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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 COMPREHENSIVE PLANCOMPREHENSIVE PLAN City of Gem Lake 3 U L Y 1997 CITY OF GEM LAKE 1369 County Road "E" East Gem Lake, MN 55110 - 5231 PRESENTED TO White Bear Township 1281 Hammond Road White Bear Township, MN 55110 I i I Table of Contents Page 1.0 City of Gem Lake Comprehensive Plan Summary ....... , , .. 1 2.0 Use of the Plan .. . 2.1 Purpose of Preparing �the .Plan � .... . ........ . .... . ..... 3. 2.2 Use of Plan by the City PlanningCommission... ,3 2'3 Use of the Plan ... by the City Council 3 2.4 Relationship of: Other Municipal Bodies and , ............ 4 Citizens to the Plan . 2.5 Compliance with the Plan .......... .......... ....... 4 ................... 2.6 Amendments to the. Plan 5 ... . 5 3.0 Community Development Trends and Dete 3.1 Creation of Gem Lake rmrnants , . , , , , , 6 3.2 Geographical Setting .................. 6 3.3 Natural Features of Gem Lake 8 Topography .. ...... 7 3.3.2 Surface Water and Drainage 3:3.3 Soils 7 3.3.4 Vegetation 7 3.4 Population Growth of Gem Lake and Vicinit 7 3.5 Characteristics of Population Y 8 3.6 Employment and Economic Base . ' 8 3.7 Development of Region -Serving Facilities .. ' ............ Q 3.8 Land Development in Gem Lake and Vicinity..12 3.8.1 Residential Development 12 3.8.2 Commercial Development 12 38.3 Office and Other Errmployment Concentrations 12 3.8.4 industrial Development 12 3.8.5 Public Open Space and Recreation Areas 13 &9 Comprehensive Plan and D 13 11 evelopment Characteristics in Contiguous Municipalities . ......, 3.10 Community Survey 14 .. 4.0 Plan Assumptions, Goais,.and Issues . 4.1 Plan. Assumptions ........ , . ...... ... 16 ........................ .. 4.2 Community Goals 16 4.3 Principal Issues .... ' . .. .. ............ 16. 4.3.1 Density of. Residential Develo 17 p'ment 4.3.2 Limited Commercial Expansion 18 4•3.3 Quality of New Construction and Maintenance 18 of the. Existing Man -Made Environment 4:3.4 Provision of Public. Utilities 18 19 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page I a 0 Page 4.3.5 Service Agreements with Cooperating Governmental Units 4.3.6 Lack of Public or Semi -Public Open. Space and 19 Recreational.Areas 4.3.7 Maintenance of Residential Quality in Existing 9 Commercially Designated Areas 20 5.0 Land Use Goals and Policies . • ............ . . ..... 5.1 Land Use. Goals 20 .. 5.2 General Land Development�20 Policies . 5.3 City Planning Area Policies 20 . 5.3.1 Hoffman's Comers"Retail/Services" District 24 5.3.2 Hoffman`s Comer "Commercial" District 24 5.3.3 Ho27 ffman's Corner "Highway Commercial" District "Low 27 5.3.4 Density Business" District 5.3.5 "Central" Residential Area 28 5.3.6 "Northwest" Residential Area 30 5.3.7 "Recreational" Area 3.1 5.3.8 "Northeast" Residential Area 31 32 6.0 Transportation Plan ...... 6.1 The Existing Roadway System . • ........ ` ' ' • • • . ' 32 . . 6.1.1 Arterials . . 33 6.1.2 Collectors 33 6.1.3 Local Streets 33 6.1.4 Jurisdiction 33 6.1.5 Public Transit 35 6.1.5 Airports 35 6.2 Future Roadway System 35 6.2. i Roadway Changes ....... 36 6.2.2 Roadway Consolidation and Maintenance 36 6.3 Transportation Policies 38 ........ .................... 39 7.0. Sanitary Sewer Plan ....... , 7, y Goals and Policies • . . .... . .... . , ... ...... 41 ... ....... Goals 46 77.1.1 .1.2 Policies. 46 46 8.0 Water Supply Plan ..... . 8.1 Water Supply System ..... ... ...... 47 8.2 Water Supply Policies 47 ................ 48 9.0 Housing Plan . ..•. , . , , , , 9.1 Housing Supply ..... ........ 49 • ..... I ............... . 9.2 Housing Goals and Policies . ........................... 52 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page ii Page 10.0 Storm Drainage Plan .. , .... • ... ... 10.1 Storm Drainage Policies 53 ...................... .. 53 11.0 Community Facilities and Services Plan .. . • • .......... 11.1 Police 54 ' 11.2 Fire Protection 54 .... .............. 11.3 Road Maintenance 54 .............. . 11.4 Professional Assistance ......... . ........ , . , .. , . , . 11.5 Municipal Building 56. .......... 11.6 Public Schools 56 ....... 11.7 Health Facilities 56 ......... 11.8 Outdoor Recreational Facilities 57 . .............. 57 12.0 Plan Implementation • ....... .. ... ..... l 12.1 Zoning Ordinance 5� .......... . 12.2 Other Ordinances and Issues .............. .... . F 12.3 Capital Improvement Plan ' 65 .. ... ....... 66 13.0 Severability . ..... • .............. 67 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page W List of Tables Page Table 1 Population Trends and ProjectionsJor Gem Lake and Contiguous Governmental Units ......... ..... , , . ......... .. 9 J Table 2 Selected Characteristics of the Population for Gem Lake and Contiguous Governmental Units ............................. 9 Table 3 Existing and Projected Population; Households, and Employment in Gem Lake .. ......... . ........... 11 Table 4 Employment Opportunities in Relation to Population: 1990 ..... 11 Table 5 Selected Characteristics of Housing for Gem Lake and Contiguous Governmental Units - 1990 .................... 13 Table 6 Inventory of Roads, Streets, and Highways ............ 34 Table 7 Summaryof Existing Road Mileage by Jurisdiction and Functional Classification ..... ................... . ... 35 Table 8 Summary of.Road Mileage by Jurisdiction and Functional Classification in Year 2000* ................. 39 Table 9 Estimated Future Sewer Flows .............................. 44 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page iv List of Figures Page Figure 1 Existing Land Use ............................ . ...... 15 Figure 2 Future Land Use and .Planning .Areas 26 Figure 3 Roadway System .................. .................. 37 Figure 4 Sanitary Sewer Comprehensive Plan .. ... ... 43 Figure 5 Wetiand Management Areas .................... 55 Figure 6 Zoning Map ........... 59 List of Appendices Appendix A Results of Community Survey Appendix B Interstate Highway 35E (1-35E) Corridor Study Excerpts Comprehensive Plan Gem. La€ce,.Minnesota Page:v t July 1997 Comprehensive Plan f. Gem Lake, Minnesota 1.0 City of Gem Lake. Comprehensive Plan Summary While the. Table of Contents presents a clear explanation of what is { contained in this document, the. reader may benefit from a brief overview of how it is organized. Chapter 2, "Use of the Plan%. discusses the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan, and the role of the Planning Commission, City Council, and citizens of Gem Lake in relationship to the Comprehensive Plan. It also discusses.compliance and amendments to the plan. In general, the use of the plan is to be as a guide in the future long-term development of the City of Gem Lake, It is intended I as a decision: making aid. Chapter 3,. "Community Development Trends and Determinants", discusses background information that describes the current and past. conditions of the City of Gem Lake; Elements discussed are geographical setting; natural features, population growth and characteristics, employment. and economic base, region -serving facilities and land development. The purpose of the. chapter is to 1 determine the current status of Gern.Lake and where the City may be t headed. The chapter identifies those. resources. that may be available and those that should be, preserved. This chapter also contains a Y summary of the. Community Survey that was conducted in the fall 1995, to determine the wants and needs of the citizens of Gem Lake. a Chapter 4, "Plan Assumptions, Goals,. and Issues", discusses the assumptions that the plan is based on the goals that have been established as the. principal guidelines for the physical development 1 of Gem Lake and the principal issues that must be faced. The goals relate to the "vision" of what Gem Lake should be like in the future. They stress the protection and preservation. of the "small town"character and natural. environment of Gem Lake. The issues are those things. that` must be guided in order to meet the goals of the plan. They include density of residential development, limited commercial expansion, quality of man-made environment, provision of public utilities, service agreements with cooperating governmental units, and lack of recreational and open space. Page 1 Chapter 5, "Land Use Goals and Policies", discusses the land. use goals and policies that attempt to identify what the City of Gem Lake. should. be. like in the future and how to get there. This chapter also divides the City into "Planning Areas"; describes the area, and identifies. specific policies for each planning area. Chapter 6, "Transportation Plan", describes the existing roadway and transportation issues in. Gem Lake and identifies policies to guide the future development and maintenance of the transportation system. Chapter 7, "Sanitary Sewer Plan", describes the City's sanitary sewer comprehensive plan. It discusses the current provision of sanitary sewer and possible future extension of service. The ordinance which regulates individual sewage treatment systems (Ordinance 46 and 61) and the operation of the municipal sanitary sewer system. (Ordinance 64) are summarized. Finally, this chapter identifies goals and policies related to the future development of the sanitary sewer system as well as the current use of individual sewage treatment systems. Chapter 8, "Water Supply Plan", discusses options that the City has with regards to its water supply, including conservation and emergency plan. procedures. This chapter concludes with policies to guide future water supply decisions. Chapter 9, "Housing Plan"; discusses the current housing situation within the City of Gem Lake. Census data is summarized to indicate what is present and available; This chapter also.includes a discussion of the availability of property within the specific residentially zoned districts. This chapter also includes a list of goals and policies that have been established in order to guide the future housing mix (quantity, quality, density, and type) within the City. Chapter 10,. "Storm Drainage Plan", identifies goals and policies that relate to the storm water management system of Gem Lake. Chapter 1.1, "Community Facilities and. Service Plan" discusses the. current status.of various. community facilities and service and policies to guide their future development provisions and maintenance. They include police, fire protection, road maintenance, professional assistance, .municipal building, public: schools; health facilities, and. outdoor recreational facilities. Chapter 12, "Plan Implementation", proposes a number of strategies that may be used to reach the goals and policies of this plan. These strategies include changes to the City Zoning Ordinance, the development and updating of other ordinances and the development of a Capital Improvement Program. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page. 2.0 Use of the Plan 2.1 Purpose. of Preparing the Plan The Comprehensive Municipal Plan of Gem Lake has been prepared with the primary purpose of guiding the. long -.term physical development of the.City including investments in both rinyateN and p&icly owned resources. The City Planning Commission and. City Council have both.recognized that investments in physical facilities within Gem Lake are usually long-term fixed assets. that establish the development character of the City for many years. Accordingly, this document has been. prepared to,firm]y establish the manner in which citizens and their elected and appointed representatives wish the City of Gem Lake to develop. This plan document is the third Comprehensive Plan prepared for the City. The first plan was prepared in 1962, but was not officially adopted by the municipal government. A second plan was prepared in 1978, and revised in 1982, to meet Metropolitan Council approval. This plan draws freely upon the proposals of the 1982 plan, but incorporates. more recent development trends within Gem Lake and in the. immediate vicinity of the City. New goals and. policies of the - City are also established. This plan supersedes all of the contents of the previous plan document. The Comprehensive Plan represents the collective position of the City Planning Commission and the City Council at the time of its. adoption. While consultant assistance was sought in the preparation of this plans the actual recommendations and policy statements represent solely those of the, City Council, the Planning Commission and, to the maximum extent possible, the citizens of Gem Lake. While the plan is intended primarily as a policy document with the principal. goal of guiding the orderly physical development of the. City, the �Lj all - should not die considered a detailed program fpr the implementation _ of City policies nor should it be considered a neg-glatgZ dqvicfor accomplishing t 's end. Rather, it is expected that all plan procedures and regulatory devices legally available to the City will be used in accordance with the provisions of the plan. The general time frame of the plan is approximately 15 to 20 years at which time it is anticipated that most, if not all, :land holdings within Gem Lake will be committed to some form of urban development. 2.2 Use of Plan by the City Planning Commission The Planning. Commission of Gem Lake is a five -member body appointed by the City Council of Gem Lake. Members of the Committee serve at the pleasure of the City Council. They may be reappointed. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 3 Specifically, with regard to the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning. Commission has. the following major responsibilities: (a) to periodically review (not less frequently than biannually) and make suggested additions and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, (b) to assure that all provisions of the. City's development control ordinances (or proposed amendments or additions to these ordinances) are in accordance with the principles of the plan, (c) to review proposed public capital investments.of the City of Gem.Lake. to determine their consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and (d) to review proposed private capital investments' within Gem Lake to assure that they are in accordance with the principles and proposals of the plan. While the Planning Commission's responsibilities are primarily advisory the City Council has prime authority in carrying out the plan's features — the Planning Commission nevertheless is considered to be the City's primary body in terms of making explicit interpretations of the plan's stated proposals. 2.3 Use of the Plan by the City Council The City Council is a five -member body directly elected by the citizens of Gem Lake. Council members are elected to four year staggered terms and the Mayor is elected to a 2-year term. As the primarypolicy making body of the City of Gem Lake, the Council has the following principal. responsibilities in relation to. the Comprehensive Municipal Plan: (a) to assure, to the maximum extent possible, that the policies contained within the Comprehensive Plan document represent the viewpoint of the citizens of the community, (b) to attempt to make in policy decisions in normal council deliberations that are consistent with the plan's provisions, (c) to make public capital expenditures and. related expenditures consistent with the principles of the plan, and (d) to exercise the ultimate review and adoption of all original plan provisions and amendments to the plan forwarded to the Council by the Planning Commission. 2.4 Relationship of Other Municipal Bodies and Citizens. to the Plan Beyond guiding the actions of the City Planning Commission and the City Council, the plan is designed to be an educational device designed to convey to all people in Gem Lake the manner in which the City is desired to develop. The plan is intended to convey the. unique assets, liabilities, and key development issues facing the. City in the coming, years. Citizens interested in interpretations of the, provisions of the Comprehensive Municipal Plan, or revisions to it,: are encouraged to meet with the Planning Commission at its regularly scheduled sessions. Comprehensive Plan. Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 4 r k 2.5 Compliance with the Plan The Comprehensive Plan of Gem Lake is designed to be more than a mere document spelling out general municipal policies. It is principally intended as a deeision-making._ aid primarily for (a) guiding the expenditure of public capital funds and (b) establishing Y the underlying rationale for the development codes and. ordinances which more specifically control private development within the City. s In particular, the Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document of r zoning. Minnesota State Statute 462.356 (Subdivision 2) further spells out required compliance with the plan where putLlLc capital investments. are involved: z '.'After a Comprehensive Municipal Plan or Section.thereof has been recommended by the Planning Agency (the Gem Lake Planning Commission..) and a copy filed with the governing body (the Gem Lake City Council), .no publicly owned interest in real property within the municipality shall be acquired.or disposed of, nor shall any capital improvement be authorized by the municipality or special district or agency thereof or any other political subdivision having jurisdiction within the municipality until after the Planning Agency (City Planning Commission.) has reviewed the :proposed acquisition,. disposal,. or capital improvements and reported in writing to the governing body (City Council) or other special district or agency or political subdivision concerned, its findings as to compliance of tiie proposed acquisition, disposal or improvement with:: the Comprehensive Municipal Plan. Failure of the Planning Agency to report on the proposal within 45 days after such a reference, or such other period as may be designated by the governing body (City CounciI), shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of this � subdivision. Thegoverning body (City Council may, b resolution g g y� tY ) Y Y I adopted by two-thirds vote, dispense with the requirements of this subdivision when in its judgment it finds that the. proposed acquisition or disposal of real property or capital improvement has no relationship to the Comprehensive Municipal Plan. " i 2.6 Amendments to the Plan The Comprehensive: Municipal Plan of the City of Gem Lake is designed to be amendable. The City Planning Commission has the authority granted by the City Council to annually review the. contents of the Comprehensive Plan. and to recommend any potential amendments to the City Council. Any amendments to the Comprehensive Plan beyond an editorial level will be executed only after a public hearing which is duly advertised in the officially designated newspaper of the municipality. at least ten days prior to the hearing. Any.amendments to the plan can be accomplished by a 2/3 Comprehensive. Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page majority vote (of the members. of the. City Council). Amendments must.be formally submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review and will be placed on file with the Council As well as with all governmental units with boundaries contiguous to Gem Lake. e 3.0 Community Development Trends and Determinants There are many phenomenons that should be considered as a basis for developing a.Comprehensive Plan for the City of Gem Lake. Perhaps most significantly, it should be noted that the City is only a small part ?" of the Nlinneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The nature of physical development within Gem Lake, its natural resource base, its people., its economy,: and its governmental plan must all be placed in context with what is happening. in thelarger metropolitan area and, more specifically, that portion of the metropolitan area in the immediate vicinity of Gem Lake. The primary purpose of this chapter of the plan is to examine those trends that are most apt to act as determinants of the Comprehensive Municipal Plan proposals. 3.1 Creation of Gem Lake The City of Gem Lake was created through a referendum conducted in 1957. The City was one of several municipal. jurisdictions which incorporated during the 1950s, in .response to a rapid increase in urbanization pressures during that time. In addition to Gem Lake, the municipalities of Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Shoreview; and Vadnais Heights, all within a five mile radius, were incorporated in that same time:. 3.2 Geographical Setting The City of Gem Lake encompasses a land area.of approximately 725 acres in the north central portion of Ramsey County. The City is located approximately seven miles north of the central business district of St. Paul and approximately 11 miles northeast of the central. business district of Minneapolis. Gem Lake is bounded on the north by the Town of White Bear, The City of White Bear Lake generally bounds the City on the east. Vadnais Heights bounds the City Partially on the east, entirely on the south and west, and partially on the north. The northern and eastern boundaries: of the. City are well defined by the rights -of -way of the Burlington Northern Railroad. Most of the southern boundary of the City is County Road E. The western border of the City is Lahore Road. In proximity to the City's western border is Interstate Highway 35E (I-35E), U.S. Highway 61 cuts through the southeastern portion of the City.. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 6 3.3 Natural Features of Gem Lake The. natural environment of Gem Lake is unquestionably of a very high quality,. the preservation or enhancement of which should. be. considered as the. City more fully develops. 3.3.1 Topography The topography of the community is generally rolling exhibiting glacial. moranic surface features. Elevations vary approximately 90 feet (from 920 feet. to 1,0. 10 feet above sea level). The greatest elevation variations are in the west central and northwestern portions of the City where there are several knobs of higher elevations. Virtually, all. steeper slopes over 10 percent grade are also %in. this portion of the City. The northeast and southern portions of the City range from gently rolling to flat. 3.3.2 Surface Water and Drainage Most of Gem Lake Ties on a low plateau over 950 feet above sea 1 level. This plateau drains north, west, and south. Since Gem Lake is in a relatively high elevation with respect to. surrounding: lands, no ` permanent streams exist within the. corporate. limits. However, as is typical of glacial landscapes, much of the municipality is imperfectly drained with much of the surface water draining into low lying a depressions with no surface outlets. The largest of these. depressions. is Gem Lake which. covers approximately 38 acres including its t attendant wetlands: Much of the.central portion of the City drains into, i this .feature. The. second largest area of standing water is a pond covering. about six acres in the northeastern portion of the City. Most of the.lands north of the Gem Lake Drainage Area and south of Goose Lake Road drains into this surface feature: There are many other smaller pockets.of intermittent and permanent surface water storage areas scattered throughout the. municipality, 3.3.3 Soils Much, if not most, of the surface. soils within Gem Lake are glacial tills. Consequently, the character of soils can vary significantly in a relatively small area. Gravel deposits displaying course soils are located in knobs in the northwestern portion of the City. In contrast, fine sediments are located in the Gem Lake and associated wetland area not far away. Overall, the sails. might be characterized as medium to fine in all but (1) the knob areas and (2) in the northeastern area of the City where coarser soils predominate. 3.3.4 Vegetation Much of the City is wooded especially in the central portion around Gem Lake. There are also extensive stands of trees in the northwestern portion of the City along Goose Lake Road. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 7 3.4 Population Growth of Gem Lake and Vicinity Gem Lake is located in the northeast portion of the Minneapolis -St. Paul metropolitan area which has experienced very rapid urbanization. This area reached the population "take -off' stage during the 1950s, and accelerated during the 1960s. f The populations of the cities of Gem Lake and. Vadnais Heights, and White Bear Lake Township also increased substantially from 1970 to 1990, while the populations of the City of White Bear Lake began to stabilize (see Table .l.). Current and future population trends as estimated by the Metropolitan Council indicate that the populations of both Gem Lake and White Bear Lake City have stabilized:and will remain relatively stable. The population of Vadnais Heights and White.Bear Lake Township are expected to experience steady growth. The low residential density desired.by the citizens of the City .and the withholding of a substantial amount 'of undeveloped land by individual with. no desire to develop it, will point to limited future r population growth. 3.5 Characteristics of Population Table 2 summarizes selected characteristics of the population of Gem Lake and the adjoining governmental units. The percent of people older then 35 years old for Gem Lake (46.3) is very similar to the City of White Bear Lake (45.4) and slightly greater than White Bear Lake Township and Vadnais Heights. Conversely, Gem Lake and White Bear Lake have the lowest percentage of population in the primary child bearing 25-34 age group. The relative stability of the population of bath. Gem Lake at.White Bear Lake City can possibly be partially attributed to these age distribution figures. The 1990 medianfamily income level in Gem Lake ($59;224) was by far the highest of the adjacent communities. Only2;3 percent of the population within Gem Lake was viewed to be below the poverty line as defined by the 1990 U.S. Census:, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota page 8 CL 2 , Cm g ; R \� ƒ E® § r > ¥ S E d a r ■ { � R = e _ƒ f 2 � 7 $ \ ( % G w � © w M &- » \- 0 2. � ■ + e 4 \ 00 §. G « : / � k © e m 5 \ :. 6 � c § A \ © m 0 c = \ 6 3 m ` 2 f c o « 2 w & / / % - � 2 0 (L § / 00 v) & / d k od � / _ O . # @ n a # & k 2 / � k 06 2. o .Cq CD - 7 _ M 2 §S \ / : cu ± § \cl, $ a ±: 30 3.6 Employment and Economic Base As shown in Tables 3 and 4, the City of Gem Lake has more job opportunities than, the population could reasonably be expected to support. Overall, the nature of commercial development and employment opportunities is geared to a trade area. much larger than Gem Lake. Auto dealerships. are: the dominant commercial enterprises with "Highway Service" establishments such as service stations and fast food establishments constituting a large share. of remaining commercial activity. There is very little in the way of commercial development at this stage of the community's development geared to serving the resident population. This is, of .course, due to the City's small population. t 3.7 Development of Region -Serving. Facilities Within the last thirty years there has been a very major change in the provision of region -serving facilities which will tend to accelerate and _f shape the development pattern in that portion of the metropolitan area in which Gem Lake is located. These facilities include the following: A. The completion of the Interstate Highway segments including I-694 located approximately one mile south of Gem Lake and I-35E located to the west with only a small segment of Vadnais Heights intervening. B. The extension of metropolitan trunk sewers to and beyond the City of Gem Lake. This provision of major trunk interceptors has enhanced the potential for large scale development in the Gem Lake vicinity. C. A regional shopping center, Maplewood Mall, approximately two miles southeast of Gem Lake serves as the major shopping complex in the area for the foreseeable future. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota D. Ramsey County has pursued an aggressive open space acquisition and development plan. This plan should affect urban development Patterns as well as recreational.opportunities in the area. E. The City of Vadnais Heights has been developing a Town Center. Page 10 Table 3 Table 4 Comprehensive Plan. Gem Lake, Minnesota Page Y 1 I 3.8 Land .Development in Gem Lake and Vicinity 3.8.1 Residential Development Gem Lake residents. are overwhelmingly housed. in single-family homes (99.3 percent of dwelling units). However, there is a considerable diversity of housing. types in the vicinity of the City both in terms of types and in values (see Table: 5). For example, 7.4 percent of all housing units in adjacent Vadnais Heights. are mobile. homes. Substantial shares.ofhousing are in multiple -family structures such as in White Bear Lake (27.9 percent), and Vadnais Heights (18.0 percent), :Housing values are very similar among the adjoining communities with three communities at $97,000 and White Bear Lake City at $87,000. 3.8.2 Commercial Development i Prior to the construction of Maplewood Mall there was a decided lack r of a full service retail commercial center to serve the Gem Lake area. This center is the dominant retail outlet within the area for major shopping purposes. Residents of. Gem Lake are able to obtain some convenience items in the traditional "Hoffman's Corners" area located in the southeastern portion of the City. Lands immediately south and west of Gem Lakes' corporate boundaries in Vadnais Heights. are planned for additional commercial development. As was .indicated previously in the "Employment and Economic Base" section of this chapter, the dominant investment in all commercial development within. Gem Lake was in auto dealerships catering to a trade area well _4 beyond. municipal boundaries. Other commercial investments typically have a. "Highway Service" character such as service stations j and fast food establishments. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota 3.8.3 Office and Other EmpIoyment Concentrations There is a limited amount of office development in the immediate vicinity of Gem Lake. These are small concentrations in Vadnais Heights and in the downtown areas of White Bear Lake and North St. Paul. The largest concentrations of office space near Gem Lake are in the central business,district of St. Paul, the Midway District of St. Paul, and in Roseville neartheintersection of Snelling and Highway 36. Page 12 Table 5 Selected Characteristics of Housing for Gem Lake and Contiguous Governmental Units -1990 Ty e of Hoti p sing Tenure of Housing Value ($) Total No, Governmental of Housing %a % % % 7e Median unit Units Multiple Mobile Single Owner Renter Median Owner-. Contiguous Family Home Family Occupied Occupied Rent Occupied to Geinn Gem Lake Lake 149 0.7 0.0 99,3 95:3 4.7 Housing $575 $07,100 White Bear (Township) 31292 7.9 ag 9I.3 93.8 6.2 $639 $97,900 White Bear Lake, 9,295 271.9 0.0 72.1 70.2 29,8 $545 $87,600 Vadnais Heights 4,030 18 7.4 74.6 82.2 17.8 $538 $97;000 3.8.4 Industrial Development There are no concentrations of industrial development within Gem Lake... 'However, with a five -mile radius of the City; there are some concentrations in Little Canada,. Maplewood,. North St.. Paul, and Vadnais Heights. Most significantly the abutting governmental units. of Vadnais Heights and White Bear (Town) have planned extensive amounts of industrial land adjacent to Gem Lake. The Town of White Bear plans industrial development abutting Gem Lake's northern corporate limit;. Vadnais Heights plans industrial development beginning a few hundred feet south of Gem Lak&s southern corporate boundary. 3.l3.S Public Open Space and Recreation Areas There are no, publicly owned public open space: or recreational areas within Gem Lake.. There is a commercial golf course located in the northeastern portion of the City. Within the area substantial amounts of open space or recreation areas are either existing, planned, or under acquisition or development. Approximately two miles to the west are forest preserve lands owned by the City of St. Paul. Approximately one mile to the southeast of Gem Lake. is a large community park within White Bear Lake. Most significantly, very substantial acreages of open space are either planned for or under acquisition by Ramsey County. Much of this :acreage. is in the neighboring City of Vadnais Comprehensive plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 13, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Heights, Within Gem Lake, a future area for potential trail use is the BN Railroad/ROW line which is located in the eastern portion of the. City. This area shows potential to be designated, as part of a larger Regional. Trail Corridor by Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Council Parks Division. 3.9 Comprehensive Plan and Development Characteristics in Contiguous Municipalities Due to the small size of Gem Lake, it is very important that the community monitor and loosely coordinate its development with the contiguous governmental units on its boundaries. White Bear Lake is the most developed of these .and exhibits a generally diversified development pattern similar to that of a freestanding town (which it was until metropolitan urban development radiating out of St. Paul reached out to its vicinity): That portion.of White Bear Lake closest to Gem Lake is: planned principally for commercial development. Vadnais Heights, which borders on the west and south portions of Gem Lake is predominantly developing as a low density residential suburb. At present, Gem Lake has a small economic base for development. The Vadnais Heights plan (based. on the zoning map) calls for commercial development along all'but a small portion of the entire south and western portion of the City of Gem Lake. White Bear Township is expanding an industrial district on the. northern border of Gem Lake. 3.10 Community Survey A community survey was conducted by the City of Gem Lake to gather citizen input in regards to the direction they would like to see the City take. Sixty-nine (69) surveys were returned and the results were tabulated. In general, the citizens of Gem Lake were very pleased with.the way Gem Lake is now and would like to see.it remain as it is. Low density and protection of the natural environment were them themes of the responses.. The complete results Appendix A. of the community survey are found in Page 14 CITY OF 1`� IC AF 'A RAMSEY C R T A Ir,7- T-1 A AV ASS) 4.0 Plan Assumptions, Goals, aild. tsaues: Beyond assessment of the existing and projected characteristics of development in Gem Lake and vicinity, there is a need to (1) assess the. assumptions upon which the plan Is to be predicated, (2) establish basic community goals upon **hich the policy proposals of the plan.. may rest, and.(3) identify the key issues whichzustbe resolved if the plan: is: to become a reality.. This chapter of the plan -presents these. assumptions; goals, and issues as. the key factors that establish the basis for the.plan proposals in the succeeding chapters: 4.1 Plan Assumptions A. The plan is based on the assumption that the economy of the Minneapolis -St. Paul metropolitan area will remain healthy and thaf sub -regional population projections as established by the Metropolitan Council will be reasonably accurate. B. It is assumed that the cooprebensiye development plans and physical development ordinances of the corttiguous local units of government. will remain essentially as they are today.. C, It is assumed that additional skgpping and employment opportunities within municipalities located withii a five= -mule radius of Gem Lake. will become available in reasonable proportion!or population increases. D: It- -is assumed that a major open -spaEe acquisition and development plan. will be: completed as proposed by Ramsey Cquiaty: E. It is assumed .that facilities presently estimated by the City Engineer and/or projected will be. adequate for the projected population. 4.2 Community Goals The following goals are established as the principal guidelines for the physical'development of Gem Lake. All policies, -asp resented in. later chapters of this plan document, should be considered supplemental tothese basic goals: .A. The residents of Gem Lake: desire to. preserve and maintain .a "small town" environment in a natural setting. Such an environment should promote an atmosphere of quiet, relaxed.. living with maximtim regard to maintaining openness of the physical environment as well as preserving trees, water areas, grass lands, and wetlands.. This will require. new development -:in an overall low -density pattern. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota paa:q� B. The residehm of Gem Lake desire to -create and maintain a high quality man-made environment. All new residential and commercial development and auxiliary structures :and signs should be developed -to high standards consistent With1he good aesthetic, architectural, and. common sense.. Furthermore; all existing structures and ,ia=-'Hary buildings: and lands will be maintained to high standards to enhance the quailiiy of the life in Gem Lake:. C. The residents of Gem Lake wish td eontain future commercial development within the community. Existing commercial development is sibstantial in relation to total community development providing. more jobsthan the size of* the local resident: Labor force. Substantial additional commercial .development would conflict' with the goals of maintaining. a small town character and high quality natural environment. D. The residents of Gem Lake desire to have a low -profile government that provides only esseiitial.public sekviees necessary for their bei ltb; safety,. and welfare. This goal is Used on a realistic appraisal of the small:size of the. -community, and.dite.to the realities of service economics. which justify. provision of services on a. larger territorial basis. It is a further. goal that these public services should be obtained on a. long-term. contractual basis with surrounding municipalities-, This should keep per capita expenses in relation to services rendered at the .lowest possible level`for both the residents. of Lake and surrounding communities. E. The residents of Lein- Lake desire to cooperate with adjacent communities to achieve a compatible land development and public services pattern. Recognizing the small size. of Gem Lake in relation to the substantial urbanizing pattern iri. the vicinity, the City of Gem Lake will place considerable importadcd iit cooperating with other local units .of: government in encouraging the compatible development of this sub-Ogion of the. metropolitan area. 4.3 Principal Issues Gem Lake, like every -public community, has a set of major issues that should be faced if the City is -to be developed in a form that is consistent with stated .community goals; The -issues listed below are the most critical and, as such; establish.:a focus for many of`the plan gxoposals, The succeeding chapters of -this document address these. issues in the course of establishing specific plan proposals. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 17 43.I Density of Residential Development Consistent with the -goat :of maintaining a "small town" environment in a natural setting, the City of Gem Lake. will seek to maintain a low; - density residential development pattern (approximately. 0.3 .to 1.0 dwelling units per net. acre). This commitment responds to substantial pressure from developers who seek -to -construct higher density developments. It is the position of Gem Lake that the community's existing natural_ resource base, its existing -land use, its limited ability .to provide a wide range ol= urban services, combined with the planned allowance of higher development densities within other eohimuriities: within a reasonable. radius.of Gem -Lake; all substantiate the. City's position. Furthermore, the residents of'Gem Lake have expressed the. desire to maintain a low density community. Cluster development may.he.. a option -to consider in that -it preserves niore.open.space and Carl lead to a.inore. efficient provision of utilities. 4.3.1 Limited Commercial Expansion While Gem Lake -has provided some additional space for commercial expansion within its corporate limitsjt is recognized.thaf there will, be increased pressures for commercial expansion loth along U.S, Highway 61 and along County 'Road E at the south corporate limits. (Tlii$ is a.mr jor,conflict between the Gem Lake. and Vadnais Heights.plans.) While these pressures are recognized, it is the City's intention to maintain a stance: of commercial containment in accordance with the plan on the grounds. that. (a) there. is veurrently .a higher ratio of commercial development. -to residential, development than the average (measured both in terms bf acres. of Iand and employees), (b) at ultimate development there will. be a normal ratio Of commercial to residential development, (c) additional commercial expansion would undermine the low-density-chakacter desired. in the City, and A ample.land.for commercial development is available in other communities in'the vicinity. 4.3.3 Quality of New Construction and Maintenance of the Existing Man -Made Environment Consistent with the goal:of*ltaving a high quality and aesthetic man- made. environment, the City of Gem Lake intends to vigorously ensure that all new development. within the. community is of high standards based on various implementation controls and procedures. The City further intends to ensure high quality maiaterance of exit man-made structures (e.g., facades; signage, etc.) based on vigorous qn orcement of regulatory controls. These controls include', but arenot limited to, subdivision regulations; zoning regulations,. housing and building code regulations, sign regulations, landscape regulations and tree preservation regulations. It is anticipated that these measures may be resisted by some:land-developers, community Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 18 residents and the business community as exemplified by several instances.ofpoor $uilding maintenance in the past. These resistances must be 'met, however, so that a high quality environment can be. maintained for all residents: 4.3.4 Provision of Public Utilities It. is anticipated thAt additional sanitary sewed facilities and -the. initiation of public water distribution lines may be. required as the City further.develops. These costly facilities would help to maintain the high quality natural environment cited as one of the :community goals, as well as to meet wising Water:quality standards, Provision of theso.facilities-maybe cited -as conflicting with the..desire to maintain a. low-ptofile gaverriment at 16w cost; but 'it will be then position of Oem Lake that the. desirability of maintaining a high quality environment will take precedence. if these services are:not provided to the entire City, measures should be uirdextaken to ensure: high quality individual onsite facilities. 4.3.5 Service Agreements with Cooperating Governmental Units Recognizing the desirability of serving the. Gem Lake portion of the metropolitan: area adequately,. t will be the position of the Gem Lake govemieiltt to secure long-term service packages in an organized and efficient manner in cooperation with several coordinating governmental units. 43.6 Lack of Pub4cor Semi -Public Open Space and Recreational Areas There are-nopubliely held.open and recreational spaces. within Gem Lake. at this time. The only recreational facility within the City is a private golf course. It is the -desire of the. City to have this property remain recreational in hafure*. and. to see it expand to provide additional recreational opportunities Although there are recreational facilides iin adjacent coma milfies- and in nearby regional recreational facilities, there maybe a need k the future for small neighborhood "parks" within Gem Lake. The City- should also examine -he establishment-vf bike 'trails within Gem Lake to provide for .safe bicycle ridirig- within the City apd connecti.Qns to regional bike paths. Bicycle paths -could be. included as.part`of the s&i pt improvement.projects. Paths could be established .along Labore, Centerville, and Hoffman Roads, County Road E, and within the r1lroad bed along the eastern border of Gem Lake as part of -a regional bicycle trail system. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 19 0 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota 4.3.7 Maintenance of Residential Quality in Existing Commercially Designated Areas The plan supported by existing zoning calls for expansion of commercial land development to include all develophble..lapd east of U.S. Highway 61 some of which. is currently being .used for. residential purposes. The area possesses poor. qualities for residential development including heavy traffic volumes, rail traffic and no open space. As a result, particular attention should be placed on maintaining these:tesidential land it$es io a reasonably good. state:. until such time as . commercial laird uses .replace the residential stru0ar+es. 5.0 Land Use Goals and Policies 5.1 Land Use Goals .A -Frotect and enhance. the natural environment of Gem Lake. B. Ensure that all development contributes to a clear, orderly and harmonious pattern of design. C. Reinforce the. visually pleasing, warmly distinctive and attractive small town character of Gem Lake. D, Preserve the identity. -and improve the quality .and appearance of existing residential neighborhoods. E. Guide commercial development to be compatible withthe-small town character and natural environment of Gem Lake. F. Provide adequate protection through land use development policy to maintain the environmental balance between natural and man- made physical features and ensure against property .loss or deterioration of property values. G. Provide. safe,.healthy and attractive residential environment which offers a broad choice of housing opportunities.. 5.2 General Land Development Policies A. The dominant share -of total land -within Gem Lake should be residential property at the community's ultimate development stage. Residential uses will cbnfititute approximately 6.0.porcent of all land in the community and approximately 85 percent of all. land that could reasonably be. developed (street area, water and wetland areas being considered undevelopable):. Page 20 B-. ItIs the pollcybf Gem Lake to encourage -new development in the form of very low density housing (approaching 0.3 dwelling units .per net -acre). This policy is advocated for the following -reasons: (a) mostof the undeveloped lands within the. City lie. adjacent to. existing low density residential development, (b) much bf the vacant land is of high natural environmental quality (hilly, wooded, wetlands), and (c) the municipality is. not. well equipped to provide the higher level. of municipal services that higher density development would regyire. C: Based on the planned ultimate allocation of land uses, it is the Policy (if Gem.Lake to make planning decisions based on ultimate community population of appr .ifthately 6QO persons. (200 households). It is estimated thatthig threshold may be reached in 15 to 20 years. This population -threshold will be utilized in planning for community facilities -:and in.the provision.of public. services. 11us population level suggests that Gem Lako will be, heavily dependent on. cooperating with. other governmental jurisdictions in providing certain urban Cervices; D. It is the policy of Gem Lake to contain.contnnetcial uses within their presently zoned areas This policy is viewed. as- being extremely important in achieving the stated goals (a)* of maintaining -a high quality natural environment and of (b) encouraging a high quality man-made environment. Existing commercial development serves an area much.larger than Gem Lake, property. Commercial development in surrounding cobimdpities serves most of :the needs of Gem Lake residents. Since much of the commercially zoned land in the City is already developed, future commercial expansion will beprincipally through (a) conversion of residentially. developed land within presently commercially zoned areas.and. (b) upgrading of existing commercial development. E, It is the policy of Gem Lake to specifically encourage "small town" retail development. While substantial commercial development exists within-Ilid City, most of this development is tailored toward serving a market area substantially larger than Gem Lake. It is the intention of the Gem Lake, municipal government to encourage those who would, provide retail, commercial,. and office facilities that would be of more -direei benefit to Gem Lake residents. IF. It. is the policy of Gem Lake to discourage all itidustrial .uses. Extensive industrial development can be easily accofturi bdated in other :portions of the Gem Lake..subregion of the metropolitan area. Comprehensive Plan Gem. crake, Mirinesota Page 21 G- It. is the. policy of Gem Lake to review proposed institutional. developments on a case -by -case basis. To the. exterit that institotiod9l land uses such as schools, hospitals,. and. other institutional. uses are' compatible with the City goals of maintaining a high quality :natural and man-made environment; it is possible that these would. be. permitted within residentially designated portions of the community. However, for the purposes of this plan no major institutional issues --are.anticipated. R It is the policy of Gem Lake to mahkain the present acreage of recreational and open space and to explore. the expansion of open space and the acquisition of public open space. At present, the. only: land for. recneatioiial. purposes within Gcrn Lake is the. privately owned commercial golf course in thd northeast corner of the City, which. is open to the public. Ivis the.. desire of the -City. to see this -property retrains .as a golf course and recreational in nature. The City would like, to explore the possibility of creating a. new zoning classification. for the golf course property which would allow for expansion of the golf course and which would allow other recreational opportunities but would not allow residential or commercial uses that would detract from the recreational value of this property. The City Would furdwexamine the need for neighborhood parks or open space and the feasibility of acquiring properly* for these purposes. The City will consider'a:parks dedication requirement for future. developments in the City. Again, it may be helpfaf to the .City to develop a zonin8. classification -to. protect valuable openspace areas:from. development, The Citywill also examine the. leesibility of bike paths. within the City. L It is.*the policy of Gem Lake to preserve the envirQnmental. quality of the water .body. called Gem Lake and its. attendant wetland .areas. No construction or land altemation wilf be permitted within a 100-foot corridor extending back from the high water mark of this area. without a special:council permit. T. It is:the policy of Gem Lake to encourage the maintenance of high quality housing within the City. -Recognizing that a :substantial portion.of the uncommitted lands in Gem Lake are in the interior portions of the City where'the established development character is of high quality, �dontiniiance of'this development .pattm. will be encouraged. A great deal of this housing within Gem Lake -has Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota page 22 been improved. It is the intention of the City to ensure; that improvements continue and that the: high quality of housing within the -City is maintained'by strictly enforcing building and design codes. K. Residential neighborhoods adjacent to commercial development should Abe protected through physical buffering and. through the placement of "transitional" land uses on the periphery.. Adjacent buffering should be an explicit objective of site plan review and appt?oval. The preservation. of. existing natural vegetation to serve as the buffer should be firstprlority, Park landmay. be used as a. transitional land -use .between single-family :residential and commercial development, L: The City will encourage the continued planting of ` trees and preservation of existing trees to improve community. appearance. The small to*n character and naturalenvironment of Gem Lake depends on the. continuance of natural vegetation within Gem Lake and along its. borders. M. The City will amend and enforce the regulations of the. zoning ordinance and other ordinances.to iml love the quality and overall appearance. of new commercial development.. Perimeter landscaping and screening of parking lots, loading areas, outdoor storage and building - -mechanical units will be regarded as important components -of development. Sign .control will. also be critical in the establishment ofquallty development. Performance :standards and land use Cowrol will be utilized to make-$ure:that development will be- compatible with the scenic and natural qualities of .Gem Lake. Noise abatement and outdoor lighting controls willbe important in minimizing lighting and noise pollution. N. Aesthetic consideration. should. be :addressed through special performance standardsi sign control, appearance standards, lighting controls,. landscaping control, vegetative scroeningand other appropriate means. The. character of Gem Lake is An important consideration. Controls could 130 developed to preserve and improve the aesthetics of existing and new development, At the same time,the controls should not be.so restrictive that. they stifle creativity and individuality and place an unreasonable financial burden ion the property owner. O. DiscussibnWith adjoining communities to facilitate cooperation and coordination with regard to planning acid, zonitig issues should be initiated, It is .'important that development on bordering property in other-communitms :is compatible -wilh the development 'on* the borders of Gem Lake. There is a need for Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 23 dialogue and a coordination of plans with the City of white Bear Labe; white Bear Lake. Township and the City of Vadnais Heights: P. The review of conditional. uses. or rezonings must measure. impacts on: adjacent uses, air and water quality, traffic generation, public safety and health, area. aesthetics and the economic impact. �. Provide protection of areas of-significantvegetationmasses and. wildlife habitat *to insure against .loss .of those community amenities. Wildlife and natural vegetation in the City adds to. the quality of. life in Gem Lake. They should. be protected from oV&&I +elopmmftt and preserved. R. 'The City will consider cluster development regulations. Cluster development will. be .considered to provide for open space retention. .and :more -efficient provision of utilities. 5.3 City Planning Area Policies Beyond establishment -of general. land development policies, an additional set. of policies has been established to more clearly delineate the -type of development -which is to be -encouraged within the various "Planning Areas" identified. within the municipal boundaries .of the City of Gem. Lake. The policies listed below are preceded by a brief discussion of existing conditions in each .planning area. 5.3.1 Hoffman's Corners "Retail/Servic&§ District The Hoffman's Corner "Retail/Servicesll. planning. area includes all of - the Retail Business (RB) zoned areas near the corner of U.S.. Highway 61 and County Road. E. in the areh of the City of Gem Lake: called Hoffman's Comer.: This :area.currently contains a small retail shopping center;. a .sports equipment sales facility, an automobile. service and parts sales facility, a car wash, a floral. shop. with greenhouses, a fast food restaurant, a small sit-down type. restaura:it, a *bar 'and. some residential structures. There are a,pproximately 10 acres of open land available in this area for retail. development. In response to these. existing conditions, the following specific, policies.for this planning, area shall betas follows: A.. A.gradual*pbase out of all. residential: uses in this planning area is encouraged:.ln. the meantime;. strict housing code. enforcement will be employed. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 24 B.. This. planning area. shall continue to be of a retail sales and personal services nature. C..A cohesive, unified development plan. shall be encouraged for all the existing land, in this planting area. as well as the. re- development:of any existing structures in this planning area. D. The re -development of this business district is encouraged, to update and to provide'new retail and service. businesses. E. City water should be extended throughout. all -of this. planning area, as needed New buildings should have provisions for: fire protection sprinklers. Sanitary sewer needs to be extended to any new construction. F. Thoughtful landscaping, including lighting, will be requited to e4hanee the... feeling of a natural environment and integrate the .retail/services ,ise with the residential nature of the community. Atlegst. 20*pereentgreen space must.be preserved in this planning area. (Any wetlands. in this area can be considered part of this :green space). G. Signage: design shall be required. as part of the initial site .plan process,. All signs in this planning- area should be .similar In design; consistent in appearance, -and compatible with the natural. enviroiiinenfeharacter of the City. H. Automobile ;raff c -from/.to businesses in this area should be routed to Hoffman Road and. County Road E, or to a, U.S. Highway 61 frontage road that might be developed in this. area, not directly to U.S. Highway 61. I. The City of Gem Lake will work with the Minnesota Department. of Transportation and the City of Vadnais Heights in developing a U.S. Highway 61 "frontage road" along the east side of U.S. Highway ..61 connecting .Tloff-mAn Road to Wolters Boulevard. After this is done, the City of Gem Lake would support. closing: the direct- -access from Hoffman Road to U.S. Highway 61. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 25 CITY OF GEM LAKE RAMSEY COUNTY MINNESOTA 5.3.2 Hoffman's Corner "Commercial" District The "Commercial" planning .area includes all of the Geiierai Business lI (GB In zoned areas from Hoffman's Corner north along the eastern side ofSeheuneman Road to U.S. Highway 61. Tlii�;area currently contains automobile oriented businesses, a marine sales and service facility, some storage lots, an enclosed public. --storage facility; a pottery store, an insuran0c office, a gun shop; and some residenti al structures. There are only small parcels of property available in this area for further. development. In response to these existing conditians, the Following specific policies for this planning area shall. be as. follows: A. A phase out of all residential uses in this planning area is encouraged. In the meantime,. strict housing .code enforcement will be employed. B. City water should be.extended throughout all of this area, All new business structures should have: provisions for fire protection sprinklers. All structures in this .planning area should be, connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system. C. The City of Gem Lake. shall discouraga the development of any additional open storage and open, sales or rental. lots in this planning area. D. Adequate off-street parking shall..be.provided for all businesses in this planning area to prevent excessive. on -street parking along. Scheuneman Road. E. Thoughtful landscape; including lighting; will be required to enhance:the feeling of a n grad environment and uitegrate the commercial uses with the residential nature of the:commurrity, Af least 24 percent green space must be preserved in. this planning area. (Any wetlands. in this. area can be considered par(. of this green space.) F. Signage design shall be required as part of the initial site plan process. All sigris in this. planning area sbOuld be: similar.. in. design; consistent.in:appearance and compatible with the natural environment character of the City. 5.3.3 JRoffhmn's Colrner "Highway Commercial" District The Hoffaian's Corner "Highway Commercial" planning area. includes all oi`Wt. General Business (GB) zoned areas..near the corner ofU.S. Highway 61 and County Road E. This planning area currently contains two.majorcar dealers. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 27 fft response -to these existing conditions;. the following. specifE policies for this planning area shall be as follows:. A. The ­existing uses be continued with emphasi$ on keeping top - .quality -structures and salts lots .layouts: This will help to keep an. uncluttered look .to this corner, )K Thoughtful landscaping, including. lighting, will be required to enhance -the feeling of a natural .environment and integrate the- commereial uses with the residential nature of the community. At least 25 percent green space must be preserved in this. planning. area. (any wetlands in this area can be considered part of this green space:) C. City water should be extended to all businesses in this planning. area. Fii-e sprinkling protection is suggestedJn all structures inthis planning area. D. The traffic patterns from these businesses should be designed to keep automobile traffic from -enteringlexiting County Road E immediately adjacent to the intersection with U.S. Highway 61. The entrances to these businesses should be clearly marked, and 'the easterly business site be designed so that traffic from the site may enter or exit from Scheuneman Road, as well as from County Road E. E. Signage design shall be. required as part of the initial site plan process. All signs in this planning * area should be similar in design, consistent in, appearance, and.compatible with the natural environment character of the: City. 534 "Low Density Business" District The "Low Density Business" area is a unique planning. area in the City of Gem Lake that acts as a- transitional area between the Highway Commercial District at the intersection of County. Road E $gd.U.S. Highway 61 and the large -lot residential planning area (3 acre lots) immediately adjacent to this area. The 12 acres -in this .planning district is currently "opewspace". In response to these existing conditions,. the following specific policies for this planning'area shall be as follows; A,. Any proposed use of .this planning area must be physically and €urictionally compatible with the abutting very. low density residential area and be. environmentally sound, iftcluditig sight, sound, and smell. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota page 28 B. This planning area is -currently "open space". Any useslor any - part of this planning district will require detailed plans and. review by the planning commission for. site layout, effect -on adjacent land areas, drainage, and traffic.. C, The, City of Gem.I.ake has designated this planning area for an "Office Park" type development for. busines$ or professional offices that have -regular working: daytime hours of operation. This zoning was: changed from one acre residential as a transitional area between commercial and very low density residential. A -development consisting of "life. cycle"/condominium.- type residential uses (possibly cluster housing) with a density not. e�cceeding one uFiit per acre would he considered. D. The overall .density of all. structures, including parking: areas, walls, roadways, front, side and rear yards must reflect the transitional nature of this.planning area from high density hi the adjacent business. district to low density in the adjacent residential district. At least 4S percent landscaped green space shall be provided. (Any vVetlands in this area may considered as part of the green space.) All parking. areas should be bermed and use natural barriers and be.loeated away from the residential areas: bordering on the north and west. Any use requiring excessive parking, which is defined as such parking which cannot be screened* by bermings, planting or the like, should be discouraged. E. No outdoor lighting should be allowed: in. this planning area. Parking lots maybe lighted only when necessary during normal business hours. Only. "security" type lighting around sttuctures: is to be used. R All business structures constructed- ih this planning area must be. finished on all sides with permanent finished materials of consistent quality. Exterior .wall .surfaces -shall be. face brick, glass, or stone. Architecturally treated concrete, cast, in -place, pre- cast panels or decorative block maybe acceptable if incorporated in a building design that is compatible with other developments throughout the. planning. are& No building shall be constructed .of sheet. aluninum, asbestos, iron, steel, or corrugated aluminum. Wood frame construction may allowed if specifically designed to compliment structures in this adjacent residential area. G. Signage in this. district should be.tninimized,-Signage design shall be required as part of the initial site plan process. All.$igns in this planning area shall be similar in design and :cortsistetnt in appearance. Comprehensive Plan Gem take, Minnesota Page 29 H. Automobile traffic ftorn any business in Ihis area, must be. channeled to County Road E and not to the authorized private way serving the residences located on the north and westerly.limit of this planning area. A detailed traffic.plan for this planning area must be provided and approved by the .Planning. Coitimission. 5.3.5 "Central" Residential Area This is the .largest planning: area within the City of Gem Lake. It .is: located north of.Counry. Road E, east of Labore Road and south of the, golf course, and west of the Northeast residential :planning: area. Most of the unconunittedland in the City,of Gem Lake. lies within: this planning area. An almost fully -developed subdivision is located in the southwesterly .portion of this area. An additional large amount of relatively uucommitted:lands. is located north of*County Road E and east of -the body of water called Gem Lake. Lying principally north and west of the. water bodyof Gem Lake are residertial structures on large lots: Lying in the center of this residential area is the water body called Gem Lake and its attendant wetlands areas. This area is .environmentally very active with a. substantial amount of native vegetation and wildlife. The property. just to the:south and east, of this area is commercial in. use. The Limited Density Business area, located directly south of this Central area is designed to buffer this fesidential area from the commercial areas. In response to these .existing conditions, the following- specific policies for this:plannitig area.shall be. as follows: A. Continued encouragement of very low density - (three acre lots minimum). residential Iots to -maintain the.high quality naturAl. environmental features of this area. B. Use of the Low Density Business (LDB) area as a transitional zone between the very.. low density .residential areas and the commercial areas. C. Develop very strict development controls adjacent to the water body Gem Lake and its attendant wetland areas: including controls on grading; vegetation removal and introduction- of extensive. impervious surfaces. D. Provide strict runoff control of all -land draining into Gem.Lake; E. Implement the changing of zoning of land areas north and east of this -planning area to 1. acre .minimum Tots to provide better consistency of land. use. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Pa6e:30 53.6 "Northwest" Residential Area This planning area comprises most of the residential area. of the City located north. and west of Goose Lake. Road, except the.area.used by the golf course: At present, this planning area has medium to low cost residential structures on one acre minimum size lots. There are soma relatively large. undeveloped areas in. this residential planning area. The residential structures in this. area are served by the. City maintained streets, Haven Lane;. and Tessier Road, and Ramsey* County maintained Goose Lake Road. In response to these existing conditions; the following. specific policies for this: planning ,area shall be. as follows: A. Moderately low&nsity residebtial-development (at least one acre lots) continue to be encouraged in this planning area. B. Strict dontrols. onsite septic systems must be maintained4n this area. Provisions for an alternate onsite septic system drain. field. should .. required to prevent the need for municipal sanitary sewer. C: As this residential planning area.hits -its:northwesterly border oti the edge of the Township pf White Bear Lake. business and commercial zones, it is 0cquraged that natural buffers of plants, trees, or berms.be:constructed -to buffer these residences from the commercial:traffic and noisejust--to*the north. and west. 5.3.7 "Recreational" Area An 18 hole golf course is presently located.in portions of what are now the Central, Northeast,.and Nortliwes -.residential planning areas. This. golf course provides: the -only semi-public open space in the City of Gem Lake and substantially enhances the feeling of open space and .natural ehViionmenr $o treasured by the -residents of the City. In response to. these. existing conditions, the following specific policies for this planning area are offered. A. The land areas where the.golf course.is presently located should be re -zoned to a "Recreational" zoning area to'ensure that this area.remains as. an "open space". B.. Continuing maintenance shall be required for the -grounds and structures located at this golf course to ensure. that this. area retains an open space feeling. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 31 5.3.8 'W6rt6east" Residential Area This planning area of the. City .comprises the area to the east of Scheuneman Road from U.S. Highway 61 to the. northern boundary of the City, and:'almost .all of the northeast corner of the City from the. golf course northward to the City limits. Most of the residential lots in this area are of 3/a acres size or larger. This residential planning area. is fully developednorth of the golf eburse, but. some. areas of open )and for development of residences are: still available along the eastern side. of Scheuneman Road. In response to these existing conditions, the following. specific policies for this planning area shall be as;foUows: A. Low to very low density- residential development (one to three acre minimum size lots) is encouraged. B. Strictcontrols on phsite septic'systems Most be, maintained*in*this area. Provisions fbr an alternate onsite septic system drain.field should be required to prevent the need for municipal sanitary sewer. Jliis is particularly important to protect the wetlands around the North Pond, just north of *the .golf course and the wetlands alQngthe easterly:sideof Scheuneman Road. C. As. almost all of this planning area drains into the North pond, located just to the:north of the -Golf course, guidelines for surface water. drainage need to.be developed for this planning area: D. As all of the lots oh -the eastern side of Scheuneman.Road in this planning area are -currently one acre or greater in size,:tezonihg of this area should be considered. E. As this residential planning urea has its easterly :.border -on the. edge of the City of White Bear Lake business .and commercial zones, it. is encouraged that. natural *buffers- of -plant, trees;. or Berms be constructed to buffer these: residences: from the commercial traffic just -to the east, 6.0 Transportation Plan The preparation of -the transportation componetit of the Comprehensive MiWcipal Plan of Gem Lake is based principally on the desire of the community to cooperate with other units .of' government in obtaining .a mutually high level of community services: :Recognizing. that most .of Gem Lakes residents conduct most of'their work, shopping, cultural, educational, and redreationat activities outside the City limits, the quality of the transportation system is important. Therefore, the City of Gem Lake. recognizes the -importance of the I-35E corridor study and adopts its findings and has yomprenensiue N an Gem Labe, Minnesota Page 32 joined the I 35E Management Team. Appendix B contains excerpts of the I-35E corridor study. includingAndings -and:recommendation; study process and components; existing and future development intensitiesi existing- and future ADT volumes; travel demand management strategies; evaluation of existing operations; and potential future toadwayirnprovements. The transportation. plan of Gem Lake is also -intended to enhance a high quality mian-made and I natural environment within and bordering the. -City. limits. 6.1 The Existing Roadway System Themost:important component of the transportation system. within Gem Lake for the foreseeable future will be the. street and highway netw work hich will �ommddate both private and public motor vehicles. The.funetional-classification and jurisdictional responsibility for maintaining this system is. summarized in Tables 6 and 7. f 6.1.1 Arterials The most heavily traveled arterial route through the community is U-S. Highway 61 which serves as a..major artery connecting Gem Lake with White. Bear Lake and the more intensively developed i portions of the metropolitan area to the south. The facility connects with the liitgrAate beltway loop (1-494,1694) around. -the -Twin cities i at a point -approximately one mile south of the City's corporate.limits. The only other arterial within the community b County Road E which forms. part of Gem Lake's southern corporate limits The facility intersects with U.S. Highway 61 In the southeast portion. of Gem Lake, serves'fhe.southem portion of White Bear Lake to the east, and connects with I-35E located approximately �/4-mile west of the western corporate limits of Gern'Lake. This latter facility rs..ibe only "principal" arterial .near the City: { 6.1.2 Collectors Collector streets include LAbore Road on the western. corporate boundary,. Goos:tLake Road located in a southwestern -northeaster* oriontadi n near the northern corporate limits of. the zom munity.,.and Otter Lake Road :located in the northeastern portion of the. community. 6.1,3 Local Streets Theremaining roads'within the community can be classified as local serving principally adjacent land uses. These local streets comprise. apprggb#4tely 40 percent of the total roadway mileage within the. -community: Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota .page.33 Table 6 Inventory of Roads, Streets, and Highways Name of Facility Functional Classification. Jurisdiction Length (miles) U.S. 61 "A" Minor Arterial State 0.3 County Road E * "A" Minor Arterial Ramsey County 0.9 Goose Lake Road Collector Ramsey County 1.4 Labore Road Collector Ramsey County 0.6 Otter Lake Road. Collector Ramsey County ..02 Scheuneman Road (N.) Local Ramsey County 0.8 5cheuneman. Road.(S.) Local: Ramsey .County 0.3 Hoffman Road Local Ramsey County 02 TessierRoad Local Gem Lake 0.1 Haven Road Local Gem Lake: 0.1 Big,Fox Road Local Gem Lake 0.4 Little Fox Lane Local Gem Lake 0.2 (Easement connecting to County Road E) Local Private 0.3 TOTAL 5.9 * East of TH 61 this facility. is State Highway.244, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 34 Table 7 Summary of Existing Road Mileage by Jurlsdiction and Functional Classification Jurisdiction Minor Arterial Collector Local Total Percent of Total State 0. Rarnsev County 0.9 ?.? 1.3 4.4 (70) Gem Lake --- -- 0; 0:8 {14Y Private --- - - 0.3 Off (5) Total 1.2 2.2 2A 6.1.4 Jurisdiction Ramsey County currently .mabtains. approximately 3/a of the total 5.8 mil **of roadway within Gem Lake (see Table 7.) including.most•of* the.arterial, all of the collector, and over half of local street mileage. Gem Lake maintains only O.A miles (approximately. 14.percent) of the Total mileage. The. remaining roads are under Matte or private jurisdiction. 61►5 Public, -Transit The City is presently served by an MTC bus .route encompassing the commercially oriented southeastern cofner of the. community. (via County Road E and. U.S. Highway 61). 'There are no major fixed transit facilitie$'•e#ber existing.nrplannedjan Gem Lake. Ti is the goal of the City to maintain a ".rustic" environment hi a natural setting. Therefore, residential development will be Iow density and will not necessitate substantial increases in bus services. However, the City -may want to explore. alternative transit programs. Transit in Gem Lake would most.likely•be of the call -in variety. 6.1.6 Airports There are. no • airports, proposed airport sites, search areas, or other related -facilities located -in Gem Lake. The City i3 'served by the Minneapolis -St, Paul international Airport and me -Si. Paul. Downtown Airpbrt. In addition, a private, small aircraft airport is located.in White Bear Township, approximately.Smlles north of Gem Lake. The airports have no direct impact. on the City of Gem Lake, and -any development in Gem Lake will have. no impact on the. regional aviation system. Comprehensive. Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 35 The CityClerk will notify the Federal Aviaiion Administration.(FAA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) of any structure to- be constructed within Gem Lake that .may affect navigable airspace. There: presently are no structures In Gem Lake that are 200 feet. or greater.in height. The. existing ,zoning ordinance does not allow any sign orbtulding to exceed 36 feet in height. However, height. limitations -do not apply to barns, silos, -and other - structures on farms; church spires, * belfries, cupolas and domes; monuments; chimneys and smokestacks; flag poles,,publ c and public utility facilities; .transmission towers. of commercial radio broadcasting station; television. ani 4nas, and parapet walls.extending not more than four feet above the *iii'niting height of the building. 61.2 Future Roadwsy System 6.2.1 Roadway Changes Roadway changes recommended by the 1345E corridor, study and included in the planning of the governmental. -units include: -A. Major redesign and rebuilding ofthe I 35FA-6.94 intersection and commons area. B:. Connection of White. Bear Parkway and Labore Road. C. Realignment of the Otter Lake/County Road F connection. D. County Road E td. n.lanes. at U.S. Highway 61 and Labore Road. Another potential. change in the Gem Lake. roadway system may involve Scheuneman Road'at the. intersection of U.$. highway..61. In all instances; the citizens. -of Gem Lake have a high interest that changes be desigped and constnReted in a manner which enhances the .attractive environmentally. nattuml residential. nature of the City of Gem.Lake, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 36 CITY OF A 1w '7- -l� RAMSY Cl rA 6.2.2 Ploadway Consolidation and MAintenance As part. of the Functional Roadway Consolidation Project being implemented by Ramsey County and the State of- the City of Gem Lake has agreed to take possession of *the following roadways currently identified as Ramsey County Roads: A. That portion of Scheuneman Road in the City. of Geiti-Lake from its intersection with U.S. Highway 61 to the: south to its intersection with Otter Lake -Road to the -north, and B. That-poriion of Scheuneman Road in the City. of Gem Lake from its intersection with- County. Road. E (a.k.a. Minnesota Highway 244) to the south. to its intersdetibn with U.S. Highway 61 to the north; and C. That portion of Hoffman Road in the City. of Gene Lake its intersection with U.S:.Highway.-61 to the south to its interseetiort with Ramsey County Road E* to. da4 north. Acceptance -..of these. roadways is contingent upon completion by Ramsey County of the following: A. Ramsey. County has, by means of Resolution No. 93-347, agreed to acquire property identified as 4140 Scheuneman Road for a sum not to exceed $100,000 for the solo purpose. of realigning County Road FlOtter Lake Road moire directly. to its intersection with Hoffman Road -in White.Bear Lake; and B. To deed any portion. of-guch lands acquired above not.required.for County right-of-way back to the City of Gem.L - for a.fee of one. ($ !) dollar and other good and valuable consideration; and C. Said acquisition of lbod(s) shall be completed within a period of not -mote than ten (10) years from the'date of agreement; and D. All -roadways to be turned back to the City of Gem Lake shall, at the-tinie of turn back, be evaluated and, as necessary, upgraded to as built condition, The City of Gem Lake has agreed to accept the, turn back of roadways from Ramsey County:in the year 2000_ Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 38 Budgetary and maintenance responsibilities for said roadways to b& turned back to the City of Gem Lake shall. be* ncluded in planting and budgetary .preparations for the year 2000. Table: .8 shows jurisdiction of road mileage once the functional consolidation project has been implemented. Ramsey County's percentage of roadway to maintain within Gem. Lake will decrease by 1.3 miles and fall. to 54 percent of the total while the City -of Gem Lake will be:-respcihsible for an additional 1.3 miles. which increases their responsibility to. 36 percent of the -roadways Within the :City - Table 8 Summary of Road Mileage by Jurisdiction and Functional Classification in Year 2000* Jurisdiction Minor Arterial Collector Local Total Percent of Total State 0.3.. --- --- 0.3 (5) RamS�y. County .0.9 2.2 1.3 4.4 (16) Gem Lake --- --- 0.8 0.8 (24) Private --- --- 0.8 .0.3 (5) TWA 1.2 2.2.. 1.4 5.8 (100) * When Ramsey* Cbitnfy Functional Roadway ConsoUdvionProject is lMplemented. 6.3 Transportation Plollcies The following policies' have been established by the. municipal government of Gem Lake to enhance the quality of transportation for. citizens. of the community: A. Gem .Lake supports the 1-35E corridor study which includes the recommendations listed above (6:2.1). The study identified. the need. to establish arterial and collector routes serving -the northeastern metropolitan area.. The relocation.of Otter Lake. Road connecting it directly to Counter- Road F and the connection of. Labore Road and White Bear Parkway can further this objective, However, Gem Lake's: objective of maintaining a rustic, natural environment will require attention to minimize the impact that an increase in traffic may have on .the City's road system and residential neighborhoods: Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 39 B. Gem Lake encourages the incorporation of parkway design criteria :and the use of. natural landscape barriers in any reconstruction of arterial aiid connector routes. (e.g., Labore7White Beal' Parkway connection. C. Further development of private roads serving more than one property will be encouraged.. Further development of private roads is consistent with the City's, desire.: to maintain a low profile government. The City should oversee: the development of private roads to ensure that City eonatructioti and design *standards -and specifications are. met. D. Accommodating through traffic on new streets will be discouraged. The basic.arterial and Qollector road* system of Gem. Lake has been established. Therefore, future streets should. be designed to channel local traffic onto County Road E, Labore Road and Goose Lake Road. E. All future. streets should be. designed to dikotuage. additional surface water runoff into Gem -Lake and its attendant wetlands. Recognizing that Gem. Lake: and its. attendant wetlands do not have a natural outlet; additional. storm runoff created by the. impervious surfaces of streets .into this basin should be discouraged. F. Access to parcels between US, Highway*.61, Scheuneman Road and County Road.E should be from Scheunerdan Road. G. While tho City, of :Gem i..ake has only limited need for public transit service due *to. planned ltiw den.jt density development,will cooperate with adjacent communities to secure improved * bus service. as needed along its minor arterial street system, Bus service in other areas of.the City will be discourage4 consistent with its.planned low density -and desired: "rustic" eavironment. H. Gem Lake officially recognizes that any development affecting navigational air space- within ffie cpmmunity is subject to - Minnesota Department of"Transportation, Aeronautics Division, Regulations. The community will therefore routinely consider such regulations%a$ part.of th&development.review process. L The operation of private aiirports, including heliports and seaplane bases, ig prohibited. J. The City of *Gem Lake will explore alternative transit. services. These would be call -in type systems. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page.40 K. The City should -explore all. possible options to substantially reduce the traffic on Scheuneman. Road north of U.S. Highway. 61. Options include a cul-de-sac dead-end at the intersection with U.S. Highway 61.., or designating Scheuneman Road* one-way northbound. L. Explore and encoura o the development of hiking/biking 1bi1€in trails g. P . g g including the Burlington Northern right-of-way along the eastern boundary of the. City. Work with adjacent communities and provide access to trails. ? M. The City will develop a budget -and maintenance for roadways tamed back to the City by' Ramsey County in the year 2000. 7.0 Sanitary Sewer Plan A City operated Sanitary. Sewer system currently serves all of the businesses at the Hoffman Corner area .of the City (employing approximately 500 people), short segments. of the residential' area along-Scheuneman Road north of U.S .Highway 61. (15 residences) and the church at the comer of.COO* *Road E and Labors Road. To continue with the. "rustic" feeling of the City in a natural environment and to maintain the low -density development desired, the following shall be considered the goals of the City. -of* Gen. Lakes sanitary sewer plan: A. Zoning and lot sizes .will be regulated Wallow adequate space for onsite septic systems in residential areas. Rules to require adequate space for a second" field on each residential tract,. in the first one fails, will be implemented. B,. All onsite septic. systems- in the City will be inspected semi- annually td insure- the :corre4 t operation of these systems. C. A backup plan, for providing 'a City operated sanitary sewer system, has.been developed and will be put in place in any -area of the City where`onsite septic systems cannot operate, if necessary. Within these goals the following specific items have been implemented: A. City-wide.-Sgnita=y'Se*er Comprehensive -Plan was developed for the City in 1992. This plan provides for -a municipal .sanitary sewer connection for each part of the City that uses gravity flow from. This. plan does. require extensive excavation and Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 41 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota constritcfi;on through. same of the areas. of the City where assessments. cannot be directly made for connections to. the system. (For instance; it would require extensive construction through.the.golf course.) Figure 4 illustrates possible.extensions to the.sanitary sewer system .of Gem Lake. Any expansions to *the system would tie connected to either the Vadnais Heights system or the MWCC belt line. interceptor. The areas slated for. possible expansions include Scheuneman. Road and. Goose Lake Road in the.northeast distddti:Labore Road,. Goose Lake. Road and Little Fox Line the northwest. district; Big Fox Road,. Labore Road and County Road E. in .the southwest district; U.S.-:Highway 61 in the. south. district; and extension§ to -residential property `located near the body of water known as. Gem L. in* the: south ceno�ai.district: The daily flow of the existing connections to the public system is .0301 million gallons per day or 11 milllon gallons per year. With the Adwze possible extensions, the ultimate daily flow would be .1658. million gallons per day or 60.5 miIIion gallons .per year. Table.9 illustrates *estimated future sewer.flows from reyislons to. the 1992 Comprehensive Sewer Plan. The City of Gem Lake has enacted ordinances which regulate individual sewage treatment 'systems, ,(Ordinance 465 and the operation of the.municipal sanitary sewer system. (Ordinance 64). Ordinance 46 is designed to protect and: promote: the health, safety and general welfare: of the .people of Gem Lake by regulating seepage discharges and the location; installation, alternation,, operation and maintenance and monitoring .of . all 'individual sewage .treatment systems. (ISTSs). Individual sewage treatment systems must be .installed in actordance. to Chapter 7080 of the Minnesota Rules. The ISTSs shall lie designed to receive all sewage from the dwelling(s), building(s), or other establishment(s): served by the system, including laundry waste- -grid basement floor drainage.. Surface, roof and foundation drainage and other storm *water. shall *not. be -allowed-to enter any part of the system.. Not more than one dwelling, commercial, business, institutional, or, indpstrial unit shall be connected -to.-the same ISTS, unless such multiple connection was specil5ed in the.application submitted and in the permit issued for the system_ No ISTSs shall be installed or renovated on lands to which public sew" service is currently available, without.a system permit. Within the Urban Service Area, as identified in a Metropolitan Council approved a comprehensive sewer plan, developers shall. locate ISTSs to acktieve,magmum economic feasibility of connection to the public sewer -system, consistent with the other ptavisiuons of this ordinance. Page 42 i CITY OF GEM:l RAMSEY COUNTY MINNESOTA1 i r ..; RT2 _ O f., : r r;'GEM1 a�ST 1: ! x rR-I 0.014 MGD fj r 4 R,1 �r I �•�`• � NORM � .. - � � F so SO •�` � _ -� �..SpLfi1� � 1ST. + � ,. 0.013 MGD 0.014 MGD 0.005 MGD 0.016 M08 S� e w M r r e M1 oo v K d 7sS N O' n 4 OT W G m h $ N p4 IL o o C d, Gi d' d O C Exa n w � E E N 4 �5� o O d O d O d O d O d O d p d b o E v +� O. im U a N .m d .G W tl N W Yl d II N �j • aUQ W 9 M fL i G lV p e � � g v o $ o d d W d d d a o Ua • UZia. O ......... ...... N v }}o -..._. .... ......--- .-.-...-- gg �¢ ¢ ¢6� 2Qs¢j pK a m N � H ¢ Q E a a `o L rm as :la a IP $ y IT C)- U- U•- oco� U C o C D C �. '� � V rC� U c a H ro tlf z z w w .B �n r ��Ut8�o 122 r j3 s L t "off c E � a c C � 50 L C �> Y _1 G C 300 �Y No .preliminary plat shall be: approved by the: City. -of *Gem Lake City Council, unless the administrator makes.a favorable recornmend;Rtion regarding the ability of each. lot to accommodate a satisfactory ISTS. A systemermi pt,.obtained from.the administrator, is required for':ady installation: or renovation of an. ISTS. No building permit for. any building including the installation or -renovation of as ISTS :shall be issued. until a system .permit for the 'involved facility has been approved. 'The. City. of Gem Lake has, instituted an. inspection program for ISTSs. T►e initial inspection .is to determine if installation or renovation has been: accomplished in compliance with Chapter 7080 of the Minnesota Rules acid with the Gem Lake Individual Sewage Treatment System Ordinance.. The: administrator shall .inspect any -individual ISTSs when a writtetrdomplaint.signed by two.residetits of the City of Gem Lake is received. Xis the responsibility of the owner of any prenuses. using an.ISTS.,,tor which a permit has been issued to .provide for the periodic maintenance by a qualified pumper: hauler. Reports of the. maintenance should -be - submitted. to the administrator..Itis the duty of the. -to create, update and maintain an accurate invedt q of- each.ISTS for Whicb perrnifs have been issued within the City of Gem Lake. The inventory should include location, system description, renovation .description and maintenance. reports. The administrator may inspect any system he. deems necessary a§ a result of the reporting.program. The City, -at colt to the land owner, has each and every ISTS .inspected everyeven.year, Any system which fails the inspection must be.renovated or replaced. Ordinance 61 defines the bi anrival inspection .arid maintenance routines. Ordinance 64 is. designed to regulate. the operation of the municipal sanitary sewer system. 'The ordinance contains regulations that include the fb owin&: A. Regulating connections to.Ix.-made to the municipal sanitary system.- B. Establishing regulations as to type and kinds of waste that -maybe disposed of in the -municipal sanitary sewer system. C.Prohibiting the discharge of any .type or kind of surface wamrs into the municipal sanitary sewer -system. Dt. Prescribing rates and charges -for selvage disposal services. E. Providing.for the. issuance of permits for and supervision of all connections to the municipal sanitary.sewer system.. F. Prescribing. certain materials and methods to be used for said connections. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 45 G. Providing for. licensing of sewer contractors. H. Prescribing penalties for the violation of the provisions of this: ordinance. The-tirning of the possible expansions would depphd on funding and need. The fast priority would be to connect all commercial establiOOients to.public sanitary. sewer. A second:priority would be properties where..soil .ovtopographic conditions. make the installation of an ISTS difficult. 7.1 Goals and Policies 71.1 Goals A. Maintain the high quality natural environment.. B.:Meet water quality standards. C. -Provide-�:sanifiuy sewer system.that is cost-efficient to the City ' and which encourages a fiscally responsible; deveiopipcht p0tein. 7.1.2 Policies A. It is the policy of the City to extend sewer mains as needed as .shown in Figure 4.. First priority shall be commercial establishments. Second priority is -areas where salt ortopographic conditions limit effectiveness of onsite sewage. disposal.. systems. B. Onsite sewage disposal systems will not be allowed where there exists -service limitations such as wetness, low .soil percolation tests and other unfavorable soil conditions... C. Further written. working: agreements. with. Vadnais Heights and. MWCC yvM lie - sought as necessary to coordinate required extension of.sewage service to their systems. D. Appropriate onsite disposal regulations will continue to be enforced in those areas not served by the centralized. sanitary sewer system. Strictly enforce Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Pollution .Control Agency standards for installation of ISTSS. E. Continue annual inspection program of all individual. sewage treafinent systems. F. Mfnirhize water pollution from'onsite treatment. systems. G. Meet or exceed all applicable: state- or federal requirements for .sewage effluent. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page.46 E H. The City will require that wastewater generation served by ISTSs connect to. the public system within. one year of the time. service is made -available. k, I. Develop -a capital improvements program, which includes sewer system improvements. J. Require minimum lot sizes adequate to provide for all e> petted improvements to ISTSs and for the installation of two ISTSs in order to insure space for an alternate -system or system expansion in .case: of inadequacy or failure. K. Estabiish a continuing education program on the function and maintenance. d ISTS& L. Seep outside fpnding..for programs to locate and upgrade substandard' webs and-ISTSs. 860 Water Supply Plan t; *10.1 Water Supply System At present, there is no citywide public, water distribution system. within. Gem Lake. Tousley Ford, in the Hoffman's. Corners West area of the. City, receives their water supply from the Vadnais Heights water distribution, system. All other properties in. Gem Lake, residential and non-residential, obtain their water supply via private wells. The City has a number of options with regard to its water supply. The first would-be to- continue to rely on private wells..A second option would be to purchase. water from the Vadnais Heights and. -White Bear Lake 'Water distribution systems for all properties within Gem.Lake. Another option would be to purchase water for just the commercial properties.. Connecting to an. existing municipal .system would address a number Of potential problems: Water quality would be enhanced by connecting to a public system that includes water treatment facilities, With private wells, there. is the potential of contamination and of the well going: dry. There are some steps that the -City should.undertake. if it continues to Primarily rely on private wells for its water supply. A -program -should be set up to require.,p -odic testing of water from eypry well in the City to determine. its quality.. This program :should include steps to take, should a negative sample be. found, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 47 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota An educational pro gram could be. set up to promote water, conservation measures Within 'the City of Gem Lake. Although each residence and business has its oven private well, it. would be beneficial to the community to have some type of water conservation pro gam in order Wmaximize the groundwater supply. It. would be difficult for the City to impose water conservation regulations on Properties private wells. However, as .educational program .can reco mime d water conservation measures which a property owner. can -impose- on oneself. The City could develop a newsletter or handbook that would describe and recommend water saving devices and appliances (Le., how to cut down on water use, the best_and worst.times to use water outdoors, etc.). The educational progirarri should emphasize -the .value and importance of conserving water, regardless if you are= a private well or not.. An emergency preparedness/contingency plan. should also be considered by the City; Again, although the City of Gem.Lake does nothave.apublic water Supply, it may be in the City's. best interest to be- prepared id case Of an emergency: One option would be to adopt the emergency and consider policies of the water supplier. The City should male arrangements with the adjacent neighboring .communities to obtain water from. them for its citizens in ¢ase- the groundwater supply°ever becomes contaminated. The City should also have.alistofcontacts available in case of an emergency; h would.also be helpful to-ihake available. to residents, steps that should:be taken in case of contamination to an individual's water supply. 8.2 Water Supply Policies The following policies have been established by the municipal goverainent of Gem Lake with regard to the water supply for the citizens and businesses of the community; .A. Consider. the. *possibility of developinga centralized . afer distributions w system within Gem Labe; The system might either be developed `based 'on 'a well supply within: Geis Lake or by attachments to the Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake or White. Bear Township systems. B. Water service shouldbe extended at the same..time in the same priorities as the sanitary sewerage serviee in:order to minimize stfeet reconstruction and traffic disruption. C. Explore th&possibility of connecting only the*.normmerciat area of Gem Lake -to. the Vadnais. Heights, White Bear.Lake,'. or White Bear Township water distribution systems, D. Consider adopting a mandatory water qualrtytesting program for private wells.. Page 48 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota E. Develop an educational program promoting: water conservation measures within the. City Of Gem Lake. F. Develop an emergency Preparedness plan with* regard to the water supplx or adopt the, policy of the water supplier. 9.0 Housing Plan 9.1 Housing Supply The housing.supply. in Gem Lake is ,rather homogeneous: The 1990 census of the population. showed that there were.14-3 .housing units within Gem Lake with..140 of those units being single-family detached. Of those single-fatniIy detached housing-units.*130 of them: were owner occupied, with 10 units being. renter occupied. There werce. also two multiple -family dwelling units within Gem Lake. Both ofthese units were duplexes. The 1900 census showed that only three housing units. were: vacant at. the: time. OnG was for sale, one was. for seasonal recreational or occasional use `and. the third was listed as other vacant. One had been vacant for Iess than two.months, one for two to six months and i the third for six or:more months. The condition of housing: within..Gem Lake is generally good. The. median year in which housing. was built is' 19K. A majority of the housing within .the community was built between 1950. and.1980,. Thirty (30) units were, built prior to .1950; while 25 have keen built since *1980. With a majority of the housing,in Gem Lake being 30 years or more old, maintenance and upkeep is a major concern: The City .should exRlore the possibility of adopting a local housing maintenance code and exploring various' Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Programs: such as rental rehabilitation,.home ownership rehabilitation, and home improvement and energy efficiency local programs: The.median value of housing in Gem Lake in 1990 was $97,100, A majority Of the housing was. between $60,000 and $125,0K .Only five housing units were valued less than 300,000, while there were 33 housing units valued over $125,000 with 1.1 units between.$250,000 and $300,000 and six over $300,009. The.median gross rent in Gem Lake in 1990 was $575 a month, There: -were only three units being rented that were less than $5.00 a month, Page 40 A majorityof the housing: units within Gem Lake are in the three bedroom or more category with 71 three. bedroom units and 41 four. bedroom units.. There were.12 units with five or more bedrooms, arid: only 18 two bedroom units and..1 'one bedroom units. Of the renter - occupied uAitS, .four are listed -as three bed OOm u6.i#s, two as one bedroom units and one 2. bedroom unit. The- I990' census ..showsthat there are -439 persons and 140 .households ,in Gem Lake; for' an average. of 1-14 g persons per household. A vast majority of the households. in. Cem Lake contain ont to four persons, with 45'.two-person households, 3b four -person households, 2-1three }�etson households and 19 one households. There *are only l6 five -person households, 7 six -person Households and two households with more,than seven -persons. The median household income.n 1990 for Gem Lake .is $52,091. Median family income was $59,22, .and median non -family income was $20;000. There were 80 households.with an income over $50 Per year. The largest categories were $50,006� to $60,000 with. households, $60,000 to $75,000 with 21 households, and $75,000 to $100;000 with 26 households. There were also 10 hou .seholds-vcrXth -an of $150,000 or more, and 22 households with aninco th of less than $20,000. . a The -ape of ththouseholdlead is family well distributed.aceording to. the 1990.censiis. re are. 26 household heads between the ages of 25 and 34,*35 between the. ages of 35 and 44, 32 between -the . ages of 45-*00 54, 27 between the ages of 55 and. 64 and 1.7 between the ages t of 65 and 74. There are only three household heads younger than 25 } and only two older than 75. The housing supply in Gem Lake is limited. There. -are. not many' homes that are vacant or available. Almost, all of the homes are single-family homes. There are only *a couple. of multiple=family dwellings, and these are only two-family - hori�es. There does not appear to be a great demand for housing. Although there are a great number of employment opportunities within Gem Lake, few residents are also employed in .Gem Lake. Of the 69 .responses to a 1995 residential community'survey, only seven stated. that they or someone *'their family were employed in Gem Lake. Overcrowding is not a.prohlem, The average number of persons in a household isJust.over three, with a majority of'the.household units being two to four Persons, A. majority of households. have tInvp- or. `more'bedrooms, thus overcrowding would not be a problem. Cost of housing -also is not excessive in Gera take as a. percentage of household income: The 1990 census shows that the. median monthly owner cost:.s $878 with a mortgage and $264 without a mortgage. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page So L. Explore working with the Ramsey County HRA in the development of a housing strategy for the. City of hem Lakes. M. Explore the possibility of participating in a region -wide effort to develop. a wide variety of housing types. 10.0 Storm Drainage Plan. These :is no storm drainage system 'within Gem Lake• other than. ditches alongside roads within the corporate limits. TWO.poitians of the City of Gem. Lake drain internally into depressions with -no surface outlet. The most. critical of -these is the basin. draining into Gem Lake and. its attendant wetlands. 1 0.1 Storm Drainage Policies A. Attempt to restrict or minimise additional. storm water runoff into the Gem Lake Basin in order to protect the water quality of this area. Particular attention should be placed. on water retention to settle: ont: undesirable sediments and to minimize siltation. Impervious areas. should be restricted within 100 feet of Gem Lake (wafer body) and its wetlands. B. Encourage surface water drainage into thenorth pond, recognizing that this pond has minimal ecosystem value and may be more attractive if higher water levels. are maintained., C. Seek cooperative agreements with. White Bear Township, White Bear Lake,. and Vadnais Heights for surface drainage easements as needed. D. Require storm sewer connections, where. available, on new road construction as an alternative to ditches. E. Require storm sewerage in all commercially developed portions of the community., F. Notify residents of the EpAIMPCA 4(l percent reduction goal, the best management practices to achieve this goal, and available resources. if additional.ityformation is needed, G. Adopt the Nati0hWide -Urban Runoff Program (NLW) .design standards for: new storm water ponds. that will reduce -ihe contaminant loadings from surface water runoff. H. Adopt the urban Best. management practices of'the. MPCA (as preseri:ted in its manual titled "Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas") to be followed for all new or redeveloped land development. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 53 i. Continue .to administer standards and setback requirements to protect Gem. Lake, (water:.body). and its. shoreland. A 100=foot structure and impervious surface setback is required by the. existing ordinance. A I00400t septic system setback is also .recommended. It is also. recommended that .a $boreland impact zone be developed, limiting vegetation retfibval an. The tree ordinance does presently prohibit cutting trees withd fill. 75 feet of Gem Lake (water body). J. require drainage plan for any impervious areas constructed or improved within the City of Gem Lake. X Adopt by reference the Vadn&is -Lakes Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) and the Ramsey -Washington .Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) Surface WaterManagement Plans as currently adopted: and as .amended from time to time. 11.0 Community Facilities and Services Plan The. Community Services 'arid Facilities Component of the Comprehensive Municipal Plan is based. pruicipally on goal 4.2. (D) that establishes desire of the resident$ of the Community to maintain -a "loq►.profle".government. provid 4g-a minimum of urban services - consistent with the needs of�a�low density "small town" community, and goal number 4;2(E) which: identifies the community's. desire to establish long-term service commitments with other governmental units M the area. It would be undesirable to maintain :a separate municipal commitment for many communi�r services given the relatively small ultimate. -population planned for the community. 11.1 Police .Currently, the City receives police protection on a contractual basis #Orn Ramsey County. As the..papulation of Gem Lake4'ocreases, there Will be need to #i►cXease pohce..surveillance Policy: The -City of Lein Lake will seek to combine with other governmental units. in the area iri.maintaining and improving: upon a high quality sub-regional.police force. 11.2 Fire Protection The City of Gehl Lake currently contracts -with the City of White Bear Lake for fire protection services being dharged'as a base..rate plus a fixed charge per fire occurrence: Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page. 54 0 4 CITY OF GEM LAIC lWWY COUNTY MINN&-," RWMWD WETLAND MANAMB.MIENT A-RRA SHC)A'N' HEAE APEE BASi' HE A NO 7 H, E TH E j T C E SHf,'4RELAND AND P-LOODPLAIN AREAZ AREr 11 A R E.4- HER- ARC.� Ilml ANT,', M A'-S ED E FIGURt 5 ND MANAGEMENT AREAS The City will seek a longer term commitment by an association either with Vadnais Heights or White Bean Lake. Fire protection services might becharged on an annoal.basisbased on reasonable criteria such. as assessed property valuation. 11.3 Road .Maintenance Only U miles of roads are°'currently.maintained under Gem Lake jurisdiction. There are an. -additional 0.3 miles of semi-public streets which are privately maintained. Policy: The City will continue to contract far road maintenance and commence plans for funding maittenance of additional 1.3 mile. of .roadways to be fumed back to the Cityby Ramsey Countyin the year .2000: 11A Professional Assistance There are no full-time..employees of the City of -Gem Lake, .All pirofessional.assistance including lawyers., engineers and pliers are retained on a contractual basis. Policies: a. A part-time.. and ultimately a full-time City official will be employed to handle day to day civic affairs. b. Legal., engineering and planning assistance will continue. -to be on a retainer basis. 11.5 Municipal Building There is no public owned -or lease.d.space where. community records are maintained: and no public,location where a resident.may call for assistance. Policy: The City shall ctfritinete to. operate without. a central office and will continue to hold public.rnetings. in donated private space. 11.6 Public Schools All primary and secondary school students who are Gem -.Lake residents attend the schools of District #624 (White Bear Area Schools). Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 56 Comprehensive. Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Policy: The City will continue to cooperate with and support high quality elementary and secondary public education for residents of Gem Lake. 11.7 Health Facilities At present, there are no hospital facilities in Gem. Lake or ii, 4n-y of the contiguous municipalities adjoining. it. The closest hospital facility's St. Jo. is-FIospital in Maplewood, approximately two mules away. Policy: Gem Lake should cooperate with other. local governments in encouraging,a hospital facility within a more -convenient proximity. 11.8 Outdoor Recreational Facilities There are no publicly held open spaces or recreational facilities Within the community. All existing outdoor recreation with the commanitymust currently occur on (a) privately developed Iands; (6) vacant lotk.or (c) the streets. Policies: a. Consistent with the intention to .acquire �ublie 6pen spice, a neighborhood oriented park will be.prmided as the community develops. This might inblude a:picnic ground, a ball field, tennis courts and playground. facilities. b: The first preference for a community'parlr shall be in me northeast section of the community. C. The community will continue to rely on Ramsey Coogtfor development. of larger natural `resource based recrea y for facilities.. d. The*Qty willexplore. bicycle trail -options and in providing access to regional trails. e. The City -will consider rezoning the golf course to a recreational based honing district to ensure that remains recreational in nature. 12.0 Plari lmpleitentation The goals -and policies Of the Comprehensive Platt are designed to aid' City. staff, the PI4h. mg COminission and the City Council in making sound decisions that shape the future development of the City of Gem Lake.46d. reflect the wants and needs of its citizens. Page 57 Following are a number of implementation strategies that may be used tag reach the goals and policies of this plan. 12.1 Zo ning Ordinance The major purpose of zoning is to ensuro that new developmenr.in a comrrattiiity meets a set of consistent local quality standards. designed tO'.Mininvze incompatible. land uses. Figure 6 is.* existing zoning MW Thy fallowing is a synopsis of the existingzone district. City. of Gem. Lake Zoning Districts (1996) The. existing City of Gem Lake Zoning Ordinance has eight (8) zoning districts, four (4) residential and four (4) business. They am as follows: ' IZ-4." Lake Residence "R-2" Acre Estate Residence • '!R-3" Low -Density Residence `R-4" Medium -Density Residence "R-B." Retail Business "G-B" General Business • "LD-B" LOW-DensityBusiness "G-B A" Genleral Business II Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page.58 i �r CITY OF RAMSEY C I Comprehensive Plan Gem lake, Minnesota District Area .p,.ntage I ]Front + Side + Rear R-1 3.0 acres 200' (l) 50' (2) 30' 5[l' (3) R-2 1.0 acre 150' 40' 15 (4) 35' R-3 36,000's . ft. 100' 35' I:5' (47. -25' R-4 35,0(lD s ...ft. (5) 1oy 35' 1.5.' (4). 25' R-IB 1,000 s . ft. 25' 10' None (6) 20' {7) G-B 12,500 s ft. I00.' 20' .101(8) none (9) LD-B 24,000 s...ft, I00' 35' 10' (IOj 20' G_B II 1.5,000 s ft. (11) 80' 20' 10, 10' Notes: I. All lots Iocated on the, lake. shore shall be considered as having. two frontages; that portion of the lot which.abuts. on the lake and such other lot line as determined by the City Council. 2. That portion of a lot considered as the. front yard shall betas determined by tbe.City. Council. I All residential structures shall be set back at least.] 00 feet from the lake shore line.. The lake shore line shall be: as.determined by the City Council. 4. 20' when abutting a street. 5. .24.,000 square feet when City sewer is available and will be used. fit I5' when abutting an "R" District 30' when. abutting a street.. 7. 30' when abutting an "R" District. 8• 20' when abutting a. street .or "R" District. 9. 20' when abutting an "R" District. 1..0.. 35' when abutting a street. I 1.. Maximum area of75;00D.square feet, The four (4) residential zone districts are very.sitnilar with regards to permitted and special. uses; The only permitted uses within all four (4) . residential zone districts area one -family detached dwellings; truck. gardening and other horticultural uses provided that only those products produced on the premise be sold or offered for sale; and agricultural activities, provided that no building in which farm animals or fowl. are to be housed is nearer than one hundred (100) feet of a lot line. Page 60 Special. uses allowed in- all of the residential zone districts (with. approved special usepermit) are cotMtry clubs, golf courses and other private. non-commercial recreation areas and faoi7ities, ihcleiding swimming pools, provided that any.principal building or swimming pool shall be located. not less than 5U feet tom any either lot in Y ( ) an "W' District; churches, -essential service structures, and animal kennels. The. R-I and R-4 zone districts also include two-family dwellings as special uses, -and R-4 .includes offstreet parking for adjacent non-residential uses, The R-B zone district'allows, as permitted uses, a variety of retail sales or service ,type *businesses; including appliance: stores; auto cessory stores, banks; beauty shops, office supplies; photo supplies; drug stQres,.fterreiture stores, grocery stores;.hardware stores, jewelry shoe repair s stores, laundromat§r.clinic offices, taverns, li t�or.stores, restaurants,. tones, theaters, variety stores vVeaOng apparel stores, and similar uses; .Other uses. allowed in the R-B.Zone District as permitted uses are: hotels and motels, -hospitals or clinics for human beings, dental services; .medical services, .funeral homes or mortuaries, private clubs, single:familydwellings, and churches. Uses requiring' a special use permit in the R B zone di vice strict -are auto. repair shops, motor serstations, essential service structures and commercial recreation.sueh as bowling alleys, jump centers, and live !entertainment. The permitted uses allowed in the G-B zone distrie�includr all of the perireitted uses all in the R-B zone district. Other permitted uses allowed in the G=B:*zone-disttiet are auto sales and repair, boat and marine * sales, bakeries, Ousi.4ess and trade schools,. bottling of soft drinks .and creameries, building material. yards prodded it. is conducted within a-buiiding br-Within a fence of such construction as. to prevent view -from the publrc.-right-of way, cabinet and carpentry shops, electrical services, headnglplumbing, commercial greenhouses, dry cleaning plants; farba machinery sales and supplies, dairy farm and milk products Processing, packaging and storage, .garden supply stores; motels, motor hotels and hotels provided the Site -shall coo tain.not less than four hundred (4W) square. feet of lot area per unit; printing shops, upholstery shops; warehousing, except the storage.gfnflammable fluids, wholesale offices and showrooms; and similar uses, veterinary clinids or animal -hospitals; miniature golf courses, *driving. ranges., archery ranges,. trampoline centers, car *ashes Provided off street parking space is constructed to accomModate,that nutribcr(1S} mof vehicles which can be washed during a maximum fifteen period, and lumber yards. essential:service structures, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota .Page,61 Open sales or rental lots are also permitted uses, subject to the lot being sunf&ced.-or landscaped to control.the dust, and all materials located*ori said lot shall meet front yard -requirements. Should the lot be Iighted, such lights. shall be.so located as not to have a direct source visible from the public right-of-way. Perinitted Oses include model homes and -garage display. Special qse permits are required in :the. &B zone district for service and lightindustries which .manufacture, process, store, and distribute foods and . materials . not likely � �to -create offensive noise, odors; Vibrations, dust; smoke, heat, glare or other objectionable influences and are in general dependent upon -raw materials refined elsewhere; truck and motor freight terminals, and inflammable materials sales and storage. The LD-B zone district is designed to be a transitional zone between other business zones and residential zones. The. permitted uses in the LD-B zone are:business and professional. offices; banks and savings. and loan association offices; churches and synagogues; governmental buildings and libraries; .greenhouses and nurseries; and fruit, vegetable and similar agricultural dispensaries. Special We. permits are. required k1he LD-B zone district forprivate Clubs, including athletic; golf ranges, tennis clubs and the like; research laboratories and offices; nursery or day schools, so long as play area is totally fenced; those uses and structures permitted in.the R-2 zone district; warehouses for small, high value items (e.g., electronic components); essential service structures; and other activities deemed comparable with those allowed in this district. The G-B II zone district allows. essentially the same permitted uses as the G-B zone district. The only additional permitted use in. -the G-B II zone district is business. offices, The G-B II zone district does not. allow ]umber yards br oRen sale lots as permitted uses. The G-B II zone district has much more restrictive special uses than the . zone district. The uses that require a special use permit in the G-B II zone district are essential service structures; commercial recreation such as bowling alleys, miniature. golf coWes, archery ranges, and trampoline..centers; dwellings for watchman and family; open sales (or rental):lots; and open storage lots. The City 'should: consider the following actions regarding. the Gem. Lake Zoning Regulations; 12.1.1 The development.of a Recreational Zone District to be applied to the. golf course property; The new district should allow for the present use. and be. expanded to allow.'other similar recreational uses. Residential and commercial activities should be prohibited: The district should Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 62 include conditional.use.provisions to allow a case -by -case review of Proposed projects; It should -also. include landscaping and buffer requirements. 121.2 Residential areas currently zoned R-3. and R-4 in the northeast portion Of the City should be examined to c#etermine if their Current classification reflects the goals of the- community to maintain very low" density residential: development or if *the I R-I :or R 2and s6ovld be rezoned : 12.13 Develop more complete submission requirements for development Proposals including. special *use permits :and sign permits, and formalize the review process. Require. review by the Planning Commission and including the. following in. the. submission requirements: site Plan • Laredscaping:Plan • Tree -Preservation Plan • Erosion Control and. Runoff PIan • Description of Project • Future Expansion Plans • * Impacts p4-Adjacent Properties 12.I4 Develop crlfedalor land use decisian"byBanning Commission and City CogtnciI. A. When reviewing special uses and rezoning applications, .impacta on the: following should be reviewed -.and measured: 1. Adjacent Uses 2. Air and Water Quality 3. Traffic Generation 4: Public Safety and. Health 5. Area Aesthetics 4, ]Ecolaon1d Impact on Area Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Pare 63 Comprehensive plan Gem Lake; Minnesota. 12.1.5 The following criteria for decisions should be included: in the zoning ordinance A. For Rezoning (zone district map Athendment): The proposed zoningshall'lfe consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use.Plan adopted by. the. City if existing. Amendments to #Ile zone district map should be recommended for approval.only upon the IYnding by -the planning Commission that all of Ehe. following conditions exist; I. A mistake has been made in. the original zoning which was inconsistent with the comprehensive or Land Use Plan which should now be cozrected along with the zoning; or substantial changes have occurred. in tbe.*commumty since the -adoption of the comprehensive or'Lihd Use plan, which should t`esult in the plan(s) and the zoning being amended. 2. There shall exist a clear public need for a benefit from additional:zoning of the type proposed which. shall be above -andbeyond any benefit:or.eonvenience to the Iand owners. 3. 'Beyond apublic need being evident., there shall be a showing -that the Public interest would be best served by -rezoning the Property.in questioia -rather. am other properly in the community. 4..In the case -of down zoning, which is *the changing. of a zone district from a higher or more int+ nsive use. to #1;lower.or less intensive use, the proposed zoning Shall allow the owner a reasonable use of his ro P3! p perty under the-ternns of this ordinance, as well as serve the publidIntere.st. B. For Variances: A; variance may be granted only upon finding all Of the following: 1, The proposed use is reasonable. 2; It would be unreasonable to ieq ordinance. uire conforming to the .3. The difficulty of conforming * to the ordinance is due to Circumstances unique to the property. 4. The problem must:be one riot created by the landowner. S: The variance; if grant of the locality. ed, will not alter the essential character Page 64 C. For Conditional Uses: 1. :The use conforms to the Land. Use or Comprehensive, PTart.of the City. 2. The use is'compatible with. the existing neighborhood. :3. Thd-dse will not impede the n6n-hal and. orderly development and improvement in the surrounding area. of uses permitter] by right in the zone.district. 4. The location. and character °of the proposed use is considered Ito. be. cousistent with a desirable pattern of development for the area. 12.1.6 DeveloRmore specific criteria to protect the water body of. Gem Ile.. This.could *jude setback requirements, impact zones and vegetation removal regulations. 12.2 Other Ordinances and Issues Other ordinances can. also be created or updated to meet the deeds of the. community. 12.2.1 Landscaping .requirements for individual Properties. (especially commercial properfieO and for. the boundarie$ of the City should be developed. to .maintain the aesthetic quality of Gem. Lake. These regulations should include requirements and -criteria fora site;plan. 12.2.2 Tree preservafion regulations should.also be created and strengthened 12:2.3 The sign ordinance should be examined to determine. its effectiveness, Tighter criteria -might be necessary to. en em. that the signs in the community reflects its character. I2.2A The need for an architectural design ordinance should :be explored. 12.2.5 Planned.unit development orcluster development ordinance, The City should consider adopting as a stand alone ordinance or -as pamof-the zoniqg. ordinances, provasions regulating planned unit oi. cluster developments. The districts to -contain these types of developments should be* identihed and the types of uses allowed, the performance statidtds required and the. density allowed should be: determined. 12.2.6 The -need for a local housing maintenance code should be explored. 12.2.7 Various.Minnesota..HouSing Finance Agency(NiFH;A) Programs such as rental rehabilitation, home ownership rehabilitation and home. improvement and energy efficiency local programs should be explored and considered. 12,2.$ The. City. should work with the Ramsey County HRA in developing a. housing strategy. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 65 12.2:9 The City should explore the possibility in participating in a regioti- wide effort with adjacent communities*to develop a -diverse housing base. 12.3 Capital Improvement Plan i In order to guide long-term expenditures for costly public facilities within the City, .a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to guide the muiucipal budget has been formulated. 12;3.I On file at. the City Of$ee and available-for reference is the Gem Lake CIP covering the years 19q$ through 2002. Key provisions of the document include: Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota A. One-year improvement plan. to be updated annually. B. Five-year plan to coordinate with other governmental units. C. Framework for a 10 to 20 year plan to establish rough estimate of future capital costs. i2.3.2 The CIP includes costs for the following types of facilities and. the specific locations within the community where these facilities are to be provided: A. Roadway improvements. B. Utility systems. (sanitary sewer, water'm*g, -Sorm sewer). �. Other public facilities. Page 66 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota 13.0 Severahility It is the intention of the Planning Comznission, Mayor, City Council, City Staff, Planners,.Eogineers and others who, directly or-indirecfly, c 0tribute.d to the development and adoption oif this Comprehensi..v Municipal Plan that the several assumptions; conclusions; positions, and Other piovasions of* this document were based upon -facts available at the time of d0elopment-and shall be. deemed separable.. if any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge any assumption, conclusion, or other provision .of.#his. Comprehensive Municipal[ plan or the' application thereof to be invalid, such judgement shall not affect any -other assumption; conclusion, or other provision of this. Comprehensive Municipal Plan not spec judgement: ifically included in said Page 67 Appendix. A Results of Community Survey. CITY OF GEM LAKE 1995 COMMUNITY SURVEY , CUMP1tEHENSIVE LONG-RANGE PLAN The Gem Lake Planning Commission. is now. in the process of updating the long-range Comprehensive Municipal Plan for the City.. Asa part of the process, they must project where:the City will be in the next 5,.10: and 15 years and how it will arrive. there. The results of this community. survey will be used by the Planning..Commission to. assist. them in guiding the planning process. Nour input is. important. Please answer all questions that you can and that apply to you. COMMUNITY PLAN AND GOALS 5 of the basic goals of Gem Lake as expressed in the current Comprehensive' Municipal. Plan are sho­,t-a below. Please take a moment to review these goals: and indicate your suggestions for revisions to the Plan. The current Plan calls far preservation of a "rustic" environment in:a natural setting. by rriaintairung.lowdensity residential development. Should this be changed andtow? [ 071.97.1"/6 ] Don't Change [.212.9.%.j Change [ 0 10.0%] No Answer. YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S): I... Concept of density should be changed to protect open spaces. 2. Maintain natural settings,. 2. The current Plan calls for creation and maintenance of a high quality man-made environment by developing high standards for.construction quality and.encouraging maintenance on existing structures. Should this be changed and how? [ 66195.7% ] Don'.t Change [ 314.56/6 ] Change. 1.0.10.09/61 No Answer YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S)- 1: Instead of maintenance, try code compliance like St. Louis Park. 2, Improve residential maintenance, 3. Maintain high quality and fewer homes: The current Plan calls for containing future commercial:developrtient in the City within the Highway 61 1 County Road E areas of the City currently zoned for business, ..Should this be changed and how? [60.187.0%0 ] Don't Change [ 91.13.0% ]Change [ 010.0%1 No Answer YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S): 1. Sign Ordinance enforcement.. 2. Add landscaping requirements to improve commercial development. 3.. Try to get cooperation from. Vadnais Heights. 4.. Eliminate commercial. zoning and change to. residential. 5' . Maintain residential community. 6. Preserverustic atmosphere. 7. No commercial development on Otter LakelScheuneman. Roads. 8.. Reduce traffic. 9. Discourage high traffic business. 4. The current Plancalls for providing a low -profile government that provides only essential services necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the community. Should this be changed and how? [ 63191.3%a ] Don't Change [.1.11.4% ] Change [ 517.3%01 No Answer YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S): 1. Is it time to hire. full.time. professional staff? 2. SnoNk? plowing is excellent. 3. Maintain low government.prohle.. 4.. Add part time. professional planner. The.current Plan cailifor cooperation with.adjacent communities to achieve compatible land development and public.service..pattenls.. Should this be changed and how? ( 59105.5% ] Don't. Change [ 7110.1%] .Change. [`3 14.9%] No Answer YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S): I. Mote proactive cooperation. 2. Is: Vadnais Heights aware of non -cooperation? 3: Does Vadnais Heights respect Gem.Lake's plans? 4. Gem Lake should be more aggressive! 5; No mass transit exists in the area. 5. Shopping exists in all directions. Please list additional. goalsyou feel are important to the future of the Gem bake. 1. Maintain natural barriers. 2. Oppose LaBore Road extension. 3, Propose County E as.boulevard. 4. Deal with County E traffic. 5. Trail around Gern Lake. Park with balifield and ice rink. 6. No further subdivision of land. T. Continue passive/rural character. 8. Encourage LaBore.Road extension. 9. Minimize development. 10. Maintain low density. 11. Improve, County E 12. Reduce: Goose: Lake Road traffic. 13: Maintain low profile government. 1.4. Maintain open spaces. 15. Slow all traffic in city. 16. Get acknowledgement of our rustic setting from surrounding communities. 17. Require residential property maintenance. and removal of junk:piles in yards, 1.8. Improve 1001 communication with residents from government, 19, Provide free. copies of ordinances to residents: 20. Add city sewer. 21. Reduce:regulation.i 22. improve city employee and volunteer. training. 23. Provide. regular contact list, 24.. No low income; public. or multi -family housing. 2 PERSONAL INFORMATION How long haVe You lived in Gem Lake? LOW: 1 year HIGH: 73 years AVERAGE: 20 years 8. What 3. things do you like best about the=City of Gem Lake? A. .[ 27 / 39.1% ] Quiet nawraUrustic environment B. [ 21 / 304✓. ] Proxinpty-to Twin Cities .& Shopping C. [ 201.39,0% ] Largelot. sizes / low density D. [.12117A96.1 Open natural spaces E. [ 11115.99A ] small town feeling [ 12117,4% ] Peace & quiet G.. [ 10114.5%] Friendly residents H.. [111-15.9%] Limited/lowprofle government I. [ 0S1-073°/e, ] Minimum commercial development J: [ 061:0&7% ] Privac y K ( 05 / Ot^ j Low prime/sense of security I:. [ .04 / 05A!Y- ] Wooded areas M, [03 7.04.4% j Abundance of wildlife N. [ 02I'0.2. % ] Community. --diver at o. [ 02102.9% ] Low key. P. [02102.9% ] Quality'pfresiddttial life Q. [ 03104A% 1 Lowertaxes R. [ 02 /:02.9% ] Golfcotirse S. [ 01 / 01.5% 1 independence ''NO sewi r/water Palns to protect. future Upscale homes. Quality of life Road maintenance Cleanneighborhoods 9, What 3 things do you like least about.the City of Gem Lake? A. [ 21130.4% ] Increasing traffic B: [ 07110.2%0 ] Increasing noise C. [ 07 / 10.2% ] P.ressttre from surounding communities D. [ 11 / 15.9% ] Cbmmereial development pressure )r: [ 07 / .10.2% ] No city water F. [ 05 / 07.3% ] No city sewer G, [ Q5107.3% ] No px.Wsports areas H. 1.021`02.9% ] Auto 3kaler loudspeakers I. [.03/04.41N] Increased speeds.of.traffic J. J.02 / 02.9%j High: taxes K. [02 / 02.9% ] Poor city communication L. [ 02102.9% ] No bike route M. [ 02102.9% ] Business: in residential .area (Kuehn.). N. [ Q2 / 02.9% ] Poorresidential maintenance. O. [ 03 / 04.4% ] City council P. [ 02 / 0.2.9% 1 NQtenciugh police Q. [ 01 / 01.S% ] Unburied utilities Auto dealer lighting .Nd curbs No sidewalks Tree ordinance :Nothing Lack of traffic enforcement CtyRdETreemimml Distance to mass transit No lake access Govttooeontrolling Poor roads: Septic inspections Abandoned Road Not enough businesses Poor. street lighting Deer herd Non-resident developers Goose Lake Road`Safety .Adjaccnt:mgIti-fatnily Helicopter noise. .Local-Og4cs t0. What three issues.do you think are most.important in the City of Gem Lake? A [ 19126.1% ] Maintain community profile B. [ 11115.9% ] Improved traffic controls C. [ 07 / 10.2% ] Low tax maintenance D. [ 12117.4% ]' Maintain current land use fi: [ 05407.3% ] Prevent encroachment from other cities. F: [ 06108:7% ] Environmental/ecological.protection G. [ 03 i64.4"/o ] Open space. maintenance H. [ 05101.3% ] City water I.. [43194e3% ] City sewer. J.. [ 02 / 02.9% ] Improve road maintenance & �lowarig K. [ 02102.9% ] Create bike path/trail in city:_ L. [ 02 / 02.9%.] Protect. property values M: [ 02102.9 % ] Small government N: [ 02 / 02.9 % ] Increase community involvement O. [ 01 / 01.5% j City business water City survival Mergewlappropriateneighbor Balance city/land owner.rights. Maintain privacy Renovate business area Restrict commercial development Bury [unities No more.. subdivision. Keep crirrte 1pw Maintain high quality housing Noo business in. residential Oppose LaBore extension Eliatinate commercial noise Putsue'mess transit Improve. city communications t4ith residents High quality of life Keep golf course from development M CITY GOVERNMENT & FACILITIES The city currently operates from donated space. in .the Mayor's,. Clerk's, Treasurer's and Planning Commissioner's homes. All of the Gem Lake government.meetings as well as general and special elections are currently held in space donated by the business 1 commercial owners in the city. 11. Should the city plan on:constructing a"city hall" or comr6diity'`buMig where it would hold meetings and elections and from which it would. operate? [ 11118.8.%. ] Yes [51 /73.00A 1 No ( 517.3%a 1 No Answer if "YES", where would you like to.see such abuilding located? A. [ 08 / 11.6% ] In the. residential area of the city? $. [08 / 1.1.6% ] In the commercial ./ business area of the. -city?. C. 150172.5%) No Answer 12. Gent l;.ake.n4W provides essential services such as police, fire & paramedic, curbside recycling; budding inspection su aiid-code -enforcement which conmes more ihan 60% of our annual budget (your tax dollars)• Each of these services kprovided by an outside source with -whom the City contracts: Are you satisfied with ct=. ntservices? ( 62.1899%01. Yes [ 4 / &B% ] No [.3 / 4.3%. ] .No Answer If -"NO", what improvements'are deeded?. A. improve recycling promotion B. Improve. building code enforcement C: Improved traffic controls - speed and quantity D. Enforce dog laws .E. More.police. 13. Gem lake currently operates a sanitary sewer system that serves 21 residences and 22 businesses. Expansion of this system would cost between $60 and $80 per front footof the property it serves and this cost would be assessed to each benefitted property owner. Do you believe Gem Lake should: consider expanding the,sewer system to serve. more areas of the city? ('19/27.5%] Yes [46/66.7%]No [4/5.8%0]NoApxwer If "YES", when do you feel this expansion will be necessary to serve your needs? [04105.8% 1 Within 1.year 112 / 17.4% 1 Within 5 years [ 04 / 05.8% ] Within 10 years [49 / 71.0% ] No Answer If "YES", where do you feel the expansion will be necessary? A_ . ( 03104.3% 1 Scheuneman Road area B. [ 64105.8% ] Goose Lake Road area C. [01101;5% ] All others If. "YES", why do you feel the expansion will be..necessary? A. [ 08.7°/u 1 Old inadequate: septic systems B. [ 01 / 01.5% 1 Commercial. waste abatement Increased density if allowed For those who want it More:costly to wait .Business district improvement Safer drinking water Improve property values 14. Gem 'Lake eunmtly has no public water system. Installation of a public water system would cost between S50 and $70 per fist foot of the. property.it serves.and this. cost would be assessed; to each benefitted property owner. Do you -believe there is a need: in your area for a. public water systeri7 [ 14 lid.361..1 Yes [ 53.176:8"/0..] No [ 2 / 2.9"/o .1 No Answer If "YES", when:do you feel this system will be necessary to: serve your needs? 1.04105A% 1 Within l year 106108.7%: ] Within 5 years [ 01 / 01.5% ] Within 10 years [ 58184:1%0 1. No Answer If "YES". where do you -feel the expansion will bcn6oetMrY9* A, [ O I./ 01:5% ] Business district Entire city NW Corner 5 If "YES7% why do you feel the expansion will lie necessary? A:. [ 011 O M% ] Condition of aquifer? Years of water supply? Increased density Only with sewer Wells are obsolete in cities Business needs RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT While there are:only a few undeveloped parcels of land in Gem Lake,.all property presently zoned for residential use in Gem Lake currently only allows for single family detached dwellings. is. Would you like to see other ".of dwellings located in the City? ( 08 / 11.6% ] Yes. [ 69187.9% ] No j 11 1.4%] No Answer -- 1.6. Lfyou answered YES to IS., which of the following types. of dwellings would you like to: see built-in; Gom Lake and where? A. [ 081*11.6% ] -One-Level Town Homes Where:. No Answers B. [ 03 / 043% ] Two -Level Town Homes Where: No Answers C. [ 001 -0.0% J 'Condominiums Where: No Answers D. [ 001 0.0% ] Apartments Where: No Answers E. [55.179:9.% ] No Answer 17. if any of the.dwellin&.:types above were built-in Cieia Lake, would you consider residing in such a dwelling-? [ I11 m9% ] Yes [ 47 / 69617% ] No. [ I1./ 16.0% ] No Answer 18. If you would consider residing. in such a dwelling; when would. you wan[ to take ogcMancy? [ 0.1.1011.51/61 Now [ 17124.6%. ] After Retirement [.511.74.68,4 ] Nd.Answer 7 COMMERCIAL / BUSINESS USE & DEVELOPMENT There are currently 37 businesses located in the city employing approximately 500 persons. The Gem Lake commercial / business district is principally located at and adjacent to the intersection of Hghwayo land County Road E. 19. Do you use or purchase goods and services from the current- businesses located. in Gem Lake? [.50 / 72.57% ] Yes [ 161. 23.2% J No [ 3 J 43% ] No Answer 20.. If yoti use Gem Lake businesses; which businesses) do you<'frequent and how bfteh? [22./'31.96% ] HCO Retail 1.14./10.3%] WB Floral 115121.7% ] Tousley Ford [ 08./ 11:6%0 ] KFC [-07 /10.2%. ]. Cafe Cravings [.04100% ] Barnett [.04 /-05.8A/e ] TpusleySports E133-104.3%0 ] Ace TV Repair [02J 02.9% ] Pizza [.0210*0WI Pottery 1.03 / 04.3'/6. ] Golf Course 101 /.:01.5% J Nelson Marine. [.01101.4% ] Moldings & Doors [01101.5% ] Gun Shop .[ 0.1101.50/9 ] Kuehn [ 6110115°/a ] WB Glass 21. If you don't use Gem Lake businesses, why? [ 08-1.11.6% ] Don't know which are in Gem Like [ 05 /-0t3% J Others close better suited [ 06108.7% j.No need [ ii3 / 04.3%0 ] Not;most t*4venient . [ 021: 02.9%:j Limited /poor quality 22. Other than those .businesses that currently exist in GemLake, what type(s) of businesses would you.like. to see -in the City's obnonercial district? [ 15 /.21.7% J None [ 0711.0.2% ].:Nice restaurant [ 05 / 07.3% J Small offices [ 03104.3% ].Small retail shops. [ 01 / 01.5% ] Specialty retail Bank Hardware Convenience Store Reduce businesses No fast food [ Non polluting Tax producing Mens Barber Manufacturing Kids Sports Place Goodwill 23. Are you or any mmtber. dyour houseioid presently employed by a business located in Gem Lake? [ 6711Q.1%I Yes [ 66.1 *$7.0•/9 ] No [02.J 02.9%-] Flo Answer 24. Shotild.a "City Center" type development be encouraged at the intersection ofHighway 5l acid County.Road E?. [ 10 J 143% ] Yes [ 56 / 81.2% j No [ 0314.3% ]No- Answer. 25. N.a `°City Center" were. developed, what "(s).of baiiness would, you like to see included in this area? [02102.9% ]* Specialty:sbops Clothing Offices I I [ 04 / 05.8% J. Restaurant 101101.5%a 1 Night club Bank Pharmacy Medical Liquor Sports Retail.. 26. if you don. t support a. City Center'` type development; why not? 118126. 1% ] Everything nettled available nearby [ 14 / 20. 3"% ] Unnecessary -for -Gem --Lake. [ .10114.5% j Too much additiotial traffic [ 05107.3% ] IHigher taxes [ 021*029% ] Waste of time Too -much &velopment.already Who *llns? fit auto businesses Need more info We are residential, not commercial Increased crime t What cost to city & residents 0 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION The city's primaryarteriai.roadways. are County Road E. LaBorae Road, Goose Lake Road and Scheunetnan Road which are Ramsey Comity Roads and state Highwayl. Traflie.and related problems continue to increase dramatically along County Road E due. to. development in the area and LaBore Road will. experience similar changes over the next decade.: Traffic along Goose Lake Road and Scheuneman Road have also increased as a.result of development in other conunuruties. 27. Should the -City make a concerted effort to preserve the natural environment characteristics. of these roadways? 166 /.95.**-1 Yes [ 0 / 0.0% ] No [ 3 / 4.3% ] No Answer 28. How far does.each-member of your household travel to work each day?' PRWEA HIGH LOW AVERAGE Driver# l 50 00 13.1 Driver#2 40 00 .11.9 Driver 03 20 00 11.1 29. Do you see the need forpublic transportation in Gem Lake? [ 10 / 14.5% ] Yes [ 48169.6% ] No [ 11.115.9% ] No Answer .30.. If available, wouldyou use any of the following public transportation systems and how often: [ 06 / 08.76/6 ] MTC'Bus. Service? How often? [ 05 / 07.2%.] Lake Area Transit? How often? [ 00 / 0.0% ] Metro Mobility? How often? [ 01 /.01.5% ] Other (please identify) In the year.2000, Ramsey County will "turn back' 1'%, miles of Scheuneman Road to .Gem.Lake. The cost of maintaining this..road is estimated. to be $1.2,000 annually based upon a current estimate of 5,000..0 6,000 car trips daily between .Otter Lake.Road and Highway 61. Gem Lake's current budget for street .maintenancois-approximately S1,,500 annually.. 31, By reducing. or restricting traffic along Scheuneman Road; maintenance budgets can be reduced. What do you believe JS the City's best alternative for Scheuneman Road? [ 09 / I3.0a/a ] Leave Scheuneinan Road as is and have taxpayers pay formaintenance? g ' [ 42 / 60.9% ] Close Scheuneman Road at Highway 61 and install a cul-de-sac? [ 09 / 13.0a/o. ] Convert Scheuneman Road to a one-way, northbound roadway? [.0911.3.1% j No Answer 4 PARKS & RECREATION J � The city currently has no owned and/or operated park facilities. There. are several county parks and facilities .0peraW byothas in the immediate area, although none are located in Gem Lake. 32. Wouldyott •support.development of a city park in Gem Lake? [22/31.9% j files (454. WOK ] No [:02102.9% l No Answer 'If "Na', why? [ 07 / 10.2% ] No need [ 11-1 M9% I Others close by:/ Open.sp.".instead f 03. / 4'4.3% ] Cost to residents t Attracts• outsiders•/ crime / wasted tax .dollars 101 IBM% J Community is a park .53•. Ifyalwaild•support a city park in Gem Lake, which of the following facilities would you like to have included? [18.I.26.1 % j Picnic facilities 118 / 26.:I.% ]Playground equipment [ Il 115.0°%s J Tennis court(s) [ 14 / 20.39!.•1 Ball field(:) [ 10 rx441611i J Basketball court(s) [ 12 /.17A%..] Ice-- iEnk(s)•• [ 03 / 04,3% ] Bike path [ 02 / 02:9% ]Open space/.Togging path 34. Where in Gem Lake do you feel the park should be:.located? 104 /05.8"/• j Goose .Lake Road Scheuneman Road South County E 103 /04.3% J Adjacent Gem Lake. Hilts ( 02 / 02.9% ] Trail around lake [ 6..1101.5% ] Commercial Zone 10 s CITY OF GEM LAKE RAMSEY COUNTY MINNESOTA 400 D 4M am VLAW WETLAND MANAGEMENT AREAS WF7LAN , .w,F'r AQ. rHOV,+',: HEF. ARE BASED ON NATIONAL WETLAND iNVENTDR%,' MAPS 'HLSE .RE P;i_?T E ELi!,F:"A'if—DN. , AND THEY. SHOU D B= AS A F'EEE tEhJ`'E i�NLfl. U. 1r D i '' LAJ. AREAS APE NIO SPEC,: li: q: I 1 DEL. E i'ET;.i AREAS 5 -rdf HERE ARE BASER C31�t �IEL� 't,'ETLAND DEUa.iE.A71Ot`IS BY A QUALIFIED N' i,l�i-•.. �. rl r•. !. q T... - - ,`L� L _ °..3 I,: �': i.`� " i1 ;:. (`7 y, N _ '.` _-_..f-L_ .. - G - - 4.0 Plan Assumptions, Goals, aild. tsaues: Beyond assessment of the existing and projected characteristics of development in Gem Lake and vicinity, there is a need to (1) assess the. assumptions upon which the plan Is to be predicated, (2) establish basic community goals upon **hich the policy proposals of the plan.. may rest, and.(3) identify the key issues whichzustbe resolved if the plan: is: to become a reality.. This chapter of the plan -presents these. assumptions; goals, and issues as. the key factors that establish the basis for the.plan proposals in the succeeding chapters: 4.1 Plan Assumptions A. The plan is based on the assumption that the economy of the Minneapolis -St. Paul metropolitan area will remain healthy and thaf sub -regional population projections as established by the Metropolitan Council will be reasonably accurate. B. It is assumed that the cooprebensiye development plans and physical development ordinances of the corttiguous local units of government. will remain essentially as they are today.. C, It is assumed that additional skgpping and employment opportunities within municipalities located withii a five= -mule radius of Gem Lake. will become available in reasonable proportion!or population increases. D: It- -is assumed that a major open -spaEe acquisition and development plan. will be: completed as proposed by Ramsey Cquiaty: E. It is assumed .that facilities presently estimated by the City Engineer and/or projected will be. adequate for the projected population. 4.2 Community Goals The following goals are established as the principal guidelines for the physical'development of Gem Lake. All policies, -asp resented in. later chapters of this plan document, should be considered supplemental tothese basic goals: .A. The residents of Gem Lake: desire to. preserve and maintain .a "small town" environment in a natural setting. Such an environment should promote an atmosphere of quiet, relaxed.. living with maximtim regard to maintaining openness of the physical environment as well as preserving trees, water areas, grass lands, and wetlands.. This will require. new development -:in an overall low -density pattern. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota paa:q� B. The residehm of Gem Lake desire to -create and maintain a high quality man-made environment. All new residential and commercial development and auxiliary structures :and signs should be developed -to high standards consistent With1he good aesthetic, architectural, and. common sense.. Furthermore; all existing structures and ,ia=-'Hary buildings: and lands will be maintained to high standards to enhance the quailiiy of the life in Gem Lake:. C. The residents of Gem Lake wish td eontain future commercial development within the community. Existing commercial development is sibstantial in relation to total community development providing. more jobsthan the size of* the local resident: Labor force. Substantial additional commercial .development would conflict' with the goals of maintaining. a small town character and high quality natural environment. D. The residents of Gem Lake desire to have a low -profile government that provides only esseiitial.public sekviees necessary for their bei ltb; safety,. and welfare. This goal is Used on a realistic appraisal of the small:size of the. -community, and.dite.to the realities of service economics. which justify. provision of services on a. larger territorial basis. It is a further. goal that these public services should be obtained on a. long-term. contractual basis with surrounding municipalities-, This should keep per capita expenses in relation to services rendered at the .lowest possible level`for both the residents. of Lake and surrounding communities. E. The residents of Lein- Lake desire to cooperate with adjacent communities to achieve a compatible land development and public services pattern. Recognizing the small size. of Gem Lake in relation to the substantial urbanizing pattern iri. the vicinity, the City of Gem Lake will place considerable importadcd iit cooperating with other local units .of: government in encouraging the compatible development of this sub-Ogion of the. metropolitan area. 4.3 Principal Issues Gem Lake, like every -public community, has a set of major issues that should be faced if the City is -to be developed in a form that is consistent with stated .community goals; The -issues listed below are the most critical and, as such; establish.:a focus for many of`the plan gxoposals, The succeeding chapters of -this document address these. issues in the course of establishing specific plan proposals. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 17 43.I Density of Residential Development Consistent with the -goat :of maintaining a "small town" environment in a natural setting, the City of Gem Lake. will seek to maintain a low; - density residential development pattern (approximately. 0.3 .to 1.0 dwelling units per net. acre). This commitment responds to substantial pressure from developers who seek -to -construct higher density developments. It is the position of Gem Lake that the community's existing natural_ resource base, its existing -land use, its limited ability .to provide a wide range ol= urban services, combined with the planned allowance of higher development densities within other eohimuriities: within a reasonable. radius.of Gem -Lake; all substantiate the. City's position. Furthermore, the residents of'Gem Lake have expressed the. desire to maintain a low density community. Cluster development may.he.. a option -to consider in that -it preserves niore.open.space and Carl lead to a.inore. efficient provision of utilities. 4.3.1 Limited Commercial Expansion While Gem Lake -has provided some additional space for commercial expansion within its corporate limitsjt is recognized.thaf there will, be increased pressures for commercial expansion loth along U.S, Highway 61 and along County 'Road E at the south corporate limits. (Tlii$ is a.mr jor,conflict between the Gem Lake. and Vadnais Heights.plans.) While these pressures are recognized, it is the City's intention to maintain a stance: of commercial containment in accordance with the plan on the grounds. that. (a) there. is veurrently .a higher ratio of commercial development. -to residential, development than the average (measured both in terms bf acres. of Iand and employees), (b) at ultimate development there will. be a normal ratio Of commercial to residential development, (c) additional commercial expansion would undermine the low-density-chakacter desired. in the City, and A ample.land.for commercial development is available in other communities in'the vicinity. 4.3.3 Quality of New Construction and Maintenance of the Existing Man -Made Environment Consistent with the goal:of*ltaving a high quality and aesthetic man- made. environment, the City of Gem Lake intends to vigorously ensure that all new development. within the. community is of high standards based on various implementation controls and procedures. The City further intends to ensure high quality maiaterance of exit man-made structures (e.g., facades; signage, etc.) based on vigorous qn orcement of regulatory controls. These controls include', but arenot limited to, subdivision regulations; zoning regulations,. housing and building code regulations, sign regulations, landscape regulations and tree preservation regulations. It is anticipated that these measures may be resisted by some:land-developers, community Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 18 residents and the business community as exemplified by several instances.ofpoor $uilding maintenance in the past. These resistances must be 'met, however, so that a high quality environment can be. maintained for all residents: 4.3.4 Provision of Public Utilities It. is anticipated thAt additional sanitary sewed facilities and -the. initiation of public water distribution lines may be. required as the City further.develops. These costly facilities would help to maintain the high quality natural environment cited as one of the :community goals, as well as to meet wising Water:quality standards, Provision of theso.facilities-maybe cited -as conflicting with the..desire to maintain a. low-ptofile gaverriment at 16w cost; but 'it will be then position of Oem Lake that the. desirability of maintaining a high quality environment will take precedence. if these services are:not provided to the entire City, measures should be uirdextaken to ensure: high quality individual onsite facilities. 4.3.5 Service Agreements with Cooperating Governmental Units Recognizing the desirability of serving the. Gem Lake portion of the metropolitan: area adequately,. t will be the position of the Gem Lake govemieiltt to secure long-term service packages in an organized and efficient manner in cooperation with several coordinating governmental units. 43.6 Lack of Pub4cor Semi -Public Open Space and Recreational Areas There are-nopubliely held.open and recreational spaces. within Gem Lake. at this time. The only recreational facility within the City is a private golf course. It is the -desire of the. City to have this property remain recreational in hafure*. and. to see it expand to provide additional recreational opportunities Although there are recreational facilides iin adjacent coma milfies- and in nearby regional recreational facilities, there maybe a need k the future for small neighborhood "parks" within Gem Lake. The City- should also examine -he establishment-vf bike 'trails within Gem Lake to provide for .safe bicycle ridirig- within the City apd connecti.Qns to regional bike paths. Bicycle paths -could be. included as.part`of the s&i pt improvement.projects. Paths could be established .along Labore, Centerville, and Hoffman Roads, County Road E, and within the r1lroad bed along the eastern border of Gem Lake as part of -a regional bicycle trail system. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 19 0 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota 4.3.7 Maintenance of Residential Quality in Existing Commercially Designated Areas The plan supported by existing zoning calls for expansion of commercial land development to include all develophble..lapd east of U.S. Highway 61 some of which. is currently being .used for. residential purposes. The area possesses poor. qualities for residential development including heavy traffic volumes, rail traffic and no open space. As a result, particular attention should be placed on maintaining these:tesidential land it$es io a reasonably good. state:. until such time as . commercial laird uses .replace the residential stru0ar+es. 5.0 Land Use Goals and Policies 5.1 Land Use Goals .A -Frotect and enhance. the natural environment of Gem Lake. B. Ensure that all development contributes to a clear, orderly and harmonious pattern of design. C. Reinforce the. visually pleasing, warmly distinctive and attractive small town character of Gem Lake. D, Preserve the identity. -and improve the quality .and appearance of existing residential neighborhoods. E. Guide commercial development to be compatible withthe-small town character and natural environment of Gem Lake. F. Provide adequate protection through land use development policy to maintain the environmental balance between natural and man- made physical features and ensure against property .loss or deterioration of property values. G. Provide. safe,.healthy and attractive residential environment which offers a broad choice of housing opportunities.. 5.2 General Land Development Policies A. The dominant share -of total land -within Gem Lake should be residential property at the community's ultimate development stage. Residential uses will cbnfititute approximately 6.0.porcent of all land in the community and approximately 85 percent of all. land that could reasonably be. developed (street area, water and wetland areas being considered undevelopable):. Page 20 B-. ItIs the pollcybf Gem Lake to encourage -new development in the form of very low density housing (approaching 0.3 dwelling units .per net -acre). This policy is advocated for the following -reasons: (a) mostof the undeveloped lands within the. City lie. adjacent to. existing low density residential development, (b) much bf the vacant land is of high natural environmental quality (hilly, wooded, wetlands), and (c) the municipality is. not. well equipped to provide the higher level. of municipal services that higher density development would regyire. C: Based on the planned ultimate allocation of land uses, it is the Policy (if Gem.Lake to make planning decisions based on ultimate community population of appr .ifthately 6QO persons. (200 households). It is estimated thatthig threshold may be reached in 15 to 20 years. This population -threshold will be utilized in planning for community facilities -:and in.the provision.of public. services. 11us population level suggests that Gem Lako will be, heavily dependent on. cooperating with. other governmental jurisdictions in providing certain urban Cervices; D. It is the policy of Gem Lake to contain.contnnetcial uses within their presently zoned areas This policy is viewed. as- being extremely important in achieving the stated goals (a)* of maintaining -a high quality natural environment and of (b) encouraging a high quality man-made environment. Existing commercial development serves an area much.larger than Gem Lake, property. Commercial development in surrounding cobimdpities serves most of :the needs of Gem Lake residents. Since much of the commercially zoned land in the City is already developed, future commercial expansion will beprincipally through (a) conversion of residentially. developed land within presently commercially zoned areas.and. (b) upgrading of existing commercial development. E, It is the policy of Gem Lake to specifically encourage "small town" retail development. While substantial commercial development exists within-Ilid City, most of this development is tailored toward serving a market area substantially larger than Gem Lake. It is the intention of the Gem Lake, municipal government to encourage those who would, provide retail, commercial,. and office facilities that would be of more -direei benefit to Gem Lake residents. IF. It. is the policy of Gem Lake to discourage all itidustrial .uses. Extensive industrial development can be easily accofturi bdated in other :portions of the Gem Lake..subregion of the metropolitan area. Comprehensive Plan Gem. crake, Mirinesota Page 21 G- It. is the. policy of Gem Lake to review proposed institutional. developments on a case -by -case basis. To the. exterit that institotiod9l land uses such as schools, hospitals,. and. other institutional. uses are' compatible with the City goals of maintaining a high quality :natural and man-made environment; it is possible that these would. be. permitted within residentially designated portions of the community. However, for the purposes of this plan no major institutional issues --are.anticipated. R It is the policy of Gem Lake to mahkain the present acreage of recreational and open space and to explore. the expansion of open space and the acquisition of public open space. At present, the. only: land for. recneatioiial. purposes within Gcrn Lake is the. privately owned commercial golf course in thd northeast corner of the City, which. is open to the public. Ivis the.. desire of the -City. to see this -property retrains .as a golf course and recreational in nature. The City would like, to explore the possibility of creating a. new zoning classification. for the golf course property which would allow for expansion of the golf course and which would allow other recreational opportunities but would not allow residential or commercial uses that would detract from the recreational value of this property. The City Would furdwexamine the need for neighborhood parks or open space and the feasibility of acquiring properly* for these purposes. The City will consider'a:parks dedication requirement for future. developments in the City. Again, it may be helpfaf to the .City to develop a zonin8. classification -to. protect valuable openspace areas:from. development, The Citywill also examine the. leesibility of bike paths. within the City. L It is.*the policy of Gem Lake to preserve the envirQnmental. quality of the water .body. called Gem Lake and its. attendant wetland .areas. No construction or land altemation wilf be permitted within a 100-foot corridor extending back from the high water mark of this area. without a special:council permit. T. It is:the policy of Gem Lake to encourage the maintenance of high quality housing within the City. -Recognizing that a :substantial portion.of the uncommitted lands in Gem Lake are in the interior portions of the City where'the established development character is of high quality, �dontiniiance of'this development .pattm. will be encouraged. A great deal of this housing within Gem Lake -has Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota page 22 been improved. It is the intention of the City to ensure; that improvements continue and that the: high quality of housing within the -City is maintained'by strictly enforcing building and design codes. K. Residential neighborhoods adjacent to commercial development should Abe protected through physical buffering and. through the placement of "transitional" land uses on the periphery.. Adjacent buffering should be an explicit objective of site plan review and appt?oval. The preservation. of. existing natural vegetation to serve as the buffer should be firstprlority, Park landmay. be used as a. transitional land -use .between single-family :residential and commercial development, L: The City will encourage the continued planting of ` trees and preservation of existing trees to improve community. appearance. The small to*n character and naturalenvironment of Gem Lake depends on the. continuance of natural vegetation within Gem Lake and along its. borders. M. The City will amend and enforce the regulations of the. zoning ordinance and other ordinances.to iml love the quality and overall appearance. of new commercial development.. Perimeter landscaping and screening of parking lots, loading areas, outdoor storage and building - -mechanical units will be regarded as important components -of development. Sign .control will. also be critical in the establishment ofquallty development. Performance :standards and land use Cowrol will be utilized to make-$ure:that development will be- compatible with the scenic and natural qualities of .Gem Lake. Noise abatement and outdoor lighting controls willbe important in minimizing lighting and noise pollution. N. Aesthetic consideration. should. be :addressed through special performance standardsi sign control, appearance standards, lighting controls,. landscaping control, vegetative scroeningand other appropriate means. The. character of Gem Lake is An important consideration. Controls could 130 developed to preserve and improve the aesthetics of existing and new development, At the same time,the controls should not be.so restrictive that. they stifle creativity and individuality and place an unreasonable financial burden ion the property owner. O. DiscussibnWith adjoining communities to facilitate cooperation and coordination with regard to planning acid, zonitig issues should be initiated, It is .'important that development on bordering property in other-communitms :is compatible -wilh the development 'on* the borders of Gem Lake. There is a need for Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 23 dialogue and a coordination of plans with the City of white Bear Labe; white Bear Lake. Township and the City of Vadnais Heights: P. The review of conditional. uses. or rezonings must measure. impacts on: adjacent uses, air and water quality, traffic generation, public safety and health, area. aesthetics and the economic impact. �. Provide protection of areas of-significantvegetationmasses and. wildlife habitat *to insure against .loss .of those community amenities. Wildlife and natural vegetation in the City adds to. the quality of. life in Gem Lake. They should. be protected from oV&&I +elopmmftt and preserved. R. 'The City will consider cluster development regulations. Cluster development will. be .considered to provide for open space retention. .and :more -efficient provision of utilities. 5.3 City Planning Area Policies Beyond establishment -of general. land development policies, an additional set. of policies has been established to more clearly delineate the -type of development -which is to be -encouraged within the various "Planning Areas" identified. within the municipal boundaries .of the City of Gem. Lake. The policies listed below are preceded by a brief discussion of existing conditions in each .planning area. 5.3.1 Hoffman's Corners "Retail/Servic&§ District The Hoffman's Corner "Retail/Servicesll. planning. area includes all of - the Retail Business (RB) zoned areas near the corner of U.S.. Highway 61 and County Road. E. in the areh of the City of Gem Lake: called Hoffman's Comer.: This :area.currently contains a small retail shopping center;. a .sports equipment sales facility, an automobile. service and parts sales facility, a car wash, a floral. shop. with greenhouses, a fast food restaurant, a small sit-down type. restaura:it, a *bar 'and. some residential structures. There are a,pproximately 10 acres of open land available in this area for retail. development. In response to these. existing conditions, the following specific, policies.for this planning, area shall betas follows: A.. A.gradual*pbase out of all. residential: uses in this planning area is encouraged:.ln. the meantime;. strict housing code. enforcement will be employed. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 24 B.. This. planning area. shall continue to be of a retail sales and personal services nature. C..A cohesive, unified development plan. shall be encouraged for all the existing land, in this planting area. as well as the. re- development:of any existing structures in this planning area. D. The re -development of this business district is encouraged, to update and to provide'new retail and service. businesses. E. City water should be extended throughout. all -of this. planning area, as needed New buildings should have provisions for: fire protection sprinklers. Sanitary sewer needs to be extended to any new construction. F. Thoughtful landscaping, including lighting, will be requited to e4hanee the... feeling of a natural environment and integrate the .retail/services ,ise with the residential nature of the community. Atlegst. 20*pereentgreen space must.be preserved in this planning area. (Any wetlands. in this area can be considered part of this :green space). G. Signage: design shall be required. as part of the initial site .plan process,. All signs in this planning- area should be .similar In design; consistent in appearance, -and compatible with the natural. enviroiiinenfeharacter of the City. H. Automobile ;raff c -from/.to businesses in this area should be routed to Hoffman Road and. County Road E, or to a, U.S. Highway 61 frontage road that might be developed in this. area, not directly to U.S. Highway 61. I. The City of Gem Lake will work with the Minnesota Department. of Transportation and the City of Vadnais Heights in developing a U.S. Highway 61 "frontage road" along the east side of U.S. Highway ..61 connecting .Tloff-mAn Road to Wolters Boulevard. After this is done, the City of Gem Lake would support. closing: the direct- -access from Hoffman Road to U.S. Highway 61. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 25 CITY OF GEM LAKE RAMSEY COUNTY MINNESOTA 5.3.2 Hoffman's Corner "Commercial" District The "Commercial" planning .area includes all of the Geiierai Business lI (GB In zoned areas from Hoffman's Corner north along the eastern side ofSeheuneman Road to U.S. Highway 61. Tlii�;area currently contains automobile oriented businesses, a marine sales and service facility, some storage lots, an enclosed public. --storage facility; a pottery store, an insuran0c office, a gun shop; and some residenti al structures. There are only small parcels of property available in this area for further. development. In response to these existing conditians, the Following specific policies for this planning area shall. be as. follows: A. A phase out of all residential uses in this planning area is encouraged. In the meantime,. strict housing .code enforcement will be employed. B. City water should be.extended throughout all of this area, All new business structures should have: provisions for fire protection sprinklers. All structures in this .planning area should be, connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system. C. The City of Gem Lake. shall discouraga the development of any additional open storage and open, sales or rental. lots in this planning area. D. Adequate off-street parking shall..be.provided for all businesses in this planning area to prevent excessive. on -street parking along. Scheuneman Road. E. Thoughtful landscape; including lighting; will be required to enhance:the feeling of a n grad environment and uitegrate the commercial uses with the residential nature of the:commurrity, Af least 24 percent green space must be preserved in. this planning area. (Any wetlands. in this. area can be considered par(. of this green space.) F. Signage design shall be required as part of the initial site plan process. All sigris in this. planning area sbOuld be: similar.. in. design; consistent.in:appearance and compatible with the natural environment character of the City. 5.3.3 JR,Offhmn's Colrner "Highway Commercial" District The Hoffaian's Corner "Highway Commercial" planning area. includes all oi`Wt. General Business (GB) zoned areas..near the corner ofU.S. Highway 61 and County Road E. This planning area currently contains two.majorcar dealers. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 27 fft response -to these existing conditions;. the following. specifE policies for this planning area shall be as follows:. A. The ­existing uses be continued with emphasi$ on keeping top - .quality -structures and salts lots .layouts: This will help to keep an. uncluttered look .to this corner, )K Thoughtful landscaping, including. lighting, will be required to enhance -the feeling of a natural .environment and integrate the- commereial uses with the residential nature of the community. At least 25 percent green space must be preserved in this. planning. area. (any wetlands in this area can be considered part of this green space:) C. City water should be extended to all businesses in this planning. area. Fii-e sprinkling protection is suggestedJn all structures inthis planning area. D. The traffic patterns from these businesses should be designed to keep automobile traffic from -enteringlexiting County Road E immediately adjacent to the intersection with U.S. Highway 61. The entrances to these businesses should be clearly marked, and 'the easterly business site be designed so that traffic from the site may enter or exit from Scheuneman Road, as well as from County Road E. E. Signage design shall be. required as part of the initial site plan process. All signs in this planning * area should be similar in design, consistent in, appearance, and.compatible with the natural environment character of the: City. 534 "Low Density Business" District The "Low Density Business" area is a unique planning. area in the City of Gem Lake that acts as a- transitional area between the Highway Commercial District at the intersection of County. Road E $gd.U.S. Highway 61 and the large -lot residential planning area (3 acre lots) immediately adjacent to this area. The 12 acres -in this .planning district is currently "opewspace". In response to these existing conditions,. the following specific policies for this planning'area shall be as follows; A,. Any proposed use of .this planning area must be physically and €urictionally compatible with the abutting very. low density residential area and be. environmentally sound, iftcluditig sight, sound, and smell. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota page 28 B. This planning area is -currently "open space". Any useslor any - part of this planning district will require detailed plans and. review by the planning commission for. site layout, effect -on adjacent land areas, drainage, and traffic.. C, The, City of Gem.I.ake has designated this planning area for an "Office Park" type development for. busines$ or professional offices that have -regular working: daytime hours of operation. This zoning was: changed from one acre residential as a transitional area between commercial and very low density residential. A -development consisting of "life. cycle"/condominium.- type residential uses (possibly cluster housing) with a density not. e�cceeding one uFiit per acre would he considered. D. The overall .density of all. structures, including parking: areas, walls, roadways, front, side and rear yards must reflect the transitional nature of this.planning area from high density hi the adjacent business. district to low density in the adjacent residential district. At least 4S percent landscaped green space shall be provided. (Any vVetlands in this area may considered as part of the green space.) All parking. areas should be bermed and use natural barriers and be.loeated away from the residential areas: bordering on the north and west. Any use requiring excessive parking, which is defined as such parking which cannot be screened* by bermings, planting or the like, should be discouraged. E. No outdoor lighting should be allowed: in. this planning area. Parking lots maybe lighted only when necessary during normal business hours. Only. "security" type lighting around sttuctures: is to be used. R All business structures constructed- ih this planning area must be. finished on all sides with permanent finished materials of consistent quality. Exterior .wall .surfaces -shall be. face brick, glass, or stone. Architecturally treated concrete, cast, in -place, pre- cast panels or decorative block maybe acceptable if incorporated in a building design that is compatible with other developments throughout the. planning. are& No building shall be constructed .of sheet. aluninum, asbestos, iron, steel, or corrugated aluminum. Wood frame construction may allowed if specifically designed to compliment structures in this adjacent residential area. G. Signage in this. district should be.tninimized,-Signage design shall be required as part of the initial site plan process. All.$igns in this planning area shall be similar in design and :cortsistetnt in appearance. Comprehensive Plan Gem take, Minnesota Page 29 H. Automobile traffic ftorn any business in Ihis area, must be. channeled to County Road E and not to the authorized private way serving the residences located on the north and westerly.limit of this planning area. A detailed traffic.plan for this planning area must be provided and approved by the .Planning. Coitimission. 5.3.5 "Central" Residential Area This is the .largest planning: area within the City of Gem Lake. It .is: located north of.Counry. Road E, east of Labore Road and south of the, golf course, and west of the Northeast residential :planning: area. Most of the unconunittedland in the City,of Gem Lake. lies within: this planning area. An almost fully -developed subdivision is located in the southwesterly .portion of this area. An additional large amount of relatively uucommitted:lands. is located north of*County Road E and east of -the body of water called Gem Lake. Lying principally north and west of the. water bodyof Gem Lake are residertial structures on large lots: Lying in the center of this residential area is the water body called Gem Lake and its attendant wetlands areas. This area is .environmentally very active with a. substantial amount of native vegetation and wildlife. The property. just to the:south and east, of this area is commercial in. use. The Limited Density Business area, located directly south of this Central area is designed to buffer this fesidential area from the commercial areas. In response to these .existing conditions, the following- specific policies for this:plannitig area.shall be. as follows: A. Continued encouragement of very low density - (three acre lots minimum). residential Iots to -maintain the.high quality naturAl. environmental features of this area. B. Use of the Low Density Business (LDB) area as a transitional zone between the very.. low density .residential areas and the commercial areas. C. Develop very strict development controls adjacent to the water body Gem Lake and its attendant wetland areas: including controls on grading; vegetation removal and introduction- of extensive. impervious surfaces. D. Provide strict runoff control of all -land draining into Gem.Lake; E. Implement the changing of zoning of land areas north and east of this -planning area to 1. acre .minimum Tots to provide better consistency of land. use. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Pa6e:30 53.6 "Northwest" Residential Area This planning area comprises most of the residential area. of the City located north. and west of Goose Lake. Road, except the.area.used by the golf course: At present, this planning area has medium to low cost residential structures on one acre minimum size lots. There are soma relatively large. undeveloped areas in. this residential planning area. The residential structures in this. area are served by the. City maintained streets, Haven Lane;. and Tessier Road, and Ramsey* County maintained Goose Lake Road. In response to these existing conditions; the following. specific policies for this: planning ,area shall be. as follows: A. Moderately low&nsity residebtial-development (at least one acre lots) continue to be encouraged in this planning area. B. Strict dontrols. onsite septic systems must be maintained4n this area. Provisions for an alternate onsite septic system drain. field. should .. required to prevent the need for municipal sanitary sewer. C: As this residential planning area.hits -its:northwesterly border oti the edge of the Township pf White Bear Lake. business and commercial zones, it is 0cquraged that natural buffers of plants, trees, or berms.be:constructed -to buffer these residences from the commercial:traffic and noisejust--to*the north. and west. 5.3.7 "Recreational" Area An 18 hole golf course is presently located.in portions of what are now the Central, Northeast,.and Nortliwes -.residential planning areas. This. golf course provides: the -only semi-public open space in the City of Gem Lake and substantially enhances the feeling of open space and .natural ehViionmenr $o treasured by the -residents of the City. In response to. these. existing conditions, the following specific policies for this planning area are offered. A. The land areas where the.golf course.is presently located should be re -zoned to a "Recreational" zoning area to'ensure that this area.remains as. an "open space". B.. Continuing maintenance shall be required for the -grounds and structures located at this golf course to ensure. that this. area retains an open space feeling. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 31 5.3.8 'W6rt6east" Residential Area This planning area of the. City .comprises the area to the east of Scheuneman Road from U.S. Highway 61 to the. northern boundary of the City, and:'almost .all of the northeast corner of the City from the. golf course northward to the City limits. Most of the residential lots in this area are of 3/a acres size or larger. This residential planning area. is fully developednorth of the golf eburse, but. some. areas of open )and for development of residences are: still available along the eastern side. of Scheuneman Road. In response to these existing conditions, the following. specific policies for this planning area shall be as;foUows: A. Low to very low density- residential development (one to three acre minimum size lots) is encouraged. B. Strictcontrols on phsite septic'systems Most be, maintained*in*this area. Provisions fbr an alternate onsite septic system drain.field should be required to prevent the need for municipal sanitary sewer. Jliis is particularly important to protect the wetlands around the North Pond, just north of *the .golf course and the wetlands alQngthe easterly:sideof Scheuneman Road. C. As. almost all of this planning area drains into the North pond, located just to the:north of the -Golf course, guidelines for surface water. drainage need to.be developed for this planning area: D. As all of the lots oh -the eastern side of Scheuneman.Road in this planning area are -currently one acre or greater in size,:tezonihg of this area should be considered. E. As this residential planning urea has its easterly :.border -on the. edge of the City of White Bear Lake business .and commercial zones, it. is encouraged that. natural *buffers- of -plant, trees;. or Berms be constructed to buffer these: residences: from the commercial traffic just -to the east, 6.0 Transportation Plan The preparation of -the transportation componetit of the Comprehensive MiWcipal Plan of Gem Lake is based principally on the desire of the community to cooperate with other units .of' government in obtaining .a mutually high level of community services: :Recognizing. that most .of Gem Lakes residents conduct most of'their work, shopping, cultural, educational, and redreationat activities outside the City limits, the quality of the transportation system is important. Therefore, the City of Gem Lake. recognizes the -importance of the I-35E corridor study and adopts its findings and has yomprenensiue N an Gem Labe, Minnesota Page 32 joined the I 35E Management Team. Appendix B contains excerpts of the I-35E corridor study. includingAndings -and:recommendation; study process and components; existing and future development intensitiesi existing- and future ADT volumes; travel demand management strategies; evaluation of existing operations; and potential future toadwayirnprovements. The transportation. plan of Gem Lake is also -intended to enhance a high quality mian-made and I natural environment within and bordering the. -City. limits. 6.1 The Existing Roadway System Themost:important component of the transportation system. within Gem Lake for the foreseeable future will be the. street and highway netw work hich will �ommddate both private and public motor vehicles. The.funetional-classification and jurisdictional responsibility for maintaining this system is. summarized in Tables 6 and 7. f 6.1.1 Arterials The most heavily traveled arterial route through the community is U-S. Highway 61 which serves as a..major artery connecting Gem Lake with White. Bear Lake and the more intensively developed i portions of the metropolitan area to the south. The facility connects with the liitgrAate beltway loop (1-494,1694) around. -the -Twin cities i at a point -approximately one mile south of the City's corporate.limits. The only other arterial within the community b County Road E which forms. part of Gem Lake's southern corporate limits The facility intersects with U.S. Highway 61 In the southeast portion. of Gem Lake, serves'fhe.southem portion of White Bear Lake to the east, and connects with I-35E located approximately �/4-mile west of the western corporate limits of Gern'Lake. This latter facility rs..ibe only "principal" arterial .near the City: { 6.1.2 Collectors Collector streets include LAbore Road on the western. corporate boundary,. Goos:tLake Road located in a southwestern -northeaster* oriontadi n near the northern corporate limits of. the zom munity.,.and Otter Lake Road :located in the northeastern portion of the. community. 6.1,3 Local Streets Theremaining roads'within the community can be classified as local serving principally adjacent land uses. These local streets comprise. apprggb#4tely 40 percent of the total roadway mileage within the. -community: Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota .page.33 Table 6 Inventory of Roads, Streets, and Highways Name of Facility Functional Classification. Jurisdiction Length (miles) U.S. 61 "A" Minor Arterial State 0.3 County Road E * "A" Minor Arterial Ramsey County 0.9 Goose Lake Road Collector Ramsey County 1.4 Labore Road Collector Ramsey County 0.6 Otter Lake Road. Collector Ramsey County ..02 Scheuneman Road (N.) Local Ramsey County 0.8 5cheuneman. Road.(S.) Local: Ramsey .County 0.3 Hoffman Road Local Ramsey County 02 TessierRoad Local Gem Lake 0.1 Haven Road Local Gem Lake: 0.1 Big,Fox Road Local Gem Lake 0.4 Little Fox Lane Local Gem Lake 0.2 (Easement connecting to County Road E) Local Private 0.3 TOTAL 5.9 * East of TH 61 this facility. is State Highway.244, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 34 Table 7 Summary of Existing Road Mileage by Jurlsdiction and Functional Classification Jurisdiction Minor Arterial Collector Local Total Percent of Total State 0. Rarnsev County 0.9 ?.? 1.3 4.4 (70) Gem Lake --- -- 0; 0:8 {14Y Private --- - - 0.3 Off (5) Total 1.2 2.2 2A 6.1.4 Jurisdiction Ramsey County currently .mabtains. approximately 3/a of the total 5.8 mil **of roadway within Gem Lake (see Table 7.) including.most•of* the.arterial, all of the collector, and over half of local street mileage. Gem Lake maintains only O.A miles (approximately. 14.percent) of the Total mileage. The. remaining roads are under Matte or private jurisdiction. 61►5 Public, -Transit The City is presently served by an MTC bus .route encompassing the commercially oriented southeastern cofner of the. community. (via County Road E and. U.S. Highway 61). 'There are no major fixed transit facilitie$'•e#ber existing.nrplannedjan Gem Lake. Ti is the goal of the City to maintain a ".rustic" environment hi a natural setting. Therefore, residential development will be Iow density and will not necessitate substantial increases in bus services. However, the City -may want to explore. alternative transit programs. Transit in Gem Lake would most.likely•be of the call -in variety. 6.1.6 Airports There are. no • airports, proposed airport sites, search areas, or other related -facilities located -in Gem Lake. The City i3 'served by the Minneapolis -St, Paul international Airport and me -Si. Paul. Downtown Airpbrt. In addition, a private, small aircraft airport is located.in White Bear Township, approximately.Smlles north of Gem Lake. The airports have no direct impact. on the City of Gem Lake, and -any development in Gem Lake will have. no impact on the. regional aviation system. Comprehensive. Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 35 The CityClerk will notify the Federal Aviaiion Administration.(FAA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) of any structure to- be constructed within Gem Lake that .may affect navigable airspace. There: presently are no structures In Gem Lake that are 200 feet. or greater.in height. The. existing ,zoning ordinance does not allow any sign orbtulding to exceed 36 feet in height. However, height. limitations -do not apply to barns, silos, -and other - structures on farms; church spires, * belfries, cupolas and domes; monuments; chimneys and smokestacks; flag poles,,publ c and public utility facilities; .transmission towers. of commercial radio broadcasting station; television. ani 4nas, and parapet walls.extending not more than four feet above the *iii'niting height of the building. 61.2 Future Roadwsy System 6.2.1 Roadway Changes Roadway changes recommended by the 1345E corridor, study and included in the planning of the governmental. -units include: -A. Major redesign and rebuilding ofthe I 35FA-6.94 intersection and commons area. B:. Connection of White. Bear Parkway and Labore Road. C. Realignment of the Otter Lake/County Road F connection. D. County Road E td. n.lanes. at U.S. Highway 61 and Labore Road. Another potential. change in the Gem Lake. roadway system may involve Scheuneman Road'at the. intersection of U.$. highway..61. In all instances; the citizens. -of Gem Lake have a high interest that changes be desigped and constnReted in a manner which enhances the .attractive environmentally. nattuml residential. nature of the City of Gem.Lake, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 36 CITY OF A 1w '7- -l� RAMSY Cl rA 6.2.2 Ploadway Consolidation and MAintenance As part. of the Functional Roadway Consolidation Project being implemented by Ramsey County and the State of- the City of Gem Lake has agreed to take possession of *the following roadways currently identified as Ramsey County Roads: A. That portion of Scheuneman Road in the City. of Geiti-Lake from its intersection with U.S. Highway 61 to the: south to its intersection with Otter Lake -Road to the -north, and B. That-poriion of Scheuneman Road in the City. of Gem Lake from its intersection with- County. Road. E (a.k.a. Minnesota Highway 244) to the south. to its intersdetibn with U.S. Highway 61 to the north; and C. That portion of Hoffman Road in the City. of Gene Lake its intersection with U.S:.Highway.-61 to the south to its interseetiort with Ramsey County Road E* to. da4 north. Acceptance -..of these. roadways is contingent upon completion by Ramsey County of the following: A. Ramsey. County has, by means of Resolution No. 93-347, agreed to acquire property identified as 4140 Scheuneman Road for a sum not to exceed $100,000 for the solo purpose. of realigning County Road FlOtter Lake Road moire directly. to its intersection with Hoffman Road -in White.Bear Lake; and B. To deed any portion. of-guch lands acquired above not.required.for County right-of-way back to the City of Gem.L - for a.fee of one. ($ !) dollar and other good and valuable consideration; and C. Said acquisition of lbod(s) shall be completed within a period of not -mote than ten (10) years from the'date of agreement; and D. All -roadways to be turned back to the City of Gem Lake shall, at the-tinie of turn back, be evaluated and, as necessary, upgraded to as built condition, The City of Gem Lake has agreed to accept the, turn back of roadways from Ramsey County:in the year 2000_ Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 38 Budgetary and maintenance responsibilities for said roadways to b& turned back to the City of Gem Lake shall. be* ncluded in planting and budgetary .preparations for the year 2000. Table: .8 shows jurisdiction of road mileage once the functional consolidation project has been implemented. Ramsey County's percentage of roadway to maintain within Gem. Lake will decrease by 1.3 miles and fall. to 54 percent of the total while the City -of Gem Lake will be:-respcihsible for an additional 1.3 miles. which increases their responsibility to. 36 percent of the -roadways Within the :City - Table 8 Summary of Road Mileage by Jurisdiction and Functional Classification in Year 2000* Jurisdiction Minor Arterial Collector Local Total Percent of Total State 0.3.. --- --- 0.3 (5) RamS�y. County .0.9 2.2 1.3 4.4 (16) Gem Lake --- --- 0.8 0.8 (24) Private --- --- 0.8 .0.3 (5) TWA 1.2 2.2.. 1.4 5.8 (100) * When Ramsey* Cbitnfy Functional Roadway ConsoUdvionProject is lMplemented. 6.3 Transportation Plollcies The following policies' have been established by the. municipal government of Gem Lake to enhance the quality of transportation for. citizens. of the community: A. Gem .Lake supports the 1-35E corridor study which includes the recommendations listed above (6:2.1). The study identified. the need. to establish arterial and collector routes serving -the northeastern metropolitan area.. The relocation.of Otter Lake. Road connecting it directly to Counter- Road F and the connection of. Labore Road and White Bear Parkway can further this objective, However, Gem Lake's: objective of maintaining a rustic, natural environment will require attention to minimize the impact that an increase in traffic may have on .the City's road system and residential neighborhoods: Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 39 B. Gem Lake encourages the incorporation of parkway design criteria :and the use of. natural landscape barriers in any reconstruction of arterial aiid connector routes. (e.g., Labore7White Beal' Parkway connection. C. Further development of private roads serving more than one property will be encouraged.. Further development of private roads is consistent with the City's, desire.: to maintain a low profile government. The City should oversee: the development of private roads to ensure that City eonatructioti and design *standards -and specifications are. met. D. Accommodating through traffic on new streets will be discouraged. The basic.arterial and Qollector road* system of Gem. Lake has been established. Therefore, future streets should. be designed to channel local traffic onto County Road E, Labore Road and Goose Lake Road. E. All future. streets should be. designed to dikotuage. additional surface water runoff into Gem -Lake and its attendant wetlands. Recognizing that Gem. Lake: and its. attendant wetlands do not have a natural outlet; additional. storm runoff created by the. impervious surfaces of streets .into this basin should be discouraged. F. Access to parcels between US, Highway*.61, Scheuneman Road and County Road.E should be from Scheunerdan Road. G. While tho City, of :Gem i..ake has only limited need for public transit service due *to. planned ltiw den.jt density development,will cooperate with adjacent communities to secure improved * bus service. as needed along its minor arterial street system, Bus service in other areas of.the City will be discourage4 consistent with its.planned low density -and desired: "rustic" eavironment. H. Gem Lake officially recognizes that any development affecting navigational air space- within ffie cpmmunity is subject to - Minnesota Department of"Transportation, Aeronautics Division, Regulations. The community will therefore routinely consider such regulations%a$ part.of th&development.review process. L The operation of private aiirports, including heliports and seaplane bases, ig prohibited. J. The City of *Gem Lake will explore alternative transit. services. These would be call -in type systems. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page.40 K. The City should -explore all. possible options to substantially reduce the traffic on Scheuneman. Road north of U.S. Highway. 61. Options include a cul-de-sac dead-end at the intersection with U.S. Highway 61.., or designating Scheuneman Road* one-way northbound. L. Explore and encoura o the development of hiking/biking 1bi1€in trails g. P . g g including the Burlington Northern right-of-way along the eastern boundary of the. City. Work with adjacent communities and provide access to trails. ? M. The City will develop a budget -and maintenance for roadways tamed back to the City by' Ramsey County in the year 2000. 7.0 Sanitary Sewer Plan A City operated Sanitary. Sewer system currently serves all of the businesses at the Hoffman Corner area .of the City (employing approximately 500 people), short segments. of the residential' area along-Scheuneman Road north of U.S .Highway 61. (15 residences) and the church at the comer of.COO* *Road E and Labors Road. To continue with the. "rustic" feeling of the City in a natural environment and to maintain the low -density development desired, the following shall be considered the goals of the City. -of* Gen. Lakes sanitary sewer plan: A. Zoning and lot sizes .will be regulated Wallow adequate space for onsite septic systems in residential areas. Rules to require adequate space for a second" field on each residential tract,. in the first one fails, will be implemented. B,. All onsite septic. systems- in the City will be inspected semi- annually td insure- the :corre4 t operation of these systems. C. A backup plan, for providing 'a City operated sanitary sewer system, has.been developed and will be put in place in any -area of the City where`onsite septic systems cannot operate, if necessary. Within these goals the following specific items have been implemented: A. City-wide.-Sgnita=y'Se*er Comprehensive -Plan was developed for the City in 1992. This plan provides for -a municipal .sanitary sewer connection for each part of the City that uses gravity flow from. This. plan does. require extensive excavation and Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 41 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota constritcfi;on through. same of the areas. of the City where assessments. cannot be directly made for connections to. the system. (For instance; it would require extensive construction through.the.golf course.) Figure 4 illustrates possible.extensions to the.sanitary sewer system .of Gem Lake. Any expansions to *the system would tie connected to either the Vadnais Heights system or the MWCC belt line. interceptor. The areas slated for. possible expansions include Scheuneman. Road and. Goose Lake Road in the.northeast distddti:Labore Road,. Goose Lake. Road and Little Fox Line the northwest. district; Big Fox Road,. Labore Road and County Road E. in .the southwest district; U.S.-:Highway 61 in the. south. district; and extension§ to -residential property `located near the body of water known as. Gem L. in* the: south ceno�ai.district: The daily flow of the existing connections to the public system is .0301 million gallons per day or 11 milllon gallons per year. With the Adwze possible extensions, the ultimate daily flow would be .1658. million gallons per day or 60.5 miIIion gallons .per year. Table.9 illustrates *estimated future sewer.flows from reyislons to. the 1992 Comprehensive Sewer Plan. The City of Gem Lake has enacted ordinances which regulate individual sewage treatment 'systems, ,(Ordinance 465 and the operation of the.municipal sanitary sewer system. (Ordinance 64). Ordinance 46 is designed to protect and: promote: the health, safety and general welfare: of the .people of Gem Lake by regulating seepage discharges and the location; installation, alternation,, operation and maintenance and monitoring .of . all 'individual sewage .treatment systems. (ISTSs). Individual sewage treatment systems must be .installed in actordance. to Chapter 7080 of the Minnesota Rules. The ISTSs shall lie designed to receive all sewage from the dwelling(s), building(s), or other establishment(s): served by the system, including laundry waste- -grid basement floor drainage.. Surface, roof and foundation drainage and other storm *water. shall *not. be -allowed-to enter any part of the system.. Not more than one dwelling, commercial, business, institutional, or, indpstrial unit shall be connected -to.-the same ISTS, unless such multiple connection was specil5ed in the.application submitted and in the permit issued for the system_ No ISTSs shall be installed or renovated on lands to which public sew" service is currently available, without.a system permit. Within the Urban Service Area, as identified in a Metropolitan Council approved a comprehensive sewer plan, developers shall. locate ISTSs to acktieve,magmum economic feasibility of connection to the public sewer -system, consistent with the other ptavisiuons of this ordinance. Page 42 i CITY OF GEM:l RAMSEY COUNTY MINNESOTA1 i r ..; RT2 _ O f., : r r;'GEM1 a�ST 1: ! x rR-I 0.014 MGD fj r 4 R,1 �r I �•�`• � NORM � .. - � � F so SO •�` � _ -� �..SpLfi1� � 1ST. + � ,. 0.013 MGD 0.014 MGD 0.005 MGD 0.016 M08 S� e w M r r e M1 oo v K d 7sS N O' n 4 OT W G m h $ N p4 IL o o C d, Gi d' d O C Exa n w � E E N 4 �5� o O d O d O d O d O d O d p d b o E v +� O. im U a N .m d .G W tl N W Yl d II N �j • aUQ W 9 M fL i G lV p e � � g v o $ o d d W d d d a o Ua • UZia. O ......... ...... N v }}o -..._. .... ......--- .-.-...-- gg �¢ ¢ ¢6� 2Qs¢j pK a m N � H ¢ Q E a a `o L rm as :la a IP $ y IT C)- U- U•- oco� U C o C D C �. '� � V rC� U c a H ro tlf z z w w .B �n r ��Ut8�o 122 r j3 s L t "off c E � a c C � 50 L C �> Y _1 G C 300 �Y No .preliminary plat shall be: approved by the: City. -of *Gem Lake City Council, unless the administrator makes.a favorable recornmend;Rtion regarding the ability of each. lot to accommodate a satisfactory ISTS. A systemermi pt,.obtained from.the administrator, is required for':ady installation: or renovation of an. ISTS. No building permit for. any building including the installation or -renovation of as ISTS :shall be issued. until a system .permit for the 'involved facility has been approved. 'The. City. of Gem Lake has, instituted an. inspection program for ISTSs. T►e initial inspection .is to determine if installation or renovation has been: accomplished in compliance with Chapter 7080 of the Minnesota Rules acid with the Gem Lake Individual Sewage Treatment System Ordinance.. The: administrator shall .inspect any -individual ISTSs when a writtetrdomplaint.signed by two.residetits of the City of Gem Lake is received. Xis the responsibility of the owner of any prenuses. using an.ISTS.,,tor which a permit has been issued to .provide for the periodic maintenance by a qualified pumper: hauler. Reports of the. maintenance should -be - submitted. to the administrator..Itis the duty of the. -to create, update and maintain an accurate invedt q of- each.ISTS for Whicb perrnifs have been issued within the City of Gem Lake. The inventory should include location, system description, renovation .description and maintenance. reports. The administrator may inspect any system he. deems necessary a§ a result of the reporting.program. The City, -at colt to the land owner, has each and every ISTS .inspected everyeven.year, Any system which fails the inspection must be.renovated or replaced. Ordinance 61 defines the bi anrival inspection .arid maintenance routines. Ordinance 64 is. designed to regulate. the operation of the municipal sanitary sewer system. 'The ordinance contains regulations that include the fb owin&: A. Regulating connections to.Ix.-made to the municipal sanitary system.- B. Establishing regulations as to type and kinds of waste that -maybe disposed of in the -municipal sanitary sewer system. C.Prohibiting the discharge of any .type or kind of surface wamrs into the municipal sanitary sewer -system. Dt. Prescribing rates and charges -for selvage disposal services. E. Providing.for the. issuance of permits for and supervision of all connections to the municipal sanitary.sewer system.. F. Prescribing. certain materials and methods to be used for said connections. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 45 G. Providing for. licensing of sewer contractors. H. Prescribing penalties for the violation of the provisions of this: ordinance. The-tirning of the possible expansions would depphd on funding and need. The fast priority would be to connect all commercial establiOOients to.public sanitary. sewer. A second:priority would be properties where..soil .ovtopographic conditions. make the installation of an ISTS difficult. 7.1 Goals and Policies 71.1 Goals A. Maintain the high quality natural environment.. B.:Meet water quality standards. C. -Provide-�:sanifiuy sewer system.that is cost-efficient to the City ' and which encourages a fiscally responsible; deveiopipcht p0tein. 7.1.2 Policies A. It is the policy of the City to extend sewer mains as needed as .shown in Figure 4.. First priority shall be commercial establishments. Second priority is -areas where salt ortopographic conditions limit effectiveness of onsite sewage. disposal.. systems. B. Onsite sewage disposal systems will not be allowed where there exists -service limitations such as wetness, low .soil percolation tests and other unfavorable soil conditions... C. Further written. working: agreements. with. Vadnais Heights and. MWCC yvM lie - sought as necessary to coordinate required extension of.sewage service to their systems. D. Appropriate onsite disposal regulations will continue to be enforced in those areas not served by the centralized. sanitary sewer system. Strictly enforce Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Pollution .Control Agency standards for installation of ISTSS. E. Continue annual inspection program of all individual. sewage treafinent systems. F. Mfnirhize water pollution from'onsite treatment. systems. G. Meet or exceed all applicable: state- or federal requirements for .sewage effluent. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page.46 E H. The City will require that wastewater generation served by ISTSs connect to. the public system within. one year of the time. service is made -available. k, I. Develop -a capital improvements program, which includes sewer system improvements. J. Require minimum lot sizes adequate to provide for all e> petted improvements to ISTSs and for the installation of two ISTSs in order to insure space for an alternate -system or system expansion in .case: of inadequacy or failure. K. Estabiish a continuing education program on the function and maintenance. d ISTS& L. Seep outside fpnding..for programs to locate and upgrade substandard' webs and-ISTSs. 860 Water Supply Plan t; *10.1 Water Supply System At present, there is no citywide public, water distribution system. within. Gem Lake. Tousley Ford, in the Hoffman's. Corners West area of the. City, receives their water supply from the Vadnais Heights water distribution, system. All other properties in. Gem Lake, residential and non-residential, obtain their water supply via private wells. The City has a number of options with regard to its water supply. The first would-be to- continue to rely on private wells..A second option would be to purchase. water from the Vadnais Heights and. -White Bear Lake 'Water distribution systems for all properties within Gem.Lake. Another option would be to purchase water for just the commercial properties.. Connecting to an. existing municipal .system would address a number Of potential problems: Water quality would be enhanced by connecting to a public system that includes water treatment facilities, With private wells, there. is the potential of contamination and of the well going: dry. There are some steps that the -City should.undertake. if it continues to Primarily rely on private wells for its water supply. A -program -should be set up to require.,p -odic testing of water from eypry well in the City to determine. its quality.. This program :should include steps to take, should a negative sample be. found, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 47 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota An educational pro gram could be. set up to promote water, conservation measures Within 'the City of Gem Lake. Although each residence and business has its oven private well, it. would be beneficial to the community to have some type of water conservation pro gam in order Wmaximize the groundwater supply. It. would be difficult for the City to impose water conservation regulations on Properties private wells. However, as .educational program .can reco mime d water conservation measures which a property owner. can -impose- on oneself. The City could develop a newsletter or handbook that would describe and recommend water saving devices and appliances (Le., how to cut down on water use, the best_and worst.times to use water outdoors, etc.). The educational progirarri should emphasize -the .value and importance of conserving water, regardless if you are= a private well or not.. An emergency preparedness/contingency plan. should also be considered by the City; Again, although the City of Gem.Lake does nothave.apublic water Supply, it may be in the City's. best interest to be- prepared id case Of an emergency: One option would be to adopt the emergency and consider policies of the water supplier. The City should male arrangements with the adjacent neighboring .communities to obtain water from. them for its citizens in ¢ase- the groundwater supply°ever becomes contaminated. The City should also have.alistofcontacts available in case of an emergency; h would.also be helpful to-ihake available. to residents, steps that should:be taken in case of contamination to an individual's water supply. 8.2 Water Supply Policies The following policies have been established by the municipal goverainent of Gem Lake with regard to the water supply for the citizens and businesses of the community; .A. Consider. the. *possibility of developinga centralized . afer distributions w system within Gem Labe; The system might either be developed `based 'on 'a well supply within: Geis Lake or by attachments to the Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake or White. Bear Township systems. B. Water service shouldbe extended at the same..time in the same priorities as the sanitary sewerage serviee in:order to minimize stfeet reconstruction and traffic disruption. C. Explore th&possibility of connecting only the*.normmerciat area of Gem Lake -to. the Vadnais. Heights, White Bear.Lake,'. or White Bear Township water distribution systems, D. Consider adopting a mandatory water qualrtytesting program for private wells.. Page 48 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota E. Develop an educational program promoting: water conservation measures within the. City Of Gem Lake. F. Develop an emergency Preparedness plan with* regard to the water supplx or adopt the, policy of the water supplier. 9.0 Housing Plan 9.1 Housing Supply The housing.supply. in Gem Lake is ,rather homogeneous: The 1990 census of the population. showed that there were.14-3 .housing units within Gem Lake with..140 of those units being single-family detached. Of those single-fatniIy detached housing-units.*130 of them: were owner occupied, with 10 units being. renter occupied. There werce. also two multiple -family dwelling units within Gem Lake. Both ofthese units were duplexes. The 1900 census showed that only three housing units. were: vacant at. the: time. OnG was for sale, one was. for seasonal recreational or occasional use `and. the third was listed as other vacant. One had been vacant for Iess than two.months, one for two to six months and i the third for six or:more months. The condition of housing: within..Gem Lake is generally good. The. median year in which housing. was built is' 19K. A majority of the housing within .the community was built between 1950. and.1980,. Thirty (30) units were, built prior to .1950; while 25 have keen built since *1980. With a majority of the housing,in Gem Lake being 30 years or more old, maintenance and upkeep is a major concern: The City .should exRlore the possibility of adopting a local housing maintenance code and exploring various' Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Programs: such as rental rehabilitation,.home ownership rehabilitation, and home improvement and energy efficiency local programs: The.median value of housing in Gem Lake in 1990 was $97,100, A majority Of the housing was. between $60,000 and $125,0K .Only five housing units were valued less than 300,000, while there were 33 housing units valued over $125,000 with 1.1 units between.$250,000 and $300,000 and six over $300,009. The.median gross rent in Gem Lake in 1990 was $575 a month, There: -were only three units being rented that were less than $5.00 a month, Page 40 A majorityof the housing: units within Gem Lake are in the three bedroom or more category with 71 three. bedroom units and 41 four. bedroom units.. There were.12 units with five or more bedrooms, arid: only 18 two bedroom units and..1 'one bedroom units. Of the renter - occupied uAitS, .four are listed -as three bed OOm u6.i#s, two as one bedroom units and one 2. bedroom unit. The- I990' census ..showsthat there are -439 persons and 140 .households ,in Gem Lake; for' an average. of 1-14 g persons per household. A vast majority of the households. in. Cem Lake contain ont to four persons, with 45'.two-person households, 3b four -person households, 2-1three }�etson households and 19 one households. There *are only l6 five -person households, 7 six -person Households and two households with more,than seven -persons. The median household income.n 1990 for Gem Lake .is $52,091. Median family income was $59,22, .and median non -family income was $20;000. There were 80 households.with an income over $50 Per year. The largest categories were $50,006� to $60,000 with. households, $60,000 to $75,000 with 21 households, and $75,000 to $100;000 with 26 households. There were also 10 hou .seholds-vcrXth -an of $150,000 or more, and 22 households with aninco th of less than $20,000. . a The -ape of ththouseholdlead is family well distributed.aceording to. the 1990.censiis. re are. 26 household heads between the ages of 25 and 34,*35 between the. ages of 35 and 44, 32 between -the . ages of 45-*00 54, 27 between the ages of 55 and. 64 and 1.7 between the ages t of 65 and 74. There are only three household heads younger than 25 } and only two older than 75. The housing supply in Gem Lake is limited. There. -are. not many' homes that are vacant or available. Almost, all of the homes are single-family homes. There are only *a couple. of multiple=family dwellings, and these are only two-family - hori�es. There does not appear to be a great demand for housing. Although there are a great number of employment opportunities within Gem Lake, few residents are also employed in .Gem Lake. Of the 69 .responses to a 1995 residential community'survey, only seven stated. that they or someone *'their family were employed in Gem Lake. Overcrowding is not a.prohlem, The average number of persons in a household isJust.over three, with a majority of'the.household units being two to four Persons, A. majority of households. have tInvp- or. `more'bedrooms, thus overcrowding would not be a problem. Cost of housing -also is not excessive in Gera take as a. percentage of household income: The 1990 census shows that the. median monthly owner cost:.s $878 with a mortgage and $264 without a mortgage. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page So L. Explore working with the Ramsey County HRA in the development of a housing strategy for the. City of hem Lakes. M. Explore the possibility of participating in a region -wide effort to develop. a wide variety of housing types. 10.0 Storm Drainage Plan. These :is no storm drainage system 'within Gem Lake• other than. ditches alongside roads within the corporate limits. TWO.poitians of the City of Gem. Lake drain internally into depressions with -no surface outlet. The most. critical of -these is the basin. draining into Gem Lake and. its attendant wetlands. 1 0.1 Storm Drainage Policies A. Attempt to restrict or minimise additional. storm water runoff into the Gem Lake Basin in order to protect the water quality of this area. Particular attention should be placed. on water retention to settle: ont: undesirable sediments and to minimize siltation. Impervious areas. should be restricted within 100 feet of Gem Lake (wafer body) and its wetlands. B. Encourage surface water drainage into thenorth pond, recognizing that this pond has minimal ecosystem value and may be more attractive if higher water levels. are maintained., C. Seek cooperative agreements with. White Bear Township, White Bear Lake,. and Vadnais Heights for surface drainage easements as needed. D. Require storm sewer connections, where. available, on new road construction as an alternative to ditches. E. Require storm sewerage in all commercially developed portions of the community., F. Notify residents of the EpAIMPCA 4(l percent reduction goal, the best management practices to achieve this goal, and available resources. if additional.ityformation is needed, G. Adopt the Nati0hWide -Urban Runoff Program (NLW) .design standards for: new storm water ponds. that will reduce -ihe contaminant loadings from surface water runoff. H. Adopt the urban Best. management practices of'the. MPCA (as preseri:ted in its manual titled "Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas") to be followed for all new or redeveloped land development. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 53 i. Continue .to administer standards and setback requirements to protect Gem. Lake, (water:.body). and its. shoreland. A 100=foot structure and impervious surface setback is required by the. existing ordinance. A I00400t septic system setback is also .recommended. It is also. recommended that .a $boreland impact zone be developed, limiting vegetation retfibval an. The tree ordinance does presently prohibit cutting trees withd fill. 75 feet of Gem Lake (water body). J. require drainage plan for any impervious areas constructed or improved within the City of Gem Lake. X Adopt by reference the Vadn&is -Lakes Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) and the Ramsey -Washington .Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) Surface WaterManagement Plans as currently adopted: and as .amended from time to time. 11.0 Community Facilities and Services Plan The. Community Services 'arid Facilities Component of the Comprehensive Municipal Plan is based. pruicipally on goal 4.2. (D) that establishes desire of the resident$ of the Community to maintain -a "loq►.profle".government. provid 4g-a minimum of urban services - consistent with the needs of�a�low density "small town" community, and goal number 4;2(E) which: identifies the community's. desire to establish long-term service commitments with other governmental units M the area. It would be undesirable to maintain :a separate municipal commitment for many communi�r services given the relatively small ultimate. -population planned for the community. 11.1 Police .Currently, the City receives police protection on a contractual basis #Orn Ramsey County. As the..papulation of Gem Lake4'ocreases, there Will be need to #i►cXease pohce..surveillance Policy: The -City of Lein Lake will seek to combine with other governmental units. in the area iri.maintaining and improving: upon a high quality sub-regional.police force. 11.2 Fire Protection The City of Gehl Lake currently contracts -with the City of White Bear Lake for fire protection services being dharged'as a base..rate plus a fixed charge per fire occurrence: Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page. 54 0 4 CITY OF GEM LAIC lWWY COUNTY MINN&-," RWMWD WETLAND MANAMB.MIENT A-RRA SHC)A'N' HEAE APEE BASi' HE A NO 7 H, E TH E j T C E SHf,'4RELAND AND P-LOODPLAIN AREAZ AREr 11 A R E.4- HER- ARC.� Ilml ANT,', M A'-S ED E FIGURt 5 ND MANAGEMENT AREAS The City will seek a longer term commitment by an association either with Vadnais Heights or White Bean Lake. Fire protection services might becharged on an annoal.basisbased on reasonable criteria such. as assessed property valuation. 11.3 Road .Maintenance Only U miles of roads are°'currently.maintained under Gem Lake jurisdiction. There are an. -additional 0.3 miles of semi-public streets which are privately maintained. Policy: The City will continue to contract far road maintenance and commence plans for funding maittenance of additional 1.3 mile. of .roadways to be fumed back to the Cityby Ramsey Countyin the year .2000: 11A Professional Assistance There are no full-time..employees of the City of -Gem Lake, .All pirofessional.assistance including lawyers., engineers and pliers are retained on a contractual basis. Policies: a. A part-time.. and ultimately a full-time City official will be employed to handle day to day civic affairs. b. Legal., engineering and planning assistance will continue. -to be on a retainer basis. 11.5 Municipal Building There is no public owned -or lease.d.space where. community records are maintained: and no public,location where a resident.may call for assistance. Policy: The City shall ctfritinete to. operate without. a central office and will continue to hold public.rnetings. in donated private space. 11.6 Public Schools All primary and secondary school students who are Gem -.Lake residents attend the schools of District #624 (White Bear Area Schools). Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 56 Comprehensive. Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Policy: The City will continue to cooperate with and support high quality elementary and secondary public education for residents of Gem Lake. 11.7 Health Facilities At present, there are no hospital facilities in Gem. Lake or ii, 4n-y of the contiguous municipalities adjoining. it. The closest hospital facility's St. Jo. is-FIospital in Maplewood, approximately two mules away. Policy: Gem Lake should cooperate with other. local governments in encouraging,a hospital facility within a more -convenient proximity. 11.8 Outdoor Recreational Facilities There are no publicly held open spaces or recreational facilities Within the community. All existing outdoor recreation with the commanitymust currently occur on (a) privately developed Iands; (6) vacant lotk.or (c) the streets. Policies: a. Consistent with the intention to .acquire �ublie 6pen spice, a neighborhood oriented park will be.prmided as the community develops. This might inblude a:picnic ground, a ball field, tennis courts and playground. facilities. b: The first preference for a community'parlr shall be in me northeast section of the community. C. The community will continue to rely on Ramsey Coogtfor development. of larger natural `resource based recrea y for facilities.. d. The*Qty willexplore. bicycle trail -options and in providing access to regional trails. e. The City -will consider rezoning the golf course to a recreational based honing district to ensure that remains recreational in nature. 12.0 Plari lmpleitentation The goals -and policies Of the Comprehensive Platt are designed to aid' City. staff, the PI4h. mg COminission and the City Council in making sound decisions that shape the future development of the City of Gem Lake.46d. reflect the wants and needs of its citizens. Page 57 Following are a number of implementation strategies that may be used tag reach the goals and policies of this plan. 12.1 Zo ning Ordinance The major purpose of zoning is to ensuro that new developmenr.in a comrrattiiity meets a set of consistent local quality standards. designed tO'.Mininvze incompatible. land uses. Figure 6 is.* existing zoning MW Thy fallowing is a synopsis of the existingzone district. City. of Gem. Lake Zoning Districts (1996) The. existing City of Gem Lake Zoning Ordinance has eight (8) zoning districts, four (4) residential and four (4) business. They am as follows: ' IZ-4." Lake Residence "R-2" Acre Estate Residence • '!R-3" Low -Density Residence `R-4" Medium -Density Residence "R-B." Retail Business "G-B" General Business • "LD-B" LOW-DensityBusiness "G-B A" Genleral Business II Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page.58 i �r CITY OF RAMSEY C I Comprehensive Plan Gem lake, Minnesota District Area .p,.ntage I ]Front + Side + Rear R-1 3.0 acres 200' (l) 50' (2) 30' 5[l' (3) R-2 1.0 acre 150' 40' 15 (4) 35' R-3 36,000's . ft. 100' 35' I:5' (47. -25' R-4 35,0(lD s ...ft. (5) 1oy 35' 1.5.' (4). 25' R-IB 1,000 s . ft. 25' 10' None (6) 20' {7) G-B 12,500 s ft. I00.' 20' .101(8) none (9) LD-B 24,000 s...ft, I00' 35' 10' (IOj 20' G_B II 1.5,000 s ft. (11) 80' 20' 10, 10' Notes: I. All lots Iocated on the, lake. shore shall be considered as having. two frontages; that portion of the lot which.abuts. on the lake and such other lot line as determined by the City Council. 2. That portion of a lot considered as the. front yard shall betas determined by tbe.City. Council. I All residential structures shall be set back at least.] 00 feet from the lake shore line.. The lake shore line shall be: as.determined by the City Council. 4. 20' when abutting a street. 5. .24.,000 square feet when City sewer is available and will be used. fit I5' when abutting an "R" District 30' when. abutting a street.. 7. 30' when abutting an "R" District. 8• 20' when abutting a. street .or "R" District. 9. 20' when abutting an "R" District. 1..0.. 35' when abutting a street. I 1.. Maximum area of75;00D.square feet, The four (4) residential zone districts are very.sitnilar with regards to permitted and special. uses; The only permitted uses within all four (4) . residential zone districts area one -family detached dwellings; truck. gardening and other horticultural uses provided that only those products produced on the premise be sold or offered for sale; and agricultural activities, provided that no building in which farm animals or fowl. are to be housed is nearer than one hundred (100) feet of a lot line. Page 60 Special. uses allowed in- all of the residential zone districts (with. approved special usepermit) are cotMtry clubs, golf courses and other private. non-commercial recreation areas and faoi7ities, ihcleiding swimming pools, provided that any.principal building or swimming pool shall be located. not less than 5U feet tom any either lot in Y ( ) an "W' District; churches, -essential service structures, and animal kennels. The. R-I and R-4 zone districts also include two-family dwellings as special uses, -and R-4 .includes offstreet parking for adjacent non-residential uses, The R-B zone district'allows, as permitted uses, a variety of retail sales or service ,type *businesses; including appliance: stores; auto cessory stores, banks; beauty shops, office supplies; photo supplies; drug stQres,.fterreiture stores, grocery stores;.hardware stores, jewelry shoe repair s stores, laundromat§r.clinic offices, taverns, li t�or.stores, restaurants,. tones, theaters, variety stores vVeaOng apparel stores, and similar uses; .Other uses. allowed in the R-B.Zone District as permitted uses are: hotels and motels, -hospitals or clinics for human beings, dental services; .medical services, .funeral homes or mortuaries, private clubs, single:familydwellings, and churches. Uses requiring' a special use permit in the R B zone di vice strict -are auto. repair shops, motor serstations, essential service structures and commercial recreation.sueh as bowling alleys, jump centers, and live !entertainment. The permitted uses allowed in the G-B zone distrie�includr all of the perireitted uses all in the R-B zone district. Other permitted uses allowed in the G=B:*zone-disttiet are auto sales and repair, boat and marine * sales, bakeries, Ousi.4ess and trade schools,. bottling of soft drinks .and creameries, building material. yards prodded it. is conducted within a-buiiding br-Within a fence of such construction as. to prevent view -from the publrc.-right-of way, cabinet and carpentry shops, electrical services, headnglplumbing, commercial greenhouses, dry cleaning plants; farba machinery sales and supplies, dairy farm and milk products Processing, packaging and storage, .garden supply stores; motels, motor hotels and hotels provided the Site -shall coo tain.not less than four hundred (4W) square. feet of lot area per unit; printing shops, upholstery shops; warehousing, except the storage.gfnflammable fluids, wholesale offices and showrooms; and similar uses, veterinary clinids or animal -hospitals; miniature golf courses, *driving. ranges., archery ranges,. trampoline centers, car *ashes Provided off street parking space is constructed to accomModate,that nutribcr(1S} mof vehicles which can be washed during a maximum fifteen period, and lumber yards. essential:service structures, Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota .Page,61 Open sales or rental lots are also permitted uses, subject to the lot being sunf&ced.-or landscaped to control.the dust, and all materials located*ori said lot shall meet front yard -requirements. Should the lot be Iighted, such lights. shall be.so located as not to have a direct source visible from the public right-of-way. Perinitted Oses include model homes and -garage display. Special qse permits are required in :the. &B zone district for service and lightindustries which .manufacture, process, store, and distribute foods and . materials . not likely � �to -create offensive noise, odors; Vibrations, dust; smoke, heat, glare or other objectionable influences and are in general dependent upon -raw materials refined elsewhere; truck and motor freight terminals, and inflammable materials sales and storage. The LD-B zone district is designed to be a transitional zone between other business zones and residential zones. The. permitted uses in the LD-B zone are:business and professional. offices; banks and savings. and loan association offices; churches and synagogues; governmental buildings and libraries; .greenhouses and nurseries; and fruit, vegetable and similar agricultural dispensaries. Special We. permits are. required k1he LD-B zone district forprivate Clubs, including athletic; golf ranges, tennis clubs and the like; research laboratories and offices; nursery or day schools, so long as play area is totally fenced; those uses and structures permitted in.the R-2 zone district; warehouses for small, high value items (e.g., electronic components); essential service structures; and other activities deemed comparable with those allowed in this district. The G-B II zone district allows. essentially the same permitted uses as the G-B zone district. The only additional permitted use in. -the G-B II zone district is business. offices, The G-B II zone district does not. allow ]umber yards br oRen sale lots as permitted uses. The G-B II zone district has much more restrictive special uses than the . zone district. The uses that require a special use permit in the G-B II zone district are essential service structures; commercial recreation such as bowling alleys, miniature. golf coWes, archery ranges, and trampoline..centers; dwellings for watchman and family; open sales (or rental):lots; and open storage lots. The City 'should: consider the following actions regarding. the Gem. Lake Zoning Regulations; 12.1.1 The development.of a Recreational Zone District to be applied to the. golf course property; The new district should allow for the present use. and be. expanded to allow.'other similar recreational uses. Residential and commercial activities should be prohibited: The district should Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 62 include conditional.use.provisions to allow a case -by -case review of Proposed projects; It should -also. include landscaping and buffer requirements. 121.2 Residential areas currently zoned R-3. and R-4 in the northeast portion Of the City should be examined to c#etermine if their Current classification reflects the goals of the- community to maintain very low" density residential: development or if *the I R-I :or R 2and s6ovld be rezoned : 12.13 Develop more complete submission requirements for development Proposals including. special *use permits :and sign permits, and formalize the review process. Require. review by the Planning Commission and including the. following in. the. submission requirements: site Plan • Laredscaping:Plan • Tree -Preservation Plan • Erosion Control and. Runoff PIan • Description of Project • Future Expansion Plans • * Impacts p4-Adjacent Properties 12.I4 Develop crlfedalor land use decisian"byBanning Commission and City CogtnciI. A. When reviewing special uses and rezoning applications, .impacta on the: following should be reviewed -.and measured: 1. Adjacent Uses 2. Air and Water Quality 3. Traffic Generation 4: Public Safety and. Health 5. Area Aesthetics 4, ]Ecolaon1d Impact on Area Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Pare 63 Comprehensive plan Gem Lake; Minnesota. 12.1.5 The following criteria for decisions should be included: in the zoning ordinance A. For Rezoning (zone district map Athendment): The proposed zoningshall'lfe consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use.Plan adopted by. the. City if existing. Amendments to #Ile zone district map should be recommended for approval.only upon the IYnding by -the planning Commission that all of Ehe. following conditions exist; I. A mistake has been made in. the original zoning which was inconsistent with the comprehensive or Land Use Plan which should now be cozrected along with the zoning; or substantial changes have occurred. in tbe.*commumty since the -adoption of the comprehensive or'Lihd Use plan, which should t`esult in the plan(s) and the zoning being amended. 2. There shall exist a clear public need for a benefit from additional:zoning of the type proposed which. shall be above -andbeyond any benefit:or.eonvenience to the Iand owners. 3. 'Beyond apublic need being evident., there shall be a showing -that the Public interest would be best served by -rezoning the Property.in questioia -rather. am other properly in the community. 4..In the case -of down zoning, which is *the changing. of a zone district from a higher or more int+ nsive use. to #1;lower.or less intensive use, the proposed zoning Shall allow the owner a reasonable use of his ro P3! p perty under the-ternns of this ordinance, as well as serve the publidIntere.st. B. For Variances: A; variance may be granted only upon finding all Of the following: 1, The proposed use is reasonable. 2; It would be unreasonable to ieq ordinance. uire conforming to the .3. The difficulty of conforming * to the ordinance is due to Circumstances unique to the property. 4. The problem must:be one riot created by the landowner. S: The variance; if grant of the locality. ed, will not alter the essential character Page 64 C. For Conditional Uses: 1. :The use conforms to the Land. Use or Comprehensive, PTart.of the City. 2. The use is'compatible with. the existing neighborhood. :3. Thd-dse will not impede the n6n-hal and. orderly development and improvement in the surrounding area. of uses permitter] by right in the zone.district. 4. The location. and character °of the proposed use is considered Ito. be. cousistent with a desirable pattern of development for the area. 12.1.6 DeveloRmore specific criteria to protect the water body of. Gem Ile.. This.could *jude setback requirements, impact zones and vegetation removal regulations. 12.2 Other Ordinances and Issues Other ordinances can. also be created or updated to meet the deeds of the. community. 12.2.1 Landscaping .requirements for individual Properties. (especially commercial properfieO and for. the boundarie$ of the City should be developed. to .maintain the aesthetic quality of Gem. Lake. These regulations should include requirements and -criteria fora site;plan. 12.2.2 Tree preservafion regulations should.also be created and strengthened 12:2.3 The sign ordinance should be examined to determine. its effectiveness, Tighter criteria -might be necessary to. en em. that the signs in the community reflects its character. I2.2A The need for an architectural design ordinance should :be explored. 12.2.5 Planned.unit development orcluster development ordinance, The City should consider adopting as a stand alone ordinance or -as pamof-the zoniqg. ordinances, provasions regulating planned unit oi. cluster developments. The districts to -contain these types of developments should be* identihed and the types of uses allowed, the performance statidtds required and the. density allowed should be: determined. 12.2.6 The -need for a local housing maintenance code should be explored. 12.2.7 Various.Minnesota..HouSing Finance Agency(NiFH;A) Programs such as rental rehabilitation, home ownership rehabilitation and home. improvement and energy efficiency local programs should be explored and considered. 12,2.$ The. City. should work with the Ramsey County HRA in developing a. housing strategy. Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 65 12.2:9 The City should explore the possibility in participating in a regioti- wide effort with adjacent communities*to develop a -diverse housing base. 12.3 Capital Improvement Plan i In order to guide long-term expenditures for costly public facilities within the City, .a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to guide the muiucipal budget has been formulated. 12;3.I On file at. the City Of$ee and available-for reference is the Gem Lake CIP covering the years 19q$ through 2002. Key provisions of the document include: Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota A. One-year improvement plan. to be updated annually. B. Five-year plan to coordinate with other governmental units. C. Framework for a 10 to 20 year plan to establish rough estimate of future capital costs. i2.3.2 The CIP includes costs for the following types of facilities and. the specific locations within the community where these facilities are to be provided: A. Roadway improvements. B. Utility systems. (sanitary sewer, water'm*g, -Sorm sewer). �. Other public facilities. Page 66 Comprehensive Plan Gem Lake, Minnesota 13.0 Severahility It is the intention of the Planning Comznission, Mayor, City Council, City Staff, Planners,.Eogineers and others who, directly or-indirecfly, c 0tribute.d to the development and adoption oif this Comprehensi..v Municipal Plan that the several assumptions; conclusions; positions, and Other piovasions of* this document were based upon -facts available at the time of d0elopment-and shall be. deemed separable.. if any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge any assumption, conclusion, or other provision .of.#his. Comprehensive Municipal[ plan or the' application thereof to be invalid, such judgement shall not affect any -other assumption; conclusion, or other provision of this. Comprehensive Municipal Plan not spec judgement: ifically included in said Page 67 Appendix. A Results of Community Survey. CITY OF GEM LAKE 1995 COMMUNITY SURVEY , CUMP1tEHENSIVE LONG-RANGE PLAN The Gem Lake Planning Commission. is now. in the process of updating the long-range Comprehensive Municipal Plan for the City.. Asa part of the process, they must project where:the City will be in the next 5,.10: and 15 years and how it will arrive. there. The results of this community. survey will be used by the Planning..Commission to. assist. them in guiding the planning process. Nour input is. important. Please answer all questions that you can and that apply to you. COMMUNITY PLAN AND GOALS 5 of the basic goals of Gem Lake as expressed in the current Comprehensive' Municipal. Plan are sho­,t-a below. Please take a moment to review these goals: and indicate your suggestions for revisions to the Plan. The current Plan calls far preservation of a "rustic" environment in:a natural setting. by rriaintairung.lowdensity residential development. Should this be changed andtow? [ 071.97.1"/6 ] Don't Change [.212.9.%.j Change [ 0 10.0%] No Answer. YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S): I... Concept of density should be changed to protect open spaces. 2. Maintain natural settings,. 2. The current Plan calls for creation and maintenance of a high quality man-made environment by developing high standards for.construction quality and.encouraging maintenance on existing structures. Should this be changed and how? [ 66195.7% ] Don'.t Change [ 314.56/6 ] Change. 1.0.10.09/61 No Answer YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S)- 1: Instead of maintenance, try code compliance like St. Louis Park. 2, Improve residential maintenance, 3. Maintain high quality and fewer homes: The current Plan calls for containing future commercial:developrtient in the City within the Highway 61 1 County Road E areas of the City currently zoned for business, ..Should this be changed and how? [60.187.0%0 ] Don't Change [ 91.13.0% ]Change [ 010.0%1 No Answer YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S): 1. Sign Ordinance enforcement.. 2. Add landscaping requirements to improve commercial development. 3.. Try to get cooperation from. Vadnais Heights. 4.. Eliminate commercial. zoning and change to. residential. 5' . Maintain residential community. 6. Preserverustic atmosphere. 7. No commercial development on Otter LakelScheuneman. Roads. 8.. Reduce traffic. 9. Discourage high traffic business. 4. The current Plancalls for providing a low -profile government that provides only essential services necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the community. Should this be changed and how? [ 63191.3%a ] Don't Change [.1.11.4% ] Change [ 517.3%01 No Answer YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S): 1. Is it time to hire. full.time. professional staff? 2. SnoNk? plowing is excellent. 3. Maintain low government.prohle.. 4.. Add part time. professional planner. The.current Plan cailifor cooperation with.adjacent communities to achieve compatible land development and public.service..pattenls.. Should this be changed and how? ( 59105.5% ] Don't. Change [ 7110.1%] .Change. [`3 14.9%] No Answer YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S): I. Mote proactive cooperation. 2. Is: Vadnais Heights aware of non -cooperation? 3: Does Vadnais Heights respect Gem.Lake's plans? 4. Gem Lake should be more aggressive! 5; No mass transit exists in the area. 5. Shopping exists in all directions. Please list additional. goalsyou feel are important to the future of the Gem bake. 1. Maintain natural barriers. 2. Oppose LaBore Road extension. 3, Propose County E as.boulevard. 4. Deal with County E traffic. 5. Trail around Gern Lake. Park with balifield and ice rink. 6. No further subdivision of land. T. Continue passive/rural character. 8. Encourage LaBore.Road extension. 9. Minimize development. 10. Maintain low density. 11. Improve, County E 12. Reduce: Goose: Lake Road traffic. 13: Maintain low profile government. 1.4. Maintain open spaces. 15. Slow all traffic in city. 16. Get acknowledgement of our rustic setting from surrounding communities. 17. Require residential property maintenance. and removal of junk:piles in yards, 1.8. Improve 1001 communication with residents from government, 19, Provide free. copies of ordinances to residents: 20. Add city sewer. 21. Reduce:regulation.i 22. improve city employee and volunteer. training. 23. Provide. regular contact list, 24.. No low income; public. or multi -family housing. 2 PERSONAL INFORMATION How long haVe You lived in Gem Lake? LOW: 1 year HIGH: 73 years AVERAGE: 20 years 8. What 3. things do you like best about the=City of Gem Lake? A. .[ 27 / 39.1% ] Quiet nawraUrustic environment B. [ 21 / 304✓. ] Proxinpty-to Twin Cities .& Shopping C. [ 201.39,0% ] Largelot. sizes / low density D. [.12117A96.1 Open natural spaces E. [ 11115.99A ] small town feeling [ 12117,4% ] Peace & quiet G.. [ 10114.5%] Friendly residents H.. [111-15.9%] Limited/lowprofle government I. [ 0S1-073°/e, ] Minimum commercial development J: [ 061:0&7% ] Privac y K ( 05 / Ot^ j Low prime/sense of security I:. [ .04 / 05A!Y- ] Wooded areas M, [03 7.04.4% j Abundance of wildlife N. [ 02I'0.2. % ] Community. --diver at o. [ 02102.9% ] Low key. P. [02102.9% ] Quality'pfresiddttial life Q. [ 03104A% 1 Lowertaxes R. [ 02 /:02.9% ] Golfcotirse S. [ 01 / 01.5% 1 independence ''NO sewi r/water Palns to protect. future Upscale homes. Quality of life Road maintenance Cleanneighborhoods 9, What 3 things do you like least about.the City of Gem Lake? A. [ 21130.4% ] Increasing traffic B: [ 07110.2%0 ] Increasing noise C. [ 07 / 10.2% ] P.ressttre from surounding communities D. [ 11 / 15.9% ] Cbmmereial development pressure )r: [ 07 / .10.2% ] No city water F. [ 05 / 07.3% ] No city sewer G, [ Q5107.3% ] No px.Wsports areas H. 1.021`02.9% ] Auto 3kaler loudspeakers I. [.03/04.41N] Increased speeds.of.traffic J. J.02 / 02.9%j High: taxes K. [02 / 02.9% ] Poor city communication L. [ 02102.9% ] No bike route M. [ 02102.9% ] Business: in residential .area (Kuehn.). N. [ Q2 / 02.9% ] Poorresidential maintenance. O. [ 03 / 04.4% ] City council P. [ 02 / 0.2.9% 1 NQtenciugh police Q. [ 01 / 01.S% ] Unburied utilities Auto dealer lighting .Nd curbs No sidewalks Tree ordinance :Nothing Lack of traffic enforcement CtyRdETreemimml Distance to mass transit No lake access Govttooeontrolling Poor roads: Septic inspections Abandoned Road Not enough businesses Poor. street lighting Deer herd Non-resident developers Goose Lake Road`Safety .Adjaccnt:mgIti-fatnily Helicopter noise. .Local-Og4cs t0. What three issues.do you think are most.important in the City of Gem Lake? A [ 19126.1% ] Maintain community profile B. [ 11115.9% ] Improved traffic controls C. [ 07 / 10.2% ] Low tax maintenance D. [ 12117.4% ]' Maintain current land use fi: [ 05407.3% ] Prevent encroachment from other cities. F: [ 06108:7% ] Environmental/ecological.protection G. [ 03 i64.4"/o ] Open space. maintenance H. [ 05101.3% ] City water I.. [43194e3% ] City sewer. J.. [ 02 / 02.9% ] Improve road maintenance & �lowarig K. [ 02102.9% ] Create bike path/trail in city:_ L. [ 02 / 02.9%.] Protect. property values M: [ 02102.9 % ] Small government N: [ 02 / 02.9 % ] Increase community involvement O. [ 01 / 01.5% j City business water City survival Mergewlappropriateneighbor Balance city/land owner.rights. Maintain privacy Renovate business area Restrict commercial development Bury [unities No more.. subdivision. Keep crirrte 1pw Maintain high quality housing Noo business in. residential Oppose LaBore extension Eliatinate commercial noise Putsue'mess transit Improve. city communications t4ith residents High quality of life Keep golf course from development M CITY GOVERNMENT & FACILITIES The city currently operates from donated space. in .the Mayor's,. Clerk's, Treasurer's and Planning Commissioner's homes. All of the Gem Lake government.meetings as well as general and special elections are currently held in space donated by the business 1 commercial owners in the city. 11. Should the city plan on:constructing a"city hall" or comr6diity'`buMig where it would hold meetings and elections and from which it would. operate? [ 11118.8.%. ] Yes [51 /73.00A 1 No ( 517.3%a 1 No Answer if "YES", where would you like to.see such abuilding located? A. [ 08 / 11.6% ] In the. residential area of the city? $. [08 / 1.1.6% ] In the commercial ./ business area of the. -city?. C. 150172.5%) No Answer 12. Gent l;.ake.n4W provides essential services such as police, fire & paramedic, curbside recycling; budding inspection su aiid-code -enforcement which conmes more ihan 60% of our annual budget (your tax dollars)• Each of these services kprovided by an outside source with -whom the City contracts: Are you satisfied with ct=. ntservices? ( 62.1899%01. Yes [ 4 / &B% ] No [.3 / 4.3%. ] .No Answer If -"NO", what improvements'are deeded?. A. improve recycling promotion B. Improve. building code enforcement C: Improved traffic controls - speed and quantity D. Enforce dog laws .E. More.police. 13. Gem lake currently operates a sanitary sewer system that serves 21 residences and 22 businesses. Expansion of this system would cost between $60 and $80 per front footof the property it serves and this cost would be assessed to each benefitted property owner. Do you believe Gem Lake should: consider expanding the,sewer system to serve. more areas of the city? ('19/27.5%] Yes [46/66.7%]No [4/5.8%0]NoApxwer If "YES", when do you feel this expansion will be necessary to serve your needs? [04105.8% 1 Within 1.year 112 / 17.4% 1 Within 5 years [ 04 / 05.8% ] Within 10 years [49 / 71.0% ] No Answer If "YES", where do you feel the expansion will be necessary? A_ . ( 03104.3% 1 Scheuneman Road area B. [ 64105.8% ] Goose Lake Road area C. [01101;5% ] All others If. "YES", why do you feel the expansion will be..necessary? A. [ 08.7°/u 1 Old inadequate: septic systems B. [ 01 / 01.5%1 Commercial. waste abatement Increased density if allowed For those who want it More:costly to wait .Business district improvement Safer drinking water Improve property values 14. Gem 'Lake eunmtly has no public water system. Installation of a public water system would cost between S50 and $70 per fist foot of the. property.it serves.and this. cost would be assessed; to each benefitted property owner. Do you -believe there is a need: in your area for a. public water systeri7 [ 14 lid.361..1 Yes [ 53.176:8"/0..] No [ 2 / 2.9% .1 No Answer If "YES", when:do you feel this system will be necessary to: serve your needs? 1.04105A% 1 Within l year 106108.7%: ] Within 5 years [ 01 / 01.5% ] Within 10 years [ 58184:1%0 1. No Answer If "YES". where do you -feel the expansion will bcn6oetMrY9* A, [ O I./ 01:5% ] Business district Entire city NW Corner 5 If "YES7% why do you feel the expansion will lie necessary? A:. [ 011 O M% ] Condition of aquifer? Years of water supply? Increased density Only with sewer Wells are obsolete in cities Business needs RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT While there are:only a few undeveloped parcels of land in Gem Lake,.all property presently zoned for residential use in Gem Lake currently only allows for single family detached dwellings. is. Would you like to see other ".of dwellings located in the City? ( 08 / 11.6% ] Yes. [ 69187.9% ] No j 11 1.4%] No Answer -- 1.6. Lfyou answered YES to IS., which of the following types. of dwellings would you like to: see built-in; Gom Lake and where? A. [ 081*11.6% ] -One-Level Town Homes Where:. No Answers B. [ 03 / 043% ] Two -Level Town Homes Where: No Answers C. [ 001 -0.0% J 'Condominiums Where: No Answers D. [ 001 0.0% ] Apartments Where: No Answers E. [55.179:9.% ] No Answer 17. if any of the.dwellin&.:types above were built-in Cieia Lake, would you consider residing in such a dwelling-? [ I11 m9% ] Yes [ 47 / 69617% ] No. [ I1./ 16.0% ] No Answer 18. If you would consider residing. in such a dwelling; when would. you wan[ to take ogcMancy? [ 0.1.1011.51/61 Now [ 17124.6%. ] After Retirement [.511.74.68,4 ] Nd.Answer 7 COMMERCIAL / BUSINESS USE & DEVELOPMENT There are currently 37 businesses located in the city employing approximately 500 persons. The Gem Lake commercial / business district is principally located at and adjacent to the intersection of Hghwayo land County Road E. 19. Do you use or purchase goods and services from the current- businesses located. in Gem Lake? [.50 / 72.57% ] Yes [ 161. 23.2% J No [ 3 J 43% ] No Answer 20.. If yoti use Gem Lake businesses; which businesses) do you<'frequent and how bfteh? [22./'31.96% ] HCO Retail 1.14./10.3%] WB Floral 115121.7% ] Tousley Ford [ 08./ 11:6%0 ] KFC [-07 /10.2%. ]. Cafe Cravings [.04100% ] Barnett [.04 /-05.8A/e ] TpusleySports E133-104.3%0 ] Ace TV Repair [02J 02.9% ] Pizza [.0210*0WI Pottery 1.03 / 04.3'/6. ] Golf Course 101 /.:01.5% J Nelson Marine. [.01101.4% ] Moldings & Doors [01101.5% ] Gun Shop .[ 0.1101.50/9 ] Kuehn [ 6110115°/a ] WB Glass 21. If you don't use Gem Lake businesses, why? [ 08-1.11.6% ] Don't know which are in Gem Like [ 05 /-0t3% J Others close better suited [ 06108.7% j.No need [ ii3 / 04.3%0 ] Not;most t*4venient . [ 021: 02.9%:j Limited /poor quality 22. Other than those .businesses that currently exist in GemLake, what type(s) of businesses would you.like. to see -in the City's obnonercial district? [ 15 /.21.7% J None [ 0711.0.2% ].:Nice restaurant [ 05 / 07.3% J Small offices [ 03104.3% ].Small retail shops. [ 01 / 01.5% ] Specialty retail Bank Hardware Convenience Store Reduce businesses No fast food [ Non polluting Tax producing Mens Barber Manufacturing Kids Sports Place Goodwill 23. Are you or any mmtber. dyour houseioid presently employed by a business located in Gem Lake? [ 6711Q.1%I Yes [ 66.1 *$7.0•/9 ] No [02.J 02.9%-] Flo Answer 24. Shotild.a "City Center" type development be encouraged at the intersection ofHighway 5l acid County.Road E?. [ 10 J 143% ] Yes [ 56 / 81.2% j No [ 0314.3% ]No- Answer. 25. N.a `°City Center" were. developed, what "(s).of baiiness would, you like to see included in this area? [02102.9% ]* Specialty:sbops Clothing Offices I I [ 04 / 05.8% J. Restaurant 101101.5%a 1 Night club Bank Pharmacy Medical Liquor Sports Retail.. 26. if you don. t support a. City Center'` type development; why not? 118126. 1% ] Everything nettled available nearby [ 14 / 20. 3"% ] Unnecessary -for -Gem --Lake. [ .10114.5% j Too much additiotial traffic [ 05107.3% ] IHigher taxes [ 021*029% ] Waste of time Too -much &velopment.already Who *llns? fit auto businesses Need more info We are residential, not commercial Increased crime t What cost to city & residents 0 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION The city's primaryarteriai.roadways. are County Road E. LaBorae Road, Goose Lake Road and Scheunetnan Road which are Ramsey Comity Roads and state Highwayl. Traflie.and related problems continue to increase dramatically along County Road E due. to. development in the area and LaBore Road will. experience similar changes over the next decade.: Traffic along Goose Lake Road and Scheuneman Road have also increased as a.result of development in other conunuruties. 27. Should the -City make a concerted effort to preserve the natural environment characteristics. of these roadways? 166 /.95.**-1 Yes [ 0 / 0.0% ] No [ 3 / 4.3%' ] No Answer 28. How far does.each-member of your household travel to work each day?' PRWEA HIGH LOW AVERAGE Driver# l 50 00 13.1 Driver#2 40 00 .11.9 Driver 03 20 00 11.1 29. Do you see the need forpublic transportation in Gem Lake? [ 10 / 14.5% ] Yes [ 48169.6% ] No [ 11.115.9% ] No Answer .30.. If available, wouldyou use any of the following public transportation systems and how often: [ 06 / 08.76/6 ] MTC'Bus. Service? How often? [ 05 / 07.2%.] Lake Area Transit? How often? [ 00 / 0.0% ] Metro Mobility? How often? [ 01 /.01.5% ] Other (please identify) In the year.2000, Ramsey County will "turn back' 1'%, miles of Scheuneman Road to .Gem.Lake. The cost of maintaining this..road is estimated. to be $1.2,000 annually based upon a current estimate of 5,000..0 6,000 car trips daily between .Otter Lake.Road and Highway 61. Gem Lake's current budget for street .maintenancois-approximately S1,,500 annually.. 31, By reducing. or restricting traffic along Scheuneman Road; maintenance budgets can be reduced. What do you believe JS the City's best alternative for Scheuneman Road? [ 09 / I3.0a/a ] Leave Scheuneinan Road as is and have taxpayers pay formaintenance? g ' [ 42 / 60.9% ] Close Scheuneman Road at Highway 61 and install a cul-de-sac? [ 09 / 13.0a/o. ] Convert Scheuneman Road to a one-way, northbound roadway? [.0911.3.1% j No Answer 4 PARKS & RECREATION J � The city currently has no owned and/or operated park facilities. There. are several county parks and facilities .0peraW byothas in the immediate area, although none are located in Gem Lake. 32. Wouldyott •support.development of a city park in Gem Lake? [22/31.9% j files (454. WOK ] No [:02102.9% l No Answer 'If "Na', why? [ 07 / 10.2% ] No need [ 11-1 M9% I Others close by:/ Open.sp.".instead f 03. / 4'4.3% ] Cost to residents t Attracts• outsiders•/ crime / wasted tax .dollars 101 IBM% J Community is a park .53•. Ifyalwaild•support a city park in Gem Lake, which of the following facilities would you like to have included? [18.I.26.1 % j Picnic facilities 118 / 26.:I.% ]Playground equipment [ Il 115.0°%s J Tennis court(s) [ 14 / 20.39!.•1 Ball field(:) [ 10 rx441611i J Basketball court(s) [ 12 /.17A%..] Ice-- iEnk(s)•• [ 03 / 04,3% ] Bike path [ 02 / 02:9% ]Open space/.Togging path 34. Where in Gem Lake do you feel the park should be:.located? 104 /05.8"/• j Goose .Lake Road Scheuneman Road South County E 103 /04.3% J Adjacent Gem Lake. Hilts ( 02 / 02.9% ] Trail around lake [ 6..1101.5% ] Commercial Zone 10 s CITY OF GEM LAKE RAMSEY COUNTY MINNESOTA 400 D 4M am VLAW WETLAND MANAGEMENT AREAS WF7LAN , .w,F'r AQ. rHOV,+',: HEF. ARE BASED ON NATIONAL WETLAND iNVENTDR%,' MAPS 'HLSE .RE P;i_?T E ELi!,F:"A'if—DN. , AND THEY. SHOU D B= AS A F'EEE tEhJ`'E i�NLfl. U. 1r D i '' LAJ. AREAS APE NIO SPEC,: li: q: I 1 DEL. E i'ET;.i AREAS 5 -rdf HERE ARE BASER C31�t �IEL� 't,'ETLAND DEUa.iE.A71Ot`IS BY A QUALIFIED N' i,l�i-•.. �. rl r•. !. q T... - - ,`L� L _ °..3 I,: �': i.`� " i1 ;:. 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