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City of Arden Hills – 2030 Comprehensive Plan <br /> <br /> <br />Approved: <br />12-3 <br />Existing structures and practices can also be modified or upgraded to reduce their <br />environmental impact. For example, using energy efficient lighting, increasing <br />insulation, reducing automobile usage, and other similar measures can reduce a <br />person’s impact at home and at work. <br /> <br />12.3 LOW IMPACT DESIGN <br /> <br />Municipal land use and transportation planning decisions directly influence whether <br />people and businesses will have mobility choices that allow them to save energy and <br />money. Through zoning codes, building codes, public incentives, and the permitting <br />process, municipalities can encourage building and site design that reduces energy <br />needs, resources, and greenhouse gas emissions. <br /> <br />Environmental sustainability and low impact design also includes ecology and open <br />space planning. Some of the practices and tools that coordinate development with <br />protecting the environment and open spaces include: <br />o LEED and other similar design standards; <br />o Water gardens, porous or structured parking, and minimizing paved areas; <br />o Storm water control, collection, and filtration before entering storm sewers; <br />o Wetlands preservation and control; <br />o Access to local foods, materials, building supplies; <br />o Walkable and bikeable community; <br />o Increased landscaping with more trees and vegetation; <br />o Smart design and location for structures – east, west, south exposure for solar <br />gain, natural ventilation to reduce air-conditioning, recycled and natural <br />building products. <br />o Transportation hubs and depots – walkable, bikeable, electric vehicle distance <br />to local community centers or business districts. <br /> <br />This section does not include all low impact design practices and tools. As technology <br />and ideas are available, they should be evaluated to determine if they could advance <br />the City’s goals. The above practices and tools could be encouraged or required <br />through the City’s regulations. <br /> <br />12.4 CARBON REDUCTION <br /> <br />Planning for energy uncertainty and climate change will require proactive planning at <br />every level of government. In Arden Hills, a significant contributor of carbon and <br />greenhouse gas emissions is traffic passing through on Interstates I-694, I-35W , <br />Highway 10, Highway 96, Snelling Avenue, and Lexington Avenue. Although the City <br />has limited ability to regulate these roads, the City can encourage other governmental <br />units to use these tools to help lower emissions: Draft 03/07/2018