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A. Comprehensive Plan Requirements Minnesota state law requires that all communities within the Minneapolis -St. Paul metropolitan area update their Comprehensive Plans every ten years. The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to establish the policies that guide the future physical and community development of Arden Hills. It is also a reference document for the Planning Commission and City Council when evaluating private development projects. Based on the future land uses, the City can plan for improvements, anticipate infrastructure needs, and create appropriate land use regulations. The City's Zoning Code identifies specific zoning districts through which the land uses and goals in the Comprehensive Plan can be implemented. The zoning cannot conflict with the future land use designation. When there is a conflict between the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code, the City is required to amend the Zoning Code to comply with the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan and all its amendments must reflect the adopted regional policies in the Metropolitan Council's system and policy plans. Local planning efforts are linked to the larger regional infrastructure of parks and trails, road networks, and wastewater infrastructure, and the City's plan must conform to the regional vision. An amendment to the Comprehensive Plan requires a recommendation from the Planning Commission following a public hearing and adoption of a resolution by the City Council. Adjacent communities must be given up to 60 days to review and comment on the proposed amendment before the City can submit to the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council will have 60 days for review and approval. The Metropolitan Council has the final determination as to whether to allow a Comprehensive Plan Amendment or not, though they provide great deference to the City as long as the proposed land use change does not have a negative impact on a regional system (i.e. transportation, sanitary sewer, and regional parks). B. Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments Chapter 6 of the Arden Hills 2040 Comprehensive Plan is titled "Land Use". This chapter provides a summary of existing land uses and lays out the future land uses that are anticipated for all properties in the City. This chapter guides the vision for future development to ensure that we are advancing the City's land use goals as carried forth by the following policies: o 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. o Ensure that land use regulations promote development that is compatible with nearby properties, neighborhood character, and natural features; minimize pedestrian and vehicular conflict; and visually enhance development. o Preserve the stability and quality of the city's neighborhoods while allowing for redevelopment that is complimentary to existing development. o Provide a balanced mix of residential, park, open space, and commercial land uses. Page 3 of 12