01-13-2014 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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I WHEREAS, the subject property has, for many years, been zoned "RR-1B", a zoning district that allows golf courses, but is predominantly used for rural residential purposes. The purpose of the "RR-1B" zoning district reads as follows: "The RR-1B one-family rural residential district is intended to provide a district which will allow a combination of low-density residential development and limited agricultural activity."; and WHEREAS, Single family homes on 2 acre lots are permitted uses in the RR-1B District, while golf courses are allowed as conditional uses; and WHEREAS, the owners of the property have provided evidence that it is no longer economically feasible for them to continue operation of the golf course; and WHEREAS, the CMP envisions that development, where it occurs in the rural (non-MUSA) area, such as the subject property, will reflect the rural densities predominant in the neighborhood; and WHEREAS, the land use patterns to the north and south are rural residential in character, with privately sewered lots of generally 1.5 - 3 acres, sometimes more. To the southeast of the subject property is an area of publicly sewered property and parcels commonly of less than one acre in size. To the west of the site is the City of Minnetrista, with rural residential use at densities similar to those in Orono's jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, the proposed development of the subject property under the Rural Residential land use would be consistent with the surrounding patterns of land use ; and WHEREAS, drinking and irrigation water is currently provided to the golf course use, including extensive turf irrigation water, through private well. Under the proposed development, water would continue to be provided via private well, and may (but would not be required to) include provision of public water supply from the City of Minnetrista; and WHEREAS, storm water currently exits the property through a series of drainage swales, culverts, and an existing pond. Upon development, the City will require compliance with more contemporary stormwater management requirements, expected to improve both rate and quality of runoff from the property to adjoining lands and waterways. The City will be an active partner with the Watershed District in review and management of stormwater treatment; and WHEREAS, traffic from the current golf course use is limited to access onto North Arm Drive. Upon development under the Rural Residential category, traffic of similar Page 2 of 4