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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCExSumm WS Comp Plan Discussion 3-19-18 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Planning Commission Work Session: March 19, 2018 AGENDA ITEM: Comprehensive Plan Update AGENDA SECTION: Work Session PREPARED BY: Kyle Klatt, Senior Planner Anthony Nemcek, Planner AGENDA NO. 1 ATTACHMENTS: Resiliency Goals, MRCCA Draft Section, MRCCA Fact Sheet, Rulemaking/Plan Tables, MRCCA Maps: Districts, Bluff Impact Zones, Vegetation Restoration Policies, Native Plant Communities, Wetlands and Floodplains APPROVED BY: K.L. RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required FUTURE LAND USE MAP COMP PLAN DISCUSSION The Planning Commission is being asked to review and discuss the Comprehensive Plan update at a workshop session following its next regular meeting on March 19, 2018. Staff is planning to present an update covering four areas: 1) An overall verbal update concerning the Comprehensive Plan and a progress report concerning the various plan elements. 2) An initial list of goals and objectives for the Resiliency section of the plan. 3) The Mississippi River Critical Area Plan (MRCCA). Staff has attached a very early (an incomplete) draft of this section of the Plan, which must be completed and submitted along with the other plan elements. Also attached is some information concerning the MRCCA planning process along with maps prepared by the Met Council for this area. 4) A discussion concerning short-term updates to the 2030 based on recent developed inquiries and potential future projects. RECOMMENDATION Staff is looking for input from the Commissioners concerning the updates listed above. Because the meeting is a work session, no action is required. This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan addresses the ability of Rosemount to withstand disruptions created not only by our changing climate but also due to shifting demographics, economic volatility, and impacts to the reliability of the community’s energy grid. A resilient community has strategies in place to respond, adapt, and thrive under changing conditions. Since the 2008 Comprehensive Plan update, the City has moved forward with a number of recommended implementation strategies. The City has promoted the development of clean industry by approving a community solar garden and also helped support site selectors in identifying locations that would be ideal for light industrial or data center developments. The City updated the Zoning Ordinance to allow for alternative energy development such as solar power and combined heat and power plants. Finally, the City Council convened an environmental and sustainability task force that, while not a formal advisory commission, works with City staff to develop policies and ordinances to enhance the City’s environment and natural resources. Several programs exist to help communities benchmark the efforts they have made toward for local sustainability, and Rosemount has been a part of three such programs. One initiative is the STAR Community Rating System (STAR). This framework and certification program encompasses economic, environmental, and social performance measures. Rosemount joined the STAR network as a leadership community in January 2014. On March 9, 2015, the City became a 3-STAR Community. The STAR Framework is divided into eight areas with goals, objectives, and evaluation measures included in each area. Rosemount scored the highest in Health and Safety in large part due to the development of the Active Living Plan included in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The City also scored strongly in the area of the Built Environment. Rosemount earned points due to the water and wastewater systems in the City as well as efforts to provide a mix of densities in residential development. In addition to the STAR Communities Program, the City of Rosemount also participates in the GreenStep Cities, a program of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of- life goals. GreenStep is a free continuous improvement programs based upon 29 best practices that are divided into 5 different areas. In 2011, the Rosemount City Council passed a resolution to authorize the City to participate in this program, and Rosemount gained STEP 2 status in June, 2012. The City scored strongly on the benchmarks related to Land Use and Environmental Management. A total of 9 best practices have been adopted. To reach STEP 3, the City must adopt a total of 16 best practices. Finally, the City received a grant from the University of Minnesota to participate in the U’s Resilient Communities Program. This program allows communities to benefit from a partnership with graduate, professional, and advanced undergrad students. City staff and relevant stakeholders from the community worked closely with University of Minnesota faculty and students to provide local knowledge and deeper insight into the issues to ensure projects were not only innovative but also relevant to the community. Building on the previous plan, the concept of a resilient community addresses environmental concerns as well as the ability for a community address and plan for shifts in social and economic patterns. This resiliency plan is comprised of 4 components: infrastructure and environment, energy infrastructure and resources, healthy communities, and economy and society. Infrastructure and Environment Stormwater/Wastewater 1. Continue developing stormwater capacity requirements that accommodate more frequent and intense storms. 2. Incorporate planning for municipal services to all lots in areas currently served by private well and septic system. 3. Explore effluent reuse opportunities in partnership with the Metropolitan Council for future Business Park development. Road Infrastructure 1. Follow a complete streets approach and critically evaluate anticipated traffic volumes to avoid overbuilding roadways. 2. Investigate opportunities to reduce the use of salt and sand on city roads during winter months. Natural Resources 1. Preserve, protect and restore the natural environment with emphasis on the conservation of needed and useful natural resources for the present and future benefit of the community. 2. Utilize natural resource areas to provide an overall open space system that satisfies the needs of the community and its residents. 3. Create a livable community where future development respects and integrates the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the community while maintaining or enhancing the economic opportunities and community well-being. 4. Moderate City-wide water consumption to promote aquifer recharge. Energy Infrastructure Renewable Energy 1. Look for opportunities to remove barriers and increase renewable energy use in order to strengthen and diversify the energy grid and mitigate climate related impacts. 2. Continue monitoring solar garden subscriptions and City power use to identify ways to support emerging technology. Energy Efficiency and Conservation 1. Share and promote opportunities and resources with residents to increase City-wide energy efficiency and renewable energy use. 2. Identify ways to modify City ordinances to encourage developments that are consistent with LEED standards, including LEED Neighborhood Development standards. 3. Investigate potential ways to incorporate green building standards into the project review and approval process. 4. Continue partnering with other public entities, utility companies, and the private sector to maximize energy efficiencies. Healthy Communities 1. Continue partnering with Dakota County and other organizations to support Pedestrian- Oriented Transportation Facilities and Services such as: Active Living Land Use Planning, Safe Routes to School, and Farmers’ Markets. 2. Evaluate existing ordinances to assess alignment with City development goals. 3. Promote city cohesion through community-wide events and celebrations and welcome new residents into the community. Economy and Society 1. Support a diverse tax base that is less vulnerable to fluctuations in property values and development cycles. 2. Work with large landholders to entice Business Park development that will increase the City’s tax base and provide residents jobs. 3. Diversify tax base so there is not over-reliance on any one property owner. Commercial Resilience 1. Encourage building materials that feature durability and meet City standards for maintenance. 2. Allow for commercial developments that reflect changing retail trends that are site sensitive and serve local neighborhoods. Housing and Jobs 1. Encourage life cycle housing to enable residents to age in place. 2. Plan for medium and high density housing types throughout the community to provide opportunities for market-driven housing. 3. Partner with Metropolitan organizations to provide affordable housing opportunities for community residents. 4. Support the creation of jobs that support the heads of households with living wages. Rosemount 2040 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A – MRCCA DRAFT 3/19/18 A-1 APPENDIX A: MRCCA INTRODUCTION This Mississippi River Critical Area Plan has been prepared to preserve and manage the environmental, scenic and economic values afforded the City of Rosemount by the Mississippi River. The city’s policy is to incorporate these values into the Comprehensive Plan. The Critical Area within the City of Rosemount is located east of Highway 52 and north of Highway 55. HISTORY AND OVERVIEW Designated by Governor’s Executive Order in the 1970s, the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) is a land corridor along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area governed by special land planning requirements and land development regulations. These regulations, which are implemented through local MRCCA plans and ordinances, protect and preserve the natural, scenic, recreational, and transportation resources of this section of the Mississippi River. The MRCCA comprises 72 miles of river and 54,000 acres of surrounding land in 30 local jurisdictions. Critical Area Act – Tier I The Critical Areas Act passed by the 1973 Minnesota Legislature provided a process for planning and managing an area of recreational and statewide public interest. A 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River and adjoining lands, which includes part of Rosemount, was designated a Critical Area by the Governor of Minnesota in 1976. This Critical Area was established to preserve and enhance the natural environment by providing guidelines for development along the River. Under provisions of this Act, the designation was made permanent by the Metropolitan Council in 1979. Local governments and state and regional agencies are required to implement their plans and regulations consistent with standards for the river corridor in Executive Order 79-19. The Critical Area requirements are referred to as Tier I standards. Rosemount adopted a Critical Area Plan and Ordinances to meet the Tier I requirements of the Mississippi River Critical Area in 1980. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) – Tier II In 1988, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) was created and became part of the National Park System (Public Law 100-696). MNRRA was established with a number of goals that were adopted as part of the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan update. In the mid 1990’s the Governor transferred administrative responsibility for the MRCCA from the Environmental Quality Board to the DNR, which was later tasked with preparing a report concerning the status of the MRCCA to respond to concerns around the adequacy of the program. The report was completed in 2008 and identified several approaches to accomplish the preservation and protection goals developed by the State Legislature. Rosemount 2040 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A – MRCCA DRAFT 3/19/18 A-2 Rules Update 2009 - Present In 2009, the State Legislature amended MN Statutes 116G.15 and directed the DNR to establish rules for the MRCCA, and revised the legislation again in 2013 and directed the DNR to resume rulemaking at that time. The new rulemaking effort commenced in 2013, and after a public review process prepared a final draft of the MRCCA rules in later 2014. Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6106, became effective on January 4, 2017 and describe the land planning and regulatory framework that protects the MRCCA’s resources. The rules replace Executive Order 79-19, which previously governed land use in the MRCCA. The rules require local governments to update their MRCCA plans (a chapter of the local comprehensive plan) and MRCCA ordinances for consistency with the rules. The MRCCA contains many significant natural and cultural resources, including: scenic views, water, navigational capabilities, geology and soils, vegetation, minerals, flora and fauna, cultural and historic resources and land and waterbased recreational resources. The MRCCA is home to a full range of residential neighborhoods and parks, as well as river-related commerce, industry, and transportation. Though the river corridor has been extensively developed, many intact and remnant natural areas remain, including bluffs, islands, floodplains, wetlands, riparian zones, and native aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. The MRCCA also shares the same border as the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (MNRRA), a unit of the National Park Service. This Mississippi River Corridor Plan has been prepared to ensure that responsible development occurs in the MNRRA area and to recognize the Mississippi River as an integral part of the City. Working with adjacent communities and other organizations, Rosemount hopes to protect the scenic and natural resources and enhance the recreational opportunities within the Mississippi River Corridor. The City also supports the continued use of the River Corridor for industrial uses. Map of MRCCA in Rosemount Public Input Process Accomplishment of goals since last MRCCA Plan DISTRICTS MRCCA DISTRICTS Rural and Open Space District (CA-ROS) • Description: The rural and open space district (CA-ROS) is characterized by rural and low- density development patterns and land uses, and includes land that is riparian or visible from the river, as well as large, undeveloped tracts of high ecological and scenic value, floodplain, and undeveloped islands. Many primary conservation areas exist in the district. • Management Purpose: The CA-ROS district must be managed to sustain and restore the rural and natural character of the corridor and to protect and enhance habitat, parks and open space, public river corridor views, and scenic, natural, and historic areas. Rosemount 2040 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A – MRCCA DRAFT 3/19/18 A-3 Separated From River District (CA-SR) • Description: The separated from river district (CA-SR) is characterized by its physical and visual distance from the Mississippi River. The district includes land separated from the river by distance, topography, development, or a transportation corridor. The land in this district is not readily visible from the Mississippi River. • Management Purpose: The CA-SR district provides flexibility in managing development without negatively affecting the key resources and features of the river corridor. Minimizing negative impacts to primary conservation areas and minimizing erosion and flow of untreated storm water into the Mississippi River are priorities in the district. Urban Mixed District (CA-UM) • Description: The urban mixed district (CA-UM) includes large areas of highly urbanized mixed use that are a part of the urban fabric of the river corridor, including institutional, commercial, industrial, and residential areas and parks and open space. • Management Purpose: The CA-UM district must be managed in a manner that allows for future growth and potential transition of intensely developed areas that does not negatively affect public river corridor views and that protects bluffs and floodplains. Restoring and enhancing bluff and shoreline habitat, minimizing erosion and flow of untreated storm water into the river, and providing public access to and public views of the river are priorities in the district. DISTRICT MAP PRIMARY CONSERVATION AREAS GENERAL OVERVIEW Shore Impact Zone Floodplains and Wetlands Natural Drainage Ways Bluff and Bluff Impact Zones Native Plant Communities and Significant Existing Vegetative Stands Cultural and Historic Properties Unstable Soils and Bedrock PUBLIC RIVER CORRIDOR VIEWS GENERAL OVERVIEW Rosemount 2040 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A – MRCCA DRAFT 3/19/18 A-4 Views Toward River from Public Places Views Toward Bluffs from River Other Important Views RESTORATION PRIORITIES Description of Priority Areas Map(s) Restoration Policies • Protect native and existing vegetation during the development process, and require restoration if any is removed by development. Priorities for restoration shall include stabilization of erodible soils, riparian buffers and bluffs or steep slopes visible from the river. • Seek opportunities to restore vegetation to protect and enhance PRCVs identified in this plan. • Seek opportunities to restore vegetation in restoration priority areas identified in this plan through the CUP, variance, vegetation permit and subdivision/PUD processes. • Sustain and enhance ecological functions (habitat value) during vegetation restorations. • Evaluate proposed development sites for erosion prevention and bank and slope stabilization issues and require restoration as part of the development process. MRCCA USES SURFACE WATER USES WATER-ORIENTED USES OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRITICAL AREA CORRIDOR KEY ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Rosemount 2040 Comprehensive Plan Appendix A – MRCCA DRAFT 3/19/18 A-5 POLICIES IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS Ordinance Updates MRCCA Ordinance Administration Education and Outreach Capital Improvements Land Acquisition Specific Planning Efforts, Projects, and Other Initiatives MRCCA LOCAL PLANNING HANDBOOK PLANNING TO PROTECT THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER CORRIDOR CRITICAL AREA What is the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area? Designated by Governor’s Executive Order in the 1970s, the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) is a land corridor along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area governed by special land planning requirements and land development regulations. These regulations, which are implemented through local MRCCA plans and ordinances, protect and preserve the natural, scenic, recreational, and transportation resources of this section of the Mississippi River. The MRCCA comprises 72 miles of river and 54,000 acres of surrounding land in 30 local jurisdictions. New Rules Minnesota Rules, chapter 6106, lay out the land planning and regulatory framework that protects the MRCCA’s resources. These rules became effective on January 4, 2017, and replace Executive Order 79-19, which previously governed land use in the MRCCA. The rules require local governments to update their MRCCA plans (a chapter of the local comprehensive plan) and MRCCA ordinances for consistency with the rules. The DNR’s MRCCA Program webpage has additional information about the new MRCCA rules, district maps, and FAQs about the program. Local Government Plan and Ordinance Updates The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency with overall responsibility for administering the MRCCA rules. However, the Metropolitan Council plays a key role in ensuring that MRCCA plans are updated on the same schedule as, and incorporated into, the local comprehensive plans as a separate MRCCA chapter. The DNR and the Metropolitan Council coordinate review and approval of local government MRCCA plans for consistency with the planning requirements in Minn. Rules 6106. Please see the Critical Area section of the Local Planning Handbook for guidance, tools, and resources for developing plans that meet the minimum requirements. Under the notification schedule developed by the DNR and Metropolitan Council, local governments must submit their updated MRCCA plans to the Metropolitan Council and the DNR by December 30, 2018 - the same time that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update is due to the Metropolitan Council. Once a local MRCCA plan has been updated, the DNR will notify each local government to update their MRCCA zoning ordinance. Once notified, each local government will have 12 months to update their zoning ordinances. The DNR anticipates that it will notify all affected local governments to update their zoning ordinances between 2019 and 2021. Continue to next page The MRCCA contains many sensitive features that are not always suitable for intensive development. Bluff setbacks and vegetation requirements help prevent erosion and protect the integrity of natural systems. Metropolitan Council 390 Robert Street North Saint Paul, MN 55101 metrocouncil.org Main: 651.602.1000 TTY: 651.291.0904 Public Information: 651.602.1500 public.info@metc.state.mn.us LOCAL PLANNING HANDBOOK July 2017 Why is the MRCCA Important? The MRCCA contains many significant natural and cultural resources, including: scenic views, water, navigational capabilities, geology and soils, vegetation, minerals, flora and fauna, cultural and historic resources and land and water- based recreational resources. The MRCCA is home to a full range of residential neighborhoods and parks, as well as river-related commerce, industry, and transportation. Though the river corridor has been extensively developed, many intact and remnant natural areas remain, including bluffs, islands, floodplains, wetlands, riparian zones, and native aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. The MRCCA also shares the same border as the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (MNRRA), a unit of the National Park Service. MRCCA History The MRCCA was designated in 1976 by Executive Order following passage of the Minnesota Critical Areas Act of 1973. The Critical Areas Act (Minn. Stat., §116G) provides a general regulatory framework for protecting specific areas of the state that possess important historic, cultural, or aesthetic values or natural systems through a defined local-regional planning and regulation process. The MRCCA was the first and remains the only critical area in the state. The MRCCA protects these resources through local governments’ land use plans and zoning ordinances that regulate structure placement, height, vegetation clearing, land alteration, and subdivision of land. Following is a timeline of key milestones in the MRCCA. 1973 Minnesota passes Critical Areas Act of 1973 (MN Statutes, Chapter 116G) EQB adopts rules to implement Act (MN Rules, parts 4410.8100 – 4410.9910) 1976 Mississippi River and adjacent corridor designated a state critical area by Governor Wendell Anderson (Executive Order No. 130) 1979 Designation continued by Governor Albert Quie (Executive Order 79-19) Metropolitan Council acts to make designation permanent (Resolution 79-48) 1988 Mississippi National River and Recreational Area (MNRRA) established by Congress as unit of NPS (MNRRA shares same boundary as Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area) 1991 MNRRA designated a state critical area per Critical Areas Act (MN Statutes, section 116G.15) 1995 Responsibility shifts from EQB to DNR by Governor Arne Carlson (Reorganization Order 170) 2007 Legislature directs DNR to prepare report on the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (Completed January 2008) 2009 Legislature amends MN Statutes, section 116G.15 and directs DNR to conduct rulemaking for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MN Laws 2009, Chapter 172, Article 2, Section 5.e.) 2011 DNR develops draft rule after participatory stakeholder process, but rulemaking authority lapses 2013 Legislature directs DNR to resume rulemaking process in consultation with local governments 2017 Rules become effective January 4. Content prepared by: Plan Element Executive Orders RulesDistrictsFour districts Six districtsConservation AreasFloodplains, wetlands, slopes, bluffs, unsuitable soils, significantvegetation stands, natural drainage routesSame, plus: shore impact zones, gorges, areas of confluence, unstable bedrock, native plant communities, cultural & historic properties, tree canopiesScenic ViewsAesthetic quality Public River Corridor Views & other scenic viewsRestoration PrioritiesNone Identify priorities for Veg restoration, erosion prevention, bank/slope stabilizationProvision of Sewer ServiceCoordinate development NoneSurface Water UseMinimize conflicts with land usesProvide for barge fleetingSameCom’l & Ind Water‐orientedConsider/provide for such uses SameOpen SpaceMaximize creation of open and recreational spaceID public access & trailsEncourage creation of open and recreational spaceSameTransportation & PublicUtilityLimit impacts Same Plan Element Ordinance ImplicationsDistricts•Structure setbacks (OWHL, Bluff)•Structure height•Open space set aside percentagePrimary Conservation Areas (PCAs)•Included in definitions section •Variance and CUP (impacts, mitigation)•Permit submittals must show/describe PCAs•Incentives for alternative design methods that protect PCAs•Open space set asides (percentages)Public River Corridor Views (PRCVs)•Included in definitions section•Variance and CUP (impacts, mitigation)•Permit submittals must show/describe PRCVs•Wireless towers minimize impacts•Structure design/placement in RTC, UM, UC districts minimize impacts•CUP for taller buildings must consider PRCV enhancement•Trails, viewing areas, signs & kiosks minimize impacts•Vegetation permits  for clearing minimize impactsRestoration Priorities•Vegetation clearing permits – conditions for restoration 4242 52 52 52 55 55 Coates CottageGrove Eagan Farmington InverGroveHeights Rosemount VermillionTwp. EmpireTwp. Grey CloudIsland Twp. County Boundaries City and Township Boundaries NCompass Street Centerlines Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Districts 0 1 2 3 4 5 60.5 Miles MRCCA Boundary MRCCA Districts CA -RN (River Neighborhoods) CA -ROS (Rural and Open Space) CA -RTC (River Towns and Crossings) CA -SR (Separated from River) CA -UC (Urban Core) CA -UM (Urban Mixed) Water City of Rosemount, Dakota County 4242 52 52 52 55 55 Coates CottageGrove Eagan Farmington InverGroveHeights Rosemount VermillionTwp. EmpireTwp. Grey CloudIsland Twp. Miss is sip p iR ive r County Boundaries City and Township Boundaries NCompass Street Centerlines Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area - Bluff Impact Zones 0 1 2 3 4 5 60.5 Miles City of Rosemount, Dakota County MRCCA Boundary MRCCA Bluff Impact Zones(Bluffs and land within 20 feet of bluffs) 4242 52 52 52 55 55 Coates CottageGrove Eagan Farmington InverGroveHeights Rosemount VermillionTwp. EmpireTwp. Grey CloudIsland Twp. County Boundaries City and Township Boundaries NCompass Street Centerlines Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area - Vegetation Restoration Priorities 0 1 2 3 40.5 Miles City of Rosemount, Dakota County MRCCA Boundary DNR Native Plant Communities &Significant Existing Vegetative Stands Vegetation Restoration Priorities(Bulff and shore impact zones, floodplainsand wetlands not already covered bynative plant communities and significantexisting vegetative stands) 4242 52 52 52 55 55 Coates CottageGrove Eagan Farmington InverGroveHeights Rosemount VermillionTwp. EmpireTwp. Grey CloudIsland Twp. Miss is sip p iR ive r County Boundaries City and Township Boundaries NCompass Street Centerlines Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area - Native Plant Communities andSignificant Existing Vegetative Stands 0 1 2 3 4 5 60.5 Miles City of Rosemount, Dakota County MRCCA Boundary DNR Native Plant Communities MRCCA Significant Existing Vegetative Stands 4242 52 52 52 55 55 Coates CottageGrove Eagan Farmington InverGroveHeights Rosemount VermillionTwp. EmpireTwp. Grey CloudIsland Twp. Miss is sip p iR ive r County Boundaries City and Township Boundaries NCompass Street Centerlines Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area - Wetlands & Floodplains 0 1 2 3 4 50.5 Miles City of Rosemount, Dakota County MRCCA Boundary NWI Wetlands 100 Year Floodplain