers.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrai
l
S
ta
te
H
ig
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: Metropolitan Council,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Gross Solar Potential
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
City Limits
Page 6101,500 3,000 Feet¯
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 62
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15OakgreenAvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrailS
t
at
e
H
i
g
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Future Annexation Plan
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
City Limits
Possible Annexation Areas
Open Water Page 6300.3 0.6 Miles¯
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 64
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 65
ALLEN S. KING PLANT
The Xcel Energy - Allen S. King Plant is a 511 mega-watt coal-fired facility that was
constructed in 1968 along the St. Croix River on approximately 60 acres. The King Plant
underwent a major retrofit in 2004 to reduce emissions. However, like many power plant
facilities, the repair and maintenance become expensive for Xcel Energy compared to
alternative investment in new technology and facilities to generate the same power at a
lesser cost.
This reality is also likely true for the King Plant as coal facilities are beginning to fall behind
other opportunities for generating the same energy capacity. Representative of this is
Xcel Energy’s installation of over 1,200 Megawatts (three times the capacity of the King
Plant) of wind facilities in the upper midwest alone and over 3,330 megawatts nationwide;
the advancement of solar energy with the rapid deployment of “solar gardens” around the
State; and finally, a conversion of coal facilities to natural gas such as the Xcel’s Sherco
facility in Becker, Minnesota.
Therefore, the City expects that the King Plant will close if the shift away from coal as an
energy source continues. The timing of this closure may depend on a number of factors
but is reasonable to predict that in the next twenty years the King Plant will be
decommissioned. This closure would be a complex decision of both Xcel Energy and the
Public Utility Commission as rates and energy demand will be closely monitored to ensure
the utility grid remains stable.
Why is this important to the City?
Beyond the environmental discussions or base-load capacity elements, it is important to
understand that when this power plant was originally constructed in Oak Park Heights,
there was a commitment to the local community from Xcel Energy that there would be a
significant tax benefit to its residents in exchange for having this facility in the community.
While there have been annual fluctuations, this tax benefit remains. Currently, the City
receives 33 percent of its annual property tax revenue from the King Plant or
approximately 1.7 million dollars.
If the King Plant closes and no longer remains a viable source of tax revenue, the City
will have a significant gap in its ability to fund municipal services. Accordingly, the City,
like many other communities that host power plants (being coal, nuclear or natural gas)
must begin to contemplate about how it would respond when such closure happens.
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 66
More specifically, what would happen to the Allen S. King Plant site? How or could the
budget gap be addressed without a passage of such costs to others? Will the site have
ongoing environmental issues?
1. At this time there are no clear answers to these questions, no plans or reuse
contemplated for the current site along the St. Croix River, or how such a closure
would unfold.
2. There are significant questions that the City and greater community must begin
to consider as this closure will likely have a broad impact in the St. Croix River
Valley.
3. The City plans to engage with Xcel Energy, community members, and State and
local government partners to begin to explore the issues and opportunities that a
potential closure of the King Plant will present.
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Land use compatibility concerns exist, primarily in the older sections of the community,
and where commercial development is adjacent to residential homes and neighborhoods.
High density residential or commercial development adjacent to single family
neighborhoods can intensify unwanted activity in the area and impose impacts on parking,
traffic and noise that may be uncharacteristic of single family neighborhoods.
To respond to these land use compatibility concerns, the Comprehensive Plan
establishes a policy of screening, landscaping and buffering commercial establishments
near or within residential areas to minimize the impact on surrounding uses and enhance
the neighborhood and community. The City, through its Comprehensive Plan, may
determine that certain businesses should be relocated out of a neighborhood, or a
collection of homes no longer functions as a neighborhood and the area would be better
suited for higher intensity uses. Such redevelopment efforts are costly and, in most
cases, may need to be accomplished with the assistance of the City or its Economic
Development Authority. Additionally, the Comprehensive Plan calls for the proper
transition between high and low density residential development. The City, through its
plan and Zoning Ordinance, shall transition residential development so as not to create
negative living environments. Concentration of one type of housing style or density can
also create issues for the proper development of neighborhoods.
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 67
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The City has identified two sites deemed historic within the physical profile section of the
Land Use Plan. These sites, Phil’s Tara Hideaway and the Stillwater Overlook have been
recognized as historic in the community. The City will continue to work with the Minnesota
Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) on preservation and maintenance of the
overlook on Lookout Trail North. Phil’s Tara Hideaway is in use today as a restaurant
and bar. The City will work with the property owners to ensure that the original log cabin
look is preserved.
Due to the limited number of historic structures and sites, the City does not anticipate the
need for a preservation ordinance or establishment of a historic preservation commission.
HOUSING
Residential
The Policy Plan promotes the development of a diversified housing stock which is
affordable to a wide range of incomes. The plan also establishes guidelines to protect
residential neighborhoods from encroachment or intrusion of incompatible, higher
intensity uses through the use of buffers and appropriate land use transitions.
For the most part, Oak Park Heights has followed a traditional residential growth pattern
with growth emanating outward from the St. Croix River and Highway 36. As previously
indicated, the community is almost completely built out in terms of residential
development. The addition of housing units will be through small infill projects.
The table on the following page indicates the total housing units from 1990 to 2016. The
number of single family homes has increased from 1990 and 2016, but as a percentage
of the total numbers of units, it has decreased from 47.3 percent to 34.4 percent in 2016.
The number of multiple family units has increased significantly, and as a percentage of
the total housing units has gone from 38.2 percent to 48.3 percent. This rise in multiple
family units has resulted from the development of Boutwells Landing and Oak Park Senior
Living that has provided needed housing in the area at all price ranges.
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 68
OAK PARK HEIGHTS TOTAL HOUSING UNITS
1990 Percent
of Total
2000 Percent
of Total
2010 Percent
of Total
2016 Percent
of Total
Single Family
Detached
663 47.3 790 49.8 805 38.1 802 34.4
Townhomes Single
Family Detached
64 4.5 134 8.5 264 12.5 268 11.5
Duplex, Triplex,
Quad
126 9.0 138 8.7 134 6.3 134 5.8
Multiple Family (5
units or more)
535 38.2 525 33.0 912 43.1 1,124 48.3
Other 10 1.0 - - - - -
Total 1,398 100% 1,587 100% 2,115 100% 2,328 100%
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The table as follows indicates the owner occupied, renter occupied and vacant housing.
In 1990, the percent of owner occupied housing was 59.2 percent versus 35.3 percent
rental occupied. With the significant increase in senior rental housing, the owner-
occupied housing declined to 44.6 percent and the renter occupied housing increased to
46.0 percent of the total. The amount of vacant housing has remained relatively
consistent over the past 25 years.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS OWNER OCCUPIED, RENTER OCCUPIED AND VACANT
HOUSING
1990 Percent
of Total
2000 Percent
of Total
2010 Percent
of Total
2015 Percent
of Total
Owner Occupied 828 59.2 1,054 66.7 1,070 52.5 1,031 44.6
Renter Occupied 494 35.3 474 29.9 772 37.9 1,063 46.0
Vacant 76 5.5 53 3.4 197 9.6 218 9.4
Total 1,398 100% 1,581 100% 2,039 100% 2,312 100%
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The table below indicates the change in median housing value and median gross rent
from 1990 to 2015.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS MEDIAN HOUSING VALUE AND MEDIAN GROSS
RENT
1990 2000 2010 2015
Median Housing Value $85,300 $148,400 $226,900 $201,700
Median Gross Rent $482 $614 $950 $1,398
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 69
The map on the following page indicates the owner-occupied single-family residential
housing values. Note that most of the housing is within the $151,500 to $236,000
housing value. The map also indicates the 2018 affordable housing levels based upon
Average Medium Income (AMI).
As follows, please find a 2017 inventory of multiple family, condominium, townhouse and
duplex units in Oak Park Heights.
2017 OAK PARK HEIGHTS INVENTORY OF MULITPLE FAMILY, CONDOMINIUM,
TOWNHOUSE, AND DUPLEX UNITS
Name Address Number
of Units
Multiple Family (10 units or more)
Oakgreen Commons 13936 Lower 59th Street 120
Presbyterian Homes Care Center 13575 58th Street 108
Presbyterian Homes 5590 Norwich Parkway 101
Presbyterian Homes 5610 Norwich Parkway 101
Ramie Johnson Estates 14830 58
th Street 96
TIC Properties 6060 Oxboro Avenue 86
Oak Park Associates 6120 Oxboro Avenue 72
Oakgreen Senior Villas 13945 Upper 58
th Street 62
Oak Park Senior Living 13865 58
th Street 62
Sunnyside Apartments 6120 Oxboro Avenue 59
Heartland Stillwater 14850 62nd Street 51
Presbyterian Homes 5450 Nolan Parkway 46
St. Croix Crossing Apartments 14843-14847 60
th Street 45
Oak Park Senior Apartments 13924 Lower 59
th Street 30
Presbyterian Homes 5350 Nolan Parkway 20
Presbyterian Homes 5260 Nolan Parkway 12
Other (Less than 10 units) 60
Condominium (10 units or more)
Sunnyside II Homeowners 6351 St. Croix Trail 33
Fox Hollow East 14937 60th Street 29
Sunnyside II Homeowners 6375 St. Croix Trail 26
Other (Less than 10 units 174
Townhouses
Total Townhouse Units 225
Duplexes
Total Duplex Units 54
Source: City of Oak Park Heights
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 70
Livable Communities
In 1996, the City adopted a Livable Communities Action Plan in conformance with the
Metropolitan Livable Communities Act to address housing issues. The housing plan
encourages the development and maintenance of affordable and life cycle housing in the
City of Oak Park Heights. Additionally, the plan establishes housing goals and policies
that are to be implemented by specific programs, initiatives, and actions. Those initiatives
are directed specifically to provisions of additional affordable units, housing demand and
housing maintenance/rehabilitation. The issues of housing demand and maintenance are
addressed below.
The Average Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a region’s income. Half of
households in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median.
The Metropolitan Council uses these income levels as a way to assess affordability. For
example, a housing unit is affordable if a household income is at or below 80 percent of
AMI, and the persons of the household can live there without spending more than 30
percent of their income on housing costs. The table below indicates the current
affordability levels.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSING UNITS AFFORDABLE TO HOUSEHOLDS WITH
INCOME AT OR BELOW AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) 2016
30 percent or
below
31 percent to 50
percent
51 percent
to 80 percent
Oak Park Heights 245 413 911
Source: Metropolitan Council
Housing cost burden as reflected by numbers of households spending more than 30
percent of income on housing, is reflected below for homeowners and renters. The City
will continue to address this in cooperation with the Washington County CDA to ensure
the affordability of housing in the community. A listing of programs related to housing is
found in the Implementation Plan.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSING COST-BURDENED HOUSEHOLDS 2016
30 percent or
below AMI
31 percent to 50
percent AMI
51 percent
to 80 percent AMI
Oak Park Heights 204 262 170
Source: Metropolitan Council
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrai
l
S
t
at
e
Hi
g
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: Washington County,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Owner Occupied Single
Family Residential
Housing Values
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive PlanCity Limits
Estimated Total Market Value:
Up to $83,500
$83,500 to $149,000
$149,000 to $234,500
Above $234,500 Page 7100.3 0.6 Miles¯* Metropolitan Council Affordable Housing Guideline:
2018 Home Ownership
Household Income Affordable Home Price
30% AMI $83,500
50% AMI $149,000
80% AMI $234,500
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 72
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 73
The numbers of publicly subsidized units in 2016 within Oak Park Heights are as
follows:
OAK PARK HEIGHTS PUBLICLY SUBSIDIZED UNITS 2016
All Publicly
Subsidized
Units
Publicly
Subsidized
Senior Units
Publicly
Subsidized Units
for People with
Disabilities
Publicly
Subsidized
Units: All
Others
Oak Park Heights 70 62 0 8
Source: Metropolitan Council
The Metropolitan Council has forecasted affordable housing needs for all cities and
townships within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area for the period from 2021 to 2030. The
housing plan element of the local comprehensive plan is required to reflect the allocated
portion of the forecasted demand for affordable housing. Oak Park Heights’ share of this
allocation is 74 affordable housing units. The table below indicates the affordable housing
need allocation at or below 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI), from 31 percent to 50
percent AMI, and from 51 percent to 80 percent AMI.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS AFFORDABLE
HOUSING NEED ALLOCATION
At or Below 30 Percent AMI 33
From 31 Percent to 50 Percent AMI 11
From 51 Percent to 80 Percent AMI 30
Total Units 74
Note: AMI = Area Median Income
Source: Metropolitan Council
The City of Oak Park Heights remains committed to reaching this initiative. With the
continued development of affordable senior housing and other high-density development,
it is expected that this goal will be reached. The last phase of the Oak Park Senior Living
project at Oakgreen Avenue and 58th Street, will be completed in 2019 and include 72
affordable units. These units are set aside at the 60 percent of Washington County
medium income. The City will work with developers of high-density projects to include
affordable house units as part of their developments.
Housing Demand/Maintenance/Rehabilitation
With ongoing commercial development and job growth in the St. Croix Valley, the demand
for housing will remain strong. This demand will promote the infill development and
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 74
possible redevelopment expected in the community. Much of the existing housing stock
in Oak Park Heights is assessed at less than the market value of new housing in the area.
As a result, the community provides a wide range of rental and ownership options for
affordable housing.
The City of Oak Park Heights has a role in development of a housing program for the
community. The City’s basic roles of providing adequate/appropriately zoned land and
services is critical. The City must also be supportive of the Washington County
Community Development Agency (CDA) and its housing programs and funding sources
to bring about new construction, redevelopment, and rehabilitation where it will do the
most good to improve existing neighborhoods. Redevelopment of substandard properties
or working with local financial institutions on programs for first time homebuyers are
continuing programs for the Washington County CDA with the City’s support.
Generally, Oak Park Height’s housing stock appears to be in good condition, but there
are areas in the community where some homes show signs of deterioration and lots have
an unsightly appearance and outdoor storage issues. To insure quality neighborhoods
and to maintain property values, the City continues to take steps to improve residential
areas exhibiting signs of neglect. The City should consider the formulation and
enforcement of housing and ground maintenance regulations with specific attention to
building conditions, outdoor storage, and accessory uses. Effective enforcement of these
regulations is necessary and an ongoing responsibility of the City.
The community has been and continues to be supportive of rehabilitation programs for
existing dwelling units. Rehabilitation programs have been available through the
Washington County CDA. The City should continue to promote these programs, consider
establishing a local revolving fund for rehabilitation loans emphasizing low interest loans
to qualifying households, and to continue enforcement of existing codes and regulations
related to home and site maintenance and upkeep. The Implementation section of the
Comprehensive Plan discusses in more detail the housing programs that are available.
PROPOSED LAND USE MAP
As indicated, Oak Park Heights is designated as a “Suburban” in the Thrive MSP 2040
regional planning document adopted by the Metropolitan Council in 2014. Under that
classification, the overall density expectation is five units per acre. The Proposed Land
Use Map on a following page illustrates the 2040 land use for areas within the current
boundaries of the City. The map does not vary significantly from the Existing Land Use
Map in that the City is almost completely developed.
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 75
PROJECTED LAND USE ACREAGE AND RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
Based upon the Proposed Land Use Map, the City has calculated the projected acreage
of land use from 2017 to 2040 in five-year increments. The existing vacant, undeveloped
land area in the City as of 2017 is 56 acres although the City has identified an additional
21 acres of land that is underdeveloped with the potential for new construction in the
coming decades. Most of the projected development is expected for mid to high density,
commercial, and highway business land uses. The table as follows provides the
projected land use by category.
As of 2017, there were 254 acres of low density residential, 62 acres of medium density
residential, and 80 acres of high-density residential land use. These acreages include
only the land area devoted strictly to that use. All of the areas of waterbodies, wetlands,
parks and open space, right-of-way, and other undeveloped land has been removed from
these totals.
The resulting density in 2017 for each of these land use is as follows: the low density
residential density is 1-3 units per acre; the medium density residential density is 4-8 units
per acre; and the high density residential density is 8-12 units per acre.
LAND USE TABLE IN FIVE YEAR STAGES
Existing
Acreage Proposed Acreage Change
Category
2017
2020
2025
2030
2035
2040
2017-
2040
Residential:
Low Density (1-3 units/acre) 254 261 265 265 265 265 11
Medium Density (4-8 units/acre) 62 62 68 70 70 70 8
High Density (8-12 units/acre) 80 80 86 92 98 98 18
Commercial and Industrial:
Commercial 205 205 214 226 226 226 21
Highway Business 69 71 76 84 84 84 15
Industrial 170 170 170 170 170 170 0
Other Land Uses:
School Facilities 128 128 128 128 128 128 0
Quasi-Public/Utility 11 11 11 11 11 11 0
Government 192 192 192 192 192 192 0
Park Facilities/Open Space 142 142 142 142 142 142 0
Water 390 390 390 390 390 390 0
Vacant/Underdeveloped 77 68 38 10 4 4 73
Right of Way 372 372 372 372 372 372 0
TOTAL LAND / WATER AREA 2,152 2,152 2,152 2,152 2,152 2,152 0
Source: The Planning Company, Inc.
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 76
Residential Land Use
With the current redevelopment at Oak Park Boulevard and Oak Green Avenue North,
the single-family Palmer Station development will consist of 13 homes. This one of the
last pieces of property in the City that will accommodate Low Density Residential
development. Other areas of infill development include a property at Oakgreen Avenue
and 58th Street that could accommodate six single family homes, a property at Peller and
57th Street that could accommodate two additional single-family homes and property on
53rd Street that could accommodate two additional single-family homes. These areas are
designated as Low Density Residential on the Proposed Land Use Map and identified as
development areas.
In 2019, the last phase of the Oak Park Senior Living project at Oakgreen Avenue and
58th Street, will be completed and will include 72 units. Additional high-density
development will occur in an area along 58th Street between Norell Avenue and Nova
Scotia Avenue. This area designated as Business/Residential on the Proposed Land Use
Plan. Development anticipated by the City would include retail/office on one or two floors
with senior living or apartments above. This area is owned by Presbyterian Homes and
will likely have a senior living component in that it is adjacent to their Boutwell’s Landing
development. Another small area of Business/Residential is along 60th Street, west of
Oakgreen Avenue. This area has a potential for a limited medium density redevelopment.
A third area is on Stage Coach Trail at the south east boundary of the City. It is currently
a mix of residential and commercial uses. There is a potential for a residential component
to a redevelopment in this area. These areas are designated as Business/Residential
Transitional on the Proposed Land Use Map and identified as development areas.
Commercial and Highway Business/Warehouse Land Use
Commercial development is also limited to smaller areas that are currently vacant
including property between 58th Street and 60th Street west of Menards, a former car
dealership at Highway 36 and Osgood Avenue, and a property at Osgood Avenue and
59th Street. These areas are designated as Commercial on the Proposed Land Use Map
and identified as development areas.
Additional Highway Business/Warehouse property is available along Memorial Avenue
North, at 58th Street. These are also identified as development areas and designated as
Highway Business on the Proposed Land Use Map.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrai
lS
tat
e
H
ig
h
w
a
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Proposed Land Use Map
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
City Limits
Low Density Residential Development Areas, 1-3 Units/Acre
Mid/High Density Residential Development Areas, 4-12 Units/Acre
Commercial/Highway Business Development Areas
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
High Density Residential
Business/Residential Transitional
Quasi-Public Facilities
School Facilities
Government Facilities
Commercial
Industrial
Highway Business/Warehouse
Park Facilities/Open Space
Right-of-Way
Open Water
Page 7700.3 0.6 Miles¯
L A N D U S E - L A N D U S E P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 78
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N - I N T R O D U C T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 79
INTRODUCTION
The Transportation Plan is based on a total transportation system and how it relates to
and serves the land use patterns of the community. The transportation system
encompasses several users such as automobiles, pedestrians, bicycles, mass transit and
trucks.
The transportation system serves to tie together, and in some cases separate, the various
land use activities in the community. The Transportation Plan will present the basis for
programming and planning the extension of the community transportation system and
undeveloped areas of the City and surrounding areas.
The effect of growth and expansion of the community on the existing roadway systems,
especially those limited by existing rail, highway, or river crossings, is also part of the
Transportation Plan. Development of all alternative or additional routes in existing and
developing areas will also serve to lessen the impacts on the existing systems.
An integral part of the Transportation Plan will be the Comprehensive Park and Trail
System Plan. The plan was last updated in 2008. The Comprehensive Plan includes a
section entitled Park and Trail Plan that will update the 2008 plan.
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N - P H Y S I C A L P R O F I L E
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 80
ROADWAY AND HIGHWAY NETWORK
The City of Oak Park Heights is connected to and contains a number of transportation
modes, all of which contribute to the movement of goods and people throughout the City
and region. The significance of these existing and developing networks in terms of
economic, social and recreational considerations makes them a central concern for
comprehensive planning. The map on the following page indicates the existing network
of Township, County, and State highways as they relate to the City of Oak Park Heights.
FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION
The functional classification system for the City’s streets and highways is based on the
usage of the roadways. The map on a following page indicates the existing functional
classification of the various roadways within the City. A description of the functional
classification system and identification of the roadways under each of the categories is
as follows. The Transportation Plan Map, found in a later section of this chapter, identifies
the future functional classification of roadways.
Principal Arterials
Principal arterials include all interstate freeways and other roadways which connect the
region with other areas in the state and other states. The emphasis of a principal arterial
is on mobility as opposed to local access. Spacing of principal arterials will vary from two
to three miles in a fully developed area. The principal arterial in the City is Highway 36,
which currently has two lanes for traffic flow in each direction with signalized left-hand
turn lanes at all intersections through the community. Highway 36 is connected to State
Highway 64 in Wisconsin via the St. Croix River Crossing that opened in August of 2017.
Highway 95 is also a principal arterial north of Highway 36 and has two lanes of traffic in
each direction.
Minor Arterials
Minor arterials connect the urban service area to cities and towns inside and outside the
region. They also provide supplementary connections between metro cities and regional
business concentrations. The emphasis of minor arterials is on mobility as opposed to
access in the urban areas. Minor arterials should connect to principal arterials, other
minor arterials, and collectors. The spacing of minor arterials in the metro centers and
regional business concentrations will vary from one-fourth to three-fourths mile. All of the
A-Minor arterials are one lane of traffic flow in each direction. The Functional
Classification map on a following page shows the minor arterials in the City.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15OakgreenAvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrailS
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City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Roadway Jurisdictions
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
State Highways
County State Aid Highways
County Roads
Local Street
City Limits
Open Water Page 8100.3 0.6 Miles¯
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N - P H Y S I C A L P R O F I L E
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 82
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15OakgreenAvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrailS
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City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Functional Classification
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Principal Arterial
A Minor Reliever
A Minor Expander
A Minor Connector
B Minor Arterial
Major Collector
Minor Collector
Local Street
City Limits
Page 8300.3 0.6 Miles¯
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 84
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Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 85
Collectors
The collector system provides connection between neighborhoods and from
neighborhoods to business concentrations. Mobility and land access are equally
important but direct land use should predominantly be to development concentrations.
Collectors typically serve short trips of one to four miles. Spacing in the metro centers
and regional business concentrations may vary between one-eighth to one-half mile.
Collectors are divided into two categories: major and minor. The Functional
Classification map shows the major and minor collectors in the City.
Local Streets
All other roadways that do not fall into the functional classifications discussed above are
designated as local roadways. These streets are primarily designed to provide property
access.
TRAFFIC VOLUMES
The growth of the population within the St. Croix Valley and the opening of the St. Croix
River crossing in Oak Park Heights is indicated in the traffic volumes map on the following
page. Average daily traffic (ADT) volumes for the years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and
2016 are shown. On the major roadways, the ADT volumes have been increasing. With
the opening of the St. Croix River Crossing traffic volumes are expected to increase along
the Highway 36 corridor. The map also indicates 2017 ADT as well as projections for
2040 on Highway 36, Highway 15 and Highway 95. The projected 2040 traffic volume on
Highway 36 is expected to reach 46,600 ADT west of Highway 15, 41,000 ADT in that
area between Oakgreen and Osgood Avenues, and 32,500 ADT east of Osgood Avenue.
IMPROVEMENT PLANS – COUNTY
The Washington County Highway Department has developed a Five-Year Transportation
Capital Improvement Plan for the years 2017 and 2021. One Washington County
roadway, CSAH 24 (Osgood Avenue) is programmed for intersection, safety, capacity,
and pedestrian/bicycle improvements in 2018. Although not in Oak Park Heights,
Washington County has programed in 2021 the Highway 36 and CSAH 15 (Manning
Avenue) study to provide an interchange at this location.
!
!
!
!!
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!!
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
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21,80022,80022,200
28,50029,50026,50029,00031,000
29,000
27,300
26,500
10,80011,00011,700 2,7002,1002,100
2,200
2,200
10,60011,10011,900
34,500
35,500
38,00040,50046,600
23,300
26,200
22,80025,200
34,000
41,000 10,00011,600!
28,50032,250!
11,00013,000
2,2002,500
2,1002,600
16,60019,000
21,10027,000
13,000
14,700
!
16,600
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights, MnDOT,
Metropolitan Council, The Planning Company,
& Stantec
February 2019
Historic and Projected
Traffic Volumes
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Page 8600.3 0.6 Miles¯
12,340
12,340
12,340
12,340
2012 AADT
2015 AADT
2014 AADT
2013 AADT
12,340 2016 AADT
12,340 2017 AADT 12,340
!Traffic Count Location
City Limits
Projected 2040 AADT
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Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 87
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Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 88
IMPROVEMENT PLANS – STATE
With the completion of the St. Croix River Crossing and the Highway 36 improvements in
2017, there are no other planned State projects in or near Oak Park Heights included
within the Long-Range Highway Capital Projects 2015-2024 of the 2040 Transportation
Policy Plan.
The Highway 36 intersections at Norell Avenue and the south west frontage road access
at Osgood Avenues will need to be improved and made safer in the very near future. With
increasing traffic levels, the intersections will become even more substandard and
dangerous. The City sees this as a transportation priority for the community.
STREET RECONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Since 1983, the City has planned and accomplished many sections of street
reconstruction. In 2014, the City developed a street reconstruction plan through 2036 as
represented in the map on the following page. Additionally, the City has done budget
planning to ensure adequate funds are reserved to accomplish the plan.
The City has also developed a maintenance plan for the ongoing mill and overlay of
streets. As with the reconstruction project, budget planning has been done to provide
funding for the maintenance program.
RAIL FACILITIES
Oak Park Heights contains one railroad line, which is utilized by Union Pacific. This line
serves the Allen S. King Power Plant. North of Oak Park Heights, this line turns into the
Minnesota Transportation Museum Line, which previously was utilized by the Minnesota
Zephyr and offered short trip dining rides along the St. Croix River.
There was a rail-water intermodal facility at the Allen S. King Plant. Intermodal facilities
function as a transfer point between road to ports or rail terminals. This facility was used
for coal deliveries to the power plant but was removed as part of the St Croix River
Crossing project. There are no other rail, barge and truck or intermodal freight terminals
in the City.
There are no light rail corridors identified in the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan that would
access Oak Park Heights and the immediate area.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15OakgreenAvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrail
S
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City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Street Reconstruction
Management Plan
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Page 8900.3 0.6 Miles¯
City Limits
Mill &Overlay FullReconstruct
Area 1 2024 2031
Area 2 2017 2031
Area 3 2019 2033
Area 4 2018 2032
Area 5 2020 2034
Area 6 2021 2035
Area 7 2023 2037
Area 8 2022 2036
Area 9 2028 2042
Area 10 2028 2042
Mill &Overlay FullReconstruct
Area 11 2028 2042
Area 12 2029 2043
Area 13 2009 2023
Area 14 2018 2032
Mill &Overlay FullReconstruct
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Comprehensive Plan 2018
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AIRPORTS / AIR SPACE
Oak Park Heights lies proximate to a number of airport facilities. Minneapolis/St. Paul
International Airport serves as the region’s major airport by providing residents with
access to national and international markets. Three smaller airports and runways are
located throughout the region. The St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field) is a major
corporate flight facility in the east metro area. The Lake Elmo Airport is owned and
operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), and the Forest Lake Airport is
a municipal airport. These three facilities relieve the major airport by accommodating
corporate and small aircraft as well as the recreational air transportation needs of area
residents. The City is not within the airport influence area of any of these airports.
The City of Oak Park Heights has taken the necessary steps to protect navigable air
space from potential electric interference and obstacles to air navigation. The Zoning
Ordinance limits heights of structures within the City to less than 45 feet.
TRANSIT SERVICE
Oak Park Heights is served by Metro Transit. As shown on the following map, Metro
Transit provides an express route (294) that serves Downtown St. Paul, Maplewood, 3M,
Oakdale, Imation, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, and Oak Park Heights. The bus runs at rush
hours during the weekdays from 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a
frequency of less than 30 minutes between trips. The route has stops in Oak Park Heights
on Osgood Avenue and County Road 15. There is one park and ride location in the area
at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center which is located in Stillwater on Market Drive,
between Orleans Street and Curve Crest Boulevard.
Washington County Transit Link Service is a dial up service which is available within Oak
Park Heights. The service is provided by the Metropolitan Council and is available
Monday through Friday between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM. The City is also served by Metro
Mobility/ADA service which provides rides for those persons needing additional
assistance. Riders must be certified in advance to qualify for ADA service. The service
is available from 5:15 AM to 6:45 PM Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday.
Oak Park Heights is included in Transit Market Areas III and V. Transit Market Area is
characterized by moderate density and is primarily served by commuter express bus
service. Transit Market Area V has very low population and employment densities.
General public dial-a-ride service is appropriate here, but the area is not well suited to
fixed route transit service.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrailS
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Pond
294!½
294!½294!½294!½294!½City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Transit Map
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive PlanBus Stop
Park & Ride
#294 Bus Route
City Limits
Open Water Page 9200.3 0.6 Miles¯
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Comprehensive Plan 2018
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INTRODUCTION
Transportation systems are comprised of various modes which respond to the access
needs of the community. All of the transportation modes must be considered in the
planning process to ensure a balanced operation as well as a system that responds to all
of its users. Factors affecting transportation are the placement of land uses and activities
which generate demand on the system. The following goals and policies are provided for
transportation planning and development.
GENERAL GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1: Approach transportation in a comprehensive manner, giving attention to all
modes while providing safe and convenient movement of all persons and
vehicles.
Policies:
A. Consider all modes of transportation and related facilities as a system to be
coordinated and related on a comprehensive basis.
B. Plan transportation facilities to function in a manner compatible with adjacent land
use.
C. Consider the mobility needs of all persons in the planning and development of the
transportation system.
Goal 2: Coordinate transportation planning and implementation with state, county,
and other local jurisdictions.
Policies:
A. Work with Washington County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(Mn/DOT) and the Metropolitan Council to discuss the ways and means by which
their long-term transportation planning goals can be met to satisfy both regional
and local needs.
B. Work with Mn/DOT on issues related to Highway 36 and Highway 95 and
Washington County related to the county roadway system on continuing roadway
improvements and maintenance; intersections and frontage roads; bicycle and
pedestrian access; lighting; signage; landscaping; and other issues concerning the
City.
C. Monitor the projected increase in traffic volumes on the Highway 36 corridor and
work with Mn/Dot on traffic flow and intersection improvements.
D. Plan for a highway and local road system that compliments and facilitates local
movement provided by local streets, as well as bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N - G O A L S A N D P O L I C I E S
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 95
Goal 3: Develop a system of priorities for improving the various elements of the
transportation network emphasizing the highest possible standards of safety
and efficiency.
Policies:
A. Continue to update the Capital Improvement Plan for transportation facilities.
B. Maintain a functional classification system for the street system in Oak Park
Heights using the classification system developed by Mn/DOT as found in the table
below.
C. Eliminate and prevent any on-street parking which conflicts with moving traffic or
creates hazards.
D. Relate street improvements to area land development in order to minimize
interrupted or inadequate access.
E. Require design and control of all intersections to promote proper visibility and
safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
F. Develop a uniform system and policy regarding public signage which eliminates
unnecessary signs and replaces outdated, inappropriate and confusing public
signs.
G. Correct traffic safety hazards within the community as these are identified.
H. Reserve required rights-of-way as part of the City’s platting process.
I. Where feasible and practical, consider establishing pedestrian and bicycle trails in
conjunction with development subdivision and street and highway improvements.
J. Continue the street reconstruction programs to update and improve the City’s utility
and transportation systems.
FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF STREETS
Class Function Provide Access To
Principal Arterial Service to major centers of activity, provides
continuity to rural arterial system
Principal arterials
Minor arterials
Minor Arterial Service of an intra-community nature, urban
concentrations to rural collector roads
Principal arterials
Collector streets
Land
Collector Street Local collection and distribution between collector
streets and arterials, land access to minor generators
Land
Minor arterials
Local streets
Local Streets Service to abutting land Land
Higher order systems
Source: Minnesota Department of Transportation
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N - G O A L S A N D P O L I C I E S
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 96
TRANSIT
Goal 1: Provide enhanced mass transit options for the residents of Oak Park
Heights and the St. Croix Valley area.
Policies:
A. Work with the Metropolitan Council and State representatives on development of
enhanced transit systems for Oak Park Heights and the St. Croix Valley area.
B. Encourage options for increased ride share programs and expand park and ride
facilities in Oak Park Heights.
C. Continue participation in ongoing feasibility studies for mass transit and rail options
for Highway 36 and 95.
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INTRODUCTION
Based upon the information established by the Physical Profile and the foundation
provided by the Goals and Policies, this section provides the framework for a
Transportation Plan. A functional classification system is established for roadways,
guidelines for access management outline are provided, and the capital improvement
program is highlighted. The other transportation routes are also discussed, but trails and
sidewalks are addressed in a separate heading with parks as found in a following chapter
of the plan.
FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM / TRANSPORTATION PLAN
The functional classification system for the City’s streets and highways is illustrated by
the criteria developed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). The
Transportation Plan Map, found on the following page, illustrates the functional classes
for those roadways within Oak Park Heights. The functional classification system is
based on anticipated usage for five to ten years in the future. This classification of
roadways for Oak Park Heights will be used to determine access points on major
roadways and the design relationship of local roads to other township, community, and
state highways. There are no changes planned in the number of lanes for Principal
Arterials and A-Minor Arterials that would impact the Transportation Plan for Oak Park
Heights.
The Transportation Plan incorporates the information from the Existing Functional
Classification Map and identifies roadway improvements and extensions discussed as
part of the planning process. The transit facilities and plans are also featured on the map.
The functional classification system for roadways, as identified within the Physical Profile
section for Oak Park Heights, is further defined through the access management systems
table on a following page.
ACCESS MANAGEMENT
In an effort to maintain effective traffic flow and safety, while accommodating the access
needs of land development, access management techniques are utilized. For Oak Park
Heights, access to adjacent roadways is overseen by three primary jurisdictions: Mn/DOT
along the State highways, Washington County along County roads, and Oak Park Heights
along local streets.
BAYTOWN
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PossibleExtension
of 58th Street
Intersection
Improvements
IntersectionImprovements
Monitor Traffic Volumes
on Highway 36 and
Address with PotentialRoadway Improvements
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Transportation Plan
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Principal Arterial
A Minor Reliever
A Minor Expander
A Minor Connector
B Minor Arterial
Major Collector
Minor Collector
Local Street
City Limits
Page 9800.3 0.6 Miles¯
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The table as follows provides guidelines for access control based upon Washington
County guidelines. The land use categories apply to existing and future development in
Oak Park Heights. The term rural should be applied to those roadway segments not
planned for immediate urbanization, including agricultural or sparsely developed areas.
Urban refers to those areas that are commonly urbanized or planned for development in
the short term, including most suburban-type development. The urban use should be
applied to the area of the City that is fully developed.
The access guidelines should be used for all plat and site plan reviews. In that these
guidelines are used as part of a plan and not an ordinance, reasonable discretion could
be applied to each site. Washington County and Mn/DOT will give approvals for access
to all the roadways under their respective jurisdictions.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
ACCESS SPACING GUIDELINES
Functional Classification Full- Movement
Intersection
Partial
Movement
Intersection
Private
Driveways
Signal or
Roundabout
Spacing
Principal Arterial 1/2 mile 1/4 mile Variable 1/2 mile
Minor Arterial 1/4 mile 1/4mile Variable 1/4 mile
Collector 1/8 mile N/A Variable 1/8 mile
Source: Washington County
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS ZONES
The Transportation Plan must include the allocation of the Metropolitan Council’s
population, household and employment forecasts separated into Traffic Analysis Zones
(TAZ). The Metropolitan Council has provided the City a TAZ map with the zones
indicated. The boundaries of these zones extend beyond the City limits and into adjacent
jurisdictions. A map of the zones is found on the following page.
The allocation of population, household and employment numbers and forecasts for the
years 2010, 2020, 2030, and 2040 is found on a following page.
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ALLOCATION OF FORECASTS TO TRAFFIC ANALYSIS ZONES (TAZ)
2010 2020 2030 2040
TAZ Pop HH Emp Pop HH Emp Pop HH Emp Pop HH Emp
2372 345 150 0 350 150 0 375 160 0 400 175 0
2373 400 175 450 450 200 475 475 215 525 500 225 600
2374 200 80 200 200 80 225 225 90 250 250 100 250
2377 1,500 600 1,558 1,730 825 1,675 1,850 955 1,750 2,000 1,000 1,800
2379 1,000 450 1,100 1,050 475 1,125 1,200 520 1,325 1,300 580 1,500
2380 700 326 300 800 330 300 875 340 350 950 380 400
2382 300 130 500 300 140 500 300 140 500 300 140 500
2355 0 0 250 0 0 300 0 0 400 0 0 450
Total 4,445 1,911 4,358 4,880 2,200 4,600 5,300 2,420 5,100 5,700 2,600 5,500
Source: Metropolitan Council
Pop = Population Forecasts HH = Households Forecasts Emp = Employment Forecasts
TRAFFIC VOLUMES/PROJECTIONS
As indicated in the Physical Profile section, the traffic volumes on Highway 36 are
projected to increase substantially by 2040. It is anticipated that the St. Croix River
Crossing and Highway 36 will have a dramatic impact on the residents of Oak Park
Heights in that the community is separated by this roadway. While the bridge has been
open for a few months, it has been observed, but not verified, that the traffic at Norell
Avenue, Oakgreen Avenue and Osgood Avenue has increased. Currently, the only
projection for the increase in traffic was found in the Environmental Impact Statement for
the bridge project. The City will continue to work with Mn/DOT and with Washington
County on issues related to frontage roads and critical Highway 36 intersections within
the City. The at-grade crossings at Norell Avenue, and the south frontage road of Osgood
Avenue will need to be monitored and improved to ensure adequate traffic flow levels and
to assure the safety of drivers and pedestrians at these locations.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrailS
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STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
2379
2378
2377 2380
2383
2384
2382
2385
2357
2376
2900
2374
2375
2355
2372
2381
2356
2373
2371 2364
28992368
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs)
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
TAZ Boundaries
City Limits
Open Water Page 10200.3 0.6 Miles¯
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SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS / EXTENSIONS
The Land Use Plan indicates possible annexation of the area south of Highway 36 at
Manning Avenue. If the annexation occurs, the City would consider the extension of 58th
Street to Manning to complete this east/west corridor. The extension would also include
bicycle and pedestrian trails to Manning. Acquisition of right-of-way as part of
development within the existing City limits at will be necessary for future completion of
this corridor.
STREET RECONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
One of the transportation policies indicates a continuation of the street reconstruction and
mill and overlay programs to maintain the local utility and street network. The City Council
and City staff will need to continue to monitor the condition of the City streets. The City
has created a timeline to complete the necessary sections of the network and has a
program to set aside funds to implement this expensive rehabilitation program.
RAIL FACILITIES
The City of Oak Park Heights will work with representatives of Union Pacific on any rail
transportation issues that arise. It is expected that the Allen S. King Plant will continue to
receive all the coal shipments via this rail line.
The 2040 Transportation Plan does not indicate any light rail corridors that would access
Oak Park Heights or neighboring communities in the St. Croix Valley.
AIRPORTS
There is no impact to Oak Park Heights resulting from the Lake Elmo Airport and the City
is not within the airport influence area. The City regulates building and structure height
as it relates to navigable air space.
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BUS / TRANSIT SERVICE
One of the issues often raised by officials and residents is the lack of mass transit options
for people in Oak Park Heights and the St. Croix Valley. The commuter service is only
available on weekends but Metro Mobility/ADA provides weekend service. The 2040
Transportation Policy Plan does not call for any significant changes to the level of service
to Oak Park Heights although Highway 36 remains as an express bus corridor.
The City will continue to work with Metro Transit officials on continuing and expanding the
fixed route transit service for Oak Park Heights to both St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Additionally, the City continues to support the local transit service provided by Washington
County Transit Link Service and Metro Mobility/ADA. This service is especially important
for elderly residents and those that are less independently mobile. Expansion of this
service may be necessary as the population of the St. Croix Valley grows older and less
mobile. The Transportation Plan on a previous page includes the transit plans included
in the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan.
PEDESTRIAN / BICYCLE FACILITIES
The pedestrian and bicycle plan for the City is found in a separate section of this
Comprehensive Plan document. In the last 25 years, the City has invested significantly
in the pedestrian and bicycle network throughout the community. It is possible to travel
west to east and north and south through the entire City on trails with limited need to
travel on streets. The City sees this investment as important to recreation as well as the
transportation needs of the community.
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INTRODUCTION
Community facilities include those lands, buildings, or services and systems which are
provided on a public or semi-public basis in the interest of or the benefit to the residents
of the community. Their importance should not be under-estimated in that they are
offered as a necessity for sustaining life within the community and are therefore, a major
contributor to the quality and safety of living in the City.
To enhance the quality of life within Oak Park Heights, it is fundamental that adequate
community facilities include parks, open space, administrative offices, essential
community buildings and public utilities.
Public utilities are an important factor in regulating development of particular areas of the
City and areas planned for future annexation. Fair and equitable assessment policies for
landowners and developers are also a necessary element of utility extension.
Government buildings and facilities, such as parks and trails, play a major role in providing
necessary community amenities and in projecting a positive image for the City. These
facilities reflect Oak Park Heights’ commitment and dedication to provide its residents
with a quality living environment.
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FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The City of Oak Park Heights offers a wide range of City services and facilities for its
residents and people who visit the community. In addition to the usual public works,
recreation and governing features of the City, there are excellent education, social service
providers and facilities in the community. A map of the community facilities is found on
the following page. A review of the services and facilities is as follows.
ADMINISTRATION
The operation of the City is governed by a five-member City Council, which includes the
Mayor, elected to staggered four-year terms. Day-to-day operations of the City are the
responsibility of a full-time City Administrator.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The City of Oak Park Heights City Hall facility is located in the central area of the City,
south of Highway 36 and east of Oakgreen Avenue at 14168 Oak Park Boulevard North,
as identified on the Community Facilities Map. This building, constructed in 2009, houses
the City Council Chambers, City Administration, Police Department and Public Works
office. Adjacent to the City Hall is a Public Works garage.
POLICE PROTECTION
The City of Oak Park Heights provides police protection to the community through its own
Police Department. The Police Department is headquartered in the City Hall building.
The Police Department provides for public safety protection 24 hours a day, seven days
a week to Oak Park Heights in compliance with all City Ordinances and State and Federal
laws.
FIRE PROTECTION
Oak Park Heights is provided fire protection through contract with the City of Bayport Fire
Department. The Bayport Fire Department is a volunteer department that is located at
1012 5th Avenue North, Bayport in a new facility completed in 2016. The department also
serves the cities of Bayport, Baytown Township and West Lakeland Township.
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street
S
t
at
e
H
i
g
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
DNR Park Access
State Correctional Facility
Stillwater Area High School
Valley ViewPark
City Hall
Oak ParkCrossingPark
AutumnHills Park
Brekke Park
WashingtonCountyGovernmentCenter
ChurchCemetery
ScenicOverlook
HaaseRecreationArea
Church
St. Croix ValleySewage Treatment Plant
Swager Park
Church
Water Tower
Oak Park Elem.
Salem Lutheran Church & School
Water Tower Cover Park
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Community Facilities
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
City Limits
Religious Institution and Cemetery
Government Facilities
Schools
Existing Parks
Open Water Page 10800.3 0.6 Miles¯
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HOSPITAL/AMBULANCE SERVICE
The nearest hospital for the Oak Park Heights community is provided through Lakeview
Hospital at 927 Churchill Street in Stillwater. The hospital also provides full emergency
medical service and an all paramedic ambulance squad. The hospital is in the planning
stages of a possible hospital development on the northeast side of the Manning Avenue
and Highway 36.
PUBLIC WORKS
The City of Oak Park Heights has its own Public Works Department, employing four full-
time individuals. The responsibilities of the Public Works Department are primarily
maintenance and repair of the City’s streets and facilities. In addition, street maintenance
and snow removal from City streets is handled partly by a private contractor. Public
Works offices and equipment is located at the City Hall site.
SCHOOLS
The City of Oak Park Heights is entirely within Independent School District 834. The
current and projected enrollments for the Stillwater Area School District are illustrated in
the table below:
SCHOOL DISTRICT 834
ENROLLMENT
Oak Park
Elementary
Stillwater Area
High School
District
Total
2017 48 2,839 8,468
2018 (Estimate) 50 2,801 8,324
2019 (Estimate) 50 2,744 8,185
2020 (Estimate) 50 2,712 8,072
Source: Stillwater Area School District 834
The 2017 enrollment numbers are based upon an actual count taken in that year. The
2018-2020 estimates indicate a decline in the numbers of students for the Stillwater Area
High School and the District. Oak Park Elementary, which is in Stillwater, but adjacent to
Oak Park Heights was closed for elementary enrollment at the end of the 2016/2017
school year. The facility is now used for special education staffing and instruction for
transition disabled students.
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The Stillwater Area High School is located within the City of Oak Park Heights at 5701
Stillwater Boulevard North. The high school facility includes outdoor athletic fields and a
significant amount of open space on its site in west Oak Park Heights. Oak Park
Elementary, which is located in Stillwater at 6355 Osman Avenue North, also has a
recreation area on its site located in northeast Oak Park Heights. This area includes sand
areas and playground equipment for use by younger children.
PARKS AND TRAILS
The Oak Park Heights parks and trail system is highlighted in detail in the Parks and Trails
chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. A separate Parks and Trails Plan will also be
completed as a separate document to the Comprehensive Plan.
WATER SERVICE
Property within Oak Park Heights is served by a municipal water system. The existing
system draws water from two wells, which have a peak production capacity of 2.4 million
gallons per day (MGD). The water is treated and fluoride added. The water distribution
system consists of two elevated storage facilities which provide total storage of 750,000
gallons.
The City’s Engineer, Stantec, has completed a Water System Plan that provides for
background information and water system planning. A copy of the Water System Plan is
found in the Appendix section of this plan.
SANITARY SEWER SERVICE
Public sanitary sewer service is provided to almost every residence, business and
property in the community. The City’s Engineer, Stantec, has completed a Sanitary
Sewer System Plan that provides the background information and sewer plans. A copy
of the Sanitary Sewer System Plan is found in the Appendix section of this plan.
LOCAL WATER PLAN
The City’s Engineer, Stantec, has completed a Local Water Plan for the City that provides
the background and plan for storm sewer planning. A copy of the Local Water Plan is
found in the Appendix section of this plan.
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INTRODUCTION
Community facilities include those lands, buildings, services and systems that are
provided to the public in the interest of, or benefit to, the residents of the community.
Their importance should not be under-estimated in that they are a necessity for sustaining
an urban environment and are a major determinant of the quality and safety of urban
living. The following goals and policies are to serve as guides for the planning,
implementation and maintenance of community facilities.
GENERAL GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1: Maintain and improve existing services, facilities and infrastructure to meet
the needs and interests of the community.
Policies:
A. Continue to implement a Capital Improvement Program that addresses the repair
and improvement of community facilities including streets, utilities, storm water
management, community buildings, and parks.
B. Periodically evaluate the space needs of governmental and public service
buildings.
C. Update street, water, storm sewer and sanitary sewer plans by the City Engineer
on an as needed basis or as required by other jurisdictions.
D. Promote and encourage cooperation and coordination between governmental
units to avoid duplication of public service facilities and services.
Goal 2: Plan and provide public facilities and services in a coordinated and
economic manner on a basis that is consistent with the nature of existing
and proposed development within the community.
Policies:
A. Prohibit extension of service to properties outside the corporate limits without an
agreement as to the annexation of that property.
B. Discourage the expansion of public sewer and water services into areas:
1. Not contiguous to existing development or service areas.
2. Areas not within the current limits of the service boundary.
3. When a burden is placed upon the City to expand the urban service area
prematurely.
C. Minimize the impact of required utility facilities and services upon surrounding land
uses.
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D. Encourage and promote underground installation of all new utility services and
require, when feasible, the conversion of existing overhead systems to
underground.
E. Encourage the protection of ground water recharge areas.
F. Preserve natural drainage to the extent possible.
Goal 3: Utilize public improvements as a means for continuing civic beautification
and an impetus for stimulating investment in private property.
Policies:
A. Work to enhance residential and commercial areas through public improvements
to contribute to the areas’ identity.
B. Keep all public buildings and grounds well maintained.
C. Adequately screen, landscape and buffer public facilities in order to minimize their
impact on surrounding uses and enhance the community and area in which they
are located.
Goal 4: Maintain, update, and improve public buildings and support regional
facilities that benefit the community.
Policies:
A. Continue to maintain, update and improve public buildings as needed.
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INTRODUCTION
The Physical Profile and the Goals and Policies provide the background and foundation
for the Community Facilities Plan. This section will address the public facilities and
services that the City of Oak Park Heights now maintains and will provide as the City
completes its infill and redevelopment.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
With the completion of the City Hall building in 2009 and the remodel and expansion of
the public works building, the City/Police facilities and the maintenance garage will serve
the community well for years to come. There are no other major facility replacement or
improvements planned now other than upkeep and maintenance of existing facilites.
POLICE AND FIRE
The City’s police and fire services adequately serve the emergency protection needs of
the community at this time. The contract with the Bayport Fire Department has served
the community well and will be continued into the future. The City will need to continue
to monitor its needs for fire and ambulance service, especially as the elderly population
of the community grows. The new Bayport Fire Department facility, completed in 2016,
will also serve the member communities well for years to come.
Additional study will be necessary to determine if the Bayport Fire Department could serve
the development of the annexation area to the west of the City. If an annexation proposal
is presented to the City, a study would be necessary.
PARKS AND TRAILS
The Parks and Trails chapter of the Comprehensive Plan provides a summary of the
background, policies and plans. A separate Parks and Trails Plan will be completed as
a separate document to the Comprehensive Plan.
WATER SERVICE
The Water System Plan, prepared by the City Engineer, Stantec, is found as attached in
the Appendix of this document.
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SANITARY SEWER SERVICE
The Sanitary Sewer Service Plan, prepared by the City Engineer, Stantec, is found as
attached in the Appendix of this document.
The City has a limited number of properties on individual sewage disposal systems. The
City has adopted the Washington County model for regulating the specifications,
installation and maintenance of on-site individual sewage treatment systems in Oak Park
Heights.
LOCAL WATER PLAN
The Local Water Plan, prepared by the City Engineer, Stantec, is found as attached in
the Appendix of this document.
The City has adopted a stormwater drainage ordinance to establish standards for
regulating development procedures as it affects erosion and sediment control.
Additionally, the City has adopted an ordinance to regulate the development on
restorative soils.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
On a yearly basis, the City Council develops a Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The
program for the years 2018-2022 is found in the Appendix of this document.
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INTRODUCTION
Administration and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan are an important aspect
of the development of the plan. In essence, unless the plan and related development
tools are constantly referenced and utilized in combination with long range community
decision-making, the efforts spent on their development become waste.
The administrative function of the City is to provide an efficient level of public service,
assure that there is an adequate tax base and funding sources, and provide current and
effective plans, programs, codes and ordinances. The City must provide a high level and
quality of services while not placing an undue tax burden on property owners.
Additionally, elected and appointed officials must be able to communicate with citizens
and facilitate the level of public participation and input to provide an effective system of
government.
Staffing, community identity, public relations, zoning and subdivision regulations, capital
improvement planning, and economic development are issues that must be addressed
as a result of the comprehensive planning process. The issues listed below are seen as
the most critical element of an administrative planning program and should receive priority
in implementation. Annexation and jurisdictional issues must also be discussed as it
relates to cooperation with the Cities of Lake Elmo and Bayport, and with Baytown and
Stillwater Townships.
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INTRODUCTION
Implementation of the Comprehensive Plan will require the City to take specific
administrative and operations actions. Goals and policies to guide these actions are
established here for general administration, codes and ordinances, public safety, finance
and public participation. The following text provides statements of the administrative
goals and policies.
Goal 1: Maintain and enhance Oak Park Heights’ positive identity.
Policies:
A. Establish a cohesive image for the entire community through the uniform
application of community promotion, design and service.
B. Build on community strengths such as strong residential neighborhoods, quality
local government, quality municipal infrastructure, and excellent school and park
amenities in defining the City’s identity.
C. Remain proactive in addressing outstanding City issues or concerns that may
detract from the City’s identity.
Goal 2: Encourage planning on a regional level and promote cooperation among
neighboring jurisdictions.
Policies:
A. The City will continue to work with neighboring Cities of Stillwater, Lake Elmo and
Bayport, Baytown Township, Stillwater Township, and Washington County on
issues of regional importance.
B. The City will continue to work with neighboring cities and the township for sharing
of necessary services and City boundary issues.
Goal 3: Respond to the concerns and issues of Oak Park Heights residents.
Policies:
A. Maintain good communication with City residents and businesses through direct
contact, open meetings, television, radio, the City website, newsletters, outreach
programs, and project bulletins.
B. Remain proactive in addressing planning issues, code enforcement, and nuisance
complaints raised by the citizens and local businesses.
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C. Continue support for police and fire programs and activities that maintain peace,
order, and safety.
D. Maintain communication between the City, County and the School District to
address ongoing community, regional and school issues.
Goal 4: Continue to operate the City within a fiscally sound philosophy.
Policies:
A. Maintain and enhance the City’s local tax base.
B. Annually review and update the City’s Capital Improvement Program for the
management, programming, and budgeting of improvement needs.
C. Utilize special assessments and/or special taxing districts in assigned costs for
public improvements to benefiting parties.
D. Utilize cooperative agreements to share facilities and take advantage of inter-
governmental shared services to avoid duplication and expense.
E. Annually review and analyze the City’s financial position and debt service to ensure
proper fiscal programming and management.
Goal 5: Protect property values and maintain a strong and diverse tax base.
Policies:
A. Promote private reinvestment in Oak Park Heights properties through building
renovation, expansion, maintenance, and redevelopment.
B. Provide assistance and information with regard to available programs that may
assist local property owners in building renovation and expansion.
C. Enhance local tax base within the City by encouraging new, high quality
commercial buildings and expansions.
Goal 6: Address issues related to the changing demographics of the community
including specific demands on housing, transportation services, education and
recreational needs.
Policies:
A. The City will continue to monitor population changes or influx of age groups within
the community.
B. The City will cooperate with other governmental agencies, social service providers,
and educational leaders to provide the transportation, education, service and
recreational needs of the community.
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C. The City will continue to implement housing programs addressing community
housing needs as a whole, but also working to provide adequate levels of housing
for those growing population groups including students, working individuals and
families, and the elderly.
Goal 7: Improve substandard and/or distressed properties.
Policies:
A. Inform local property owners of the regulations, programs or incentives that may
assist them in the maintenance or renovation of their properties.
B. Encourage the private redevelopment of substandard or obsolete properties.
Public assistance may be applicable where the redevelopment is consistent with
the goals of the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan and within the financial
capabilities of the City.
C. Redevelop select, commercial/industrial properties which display deteriorated
building conditions, obsolete site design, incompatible land use arrangements and
high vacancy levels.
Goal 8: Review, update, and establish new plans, codes and ordinances, as
needed, to respond to the changing needs of the City and for community improvement.
Policies:
A. Periodically review the provisions of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, and
Design Guidelines to respond to the changing needs of development and
redevelopment areas.
B. Periodically review the Comprehensive Plan on a formal basis to ensure that it is
current and reflective of the community’s interest and changing needs.
Goal 9: Maintain the current programs and strategies to provide incentives to new
development in the community, as well as the retention and growth of existing area
businesses.
Policies:
A. Development incentives will be applied to projects that either enhance the tax
base, land use, or provide job opportunities.
B. Within economic capabilities, provide those public services and facilities to existing
businesses to help ensure their satisfaction with locating in the community.
C. Utilize tax increment financing, tax abatement, and other financing programs for
projects which meet the objectives of the City.
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D. On projects of a magnitude which warrant it, involve state and regional incentive
programs to leverage local economic development resources.
E. Work with businesses presently existing in the City on plans and programs for
expansion and enhancement.
F. Identify and promote economic development which takes advantage of market
opportunities afforded by the major transportation corridors such as Highways 36,
15, and 95.
G. Identify and promote economic development which makes use of recreational
market opportunities which result from the area’s natural amenities.
H. Work with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce on issues related to the
promotion of tourism and local business.
Goal 10: Continue investment in programs to maintain and enhance the public safety
of residents and visitors to Oak Park Heights.
Policies:
A. Continue support for police and fire programs and activities that maintain peace,
order and safety.
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INTRODUCTION
The administrative and governing function of the City is to provide an efficient level of
public service, assure that there is an adequate tax base and funding sources, and
provide current and effective plans, programs, codes and ordinances. The City must
provide a high level and quality of services while not placing an undue tax burden on
property owners. Additionally, elected and appointed officials and staff must be able to
communicate with citizens and facilitate the level of public participation and input to
provide an effective system of government.
The Mayor and four Council members comprise the governing body for the City. They
are elected on an at-large basis and serve a four year term. The City Council meetings
are held in the Council Chambers of City Hall the second and fourth Tuesdays of each
month.
Day-to-day operations of the City are the responsibility of the City Administrator and staff.
STAFFING
As the City continues to grow, staffing levels will need to be evaluated. The City will need
to monitor staffing levels carefully and make adjustments as necessary.
COMMUNITY IDENTITY
Community identity has been identified as a significant issue for the City of Oak Park
Heights. Stillwater, being the larger community with its historic downtown, is seen as the
only city in the area. City of Oak Park Heights continues with its efforts to promote
recognition and identification. Use of the City name and logos on water towers and other
public structures has helped the City to be recognized as another jurisdiction.
Construction of welcome signs at the primary entrances to the community is one way of
further promoting recognition. Continued use of the area newspapers, cable TV, the City
website, and the City newsletter are all ways to assist in promoting and identifying Oak
Park Heights in the St. Croix Valley. Promotion of the City parks, and its lineal trail system
that will provide access to other adjacent cities’ trail systems and the regional trail system,
is seen as a significant way of introducing people to Oak Park Heights. The City will
continue to work on ways to promote the community, its residential neighborhoods, and
its business and industrial sites through the use of the media and internet.
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PUBLIC RELATIONS
Oak Park Heights has an ongoing policy of providing effective public education regarding
City activities. Such programs have numerous benefits, including greater public
accountability and an increased awareness of City functions. Additionally, good
communication with the other municipalities, area townships, the County and regional
levels of government will be vital in this growing, diverse metropolitan area.
To continue and improve the lines of communication between the City government and
its citizens, Oak Park Heights should continue to use announcements, newspapers, and
other forms of public media such as the internet and cable access. Public support on
projects or expansion will only be possible if the public is informed of various area plans
and an open forum of opinions and comments is coordinated. The City will also continue
to develop and enhance its relationship with other jurisdictions in the area and region.
The City will work with the Cities of Bayport, Stillwater, Lake Elmo and other jurisdictions
to continue promoting joint provision of services and coordination of activities. The quality
of life of the overall area can only be enhanced if all the governments and public/private
organizations work together to promote and develop the metropolitan area.
ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Obviously, a community’s plans, programs, codes and ordinances are of value only if they
are implemented and kept current. When such plans and ordinances become outdated,
the City’s ability to respond to community goals is hampered. To ensure that such plans
are kept up to date, the City should regularly update its plans and codes as necessary.
The City has consistently kept its zoning and subdivision regulations current with the
changing face of the community. In 1995, the City completed a major update of its Zoning
Ordinance. There are a number of areas within the ordinance that could be reviewed and
updated after the completion of the Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, the City will re-
examine the Design Guidelines and update the standards to encourage more variety in
building styles and architecture.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING
The City of Oak Park Heights has an effective system of capital improvement planning
that is scheduled or updated on a yearly basis. The Capital Improvement Plan is
essentially a long-range spending plan used to guide the community’s expenditures
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according to need and the community’s ability to pay. The program forces the City to look
toward the future to anticipate its needs before it becomes evident. In order to fund such
items as physical improvement or extensions of roadway and utilities to the City, the
Capital Improvements Plan can be used as a planning tool. The City will update the Five-
Year Capital Improvement Program in 2018 that will be attached as an appendix to this
Comprehensive Plan.
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INTRODUCTION
The Parks and Trails section of the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan is built on the
foundation created with the first Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan
of 1995, the 1999 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan and the 2008
Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan. The 2018 Comprehensive Plan
acknowledges that the community is almost completely developed and anticipates that
there will be little, if any, expansion of the City limits in coming years. The population
growth and number of households is expected to grow slightly, to over 5,000 persons,
and remain stable. It is expected that the City’s population will continue to age, especially
with the large numbers of elderly housing units. In 2000, 12.8 percent of the city’s
population was 65 years and over, by 2010 that climbed to 23.0 percent and in 2015 it
was 30.7 percent. In recognition of the demographics of the community, especially the
aging of the population, this plan seeks to provide opportunities for recreation for all ages.
The 2017 Community Survey asked residents about the current park and trail system and
they stated that it was one of their favorite aspects of living in Oak Park Heights.
Respondents had the following opinion regarding the condition of City parks and trails:
1. Excellent – 23.2 percent
2. Above Average – 56.9 percent
3. Average – 16.2 percent
Respondents utilization of a City Park or trail is as follows:
1. Every day – 17.0 percent
2. A few times per week – 37.8 percent
3. On occasion – 26.8 percent
The City recognizes that the community is almost completely built out and new park
land will not be created as a result of land subdivision. The continuing emphasis in
coming years will be on improvements within the existing parks, trail connections within
the community, and addressing the park and recreation needs of an aging population.
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EXISTING PARKS AND TRAILS
The Oak Park Heights park system offers numerous City parks distributed throughout the
City and a trail system that nearly connects all parts of the community. The park facilities
offer a full range of recreational activities. A list of the existing parks is as follows. A map
of the existing park and trail locations is found on a following page.
The City of Oak Park Heights contains six established parks. The parks vary in size,
location, and service. Parks play an important role, not only in their overall recreational
benefit to the residents of Oak Park Heights but as a crucial destination point directly
related to the establishment of trails. All are interrelated and each portion from the park
land itself, all the way down to a single picnic table or foot of trail, plays an important role
in completing a recreational link, therefore adding to the comprehensive system.
Valley View Park is the largest park within the City and is intended as a City-wide passive
park for hikers, picnics and nature. It is viewed by the City as a very unique and positive
amenity in the community given its dense vegetation, variation in topography, wetlands,
and array of existing and potential uses. The park is an important link between the east
portion of the City and Osgood Avenue (via its entrance drive, and/or through Brekke
Heights or Valley View Estates residential subdivisions). Adjacent to the Valley View Park
is Oak Park Crossings Park.
Brekke Park is a high quality, intensively utilized City park intended as an active area for
field games and a playground area for toddler age and older. It is located adjacent to
State of Minnesota land controlled by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and
serves as a community playfield for residents in the south-central portion of the City,
primarily between Osgood and Oakgreen Avenues. The City will continue to work with
the DNR to allow utilization of the property for open space, limited recreation and trails.
In 2007, the City purchased the property at 5502 Osgood Avenue, adjacent to Brekke
Park and created a disc golf course.
Swager Park serves as a neighborhood playground along the linear park system. The
park is fairly centralized within the community and is located within an Xcel Energy
easement. The park is at a central location to the trail system that provides an east to
west connection through the City.
Cover Park is the oldest and smallest park in the City and provides an active area for
residents in the Village of Oak Park Heights neighborhoods who are otherwise somewhat
segregated from the north and western portions of the City. A year-round park building,
and parking lot was added in 2017.
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Autumn Hills Park and Haase Recreational Area serves as a neighborhood park and
is surrounded by the Boutwells Landing senior community. The park serves as a focal
point for residents from all areas of the City with the large play equipment area and a park
shelter with restrooms. The recreational area features trails, utilities and natural areas
adjacent to the Autumn Hills neighborhood and the Environment Living Center of the
Stillwater Area High School.
Oak Park Crossing Park is the City’s newest park. It has a playground, park shelter,
walking trails, and prairie grass plantings. It was developed on the former Allan S King
ash disposal facility and is adjacent to Valley View Park.
On the following page is a list of the existing park components for each of the six City
parks.
Trail connections have been constructed over the past two decades to provide important
linkages between neighborhoods, commercial areas, and parks. In 1995, when the
Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan was completed, the only trail
routes available were a few sidewalks located in the area adjacent to the City of Stillwater
and limited trail connections to existing parks. In the last 23 years, the City has developed
an off-and on-street trail system that enables the pedestrian or bicyclist to move safely
throughout the City. There are many linkages and crossings that must still be addressed.
Currently, the trail system in Oak Park Heights includes 10.5 miles of municipal
separated, off-street trails; 4.0 miles of municipal on-street trail routes; 5.8 miles of State
trails; and .3 miles of private trails.
The City will continue to focus on making linkages, especially with development and
redevelopment projects. North/south connections, especially along Oakgreen and
Osgood Avenues, as well as crosswalks on or under these roadways, will continue to be
a priority.
The Existing Parks and Trails Map on a following page indicates the system current as of
2018.
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EXISTING PARK COMPONENTS
Valley
View
Park
Brekke
Park
Swager
Park
Cover
Park
Autumn
Hills
Park
Oak Park
Crossing
Park
Size
57 acres
13 acres
1.4 acres
1 acre
24 acres
35 acres
Picnic Shelter with bath
with bath
ADA
access
with bath
ADA access
Baseball/Softball
Warming House
with shelter
ADA
access
with bath with shelter
Basketball Court
Tennis Courts
Soccer/Open Field youth only,
Fall
Play Set
Swing Set
Spring Animal
Horseshoe Pit
Grills
Picnic Tables
Bench/Seat
Bike Rack/Stand
Trail/Path Connection
Disc Golf Course
Signage
Source: City of Oak Park Heights
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrail
S
t
at
e
H
i
g
h
wa
y
9
5
STILLWATER
LAKE
ELMO
WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
Oak Park
Crossing Park
Valley View
ParkBrekke Park
Swager Park
Linear ParkAutumn
Hills Park
Bayport Wildlife
Management Area
CoverPark
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Existing Parks and Trails
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
City Limits
Off Street Trail
On Street Trail
Sidewalk
Parks
Open Water Page 12800.3 0.6 Miles¯
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P A R K S A N D T R A I L S - I S S U E S
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 130
PARK ISSUES - INTRODUCTION
The Parks Commission discussed issues relating to existing parks and trails in meetings
on January 29, 2018 and February 21, 2018. The following is a summary of issues raised
by the Parks Commission and staff.
GENERAL PARK ISSUES
Provide opportunities for all ages to participate in lifetime fitness through the use
of trails, park facilities, and other activities.
With an aging population, assure that facilities and programs are designed to
accommodate people in this sector of the population.
Develop recreational and environmental education programs to familiarize people
with the parks.
Decide if and how coordination with the recreational needs of the County, athletic
associations, civic groups, etc. can be accomplished.
Create Oak Park Heights monument signs with plantings welcoming visitors to the
City.
Determine whether existing and proposed park areas are desired for year-round
or seasonal usage and what effect this will have on park facilities and design.
Define the means by which park development can minimize impacts on adjacent
properties, i.e., off-street parking, screening, landscaping, setbacks, etc.
Continue to work with Stillwater Area Schools to assure continued play area use
at Oak Park Elementary.
Link all parks within the City through a system of trails.
VALLEY VIEW PARK
Replace easement trail from Ozark Avenue.
Make building improvements to park shelter such as providing a deck on the east
side, extension to north side, installing gutters, and adding electrical outlets.
Provide trail connections to the east of the park shelter.
Provide trail connections to the north of the park shelter, across the ravine.
Replace fencing
Remove buckthorn from the easterly wooded area.
Add picnic tables.
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OAK PARK CROSSING PARK
Include exercise equipment along trail system.
Determine if water fountains can be added.
Provide a trail connection along the eastern border of Perro Pond.
Add a swing set near the playground area.
Add picnic tables within picnic shelters.
BREKKE PARK
Continued maintenance and improvements to the existing Brekke Park picnic
shelter.
Replace hockey boards.
Work with Washington County on construction of a tunnel under Osgood Avenue
to provide safe access from Brekke Park to the trail and park system to the east.
Improve and update play equipment as needed.
Provide a connecting trail behind the baseball fields through the wildlife
management area.
Replace easement trail and fence off 55th Street.
Consider a trail with an east/west orientation along the existing parking lot and
edge of the park to provide a connection to the upper playground.
Consider purchase, if available for sale, of the DNR managed property to the
south of Brekke Park.
SWAGER PARK
Consider the park as a linear park segment within the trail system, rather than a
destination.
Include exercise equipment along trail system
Provide benches, picnic tables within the park as needed.
Work with Xcel on planting prairie grass in that area north of City Hall.
Install a community garden area.
Replacement of fence as needed along the south boundary of park with
neighborhood involvement.
Add water service with water fountain and hydrant.
The City shall take park land dedication for potential redevelopment area north of
Swager Park.
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 132
COVER PARK
Monitor maintenance and improvements to new park shelter including installing
gutters.
Maintain/improve perennial planting slope.
AUTUMN HILLS PARK AND HAASE RECREATIONAL AREA
Monitor condition of playground equipment and replace as necessary.
Monitor condition of picnic tables and benches and replace as necessary.
Provide additional tree plantings within the park and replace ash trees.
Provide no smoking signs by playground.
Add bike racks near the park shelter.
Provide connections to the Boutwells Historic Village area to the south of the
park and explore programs and cross-utilization of both facilities.
GENERAL TRAIL ISSUES
On street trails are to be used by both pedestrians and bicyclists.
Construct educational environmental kiosks and signs at Valley View Park, by City
Hall, at Oak Park Crossing Park, at Autumn Hills Park, and in other appropriate
locations along the east/west trail corridor.
Provide benches, resting areas, picnic tables, water fountains, and exercise
courses along trails. Restore prairie areas where possible along the trail system.
Complete the striping of the southern edge of the Andersen Office Building parking
lot with a trail lane and stripe a crosswalk over Osgood with signage between
Osgood and Valley View Park.
Improve trail signage where necessary to (1) denote the type of trail; (2) to give
direction as to where they lead; and (3) to warn vehicles of trail crossings, on-street
routes, etc. for safety purposes.
Look at options and locations for lighting of trail corridors.
Assure that all new trail construction is accessible for people with disabilities.
The size of trails involves two factors: width and length. The minimum
recommended width for multi-use trails is eight feet, although it is beneficial in
many situations to provide increased width depending upon the use and location.
The length of trails should be varied to provide choices for users.
Explore options for signage and street marking for on street trails.
The location of trails within the community may be constructed in one of three
general ways: 1) on street, separated by a painted line, 2) off-street, but parallel
to the road surface like a sidewalk, or 3) completely separated from the road and
not necessarily parallel to it.
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Work with the City Engineer to define the right-of-way widths that are necessary to
establish trails along designated roadways; for instances: an eight-foot trail
necessitates, at a minimum, a 20-foot easement and 10-foot level bench
(construction) area. Many times, additional temporary easement areas are needed
to grade surrounding areas.
Consider developing cross-country trails throughout the City.
NORTHERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES
Provide interconnections with the Stillwater trail system whenever possible.
Link Sunnyside to Mn/DOT’s trail.
Link Sunnyside to the bluff area by way of Lookout Trail.
Find a way to link Lookout Trail to the west.
Provide a trail connection to the Scenic Overlook.
EASTERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES
Work with Washington County to providing trails along Osgood Avenue.
Provide access for those residents east of Osgood Avenue to safely cross Osgood
Avenue and access the parks and trails to the west.
Provide interconnection with the Bayport trail system whenever possible.
WESTERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES
Connect the Highway 36 frontage road to 58th Street on the west side of Menard’s.
Complete interconnections between the commercial and residential areas to the
58th Street trail and the Xcel easements trail system.
Link Baytown Township and Stillwater Township with the Oak Park Heights trail
system.
Provide interconnection with the Lake Elmo trail system wherever possible.
Provide trails on both sides of Oakgreen Avenue.
Connect the Pondview Condominiums at the southwest corner of Highway 36 and
Oakgreen Avenue to the rest of the trail system.
Provide safe crossings on Oakgreen Avenue.
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S - G O A L S A N D P O L I C I E S
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 134
GOALS AND POLICIES INTRODUCTION
Goals and policies reflect the community’s direction as it relates to its recreation system
and provides more detailed guidance on park and trail development. Park and trail goals
and policies were developed through an analysis of the issues identified by the Parks
Commission.
As with any policy plan, it is important to read the statements together rather than as
disjointed declarations. Although conceptual development may leave the map out of date,
it is expected that policies are more enduring.
SYSTEM GOALS
Protect, preserve and improve environmentally sensitive areas and natural
resources in all parks and trail corridor areas.
Establish and maintain recreation facilities that maximize participation and
overcome physical or economic limitations which may prevent equal opportunity,
regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or place of residence.
Plan and maintain an attractive and diverse system of parks that address the park
needs of all segments of the community.
Provide linkages within Oak Park Heights as well as to neighboring communities
and regional systems by a safe and convenient multi-use trail/sidewalk system.
SYSTEM POLICIES
Develop an ongoing planning process for the establishment of parks and trails
which responds to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Policies as well as those
identified herein.
Identify present and future park/trail needs with surveys of residents for evaluation
by the Park Commission and City Council.
Review the established park/trail plans as needed to ensure that needs and
priorities are up to date.
Prepare a master plan for each component of the park/trail system to be used as
the basis for development.
Promote public participation in the planning process via the Park Commission
hosting forums for open discussion of issues, by newsletter, and the City’s website.
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PROGRAMMING/DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
Create and maintain an attractive, diverse, and interesting system of urban
parks/trails.
Create a City-wide park and trail system designed to minimize conflicts between
pedestrians and motor vehicles.
Minimize park and trail construction costs by constructing trails in conjunction with
State, County, and City street improvements.
Parks and trails are constructed on a priority basis, according to capital
improvement plan/available funds.
Encourage the private sector to provide recreational opportunities/facilities.
Provide support facilities in conjunction with trail development.
Determine where the establishment of user fees is appropriate to lower recreation
costs for the City.
Determine under what circumstances unsolicited gifts and donations will be
accepted if they are free of obligations or potential future impacts.
Determine under what circumstances volunteer efforts will be utilized to expand
the City’s recreational elements.
Active use recreation areas should be designed for year-round use.
Park and trail development should minimize impacts on adjacent properties
through provisions for, but not limited to:
o Adequate off-street parking.
o Appropriate orientation and location of buildings and activity areas.
o Screening, buffering, and landscaping.
o Adequate setbacks and physical separation.
Preserve existing physical site amenities (natural or man-made) and encourage
the establishment of new site amenities when planning and developing park areas.
FACILITY PURPOSE AND DESIGN POLICIES
Establish park and trail facilities which provide recreational as well as functional
uses.
Provide varying types of trails to be used as the basis of planning and development
for the multiple use trail system, defined as a comprehensive trail system for the
integration of a variety of compatible non-motorized trail uses (pedestrian, bicycles,
roller skating, cross country skiing, etc.).
Grades of trails should not exceed five percent to ensure accessibility for people
with disabilities or eight to ten percent for all others.
Design and construct trails according to the standards established by the National
Park and Recreation Association, the State Department of Transportation, and
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (see Trail Design Standards attached herein).
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The inclusion of environmentally sensitive areas (river frontage, native prairie,
bluffs, unique vegetative associations, etc.) into park or trail facilities should be
considered to contribute to the overall recreation system.
Park facilities and buildings should be compatible with surrounding urban or rural
activities with regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials.
Potentially develop dual-use corridors incorporating bicycle and pedestrian
corridors with ski touring or sledding routes during the snow season.
Maintain all trails in good repair and ensure that designated trail segments are kept
open and clear of snow throughout the year unless designated for winter use.
Consideration shall be given to safety, visibility, and emergency access into parks
when acquiring land or planning for their development.
Bicycles shall only be allowed upon paved surfaces within the City as designated
by ordinance. Mountain biking is allowed on trails designated for this purpose.
Develop, and update as needed, policies for mountain bike and in-line skate
usage.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION POLICIES
Provide for the efficient maintenance and operation of clean, orderly, controlled,
safe, and attractive parks and trailways. Park maintenance and operation shall
safeguard the physical condition of trailways from deterioration or damage due to
weather, vandalism, or other natural or human causes.
Develop a clear and concise system of park and trail graphics and signage that
direct people along trails and into parks to specific points of interest.
Define specific park and trail safety rules.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY ISSUES POLICIES
Develop ways in which to promote citizen interest and involvement in the City’s
park and trail system.
Continue to update and distribute the pamphlet that shows the trail routes, parks,
service and public facilities.
Monitor characteristics of use, safety, and other factors periodically throughout the
park and trail system.
Develop ways to organize community recreation programs and facilities to
maximize participation and overcome physical or economic limitations which may
prevent equal opportunity, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or place of
residence.
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 137
PARK AND TRAILS PLAN INTRODUCTION
The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Plan is intended to provide guidance to the City
for continued development and improvements of the City’s park, trail and walkway
system. The park facilities plan provides lists of improvements for the existing parks and
identifies recreational facilities that could be added throughout the community.
The trail portion of the plan indicates components that can be made to increase
connections with neighboring cities and provides an overall plan for off-street and on-
street trails that will connect all parts of the City. The trail system should not only ensure
public access to community amenities but will also provide recreational opportunities for
all age groups and safer access throughout the City. The trail system, in connection with
regional and local trail systems that are in place or planned, could be used as a marketing
tool for the community as well as to bring visitors to Oak Park Heights.
The Parks and Trails Plan is based upon information gathered and analyzed in the
Inventory, Issues Identification, and Goals and Policies sections of the plan. The following
paragraphs detail the park, trail and walkway plans for the community to pursue in the
next 10 years.
PARK FACILITIES
Valley View
Valley View Park is valued for its dense vegetation, variation in topography, and wetlands.
The plan proposes to maintain and enhance the natural aesthetics of the park.
Improvements to the park focus on making the park more visible in the community and
St. Croix Valley, more accessible, and as a continued resource for environmental
education.
The proposed improvements to the park will maintain and update the facilities that are
already present. Currently, many people are unaware of the lower portion of the park due
to lack of signage and the physical separation from the upper portion of the park.
A list of potential improvements to Valley View Park is as follows. A map of the
improvements is found on a following page.
1. Replace the easement trail from Ozark Avenue.
2. Make building improvements to park shelter such as providing a deck on the east
side, extension to north side, installing gutters, and adding electrical outlets.
3. Provide trail connections to the east of the park shelter.
4. Provide trail connections to the north of the park shelter, across the ravine.
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5. Remove buckthorn from the easterly wooded area.
6. Work with Washington County on providing a pedestrian tunnel under Osgood
Avenue to provide access from Brekke Park to the entrance of Valley View Park.
7. Provide signage to create a better understanding of the amenities of the park,
especially the environmental features, and how to access them.
Brekke Park
Brekke Park is used extensively for field games and as a playground for toddler age and
older children. The proposed plan proposes maintenance and minor improvements to
the existing park. Previous park plans included proposals for expansion of passive and
active recreational uses on the DNR managed land south of the park. If the land becomes
available for purchase, the City would consider acquiring it for recreational open space
uses.
The map on a following page indicates the planned improvements. A summary of the
improvements is as follows:
1. Study potential improvements to the existing picnic shelter.
2. Replace hockey boards
3. Work with Washington County on construction of a pedestrian tunnel under Osgood
Avenue to provide safe access from Brekke Park to Valley View Park and the
neighborhoods to the east.
4. Improve and update play equipment as needed.
5. Provide a connecting trail behind the baseball fields through the wildlife management
area.
6. Replace easement trail and fence off 55th Street
7. Consider a trail with an east/west orientation along the existing parking lot and edge
of the park to provide a connection to the upper playground.
8. Consider purchase, if available for sale, of the DNR managed property to the south
of Brekke Park.
Swager Park
Swager Park serves as a linear neighborhood playground along a trail that is within an
Xcel power line easement. The trail is now completed from Oldfield Avenue to the
Anderson office building parking lot.
Overall the main objective for this park is to keep it well maintained and serve the
surrounding neighborhood. The City has considered a permanent restroom structure in
the park but will continue with placement of portable toilets for the foreseeable future.
Adding more trees, prairie grass plantings, and improved fencing/screening for the
adjacent neighborhoods is also a priority.
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The map on a following page indicates the proposed improvements. A summary of those
improvements is found as follows:
1. Consider the park as a linear park segment within the trail system, rather than a
destination.
2. Provide more benches and picnic tables in the park.
3. Develop a landscape plan that provides additional trees and shrubs in the developed
park area.
4. Work with Xcel on planting prairie grass in that area north of City Hall.
5. Provide exercise stations along the trail.
6. Provide fence/landscaping as a screen along the northern boundary of the park.
7. Consider eventual removal and possible replacement of the fence as needed along
the south boundary of the park. The neighborhood shall be involved.
8. Provide lighting along the trail at the crosswalk at Oldfield Avenue.
9. Add water service with water fountain and hydrant.
10. The City would require park land dedication for the potential redevelopment area
north of Swager Park.
Cover Park
Cover Park is the smallest park in the City and provides an active area for residents in
the surrounding neighborhood. Improvements to the park were competed in 2017 that
included a year-round park shelter/warming house for the hockey rink and covered picnic
area. The parking was moved to the north side of the park adjacent to the new park
shelter. Due to the proximity of Oak Park Crossing Park, trail connections were also
provided to provide access between the two parks.
The map on a following page indicates the limited planned improvements considering the
recent upgrade of facilities. A listing of these improvements is as follows:
1. Monitor maintenance and improvements to new park shelter including installing
gutters.
2. Maintain/improve perennial planting slope.
Autumn Hills Park and Haase Recreational Area
Autumn Hills Park and Haase Recreational Area serve as a neighborhood park and open
space that is surrounded by the Boutwells Landing senior community. With completion
of the new park shelter and restrooms in 2007, much of the major improvements are
completed at this park. The City has identified additional projects to complete the park
and to provide recreational programs and cross utilization of the facilities at Boutwells
Landing.
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 140
The map on a following page indicates the planned improvements. A listing of these
improvements is as follows:
1. Monitor condition of playground equipment and replace as necessary.
2. Monitor condition of picnic tables and benches and replace as necessary.
3. Provide additional tree plantings within the park and replace ash trees.
4. Provide no smoking signs by playground.
5. Add bike racks near the park shelter.
6. Provide connections to the Boutwells Historic Village area to the south of the park
and explore programs and cross-utilization of both facilities.
Oak Park Crossing Park
The area directly to the north of Valley View Park and south of Highway 36 contains Oak
Park Crossings Park. This park area was developed on the former Allan S. King ash
disposal facility. A parking lot has been constructed to provide access and the park has
been provided with a playground, park shelters, walking trails and prairie grass plantings.
The system of trails connects the open area with the neighborhoods to the west, Valley
View Park to the south, and to Cover Park and the neighborhoods to the east. A major
goal within this park is to provide a trail connection along the eastern border of Perro
Pond.
The map on a following page indicates the planned improvements. A listing of these
improvements is as follows
1. Include exercise equipment along trail system.
2. Determine if water fountains can be added.
3. Provide a trail connection along the eastern border of Perro Pond.
4. Add a swing set near the playground area.
5. Add picnic tables within picnic shelters.
REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS
The map on a following page indicates the regional park and trail systems in the St. Croix
Valley near Oak Park Heights. The City will work with Washington County, adjoining
cities and townships in providing an interconnected system. The map also reflects the
Regional Bicycle Transportation Network corridors planned through the City.
The Loop Trail is a 4.7-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that is part of the St. Croix River
Crossing project. With the completion of the St. Croix Crossing Bridge in August 2017,
vehicle traffic was re-routed onto the new bridge and the existing Stillwater Lift Bridge will
be converted to a bicycle and pedestrian facility. The Loop Trail will cross the St. Croix
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River at the Stillwater Lift Bridge and on the new St. Croix Crossing bridge. Trails in
Minnesota and Wisconsin will complete the loop and will connect to regional and local
trail systems. The Lift Bridge will still accommodate boat navigation with lifts.
The Loop Trail consists of a number of segments that will be completed by 2019. The
main portion of the Minnesota and Wisconsin Loop Trail was constructed in 2015 and
2016. Construction of the remaining portions of the Loop Trail will occur in 2018 and 2019,
with only the Lift Bridge portion remaining incomplete until 2019. By summer of 2019, the
Loop Trail is expected to be fully operational.
TRAILS
The Proposed Parks and Trails Map has been created as part of the update to the
Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan and is found on a following page. The Issues
Identification process indicated that there is a strong desire to continue the
interconnection of neighborhoods, schools, commercial areas, public facilities, and parks.
City staff has indicated that trails will be added as part of any City street projects, where
possible, and as part of new and redeveloped commercial projects. The City will also
work with Washington County on roadway upgrade projects, especially as it relates to
providing trail connections.
The trail plan will provide for the interconnection of neighborhoods, parks, schools and
commercial areas. Emphasis shall be placed on a trail system that connects all areas of
the community and interconnects to regional trail systems. The map on a following page
indicates the existing and proposed trail system that includes both on-street and
separated segments.
Development of a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian trail system plan as part of a
park and trail system plan for the community should incorporate the following:
1. Include trail routes within and interconnections to the areas planned for
annexation.
2. Connections to and linking neighborhoods with the commercial and industrial/
business park areas of the City.
3. Trail routes along major streets that have the most direct access to primary
pedestrian destinations.
4. Where trails will connect neighborhoods to schools.
5. Where trails will serve commuter destinations.
6. Where trails lead to parks, playfields and other recreational facilities.
7. Where trails will link together separate portions of the sidewalks and trail systems
with each other.
8. Where trails provide access to future regional trails consistent with the planned
Regional Bicycle Transportation Network.
58th St N
Penrose Ave NPeller Ave N
Add Picnic Tables
Picnic Area
57th St N
57th St N
56th St N
Upper 55th St N Ozark Ave N
V
alle
y
Vie
w
P
ark
R
d
Play Area Penfield Ave N
56th St N
Make Improvements to
Picnic Shelter as Needed
Remove Buckthorn
Replace Fencing
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Proposed Plan
Valley View Park
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Page 1420200400 Feet¯
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 143
OsgoodAvenueReplace Trail and Fence New Trail
Update Equipment as Needed
in Ball Fields and Play Area
Improve Existing Shelter
Update Equipment as Needed
in Ball Fields and Play Area
New Trail
55th St N OmarAveNOmahaAveNBall Fields
Play Area
Hockey
Rink
Skating
Rink
Disc Golf Course
Play Area
GF
Crosswalk
Replace Hockey Boards
GF
Future Trail Underpass
New Trail
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Proposed Plan
Brekke Park
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
City Limits Page 1440120240 Feet¯
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 145
58th St N
May add Bathrooms
Tennis Courts
57th St NOldfieldAveN Olinda Ave NOlene Ave N
Play Structures
Basketball
Court
PicnicShelter
Provide Benches/Picnic Tables
Provide Benches/
Picnic Tables
Improve Trail/Crosswalk Lighting
Replace Fence
Provide ExcerciseEquipment along Trail
Add Water Fountain & Hydrant
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Proposed Plan
Swager Park
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Legend Page 146060120 Feet
¯
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 147
Peller Ave N
58th St
Monitor Maintenance and
Improvements to New Park Shelter
Maintain & Improve
Landscaping
Skating Rink
Park Building
Play Structures
Trail
TrailCity of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
Washington County,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Proposed Plan
Cover Park
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Page 148030 60 Feet
¯Note: Park reconstructed as outlined in yellow in 2017.
Aerial photo that shows the new layout is not yet
available.
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 149
NorwichParkwayMonitor Condition of PlaygroundEquipment, Picnic Tables andBenches, Replace as Needed.
Park Building
Play Area
Norwich Cir N
58thStN
N o r w i c h P a r k w a yNolanAve
NolanParkwayNorell Ave N
Add Bike Racks
Add Connections toBoutwell's Historic Village
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
Washington County, The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Proposed Plan
Autumn Hills Park
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Page 1500100 200 Feet
¯
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 151
58th St N Peller Ave N
Oxboro Ave N
Add Picnic Tables
Determine if Water Fountains can be Added
Add Exercise Equipment along Trails
Play Area
Pavilion
Pavilion
58th St N
SFrontageRdBeach Rd
60th St N
Trail Connection Steps
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Proposed Plan
Oak Park Crossing Park
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Page 1520160320 Feet
¯
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 153
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WISCONSINCentralGreenwayRegionalTrailSearchCorridor
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CentralGreenwayRegionalTrailSearchCorridorGrant
Hugo May Twp.
Lake Elmo
Afton
Woodbury
Oakdale
Stillwater Twp.
Stillwater
Baytown Twp.
West Lakeland Twp.
Mahtomedi
Lakeland
Dellwood
Bayport
Oak Park Heights
Pine Springs
Lake St. Croix Beach
Lakeland Shores
St. Marys Point
Maplewood
White Bear Twp.
Willernie
North St. Paul
Maplewood
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
Washington County, The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Regional Connections
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Page 154
¯
0 6,000 12,000 Feet
Road Separated Paved Trail
Tier 1 RBTN Alignment
Tier 2 RBTN Alignment
Tier 1 Priority RBTN Corridor
Tier 2 RBTN Corridor
Shoulder Width Greater Than 6'
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Oak Park Heights City Limits
Other Muncipal Boundaries
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 155
State Highway 36
BAYTOWN
TOWNSHIP BAYPORTCountyRoad15Oakgreen AvenueOsgoodAvenue58th Street StagecoachTrai
lS
ta
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9
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STILLWATER
LAKE
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WISCONSIN
St.CroixRiver
Lily Lake
Long Lake
Cloverdale
Lake
McDonald
Lake
Perro
Pond
Oak Park
Crossing Park
Valley View
ParkBrekke Park
Swager Park
Linear ParkAutumn
Hills Park
Bayport Wildlife
Management Area
CoverPark
GFFuture TrailUnderpass
Stillwater Area
High School
City of Oak Park Heights
Source: The City of Oak Park Heights,
The Planning Company, & Stantec
February 2019
Proposed Parks and Trails
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Page 15600.3 0.6 Miles¯GF Future Trail Underpass
Existing Off Street Trail
Existing Sidewalk
Existing On Street Trail
Proposed Off Street Trail
Proposed Sidewalk
Parks
Regional Bicycle Destination
City Limits
Planned Tier 2 Regional Bicycle Transportation Network Alignment
Tier 2 Regional Bicycle Transportation Corridor
P A R K S A N D T R A I L S P L A N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 157
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 158
INTRODUCTION
A final, continuing and ongoing phase of the current comprehensive planning process is
the programming of implementation measures intended to bring about improvements to
the City as defined by the Comprehensive Plan.
Implementation consists of both planning and budgeting. Programs and projects are
initially identified and defined. This is followed by prioritizing the various efforts on a
yearly basis and then in the year the project will be implemented, determining work
responsibility, costs and possible funding sources of projects.
The Implementation chapter lists possible improvement projects identified during Oak
Park Height’s comprehensive planning program. It is again emphasized that
implementation of the plan is an ongoing, annual effort which Oak Park Heights should
incorporate as part of its management and budgeting process. This Implementation
Plan, once established, should be reviewed and updated by the City each year at the
beginning of its yearly financial planning. Through such constant attention, the City will
be able to progressively address and resolve problems and bring about desired
community improvements to the extent that fiscal resources are available.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Xcel Energy Fly Ash Disposal Site/Oak Park Crossing Park
The Xcel Energy 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 Energy, but the park is under the management of the City.
Wetlands / Perro Creek
Wetlands in the City serve important features as ponding areas for ground water
recharge, nutrient assimilation, wildlife habitat and as open space. Perro Creek is a
significant natural feature within Valley View Park that serves important stormwater and
aesthetic functions. The City will continue to protect wetland areas and enforce the
existing setbacks and buffer regulations. In addition, the City will incorporate these
natural areas into trail planning to take advantage of views and access to these natural
areas.
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 159
Ground Water
A ground water pollution area south of Oak Park Heights will be an ongoing issue for
the City. The Baytown Township ground water contamination site is the result of the
disposal or spillage of trichloroethylene in the area south of Highway 5 and west of
Manning Avenue, and the use or spillage of carbon tetrachloride at a nearby grain
storage facility. The City will need to continue to monitor the spread of the
contamination and consider the pollution impact with any new well or well
reconditioning.
LAND USE
Annexation Areas
The Comprehensive Plan indicates one area, west of the City in Stillwater Township,
that potentially could become a part of the City in the next 10 years. The City will not
aggressively pursue areas of annexation from the Township or detachment/annexation
from one of the adjoining cities. The City will continue an ongoing dialogue with the
property owners and with the affected governing jurisdictions. The use of annexation or
orderly annexation agreements would be utilized to make the transition to the City of
Oak Park Heights.
Residential
Single Family. The City will not actively pursue additional land outside of the current
City limits for single family development. There are currently no significant tracks of
land available in the City for low density subdivision but there will be ongoing, minor
single-family infill projects. Preservation and ongoing investment and maintenance
within the existing neighborhoods will be the focus for the City in coming years.
Street/utility reconstruction projects will also be a focus in neighborhoods as these
maintenance projects are required.
Medium/High Density Residential. There are no current mid and high-density
residential projects under construction within the City, but development in these land
use categories are anticipated between 2020 and 2025. As with single family, there are
no tracks of land that could accommodate significant mid density projects.
Redevelopment along the Highway 36 corridor could include mixed use developments
that incorporate mid and high-density residential units.
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 160
There are also two areas identified for additional high-density development, that area
north of 58th Street included as part of Boutwells Landing, and property along Stage
Coach Trail.
Housing
The City will work with the Washington County CDA (CDA) to promote the development
of affordable housing units in the community, the maintenance and rehabilitation of
existing homes, and with homeowner counseling and education programs. Some of the
tools that can be used are as follows:
Development Financing Tools
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF): The City has used TIF in the past to assist in the
development of the Oak Park Senior Living project that has created 92 affordable senior
units since 2012 and an additional 72 that will be completed in 2019. This tool could be
utilized in providing additional affordable units in a high-density development project on
58th Street between Norell Avenue and Nova Scotia Avenue.
- GROW Fund: The GROW Fund is a levy-supported loan gap financing tool for rental
and homeownership housing affordable to households at 60% AMI or below. The funds
are intended to leverage public and private sector funds for the development of new
affordable housing units or the preservation of existing ones through redevelopment.
The City would work with the CDC in utilizing this financing tool, especially for high
density development.
- Low Income Housing Tax Credits: The CDA is a sub-allocator of housing tax credits
which are the primary way to raise private equity for affordable housing projects. The
CDA awards 9% credits on a competitive annual basis while 4% credits are paired with
tax exempt bonds and allocated on a pipeline basis with the bond issuance. The
housing must be affordable to households with incomes at 60% AMI or below. The City
would work with the CDC in utilizing this financing tool, especially for high density
development.
- Tax Exempt Bonds: The CDA is authorized to issue tax-exempt and taxable revenue
bonds for multi-family and facilities projects. Tax exempt bonds offer lower debt service
to borrowers than taxable ones. Eligible projects include affordable rental housing,
assisted living and long-term care facilities, public infrastructure projects, municipal
projects and 501(c) 3 nonprofit real estate and equipment.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): CDBG funds can be used to meet a
variety of community development needs including investments in public infrastructure,
single family or multi-family housing rehabilitation, homelessness assistance, business
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 161
loans, or capital improvements for publicly owned buildings. The activities must benefit
households with incomes at 80% AMI or below. Funding is granted on an annual basis
through a competitive process. The CDA administers the CDBG program on behalf of
Washington County as pass-through funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): Often HOME funds are used for
the construction of new affordable housing or rehabilitation and preservation of existing
affordable housing. They may also be used for activities related to homebuyer
assistance or tenant-based rental assistance. The activities must benefit households
with incomes at 80% AMI or below. Funding is granted on an annual basis through a
competitive process. The CDA administers the HOME program on behalf of Washington
County as pass-through funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
Technical Assistance
- Community development technical assistance is available from CDA staff. The CDA
can provide guidance with acquisition, relocation, site assembly, financing, grant writing,
brownfield remediation, and other services to with local development projects.
Home Improvement Assistance
-Deferred no interest loans up to $18,000 are available to households with incomes at
or below 80% AMI. Loans can finance projects that make homes safer and more livable
including energy efficiency, accessibility, exterior painting, siding, windows, electrical,
plumbing, or lead stabilization projects. The City will work with the CDC in promoting
this tool in the City, especially for those older areas of the community that are east of
Osgood Avenue.
Affordable Mortgage Products
-Affordable mortgages are available to Washington County residents through
participating lenders in the Start Up Loan program. First time homebuyers must meet
median income limits and interest rates are kept low by funding mortgages through a
bonding allocation. CDA staff can help connect residents to this program through its
Homebuyer Services program. The City can assist the CDC in notifying residents of the
availability of this program.
Homebuyer Education/Counseling
The CDA offers the Home Stretch educational workshops for prospective homeowners.
It also provides one on one professional homebuyer counseling by appointment. The
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 162
CDA is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency and provides services at no cost to
participants. Services address a variety of homebuying topics from budgeting and credit
scores to home maintenance and mortgages to create savvy, smart homeowners in the
process. The City can assist the CDC in notifying residents of the availability of this
program.
Homeowner Counseling
The CDA provides post-purchase counseling to homeowners looking at options to
refinance their mortgage as well as homeowners struggling with their mortgage
payments. The award-winning CDA counseling team has established a track record of
successful outcomes in nearly 80% of resolved foreclosure prevention counseling
cases. The CDA is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that works with
homeowners to discuss options and create a plan over the phone or through in person
sessions. The City can assist the CDC in notifying residents of the availability of this
program.
Commercial
Highway commercial development and redevelopment will continue along Highways 36
and County Road 15. Infill development is expected to claim the remaining developable
areas in the next five to ten years. Under-utilized properties will become increasingly
attractive for redevelopment as the demand for prime frontage on these corridors
continues. The City will need to work with the development community in facilitating
upgrades and redevelopment opportunities. Involvement with Mn/DOT and Washington
County is also necessary to address access issues, frontage road maintenance, and
ongoing funding and improvement issues.
Business Warehousing / Industrial
The City has very limited area available for business/warehousing land use and no land
for additional industrial. The business warehouse area contained within the Kern
Center off County Road 15 and 58th Street, will be completely developed in the next five
to ten years. The City will support continued investment in the existing business and
warehousing areas through expansion, upgrades, and improved infrastructure to insure
the economic and job base of the City.
A.S. King Plant
The Xcel Energy - Allen S. King Plant is a 511 mega-watt coal-fired facility that was
constructed in 1968 along the St. Croix River on approximately 60 acres. The King Plant
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 163
underwent a major retrofit in 2004 to reduce emissions. However, like many power
plant facilities, the repair and maintenance become expensive for Xcel Energy
compared to alternative investment in new technology and facilities to generate the
same power at a lesser cost.
Therefore, the City expects that the King Plant will close if the shift away from coal as
an energy source continues. The timing of this closure may depend on a number of
factors but is reasonable to predict that in the next twenty years the King Plant will be
decommissioned. Beyond the environmental discussions or base-load capacity
elements, it is important to understand that when this power plant was originally
constructed in Oak Park Heights, there was a commitment to the local community from
Xcel Energy that there would be a significant tax benefit to its residents in exchange for
having this facility in the community. While there have been annual fluctuations, this tax
benefit remains. Currently, the City receives 33 percent of its annual property tax
revenue from the King Plant or approximately 1.7 million dollars.
If the King Plant closes and no longer remains a viable source of tax revenue, the City
will have a significant gap in its ability to fund municipal services. Accordingly, the City,
like many other communities that host power plants (being coal, nuclear or natural gas)
must begin to contemplate about how it would respond when such closure happens.
More specifically, what would happen to the Allen S. King Plant site? How or could the
budget gap be addressed without a passage of such costs to others? Will the site have
ongoing environmental issues?
The City plans to engage with Xcel Energy, community members, and State and local
government partners to begin to explore the issues and opportunities that a potential
closure of the King Plant will present.
Park Land / Open Space
As part of this Comprehensive Plan process, the Parks and Trails Plan has been
updated. The plan indicates that there are no new areas planned for park development
in the City. Identified in the plan are a number of park and trail improvements, most
related to maintenance, that will be addressed in the next ten years.
Public and Institutional
There are no significant expansions for any of the public or institutional facilities that
would necessitate change in land uses.
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 164
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The Land Use Plan has identified two sites deemed historic. Due to the limited number
of historic structures and sites, the City does not anticipate the need for a preservation
ordinance or establishment of a commission to oversee historic resources. The City will
work to maintain these properties, within financial and practical reason, in that they
contribute to the cultural resources of the community.
SOLAR ACCESS PROTECTION
Solar access protection is provided for the uniform application of lot and building
performance standards that are in place within the Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance.
The City will continue to maintain these standards and promote the establishment of
energy saving and capture methods that are in conformance with the building design
and lot requirements. There are three solar related cost-free programs that the City will
consider enrolling in. They are designed to provide planning, technical, and policy
assistance:
U.S. Department of Energy’s SolSmart Program: Solar Permitting, Zoning and
Development
Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program: Sustainability Best Practices
Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Program: Energy Action Plan Development.
TRANSPORTATION
Functional Classification System / Access Management
The Transportation Plan indicates a functional classification system map as well as
regulations for access management. On an ongoing basis, the City will follow the plan
in terms of the access management recommendations as it relates to new and
redevelopment projects.
Highway 36
The City recognizes the increased 2030 traffic volumes projected on Highway 36 which
is expected to reach 55,000 ADT in that area between Oakgreen and Osgood Avenues.
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 165
With the increased traffic, the City will continue to work with Mn/DOT and Washington
County on issues related to frontage roads and critical Highway 36 intersections within
the City. The at-grade crossings at Norell Avenue and Osgood Avenue will need to be
monitored and improved to ensure adequate traffic flow levels and to assure the safety
of drivers and pedestrians at these locations.
Street Reconstruction Program
One of the transportation policies indicates a continuation of the street reconstruction
programs to maintain the local utility and street network. The City Council and City staff
will need to continue to maintain the condition of the City streets and determine a
timeline to complete the necessary sections of the network. As part of the budgeting
process, the City Council will also need to continue to set aside funds to eventually
complete this expensive rehabilitation program.
Rail Facilities
The City of Oak Park Heights will work with representatives of Union Pacific on any rail
transportation issues that arise. It is expected that the Allen S. King Plant will continue
to receive all of the coal shipments via this rail line. The 2040 Transportation Plan does
not indicate any light rail corridors that would access Oak Park Heights or neighboring
communities in the St. Croix Valley.
Bus / Transit Service
The City will continue to work with Metro Transit officials on continuing and expanding
bus service for Oak Park Heights. Additionally, the City continues to support the local
transit service provided by the Washington County Transit Link Service and Metro
Mobility/ADA. This service is especially important for elderly residents and those that
are less independently mobile. Expansion of this service may be necessary as the
population of the St. Croix Valley grows older and less mobile.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Police and Fire
The City’s police and fire services adequately serve the emergency protection needs of
the community at this time. The contract with the Bayport Fire Department has served
the community well and will be continued into the future. The City will need to continue
to monitor its needs for fire and ambulance service, especially as the elderly population
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 166
of the community grows. The new Bayport Fire Department facility, completed in 2016,
will also serve the member communities well for years to come.
Additional study will be necessary to determine if the Bayport Fire Department could
serve the development of the potential annexation area to the west of the City. If an
annexation proposal is presented to the City, a study would be necessary.
Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Services
The City Engineer, Stantec, has developed Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer
Plans as part of this Comprehensive Plan Update. These plans are attached in the
Appendix of this document.
City Hall/Public Works
With the completion of the City Hall building in 2009 and the remodel and expansion of
the public works building, the City/Police facilities and the maintenance garage will
serve the community well for years to come. There are no other major facility
replacement or improvements planned now other than upkeep and maintenance of
existing.
ADMINISTRATION
Staffing
The City will need to monitor staffing levels as the City grows and redevelopment
occurs. It is not anticipated that staffing/positions will need to be changed from the
current levels.
Community Identity
The City will need to continue efforts in promoting recognition and identification.
Construction of welcome signs at the primary entrances to the community and use of
newspapers, cable TV, the City website and the City newsletter are all seen as
important vehicles in City promotion. Continued promotion of the City’s extensive trail
system is also seen as a significant way of introducing people to Oak Park Heights.
Public Relations
Oak Park Heights has an ongoing policy of providing effective public education
regarding City activities. The City will continue to work on ways to promote the
I M P L E M E N T A T I O N
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 167
community, its residential neighborhoods, and its business and commercial sites using
effective communication tools. To continue and improve the lines of communication
between City government and its citizens, Oak Park Heights should continue to use the
City website, newsletters, mailings, cable access, newspapers, and other forms of
public media.
Zoning / Subdivision Regulations Updates / Design Guidelines
As a follow up to Comprehensive Plan approval, the City will review and update its
zoning and subdivision regulations as necessary within nine months of adopting the
Comprehensive Plan 2040. The Comprehensive Plan text does not suggest any
significant changes to the Zoning Ordinance district allowances and performance
standards. The Zoning Ordinance has been amended but has not been completely
updated since 1998. The City may consider a total update to improve format and
modernize standards and provide a more user-friendly document.
Capital Improvement Planning
The City of Oak Park Heights has an effective system of capital improvements planning
that is scheduled or updated on a yearly basis. The capital improvement planning can
be used as a planning tool that will be especially important as the City continues to
grow, and redevelopment projects occur. A copy of the Capital Improvement Plan is
found as Appendix A.