Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-20-1998 Planning Commission Meeting PacketCITY Oe OAK PARK HEIGHTS 14168 N. 57th Street • Box 2007.Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • Phone: (612) 439 -4439 • FAX 439 -0574 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA THURSDAY, August 20, 1998 - 7:00 P.M. 7:00 I. Calt To Order I1. Roll Call III. Approve Planning Commission Minutes - June 18,1998 (1) - July 16, 1998 (1 -A) 7:05 IV. Public Hearings: A. Lower Oak Park Heights Rezoning from R -2 to 0, Open Space (Continued) (2) 7:45 V. Old Business: A. Design Guidelines (3) B. Park Dedication (4) C. State Planning Conference /Land Use Planning Seminar, September 23- 25, 1998 (5) D. Zoning Action Property Notification Signs (6) 8:25 VI. New Business: A. Special Meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3, 1998 for Public Hearings and Comprehension Plan Public Informational Meeting. (7) VII. Informational: A. Valley Senior Service Alliance Summary of Preliminary Cost Estimate (8) 8:30 VIII. Adjournment Next Regular Meeting: WORKSHOP - 8:30 P.M. Conference Room 8:30 I. Comprehensive Plan Discussion: Review Tactics, Inventory, Goals and Policies - Present Concept Plan - Comprehensive Plan Review Process. September 17, 1998 - 7:00 p.m. • • ,. • _ •* Tree City U.S.A. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1998 • • • Enclosure 1 Call To Order: Commissioner Wasescha called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dahlquist, Hedlund, Vogt and Wasescha. Staff present: Community Development Secretary Hultman. City Consultants present: City Planner, Scott Richards and Assistant City Planner, Brad Digre. Absent: Commissioner Schultz. Approval of Agenda: Dahlquist, seconded by Wasescha, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. 4 -0. Approval of June 11, 1998 Commission Minutes: Hedlund, seconded by Wasescha, moved to approve June 11, 1998 Commission Minutes with the revision of Government Training Service dates to "Fall of 1998 or Spring of 1999." Motion carried. 4 -0. Election of Officers: Nominations were sought from the Commission for the election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the first term of the newly formed Planning Commission. Wasescha, seconded by Vogt, moved to elect Hedlund to serve as Chairperson. Motion carried. •Wasescha, seconded by Vogt, moved to elect Dahlquist to serve as Vice Chairperson. Motion carried. The elected Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall serve until the annual organizational meeting, scheduled for March of 1999, at which time new Officers will be elected to serve two year terms. Discussion of Establishing a Central Business District: Planner Richards updated the Commission as to the area encompassed within the proposed Central Business District (CBD). Outlining the draft Ordinance Section 401.301, CBD Central Business District, he indicated that the establishment of a Central Business District would allow for better flexability with the mix of retail uses. The proposal for the district is that of a downtown, possibly concentrating businesses within the B -2, General Business District and locating business warehouses between the B -2, General Business District and the B -1, Neighborhood Business District, which is comprised mainly of office space, to allow for a blend of uses. General discussion ensued. The Commission directed that Section 401.301.E, #3 of the draft ordinance be amended to include motorized equipment sale and rental as an accessory use. A Public Hearing will be held on this matter at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 1998 at the Oak Park Heights City Hall. Preliminary Plans for Valley Senior Services Alliance (VSSA): The Commission reviewed preliminary plans as proposed by VSSA. Discussion ensued pertaining to the design of roadways and neighborhood layout. Planner Richards explained the presented roadway design and the flow of area access, noting that he felt that the design appears to be well laid out. A Public Hearing will be held on this matter at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 1998 at the Oak Park Heights City Hall. Lower Oak Park Heights Rezoning: Discussion was held pertaining the possible rezoning of lower Oak Park Heights from its present zone classification of R -3, Multiple Family District to that of 0, Open Space. This rezoning would affect the neighborhood which was designated for the St. Croix River Bridge Crossing and where homes were removed. This zoning change would give the City more control over the potential reuse of the property in the event it is sold by MnDOT, who has purchased most of the properties in this neighborhood. A Public Hearing will be held on this matter at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 1998 at the Oak Park Heights City Hall. Review Design Guidelines Draft: The Commission reviewed Oak Park Heights Design Guidelines draft, designed to assist in determining commercial design guidelines. The Commission directed that the Environment Section should be amended to reflect the steepness of the slope level to more accurately reflect the norm for stormwater ponding. Comprehensive Plan Update: Planner Richards indicated that City staff has been working with the City Council in updating the Comprehensive Plan and that the City Council has directed the task of developing a Comprehensive Plan draft to the Planning Commission. City staff will be providing a draft Planning Tactics, Inventory and Policy Plan for the Commission's review at a future meeting. Adjournment: Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Vogt, moved to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. Motion carried. 4 -0. Respectfully submitted, l,c:t "Yl fit i 1 Julie Hultman, Secretary Community Development • • Planning Commission Minutes - 2 40 • • • Enclosure 1 -A CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, THURSDAY, JULY 16,1998 Call To Order: Commissioner Wasescha called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dahlquist, Hedlund, Schultz, Vogt and Wasescha. Staff present: Community Development Secretary Hultman. City Consultants present: City Planner, Scott Richards and Assistant City Planner, Brad Digre. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Schultz, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Carried. 5 -0. Approve June 18, 1998 Minutes: Minutes were distributed at the meeting. Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Wasescha, moved to carry approval of the minutes to the August 20, 1998 meeting to allow time for review. Carried. 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Chairperson Hedlund asked the audience who was in attendance for the public hearing scheduled. Based on their response, the public hearings were held in the order of the number of people in the audience for each hearing, differing from the order . indicated on the meeting agenda. "and Amend the Park Dedication Requirements" was removed from Public Hearing D. A. Valley Senior Services Alliance (VSSA): Commissioner Hedlund opened the hearing at 7:05 p.m. ` City Planner, Richards provided the audience with the basic background of the senior living community as proposed by VSSA. Barb Barry and Skip Sorenson, representing VSSA, were present. Mr. Sorenson presented an overview of the proposed senior living community indicating the phase process of the project and time frame involved. He described the structure of the dwellings and work to be completed within each phase area. He noted that the living environment is being designed so as to blend with the existing community, using natural landscaping and utilizing many of the existing trees from the area formerly known as the Krueger Tree Farm. In the terms of public areas, there will be twenty -two acres of park land and a major parkway system of trails. VSSA hopes to begin general plan development this Fall with grading to begin in October. Completion of the project will result in a 120 acre senior living community campus. Barb Barry, addressing staff reports, indicated that the requirement of an enclosed park shelter and cash park dedication seemed excessive in light of VSSA's creating the park, providing toddler equipment, preparing trails, public parking and donating the park land back to the City. VSSA would like to have a budget, not to exceed $20,000 for toddler equipment and installation. They will be seeking authorization to pay the 58th Street assessments, due at the time of plat approval, through a bond which would be payable over a fifteen year time frame at an interest rate of around five and one-half percent as indicated as acceptable by City staff. City Administrator Melena explained how this process would work. Joe McQuillan of 5558 Novak Ave. N., stated that when he purchased his home in River Hills, he was led to believe that the surrounding area was to be developed as single family homes. He does not agree with the placement of three -level buildings, paths, and parkways being placed where he was led to believe, from the neighborhood meetings on this project, that there would be single family homes. Chairperson Planning Commission Minutes - 2 Hedlund, stated that he recalled the same information from the informational meetings held. Commissioner Wasescha suggested that the path walk -way issue be taken into consideration to ensure an accurate understanding of what is being proposed and work with Mr. McQuillan and VSSA on this Commissioner Hedlund questioned the wetland areas. Mr. Sorenson stated that there are presently four inch flags on the site that indicated the 100 year high water mark. A hydrological study is being completed on the area VSSA will create holding ponds that . will purify the water with sediment before it is released into the stormwater ponds.. The wetland / retention ponds / stormwater ponds will all be connected together. VSSA is attempting to re- create the flood level as it was in 1936 and will be lowering the grade level to accommodate this Mr. Sorenson responding to Commissioner Wasescha's question of what the real park and was, stated that this area is generally the 150 feet from the buildings to the water and pathway system. He offered to have the surveyors stake the park are and tot lot location. Commissioner excepted his offer to have this done. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Vogt, moved to close public hearing. Carried 5-0. Public hearing closed at 8 :23 p.m. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Vogt, moved recommending that the City Council approve the general concept plan with staff report recommendations being negotiated. Carried 5 -0. Lower Oak Park Heights Rezoning from R -2 to 0, Open Space: Commissioner Hedlund opened the Public Hearing at 8:25 p.m. City Planner Richards, outlined the proposal and commented that the City viewed this as a good, solid plan to protect the City's neighborhood development, keeping homes there. Commissioner Hedlund opened the hearing for public comment. rezoning. Pam Patrick of 5737 Peller Ave. N. was present and stated that ahe°wat in favor of the Bob Dalluhn, a former resident of the neighborhood, wanted to know how the City could lay claim to rezone the property when the State of Minnesota has owned most of it Commissioner. Hedlund explained that the State is a property owner just the same as other individuals are and that the City has the right to control the zoning of the neighborhood areas for development. Deb and Bill Simonet of 5976 Stagecoach Trl. N. were also present. Mrs. Simonet stated that they were not in favor of the rezoning because it affects their rights as property owners. She stated that they have been battling all along with this property issue and really just didn't want to go through another one by supporting this zoning change and questioned if there was a way for them to rezone the area and leave their property as it is. She further stated that it was her understanding that the property owners who sold their property to the State of Minnesota were supposed to have the first right to buy their property back as it was sold and wondered why the five acre requirement in the Planning Commission Minutes - 3 proposal. Commissioner Dahlquist requested clarification as to the actual procedure for a previous property owner to purchase the property back. City Planner Richards apprised the Commission of his understanding of the process. Liz Weaver of 15430 58th St. N., supports the City's desire to protect the neighborhood with a rezoning but would rather see the zoning changed to R -1, Singe Family rather than 0, Open Space. Mayor Schaaf stated that he was not comfortable with the rezoning of the area to 0, Open Space and that he would rather see it zoned as a P.U.D., Planned Unit Development. He would like to see of changes to a planned neighborhood. Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Wasescha, moved to closed the public hearing at 9:35 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Commissioner Wasescha stated that she would like a definite on how the process of owners purchasing their property back would work and moved that they table this hearing for further discussion at the August 20, 1998 meeting, when they have more information regarding this process. Motion seconded by Vogt. Carried 5-0. Commissioner Hedlund called for a five minute recess. C. Establish a Central Business Zoning District and Map Amendment: Commissioner Hedlund opened the hearing at 9:05 p.m. City Planner, Richards provided the audience with the basic background of the proposed central business district, indicating that the premise of this proposal is to provide some direction and guidance in the development of the area. Commissioner Hedlund directed questions on the conditional uses of the district to City • Planner Richards who explained the uses as outlined. Commissioner Hedlund opened the hearing for public comment. Mayor Schaaf was present and indicated his support of creating a central business district. The Commission discussed issues such as signage clarification. City Planner Richards indicated that a central business district would allow for a nice mix of business uses as well as better conformity to zoning issues, such as signage. Commissioner Vogt inquired as to where the criteria for the zoning ordinance come from. City Planner Richards stated that the basis of the present zoning ordinance comes from when the ordinance was first drafted in 1988, which was drafted from a compilation of information from other representative cities and on basic standards. Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Vogt, moved to close the public hearing at 9:35 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Dahlquist, moved to recommend approval of the central business zoning district and map amendment according to City Planner Richards' staff report. Carried 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Julie Hultman, Secretary Community Development Planning Commission Minutes - 4 Amendments to Subdivision Ordinance to Include the Planning Commission: Commissioner Hedlund opened the public hearing at 9:40 p.m. There was no comment from the audience. Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Vogt, moved to closed the public hearing at 9:41 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Hedlund moved to amend the Subdivision Ordinance to include the Planning Commission. Carried 5 -0. Park Dedication: City Planner Richards provided the Commission with some history as to how park dedication has been determined. He stated that he did not feel that the City could support a park system with the dedication fee plan presently in place. Brief discussion ensued. Community Development Secretary Hultman was directed to prepare a memo indicating the use of the parks by business/organizations for the past two years. Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Vogt, moved to table this matter until the August 20,1998 meeting. Carried 5-0. Design Guidelines: City Planner Richards indicated to the Commission that he would like to receive a recommendation from them in preparing a memo to the City Council stating what the Commission would like to take charge of in this area The Commission directed City Planner Richards to incorporate more process into the design guideline procedure. This issue will be discussed further at the August 20,1 998 meeting. Comprehensive Plan Update: Planner Richards indicated that City staff has been working with the City Council in updating the Comprehensive Plan and that the City Council has directed the task of developing a Comprehensive Plan draft to the Planning Commission. City Planner Richards provided a draft Planning Tactics, Inventory and Policy Plan for the Commission's review, noting that this is to be used as a planning tool to direct process. This issue vigil be discussed again at the August 20, 1998 meeting, where City Planner . ry Richards has asked that the Commission bring their thoughts and questions oh the update. draft. Government Training Service -Land Use Planning Seminar: City Planner Richards provided information on an upcoming seminar and asked that the Commission indicate if they desire to attend at the August 20, 1998 meeting. He also mentioned that the Commission may be interested in becoming members of the Minnesota American Planners Association (MNAPA). He will provide more information on this to the Commission. Adjournment: Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Wasescha, moved to adjourn. Carried. 5- 0. Meeting Adjourned at 10:00 p.m. • NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS INC COMM UNITY PLANNING - DESIGN - MARKET RESEARCH MEMORANDUM TO: Tom Melena FROM: Scott Richards DATE: 7 August 1998 RE: FILE NO: Oak Park Heights - Lower Oak Park Heights Rezoning - Information from City Attorney 798.04 - 98.12 • As a follow -up to the Planning Commission meeting on 16 July 1998, our office has discussed the issues with the City Attorney related to release by MnDOT of their lower Oak Park Heights property. Mr. Vierling forwarded a memo regarding this issue (see attached). He indicated that MnDOT has the option to convey the property back to the previous owner. It is thought that MnDOT would likely offer it to other state agencies or even the City of Oak Park Heights before the previous homeowners or business owners. Additionally, the conveyance of excess property from MnDOT to another agency or property owner is done on a case -by -case basis. The City of Oak Park Heights will closely monitor MnDOT's activities in this case in that the City is highly interested in the ultimate land use for this property. Staff continues to recommend the rezoning of this property from R -2, Low and Medium Density Residential to 0, Open Space. We feel that it will not affect the two single family property owners that are still in the area. As you are aware, single family dwellings are a permitted use in the 0 District. In the unlikely circumstance that MnDOT decides to sell back the property to previous owners, the City would likely re- examine the 0 zoning and look at possible rezonings. The Comprehensive Plan for the City will likely designate this area as park facilities /open space. As a holding zone until the ownership of this land is decided, the 0, Open Space District is recommended to provide the maximum amount of control for the City and protection for surrounding neighborhoods and property owners. ENCLOSURE 2 5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD. SUITE 555 ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 554 1 6 PHONE 6 1 2- 595 -9636 FAX 6 1 2- 595 -9837 E -MAIL NAC@ WINTERNET.COM • ENCLOSURE 3 • • NORTHWEST ASSOCI /PED CONSULTANTS INC COMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN MARKET RESEARCH MEMORANDUM TO: Tom Melena FROM: Scott Richards DATE: 12 August 1998 RE: Oak Park Heights - Design Guidelines FILE NO: 798.04 - 98.01 Please find enclosed a copy of the revised design guidelines reflecting comments from the Planning Commission and the addition of processing and signage requirements. In this draft, the Planning Commission acts as the recommending body for the design elements of development review. The Planning Commission would determine compliance with the guidelines and send their recommendations with conditions to the City Council. The Council would have the ultimate say in all design issues. I recommend that the Planning Commission carefully review the guidelines enclosed and make any changes at their 20 August meeting. The City Council will also receive a copy and they should also make their comments known to the Planning Commission or City staff. A public hearing on the guidelines could be held by the Planning Commission in September or early October. 5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD. SUITE 555 ST. LOUIS PARK. MINNESOTA 55416 PHONE 6 1 2 - 5 9 5 - 9 6 3 6 FAX 6 1 2- 595 -9837 E -MAIL NAC@ WINTERNET.COM Table of Contents • DRAFT Purpose Scope Process Site Design Architecture Parking Lot Design Pedestrian/Bike Routes 12 Environment 13 Utilities 14 Signage 14 Glossary 16 1 2 3 Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 Purpose The purpose of these guidelines is to coordinate design themes for site planning, architecture, streetscape and signage of all commercial and industrial properties in Oak Park Heights. The coordinated design of these areas will communicate an image of quality and stability. These standards are intended to prevent the use of materials and practices that are unsightly, rapidly deteriorate or contribute to depreciation of property values. It is not the intent of these guidelines to unduly restrict design freedom. Proposed developments which contradict any of the specific guidelines of this document will be reviewed to see if the desired outcome is accomplished. Scope The Design Guidelines will be enforced in all areas designated for commercial or industrial use in the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan including the following zoning districts: RB, Residential Business Transition District; B-1, Neighborhood Business District; B -2, General Business District; CBD, Central Business District; B -W, Business/Warehousing; I, Industrial District; and all commercial and industrial areas zoned PUD, Planned Unit Development. All requests for new construction or remodeling of existing structures shall be subject to these provisions. Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 1 Process Applicants must submit plans and drawings to the City in accordance with the processing requirements for amendments and conditional use permits (Section 401.03) of the Zoning Ordinance. All materials must be submitted to the City no fewer than twenty (20) days prior to the Planning Commission's regularly scheduled or special meeting in order to appear and make a presentation. Submission materials shall include a site plan, planting plan, architectural plans and elevations, signage plans, lighting plans and any other plans as requested by the City staff, Planning Commission, or City Council. Perspective sketches are desirable. Site and planting plans shall include all existing and proposed site elements. Architectural and sign plans shall include elevations of all exposed sides and identification of all materials and colors. Material samples will be required for Planning Commission review. The Planning Commission shall review the submitted materials and make recommendations on the site and building design elements subject to the guidelines stated herein. The City Council shall make any final decisions on site or building design. Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 2 Site Design The intent of the site design guidelines is to create efficient, attractive, inviting spaces that complement public right -of -way as well as adjacent private uses. Spaces that draw the eye and the user deeper into the site are encouraged to avoid shallow "strip" development. Issue Guideline Unifying Design Concept All buildings and parking should be visibly organized by a clear design concept. Building Placement Desirable II Harmonious composition of numerous similar or complementary forms encouraged. Undesirable II When possible, buildings should be placed with long dimension perpendicular to highway or street frontage. The end of the building should be placed close to the highway or street with minimal parking between. A recommended maximum is fifty -five (55) feet. This allows for one row of parking, driveway, and landscaping between building and highway. Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 3 Highway Parking Placement Architecture rootage Road — Desirable Custom Architecture When possible, the long dimension of the primary parking area should be placed perpendicular to the highway or street. Issue Guideline Highway — — . — Frontage Road , ( Undesirable r The intent of the architectural guidelines is to encourage thoughtful consideration of each individual building use as it relates to its unique site and surrounding sites to create a sense of identity that unique to Oak Park Heights. The Stillwater Area High School is considered a key component of this area and the continuation of the architectural style, colors and materials is desired. Buildings and accessory structures shall be designed specifically for the site and to relate to the existing buildings around them and in the area (style, color, materials, etc.). Franchise architecture (building design that is trademarked or identified with a particular chain or corporation and is generic in nature) is prohibited. Also prohibited are building color wraps, neon and internally illuminated awnings. Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 4 Facade and Roof Articulation Articulation of the facade and roof line is encouraged. Desirable Undesirable Architectural Materials For the purposes of the subsection, materials shall be divided into four grades as follows: Grade I - a) brick b) glass c) natural stone d) masonry stucco e) copper panels Grade II - a) concrete block with specialty texture b) architecturally precast textured concrete panels Grade III - a) exterior finish installation system b) opaque panels c) ornamental metal Grade IV - a) smooth or scored concrete block b) smooth concrete tip up panels c) ceramic d) glass block e) wood Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 5 • 1 • Buildings shall incorporate grades of materials in all exterior walls in the following manner: • a) Office and commercial buildings must use at least three Grade I materials and must be composed of at least sixty -five (65) percent Grade I or Grade II materials. Glass must make up thirty (30) percent of this sixty - five (65) percent twenty (20) percent of building facade must be glass); not more than thirty-five (35) percent of Grade II or Grade III material and not more than ten (10) percent of the building shall be Grade IV materials. b) Industrial and warehouse buildings must use at least two different Grade I or II materials and be composed of at least 65 percent Grade I or Grade II materials; not more than thirty-five (35) percent Grade III or Grade IV materials. Not more than ten (10) percent of the building shall be Grade IV materials. c) Multi -tenant office /warehouse or show - room/warehouse or other combinations shall be sixty -five (65) percent Grade I materials on primary exterior facades. Exterior wall with limited public exposure may use combinations of Grade II, III, or IV materials. d) Any expansions or additions to buildings must use the same or superior materials as the existing structure. e) Any variations to these guidelines must be approved by the City Council. Composition & Detailing Buildings shall use a combination of at least three (3) of the high quality materials. Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 6 Desirable No building should have large areas of blank wall surface, i.e., without articulation of surface or materials, visible from the street. A building more than twenty (20) feet in width should be divided into increments of no more than twenty (20) feet through articulation of the facade. This can be achieved through combinations of the following techniques: a) Divisions or breaks in materials (although materials should be drawn from a common palette); b) Window Bays; c) Separate entrances and entry treatments, porticoes; d) Variation in roof lines; e) Awnings; f) Building setbacks. Undesirable Color The exterior building color must blend with the architecture in the area (primary reference - Stillwater Area High School). The primary exterior building color shall be soft, warm earth tones - salmon, rose, tan, terra cotta, ochre. Less than thirty (30) percent may be soft, cool tones - gray, green, blue. Less than five (5) percent of the building or any Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 7 • • • Screening Parking Lot Design Issue Lighting Parking Lot Islands Oak Park Heights, Minnesota • • --- ilI g IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1III P IP accessory structure may be primary or vivid colors. All roof, wall, and ground mounted mechani- cal equipment and trash collection areas shall be screened with material comparable and compatible with the exterior building materials. The intent of the parking lot design guidelines is to create a unifying theme of the functional elements common to all uses. Guideline Site lighting will be in accordance with Section 401.15.B.7 of the Zoning Ordinance and uniformly spaced, "shoebox" style, dark bronze, metal halide on dark bronze poles not to exceed twenty -five (25) feet in height. Curbed islands of no less than six hundred (600) square feet are encouraged in parking lots in lieu of several smaller islands. IH Desirable II Undesirable IIIA P_ Design Guidelines 1998 Parking Lot Setback Parking Lot Plantings Desirable Plant Material Variety A landscaped buffer strip at least eight (8) feet wide should be provided between all parking areas and the public sidewalk or street. The buffer strip shall consist of shade trees at a minimum but also may include, shrubs, decorative fence or masonry wall. A solid or opaque wall, fence or hedge shall not exceed three (3) feet in height. Low shrubs and high- branching deciduous trees are encouraged where needed to preserve valuable site lines. Low shrub masses of no less than eighteen (18) shrubs per mass are encouraged in parking lot islands. Deciduous trees - 1 1 Undesirable White Ash/Fractions americana Ginkgo /Ginkgo biloba Hackberry /Celtis occidentalis A mixture of plant material types is encour- aged. Desirable species are (but not limited to): Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 9 • • Honeylocust/Gleditisa triacanthos and cultivars Kentucky Coffeetree /Gymnocladus dioicus Linden/Tilia sp. and cultivars Norway Maple /Acer platanoides and cultivars Red Maple /Acer rubrum River Birch/Betula nigra Sugar Maple /Acer saccharum Pin Oak/Quercus palustris (acid soils) Swamp White Oak/Quercus bicolor Coniferous trees: • Female ginkgo Austrian Pine/Pinus nigra Red Pine/Pinus resinosa Scotch Pine/Pinus sylvestris White Pine/Pinus strobus Black Hills Spruce/Picea glauca densata Colorado Spruce/Pinus pungens Norway Spruce/Picea abies White Spruce/Picea glauca Deciduous shrubs: (Due to large variety of species, only genus is suggested here): Chokeberry, Coralberry Cotoneaster, Currant, Dogwood, Euonymus, Forsythia, Honeysuckle, Lilac, Ninebark, Potentilla, Rose, Snowberry, Spirea, Sumac, Viburnum, Willow Coniferous shrubs: Juniper, Arborvitae, Yew, Pine Prohibited trees: Cottonwood (except for cottonless cultivars) Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 10 Building Entrance Plantings Large sized trees are encouraged near the front and entrance of buildings. Street Trees Boxelder American elm (except for disease resistant varieties) Silver Maple Mulberry Black Locust Willows Black Walnut (unless given adequate space) Seeded varieties of Ash Pedestrian scale shrub planter areas within the front walk are encouraged. Undesirable Building Entrance Street trees should be planted within a land- scaped boulevard, spaced a maximum of fifty (50) feet apart. The averaged spacing between street trees shall not exceed forty (40) feet apart. Street tree planting shall be as further regulated in Section 1304 of the City Code. Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 11 • Tree Preservation • 1 Pedestrian /Bike Routes Issue Guideline Pedestrian and Bike Access Desirable Oak Park Heights, Minnesota ■ ■ ■■ ■■■■■ Applicants shall exert their best effort to avoid damage to or the destruction of significant trees when designing, locating, grading for and building improvements. Specific tree preservation policies are found in Chapter 13 of the City Code. The intent of the pedestrian/bicycle guidelines is to provide appropriate and convenient access for all people to commercial and industrial areas of the community. Convenient access to the site for pedestrians and bicycles shall be included, i.e., walkways, signage, ramps, and bike racks. Sidewalks shall be included on both sides of a major entrance to a commercial use. Bike rack capacity of four (4) bikes for every twenty (20) vehicular parking spaces in commercial developments should be provided in a visible and preferably sheltered location. 12 ■■ ■■ ■m v Undesirable Design Guidelines 1998 Comprehensive Trail Plan Environment The intent of the environmental guidelines is to provide appropriate protection of Oak Park Heights natural areas. Issue Guideline Stormwater ponding The commercial and industrial sites shall include trail segments and connections in coordination with the City's Comprehensive Trail Plan. On -site stormwater ponding shall be included on each site appropriate to the size and runoff characteristics of the site (as determined by the City Engineer). Side slopes of the on -site ponding shall not be steeper than a twenty -five (25) percent slope. All impervious surfaces (with the exception of bike /pedestrian trails) shall be setback at least one hundred (100) feet from the ordinary high water level of any natural or manmade water bodies. The side slopes and setback area around the ponds shall be planted with appropriate native shrubs and native grass mixtures. Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 13 Utilities The intent of the utility guidelines is to provide quality construction emphasizing safety and aesthetics of all utility improvements. Issue Guideline Utilities All utilities in commercial and industrial de- velopments shall be placed underground. Signage The intent of the signage guidelines is to create a general design, compatibility and quality expected for all developments in the City. Signage should be designed so as to communicate the message and provide direction into commercial and industrial areas. Issue Guideline General Design Signs should be compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors, and details of the building. Signs should be an integral part of the building and site design. For buildings that house more than one business, an overall sign plan should be developed. Signs need not match, but should be compatible with one another. No more than one (1) type of sign installation should be used on a single building facade (i.e., wall signs, property signs, awning signs). Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 14 Sign Locations Sign Materials Sign Types All signs shall be compatible with the signage regulations found in Section 401.15.G of the Zoning Ordinance. On a storefront building, wall signs should be placed within a sign band above the building entrance. Wall signs should be placed where they do not obscure architectural features. Consistency or compatibility with the con- struction materials and architectural style of the building facade will determine the choice of sign materials. Natural materials such as wood or metal are preferred over plastic. Neon signs are more appropriately used in windows. The following sign types are permitted in the commercial and industrial districts affected by these design regulations. For complete sign requirements, see Section 401.15.G.8.d.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. General Business District: Freestanding Canopy, Marquee and Wall Temporary Window/Permanent Window Motor Fuel Price Display Central Business District: Freestanding Monument Canopy, Marquee and Wall Temporary Window/Permanent Window Business Warehousing: Area Identification Freestanding Canopy, Marquee and Wall Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 15 Glossary Building Frontage: The front facade of a building, typically abutting the sidewalk. Facade: The visible exterior walls of a building. Fenestration: The arrangement of windows in a building. Franchise Architecture: Building design that is trademarked or identified with a particular chain or corporation and is generic in nature. Impervious: Incapable of being penetrated by stormwater. Native (plant materials): Plant materials indigenous to northern United States and southern Canada. Sign Types: Industrial: Freestanding Canopy, Marquee and Wall Permanent Window Stormwater: Any water that falls on and drains from a surface of the site, such as snow, rain, irrigation, etc. Streetscape: A public right of way, usually occupied by the street, boulevard, sidewalks, etc. Utilities: Public or semi- public services to private uses including sanitary sewer, water, storm drainage, electricity, cable, telephone, and gas. Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Design Guidelines 1998 16 • • N Ilk ORTHWEST ASSOCISED CONSULTANTS COMM UNITY PLANNING - DESIGN MARKET RESEARCH INC • ENCLOSURE 4 MEMORANDUM TO: Tom Melena FROM: Scott Richards DATE: 11 August 1998 RE: Oak Park Heights - Park Dedication FILE NO: 798.04 - 98.14 At the previous Planning Commission meeting, the members discussed the issue of park dedication and requested that staff provide a copy of park reservations for the last two years. Julie Hultman has provided that information as attached. In that the City Attorney has been on vacation the past two weeks, we have not be able to meet and discuss what is needed to justify a park dedication fee increase. Mr. Vierling did suggest that we call some of the cities that we have researched in the past to see if they have recently done park dedication studies. We are in the process of contacting the cities of Eagan, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, White Bear Lake and Woodbury to see what they have done in justifying their park dedication fees. If information is received from these cities, I will forward it at the meeting on 20 August. This is not a priority project for the Planning Commission and I do not see an issue with taking additional time to research examples from other communities. 5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 555 ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 55416 PHONE 6 1 2- 595 -9636 FAX 6 1 2- 595 -9837 E -MAIL NAC@ WINTERNET.COM • MEMO To: From: Subject: Date: August 1 •14 • 1996 Brekke Park: Date Organization Event May 15 ISD #834 /Community Education 19 St. Croix Catholic School June 1 Cub Scout Pack #132 1996 Valley View Park June 6 9 13 19 July 14 19 20 24 30 August 10 19 27 • Oak Park Heights Planning Commission Julie Hultman, Community Development Parks Reservations By Organizations August 10, 1998 St. Lucas Church Oak Park Heights P.D. Courage Ctr. -St. Croix Oak Park Elem. St. Paul Lutheran Church Salem Lutheran Church Salem Lutheran Church Wash. Co. D.A.V. #17 Imation 3M Center Hammen Industries Stillwater B.P.W. Wash. Co. Gov't. Ctr. City of Oak Park Heights Wash. Co. Community Svc's. ISD #834 Administration Group Gathering Picnic Year End Picnic • Class Picnic Congregational Picnic Womens Guild Picnic Picnic Meeting D.A.V. #17 Gathering Employee Luncheon Employee Picnic Group Mtg. Going Away BBQ Party -in- the -Park Department Gathering Department Gathering No. Of People 20/25+ 200 100+ Womens Fellowship Mtg. Not Available Bicycle Rodeo City Wide Group Gathering 40/50+ 60 125+ 20/25+ 50/60+ 40/50+ 150/200 125 40/50+ 40+ City Wide 50+ 40+ • • • 177 / Dl eKKe rarK. Date Organization • May 13 Sunnyside Pre - School 15 Sunnyside Pre - School 18 St. Michael's Cub Scouts #132 20 Stillwater Area High School 22 ISD #834 Community Ed. June 1 St.Croix Catholic 22 MN Triumph Sports Car Club July 17 Stillwater Hillbilly's 23 Stillwater BPW August 7 10 19 21 24 26 ISD #834 Community Ed. City of Oak Park Heights Valley View Garden Home Ass'n. Courage Ctr. St. Croix Stillwater Medical Group Valley View Garden Home Ass'n. 1997 Valley View Park May 28 Lily Lake Elem. June 4 5 8 12 18 July 10 17 24 27 31 U.F.E., Inc. Salem Lutheran Church St. Paul Lutheran Church Afton/Lakeland Elem. Salem Lutheran Church Stonebridge Elem. Stonebridge Elem. Stonebridge Elem. Wash. Co. D.A.V. #17 Stonebridge Elem. August 7 ISD #834 Community Ed. 11 ISD #834 - Administration 14 ISD #834 Community Ed. 15 Courage Ctr. -St. Croix Event School Gathering School Gathering Pack Gathering Gathering "Friends" Mtg. School Picnic Club Mtg. 4 -H Club Mtg. Group Mtg. "Friends" Mtg. Party in the Park Ass'n. Mtg. Gathering Employee Gathering Ass'n. Mtg. Faculty Gathering Department Picnic Womens Guild Congregational Picnic Picnic Womens Guild "Community Group" "Community Group" "Community Group" D.A.V. #17 Gathering "Community Group" "Friends" Mtg. Gathering "Friends" Mtg. Group Gathering • No. Of People Not Available Not Available 50+ 20 15+ 200+ 100+ 30+ 40 /50August 15+ City Wide 20/30 30/40 150+ 20/30 Not Available 20+ 20 125+ 30/35 20 30/40 30/40 30/40 30/40+ 30/40 15+ 60 15+ 30/40 ENCLOSURE 5 • MEMORANDUM TO: Tom Melena FROM: Scott Richards DATE: 11 August 1998 RE: FILE NO: N NORTHWEST ASSOCIOED CONSULTANTS INC COMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN - MARKET RESEARCH Oak Park Heights - Planning Seminar for Planning Commission Members 798.04 - 98.07 The information regarding the MnAPA State Planning Conference and the Annual Planning Institute has already been sent to Planning Commission members. The Institute will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 1998. The Planning Conference starts on Wednesday evening. Both the Institute and Conference will be very helpful to the new Planning Commissioners for orientation and training. The Planning Commission members should review the information provided and be prepared to indicate at the 20 August meeting whether they will attend. 5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 555 ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 554 1 6 PHONE 6 1 2- 595 -9636 FAX 6 1 2- 595 -9837 E -MAIL NAC@ WINTERNET.COM NORTHWEST ASSOC•TED CONSULTANTS INC COMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN - MARKET RESEARCH ENCLOSURE 6 MEMORANDUM TO: Tom Melena FROM: Brad Digre / Scott Richards DATE: 11 August 1998 RE: Oak Park Heights - Public Hearing Site Signs FILE NO: 798.04 -98.17 The City of Minnetonka uses site signs to inform the public about scheduled Public Hearings. The signs are used for hearings dealing with a variety of issues including proposed rezonings, subdivisions, guide plan amendment changes and liquor license applications. The signs are approximately 3 by 6 feet in size. Minnetonka's procedure for placing the signs include sending a note to the Public Works Department that specifies the type of sign, address, and a photocopy of a picture showing where the sign is to be placed. The signs are placed in front of the property at least 10 days before the public hearing. A second note is sent to the Public Works Department when the sign is to be removed. If the Planning Commission would like to proceed with site signs, staff will work with the Public Works Department to create a set of signs. Please note that we will have pictures of the Minnetonka signs for you review next Thursday, August 20. 5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 555 PHONE 61 2- 595 -9636 FAX 61 2- 595 -9837 ST. LOUIS PARK. MINNESOTA 554 1 6 E -MAIL NAC WINTERNET.COM • • • 7:00 I. CaII To Order II. Roll Call 7:05 IV. Public Hearings: A. Oakgreen Avenue Annexation Area - Rezoning from 0, Open Space to B -1. Neighborhood Business District and R -1, Single Family Residential. B. Kern Center Rezoning from 0, Open Space to B -W, Business Warehousing. C. Stillwater Area High School Request for an Amended Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Greenhouse. D. City of Oak Park Heights Request for a Two Foot Fence Height Variance for Emergency Generator Fencing Enclosure at the City. E. Consideration of the Land Use Concept Plan of the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan Update. 9:00 II. Adjournment • • CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA Thursday, September 3, 1998 - 7:00 P.M. ENCLOSURE 7 • • // N INCII COMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN MEMORANDUM NORTHWEST ASSOC TED CONSULTANTS TO: Tom Melena FROM: Scott Richards DATE: 13 August 1998 RE: Oak Park Heights - Comprehensive Plan - Concept Plan and Approval Process FILE NO: 798.06 Please find attached a draft Concept Plan text and map that is essentially the introduction to the Land Use Plan for Oak Park Heights. The Planning Commission should review this carefully and provide input at the 20 August meeting. A copy of this section is also being distributed to the City Council. Following the July Planning Commission meeting, I met with Chuck Hedlund and George Vogt regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Their suggestion was to outline a general timeline for Comprehensive Plan approval and suggest a process to involve the public. I have developed a timeline and included the meeting dates necessary to complete the project by the end of the year. The timeline is found as attached. In terms of citizen participation, I suggest a number of well published informational meetings throughout the process. The meetings will be notified as a hearing, but will be much more informally run. The first one is scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd. At that meeting we will discuss the elements of the plan that are completed, including the Planning Tactics, Inventory, Policy Plan and Concept Plan. For this and all subsequent informational meetings, we will publish a hearing notice in the Gazette and will run display ads in both the Courier and Gazette. A notification of the meeting will be placed on the cable access channel and on the public meeting boards at the St. Croix Mall and City Hall. Julie Hultman and I explored the idea of an overall City mailing, but the cost could exceed $1,000, depending upon what was sent with the notice (color maps, etc.). For the September 3rd meeting, we missed the 5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 555 ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 554 1 6 MARKET RESEARCH PHONE 61 2- 595 -9636 FAX 612- 595 -9837 E -MAIL NAC @WINTERNET.COM • and a listing of the meetings in the Fall issue. • deadline for a notice in the Summer City Newsletter, but will have an informational section I hope this adequately outlines our process and intent to involve the public. If the Planning Commission members have any further suggestions, please let me know at the 20 August Meeting. • August 20 Planning Commission Meeting - Discuss Draft Comprehensive Plan Sections, Concept Plan and Process September OAK PARK HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Preliminary Schedule of Public Meetings And Approval Process 3 Planning Commission Meeting - Public Informational Meeting 17 Planning Commission Meeting - Discuss Comprehensive Plan Sections and Concept Plan October 15 November Planning Commission Meeting - Discuss Development Framework 5 Planning Commission Meeting - Public Informational Meeting 19 Planning Commission Meeting - Discuss Development Framework, Neighborhood Plans and Implementation December 3 Planning Commission /City Council Joint Meeting - Public Informational Meeting 17 Planning Commission Public Hearing - Final Plan Adoption 22 City Council Public Hearing - Final Plan Adoption If additional meetings are necessary, they will be scheduled accordingly. *Old* • July 30, 1998 Mr. Tom Melena City Administrator Oak Park Heights 14168 North 57 Street P.O. Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Re: Summary of Preliminary Cost Estimate for Senior Life Community Valley Senior Services Alliance, Oak Park Heights Dear Mr. Melena, Skip Sorensen asked me to forward to you the attached cost estimate for the park area done by our Civil Engineer as well as catalog cuts of playground equipment for you to review. This equipment is presently being used in Lake Elmo in all parks as well as their present school projects. Please forward copies to the Parks Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council for their review. Skip will be requesting an intake meeting with Scott Richards and Joe Anderlik the week of August 10, 1998 at their weekly staff meeting for processing the general development plan exhibits. Charlie Melcher of Ulteig Engineers will also attend. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Skip or myself. S incerely, • cc: Dan Lindh, Charlie Melcher, Barb Barry ii•iscorenssen sl 8z ARCHIT inc- . 10249 yellow circle drive minnetonka, mn. 55343 612- 935.6337 fax 612 - 935 -0878 Dan Neudecker JOI ISON SHELDON, SORENSEN & HAFN.ER ARCHITECTS INC. ENCLOSURE 8 • 1972 -1997 - Celebrating 25 Years of Professional Service to Our Clients /nnetonka office Ph: 612- 935 -6337 Fax: 612 - 935 -0878 wilirnar office Ph: 320- 235 -7775 Fax: 320- 235 -8673 CONSULTING ENGINEERS July -28, 1,998 Mr. Skip Sorenson, AIA JSSH Architects, Inc. 10249 Yellow Circle Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343 Re. Summary of Preliminary Cost Estimate for Senior Life Community Valley Senior Service Alliance, Oak Park Heights, MN UEI Project No. 98729 Dear Skip: Below summarizes some preliminary cost estimates relating to the line items shown for the proposed project listed above. These estimates are based on the Concept Plans as submitted to the City. Our current plan has some adjustments made to the boulevard at the southern end of the park, and therefore, the total "Greater Park" area will be larger than that used in these estimates. 1. Estimated Rough Grading Cost Within the Greater Park 2. Estimated Cost to Stub Utilities ( Per Location ) 3. Estimated Cost for Walking Path Within Greater Park 4. Estimated Cost For Bituminous. Concrete Curb, Class 5, and Grading of Parking Lot Near Tot Lot 5. Light Standards Within Tot Lot Parking Lot and Play Area 6. Tot Lot Playground Facility and Grading for Play Area 7. Twenty ( 20 ) foot Bituminous Fire Lane 8. Estimated Watershed District Permit Fees 9. Sodding in Greater Park 10. Seeding in Greater Park 11. Sodding Near Tot Lot Park 12. Seeding Near Tot Lot Park . Contingency ( 10% ) Engineering, Legal. Administrative ( 23%) Sincerely, Charlie F. Melcher, P.E. o Engineer • ULTEIG ENGINEERS, INC 5201 EAST RIVER ROAD, SUITE 308 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55421 ESTIMATED TOTAL EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER SUBTOTAL PHONE 812 -571 -2500 FAX 612 -571 -1168 S 120,000 $ 2,000 S 32.000 S 23,000 S 6.000 S 20,000 S 7,000 S 500 S 19,000 S 14,000 S 16.000 S 2.000 S 261,500 S 26,150 5 66,160 $ 353,810 • • • • Introduction • • • INTRODUCTION The basic intent of the comprehensive planning process is to provide a well- founded and coordinated decision - making framework to guide both public and private development and community improvement and change. In this regard, this report represents the Development Framework for the City of Oak Park Heights. The plan is based upon community issues and desired end results which have been identified in determining community goals and policies. The Development Framework, in combination with the Policy Plan, assists City policy makers in daily decision - making. Since maps and plans in the Comprehensive Plan may be amended as time goes on, reliance on a land use map for future guidance may make for difficult decisions. However, the relative consistency of community goals and policies ties the land use activities together over the long term. The Development Framework is the basic, general plan for the community. It establishes the general parameters, issues, and overall goals which are to be achieved. It further defines and establishes direction for the basic elements which comprise and influence the community. Programming of development regulations and improvements is based upon the Development Framework. Once these elements of the comprehensive planning process have been completed, ordinances and programs should be revised so as to bring • about the plans and desired results. The arrangement of this section includes overall concept plan for the City and categorical plans for natural environment, land use, transportation, community facilities, and administration. These sections are arranged in a format which provides guidelines for how specific policies may be applied. The final section presents more detailed recommendations for specific neighborhoods or planning districts. These neighborhood plans include the categorical elements in specific geographic settings. In sum, the Development Framework provides the foundation for guiding and managing change and improvements within the community. It determines directives and means for specific assignments and accomplishments. Additionally, it establishes the ground work and parameters for facilities planning. OAK PARK HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 1 • • • • Concept Plan • These concepts provide a valuable reference point for the resulting physical development of Oak Park Heights. Additionally, these concepts must apply to all areas identified for future City growth and development. The basic elements of the City's concept plan are identified in this section. The concept plan will graphically indicate a land use direction for the City to the year 2020 and beyond. Review and adoption of a conceptual plan for II) the area, developed with input by the residents of the City of Oak Park Heights and surrounding jurisdictions, will provide the basis from which the overall Comprehensive Plan for Oak Park Heights will be developed. • INTRODUCTION The basic elements of a Comprehensive Plan include: natural environment, land use, transportation, community facilities, and administration. These elements evolve from a concept. To ensure viability of the concept, it must be derived from the established goals of the community. The concept plan for the City of Oak Park Heights revolves around a number of separate yet interrelated elements: 1) the neighborhood is to serve as the basic foundation of the community; 2) the commercial areas serve as the focal point for the individual neighborhoods which together form the "community"; 3) the industrial areas support the tax base and provide employment opportunities; 4) land use transition is a method of insuring compatibility between land uses; 5) the growth and viability of the community depends upon the ability to annex additional area; and) environmental protection is key to the quality of life. These elements are graphically represented on the following page. CONCEPTUAL ELEMENTS The Neighborhood • • CONCEPT PLAN In order to enhance and reinforce the sense of community identity within the City, it is essential that a sense of continuity and focus is established. Since the character of Oak Park Heights is described as "small town ", individual neighborhoods should be maintained. Each neighborhood should relate well within itself as well as to adjoining neighborhoods and the entire community. Quality low density residential development within Oak Park Heights is expected and encouraged to be the predominant type of new residential land use. For Oak Park Heights, the first step is annexation of additional area for the creation of residential development within a desirable development format. Residential development formats range from strict grid -type platting to curvilinear and cul -de -sac street patterns. OAK PARK HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 3 • • • Design industrial areas which allow for a variety of lot sizes and building arrangements Heavy industrial uses Infill existing areas with new development Major transportation facilities Medium density residential Natural features can provide excellent buffers between varying land uses Transition to curvalinear street patterns to respect natural features Utilize large lot platting along natural features and integrate recreational facilities where appropriate FbEF Provide pedestrian connection from residential and recreation areas to the commercial core Light industry and business campus development 5 CONCEPT PLAN Utilize a positive transition of compatible land uses between commercial development and residential neighborhoods Minor Arterial Low density residential Establish recreational amenities in natural areas which provide unique spaces for residents while preserving the environment OAK PARK HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK • • As stated within the Policy Plan, residential neighborhoods should be protected from penetration by through traffic on local streets. This attention to traffic is coupled with a fundamental consideration for natural and man -made barriers which tend to help delineate and organize neighborhoods. Finally, the overall neighborhood orientation is set in terms of amenities and services which function as a focus for neighborhood activity. Park land and open space are primary within this group, contributing substantially to the creation of a desirable residential environment within the community. In that the community's neighborhoods have developed as units, maintenance and enhancement of the desirability and attractiveness of these neighborhoods will be essential in the future. In this regard, the development of remaining open land and areas to be annexed should be done in a manner which respects the integrity of existing neighborhoods as new neighborhoods and other land use areas are created. Commercial Development • • CONCEPT PLAN The existing commercial center concept entails a core that includes the St. Croix Mall and highway - oriented retail goods and services along the frontage roads of State Highway 36. • The retail and service elements of the commercial core have been allowed to spread along an east -west corridor that follows the State highway. Emphasis now is being placed on the creation of a Central Business District or town center to focus primarily the retail and entertainment elements for this area. Other existing commercial areas will be allowed to develop and evolve although the City will provide direction, through its development regulations. The development of a Central Business District and the continuation of infill of the highway commercial areas will provide the primary commercial areas for Oak Park Heights. The City Commercial Center concept entails a Central Business District and mainly highway- oriented retail goods and services surrounding by less intense and medium density residential development and finally radiating out to low density residential environments. Industrial Development The City of Oak Park Heights has recently annexed a partially developed business park/ light industrial area as a means of achieving a strong tax base for the community. As the City continues to grow both in population and area, planning for future business park and industrial development remains essential to expand the number of jobs and the commercial /industrial tax base for the community. Land near highways and rail access will provide for excellent industrial opportunities. OAK PARK HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 7 • • CONCEPT PLAN The industrial concept entails typical industrial uses surrounded by Tess intense industry or a business campus radiating out to commercial uses and to medium /high density residential. The location and focus is to take advantage of the high traffic levels and visibility locations. Land Use Transition The intensity of land uses should decrease as one moves away from an activity center. This concept may be referenced specifically to future development along highways and certain County or collector roads, with their high traffic volumes and visibility. With this in mind, it is important that a land use transition take place between the higher intensity business uses and lower intensity residential uses which flank the highway. As a means of maintaining the integrity of the residential neighborhoods, providing a population base for business activity, and providing an alternative housing type, medium and high density residential development should surround business uses. A design concept which may enhance the land use transition ideal is that of residential clustering. The primary advantage of the concept, and the reason it is so suitable for the City, is that it encourages preservation of natural features such as wooded areas, rivers and wetlands, while still allowing efficient and economically advantageous use of land. Annexation The City of Oak Park Heights has almost completely exhausted its supply of vacant land appropriate for residential development. Additionally, the City projects that the available commercial and industrial land will be developed early in the next decade. The City has, for the last 20 years, planned to grow south into Baytown Township and has programmed future utility extensions to accommodate that expansion. Without the addition of portions of Baytown Township, the City will stay nearly as it is today in terms of population will not have the ability to expand its residential, commercial and industrial base. The investment that has already been made in utilities, roadways and community facilities to accommodate this growth will be lost. The Metropolitan Council, in its Regional Blueprint, has projected significant population growth for Oak Park Heights and has determined that portions of Baytown Township, south of Oak Park Heights, should become urbanized. In its Growth Management Strategy Map, the Metropolitan Council has labeled much of what remains as Baytown Township for Urban Reserve. In this area, the Metropolitan Council will consider an expansion of urban boundaries and the sewer service to support that density. The area the City has OAK PARK HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 8 • • programmed for future growth is in the Urban Reserve. A map showing the Growth Management Strategy is found on the following page. Environmental Protection 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 minimize the need for future public investments for clean up or beautification. The purpose of the City's Zoning Ordinance and environmental regulations is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. Through land use planning, the City wishes to establish standards which will ensure that urban development will be compatible with the natural features of the land and that a high level of environmental quality will be maintained. The environmental protection concepts which form the basis of this Comprehensive Plan are as follows: • 1. Encourage quality, environmentally sensitive development throughout the City and growth areas. 2. To the maximum extent possible, screen outdoor storage and unsightly uses which are visible from public rights -of -way, or other properties. • • CONCEPT PLAN Uphold standards in the commercial and industrial districts which require high quality development. 4. Stage development carefully to make effective use of existing public facilities infrastructure. OAK PARK HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 9 °1 2000 MUSA Boundary (as of 1995) A 2040 Urban Reserve Boundary A/ Municipal Boundary Al County Boundary A/ Major Highways * The official 2020 MUSA will be determined by local governments and the Cowncil as pan of the 1997 -9Z Comprehensive Plamiing process. October 10, 1996 Urban (C re Urban Area Illustrative 2020 MUSA* Urban eserve Rural Growth Centers Permanent Agricultural Area Permanent Rural Area It Metropolitan Council Geographic Information Systems OAK PARK HEIGHTS • • 1 1 Growth Management Strategy Policy Areas 0 5 CONCEPT PLAN 10 15 Miles COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK • • CONCEPT PLAN • • CONCEPT PLAN The Comprehensive Plan Update for the City of Oak Park Heights focuses not only on that part of the City within its existing boundaries, but also that area to the south in Baytown Township that comprises the area the City plans to expand. Based upon the goals and policies identified in the preceding section and the basic concepts discussed in this section, a conceptual map has been developed for what is referred to as the Planning Study Area. The map only identifies potential land use and does not indicate transportation or community facility needs necessary to support the uses proposed. Additionally, it does not provide time lines for development of individual parcels in the area. The purpose of this diagram is to initiate a dialogue among City officials, the public and Baytown Township so as to determine the ultimate development within the Planning Study Area. From that concept, the final land use, transportation and community facility plans may be developed. OAK PARK HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 13 IIII 1111111111111111 I•IIIIIIIII! I "I 'o''Po I 1 I 1 i III , r t �� ' 1 r ‘ pono 4vor 1 r ! I n n ii; uiiIuv I 1 ii a Oa 1 II 1■ El iTrIli tilli n - 1u 17 c. i�: i 1.■1 :.w�� 111111121111 �• 111111121111 ■111111121111 111111121111 r os ' • INr/ii g NO III- wit ...m -.., I1" i NEE O in' 114 iTIOA, IS Mr 41 m 11: ►1 IrI = .'•:o =: .: ,„ 1 : i 11111. :. 4 1 1011 11 1 AIN %1111 •1 // , r/11111� i1i io as /ii . ■■ :k 111 4 4 do Id ■ .< el 1111111111111 1111 i 1 11111 } Iii a: i .pmum i l IIIIIIIII Hamm Hamm IIIIIIII :111: :::1111 11111111 '::1111 11111111 nm1 :111 1111111 Illlill 1111111 111111 11111111 111111111111 1111111111111 A1111I111111 11:11111111111 1111111111118 111111111 111111111111111111 111111111111 111111 1 1111111111111111 I111111111111 11101111111 111111111111 111111111111 111111111111 111111111111 11 1111 1111 11 1111 111111111111 11111111111111 IIIIIIIIIIIII 111111111111 111111111111 111111111111 111111111111 • OAT; :i111111111�' ;;1 � e111i11 Ir08111I ��� � \ \, "1 1111 111111'1 l�1I IIll:11ilai NH IR= I !11�1ll I!IIIIIIIIIIIIII 11111ll 111111 111111 1111111111111 II!!:iillll4:i 1111111111 111111111111 iil111111I1111111111 III!:Si!INi!:i IIIIIIII111l :ii 11111111! p iiII1SIIIl11I11111111111111 ' !ill 1 ■ • ®I 1111111111111 W11111u.m 111 111 u) 2 0 N N cu E c >a U O E c c» J O c6 Q om-+ a) 00_ 3 N 0 1 • 1