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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNo 876 An Ordinance for the Purpose of Protecting the Planning Process, for Protecting the Health, Safety and Welfare of the Citizens of Mapelwood and for Developing Land Use and Zoning Standards and Land Use Planning for the Area South of Carver Avenue ORDINANCE NO. 876 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROTECTING THE PLANNING PROCESS, FOR PROTECTING THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE CITIZENS OF MAPLEWOOD AND FOR DEVELOPING LAND USE AND ZONING STANDARDS AND LAND USE PLANNING FOR THE AREA SOUTH OF CARVER AVENUE IN MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA The area under consideration in this ordinance (hereinafter referred to as the “South Maplewood Study Area”) includes all the land south of Carver Avenue in Maplewood (refer to the South Maplewood Study Area map for the location) that the city has zoned F (farm residence) and R-1(R) (rural residential). The Maplewood City Council ordains: SECTION 1. PURPOSE 1.01 The City of Maplewood is currently conducting a study that includes land use, zoning and planning components for the area south of Carver Avenue. 1.02 The objective of the study is to review existing and planned land uses and zoning designations and the existing natural and constructed features in the south Maplewood study area, including a review of the diversity of housing options within Maplewood because of the zoning. From this information, the city may make changes to the comprehensive plan, the zoning ordinance or the land use plan in the area to create better-planned and constructed developments and neighborhoods. 1.03 In addition to the study, the city may need to revise the city’s zoning ordinance, zoning map, land use map and comprehensive plan because of the following issues: - Land use -Minimum lot sizes -Public utility availability (including sewer and water and the costs and impact on the area) - Building setbacks -Open space connectivity -Existing city and county public land uses -Parks and trails connections -Mississippi River Critical Area considerations -Mississippi National River and Recreational Area (MNRRA) considerations, including those of neighboring communities -Metropolitan Council Requirements and Land Planning Guide Book (including, but not limited to, the strategies for protecting special resources including solar access, wind energy access, the urban service area and historic preservation). -Pedestrian flow and safety - Parking -Historical features and the objectives listed in the Maplewood Comprehensive Plan - Topography - Wetlands, ponding and other water features - Storm-water systems and management requirements - Housing density - The percentage of R-1 (R) acreage to other land use acreage for residential purposes in Maplewood -The percentage of R-1(R) housing potential in relation to other designations for housing opportunities in Maplewood, i.e. single dwelling, 40,000 square foot lots versus 10,000 square foot lots, R-1, R-1(S), mid-density, high density to provide a comprehensive list of the housing options in Maplewood. -The financial impacts of development on the city -Street patterns and traffic flows -Ramsey/Washington Metro Watershed District considerations and requirements -MnDOT Highway and Traffic Plans for the area, including traffic and public safety -Preservation of housing and life-style options 1.04 There is a need for the city to do these studies so that the city staff and the city council will have current and relevant information before considering or making any changes to the city’s comprehensive plan and to the city’s zoning ordinance, zoning map and land use map for the area south of Carver Avenue. SECTION 2. DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT STUDY; MORATORIUM 2.01 The city council authorizes the city staff to do this study. City staff shall coordinate this study with the planning commission, the environmental and natural resources commission, the historical preservation commission, other government agencies, property owners, interested citizens, the city council and any other entities that may provide input to the study. 2.02 Upon completion of the study, city staff will present the study and its results to the planning commission for their review and recommendation to the city council. 2.03 A moratorium on development in the south Maplewood Study Area is adopted pending completion of the study and/or the adoption of any amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance, zoning map, land use map or comprehensive plan as the city deems necessary because of the study. The city will not approve any new development, subdivision or building permit for a new building, except for those parcels that are two acres in size or smaller and now of record, during the moratorium period. Maplewood may issue building permits for the expansion or remodeling of existing structures, for accessory structures or for one new principal structure on an existing lot of record where the owner does not subdivide the property. SECTION 3. TERM 3.01 The term of ordinance shall be for one year or until the city council adopts amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance, zoning map, land use map or comprehensive plan as the city deems necessary because of the study or the city council takes any action that directly affects the study or the ordinance. SECTION 4. VARIANCES 4.01 The city council, at their discretion, may grant variances from this ordinance based upon a determination that a proposed subdivision or development would be compatible with proposed land use and zoning, and that such proposals would keep with the spirit and intent of this ordinance. The procedures to be followed in applying for a variance from this ordinance shall be in accordance with state law on findings for variances and shall include the following: a. The applicant shall file a completed application form, together with required exhibits, to the Community Development Department. b. The application for a variance shall set forth special circumstances or conditions that the applicant alleges to exist and shall demonstrate that the proposed subdivision or development is compatible with existing or proposed land use and zoning. c. The city will submit the application to the planning commission for their review and recommendation to the city council. d. The city council may set, at its discretion, a public hearing before making a final determination on the requested variance. e. The city council may impose such restrictions upon the proposed subdivision or development as may be necessary to meet the purpose and intent of this ordinance. Passed by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota on November 13, 2006.