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_________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for April 9, 2014 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2014\PC 14-001 - Zoning Code Amendment - Parks and Open Space District Rezoning\Memos_14-001 Page 3 of 4 Findings of Fact Cities have broad discretion when reviewing and adopting zoning regulations; however, as a tool to implement a city’s comprehensive plan, it is necessary to understand the connection between the two documents when reviewing amendments to the Zoning Code. Staff offers the following four (4) findings of fact for the Planning Commission’s consideration: 1. The proposed amendment would create greater consistency between the City Zoning Code and the adopted Future Land Use Map. 2. The proposed amendment advances the Comprehensive Plan’s land use goals because it assists in providing a balanced mix of residential, park, open space, and commercial land uses within the City. 3. The proposed amendment advances the Comprehensive Plan’s parks and recreation goals because it helps to protect and maintain access to lakes, marshes, and wooded areas for active and passive recreation. 4. The proposed amendment advances the Comprehensive Plan’s protected resources goals because it implements regulations to protect the City’s natural resources, including trees, lakes, wetlands, and other unique or significant natural resources. Notice Notice on this planning case was published in the Arden Hills/Shoreview Bulletin and mailed to all property owners within 500 feet of a parcel where a rezoning has been proposed. Public Comments The City has received several phone calls regarding this planning case asking for clarification on the proposed rezoning. Generally, the comments received by staff have been supportive of the rezoning. Xcel Energy contacted staff regarding this case. The company has easements on several of the properties that will be rezoned and information was provided to staff on the company’s utility line encroachment guidelines. Staff informed Xcel Energy that they were aware of these easements and that the City would coordinate with the company on any planned future activities or uses that might encroach on these easements. In general, Xcel Energy did not have any objections to the proposed rezoning.