09-12-96 growth mgmt task forceSeptember 12, 1996
The Growth Management Task Force (GMTF) met on this date. In
attendance were: Co -Chairs Blair Joselyn and Kevin Nickelson,
Edith Hadlich, Gary Hogle, LaVayne Dupslaff, Richard Tetzlaff,
John Borchert, Mary Lanz, Bill Plowman, Charlie Ellis, Colleen
Firkus and consultant, Peggy Reichert.
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Jane Harper, Washington County Planner, attended the meeting and
outlined the Washington County's Comprehensive Plan. The Plan
was approved by the County Board in February 1996 and sent to the
MET Council. The MET Council has since asked for two extensions
to the 60 day limit on response time. One hold up is differing
Waste Management policies. The County is in compliance with the
State's three year inspection policy. The MET Council has a two
year inspection policy which will be changing to three years. In
the meantime, the County policy is not in compliance with the MET
Council's policy.
The County has also adopted a Linear Park Plan that incorporates
an off road path system connecting regional parks. Long range
plans include a trail down Manning Trail and connecting County
Roads 4, 3 and 52 by an off road paved trail.
Ms. Harper indicated New Scandia Township currently has an
average of 1 unit to 5.46 acres of zoned land, excluding
lakeshore and rural town center. If Lakeshore is included the
average is 1/18.7 acres. There were 1197 housing units in 1990
and the forecast for the year 2015 is 1550 units with an average
zoned land of 1/14 acres.
Scandia has been designated in the County Plan for "General
Rural" development. Housing development will be allowed at a
density not greater than a 1/10 acre density (4/40) and the
commercial/town center surrounded by residential not greater than
16/40. The traditional zoning method of minimum lot size will be
replaced with a more flexible approach utilizing density.
Density is the number of dwelling units permitted per acre of
land. A formula of average housing/lot density will be used for
determining zoning districts. Ms. Harper presented some examples
of calculating average density. The Township would decide its
own zoning districts within County guidelines.
WA,SHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
Ms. Harper also gave an overview of the County's proposed Cluster
Development Ordinance. The County Plan supports cluster
development as a means of maintaining overall low density but
permitting smaller individual lots. The idea is to protect
natural resource areas and productive agricultural lands. A
"bonus" of additional units beyond what is normally permitted is
proposed to encourage cluster development. Some of the key
provisions of the ordinance draft include: Minimum amount of
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open space will be 500; open space to be protected permanently by
a conservation easement; open space in conservancy lots may be
privately held, may be deeded to the County, leased to a farmer
or owned/managed by a conservation organization or land trust;
pathway system required to connect all parts of those open space
areas accessible to neighborhood residents; five or more lots in
neighborhoods up to 50 units; no minimum lot size, lot size
guided by performance standards (1 acre for on site septic, 3/4
acre if common septic); common drainfield will be allowed;
drainfields may be located.in common area; pavements width of 26'
on two-way streets; shade trees along street are required; and
neighborhood buffers required from perimeter roads.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY
As Peggy Reichert indicated in her memo, much of New Scandia is
zoned for residential development at a 1/5 acre density. The
Township will need to change the current land use to conform to
the County's policy of 1/10 acre density. Ms. Reichert presented
some preliminary maps of the Township showing current land use
and all areas zoned A-2 broken down by various lot size
categories. These will assist the task force in determining
future land use.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October
24, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. Members will be notified of any change.