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RS SEASONAL RECREATIONAL DISTRICT <br />Sec. 78-561. Purpose. <br />The RS seasonal recreational district is intended to provide a district which will allow a <br />low-density seasonal form of residential development or recreational activity on the three <br />Lake Minnetonka islands within the city. Big Island, Mahpiyata Island and Deering <br />Island are totally surrounded by water. Special problems exist because of their isolated <br />location and because there is no direct access by land or bridge. Transportation is <br />difficult, dangerous and slow, especially in fall or spring when the ice is forming or <br />melting. Engineering, financial, administrative and practical difficulties prevent servicing <br />the islands with sewer or water utilities, garbage collection, or complete police, fire, <br />medical emergency or other municipal services. The islands have historically been used <br />for summer cabins, camping spots, temporary boat landings and a disabled veterans' <br />summer camp. As long as this usage remains minimal, public health and safety is <br />reasonably maintained. But development forecasts indicate increasing pressures for more <br />intensive usage that could easily exceed the city's public service capabilities. For these <br />reasons, the city's comprehensive plans have long-established policies encouraging <br />eventual public ownership of the islands as recreational resources for general lake users. <br />In addition, limited private seasonal recreational use would be allowed to continue <br />indefinitely, subject to strict conformance with special health and safety standards. The <br />RS district is established to implement these special planning policies. <br />(Code 1984, § 10.31(1)) <br />Sec. 78-562. Future amendments. <br />The RS district regulations represent an innovative attempt to solve the unique problems <br />relating to historic use and previously platted substandard lots on the islands while at the <br />same time assuring the property owners of continued reasonable use of their property. It <br />may be found by subsequent city councils that this division was not restrictive enough to <br />protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and that new development potential <br />granted to property owners by this division may have to be modified. Therefore, no new <br />development rights granted by this division shall be deemed to be vested property rights <br />but shall remain subject to future modification by the city. <br />(Code 1984, § 10.31(19))