04-03-13 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – APRIL 3, 2013 6 Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler reviewed the Planning Commission is requested to review the draft Parks and Open Space (P/OS) Ordinance and Park Preserve (PP) Ordinance and provide further direction. They will also review the Diversion and Disposal of Recreation Areas Ordinance and recommend amendments, if necessary. Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler stated the City completed its Parks, Trails, and Open Space (PTOS) Plan in 2002. The PTOS Plan addresses demographic and recreational trends that affect the City’s park, trail, and recreation needs. Several recommendations entail renovating existing park space, as well as improving the accessibility of these resources. The Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee and City staff have since made significant progress in implementing the goals listed in the PTOS Plan. In September 2009, the City Council adopted the Arden Hills 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The plan outlines the community’s vision and goals, which are intended to guide the City’s programs, priorities, and decision-making processes. Several policies and goals contained in the plan address the protection of open space and outdoor recreational amenities: Chapter 6 – Land Use Evaluate and amend the land use regulations to achieve the highest possible development standards, enhance the natural environment, protect public health, support a vital mix of land uses, and promote flexible approaches to implement the Comprehensive Plan. Provide a balanced mix of residential, park, open space, and commercial land uses. Chapter 9 – Parks and Recreation Develop, maintain, and encourage the use of a system of neighborhood parks and pathways that are safe and engaging. Chapter 10 – Protected Resources Develop or enhance regulations to protect the City’s natural resources, including trees, lakes, wetlands, and other unique or significant natural resources. Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler showed the 2030 Future Land Use Map indicating Park and Open Space and Park Preserve Lands. The Park Preserve area is entirely located on the Training Site. He showed the Current Zoning Code and noted there is not a distinct district set aside for parks or open space areas within zoning regulations. Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler stated the Comprehensive Plan identifies a total of 576 acres of park and open space land, and categorizes P/OS as an existing and future land use designation. Park Preserve (PP) is an additional existing and future land use designation applied to open space areas in the City. Currently there is not a district set aside for parks or open space areas within zoning code regulations. Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler reviewed the drafts for the proposed Park and Open Space Ordinance and Park Preserve Ordinance currently include three primary sections: 1. A description of the intent of the ordinance 2. A subdivision outlining permitted uses, and 3. A subdivision listing special regulations.