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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-1999 Council Work SessionORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 7:40 A.M., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4,1999 ORONO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 2780 KELLEY PARKWAY, ORONO, MINNESOTA AGENDA 1 .Review of the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan Update 2.Other To:Mayor, Council and Planning Commission Ron Moorse, City Administrator From:Mike Gaffron, Senior Planning Coordinator Date:November 2, 1 999 Subject:COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORK SESSION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 4,7:30 A.M. Council Chambers Attachments: 1. 2. 3. 4. Recap of Sept. 23 Work Session Updated DRAFT Table of Contents/Outline Updated detailed Table of Contents for Part 3(B): General Land Use Plan DRAFT Part 3(B): General Land Use Plan The primary ’ topic for discussion on November 4 is Part 3(B), the General Land Use Plan. As before, the draft of this section uses our 1980 CMP as a base document; new language to be added is underlined, old language to be deleted is stricken. The key sections for review arc pages 3B-23 thru 3B-35, regarding changes in the land use plan for various residential and commercial districts; and 3B-41 thru 3B-44, regarding policies for Big Island. 1 Parts 3rAV F.nvironmental Protection Plan and 3(OHousing Plan should be ready for draft review in 2 weeks, as will Part 4(0:Sewer. 1 Please call me if you have any questions! Discussion Notes: September 23, 1999 Council/PC Comp Plan Work Session Attendance: Staff: MPG/Gappa/Weinberger/Bottenburg Counei 1: Jabbour/Kelley/Flint/Peterson/Sansevere PC: Hawn/Smitli/Stoddard/I^indquist/Kluth/Nygard Re: Park Plan - Need to revise plan to reflect that we are not continuing the concept that our backyards are our parks...follow the definitions of active/passive/etc. per the Park Commision plan as recently revised...Council took this definite re-direction a few years ago, need to be reflected in CMP update Re: City vision for Big Island ...review how our plan matches or conflicts with LMCD plan...note that 1 lenn Parks board is split 50/50 on whether they should give their Big Island land to City Re: Housing Alternatives: Need to proactively indicate we are looking at housing alternatives, especially in the area of senior housing and assisted living Re: Density...need to avoid talking numbers where possible, talk about concepts, goals and policies ...discuss how’ density impacts School Districts' forecasting Re: City environmental philosophy...concentrate more on how what we are doing is benefiting the region and downstream Cities, not just benefiting Orono residents... Re: Consolidation prospects...discuss the relationship between Orono and Long Lake, how we are choosing to not compete with them but being complementary, in sharing of services, each providing amenities the other lacks, etc. Re: "Presentation" : We should add pictures and photos to the document whc.’e they will assist in getting our point across Re: Highway 12: need to discuss stormwater consequences of the bypass...need to document the history of the bypass (much in the same way we documented the need and planning for the Ring Route 20 years ago)...note that Met Council supported us on opposing an entrance/exit ramp in mid-bypass...'*' this an inkling that they accept the 'leapfrogging' of development past Orono?! Re: Met Council acceptance of our Philosophy: Need to identify and perhaps meet with key people who w ill review and approve the plan, bring them out and show them what Orono really is all about...we need to dispel any perception that we are using 'environment protection' as a ploy to maintain e.xclusivity Re: Commitment and integrity: W'c need to define our goals clearly in certain areas where they are weak, so that implementation of them through codes and variance/CUP/subdivision processes can be consistent and reasonable...our practices need to reflect our commitment Re: Line items: -Check out whether 25-year flushout is correct-somebody heard/read 100 years... -Miscellaneous typos and specific wording to revise in Parts 1 and II Ne.xt meeting: Dick/Barb Gabriel gone Oct. 7 - need to change to October 14;Dick gone 9-28 thru 10-10 1 Part 1. Part 2. Parts. Part 4. Orono 1999 Comprehensive Plan Draft Table of Contents / Outline October 1999 Introduction Purpose - Title - Scope - Overview - Plan Organization Basis for Plan A. Community History Community Profile Community Philosophy General Goals and Policies The Urban Area The Rural Area Comprehensive Hanning Strategy B. C. D. Land Use ^ A. Environmental Protection Plan The Na»^ural Setting Surface Water Management Plan (Stormwater Management,Wetland Preservation) Shoreland Management Tree Preservation Oualit\ of Life Preservation *** TO B.Genet al Land Use Plan Basic Land Use Concepts and Principles Land Use Goals and Policies The Land Use Plan Sr 9% (Residential Areas; Commercial/Industrial Areas; Areas Proposed i Tor nevelopmgtiLStapinpl _______ / c. D. E. Housing Plan Basic Housing Concepts and Principles Summary of Existing Housing Statistics Metropolitan Livable Communities Housing Improvement Gcals and Policies Housing Improvement Plan Historic Site Preservation Plan Solar Access Protection Plan ro ee Public Facilities & Sen ices A. Transportation Basic Transportation Concepts and Principles Land Use Impact on Transportation Traffic N^olume Forecasts Highways and Streets (Urban: Rural) Right-of-W^ay Preservation and Access Management The County Road 15 Corridor The Hishwav 12 Corridor The Ring Route Concept Transit and Transit Corridors Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Street Maintenance Progiam B. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. C. D. E. F. /VI Aviation General Airspace Protection Aviation Support Facilities Seaplane Lakes Heliports Sewer Basic Sewage Treatment Concepts and Principles Urban Sewage Treatirent Policy Plan Rural Sewage Treatment Policy Plan ISTS Mr-nagement Program Projections/Forecasts and Planned Land Use Existing Sewer Facilities Projected Sewer Facilities Infiltration/lnflow Management Water Supply (Incorporate Existing Plan, Update as Necessary) Water Supply Description and Evaluation Emergency Planning Water Conservation Plan Metro Area Impacts Parks and Open Space Inventory of Existing Local and Regional Facilities Needs Analysis Capital Improvement Program Land Use and Open Space Preservation Public Services Public Safety Services Public Education Government Agencies and Services Private Owned Utilities and Services (Natural Gas; Electrical Service; Telephone; Wireless Communications; Cable Television; Management of Utility Conduits; Sanitation) City Owned Land and Facilities City' Administration Implementation A. Comprehensive Plan B. Ordinances and Controls Philosophy on Variances C. Capital Improvement Plan Intergovernmental Coordination Inventory St B ckground Data A.Natural Features D.Housing B.Population and Growth E.Sewers C.l.and Use F.Roads and Utilities Appendices Index (Index to Maps; Index to Figures and Tables; Topic Index) Bibliography Documents 1 Part 3fB^; General Land Use Plan - DRAFT Table of Contcnta Subheading Page B. General Land Use Plan................................................................3B-1 1. Introduction.....................................................................3B-1 2. Scope..............................................................................3B-3 3. Basic Land Use Concepts and Principles...........................3B-4 Table _-Population Projections (DONE) 4. Land Use Goals and Policies............................................3B-14 Land Use Goals General Land Use Policies Urban Land Use Policies Rural Land Use Policies 5. The Land Use Plan...........................................................3B-23 Figure _- Urban/Rural Boundaries (__DSU_) Figure _ - Land Use Plan 2000-2020 (_DSU_J Figure _- Existing Parcel Sizes (_DSU _) Table _- Developable Land Analysis, August 1999 (________) Figure _Remaining Developable Land ( DSU __} Urban Land Use....................................................3B-26 Residential Land Use Areas Proposed For Change Home Occupation Goals and Policies Commercial Land Use Navarre Highway 12 Lakeshore Commercial Land Use Industrial Land Use Educational Land Use Recreational Land Use Rural Land Use.....................................................3B-36 Residential Land Use Agricultural Land Use Educational Land Use Recreational Land U'-- Lake Minnetonka Islands.......................................3B-41 CHAPTER 4 PART 3(B^ LAND USE PLAN INTRODUCTION This Land Use Plan is a refinement and restatement of the ongoing planning practices of Orono citizens. It respects and maintains the historic development patterns of the City. It continues the basic land use concepts developed by Orono Towiiship in 1950 and it conforms to the goals established by the first organized comprehensive planning attempts in the mid 1960's. This Plarris an updated ver sion of the The 1974 Orono Village Comprehensive Guide Plan as approved by the Metropolitan Council on November 7, 1974, was updated in 1980. This plan is an updated version of the 1980 Orono Community Management Plan which was approved bv the Metroplitan Council on September 10. 1981. This Plan is prepared and presented for the following purposes: 1.The Land Use Plan is intended to be a management tool for City officials, City staff and other parties involved in land development and growth management in Orono. Land use planning is the most directly tangible evidence of a community’s comprehensive planning objectives. Orono's land use plan indicates the basic location, density and ty pe of land uses in the city that are considered to be compatible with environmental conditions and beneficial to the long term health, safety and welfare of the City and its citizens alike. For this purpose, it contains goal and policy statements consistent with the overall planning objectives of the City and it includes a map and brief land use description to illustrate the expected physical result of the pursuit of such objectives. This Plan is intended to assist officials in making decisions on various development proposals as they may arise. 2.The Land Use Plan is intended to be a guide for future development so as to reinforce our environmental protection commitment and so such development will be consistent with existing land use, with the land use plans of adjoining cities and with the ap|.licable provisions of the Metropolitan Council's Development Framework Guide Regional Blueprint. The content and direction of the Land Use Plan is based upon our environmental protection commitment and our expected development position within the immediate Lake Minnetonka area and within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Region as a whole. This Plan is consistent with the plans of nearby cities for land use of abutting neighborhoods and for overall levels of serv ices and facilities available in the Lake area. CMP 3B - 1 3. 4. 5. The Land Use Plan is intended to advise the Metropolitan Council and our municipal neighbors of Orono's planning and growth management programs. The Land Use Plan is a convenient media medium to illustrate and coordinate the various goals and policies of all the elements of the Community Management Plan. Environmental protection policies are reflected in proposed planned land use densities. Facilities plans determine, and are determined by, land use policies. The most significant description of Orono's planning intentions is the actual detailed location of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA line) as legally described by Resolution of the City Council and as shown on Map No. 6. The Land Use Plan is intended to be used as a basis for public facilities planning. A major function of municipal government is planning for and establishment of public facilities such as sewer, water, roads and parks. These physical improvements require extensive initial investment and a tong term maintenance commitment that can become a financial burden when such systems are overbuilt or prematurely installed. The Land Use Plan therefore plays an important role in determining each neighborhood's ultimate population, the required capacity of public facilities, and an appropriate capital improvements program. The level of serv'ices and facilities required by this Plan are consistent with the existing or planned capacity of the applicable regional systems. The Land Use Plan is intended to be used as the basis for developing responsible ordinances for land use management. Land use and development, especially in a small community like Orono, is almost totally accomplished by private development forces, often on the scale of individual homeowners. Since such development is prone to be ver>' fragmented, the City must provide reasonable regulations to guide individual decisions toward the common community objective. Thus, zoning, licensing and subdivision controls will be designe d have been established and will continue to be refined to implement the intent of this Land Use Plan. CMP 3B - 2 SCOPE The time framework of the Land Use Plan is intended to be consistent with the regional planning period of 198 0 thro ugh 1999 2000 through 2020 and with the City's permanent planning policy for rural Orono. The goals, policies and land use plans contained in this Chapter are set in the context of the legislatively mandated Metropolitan f.and Planning Act which was amended in 1995 to include a requirement for decennial review of local plans to ensure that local fiscal devices and local controls are consistent with the plan, and to respond to recent changes in the regional system plans to plan fo r regional needs -through the year V990 . This is particularly relevant to the urbanized sections of the City. The goals, plans and programs for rural Orono, however, are established because of the environmental sensitivity of the area and because of the rural citizen's desire for a permanent rural community. Orono's long range land use plans call for permanent maintenance of the existing low density rural residential areas. There is to be no staged growth plan and no expansion of the existing urban service area. Consequently, Orono's rural land use plans and the location of the Metropolitan Urban Scn'icc Area boundary between Orono's Urban and Rural Areas as shown on Map No. are intended to be permanently applicable beyond the arbitraiy planning date of 1990 2Q2Q- This commitment is particularly important to the many Orono citizens who arc making private investments based upon this concept and who are entitled to know that they can rely on this Plan. 1 CMP 3B - 3 BASIC LAND USE CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES t * The land use plan is an integral part of Orono's Communit>’ Management Plan. Although the detailed policies apply specifically to this one element of community planning, the overall goals and objectives have been derived from joint and concurrent consideration of all community planning elements. Therefore, the policy decisions relating to Orono's urban-rural service areas and to appropriate use and density considerations complement and balance Regional plans with local concerns for historic development patterns, environmental protection, availability of utilities, transportation and recreational facilities, and finally fiscal responsibility. Orono's planning programs have long recognized the development paradox, or urbanization spiral, which often results from arbitrary planning assumptions or from incomplete analysis of planning alternatives. The most striking example in Orono's situation is the documented evidence that over-extension of sanitary sewers, ostensibly to solve a pollution problem, can easily in itself cause irretrievable water quality degradation of Lake Minnetonka. In the 1950's increasing urbanization all around Lake Minnetonka threatened to environmentally "kill ' the Lake by uncontrolled discharge of nutrients. Lake area municipalities began extending sewer systems to eliminate individual septic system discharges, but by 1968, lake water quality was still diminishing. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, together w ith the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, commissioned a study of lake pollution. Completed in 1971, the "Harza Study" (A Program for Preserving the Quality of Lake Minnetonka) found that this nutrient input, particularly phosphorus, was being generated from two principal sources: the seven municipal sewage treatment plants within the watershed and urban storm water runoff. The first major pollution source, nutrient-rich effluent from the sewage treatment plants, has been systematically eliminated by multi-million dollar construction of regional sewer interceptors to remove effluent from the watershed. But storm water runoff is a different matter. Unlike point-source sewage pollution, there is no economically practical way to artificially collect or treat non-point source storm water pollution. The development parado.x is that if municipal ser\ ices are extended into rural zones, the cost of these services taxes the land to the point that development is required. Particularly in the case of sewers, even if extended to existing pockets of development "to solve a pollution problem", inflation, topography and sparse settlement combine to send costs skyrocketing. Such costs can be paid only by increasing new development, w hich in turn causes density increases, loss of wetlands CMP 3B - 4 and increasing levels of storm water nutrient pollution. This spiral effect results in statistically even greater levels of pollution than the original sewage "problem" might have been. For example, Eugene Hickok's 1973 Storm Water Impact Statement which identifies up to ten times more phosphorus alone from urban storm water runoff than from Orono's existing rural land use. One need only to look to the case example of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. (?)There has never been a drop of sewage effluent running into Calhoun, but the lake is suffering (?) severe pollution from high levels of nutrients contained in the storm water runoff from the densely developed watershed. Storm water nutrient pollution from the urban runoff overwhelms the natural life system of the lake and results in accelerated eutrophication. The cost of solving this problem, either filtering or rerouting the storm water, has consistently been judged too expensive for Calhoun. The cost of the same solutions on the 50 times larger Minnetonka is inconceivable. Thus the recommendation of many studies as already incorporated in MPCA and MnDNR policy is that lakeshore density be limited and that the natural system of wetlands and marshes be forever protected and preserved as the only practical, economic method of filtering nutrients from storm water runoff. (ADD A PARAGRAPH DISCUSSING THE ANTICIPATED HIGH COSTS OF CONSTRUCTED STORMWATER PONDING SYSTEMS, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT RELYING ON THEM AS A SOLUTION TO ALLOW HIGHER DENSITY DEVELOPMENT) THL URBANIZATIO.N SPIRAL Illustrates the Deselopment Paradox that faces Orono if municipal ser\ ices are extended into rural areas. CMP 3B-5 In response to the above concerns, Orono in the 197Q's h as become became a nationally recognized leader in espousing environmental protection. Land use planning since the 1950's has stressed the environmental advantages of low density development. Shorelands, wetlands and natural drainage systems have been preserv ed by tradition and by ordinance. Orono's Land Use Plan will continue this tradition and this commitment. A principal goal of Orono's planning program is the protection of natural resources and environmental amenities, particularly the water quality of Lake Minnetonka. The Environmental Protection Plan emphasizes Orono ’s unique environmental position in relation to the long-term health of Lake Minnetonka. Land use and development will not be permitted at the expense of environmental protection. Retention of natural vegetation, light, air, and open space will be promoted. Shorelines will be protected from erosion and alteration. Wetlands and marshland will be protected and preserved as wildlife habitats, unique open spaces and most importantly as the only economically practical method of flood protection and storm water runoff filtration. Water quality preservation is dependent upon effective surface water management. The Environmental Protection Plan identifies how the speed, quantity and quality of surface water runoff is alTected by urbanization and how’ these factors in turn directly affect the water quality of Lake Minnetonka. Development density will be limited to a level which will not overload the natural surface water drainage and filtration system. Direct runoff into the Lake will be avoided whenever possible. Marshes, wetlands, floodplains and natural drainageways will be protected from encroachment or alteration. Storm water quality ponding systems will be dev eloped to supplemciiL the natural system where necessary and feasible. Water qualit>' preservation is dependent upon effective sewage treatment programs. The Comprehensive Sewer Policy Plan discusses Orono's commitment to City-wide sewage treatment quality. Urban ized areas, sh oreline shoreland areas and remaining existing higher-densitv housing clu.sters along th e Oreno-Long Lak e Intereeptof route have been or will be prov ided with municipal sanitarv' sewer to prev cnt discharge of untreated or insutTiciently treated sew age effluent into the Lake. In the rural areas, low density land use can be safely served long-term by individual on-site sewage treatment systems. The City will strictly enforce treatment standards to protect the health and environment, and also to eliminate the need for central sewers vshich would only force denser development with its attendant surface water runoff hazards. CMP 3B - 6 Historic development patterns have resulted in a city which is partially urban and partially rural. Development patterns established 100 years ago are responsible for the dual personality that characterizes Orono. The lure of the Lake drew summer residents and resorters who established the crossroads of Navarre, which continues to this day as the commercial center of Orono. Likewise, away from the Lake, Orono has developed slowly as a farming or rural residential community of agriculture, woodlands and open space. The lifestyles are different, the needs and desires of the citizens are different and the requiren.ents for public services are different. Orono’s urban areas provide ample opportun-fy for a vast spcetnim variety of housing opportunities and all of the neighborhood serv ices necessary to support the residents of the Citv, urban and rural alike. Orono's rural areas provide the opportunity for low density housing at affordable prices, orchards, greenhouses, hobby farms and recreation areas not possible in either urban areas or in commercial agricultural areas. This low density of land use is particularly valuable as a protection for the marshlands, woodlands, and other natural resources that dot the area. The citizens of Orono have determined that a long range planning objective of the city is the permanent retention of the rural community. This objective is in line with the existing developed density of the area, and with the similar plans of other cities abutting the rural area, and with the legislative inte n t of-metropolitan planning such that expensive ur ban services not be over-extend ed in to u nd eveloped areas. Orono is partly in the Metropolitan Urban Service Area and partly in the rural service area. TTie Metropolitan Council as part of its Regional Growth Strategy has established a MUSA Hne boundary’ that rings the Twin Cities separatin g u rban an d ru ral-areas defining the urban area, the permanent rural area, and an urban reserv'e which is expected to be converted from rural to urban over the next 40 years. Within the MUS.A area, metropolitan facilities will be provided for urban development. Outside the MUSA area, in the Permanent Rural Area, developed density is expected to be low and metropolitan facilities and capacities will not be provided, ©n In the past the Metropolitan Council's broad-bru.sh maps, this line has always been have shown the MUSA boundary to be running through Orono dividing our City into Urban and Rural sections. While the current MUSA boundary does divide Orono. the illustrative 2020 MUSA shown in the Regional Growth Strategy places all but the northuest tip of Orono within the MI’S and virtually all of Orono is shown within the MUSA bv 2040. CMP 3B - 7 One of the purposes of this Community Management Plan is to locate in-dctail th e actual p osition of th is scp aratton os it passes through Oron o, establish a staging for planned expansions of the MUSA during the period 2000-2020. while being consistent with our local land features, actual land use, and with the MUSA line location of our municipal neighbors. This local determination ts con sistent with the goals, p olicies and pr actices of the is intended to meet the intent of the Metropolitan Council 's Regional Blueprint policy for establishment of a staged local plan for expansions to the MUSA over the next 20 years. Urban and rural neighborhoods require differing levels of public ser> ices and facilities. The urban areas of Orono have sufficient density to require, and to financially support, municipal sewer and water services, increased police and f:ie protection, public works projects and public recreational facilities. These areas have such facilities in place and in sufficient capacity to accommodate all projected urban development. The rural areas, on the other hand, have limited densit> and have environmental restraints prohibiting urban density encroachments. The existing rural densities do not require extensive public services and, in fact, could not economically support an urban service level. Orono expects future development in both the urban and the rural portions of the city. The urban area is expected to have new residential infill development on the existing vacant lots and undeveloped parcels similar to the forms of dc^'clopraent pr ojected for the eloscr-in suburbs at densities consistent with the surrounding neighborhoods . Economic development will likely be limited to neighborhood services in the existing Navarre Area, and fuller gigatfii utilization of the industrial and commercial potential near Long Lake. While a significant amo unt of higher density housing will be developed to accommodate a wider range of affordability and lifecycle housing needs. ©Qverall urban density will remain relatively low because of the ecological considerations of proximity to Lake Minnetonka. The rural area is expected to have continued residential development at a slow. steady pace. Non-rcsidential development will likely be limited to quasi-acrieultural uses such as greenhouse s, truck farms and open space recreation. With the large percentage of wetlands, steep slopes and public open space, the gross developed density is expected to be about 1 unit per 7 acres in the 5-acre zone and about 1 unit per 4 acres in the 2-acre zones , with the net developed density not less than 1 umt per 2 acres of dry-buildable land, this being determined on a detailed review of individual site conditions. CMP 3B - 8 Rework the following section!!!!! Recent changes in national priorities, population trends, metropolitan plans and metropolitan facilities reinforce the planning and development objectives of Orono. The 1950’s and 1960's were years of great expansion and reliance upon the powers of science and industry to solve all problems.Population graphs showed growth projections running off the paper. Suburbs boomed while core cities were fighting for their very survival. The 1970’s brought a new environmental awareness and an understanding that nature, not science was the key to our planet's survival. New social concerns revived the cities and showed how characterless the suburbs had become. Inflation and population stabilization brought unlimited expansion to a halt as roads, schools and all public services began scrambling for maintenance dollars while over-built facilities quickly became terrible taxpayer burdens. The cost of energy is dramatically refocusing everyone's attention on conservation and careful planning of any new facility. (?) (ADD A PARAGRAPH DESCRIBING HOW THE WORLD HAS CHANGED THROUGH THE I980SAND I990'S?) The results of these changes on the Twin Cities region and on Orono are significant. Oiono's ultimate population projections have been dropping from estimates of 37,000 made in 1970, to 23,000 in 1972, to 14,000 in 1974, to the Metropolitan Council's most recent figure projection of 11,000 made in 1979. Population trends during the last 20 years and a careful analysis of development capabilities of remaining land as compared to Orono's current zoning, suggest an ultimate population of around 9.000. This figure is very close to our existing estimated population of?:900:7.800 and is still probably potentially high considering the new energy problems and our recent growth trends, and would be easily obtainable within our existing zoning densities. CITV OF ORONO - POPULATION PROJECTIONS (OLD TABLE) Population Forecasts Household Forecasts Year 1970 I980*1990 2000 Sat.1970 1980*1990 2000 Sat. Urban Area Rural Area 4160 2627 4250 3040 5120 3220 5900 3640 7200 3800 1400 746 1450 980 1740 1040 2000 1180 2400 1267 loial City 6787 7290 8340 9540 11000 2146 2430 2780 3180 3667 • 1980 Estimates To Be verified by census in progress Source 1970 census, 1980 City Records; 1990-Saiuralion; City and Metropolitan Council Projections 3-31-78 CMP3U-9 (NEW TABLE) ORONO POPULATION PROJECTIONS Population Forecasts Year 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Saturation Urban Area (1/2 & 1 ac.)4,160 3,995 4,135 4,115 4,240 4,495 4,600 Rural Area (2 & 5 ac.)2,627 2,850 3,150 3,685 4,110 4,355 4,400 Total City 6,787 6,845 7485 7,800 8450 8,850 9,000 Household Forecasts Year 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Saturation Urban Area (1/2 & I ac.)1,316 1,337 1,483 1,491 1,600 1,798 1,840 Rural Area (2 & 5 ac.)830 954 1,130 1,335 1,550 1,742 1,760 Total City 2,146 2491 2,613 2,826 3,150 3,540 3,600 Sources: U.S. Census; Metropolitan Council forecasts; City records and forecasts. Basis for urban/rural division projections: 1. 1999 updated Developable Land Analysis indicates; a.The S acre zone has 148 homes, and land capacity to add 42 more under current zoning standards; at a rate of 2 per year, will be built-out in 2020. 2000: 150 homes x 2.76 persons per HH x 0.94 occupancy = 390 persons 2010: 170 homes x 2.65 persons per HH x 0.94 occupancy = 425 persons 2020: 190 homes x 2.50 persons per HH x 0.94 occupancy = 445 persons The 2-acre zones will have 1270 homes in 2000, and land capacity to add 575 more based on potential conversion of an identified approximately 180 acres from 2-acre to I-acre densities (resulting in a projected 90 units converted to Urban per decade), at a rate of 30 units per year. 2000: 1270 homes x 2.76 persons per HH x 0.94 occupancy = 3295 persons 2010: 1270+300-90 = 1480 persons x 2.65 ppHH x 0.94 occ. = 3685 persons 2020: 1480+275-90 = 1665 persons x 2.50 ppHH x 0.94 occ. = 3910 persons 2000 Rural Population = 390 + 3295 = 3685 2010 P.ural Population = 425 + 3685 = 4110 2020 Rural Population = 445 + 3910 = 4355 CMP 3D -10 This population decline is consistent with the general decline in birth rate and population projections for the region as a whole, as well as a realization that a population shift is occurring which will see renewed growth or stabilization of the central cities and inner-ring suburbs. (?) The projected population is in line with Orono's rural land use preservation policies and with the proposed public facilities plans of Orono, the Hennepin Countv Public Works Department, the State Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Waste Contro l Commission Council Environmental Services. (REDO THE FOLLOWING 2 PARAGRAPHSllUUV.lllllllllU) Regional transportation plans have been changed as commuters move in toward the center city. The State of Minnesota has dropped plans for relocating and expanding Highway 12 through Orono. Environmental and social pressures have permanently eliminated any plans for expansion of County Road IS along the lakeshore, and fiscal pressures including the levy-limitations have prohibited any local assumption of new city street maintenance. The only plans afoot are those to reroute suburban traffic away from the lakeshore. There are no plans to expedite or improve traffic access to or within Orono. Regional sewer service facilities plans have likewise been revised. Original plans called for sewering all of Orono with capacity for 37,000 people. But the final Orono-Long Lake Interceptor was relocated and is in place witli a design capacity for less than 8,400 Orono residents and a service area limited to the existing urban and lakeshore neighborhoods. This reduction is consistent with Orono's environmental concerns for the rural area and with MWCC's regional concerns including the limited design capacity and massive environmental discharge problems associated with the cenu^ sewage collection system. In addition, this serv ice area limitation is supported by the Metropolitan Council's 208 Water Quality Management Plan which concluded that upgrading of Maple Plain's treatment plant would best serve to reduce pollution problems without requiring additional interceptor construction. Therefore, no interceptor capacity was provided in the Orono-Long Lake Interceptor for Maple Plain or for rural Orono. Orono's commercial and economic development has always been centered in the historic town centers. The shopping, employment, education and social needs of Orono residents have been more than amply met by commercial facilities and shopping centers located in Navarre and in surrounding communities. Rural and urban residents alike utilize these facilities and in fact, the commercial vitality of the neighboring cities relies in part upon the regional serv ice area that includes all of Orono. Promotion of duplicate facilities in Orono would tend to be uneconomic and counterproductive. CMP3B- 11 Orono's housing plan is intended to accommodate all expected population growth in a variety of housing opportunities. The forecast population increase of 2,240 1.050 persons in the next twenty years translates into a housing "demand" of ?50 approximately 700 new dwelling units when decreasing household sizes are taken into account . Approximately 40% of these units are expected to develop in the urban area and approximately 60% in the rural area. The Land Use Plan is designed to accommodate this level of expected development. Most n ew New urban housing will be in the form of a variety of forms including single family homes on scattered vacant lots throughout the sewered area: planned residential developments including mixed single family and attached townhome dwelling units on vacant sewered parcels in the Navarre area and on larger parcels newly designated for urban development in the Highway 12/Long Lake area: and Some p lanne d-fesi dcntial de velop ments in cluding attached townhomcs should occu r in -the Navarre—Area potentially one or more senior housing/assisted living developments most likely along Highway 12 where adequate land and services are available. Other new units will be in the form of replacement or conversion of existing seasonal or substandard dwellings especially along the lakeshore. Most new rural housing will be on new lots of two to five acres net dry-buildable area, all with prior approved site evaluation and proof of adequate septic system operation. These rural building sites when provided with private roads, well and on-site systems have market values comparable to urban -density 1/3-acre lots ©f 10,000 aq. ft: provided with paved streets, sewer, water, storm sewer, etc. Therefore, the rural lots provide maximum protection for Lake Minnetonka plus an equally aflbrdable (?) alternative lifestyle without requiring excessive public facilities expenditures. Orono's comprehensive sewer policy' plan is designed to provide an adequate, safe level of sewage treatment and waste water disposal for all urban and rural properties. Sewage treatment policies respect the limited regional capacity and the differing levels of service required respectively by urban and rural neighborhoods. Municipal sewer capacity is available for projected urban development within the existing urban service area, but there is no insuftlcient capacity for any mq jor expansion of the existing urban area to densities commensurate with Metropolitan Council goals of 2-3 units per acre. All new rural development wtH is intended to be permanently self-sufficient in terms of on-site sewage treatment. Where existing rural neighborhoods request municipal sewer and are willing to pav all costs associated with such service, the Citv will consider sewer extension if feasible, under the condition that rural densities will not be compromised and rezoning to urban densities will not occur . CMP3B-12 L Orono ’s transportation plan is tailored to the different needs of urban and rural neighborhoods. AH Most roads within Orono directly service the abutting properties. The intended exceptions are the existing Highway 12 corridor fromBrow'n Road to Old Crvtal Bav Road, and the forthcoming Highway 12 Bypass which is planned to be a with limited-access major arterials beginning east of the City and extending west to County Road 6. Near the lakeshore and in some rural areas, the collector roads are relatively slow speed with circuitous alignment dictated by the hills and bays rather than by commuter preference. These roads have been designated "scenic parkways" to connote their aesthetic qualities and lack of high speed, through traffic potential. The urban areas are provided with a typical network of city streets connecting residential and shopping areas with each other. The rural area is gridded-off with a core system of publicly maintained collector and minor arterial streets running at regular intervals. Within this grid, most rural homes are located on neighborhood owned and maintained private roads serving from three to ten residences each. These roads are constructed to city standards for safety and durability', but are privately maintained without requiring city staff or equipment. The privacy and neighborhood control afforded bv such roadwavs is viewed bv most residents as an amenity. Orono's parks and open space facilities reflect different urban and rural characteristics. In the urban area, the City is involved with numerous small neighborhood parks and playgrounds offering centers for neighborhood activities such as swimming, skating, softball and soccer. In addition, two larger preserves offer substantial "natural" areas to break the urbanized monotony. In the rural area, most open space is managed on a privately-owned and maintained basis with large lots and individual recreation opportunities including joint riding trails. Large public and quasi-public recreational fheilities include Hennepin County Park Reserve lands, several golf courses, a gun club and the State Minnesota DNR’s Luce Line Trail as well as two 'big woods' Scientific and Natural Areas. CMP3B-13 LAND USE GOALS AND POLICIES Orono's Land Use Plan is based upon the following goals and policies which in turn have been actively de eloped and fostered by Orono residents over the last 25 years. LAND USE GOALS 1. 2. To reinforce Orono's environmental protection commitment. To maintain the historic identitv ’ and character of the separate urban and rural neighborhoods. 3.To provide appropriate places for a variety of local residential, educational, recreational, industrial and neighborhood commercial activities. 4. 5. 6. To protect neighborhoods from encroachment of incompatible land uses. To coordinate Orono's land uses with that of neighboring communities. To coordinate land uses and developed density with the financial and physical capabilities of the City and its citizens to provide the necessary public facilities and services. GENERAL LAND USE POLICIES 1.The Metropolitan The boundary ’ between Orono's Urban and Rural Service Areas (MUSA) is fixed. Orono ’s Urban Service Area will not be strictly defined bv the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) boundary or future expansions of the MUSA boundary and Sewer Service Area (MSSR) are but will be fixed by this and the other elements of the Community Management Plan and are is legally described by resolution of the City Council as shown on Map No.__. liL The Metropolitan Urban Service Area fMUSAI will define the areas of Orono where municipal sewers mav be extended. The MUSA will include all parts of Orono's Urban Service Area and mav include parts of Orono ’s Rural Service Area where appropriate. CMP3B- 14 2. 3. 4. O: ono's land use plans will be based upon environmental protection policies. Land use and development must assure the conservation, protection and preservation of sensitive environmental resources in accordance with the goals and policies of the Environmental Protection Plan. Land use policies will encourage the wise use and management of natural resources while prohibiting their misuse, abuse, overuse or exploitation. Development densit>’ will be limited throughout the cit>’ to a level which will not overload the natural surface water drainage and filtration system. Urbanization increases the speed and quantity of surface runoff while decreasing the water quality. Developed land use densities will be determined by comparison between knoun levels of volume and pollution generation and known marshland capacity for ponding and nutrient assimilation. To the extent that it is practical and feasible, the City will supplement existing natural assimilation capacities with man-made ponding areas, but will not allow increases in development density bevond the defined rural density as a result of such supplementation. The wetlands and marshlands of the cit>- will be protected and preserv ed as wildlife habitats, as unique open spaces, and as the only economically practical method of flood protection and storm water runoff filtration. Wetlands, drainagevvays and floodplains will be protected from encroachment and from alteration or destruction by filling, grading. e,\cavation or drainage. Wherever possible, the City will acquire open space and flowage easements for conservation of these lands. 5.Protection of lake resources will allow reasonable access, use and enjoyment while preventing overcrowding and excessive encroachment. In conformance with Mn. DNR Shoreline Orono's Shoreland Management regulations fo r Rccfcational Develop ment lakes, Orono will prohibit overly dense development within 1,000 feet of Lake Minnetonka, Lake use regulations will be promoted to limit excessive boat density and overuse of sensitive bays. Land use regulations will continue to be developed and fine- tuned to provide reasonable control over building density, land alteration and lakeshore encroachment. 6.Lake shorelines will be protected from alteration. Shoreland areas, whether blufl', beach or floodplain, are sensitive environmental features with significant impact on lake water quality, aesthetic values and land use function. These same factors act to draw development which can be destructive if not properly regulated. Natural vegetation in shoreland areas will be preserved insofar as practical and reasonable in order to retard surface runoff and soil erosion, and to utilize excess nutrients. Clearcutting will be prohibited. In areas of soil or wave action erosion, material stone rip rap shoreline protection will be encouraged. CMP3B-15 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Development or alteration of floodplains will be restricted. Most of the City's identified floodplains are located along the shoreline or within designated marshlands and will be protected by regulations applicable to those areas. In addition, where floodplains do exist on otherwise dry buildable land, construction, filling cr alteration will be strictly controlled so as to avoid flow restrictions, to avoid flood level increases on other properties, and to avoid costly flood damage or pollution dangers. Natural resource investigation will be required as part of all development proposals. This will include topographical information, soil analysis, drainage plans, vegetation plans, erosion control measures and similar site data related to each projecL whether public or private. Orono's land use plan w ill promote the presers’ation of open space, light and air. Sufficient open spaces will be provided in each neighborhood and on each lot to prevent o\ ercrowding and to ensure adequate light, air and recreation for all residents. Private stewardship of land and resources is preferable to inflexible public control. Private ownership, maintenance and stewardship of the land, including open space and many types of improvements, is favored over public ownership as being in the best and most beneficial interests of the property owner and the public, providing for more intimate, responsive and economical land management. All land owners must ha\ e equal land use opportunities. No land owner should be denied the right to develop his land by any staged growth, land banking or no-growth policy, provided the development can be accomplished within the performance standards, policies and requirements of the Community Management Plan. Future development must enhance the community. Land development should respect and enhance neighboring properties and existing developed character of the neighborhood and the City, preserv ing the value of the land and the integrity, stabilit) and beauty of the community. Future development must enhance the environment. Land development should respect and enhance the unique natural features of the site and the general environmental assets of the community. Preservation of natural views, vegetation, drainage and general respect for unique site features always produces more aesthetic results and lasting value for the property owner and the community than does wholesale alteration of the landscape or mathematical div ision to the highest possible density. CMP3B- 16 . ■».. — 14. 15. 16. 17. Physical improvements required to accommodate new development must be provided by the developer. Whenever required, improvements must be provided by the developer. Because the City has limited staff and limited bonding potential, physical improvements such as roads, drainage and utilities required to accommodate new subdivisions or development should be designed, financed and installed directly by the benefited developer as a precondition to increased land use density. In addition, this philosophy includes developer responsibility for special fire protection equipment or devices in the case of unusual land uses or building configurations, and/or special security services in the case of unusual public safety situations. All physical improvements must conform to city standards. Physical improvements related to health, safety or community systems such as roads, pathways, drainage or utility systems will be designed, located and constructed to uniform. City-established standards to ensure proper functioning and compatibility with overall City plans. Developers must dedicate lands required for public use. Land subdivision or any development that results in increased land use density, and hence increased demand for municipal services, w’ill be expected to include public dedication of lands necessary for additional road rights of way, parks, playgrounds, open space, ponds or storm water holding areas whenever such facilities are directly used by the subdivided land or required by such density increase. If the individual development’s density increase or impact is relatively small, or the layout is not conducive to public land dedication, then in lieu of lands the developer may be required to contribute funds for the municipal purchase of such lands or the improvement of such facilities proportionate to the cumulative effect of such density increase from multiple small developments.. No land will be developed unless it's location and characteristics are suitable for tbe proposed use in accordance w ith this plan. Land to be developed must be of such size, character and location that it can be safely used for the intended purpose without danger to health, without peril from fire, flood or other occurrence and without undue impact upon neighboring properties. No land will be permitted to be subdivided or built upon which is held unsuitable by the City for the proposed use because of flood hazards, inadequate drainage, soil formations w ith severe limitations for development, severe erosion potential, unfavorable topography, inadequate water supply or sewage disposal capabilities, or any other feature likely to be harmful to the health, safety, or welfare of the future residents of the proposed subdivision or of the community. CMP3B- 17 i URBAN LAND USE POLICIES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The majority of Orono's urban area will be reserved for residential land use. Orono's urban residential neighborhoods will provide the opportunity for a variety of housing types and price ranges. Many urban residences will be intimately associated with the lake shoreline a:id will be subject to density restrictions because of sensitive environmental conditions. Low-density Medium density t2-4 units per acre! multi-family residential uses will be limited to locations near e.xisting shopping and transportation services, but will not be appropriate w ithin 1,000 feet of the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka. Limited commercial areas will be provided for neighborhood service businesses. The primary function of Orono's commercial areas will be to provide those retail, commercial and service businesses which are directly necessary to ser\e Orono's urban and airal residents. Commercial development will be limited to areas where full urban serv ices, including municipal sanitar>' sewer and adequate transportation are available. Commercial development of a regional nature which would duplicate existing services in the neighboring town centers will be discouraged. Lakeshore commercial areas will be provided for public access and limited lake-user serv ices. Orono's residents and other lake users require lake access, fishing supplies, boat ser\ ice and boat repair facilities which are unique to our location on a recreational development lake. Orono's Land Use Plan will provide locations for such special-purpose businesses where appropriate from both the land use and the lakeside environmental standpoint. No use or location will be permitted to adversely affect the lake quality or the public's general usage of the lake. All lakeshore commercial is to be limited to areas where full urban services, including municipal sanitary sewer, and adequate transportation are available. The City will encourage private unification and coordination of the existing commercial areas. Unplanned strip commercial developments will be discouraged. Coordinated projects designed to aesthetically enhance, unify and identify the business areas will be encouraged. Future industrial development will be limited to the area of the existing Orono industrial park. No other location in Orono combines the availability of transportation and public utilities with remoteness from sensitive environmental features. In addition, this land use is entirely consistent with Long Lake's neighboring industrial development. CMP3B- 18 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Commercial and industrial development will not be permitted to adversely affect neighboring residential property. The location and scale of commercial and industrial development will be controlled so as not to encroach upon the primary residential land uses in Orono. Wherever possible, natural land forms or buffers will be required betw ’een different land uses. Public urban services must be available for all future commercial, industrial and urban-residential development. Commercial, industrial and urban-density residential uses will be permitted only where municipal sanitary sewer, adequate transportation, police and fire protection services are available. In addition, commercial, industrial and multi-family residential development will be permitted only where a municipal water system is available for adequate water supply and fire protection. Urban development will utilize the capacity of existing public facilities. New land uses and development will be allowed to infill existing vacant properties within the urban service area consistent with environmental limitations and with the existing capacities of water, sewer, drainage transportation and recreational facilities. New development will not be permitted to overburden these services at the expense of the existing users. New urban development will not be permitted if it requires additional unplanned local or regional facilities capacity. The existing urban area will not be expanded. Orono's Community Management Plan is not a staged growth plan. The urban service area will not be expanded into the defined rural area and urban services and facilities will not be extended into the rural area for purposes of fostering or allowing increased development density in those areas. The design and densit}- of urban development will be controlled to assure protection of light, air and solar access for neighboring properties. Requirements for minimum lot size, amounts of open space, minimum yard setbacks, and maximum building heights will be designed to assure protection of these values for all urban residents. 11. A significant amount of natural woodlands and open space will be retained on each property. Retention of the natural environment requires careful siting and preservation of trees and open space on each urban property. CMP 3B- 19 12.Land use standards will limit the Impact of urban encroachment on Lake Minnetonka. Minimum lot width will space out docks and structural encroachments while increasing areas of natural vegetation. Lake use regulations promulgated by the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District and su pplemented with City regulations if necessary will limit the number of boats per property and the amount of public waters available for private docking and boat storage. 13.Retention of natural vegetation will limit the impact of urbanization as visible from the lake. Building heights will be limited to less than the typical tree height. Minimum green belts will be provided with prohibitions against clearcutting or excessive thinning of vegetation. Natural vegetation will be preserved on slopes and retaining walls will be discouraged except when absolutely necessary to prevent erosion, in which case they will ^ screened with natural vegetation. RURAL LAND USE POLICl ES 1.Orono's rural serv ice area will be reserv ed for permanent low>density residential land use. Orono's rolling rural area is not suitable for commercial agriculture. Likewise, the delicate balance of storm water nutrient loading vs marshland assimilative capacity preclude expansion of the urban service area without major environmental problems for Lake Minnetonka. Therefore, the ideal land use for that portion of Orono located outside of the Urban Service Area (MUSA) is the planned low-density rural residential land use. Commercial and industrial uses will not be permitted in the rural area. 2.Orono's rural serv ice area provides the opportunity for quasi-agricul- tural land uses. Greenhouses, orchards, truck farms, riding stables and recreation areas such as large golf courses and park reserves are not possible in more crowded urban areas but they are compatible with rural residential properties. Thus, the total commercial activity of Orono is broader and more varied than if the City were all urban or all rural. 3.Rural densitv is limited by natural conditions. Development of rural Orono is naturally limited by a number of conditions including extensive wetlands, steep slopes and areas of high water table, which factors influence building locations and transportation options as well as the location and spacing of on-site sew age treatment systems w hich relv on soil treatment of sewage eftluent . 1 CMP 3B - 20 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. The existing rural area will not be urbanized. Orono's Community Management Plan is not a staged growth plan. The urban service area will not be expanded into the rural area. Municipal urban services will not be extended into the rural area or across open, rural lands. Rural land uses and rural land use density will be maintained at a level to ensure that private on-site sewer systems will operate satisfactorily and that rural wetlands and drainageways will not be overloaded with storm water nutrient pollution. Rural land uses and densities do not require urban services. Urban serv'ices are not compatible with rural land use. Extension of certain urban services, such as extensive public road maintenance or municipal sewer or water cannot be economically justified or easily provided to de .lOpments in rural areas or at rural densities. Rural land uses do not require municipal sewer service. Orono's soil, topography and low-der.sity rural land use provide the ingredients necessary to assure safe, adequate, permanent on-site sewage treatment and waste water disposal without hazard to ground water, surface water or the public health. Rural development will be subject to proven on-site sewage treatment capabilit}’. Future development in the rural area will be contingent upon the developer providing prior technical evidence that the site contains sufficient suitable land for all development, an acceptable primary drainfield area, and reserved space for at least one alternate drainfield area. The zoning area requirements for rural Orono will therefore be based upon minimum areas of dry buildable land exclusive of roadways, wetlands, streams or areas of high water table. Rural development must be self-supporting. A11 future development in the rural area will be required to be proven self-supporting for the intended use, especially in terms of water supply, sewage treatment and internal improvement maintenance, so as to prevent extension of costly urban services into the rural area. Rural land use densities will allow maximum retention of private woods and open space. Low rural densities will accommodate homesites without affecting the traditional vistas of open fields and woods. The retention of these woodlands and marshlands will then assure permanent habitat for our abundant wildlife. Public open space will be provided on a large-scale or Park Reserv e Basis, but neighborhood or mini-parks are unnecessary because of the large amount of available privately owned and maintained open space. CMP3B-2I 10. 11. Rural wetlands and marshland will be maintained and protected for surface water retention and filtration. As total population in the watershed increases, the total requirement for storm water filtration will increase. Orono's rural land use plans will protect all of our rural wetlands and marshland for future use as retention ponds and nutrient filters including the capability of accepting recycled urban storm water for increased nutrient filtration. Rural lakeshore areas will have dual environmental protection. The low-density residential land uses will automatically reduce environmental pressures on the shoreline. In addition, the rural areas will be subject to the same shoreline protection performance standards as the urban areas, including minimum setbacks, green belts, clear-cutting prohibitions and lake use regulations. Taken together, these factors should preserve to a large extent the original appearance of Orono's rural shoreline as seen from the lake. CMP 3B - 22 THE LAND USE PLAN Map No.__indicates the basic land use plan of the City: the designation of Orono's 'Urban Service Area' and Orono's 'Rural Service Area'. The detailed location of the dividing line (the MUSA line) between the Urban Service Area and the Rural Service Area has been was established by careful evaluation of each of the elements of this the 1980 Community Management Plan, and has undergone only minor revisions in the ensuing two decades . Environmental concerns, historic land use patterns, and the availability of sewer, transportation and other public facilities all entergd into the local decision of actual MUSA line location where to draw the line between Orono's Urban and Rural areas. The primary* clement defining the difference between Orono's Urban and Rural service areas is future development density. The Urban areas have been planned for densities of 1 or more dwelling units per acre. The Rural areas have been planned for densities of no greater than 1 unit per 2 acres. More than 75% of Orono's land area is designated as Rural in order to meet the City's environmental goals. Orono's Urban Service Area also identifies those portions of the City that have been or are planned to be provided with the wider range of public services and facilities necessary to support urban types and densities of land use as defined by the Metropolitan Council's Development Framework Guide . Orono's Rural Service Area identifies those portions of the City that do not have a wide range of urban services and are not planned to have u rban be provided with such servnees. Orono's Rural Scrynee Area is intended to permanently accommodate General Ru ral-L-and Uses and hou sing densities dcfincd-by the Metropolitan Council, and as distinctly different from a Commercial Agricultural region: The Metropolitan Council in its Regional Blueprint has defined the "Urban Area" as that part of the region "actively becoming urbanized and within which local and regional .sevices are committed during specific time periods", the outer boundary of which is identified bv the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) line. Additionally, the Metropolitan Council has established a "One-unit-per-lQ-acres" threshold defining a gross area-wide density level, above which development becomes more suburban than rural in character. The Metropolitan Council in its Regional Blueprint has also established a goal of accommodating all expected Metro area urban development for the next 40 years within the confir. - > of the "I Irban Reserve", a roughly concentric boundary ranging from 1 to 10 miles outside the current Year 2000 MUSA. Virtually all of rural Orono that is not within the current MUSA, is within the Urban Reserve: and most of Orono's Urban Reser\e area is within the portion anticipated bv Met Council to be brought within the MUSA by 2020. CMP 3B - 23 In order to meet the projected development demand within the Urban Reserve. Metropolitan Council has determined that the Urban Reserve should be developed at densities higher than those historically occurring at the urban-rural fringe. Because Orono has relatively few large properties left to develop (see Figure , - Remaining Developable LandV and because those properties are scattered throughout Orono's rural area, higher density development of many individual parcels will be difficult. The geographical discontinuity of remaining developable parcels, attributable to Orono ’s past history of non-staged development, makes provision of urban services to such parcels innefficient and uneconomical. There is also the issue of providing a wider range of urban services to what would become pockets of urban development within an already-developed rural area that is not intended for such services. To more closely approach the development density goals established by Metropolitan Council. Orono has defined certain areas of the Citv where conversion from planned Rural densities to planned Urban densities is appropriate. These are areas where provision of urban services can be efficient, cost-effective, and have the least negative impacts on the City's environmental goals and on surrounding development. In defining where these newlv-defined urban areas should be located, the City considered the following criteria: L L L 4. 1 Proximity to existing higher density development: Proximity to existing municipal sewer lines with available capacity: Proximity to existing urban services: Adjacent to existing transportation corridors: Located high in the watershed to limit stormwater impacts. Based on these criteria a number of properties have been identified for change from low density residential to medium density residential uses in Orono's Land Use Plan. These properties are identified in the sections below. REVISE FOLLOWING TWO PARAGRAPHS Orono's MUSA line location as shown on Map No. 6 has been legally described and established by City Council Resolution No. 1135 adopted April 14, 1980. This Resolution is included in the CMP Appendix. The detailed location of this line will not be changed without further official action of the City Council. Orono's MUSA line location as shown on Map No. 6 .j consistent with the broad-brush location of the MUSA line as drawn by the Metropolitan Council. Orono's MUSA line location is consistent with the MUSA location and land use plans of adjoining municipalities. Orono's MUSA line location directly affects the detailed land use and facilities plans of the City. CMP 3B - 24 Map No. 7 indicates the detailed land use plan of the city, identifying appropriate land uses and densities for each individual neighborhood. This land use map will form the basis for land use zoning decisions. MAP NO. CMP 3B - 25 I- ^ URBAN LAND USE URBAN RESIDENTIAL LAND USE Urban residential development will retain the basic single family character of the community but will also provide for a limited diversity wider range of housing types at generally low densities consistent with available services, the natural amenities of the land, and environmental protection. Planning devices such as clustering will permit a limited amount of multiple dwellings such as patio homes, townhouses and garden apartments to be located near commercial areas within the overall planned density of the neighborhood. Urban residential development requires municipal sanitary sewer, an adequate transportation system, neighborhood recreational facilities and other typical urban services. The location of urban residential uses depends to a substantial degree on the environmental impact on Lake Minnetonka and the protection of the natural wetlands system for storm water filtration and purification. All urban residential land within 1,000 feet of Lake Minnetonka will require special environmental restrictions and lower land use densities in order to assure shoreline protection and minimal direct storm water runoff pollution. URBAN RESIDENTIAL - 1 DWFF.LING PER ACRE This is the typical urban residential density developed and planned for areas which are w ithin 1,000 feet of Lake Minnetonka and which have particular environmental impact on the lake. URBAN RESIDENTIAL - 2 DWELLINGS PER ACRE This is the typical land use density of the historic development in Navarre and the older residential neighborhoods. Certain other residential areas are planned for this density where services are available beyond 1,000 feet from the lakeshore. Municipal water is generally provided to these districts for supply and fire protection, in addition to the necessary sewer service. 1 IRBAN RF.SIDRNTIAL -1 to 6 DWELLINGS PER ACRE These densities are provided IfiE by special fo ning districts but arc not showTi on along Highway 12 as shown on the Land Use Plan. This would be the maximum density appropriate for urban Orono. Development at these densities will be limited to small properties where special conditions such as abutting land use, as well as proximity to urban utilities and serv’ices. would make the lot parcel appropriate for housing clusters or multi-family development. Since thwe the areas identified for this higher densitx’ development are extremely to some extent limited by environmental constraints, each such development must be analyzed and reviewed on an CMP 3B - 26 individual basis rathe r than having such a density idetrttftcd in a broad -brush phm. The properties identified for residential development at densities of 3-6 units per acre include properties guide-planned for such use as a result of 1980 Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2 in 1988. as well as properties heretofore planned for single family development at rural densities. All identified properties are located relatively high in the Lake Minnetonka watershed, allowing ample opportunity for effective stormwater management. These properties include: SO-acrc parcel located north of Highway 12 between Willow Drive and Old Crystal Bav Road . A number of potential development schemes for this parcel were reviewed in 1987 which became the basis for CMP Amendment #2 adopted Mav 23. 1988. A development scheme proposed bv the owners of the property was included as information in the study, but was not listed as an acceptable scheme in the final Plan Amendment. The four potentially acceptable schemes included the following: Gross Density of Residential Component Scheme 1 Townhomes MF/Apartments Commercial 73 units 144 units 215.000 s.f. Scheme 2 Townhomes Commercial ?28 units 170.000 s.f. Scheme 3 Townhomes MF/Apartments Commercial 110 units 192 units 52.000 s.f Scheme 4 Townhomes Commercial 220 units 20.000 s.f ProDertv Owners Scheme 1987 rNot aoDroved') Townhomes MF/Apartments Commercial I8Q units 350 units 270.000 s.f DSU 1998 Townhomes 77 units 217 units ! 55 gross acres = 4.0 units per acre 228 units / 60 gross acres =» 3.8 units per acre 302 units / 70 gross acres = 4.3 units per acre 220 units / 75 gross acres » 2.9 units per acre 530 units / 80 gross acres = 6.6 units per acre Commercial 87,000 sf. 77 units / 40.6 gross acres = 1.9 units per acre As shown above, an additional plan set was generated bv the City* consulting planner. DSU Inc., in 1998 at the City's request, taking into account new information including the new MnDOT stormwater pond: City's new topography maps suggesting greater areas of wetland CMP 3B - 27 k III M II ■ I I than previously anticipated: and the initial development of Kelley Parkway that established a corridor at the west end. The intent of this plan set was to show how townhomes and a small number of commercial sites might be developed. The result of the study was adoption of a plan with the follow'ing components: An east-west service road will be developed connecting Old Crystal Bav Road and Willow Drive, located approximately 300-500 feet north of Highway 12. This ser\ ice road will allow for one tier of developable lots between the service road and Highway 12. such lots to have access to the serv ice road but not to Highway 12 due to traffic considerations. The portion of the property between Highway 12 and the service road mav be developeJ with one tier of commercial uses, to potentially include professional office as well as limited service and retail uses. The portion of property north of the service road may be developed for residential uses, potentially a mix of single family and multi-familv uses at a density of 3-6 units per acre. fL Conversion from 2-acre rural zoning to to the mixture of uses described above will be subject to strict performance standards which we;e added to the Orono Zoning Code in 1989. 55 acres located behveen Highway 12 and the Burlington Northern Railroad properK. abutting and just west of Old Crystal Bav Road. This property includes a total of 5 separate tax parcels with 5 exi.sting residences plus outbuildings, and is currently zoned for single family rural development at a density of 1 unit per 2 acres. The new Highway 12 Bypass is planned to abut the south side of this property, paralleling the railroad tracks. Site Parameters: Gross site area cast of miyor wetland: Area of additional wetlands in east half of site: Area to be lost due to Hwv 12 bypass: Net dry buildable for development: 55 acres + 4 acres 2 acres + 49 acres + CMP 3B - 28 Site Characteristics: Easterly 25 acres is relatively flat with high-watertable soils and interspersed wetland pockets. Not easily developable with septic systems. Mostly open fields that have been farmed previously. Westerly 30 acres has 5%-15% slopes, eventually dropping a total of 50* down to m^or wetland basin. Soils are better suited for use of septic systems, but slopes mav be a factor for individual sites. This area is more wooded and contains apple orchard. Site Residential Development Options; Den«itv parameter Kstimated # of Potential Gross DweHing Units Density 2-acre zonine. with sewer standard olat 20-22 Units 0.4 units/acre 2-acre zoning, with sewer. PRD l-acre zoning, with sewer, standard olat 24 units 4‘>-44 units O.S units/acre 0.8 units/acre 1-acre zoning, with sewer. PRD 47-48 units 0.9 units/acre 1 /2-acre zoning, with sewer, standard olat 80-85 units 1.5 units/acre 1 /2-acre zoning, with sewer. PRD Q5-I00 units 1.8 units/acre 3 unit/acre PRD (not in current code)140 units 2.5 units/acre This site has a number of factors which make it unattractive for 2-acre rural residential development as currently zoned, including: - Location between two highway corridors is not conducive to rural character development. ; Location across from Industrial Park is not conducive to rural character development. - Site abuts one of the busiest intersections in Orono. z East half of site is poorly .suited for development with septic systems. Municipal sewer and water art rebtivelv available as compared to most other areas of the Citv: the si?.: t? adjacent to existing MUSA and would be a logical MUS.A expansion point. This site has direct access to arterial and collector road system, and is relatively near urban ser\'ices as compared to most other areas of the City. Furthermore, this site is separated from existing rural neig hborhoods bv the Orono Schools, bv existing wetlands, bv the e.xisting railroad, and bv existing and future road/railroad corridors. Because of these separations, development at higher densities will have little impact on adjacent rural character neighborhoods. CMP 3B - 29 20-30 acres east of Willow Drive between Watertown Road and Burlington Northern Railroad. This group of properties currently planned/zoned for 2-acre rural residential development abuts the City of Long Lake, where adjacent residential development is at densities in the range of 2-3 units per acre. West of Willow Drive is the Hackberrv neighborhood in Orono. developed at a density of 2 units per acre. Municipal sewer is nearby and potentially available via the Long Lake sewer system. This area is traversed bv two small creeks, and is characterized bv gently sloping uplands. While soils are not unsuitable for on-site sewage treatment systems, the location between two areas of denser development suggests this is an appropriate location for conversion from rural residential use fl unit per 2 acres') to an urban residential, single family use at a density of 2 units per acre. This mav be an appropriate site for relocation of many Long Lake residents whose homes will be eliminated as part of the Highway 12 Bypass project. This area has a potential for an additional 15-20 or more homes under the proposed density. URBAN COMMERCIAL LAND USE Urban commercial development is limited to two areas which are provided with all the necessary urban services and facilities. The major commercial center of Orono will continue to be the crossroads center of Navarre. This area will provide sufficient opportunity for neighborhood retail and service businesses, plus adequate professional offices, to serve the needs of most Orono residents. Accessory functions such as offices and owner-occupied living units or limited multi-family developments will be considered appropriate in or near the Navarre commercial area. An additional limited commercial area is designated on along Highway 12 adjacent to similar land uses in the City of Long Lake. Th is area ha s utilities available from the City of -bong Lake and will provide neigh bo rhood services com plimentaty to those available in that City where the availability of transportation and utilities as well as proximity to similar commercial developments in Orono and Long Lake, make commercial use appropriate. These areas are identified in Figure and include the following: 1, Property abutting the north side of Highway 12 from Brown Road North to Willow Drive. This area was reviewed as part of Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2 in 1988. resulting in a guide plan calling for commercial uses abutting Highway *.2. with primary access to a service road connecting from Brown Road to Willow Drive, and elimination of direct access to Highway 12. The area is currently bounded on the north hv existing residential development at densities ranging from 1 unit per 2 acres to 1 unit per 1.3 acres. CMP 3B - 30 The western half of this area has since been developed via PUD as_a nurserv/garden center with included leaseable cotnnicrcial SD8C65± The east half of this area includes a strip shopping center, a ngw m ono s.f. office building, and a vacant 6.5 acre_parcd atJhe northwest quadrant of Brown Road and Highway 12. The City Council in February 1998 a^lopted a General Concept Plan for development alone Highw ay 12 indicating that the Council s vision includes ''community scale retail development fpcttscd in 9i more compact in or near downtown Lons Lake (closer to Brpwn Road than t.. Willow Drive . at least in the short term)” for the following reasons: I ^ Focuses on downtown Long Lake remaining a strong retail area. 2^ Focuses on maintaining a vital downtown and "sense of place!! for both Lone J ake and Orono. 2^ A compact retail area encourages pedestrian activity.. 4. It is easier to plan, coordinate and control the development of a more compact retail area than an extended retail StriD^ 5, Focusing development toward Brown Road could strengthen the ahilitv to ohtni» desirable development on the north side of Highway H east of the Otten Brothers Nursery. L Fnables better control over the amount of retail developrneili that occurs along Highway 12. Provides the opportunity to genera te stable jobs in office, high tech, medical, etc. A more compact community scale retail area matches thfi design of new Highway 12 with no interchanges through Long lak&x \ IKL Maintains a lower activity 1e> el in the area west of WjllQW Drive. CMP3B-31 Wniilrf create preMure for providing an frpm nt a! Highway 17. to the retail area. T),. Hifh'yav 17 Bvnas !j Highway I?") whW COmplW^ ----„,imai>lv 7005 will hava a aianificanl impatl on atwss for this ...rrant Hieh«-ay P IWfri9 kv?H m CTPgtWjJg naw and 20QS theti ^hoMld drop Hranimita l V wfen nnni avp-rted to !»gain creen umvard, an4 tte lons-wnn nggd to lay a,L .manifest ttiii ffiison. ins in the h... mtaraaia nf the CHy husinfss comnutn ily w prewraa ■!!i.'! ITlln hLTrnnnBur^^^^ Further » Hioh'vay P 7ll71lH he rempyed. 2. Pranertv th. north .iM Of HifhWav \l frW Wilte ■ ^ !• j9 . lirt rrvsia H ff«y »««<<■ This arw vata nl K rnrcei ; with Z»'"’ n L^:^r.^:!:Lnaiye Pl^ ‘^‘^;g^/Klay7TrrraIa!r!o7y^^^ Drive —* Rnv Rnad. with no dir?Ct aCCf??? points omQ CMP 3B - 32 while still allowing the intended residential development to occur. In order to be compatible with the planned residential use to the north. "big box" retail uses are discouraged in this area, with an appropriate scale of development being in the range of no more than 25.000- 35.000 s.f. per individual building. LAKESHORE COMMERCIAL LAND USE Lake access and lake user service businesses are appropriate for a lakeside community and require a lakeshore location. Special performance standards are necessary to assure protection of the lake environment and protection of neighboring properl.ws, The primary purpose is to permit those functions that are directly necessary to support normal lake-use activities such as boat launching, boat service, boat repairs and fishing supplies. Lakeshore commercial areas are not intended for typical retail activities, including boat sales, which could be accomplished away from the lake. Accessory functions such as parking, winter storage and caretaker facilities will be appropriate in the lakeshore commercial areas. One lakeshore commercial area is indicated on the Land Use Plan along Maxwell Bay where resorts and marinas have historically existed. Sanitary sewer is available for boat sanitation purposes. Expansion of the existing facilities is limited however by surrounding residential neighborhoods, lack of public transportation, and environmental constraints including a crowded bay. Therefore, only the one wwMi nppfnpwHtc for dedication to this use. In recent years, one of 3 marinas historically develof^d at this location has been converted to a public boat landing with 70-plus car-trailer parking stalls, operated bv the MnDNR. The remaining two marinas are separated from each other bv a number of residentially used parcels, which act to limit the expansion of these marinas. Additional lakeshore commercial facilities do exist have long existed along County Road 15 north of Tanager Lake Bridge and also near the intersection of County Roads 15 and 51. This area has fewer transportation and environmental problems than Maxwell Boy, but it is not designated in this Plan for eommcrcial use bceause municipal sewer and other urban serviees are not available. This area would be considered for future lakeshore eommereial designation should sanitary sewer n^.nilnblp pmjpeipH in the CfiPP Facilities Plan.These facilities each present unique problems due to their configuration and location along, and in 2 of 3 cases on either side of. Countv Road 15. Countv Road 15 is designated in the City's transportation plan as a ’’.Scenic Parkway", but this busy 2-lane roadway functions more as a minor arterial highway, with ti jfllc levels and speeds that suggest it should he a 4-lane, limited access roadwav. This presents ongoing difficulties for CMP 3B - 33 the two existing marinas on Tanager Lake where facilities incltiding rental b<?at sltps occur on both sides of Countv Road 15. forc ing dan£erous Peds^tn^n grPSSin s movements. Options for establishing addit ional parking areas t<? minimize Jh s peHestrian crossings, are limited hv tono graphy, traffic sishtlingS lakgshfi ie proximity. URBAN INDUSTRIAL LAND USE Orono's Industrial Park along Highway 12 west of Long Lake is planned to continue as the only appropriate area for industrial-type activity in the City. Adequate transportation including rail facilities are available as is municipal water and sanitary sewer. The area is remote from extensive residential development. Accessory functions such as office buildings will be permitted in the industrial area. The 44-acre Industrial Park currently has some potential for additional dgvglOPntg Dl as well as redevelopment. Expansion of the Park is hmitgd bv Highway 12 tO th g north, the proposed Highway 12 Bvpass and Burlington Noilhcm Railroad on the south, the Qrono-l ong Lake municipal boundary on the caSt. and QM CrVStal Bay Road on the west. Access for a majority of th? g^isting parcels tS diregtly .JQ Hiphwav 12. n.ip to high traffic levels on Highway 12. a service road aCCgSSmg \Q. Old Crystal Bav Road should be develo ped within the Industrial P^rkt qllQw; inpressing/egressing traffic safer access via th e controlled intersection of Hlg hwa jL 12 and Old Crystal Bav Road . Past use of the Industrial Park has previously included manufacturing and PrQggSSlllgi The City will encourage conversion to light industrial. hish~lg<?h V§?§ ftS-Wgll as ofnce.showroom. The Citv has no intent to convert .the Industrial Park to tommerfi ial retail or service uses. URBAN EDUCATIONAL LAND USE The Orono School District Campus on Old Crystal Bay Road between Highway 12 and Sixth Avenue North is planned to continue as the only land necessary or appropriate for high density educational facilities. The area is central within the school district and is served by adequate transportation, water and sewer, aUhQU gb the underlying zoning remains rural residential . Sufficient land is available »n one contiguous piece on both sides of Old Cry stal Bay Road for all necessary facilities and for any future expansion should that ever be required. Th? Orono SchQOl DtSlnol is currently con.structing a new Middle School on property acrOSS Old Crystal BflY Road from the curent Orono High Scho o l. The Citv has nO intgnt \Q rglWfltg .Qld Crystal Bav Road to bypass the school campus, but has inUiatgd SPggd limUS and required adequate site planning to assure pedestrian safetV in th? arca> CMP 3B - 34 Calvary Memorial Church on Dunwoodv Avenue in Navarre is home to a parochial elementary school at this urban site. The school operates under a conditional use permit, and is an allowable conditional use under the Orono zoning code. FOR DISCUSSION: SHOULD ORONO SCHOOLS PROPERTIES CONTINUE TO BE DEFINED WITHIN THE RURAL AREA EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE CONSIDERED AS AN URBAN USE AN HAVE URBAN SERVICES???????? URBAN RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Urban parks , trails, and open space are not indicated on the Land Use Plan* because the planned Most existing facilities are aH relatively small neighborhood or mini-parks which are immediately accessory to the overlaying urban residential land use. The only Other recreational facilities identified in the urban area are swimming beaches and lake access points which attract a significant number of urban residents. CMP 3B - 35 RURAL LAND USE RURAL RESIDENTIAL LAND USE Rural residential development will be limited to single family dwellings, with a minimum dry-buildable lot size of at least two acres. When the total number of forecast rural density households (126?) (1760) is divided into the total rural acreage of Orono (89 60 ac res) (S600 acres) the gross rural density becomes one unit per seven nve acres. This is a reflection on the e.xtensive amounts of wetlands and public open space that occupies our rural service area, which in turn is a primary reason why extension of urban services into this region is impractical and uneconomic. The planned airal density of at least 2.0 dry-buildable net acres per dwelling, jsto rniipled with requirement^; for identifying two on-site sewage treatment SVStCm sjtgS for each developing residential lot, will permanently support on-site water supply and sewage treatment systems. The planned rural density will not overload or adversely affect the natural wetlands and storm water filtration system so necessary to the preservation of Lake Minnetonka's water quality. The resulting population densities will require no major changes to the public road system. The planned rural density should maintain to the greatest extent possible the historic character of this rural area with land remaining in parcels large enough to permit quasi-agricultural activities as well as residential uses. Because extensive, expensive urban services are not necessary, the planned rural density will allow rural development of two-acre lots to be economically competitive with urban development in other suburban areas. This preser\es the rural land owner's rights to use and/or develop his land, as well as preserving the widest choice of lifestyle possible for Orono residents. Certain restrictions on rural residential development will gontinnc IQ be imposed because of the existence of numerous wetlands and drainageways to Lake Minnetonka, steep slopes, soil type variations and other natural characteristics. These restrictions will continue to minimize the need for expensive public services such ^ municipal sanitary sewer, municipal water, major improvements in public transportation, and most important, public storm water sewer and treatment facilities. All rural lands abutting lakeshore will be subject to the same protective restrictions as urban lands in addition to the lower land use density of the area. Municipal nirnl density lakeshore properties where feasible, but SCWCT • 1 • - • CMP 3B - 36 Orono's rural residential density will not be increased to less than one dvvelling per two dry-buildable acres because of the potentially adverse environmental impact ^d because of the increased need for costly urban services. Orono s rural residential density will not be decreased below the established average because the resulting increie in acreage per unit would destroy the ability of the rural residents to economically maintain their property. Rl IR AT■ resid ential -1 PWFl 1ING PER TWQ This is the typical rural residential density developed and planned to be permanently self-supporting in all of Orono ’s Rural Service Area. No ^al density will be allowed greater than one unit per two acres except /^ose existing residences in existing rural housing clusters as identitied in the CSPP. New rural developments may include housing clustering v\ en environmental and site conditions allow, provided the overall ^«"sity within the development conforms to these requirements, and provided that^ sewage treatment needs can be adequAt^lV tri£f- RT IR AL RESIPPNTIAT - 1 DWFl .1JNQ PEP FIVF. ACRES Although the typical two acre rural residential density is appropnate for th entire Rural Service Area, the northwest comer of the City is pl^ed for a lower density of one unit per five acres. The citizens in this area lUilie I07n ’s verbalized a traditional desire for more intensive rural and quasi- agricultural activities which require and support the larger minimuiri lot density sizes. Thus, historic land use and not environmental concerns ha\e determined this land use classification. rse RURAL AGRICULTURAL LAND USE There is no separate designation for agricultural land use since this activiO' is appropriate and is slill occurring to some eM?nl " ithm all of the rural rcsidentia areas. Performance standards will be maintained to ^sure that active activities such as livestock farming do not occur on unduly small parcels of land, bu that they may oceur anywhere within the rural area where sufficient area provides'^ buffers for neighboring residents as well as adequate protection for he environment. Ouasi-agricultural activities such as horse stables, vegetable stands and similar uses Srilso be permitted throughout the Rural Service Area bu, reviewed on an individual basis to assure appropriate safegua, .. lor the emironmen and the neighbors. CMP 3B - 37 RURAL EDUCATIONAL LAND USE Typical educational facilities will be expected to remain in the Urban Service Area according to the Land Use Plan. However, Orono is host to two unique educational institutions which have proven to be acceptable rural land uses because of their special characteristics. TTie Land Use Plan does not provide for any expansion or duplication of these facilities, however, because the impact upon neighboring properties would increase as would the likelihood of urban service requirements. Only when these institutions are relatively small and low-key will they remain appropriate rural land uses. SPRING mi. CONFERENCF. CENTER Located- on large acfcagc along Sixth"Avcnuc North, th is is a- livc-in conference center intended for intensive sho rt-term study groups of twenty less. The campus provides all necessary on-site facilities pluspersons of'iwjj. j enough natural landscaping to completely buffer all activity from adjoining residential propcrtics.-Bccause of the smail- group capacity and typtcal extended session lengths,-the re is relatively no impact on transportation needs in the area; MINNETONKA CFNTER FOR ARTS AND EDUCATION Located on North Shore Drive in the Crystal Bay neighborhood, this institution provides high-quality instruction and facilities for all forms of artistic expression. The center has recently expanded and docs draws a significant number of persons to daily activities and frequent special functions. The rural location is especially appropriate for the artists personality, but care is necessary that the facility does not overtax the City's ability to provide the necessary services. LAKE MINNETONKA ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL Located in the historic Hill School building adjacent to the Minnetonka Center for Arts and Education, the Lake Minnetonka Environmental School is an alternative middle school serv ing grades 4-8. focusing on environmental education. CMP 3B - 38 RURAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES The recreational facilities identified on the Land Use Plan are principally large natural or open space areas which are compatible with their Rural Service Area location. Included in the mapped area are a number of privately owned recreational facilities ('primarily golf courses^ which in some cases are open for public use, but which in all cases serve the recreational needs of a segment of Orono's population. None of the public facilities draws a large number of users at any one time and therefore none of these facilities require any municipal urban services. Because of the WTiile a significant amount of land area is already devoted to these public recreational facilities (4% 9% of the City's total land area) the City will actively discourage encourage conversion of any more additional specific tend properties for public recreational purposes, exce pt as noted below on the islands in the Parks and Open Space element of this Comprehensive Plan. Following is a brief review of recreational facilities in Orono: HF.NNFPIN COIJNTV PARKS RESERVE The County Paric Reserve Hennepin Parks controls two large tracts in Orono. Morris T. Baker Park Reserve extends into Orono's northwest comer as a continuation of large acreage in Medina. There is no significant activity center in the Orono portion which consists primarily of natural areas and a bike-hike trail which has recently been connected to the Orono trail system . Noerenberg Memorial Gardens is located in the center of a residential area betw'een Crystal Bay and Ma.\well Bay. This Park is intended for passive use as a botanical garden and nature center. Extensive development or use is discouraged because of the limited area and the major impact that would have on neighboring properties. MINNESOTA DFPARTMFNT OF NATURAL RESOURCES The major DNR has jurisdiction over a number of recreational facilities in Ornnn The primary facility in Orono is the linear Luce Line Trail which runs through the center of Orono's rural residential area. A public access to the trail is located on Orono's western border and a limited day-use rest area is in the center of the City. Access to the trail is also provided bv the City operated Bederwood Park. The trail provides biking and horse riding opportunities between Plymouth and West-Central Minnesota and is connected at several points to Orono's bike-hike trail system. The second DNR facility is Two additional DNR recreational facilities include a small portion of the Wolsfeld Woods Scientific and Natural Area (SN.A.L a native "big woods" remnant forest area that extends south from Medina to Sixth Avenue North. This area is intended to be permanently limited as a passive study and conservation area. Also, east of Long Lake CMP 3B - 39 is the Wood Rill SNA, a 220 acre woods that abuts the Luce Line Trail. The MnDNR also operates the Maxwell Bav Access, a former marina site on North Shore Drive which now provides access to Lake Minnetonka and contains approximately 70 car-trailer parking spaces as well as a fishing pier. CITY OF QRONO PARKS The largest recreational facility operated by Orono is the public golf course located on Orono Orchard Road. All other rural recreational facilities are neighborhood parks, the two largest being Bederwood near Stubbs Bay and Hackberry along North Willow Drive. Bike-hike trails tie together most of the parks and neighborhoods of the City. The City also maintains a number of open space nature areas totaling approximately 80 acres. PRIVATE OPEN SPACE A significant amount of the recreation-open space in Orono is that controlled by private golf and country clubs. Large acreages are owned by the Wayzata Country Club, Woodhill Country Club, Spring Hill Golf Club and Lakeview Golf Course. While technically private, these areas provide open space benefits to ail nearby residents plus active recreational facilities for many Orono and lake area citizens. CMP 3B - 40 I A vr min ima TONKA ISLANDS I on Bif2 ici.nH rinHudinf 'h- and west islnini? piMS Mahpivaa anH private park land and rfCrg^tipn WaSt. Rir. ISLAND Durin Island Wi I,.,.,,.-.----- nSnl-rir parcels on P'6 Island. In Mnv 1972 •'-- I^n'-n Viiinno Council di-rliiH 'in P<-7oli'linn ^'9. -H^ihat :,hM--r liaiL ■■■K. loim Orono comnrhi-niiv Plan Ml^i ih^ 7iinii- and aja in cnmiirnKil tvtnuiiil "”-n.-r7liiP t|V CMP 3B-41 strong encouragement toward recreational uses as opposed to full time residential uses which would require a greater level of services than the City can reasonably provide. Physical Features Big Isit> ‘.d encompasses approximately 250 acres in area, of which approxin atelv acres ts wetland. A navigable channel actually separates Rig Island into two distinct islands. The shoreland ranges from flat, low wetland areas near th* jiilv'g.it vel to steep and often eroded bluffs extending ns much as 10-40' -‘.hove lake level. The topography is hillv. The highest point on the island is 9RR'. ntvtrlv oQ' above lake level, located near the south end of Morse Island Park. Soils on Big Island are mapped as Havden loam and clav loam, typical of soils located in central and northern Orono. Beach sand soils occur in a number of flat, low areas near the shoreline. Except for scattered clearings to accommodate individual cabins or recreation areas, the island remains heavily vegetated with hardwood species typical of the ''Big Woods ”. SeiT'iccs Big Island is provided with only a minimal degree of municipal services. There is no municipal sewer or water on the island, hence the use of individual septic systems and wells is common. The island is provided with telephone serv'ice and electric power via lines from the mainland. Police protection is minimally provided bv the City of Orono and the Hennepin County Sherriff. Fire protection is provided bv the Long Lake Frire Department although response time is understandably poor due to the lack of roads or bridges connecting the island to the mainland, and access to the island makes firefighting extremely difficult. Other services such as street repair, snow removal, inspections, and regular garbage removal are difficult, uneconomical and in some instances virtually impossible to provide to residential property located on the island. Access There are no improved roads on Big Island. A limited system of roadways and alleys was platted more than a century ago in the Morse Island Park and Plea.santview subdivisions, which primarily created narrow lakeshore lots but also resulted in a small number of inland lots not abutting the lakeshore and needing access to the lake. These platted corridors exist today as walking trails which on occasion are used for vehicular access. Since most lots do abut the shoreline, use of the interior roadway system has been primarily by CMP3B-42 the owners of interior lots, and bv owners of lakeshore lots with shoreline slopes that prohibit direct lake access. Vehicular access is necessary for nearly all island properties on occasion, hence the interior roadways are an important transportation element for Big Island. Overuse of the road system bv residents or the general public is of concern, since the roads are not improved. Erosion and trespass are two main issues, because the roadways are not marked and they often traverse steep slopes, especially where lanes extend to the lakeshore. Big Island Issues Use and maintenance of interior road system: access to inland properties; overuse bv vehicles 2i Public use of interior road system, trespass on private property Pressure to accommodate more year-round residential uses, with concurrent expectation of greater services Uncontrolled recreational use of adjacent bavs for partying St Provisions for safety and emergency services (L Bluff and shoreline erosion S. Big Island Goals and Policies Goals; Continue to promote the eventual ownership and management of Big Island bv Hennepin Parks as a seasonal recreational resource rather than as a vear-round residential area. Hennepin Parks is the most appropriate agency for operation of such a park. The City understands that this conversion is a necessarily slow process. The City does not intend to encourage condemnation or active acquisition programs. The City does encourage the Park Reserve Hennepin Parks to acquire anv and all island propelv as it becomes available. CMP3B-43 L Continue to allow rural residential land use in the interim. Such use must be subject to strict enforcement of all performance standards and the explicit understanding that the City will never be able to provide even basic public services. Maintain the natural, seasonal recreational character of the island. Provide at least a minimum level of emergency access to the island. Avoid or minimize future problems on the island in relation to sanitation, safety, fire protection, erosion, etc. Big Island Policies: Kxisting RS District controls on development and land use will be strictly enforced, and reinforced where necessary, to avoid potential problems related to sanitation, public safety and security', fire protection, etc. The City will encourage private landowners of island properties to protect their shorelines from erosion. The City will define specific approved access locations for individual inland Record Lots, and will establish policies regulating vehicular use of the undeveloped roadways. Peering Island Peering Island is a small (approximately 4-5 acresl privately owned island in West Arm Bav. constituting a single tax parcel and havin g a single ONVTicr. Many of the same issues, goals and policies pertaining to Big Island carry over to Peering Island. CMP 3B - 44