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7. Draft Chapters of the 2040 Comp Plan Scandia_12.28
Table of Contents I. Introduction........................................................................................................................1 A. Purpose of the Plan...............................................................................................1 B. Vision, Goals and Policies..................................................................................... 1 C. Background/History of the Community............................................................... 8 D. Process...................................................................................................................9 E. Regional Setting..................................................................................................10 II. Land Use............................................................................................................................ 11 A. Land Use Goals and Policies................................................................................ 11 B. Community Designation..................................................................................... 12 C. Forecasts..............................................................................................................15 D. Demographics......................................................................................................16 E. Existing Land Use................................................................................................. 20 F. Future Land Use.................................................................................................. 22 G. Natural Resources............................................................................................... 30 H. Special Resource Protection............................................................................... 31 I. Resilience.............................................................................................................33 J. Economic Competiveness................................................................................... 36 III. Housing ............................................................................................................................. 39 A. Housing Goals and Policies................................................................................. 39 B. Existing Housing.................................................................................................. 40 C. Projected Housing Needs....................................................................................46 D. Affordable Housing Allocation............................................................................ 46 E. Housing Implementation Plan............................................................................47 IV. Parks and Trails.................................................................................................................49 V. Transportation.................................................................................................................. 59 A. Existing Roadway Conditions.............................................................................. 60 B. Roadway System Plan......................................................................................... 63 Assumed 2040 Land Use and Transportation Analysis Zone Information ..................... 64 4. Future Jurisdictional Classification..................................................................... 66 5. Access Management........................................................................................... 66 C. Transit..................................................................................................................67 1. Transit Market Area............................................................................................ 67 2. Current and Planned Service Facilities............................................................... 67 3. City Considerations............................................................................................. 68 Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Table of Contents Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 i D. Bicycling and Walking......................................................................................... 68 E. Aviation............................................................................................................... 69 F. Freight..................................................................................................................69 18 VI. Water Resources............................................................................................................... 70 A. Wastewater.........................................................................................................70 B. Surface Water...................................................................................................... 74 C. Water Supply....................................................................................................... 82 VII. Implementation.................................................................................................................. 1 A. Implementation Plans........................................................................................... 1 Figures Figure XX: Population by Age and Sex...........................................................................................16 FigureXX: Age Distribution............................................................................................................ 17 Figure XX— Household Types in Scandia........................................................................................ 18 Map: Existing Land Use..................................................................................................................21 Map: Future Land Use....................................................................................................................23 Map: Staging Map..........................................................................................................................30 Map: Solar Potential Map..............................................................................................................35 Figure XX: Historical and Projected Employment in Scandia......................................................... 37 Figure XX: Employment by Industry............................................................................................... 37 Figure XX: Median Household Income........................................................................................... 38 Map: Owner Occupied Units by Value........................................................................................... 44 Map: Existing Functional Classification.......................................................................................... 61 Map: Principal Arterial Current Traffic.......................................................................................... 61 Map: „A" Arterial Current Traffic................................................................................................... 62 Map: Collection and Local Streets................................................................................................. 63 Map: Existing and Anticipated 2040 Travel Lanes......................................................................... 64 Map: Future Traffic Projections.....................................................................................................64 Map: Current and Planned Transit................................................................................................. 67 Map: Bicycle Facilities....................................................................................................................69 Map: Aviation Facilities.................................................................................................................. 69 Map: Existing Wastewater System................................................................................................ 72 Map: Wetlands?............................................................................................................78 Map: Stormwater Drainage Area................................................................................................... 78 Map: Impaired Waters...................................................................................................................80 Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Table of Contents Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 ii Map: Future Zoning......................................................................................................................... 3 Tables Table 1— Forecasted Population, Housing, & Employment.......................................................... 15 Table 2 — Historical Population, Housing, & Employment............................................................. 15 Table 3 — Median Age Comparison................................................................................................ 17 Table 4 — Years Householder Has Lived in Unit, Percent of Total Households .............................. 18 Table 5 — Household Size and Number..........................................................................................18 Table 6 — Race of Scandia Residents in 2015................................................................................. 19 Table 7 — Existing Land Use Characteristics................................................................................... 20 Table 8 — Existing Net Residential Density..................................................................................... 22 Table 9 — Residential Allowed Density Ranges.............................................................................. 22 Table 10 — Planned Land Use Characteristics................................................................................ 23 Table 11— Guided Land Use Acres................................................................................................. 25 Table 12 — Planned Land Use Characteristics................................................................................ 25 Table 13 — Residential Density Calculations.................................................................................. 28 Table 14 — Commercial/Industrial Density Calculations................................................................ 29 Table 15 — Future Land Use Units/Jobs/Acres............................................................................... 30 Table 16 — Acreage of Known Deposits......................................................................................... 31 Table 17 — Solar Resource Calculations......................................................................................... 34 Table 6 — Housing Conditions........................................................................................................ 40 Table XX — Affordable Housing Allocation..................................................................................... 47 Table 9— Housing Implementation.................................................................................................47 Table 14 — „A" Minor Arterial Roadways....................................................................................... 62 Table 15 — „B" Minor Arterial Roadways....................................................................................... 62 Table 16 — Major and Minor Collector Roadways.......................................................................... 62 Table 13 — 2040 ScandiaTAZ Data.................................................................................................. 64 Table 11— Typical Traffic Capacity by Roadway Type/Configuration............................................ 65 Table 12 — Projected 2040 Roadway Capacity Deficiencies and Associated Capacity Expansion Projects............................................................................................................................. 65 Table 17 — Proposed Roadway Functional Classification Re -designations .................................... 66 Table XX— Population, Housing, & Employment Sewer Allocation Forecasts ............................... 70 Table XX — Waterbodies within Scandia........................................................................................ 77 Table XX — CAMP Ratings for Lakes Within Scandia...................................................................... 79 Table 21— Impaired Water Bodies in Scandia............................................................................... 79 Table 21— Water Bodies Listed on Minnesota's 303 List.............................................................. 79 Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Table of Contents Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 iii Table 21— Staging and Timing for Surface Water .. Table 22 — Checklist of Implementation Tools........ Table 23 — Implementation Timeline ...................... Table 24 — 2019 — 2023 Capital Improvement Plan Zoning Classifications .............................................. Exhibits Exhibit 1- Exhibit Description Appendix Appendix A: Preliminary Cost Estimates Appendix B: Figures Appendix C: Preliminary Assessment Roll Appendix D: Resident Questionnaire Appendix E: Focus Groups Appendix F: Geotechnical Evaluation Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Table of Contents Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 iv INTRODUCTION A comprehensive plan defines the vision, goals, and aspirations of a community's long-term development. A strong plan can intricately shape land use and transportation patterns, develop ways to conserve natural resources, and identify needs for housing, utilities, parks, and other community facilities. These assessments then help the community make well-informed decisions on both public and private infrastructure/facility investments for years to come. The City of Scandia's 2040 Comprehensive Plan is the vision of the community in 2040. It provides an overview of the City of Scandia, including historical context, existing and future land use, water and nature features, public facilities, transportation, population, housing, and employment trends and forecasts. The Comprehensive Plan contains goals, objectives and policies to guide public and private land use development, redevelopment and preservation of all lands and waters within the City and proposes an implementation plan extending toward 2040. These elements have been developed in conjunction with the City's tradition of planning. A. Purpose of the Plan This Comprehensive Plan responds to the requirements of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act: Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.859, and the Metropolitan Council's Thrive MSP 2040. The plan is intended to guide future land use development, redevelopment, and other planning and policy concerns for the City of Scandia. B. Vision, Goals and Policies 1. Vision and Overarching Goals As a guiding element of this Comprehensive Plan update, the Steering Committee and Mayor of Scandia develop the following vision statement: Scandia is known for its distinctive character and history. The City's overall vision is to maintain its rural character typified by the agricultural heritage and natural resources. In 2040, Scandia has an economically vibrant village center which is home to a diverse population that is surrounded by mix of natural resource and agricultural areas intermixed with rural residential and lakeshore neighborhoods. As new development is proposed, the emphasis will remain on the protection of a rural agricultural and natural resources. The following four overarching goals for the City of Scandia expand upon the above vision and further guided the preparation of this Comprehensive Plan update: • Maintain and promote the City's cultural character and history. Scandia includes several historical structures. The Gammelgarden museum in the Village Center attracts people to learn about Minnesota history and Swedish immigration to Minnesota. Rural buildings and sites endowed with Scandia's history and identity are preserved or incorporated into development and redevelopment, and family farms can still be found within the City. • Maintain and promote a variety of land uses and residential densities while maintaining Scandia's existing agricultural and rural character. Scandia has diverse land uses emphasizing its rural nature and natural landscape, including agriculture, large lot and clustered rural residential housing, wooded areas, scenic areas and open spaces, and recreational areas. The village center provides a variety of housing types with community -scale commercial and industrial uses. Agricultural uses in Scandia include traditional commodity production, smaller farms Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 1 devoted to local markets, and hobby farms. The mix of land uses in different parts of the City changes with the geography, and is preserved and maintained by sound, intentional land use policies. • Preserve and protect the City's natural resources. Scandia is home to several high quality natural areas, lakes and the St. Croix River. The City's parks, trails, open space and recreation system preserves rural character and protects natural beauty while offering opportunities for healthy lifestyles and recognizes the City's history. Sensitivity to the City's green infrastructure — trails, green corridors, natural areas and systems, surface and groundwater systems, scenic vistas, and night skies — will continue to be a priority for all development and infrastructure improvements. Periodic review of City ordinances to ensure development occurs with adequate protection of sensitive areas is part of the City's commitment to preserve and protect valuable natural resources. Provide economic opportunities for residents and businesses. Economic opportunities in the City continue to evolve. The City will seek solutions to create economic opportunities for employment in Scandia and to provide needed services for Scandia's residents. The number of residents who are self-employed or work from home will continue to increase. The nature of agriculture will change with a transition from traditional commodities to smaller, more specialized agricultural operations serving exclusively local markets. 2. Goals and Policies The goals and policies in this Plan reflect the community input from the Town Meeting and the vision statement of the city. Goals and policies are official statements which provide the basis for development and redevelopment strategies. Goals identify various objectives of the city in managing future growth and protecting natural resources. Policies represent the official position of the city with respect to implementation of goals. Goals and policies are also included at the beginning of their respective chapters. Land Use 1) Preserve the rural, agricultural character of Scandia through zoning regulations, ordinances, and site design standards a) Conduct development in a manner that is sensitive to the impact upon natural features and to environmental constraints, including but not limited to scenic views, surface water, wetlands, slopes, woodlands, vegetation, drainage ways, shorelands, and flood plain areas. b) Coordinate with property owners, other governmental units and agencies, and developers to protect high quality natural areas and historic resources c) Encourage low -impact development techniques in new developments. d) Explore programs and development concepts that encourage creative methods to preserve rural character and natural resources. e) Achieve compatible relationships between different types of land uses by utilizing design standards, appropriate buffers, land use transitions and high- quality design 2) Manage land use to prevent the premature demand for extension of urban services and in ways that allow existing service levels to meet service needs. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 2 a) Require that land proposed for development is served or will be able to be served with adequate infrastructure, including sewage treatment systems, streets, and storm water management systems. b) Require all new development be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan 3) Ensure a variety of lot sizes to create affordable development opportunities to best meet the needs of residents and businesses in Scandia. a) Encourage greater density where appropriate to preserve natural features and areas. b) Ensure suitable land is available for potential commercial and industrial employment and business opportunities. 4) Protect and encourage agricultural production to ensure it is a part of the community as a viable long-term land use. a) Encourage a variety of agricultural operations, including small-scale metropolitan orientated agriculture, value-added production, and small scale agricultural -related commercial uses. b) Encourage participation in the Agricultural Preserves Program through compatible zoning districts and educational materials and resources c) Review current development regulations to allow compatible secondary uses such as low density residential, commercial recreation, and agriculture -related commercial in areas where agriculture is the predominant use. 5) Allow for the safe and orderly extraction of aggregate resources now and in the future while protecting sensitive resources on or near those properties and providing for transitions to other uses when resource extraction is complete a) Implement performance standards for the management of existing mining operations in order to minimize or prevent negative impacts to resources and nearby land uses. Natural Resources 1) Protect natural resources and look for opportunities to connect large areas of open space a) Coordinate with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Washington County on plans for the long term acquisition and development of William O'Brien State Park and Big Marine Park Reserve. b) Prioritize the preservation and treatment of open space in planning and review of all types of development within the City. 2) Preserve high quality natural areas a) Work with property owners seeking to utilize Transfer of Development Rights and Purchase of Development Rights, as appropriate, to obtain and protect high quality natural areas while compensating landowners who give up development rights to meet community land use and natural resource goals. 3) Eliminate, reduce or mitigate the negative effects of invasive species on natural areas a) Provide educational resources and materials to residents and businesses regarding invasive species. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 3 4) Recognize and enhance publicly -owned lands and improve public access to such lands where appropriate. a) Promote preservation and restoration of publicly owned and other lands permanently protected from development through education and cooperation with other governmental agencies and community groups. b) Improve designated physical access to the St. Croix River corridor and other important or high quality natural areas where public lands may provide access opportunities. c) Encourage for the preservation and establishment of scenic views throughout the City. 5) Work with property owners to protect and preserve native, endangered, threatened and unique plants and animals on privately owned land. a) Provide educational resources and materials to residents and businesses regarding invasive species. b) Encourage connections to high quality natural areas through natural corridors on private land in order to allow for wildlife movement among habitats as part of development. Water Resources 1) Preserve and protect the quantity and quality of surface water and groundwater. a) Work cooperatively with all State and Federal agencies to comply with and enforce regulations and standards such as Shoreland Management Regulations, Erosion and Sediment Control Standards, Floodplain Regulations, and Stormwater management. b) Identify sensitive groundwater recharge areas and groundwater dependent natural resources to guide development and land use to minimize potential contamination and incompatible uses. c) Require developers to restore the ability of soils to absorb, retain, and infiltrate water following site development. 2) Improve stormwater management and land stewardship practices. a) Provide educational resources and materials to residents and businesses regarding water quality, stormwater runoff, best management practices, and impaired waters. b) Incorporate low -impact techniques and best management practices on City owned property. 3) Protect the natural and scenic resources of the St. Croix River Corridor, both within and adjacent to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. a) Work cooperatively with the National Park Service, Department of Natural Resources, and Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District and adopt their Local Water Management Plans. 4) Ensure financial and environmental accountability for installation, maintenance, remediation, and management of any permitted private wastewater system. a) In cooperation with Washington County, enforce strict conformance with regulations for the design, installation, and maintenance of on-site treatment Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 4 systems including minimum design, licensing, and installation requirements of the Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080. Resilience 1) Encourage the use of renewable, local and diverse forms of energy in order to increase use of local resources, mitigate the local risk from fossil fuel scarcity and price increases, and help meet Minnesota's climate protection goals. a) Encourage the use of alternative renewable heating fuels as bio -mass while establishing standards to limit nuisances associated with such systems. b) Encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative means of transportation for City residents and businesses. 2) Encourage energy efficient housing that exceeds the minimum efficiency levels required in the State building codes a) Protect solar access for homes and businesses. b) Promote the use of renewable energy systems on housing and in areas where such systems can be safely operated and produce a minimum level of visual impact. 3) Review the goals of the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. Implement GreenStep Cities Best Practices as appropriate Housing 1) Support a variety of housing types and densities for residential uses in and surrounding the Village Center and other areas where appropriate. a) Encourage residential development in areas where sufficient infrastructure capacity can be provided. b) Offer density bonuses for development providing senior housing, lifecycle housing, or work with property owners on the transfer of development rights. 2) Expand life -cycle housing opportunities for residents at all points of life. a) Encourage residential buildings to be designed for accessibility in order to meet the needs of current and future owners. b) Continue to work with the Washington County Community Development Agency to identify opportunities for providing additional affordable senior housing in the Village Center. 3) Encourage a range of housing choices that fit with the character of the community a) Review current development ordinance for districts to allow smaller lot sizes or higher densities while respecting the rural character and land uses. b) Encourage Open -Space Cluster housing development and Lot Averaging development. c) Continue to monitor the general condition of the housing stock, with a special focus on the physical condition of the older housing. Economic Development 1) Concentrate on retaining and expanding local businesses in and around the Village Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 5 Center and existing Rural Commercial districts. a) Strengthen public services to attract and retain businesses and workforce. b) Identify and allow in -fill development opportunities for business expansion c) Promote new businesses that create synergy with existing businesses and overarching goals. d) Use outreach/branding initiatives to retain businesses and employment in Scandia. e) Cooperate with businesses, educational institutions, community organizations, and government to provide information to local businesses. f) Create development and land use standards to guide development into the Village Center and away from a linear pattern along the highways or undeveloped rural intersections. g) Encourage businesses providing local services, as well as tourism and recreation businesses in the Village Center. h) Work with building owners to maintain and upgrade building facades and properties consistent with the Village Center's small town image and historic character. i) Encourage public and private investment in community -oriented institutions including the community center and city hall, church, cemeteries, and Gammelgarden. 2) Actively support the retention and expansion of Scandia community -scale agricultural operations a) Work cooperatively with other governmental agencies and community groups to develop programs to help keep agricultural land affordable in Scandia. b) Update ordinances and regulations to facilitate growth of small scale agricultural uses. 3) Encourage home-based entrepreneurs and businesses a) Identify opportunities to encourage home-based businesses to transition to a storefront when its market is adequately developed. b) Review standards to support home occupations while ensuring compatibility with surrounding land uses. 4) Expand access to internet services throughout the entire City. a) Encourage internet providers to expand service areas and bandwidth throughout the City. b) Explore potential opportunities for public investment or grants to expand internet capabilities. c) As development or redevelopment occurs, support the addition of infrastructure which will enable expansion of internet technology. Parks and Trails 1) Develop an effective planning approach to developing and maintaining parks and recreation areas and constructing and maintaining trails and routes to meet the needs Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 6 of City residents. a) Design and locate parks, recreation facilities, trails, and routes in a manner that best meet their purpose and the needs of City residents. 2) Develop a close working relationship with other agencies and groups to enhance the parks and recreation facilities and develop trails and routes in the City. a) Continue to work closely with Washington County, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on more detailed planning efforts to insure the regional green infrastructure system is designed in a manner compatible with existing and planned development in the City. b) Coordinate with local park and trail interest groups in development, implementation, operation, and maintenance of projects. c) Promote volunteerism to enhance community ownership and stewardship of parks, trails, recreation programs, and services d) Promote Scandia's rural and recreational assets to encourage tourism. 3) Support the establishment of a network of public parks and public, multi -use, non - motorized trails, including the Gateway Trail, to provide outdoor recreation amenities and community -wide connections to serve the health and welfare of the City's residents. a) Emphasize the importance of making connections to regional trails, including the Gateway Trail, the Immigrant Trail, and the Hardwood Trail. b) Promote trail connection between Big Marine Park Reserve and William O'Brien State Park. 4) Use park search areas and recreational facilities search areas and other natural resource information to guide and encourage park acquisition donations and potential site acquisitions when property becomes available. a) Evaluate property located in park and/or recreational facility search areas for purchase, lease, or easement to augment the existing Park System, if and when it becomes available. Transportation 1) As new development or redevelopment occurs, provide an integrated, internally - connected, efficient street system connecting village and higher density neighborhoods to the Village Center. a) Discourage the creation of permanently long streets with only a single access point (i.e., dead-end streets, looping streets and elongated cul-de-sacs). b) Encourage design and land uses that support a range of transportation choices. c) Guide future development to roadways capable of accommodating resulting traffic. d) Develop roadways and street systems with consideration for safety, speeds, congestion, impact, noise pollution and protection of natural resources. 2) Establish context -sensitive roadway design standards that will protect the narrow and heavily wooded character of identified low -traffic roadways. a) Protect scenic rural roads, viewpoints and vistas identified through the planning Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 7 process from visually intrusive or incompatible development. 3) Maintain Scandia's system of local roadways that is well coordinated with MnDOT and Washington County roadways. a) Develop a capital improvement program to ensure adequate funding for priority roadway concerns. b) Cooperate with County and State jurisdictions to keep through -traffic on arterials at minimum disruption of local circulation and residents. c) Through the subdivision review process for new developments, require that MnDOT and Washington County access management guidelines are met for roadways under the jurisdiction of those agencies. 4) Encourage the use of non -automotive modes of transportation. a) Use road design standards to develop a system of bike and pedestrian friendly streets to complement recreational trails. 5) Support the development of regional and local transit options. a) Support efforts to provide more efficient delivery of dial -a -ride services for Scandia residents, including but not limited to efforts to utilize the Village Center as a focus of service. 6) Preserve the safety of regional air traffic a) Notify MNDOT Aeronautics of any structure of a height of 200 feet above the ground b) Address Federal and State safety standards when planning the design of any object related to or affecting navigable airspace. C. Background/History of the Community 1. History of the City The City of Scandia is the site of the first Swedish settlement in Minnesota. In 1850, three young men from Vastergotland, Sweden — Carl Fernstrom, August Sandahl, and Oscar Roos — settled on the shores of Hay Lake in what is now the City of Scandia. Building a cabin to make it through the winter, the men looked to move on and sold their cabin to Daniel Nilson. Eventually Sandahl would return to Sweden, Fernstrom would travel to California in search of gold, and Roos settled further north in Taylor Falls. A monument now stands near the site of this first log house. Many immigrants, a majority of them Swedish, settled in the area in the early 1850s, among them Nels Johan Johnson. Johnson was instrumental in the founding of what is now Scandia. According to Anna Engquist's book, Scandia Then and Now, another early settler was Olof Olin who came from the province of Medelpad, Sweden. When Olin arrived, he purchased land that comprised what became the original town of Scandia. Olin would eventually donate the land for Elim Church and cemetery in 1860, as well as other locations spread throughout the city. Scandia would eventually grow to incorporate a number of neighboring communities such as Vasa/Copas and Otisville, now marked only by a cluster of homes and the memories of older citizens. Elim Lutheran Church, founded May 19, 1854, was the most significant force in the community, to the point that outsiders found it hard to see where the church ended and the community began. As the State of Minnesota grew, it had relatively little impact on Scandia in either a social or cultural sense. Not until the 1930s did Scandia gradually allow for English to take over as the dominant language instead of Swedish. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 8 As Scandia moved from strictly rural to semi -rural, the city changed. Due to the Depression, banking moved out of Scandia and schools were consolidated so the country school was closed. Farms increased in size as industrialized farming took over, and better roads and state highways replaced the railroad, which eliminated the need for the station in Copas. As automobiles improved and became common, Scandia residents began to work jobs in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and metropolitan residents moved to Scandia in search of country living. The formal government of Scandia was first formed in 1893 when New Scandia Township was organized as a separate entity from Marine Township. Led by an elected town board of supervisors, and eventually commission, the township remained in control until 1972 when Scandia adopted the Washington County zoning code by reference. The County retained final authority in zoning and subdivision matters after review by the Township Planning Commission and Board until 1998 when the County required townships to provide their own building inspections. As a township, Scandia was vulnerable to annexation by surrounding cities and could not control land use to the extent the town desired. On January 1, 2007, New Scandia Township was incorporated as the City of Scandia. The first meeting of the new City Council was held on January 2, 2007. The City of Scandia adopted its first Comprehensive Plan on March 17, 2009. 2. Notable features and character of the community Scandia is known as a rural small town with a unique character and history. The historic village remains the center of social community activities. Gammelgarden attracts people to learn about Minnesota history and enjoy Swedish immigrant culture. Structures in the village are recognizable from old photos, and family farms can still be found within the City. 3. Natural resources and geographic features Scandia is home to several lakes and high quality wetlands. The St. Croix River runs along the east boundary of the City. Scandia also includes many areas of prime agricultural land. D. Process Descriptive data about the City of Scandia was gathered through a variety of sources. These data identified community assets, weaknesses, values, goals, and basic demographics of the city. • A series of public meetings and open houses was held between January 2017 and MONTH 2018 to review the various issues addressed within the Comprehensive Plan. A survey questionnaire was released online in the summer of 2017. The survey was partially funded by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership through a grant that was given to investigate and improve the access to healthy food in the area. Questions in the survey asked basic demographic data of the respondent, community assets and weaknesses, visions for the future, food access, and investment priorities. Approximately 391 responses were collected, yielding a 10% response rate. Survey responses are provided in Appendix D. • An interactive website was developed and remained active from January 2017 to DATE 2018. Residents could view the previous 2030 land use plan and stay informed about all public meetings and events regarding the comprehensive plan. All material from steering committees and open houses were provided online. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 9 A steering committee was formed to inform the overall comprehensive process, engage traditionally underrepresented communities, and guide policy goals and recommendations. The committee was comprised of key community leaders from public, private, and government spheres. The committee met three times throughout the comprehensive planning process and approved of the plan submitted to the City Council and the Metropolitan Council. Three focus groups were held in June 2017 to gain perspectives and gather information and insights from key stakeholders in the community. One group consisted of residents who were 55 years old or older, another group represented businesses and the agricultural community in Scandia, and the third consisted of students from Scandia Elementary School. The format for each of the three groups was the same; the moderator asked questions about the positive aspects of the City of Scandia, what the community is missing, and what you would like to see in the city in 20 years. Focus groups also brainstormed "big ideas" for the city, or what would you do in Scandia if there were no restrictions? These results are summarized in Appendix E. • Information about the Goals, Policies, and Recommendations section came from previous comprehensive plans, the 2017 survey, Commission/Steering Committee Discussions, public hearings, and review by adjacent communities and the Metropolitan Council. E. Regional Setting Scandia is located on roughly 39.7 square miles (25,425 acres) in Washington County. It is served by four A -minor arterial roads, TH 97, TH 95, CSAH 3, and CSAH 15, one major collector, CSAH 1, and three minor collectors, CR 15A, CR 52, and Keystone Avenue North. The city neighbors Forest Lake, Hugo, May Township, and Marine on St. Croix within Washington County, Chisago Lake Township and Franconia Township to the north in Chisago County, and Farmington Township across the St. Croix River in Wisconsin. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Introduction Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 10 II. LAND USE A. Land Use Goals and Objectives Goal: Preserve the rural, agricultural character of Scandia through zoning regulations, ordinances, and site design standards Obiectives• • Conduct development in a manner that is sensitive to the impact upon natural features and to environmental constraints, including but not limited to scenic views, surface water, wetlands, slopes, woodlands, vegetation, drainage ways, shorelands, and flood plain areas. • Coordinate with property owners, other governmental units and agencies, and developers to protect high quality natural areas and historic resources • Encourage low -impact development techniques in new developments. • Explore programs and development concepts that encourage creative methods to preserve rural character and natural resources. • Achieve compatible relationships between different types of land uses by utilizing design standards, appropriate buffers, land use transitions and high-quality design Goal: Manage land use to prevent the premature demand for extension of urban services and in ways that allow existing service levels to meet service needs. Obiectives• • Require that land proposed for development is served or will be able to be served with adequate infrastructure, including sewage treatment systems, streets, and storm water management systems. • Require all new development be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Goal: Ensure a variety of lot sizes to create affordable development opportunities to best meet the needs of residents and businesses in Scandia. Obiectives• • Encourage greater density where appropriate to preserve natural features and areas. • Ensure suitable land is available for potential commercial and industrial employment and business opportunities. Goal: Protect and encourage agricultural production to ensure it is a part of the community as a viable long-term land use. Obiectives• • Encourage a variety of agricultural operations, including small-scale metropolitan orientated agriculture, value-added production, and small scale agricultural -related commercial uses. • Encourage participation in the Agricultural Preserves Program through compatible zoning districts and educational materials and resources • Review current development regulations to allow compatible secondary uses such as low density residential, commercial recreation, and agriculture -related commercial in areas where agriculture is the predominant use. Goal: Allow for the safe and orderly extraction of aggregate resources now and in the future while protecting sensitive resources on or near those properties and providing for transitions to other uses when resource extraction is complete. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 11 Obiectives• • Implement performance standards for the management of existing mining operations in order to minimize or prevent negative impacts to resources and nearby land uses. S. Community Designation According to the Metropolitan Council, Scandia is designated as Diversified Rural in the Metropolitan Area. Communities that are part of this designation contain a variety of agricultural and non-agricultural land uses. These areas both protect rural, agricultural lands while offering potential for future development. On average, development density in Diversified Rural areas average to 4 units/40 acres. In the future, Diversified Rural communities could face land use incompatibilities should fixture development occur and urbanization expand. Some communities with the Diversified Rural designation are included in the long-term service area expiation of the wastewater system from the Metropolitan Council, but Scandia is not within that extension. Map: Community Designation Map from Metropolitan Council Community designations Outside Council planniN authority Fl g,ng Suhuban Sege AgncullYrdl Suburban Edg® Rural Residential Suburban 0—ifind Rural Ur"'" Rural Center ur-n 04UNY UWdlines LJ cit, am m nsw im na& lriasaM Mapr Rive�K While the Diversified Rural designation accurately describes the character and future vision for much of the city, it does not meet all of Scandia's needs or goals. Since the adoption of the last Comprehensive Plan, it has become evident there is a need and desire to focus development in specific areas of the city to both preserve agricultural and open spaces while fostering a sense of community and supporting both residential and commercial/economic development. To Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 12 achieve this, two areas of the City of Scandia have been proposed to be designated as Rural Centers. These locations are shown in Figure XX. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 13 Comprehensive Plan SCANDLA Fy soand+a,Minnesota maw a i F. . L Lft L Legend e - _J Cay Limas—Hlg1-Y County Boundary OMer Road PARCELS Future Land Use — Community Designation 1] Proposed Community Designation© BOLTON & MENK December 2017 Re,l Pl n_1salmions. Wisconsin 40 Rural Centers are local commercial, employment, and residential activity centers serving rural areas in the region. Proposed Rural Centers in Scandia are surrounded by agricultural lands and serve as centers of commerce to surrounding farm lands and the accompanying population. Rural Centers are expected to plan for forecasted population and household growth at average densities of at least 3-5 units per acre for new development and redevelopment. In addition, Rural Centers should strive for higher -density commercial uses and compatible higher -density residential land uses in the commercial core of the community to ensure efficient uses of existing infrastructure investments. The proposed Rural Center areas already serve as residential and commercial hubs for the City of Scandia and the region. By changing the Community Designation of these areas to Rural Centers, there will be a more formal acknowledgement of the role these areas already serve. These areas will be guided for higher density development and redevelopment, including residential, commercial, and retail, making use of existing infrastructure and services in these locations. This creates more opportunities for connected neighborhoods and commercial centers while preserving large, contiguous areas of Scandia for open space, agriculture, and outdoor recreational uses. C. Forecasts As of 2015, approximately 3,896 people lived in Scandia in roughly 1,518 households. Projected populations, households, and employment are detailed in Table 1, and historical populations, households and employment are provided in Table 2. Source: Metropolitan Council and American Community Survey Source: US Census Scandia experienced rapid population growth throughout the 1970s, increasing the city's total population 89% in 10 years, providing an average of 8-9% annual growth. Many factors contributed to Scandia's growth between 1970 and 1980, including the completion of Interstate 35, improvement of county and state highways, inexpensive land, conversion of seasonal cabins to year-round homes, and an influx of urbanites in search of a rural lifestyle. This also fueled residential development, increasing the number of households in Scandia at similar rates. From 1980 to 1990, Scandia saw continued growth, averaging about 3% annual population growth. Previous to this period of growth, Scandia's population was relatively stable if not declining, shifting from 941 in 1930 to 899 in 1950 as farm residents moved to more urban areas. Population growth in Scandia has gradually slowed in more recent decades. From 1990 to 2000, the population in Scandia grew 15% and only grew 6.5% from 2000 to 2010. Population projections continue growth into 2040; the City of Scandia is anticipated to add about 1,000 more residents by 2040. Likewise, the number of anticipated households is anticipated to grow, Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 15 but at a much lower rate than previously experienced. However, this will be influenced by the average number of persons per household, which has been decreasing region wide. While population and household saw the most growth between 1970 and 1980, employment in Scandia saw major growth between 1980 and 1990. Employment projections through 2040 show an average growth rate of 11% per decade, keeping pace with modest population projections. The ability of the City of Scandia to accommodate more employment will depend on the availability of services, expansion of mixed uses and commercial zoning areas, and flexible use of agricultural land to meet future market demands. D. Demographics 1. Age Figure XX shows the population of Scandia in 2015 separated by sex and age cohorts. The population of Scandia trends to be considerably older than the region. The dominant age groups within Scandia are 55 to 59 years olds at roughly 13% of the population and 60 to 64 year olds at 12% of the population. The number of youth in Scandia (under 20 years old) is also low, representing about 21% of the total population. Table 3 details the age distribution of Scandia residents in 2015. Figure XX: Population by Age and Sex Scandia Population Estimates by Age and Gender, 2015 Over 85 80 to 84 75 to 79 70 to 74 65 to 69 60 to 64 55 to 59 50 to 54 45 to 49 ❑Female 40 to 44 35 to 39 ■ Male 30 to 34 25 to 29 20 to 24 - 15 to 19 10 to 14 5to9 -- Under5 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% Source: 2011-2015 American Community Survey Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 16 Figure XX: Age Distribution Age Distribution, 2015 14% 12% 10% 8% 7.6% 6% 4.5/o ° 4.7% 4.9% 4.0% 3.9% ° 4% 3.3% 3.5/° 2% 0% ch o° 1� 1� 11 ` ti� 3� 1�5 o� J ae h` o,'o ��o '.6;'0 'e" 3 opo O a opo ti ti� 5.9% 5.6% 9.9% 12.8% 12.1% Source: 2011-2015 American Community Survey Comparing the median age in Scandia to surrounding municipalities and the State, Scandia is considerably older with a median age of 51.7 years. Median ages of nearby municipalities can be seen in Table 3. The only community near Scandia with a similar age distribution and median age is Marine on St. Croix. Stillwater has a median age 11.2 years younger and Forest Lake 14.5 years younger. Washington County as well has a younger median average by 12.8 years and Minnesota as a whole is lower by 14 years. Table 3 Municipality - Median Age Comparison Median Age Difference from Scandia Scandia 51.7 - Marine on St. Croix 51.5 0.2 Stillwater 40.5 11.2 Forest Lake 37.2 14.5 Washington County 38.9 12.8 Minnesota 37.7 14.0 Source: 2011-2015 American Community Survey. 2. Housing Tenure Scandia residents have a history of living in the community for several years. In 2015, over 62% of residents lived in their homes for more than 15 years. The largest group of householders had lived in their house for 6 to 15 years (about 32% of all householders). Scandia has higher proportions of residents living in their home for over 15 years, compared to the average for Washington County, shown in Table 4. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 17 Table 4 —Years Householder Has Lived in Unit, Percent of Total Households Years in Unit Scandia Washington County 1-5 years 6.3% 16.3% 6-15 years 31.8% 43.1% 16-25 years 25.3% 21.5% 26-35 years 19.2% 9.4% 36 years + 17.5% 9.7% Source: 2011-2015 American Community Survey 3. Household Size and Number As shown in Table 1— Forecasted Population, Housing, & Employment XX, there were approximately 1,476 households in Scandia in 2015, which is projected to increase into 2040. The number of households in Scandia has increased at a rate greater than the population for the last 45 years. This is due in part to the gradual decrease in the average number of persons per household, which is noted in Table 5. The average number of persons per household is also influenced by age and general socio-economic status of Scandia residents. Household type also influences the average number of persons per household. In 2015, the majority of households in Scandia consisted of families without children, shown in Figure XX. Approximately 20% of all households in Scandia have children, which aligns with Community Survey responses (See Appendix D). The large percentage of families without children is atypical; about 36% of households in Washington County are families without children. Figure XX — Household Types in Scandia Household Type in Scandia, 2015 3% ■ Families without children ■ Lived alone ■ Married families with children ■ Non -family households ■ Unmarried families with children Source: Metropolitan Council Tabulation of 2011-2015 American Community Survey Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Land Use Page 18 4. Race/Ethnicity of Population Table 6 shows the racial composition of Scandia residents in 2015. About 97% of Scandia's population identified as "White alone," with all other racial groups made up the remaining 3% of the population. About 8% of the city's population identified as Hispanic or Latino. * Table 6 — Race of Scandia Race Residents in 2015= Percent of Population White 97.2% Black 0.7% American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.9% Asian 0% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0% Some Other Race 0.4% Two or More Races 0.8% Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015 *American Community Survey data for 2011-2015 are estimates, meaning the margin of error, especially for small sample sizes, is high. As a comparison, only 1% of the city's population identified as Hispanic or Latino in the 2010 census. 5. Education Scandia residents are becoming increasingly educated. Since 2000, the number of Scandia residents age 25 and older with some level of college education has increased while the number of residents with a high school education or less has decreased. Highest Level of Education Obtained in Scandia Graduate/professional degree 8% 0 ° Bachelor degree 23% Associate degree 8% 13% Some college, no degree 24% 24% High school graduate o 32% Did not graduate high school 7% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% ■ 2015 ■ 2000 Summary • Scandia has an older population than the rest of Washington County. The ability of the city and the County to provide services will impact the ability of residents to age in place. • Scandia has a large number of two -person households, which is likely attributed to the large number of older residents. Only 1 in 5 homes in Scandia has children, which will impact schools, services, and future population growth of the city. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 19 • Scandia's population remains fairly homogenous, though the number of residents identifying as Hispanic/Latino has increased. • Residents are becoming increasingly educated, which may influence the desired types of employment and median household incomes. E, Existing Land Use A large portion of land in the City of Scandia is currently undeveloped, about 41% of total acreage in the city. The most prominent land use in the city is agriculture, making up about a quarter of land in Scandia. Open water makes up 14% of land in Scandia, and residential uses make up about 10% of the city's total land. Table 7 further details current land use in Scandia Table 7 — Existing Land Use Land Use Characteristics Gross Acres Percent of Total Agriculture 6,420 25% Extractive 197 1% Farmstead 219 1% Industrial and Utility 11 0.04% Institutional 47 0.2% Mixed Use Residential 13 0.05% Multifamily 3 0% Open Water 3,302 13% Park, Recreational, Preserve, and Golf 2,139 8% Retail, Office, and Other Commercial 35 0.1% Seasonal/Vacation 71 0.3% Single Family Attached 10 0.04% Single Family Detached 2,608 10.3% Undeveloped Land 10,352 41% Total 25,425 100% Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 20 Comprehensive Plan SCANDLA Fy soandia,Minnesota ng Land Use© BOLTON & MENK August2017 Reale P,Is,,_ •' --------- — — — — — — — — — — —------------------------------- P- ------- — — — — — ----------------� r � ! -m JIM _ ; • n M yfkv � 11 Wisconsin ji IF • I -I � - ` t I Legend Clry Lfmlta — HI9M1n'aY I � � - 1 ^� � r � II Oceady ee��aan mna, aeaa / /J '- C LandUseI - F —d E r B snq a F muy oeumea — P- R-1.1ar r ream Big Mann, Lake - S g y amee Gdf Course Y� B-qM ri ��. ..d�;—id; mea,a o Wae aa�a � I k -� �; � � — 1 J Ind—a end U110y y . ---------------------------------------- — — — — •—_- -g a0 l aeGWe,WfG.a.a.i Table 8 identifies the number of existing housing units in each land use category. I TrMLIMaI.Ml 0-1 4/40 Single Multi - 4/40 General Rural District 1/10 Family Family Acres Acres Development Net Net Density Land Use Number Number Gross Constraints (wetlands, Residential Units/Acre Residential parks, ROW, etc.) Acres of Units of Units A B C D H=C -D (A+B)/H Agricultural Core 210 0 6,925 1,121 5,803 0.04 General Rural 880 30 9,771 3,269 6,503 0.14 St. Croix River 60 0 760 321 438 0.14 Corridor Village 263 0 1,844 557 1,287 0.2 Neighborhood Village Mixed Use 65 0 313 174 139 0.47 Recreation Area 10 0 1,895 1,810 85 0.12 Protected Total 1 1,488 1 30 1 21,508 7,252 14,255 0.11 �ttys: //metrocouncil. orQ/Handbook/Files/Resources/Fact-Sheet/LAND-USE/Net-Residential-Density. asi)x Scandia's zoning code specifies maximum density for various residential development. Based on these requirements, Table 9 shows the number of housing units per acre that can be developed under current zoning regulations. Most large lot residential zoning districts require lots to be a minimum of two acres, and all zoning districts have a maximum lot coverage of 25%. Bonus densities in the Village Neighborhood District allow up to one dwelling unit per acre. This is done to make efficient use of existing resources in Village Neighborhood and to guide residential development to these areas to help preserve agricultural lands and open spaces from development. Table.- Land Use Category -. Density Units/Acres (Ordinance Standards) St. Croix River Corridor Area 4/40 Agriculture Core District 4/40 General Rural District 1/10 Village Neighborhood District 1/2.5 Village Mixed Use A District 1/2.5 Village Mixed Use B District 1/2.5 The zoning code for the City of Scandia provides a maximum lot coverage for commercial and industrial development. The Metropolitan Council has provided estimates for the number of employees per square feet in various employment types; rates range from 556 square feet per job at the low end (medical clinics) to 2,500 square feet per job at the high end (hotels). Using the city's lot coverage allowance as guidance, an estimate of jobs/square foot can be estimated to project future employment based on future land use designations and planned development. The Village Mixed Use A District allows a maximum lot coverage of 80%. The Rural Commercial District, Village Mixed Use B District, and Industrial Park District all allow a maximum lot coverage of 65%. F. Future Land Use Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 22 The 2040 Land Use Map shows the desired land use for all property in Scandia. Table 10 summarizes the planned land uses by category shown on the map. The planned future land uses shown on this map reflect previous community planning efforts as well as desired updates identified as part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update process. Table 10 — Planned Land Use Land Use Characteristics Gross Acres ;: Percent of Total Area Agricultural Core 6,925 27% General Rural 9,771 38% Mining 443 2% Rural Commercial 75 0.3% St. Croix River District 760 3% Village Neighborhood 1,845 7% Village Mixed Use 313 1% Park, Recreational Area Protected 1,895 7% Open Water 3,323 13% Railway 73 0.3% Total 25,423 100% Map: Future Land Use Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 23 - , Comprehensive Plan e . *j I - SCANDILA I Scandia, Minneson M Legend —m B—d Hig—Y Future Land Use M.11— �a.mlR mlM Proposed Future Land Use BOLTON IL M=rjV December 2017 - A-1 —pk. —1 S.I.i.n,. aftw� ---------- ------- V-- 97 Wisconsin The 2040 Future Land Use Map shows the desired land use for all property in the City of Scandia. Table 11 summarizes the planned land uses by category shown on the map, areas vacant and available for development, projected housing and employment needs (as projected in Table 2, Forecasted Population, Households and Employment), minimum lot sizes by each land use district and an anticipated allocation of the projected housing development between each of the land use districts. The planned future land uses shown on this map reflect previous community planning efforts as well as desired updates identified as part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update process. To meet projected housing needs, it is anticipated that homes will be developed in the following percentages in each respective land use district. Land Use Table 11 - Guided Land Use Acres mommi General Rural 2015 (Current) St. Croix River District 2020 Village Neighborhood 2030 Village Mixed Use 2040 Land Use Category o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 v v v a v v ami ami ami ami ami Acre Acre Acre Acre Acre Acre Acre Acre Agricultural Core 5,803 1,121 5,723 1,201 5,623 1,301 5,513 1,411 General Rural 6,503 3,269 6,212 3,560 5,882 3,890 5,632 4,140 Mining 271 172 271 172 271 172 271 172 St. Croix River Corridor Area 438 321 368 391 258 501 148 611 Rural Commercial 49 26 48 27 47 28 47 28 Village Mixed Use 139 173 124 189 97 216 60 253 Village 1,287 557 954 890 589 1,255 266 1,578 Neighborhood Wetland, Water, 0 3,323 0 3,323 0 3,323 0 3,323 Slopes, etc. Major Road ROW 0 73 0 73 0 73 0 73 Total 14,618 10,804 13,743 11,678 12,810 12,611 11,980 13,442 To meet projected housing needs, it is anticipated that homes will be developed in the following percentages in each respective land use district. Land Use Percent of Anticipated Housing Units Agricultural Core 5% General Rural 15% St. Croix River District 5% Village Neighborhood 70% Village Mixed Use 5% The following land use descriptions will be used for planning purposes and guiding future land use: a) Agricultural Core The Agricultural Core District is established to protect and preserve land for long-term agricultural production. It is anticipated that the nature of agricultural production will change in the future from traditional dairy farms to specialty agriculture and agriculture producing for local/metropolitan markets. Residential development compatible with agriculture (4 per 40 density) and parks will be a secondary land use in this district. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 25 b) General Rural The General Rural Area land use category is a residential area of mixed lot sizes. It recognizes areas of Scandia that have been developed in the past at ten acre or less densities and areas that have larger parcels still used for agriculture. The area includes 10 acre parcels, but also a number of existing smaller parcels and some parcels enrolled in the Metro Agricultural Preserves Program. Single-family residential dwellings will be the primary land use for the General Rural Area. Secondary land uses will include agricultural production including small-scale production, parks and recreation, and public and private institutions. Recreational commercial uses will be allowed as a conditional use. c) Village Center Mixed Use This land use category recognizes the significant contribution of the existing village center to the overall character of the community. New commercial, retail, and residential activity will be encouraged in order to develop and redevelop areas in the village center while maintaining the historic nature of the village center. Primary land uses in the Village Center Mixed Use Area will include commercial, office, retail, public and private institutions, civic buildings, light industrial, and parks and recreation. Residential will be a secondary use, including single-family homes, townhomes, and multi -family buildings. Multi -family buildings in the village center will achieve the goal of diversifying the housing options for younger families, seniors, and singles. Future lot sizes will be similar to the existing mix of lot sizes in the village center. In order to support these relatively small lot sizes, community sewer systems are anticipated. d) Village Neighborhood Area The Village Neighborhood Area is a planned extension of the Village Center, located adjacent to and north and west of the Village Center. This land use category designates growth areas surrounding the village and is intended to support single and multi -family residential uses on lot sizes reflective of the existing village lot sizes. The primary land use for the Village Neighborhood Areas will be small -lot, single- family residential uses. Public and private institutions, civic buildings, and parks and recreation uses will also be allowed. Townhomes and multi -family units will be allowed as an incentive for providing community value through agricultural land protection, life -cycle housing or natural resource protection. A community sewer system may be necessary in order to allow for lot sizes similar to existing village lots. By concentrating development in the Village Neighborhood Area, the City of Scandia hopes to protect agricultural and natural resource areas from development pressure. e) St. Croix River Corridor Area The St. Croix River Corridor Area recognizes the unique historical and natural resource aspects of the floodplain and bluffs of the shoreland area of the St. Croix River. This area includes historic crossroad and resort communities, parkland, river access, and areas protected under scenic easements held by the National Park Service. The mapped area east of State Highway 95 corresponds to land areas protected under federal wild and scenic river designation. The future of this area includes limited residential development that protects the natural and scenic shoreland areas, and public and private protected lands. New development in the St. Croix River Corridor shall be at a density of 4 units per 40 acres. Smaller lots may be permitted through the use of open space conservation Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 26 subdivisions, but must still not exceed maximum densities (no bonuses). Viewsheds should be considered and protected in the siting of structures and driveways. f) Rural Commercial The Rural Commercial future land use area is intended to support commercial development in places of historic commercial activity. These areas are the only commercial areas anticipated outside of the Village Center and are intended not to compete with, but rather complement, Village Center commercial uses. Rural Commercial areas are designated at the historic commercial nodes of the Big Marine Store, Copas/Abrahamson Nurseries, Otisville, and the intersection of Highways 95 and 97. Commercial uses reflecting the historic nature of the community and compatible with the surrounding rural character will be allowed on lot sizes of at least 2 acres. Because this future land use area builds upon historic character, commercial building design standards shall reflect the historic nature of the community. g) Recreation Area Protected The Recreation Area — Protected land use category includes publicly -owned lands permanently protected from development. This designation recognizes that these areas will continue to be used for recreation or open space only and not developed. If recreation facilities are developed within these areas, priority natural resource areas shall be protected. In addition, priority natural resources should be restored and enhanced wherever possible within protected recreation areas. h) Mining The Mining Area includes areas in the City of Scandia with active, permitted mining operations. Mining activity is anticipated to continue in these areas in the future. Mining uses must comply with local and state extractive use regulations and reclamation shall restore the topography and natural resources of the site to a level such that the land is suitable for the planned future land uses such as agriculture or residential. The following overlay districts will also guide land uses in specific, sensitive areas: • Agriculture Preserves Overlay District (AP) The Agricultural Preserves Overlay plans for the continuation of the Agricultural Preserves Program is Scandia. This overlay is intended to encourage the continuation of agriculture through ensuring the availability of the Program to qualifying agricultural landowners. The Agricultural Preserves Overlay lies over the two primary agricultural future land use areas: the Agricultural Core Area and the General Rural Area. The Agricultural Preserves Overlay allows individual property owners within Scandia to continue to participate in the Agricultural Preserves Program. This voluntary program for landowners within the seven county metropolitan area allows individuals to place their properties under a restrictive covenant committing their property to agricultural use in exchange for certain benefits. These benefits include a special tax rate calculated based on agricultural value rather than market value, a property tax credit, protection of normal farm practices, and protection against special assessments for public improvement projects. While the underlying zoning districts (Agricultural Core Area and General Rural Area) allow 4 dwellings per 40 acres, parcels enrolled in the Agricultural Preserves Program and located within the Agricultural Preserves Overlay shall be allowed only 1 unit per 40 acres. • Lakeshore Traditional Overlay Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 27 The Lakeshore Traditional Overlay Area includes existing shoreland areas with traditional patterns of small lot development. Expansion of traditional small lot lakeshore development areas is not anticipated. Single family residential and parks and recreation are the primary land uses in the Lakeshore Traditional Overlay Area. Densities in the overlay area must conform to the current City of Scandia Shoreland Ordinance. According to the Shoreland Ordinance, Big Marine, Bone, Sylvan, and Goose Lakes have 2.5 acre minimum lot sizes with a minimum 150 foot lot width for Tier 1 riparian lots. Natural Environment Lakes, other than Goose Lake, have a minimum 5 acre lot size with a minimum 300 foot lot width for Tier 1 riparian lots. The dimensions of Tier 2 non -riparian lots are controlled by the underlying zoning district. • Lakeshore Conservation Overlay The Lakeshore Conservation Overlay Area includes all Shoreland areas that are largely undeveloped. Lakeshore Conservation Overlay Areas will protect sensitive lakeshore areas where development would result in relatively large negative impacts to natural resources. Single-family residential dwellings and parks and recreation will be the primary land uses in the Lakeshore Conservation Overlay Areas. Development will be allowed at a density of eight units per 40 acres, and open space conservation subdivisions meeting the standards in the current zoning ordinance will be encouraged in these areas. Minimum lot setbacks and lot dimensional standards that exceed the minimums in the Lakeshore Traditional Overlay Area shall be established for Tier 1 riparian lots. 2. Density Calculations Based on the above future land use plan and land use calculations, residential and commercial land use requirements have been calculated to help Scandia plan for and meet Metropolitan Council projections for population, households, and employment. Residential calculations are detailed in Table 13 and commercial calculations are detailed in Table 14. Residential To meet forecasted 2040 population and household projections, the City of Scandia will need to add 582 housing units by 2040. These calculations show the number of acres needed to accommodate all needed housing units in each zoning district. Residential development is anticipated to take place in all residential zoning districts in an orderly manner consistent with the staging plan, discussed below. These calculations do not include the density bonus available in the Village Neighborhood Zoning District. Actual acreage needed to accommodate future households and their locations will be influenced by market forces. Table 13 —Residential Density Calculations_ Zoning Districts Density Desired Number of Acres Current (2015) Permitting Residential (Units/Acre) Distribution Households Needed Developable Acres Use Agricultural Core 4/40 5% 29 291 5,803 General Rural 1/10 15% 87 873 6,503 St. Croix River Corridor 4/40 5% 29 291 438 Village Neighborhood 1/2.5 70% 408 1,019 1,287 Village Mixed Use 1/2.5 5% 29 73 139 Total 100% 582 2,546 14,170 Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 28 Commercial To meet forecasted 2040 employment projections, the City of Scandia will need to add 190 jobs by 2040. These calculations show the number of acres needed to accommodate all needed new jobs in each zoning district. Based on guided land use and available developable acres, Scandia has sufficient available vacant land to meet employment projections based on development in the Mixed Use (commercial/industrial) and Rural Commercial (commercial). Actual acreage needed to accommodate jobs will greatly depend on the types of businesses starting or expanding in Scandia. These calculations also do not include remote telecommuting, home occupations, or permitted employment opportunities in agricultural zoning districts, all of which will influence the number of acres needed to accommodate employment in Scandia. 3. Staged Development or Redevelopment The goal of the Staging Plan is to manage growth and guide the orderly and cost effective provision of infrastructure at a rate that is consistent with forecasted growth, at the same time responding appropriately to market conditions. The plan indicates the sequence of growth and anticipated timing. Table 15 shows the Staging Plan for the City of Scandia. One of the main desires of this comprehensive plan is to preserve and augment the community character and history in Scandia. To support the Village Center, the social and economic heart of the city, infill development will be encouraged in vacant or underutilized lots. This will help encourage a vibrant Village Center and surrounding residential neighborhoods while utilizing existing infrastructure, guiding development and redevelopment in an orderly manner. The expansion of Village Neighborhoods and Village Mixed Use zoning districts will occur as market conditions allow. The expansion of the Village Neighborhood zoning district west of Big Marine Lake will be contingent upon infrastructure repairs or upgrades. Several homes in this area are currently served by community sewer, which is aging and to the point of needing repairs. The City of Scandia is currently assessing options to best provide wastewater services to this portion of the city, discussed more in Chapter VI. Development in this area of the city should be aligned with future wastewater plans and investments. The City of Scandia will assess market conditions and land capacity to determine when the next staging area will be opened for development. The staging plan cannot force development to occur, but can be used as a tool to guide development appropriately. While there are legitimate reasons why cities should stage and time growth in an orderly and contiguous manner, there is nothing about adopting a staged growth plan that forces and private property owner to sell their land before they wish to do so. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 29 Density Range Current (2015) Zoning (Jobs/Acre) Desired Number Minimum Maximum Developable Districts Distribution of Jobs Acres Acres Minimum Maximum Acres Village 14 62.4 75% 143 2.3 10.2 139 Mixed Use Rural 11.4 50.7 25% 48 0.9 4.2 49 Commercial Total - - 100% 190 3.2 14.3 188 3. Staged Development or Redevelopment The goal of the Staging Plan is to manage growth and guide the orderly and cost effective provision of infrastructure at a rate that is consistent with forecasted growth, at the same time responding appropriately to market conditions. The plan indicates the sequence of growth and anticipated timing. Table 15 shows the Staging Plan for the City of Scandia. One of the main desires of this comprehensive plan is to preserve and augment the community character and history in Scandia. To support the Village Center, the social and economic heart of the city, infill development will be encouraged in vacant or underutilized lots. This will help encourage a vibrant Village Center and surrounding residential neighborhoods while utilizing existing infrastructure, guiding development and redevelopment in an orderly manner. The expansion of Village Neighborhoods and Village Mixed Use zoning districts will occur as market conditions allow. The expansion of the Village Neighborhood zoning district west of Big Marine Lake will be contingent upon infrastructure repairs or upgrades. Several homes in this area are currently served by community sewer, which is aging and to the point of needing repairs. The City of Scandia is currently assessing options to best provide wastewater services to this portion of the city, discussed more in Chapter VI. Development in this area of the city should be aligned with future wastewater plans and investments. The City of Scandia will assess market conditions and land capacity to determine when the next staging area will be opened for development. The staging plan cannot force development to occur, but can be used as a tool to guide development appropriately. While there are legitimate reasons why cities should stage and time growth in an orderly and contiguous manner, there is nothing about adopting a staged growth plan that forces and private property owner to sell their land before they wish to do so. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 29 Outside Urban Service Average Density Existing 2020 Area Range Housing (2015) 2030 2040 Residential Units/Acre Acres Units Acres Units Acres Units Acres Agricultural Core 0.1 5,803 8 80 10 100 11 110 General Rural 0.1 6,503 29 291 33 330 25 250 St. Croix River Corridor Area 0.1 438 7 70 11 110 11 110 Village Mixed Use 0.4 1,287 5 13 10 25 14 35 Village Neighborhood 0.4 139 133 333 146 365 129 323 Non -Residential Estimated Employment/Acre Acres Jobs Acres Jobs Acres Jobs Acres Village Mixed Use 14 62.4 111 60 2.6 52 2.3 30 1.3 Rural Commercial 11.4 50.7 32 20 1.1 18 1 10 0.5 G. Natural Resources Scandia's original vegetation was the result of glacial processes that created the topographic landscape features and soil types. As the landscape was modified during settlement and development, most areas with soils suitable for crop production were cleared for planting. Natural areas on steep slopes, hydric soils, and poor soils were left alone or used as pasture. This has led to Scandia's current landscape - a mosaic of agricultural lands, residential and commercial development, and areas of natural vegetated cover. As development continues, plans to manage fixture growth should be based on a thorough understanding of the natural resources within the city's boundaries. The purpose of this section is to summarize available information regarding natural resources in the City of Scandia and to discuss the relationship between natural resources and land use planning. Water resources, such as lakes, rivers, and streams, are discussed in detail in Chapter 6. 1. Aggregate Resources In 2000, the Metropolitan Council, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Geological Survey collaborated on an aggregate resource inventory of the seven -county metropolitan area. The inventory identified and categorized likely areas of dolostone deposits, and sand and gravel deposits. Areas identified as "dolostone" represent significant potential deposits of Prairie du Chien dolostone suitable for crushed aggregate with less than 10 feet of overburden. The sand and gravel deposits are classified into three categories according to type and quality (based on percent of gravel content), thickness of deposit, amount of overlying material, relationship to water table, and reliability of the Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 30 mapping. Table 16 summarizes the estimated areas of the dolostone deposits and the categories of sand and gravel deposits found in the City of Scandia. Aggregate resource deposits are shown on Figure XX: Future Land Use Map. DepositsTable 16 — Acreage of Known Deposit Type Size (in acres) Dolostone 62 Sand & Gravel Deposit, good to excellent quality 649 Sand & Gravel Deposit, moderate to good quality 254 2. Regionally Significant Natural Areas The MN DNR completed an analysis of regionally significant Terrestrial and Wetland Ecological Areas in the seven county metropolitan area in 2004. The analysis assessed remaining forest, grassland, and wetland areas. The scores were determined by examining important ecological attributes of the natural areas, including size, shape, cover type diversity, and adjacent land use. This analysis was included in the previous comprehensive plan and is maintained here to inform and guide the city's land use, as protecting natural resources is one of the city's four overarching goals for the future. These areas are shown in Figure XX. (Page 26 of previous plan) H, Special Resource Protection 1. Agriculture Preserve The Agriculture Preserves District (AP) plans for the continuation of the Agricultural Preserves Program is Scandia. This overlay district is intended to encourage the continuation of agriculture through ensuring the availability of the program to qualifying agricultural landowners. While Scandia plans for long-term agriculture through the use of this overlay, it is the choice of a landowner to enroll in the Agricultural Preserves Program. Participating parcels are shown in Figure XX. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 31 i sc'n.w., � ryrx T _ . _ ;r —. 3 =1 ,I J.- Ix ... 77 �.... -- .. _ r J - �"-- I I, _I� I J 3 t Properties Enrolled in Ag Preserve Program 2. Historic Protections a) National Register of Historic Places John Copas House: The John Copas House was built in 1880 on the site of an 1857 homestead. It was the home of John Copas, an early settler, merchant, and farmer. John was also a founding member of the Copas community. The home is currently used as a single family dwelling. It is located in the southeast corner of Scandia on Highway 95. Johannes Erickson House: The Johannes Erickson House is a log dwelling with a gambrel style rook. The house was built in 1868 by Swedish immigrant Erickson. The house is part of the Gammelgarden Museum. Hay Lake School: The Hay Lake School is a brick school with bell tower. The school was built in 1895 by Scandia residents and was Scandia's first school. Hay Lake School served as the community's school until services were moved to Elim Church. The building is currently run by the Washington County Historical Society as a museum and is located on County Road 3 and Old Maine Trail. b) Historic Settlements Scandia Village Center: The Village Center is literally and figuratively the heart of the community. The street pattern is characterized by triangles formed by converging major roads at a high point between valleys, interconnected by a grid of local streets. Local landmarks include historic commercial buildings, Elim Lutheran Church and cemetery, and the Gammelgarden Museum. Cultural and civic activities focus on the same buildings as well as the Community Center and park. The Village Center is architecturally diverse with a variety of early 20th-centiry commercial building types, the barn -like museum and its outbuildings, and the Gothic Revival style of the church, Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 32 built in 193 1. The formal gardens of the Elim Cemetery offer an attractive site for community events. Copas: Once a free-standing village centered on a Soo Line railroad depot (the railroad between the Twin Cities and Duluth), Copas is now a largely residential hamlet with a few commercial buildings fronting State Highway 95. The majority of the remaining buildings are located on a number of tree -lined residential streets that parallel the St. Croix River. Former Hamlets and Historical Localities: Otisville, Big Lake, and Panola (a post office located just north of the city boundary) were all rural settlements of the region, but few traces of these communities remain. The Log House Landing site near the former hamlet of Otisville, where Swedish immigrants disembarked from steamboats in the 1850s, remains as a public water access. The Big Lake School and Goose Lake School sites also remain, harkening to Scandia's and the region's history. I, Resilience Resiliency in planning and development helps to ensure the prosperity, livability, equity, and sustainability of a community for future generations. Resilience planning focuses on all aspects of community, ensuring the economy, the environment, and social/living conditions are vibrant and upheld through adversity. 1. Resilience Goals and Policies Goal: Encourage the use of renewable, local and diverse forms of energy in order to increase use of local resources, mitigate the local risk from fossil fuel scarcity and price increases, and help meet Minnesota's climate protection goals. Objectives: • Encourage the use of alternative renewable heating fuels as bio -mass while establishing standards to limit nuisances associated with such systems. • Encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative means of transportation for City residents and businesses. Goal: Encourage energy efficient housing that exceeds the minimum efficiency levels required in the State building codes Objectives• • Protect solar access for homes and businesses • Promote the use of renewable energy systems on housing and in areas where such systems can be safely operated and produce a minimum level of visual impact. Goal: Review the goals of the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. Implement GreenStep Cities Best Practices as appropriate 2. Solar The Metropolitan Land Planning Act (Minnesota Statues 473.859, Subd. 2) requires local comprehensive plans to include for the protection and development of access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Within Scandia's development code, the administration chapter details the allowance of variances in regards to solar access. § 6.4.7 reads, "Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems." Also, the subdivision regulations, in § 13.2.7, states "All new subdivisions, where appropriate, should be designed to accommodate use of passive and active solar energy systems with special attention given to street, lot and building orientation." Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 33 According to the Metropolitan Council, Scandia has the following solar potential, detailed in Table 17. These calculations assume a 10% conversion efficiency and current (2016/17) solar technologies. The average home in Minnesota consumes between 9 and 10 Mwh/year (Solar Energy Industries Association; US Energy Information Administration). Using only Scandia's rooftop generation potential, between 2,778 and 3,086 homes could be powered by solar energy annually. Table 17 — Solar ResourceL&WLIations Gross Potential Rooftop Potential (Mwh/yr) (Mwh/yr) Gross Generation Potential (Mwh/yrZ) Rooftop Generation Potential (Mwh/yrZ) 51,157,938 277,765 5,115,793 27,776 Source: Metropolitan Council These calculations done by the Metropolitan Council are not necessarily an absolute number. Due to limitations in data and maps, some areas may be left out from gross and rooftop potential. These numbers should be interpreted as a baseline; if more accurate numbers are desired, the Metropolitan Council advice a more extensive, community -specific analysis of solar development potential for both solar gardens and rooftop or accessory use installations. On average, communities would be able to expect between 30% and 60% of total energy used to be able to be generated by solar rooftops. The rooftop potential estimated here does not consider ownership, financial barriers, or building -specific structural limitations. Solar potential in the City of Scandia is displayed in Figure XX. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 34 Map: Solar Potential Map Gross Solar Potential City of Scandia, Washington County Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Gross Solar Potential (Watt-hours per Year) High : 1270533 Low' 900001 - Solar Potential under 900,000 watt-hours per year JCounty Boundaries CdyandTownship Boundaries Wetlands and Open Water Features Source: University of Minnesota U -Spatial Statewide Solar Raster. Land Use Page 35 3. Minnesota GreenStep Cities In May 2014, the mayor and City Council approved a resolution to make Scandia a GreenStep City through the MPCA and League of Minnesota Cities' program. As of 2017, the city has implemented 11 actions for four best management practices: buildings and lighting, land use, environmental management, and economic and community development. Scandia is currently a Step 1 City. Buildings and Lighting — Scandia has implemented two actions in efficiency in building operations and lighting. The city has earned two stars for entering building information in the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking database, allowing the city to track their monthly energy and water use in all city -owned buildings. Scandia has also earned one star for the use of a solar -powered light on the flag pole of the Veterans Memorial in Lilleskogen Park. • Land Use — The city has implemented three actions regarding comprehensive plans and two practices for natural resource conservation design. In comprehensive planning, the Scandia has earned one star for adopting a comprehensive, long-range land use plan and another star for updating its zoning code and ordinances with the comprehensive plan. The city has also earned two stars for adopting the Carnelian -Marine St. Croix's watershed plan and for entering agreements with May Township and Osceola, WI. Scandia provides fire services to a portion of May Township, and Scandia entered a mutual aid agreement with Osceola in 2009. In natural resource conservation design, the city has earned two stars for implementing and Open Space Subdivision process that allows development to occur while preserving woodlands, natural corridors, agricultural land, open space, and significant natural resources. Scandia has also earned two stars for adopting a Woodland and Tree Preservation Plan requirement in the City Code. A Woodland Preservation Plan is required whenever significant trees or woodlands exist in a proposed construction zone. • Environmental Management — Scandia has implemented two actions for this best management practice. The city earned two stars for adopting a shoreland overlay district with shoreland management regulations. Scandia also earned one star for contracting with a service provider to provide single -sort curbside recycling for all Scandia households. Economic and Community Development — The city has implemented two actions for this best management practice area. Scandia has earned two stars for adopting a solar farm and community solar garden ordinance, which has resulted in four solar farms being approved for construction. The city has also earned two stars for partnering with the Gammelgarden to bring a Farmer's Market to Scandia. This effort helped bring fresh, locally grown produce to residents while creating an enjoyable, safe community event in the cultural/social heart of Scandia. As Scandia plans for the future, it will continue to consider GreenStep City Best Managemet Practices as they relate to the goals and objectives of this comprehensive plan. J. Economic Competiveness Minnesota Statutes §473.859 Subd. 1 states that local comprehensive plans "shall contain objectives, policies, standards, and programs to guide... redevelopment and preservation for all lands and waters within the jurisdiction of the local governmental unit." This comprehensive plan will address this requirement through the implementation chapter at the end of the plan. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 36 The following sections detail basic background information on employment and income to provide current conditions for the community and to summarize public comments from the community survey, focus groups, and open houses relating to economic development. 1. Employment in Scandia Figure XX shows the historical employment in Scandia from 1970 through 2016 and projected employment to 2040. Employment in Scandia peaked in 2011 with 620 employees. Projections show employment increasing in Scandia considerably in the next 20 years, projecting to add 190 jobs by 2040. However, this is contingent on the ability of businesses and industries in the city to support employment growth as well as the ability of the city to support new and growing businesses. Figure XX: Historical and Projected Employment in Scandia 800 700 600 500 400 Employment in Scandia (historical and projected) 387 300 272 200 100 40 50 o 0 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2020 2030 2040 Source: Metropolitan Council Tabulation of US Census and American Community Survey Data 730 rlan Figure XX: Employment by Industry Employment by Industry in Scandia, 2015 Transportation and Warehousing J 1% Public Administration 6% Professional and Technical Services N 2% Construction 10% Health Care and Social Assistance 11% Educational Services 21% All Other Industries Administrative and Waste Services = 4% 46% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Source: Metropolitan Council Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 37 Figure XX shows employment in Scandia by industry in 2015. Of Scandia's total 540 jobs, 46% fall into "All Other Industries," suggesting a diversity of jobs within the city. The largest single industry is Educational Services, which provides 21% of jobs located in Scandia. Health care and social assistance and construction make up the second and third largest single industries in the city, respectively. 2. Income Figure XX shows median household income in Scandia over the last 25 years. Median household income has increased in Scandia, with the largest increase between 1990 and 2000. These medians are nearly identical to Washington County median household incomes. Figure XX: Median Household Income $90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $45,915 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0 Census 1990 $80,556 $68,036 Census 2000 ACS 2006-2010 $84,130 ACS 2011-2015 Source: US Census and American Community Survey (Not Adjusted for Inflation) 3. Public Comments Appendices D and E provide detailed responses regarding community and economic development. In brief, Community Survey respondents identified businesses struggling in the low-density city as one of the top three challenges facing the city and commercial growth as the number one priority for the city for the next 20 years. Residents of Scandia want growth to match existing community character, supporting existing small businesses and the history of the community. There is also interest in exploring alternative agricultural opportunities, such as co-ops, and tourism as key elements of the city's economy. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Land Use Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 38 III. HOUSING As part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, the Metropolitan Council provides housing estimates for each community in the seven -county metropolitan area, based on the 2010 Census and the number of permitted units between 2010 and 2015. However, this level of analysis is only meant to provide a framework, and typically works best in larger communities. Given the small size of the City of Scandia, it can be difficult to obtain accurate data for housing units. To provide a more accurate picture of current housing conditions in Scandia, data for occupied housing units from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey (ACS) was used to provide a baseline for current housing conditions in Scandia. This was determined to be the most appropriate data to use, as it most closely aligned with Washington County property assessments in Scandia and focused solely on occupied units. There are a number of seasonal dwelling units in Scandia (i.e. cabins), but there is no consensus between data sources (US Census/ACS, Washington County, and the Metropolitan Council) as to how many seasonal "vacant" units there are in Scandia. This can be misleading, as seasonal units are counted as "vacant" even though they are owned and occupied for varying lengths throughout the year. Based on community experiences, the City of Scandia has very low to no vacancy rates for permanently occupied units. To help guide effective, community focused policies pertaining to housing in the City of Scandia, the city presumes there to be low/no vacancies within city limits. Seasonal housing units may or may not become permanently occupied in the future; this is the decision of the property owner, not the city. The City of Scandia will plan for and consider policies that do not assume any conversion of seasonal units into permanent residences, meaning development or redevelopment is assumed to be needed to accommodate all future households. This will ensure that enough land is reserved for residential uses in areas that are close to or are connected to existing residential areas and service, supporting orderly residential growth. Any conversion of seasonal units to permanent housing would ultimately decrease the number of new housing units and amount of land needed in Scandia to accommodate projected population growth. A. Housing Goals and Objectives Goal: Support a variety of housing types and densities for residential uses in and surrounding the Village Center and other areas where appropriate. Obiectives• • Encourage residential development in areas where sufficient infrastructure capacity can be provided. • Offer density bonuses for development providing senior housing, lifecycle housing, or work with property owners on the transfer of development rights. Goal: Expand life -cycle housing opportunities for residents at all points of life. Obiectives• • Encourage residential buildings to be designed for accessibility in order to meet the needs of current and future owners. • Continue to work with the Washington County Community Development Agency to identify opportunities for providing additional affordable senior housing in the Village Center. Goal: Encourage a range of housing choices that fit with the character of the community Obiectives• • Review current development ordinance for districts to allow smaller lot sizes or higher densities while respecting the rural character and land uses. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 39 Encourage Open -Space Cluster housing development and Lot Averaging development. Continue to monitor the general condition of the housing stock, with a special focus on the physical condition of the older housing. B. Existing Housing As of 2015, Scandia contained approximately 1,518 occupied -housing units, 98% of which are single family and 2% or which are multi -family. About 90% of the households (1,367 units) in Scandia are owner -occupied, compared to 10% renter -occupied units (151 units). About 37% of homes in Scandia are affordable to households with incomes at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). However, about 30% of households in Scandia experience cost burden. There are 40 subsidized units in Scandia, all of which are designated as senior housing. These and other housing conditions are outlined in Tables XX and XX. Table 6 — Housing Conditions Housing Units Number of Units Percent of Total Total Occupied Housing Units 1,518 100% — Owner Occupied 1,367 90% — Rental 151 10% Single Family Homes 1,488 98% Multi -family Homes 30 2% Existing households experiencing housing cost burden Publicly Subsidized 22 — Senior Housing 40 3% — Housing for People with Disabilities 0 0% —All Other Publicly Subsidized Units 0 0% Affordable Housing Housing Units affordable to households with incomes at or below 30% Area Median Income (AMI) 16 1% Housing Units affordable to households with incomes between 31 and 50% Area Median Income (AMI) 137 9% Housing Units affordable to households with incomes between 51 and 80% Area Median Income (AMI) 416 27% Source: Tabulation of American Community Survey Data, 2011-2015 Source: Tabulation ofAmerican Community Survey Data, 2011-2015 Housing affordability is an issue that every community needs to address. In Scandia, about 30% of all households experience housing cost burden, spending 30% or more of household income Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 40 Existing households experiencing housing cost burden 83 5% with incomes below 30% AMI Existing households experiencing housing cost burden 114 8% with incomes between 31 and 50%AMI Existing households experiencing housing cost burden 22 1% with incomes between 51 and 80% AMI Source: Tabulation ofAmerican Community Survey Data, 2011-2015 Housing affordability is an issue that every community needs to address. In Scandia, about 30% of all households experience housing cost burden, spending 30% or more of household income Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 40 on housing (shown Figure XX). About half of all cost burdened households have incomes at or below 80% AMI; the other half have incomes higher than 80% AMI. Housing affordability has become a growing concern in Scandia, detailed in Appendices D and E. Only 15% of all households experienced housing cost burden in 1990; in 2015, that percentage doubled to 30%. High housing costs can make it difficult for young families to move into the community or for older residents on fixed -incomes to age in their community. Percent of Housholds Experienceing Housing Cost Burden in Scandia 60% 50% 40% 33% 30% 20% 15% 14% 10% 0% Census 1990 Census 2000 48% 30% 30% 27% ACS 2006-2010 ACS 2011-2015 ■ All households experiencing cost burden ■ Owners experiencing cost burden ■ Renter households experiencing cost burden Source: US Census and American Community Survey 1. Housing Units Housing in Scandia is predominantly single family detached, which is characteristic of rural communities. Approximately 94% of the occupied housing stock in Scandia are detached single family, compared to 4% attached single family residences. There is a limited amount of multifamily housing in Scandia. Multifamily units make up roughly 2% of the city's housing stock with 0.6% of being duplexes, triplexes, and quads and 1.4% being larger, five units or more buildings. These data are noted in Table XX. Household Household Type Type Units Percentage Single -Family Detached 1,428 94% Townhomes (single-family attached) 59 4% Duplex, triplex and quad 9 0.6% Multifamily (5 units or more) 21 1.4% Total Households 1,518 Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015 As shown in Figure XX, over 70% of the city's housing stock has been built since 1970 with almost a quarter of all units being built between 1970 and 1979. About a third of Scandia's housing units were built in the last 25 years (1990-2015). The proportion of the city's oldest housing units, built in 1939 or earlier, has decreased from 19% of the city's total stock in 2000 to 12% in 2015. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 41 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% Year Structure Built by Tenure u I I L A05 y�'bP S� �OyO �O DO oe y�i ,moi y�i N Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015 ■ Owner ■ Renter There has been little housing development in Scandia since 2010, though the pace of development has increased in 2015 and 2016, shown in Figure XX. Most development since 2000 has been in single family, detached homes. New Housing Units Permitted by Scandia 160 - 140 - 120 - 100 80 - 60 — - 40 - 20 0 2000-2004 2005-2009 2010-2014 2015-2016 ■ Duplex, triplex and quad ■ Multifamily (5 units or more) ■ Single -Family Detached ■ Townhomes (single-family attached) Source: Metropolitan Council 2. Housing Demographics Table XX illustrates the distribution of owner -occupied and renter -occupied households in Scandia by age. The largest cohort of owners is the 55 to 64 year old cohort, making up about 34% of all homeowners in Scandia. This cohort also makes up the largest share of renter households, representing 42% of all renters. About 60% of all households in Scandia are owned or rented by residents age 55 or older. In contrast, approximately 6% of all households are headed by persons under the age of 35, and about 20% of all household are headed by persons under the age of 45. OIL Householder AgeOwners 0% Renters 15-24 - 0 25-34 53 28 35-44 132 23 0. 0` ti��O 1�hO ti Year Structure Built by Tenure u I I L A05 y�'bP S� �OyO �O DO oe y�i ,moi y�i N Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015 ■ Owner ■ Renter There has been little housing development in Scandia since 2010, though the pace of development has increased in 2015 and 2016, shown in Figure XX. Most development since 2000 has been in single family, detached homes. New Housing Units Permitted by Scandia 160 - 140 - 120 - 100 80 - 60 — - 40 - 20 0 2000-2004 2005-2009 2010-2014 2015-2016 ■ Duplex, triplex and quad ■ Multifamily (5 units or more) ■ Single -Family Detached ■ Townhomes (single-family attached) Source: Metropolitan Council 2. Housing Demographics Table XX illustrates the distribution of owner -occupied and renter -occupied households in Scandia by age. The largest cohort of owners is the 55 to 64 year old cohort, making up about 34% of all homeowners in Scandia. This cohort also makes up the largest share of renter households, representing 42% of all renters. About 60% of all households in Scandia are owned or rented by residents age 55 or older. In contrast, approximately 6% of all households are headed by persons under the age of 35, and about 20% of all household are headed by persons under the age of 45. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 42 Householder AgeOwners Renters 15-24 10 0 25-34 53 28 35-44 132 23 Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 42 45-54 342 20 55-64 448 63 65-74 311 17 75 or Older 71 0 Total Households 1,367 151 Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015 As noted in Table XX, Scandia has a high rate of homeownership, with about 90% of all housing units in the city being owner occupied. Figure XX shows historical homeownership rates in the city; the current homeownership rate in Scandia is estimated to be the lowest rate the city has seen in 25 years. Housing Tenure 100% 80% 60% 94% 94% ■Renter 40% ■ Owner 20% 0% 1990 2000 2010 2015 Source: US Census, American Community Survey 3. Housing Values 25% N 20% p 15% — a� ao ca 10% a� i a� 5% 0/o o 000000 X00 X00 �O� 000 X00 X00 X00 ote tF ram 00 00 00 00 00 00 Z 000 �e�� ti000 ti�� tih00 tiAll ti000 tiy00 3000 X000000 ■ Forest Lake ■Scandia ■ Washington County Source: Metropolitan Council Tabulation ofAmerican Community Survey Data. Housing values in Scandia are higher compared to other areas in the region. Scandia has higher values than both Forest Lake and Washington County, as shown in Figure XX. Scandia's median housing value is $293,700, compared to $230,100 in Forest Lake and the Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 43 County average of $243,600. About 13% of the city's housing market is valued below $200,000 while about 23% are valued above $400,000. While high home values can be beneficial to homeowners and the city, they can price out young families, lower -wage workers like teachers and health care assistants, and seniors on fixed -incomes. Map: Owner Occupied Units by Value Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 44 Owner -Occupied Housing by Estimated Market Value Scandia ■ ■o + r R ■ • l r Forest y • • + • ! ='� y,� ■ Ssandlia + • r ■ � Lake ■ �`t~ • j r S' to •rte �sf� • • ■ ■■• • } i-•_- a ■r I • • �� ■ 41■ • •■ • r■ •t • l M f ■• r; 1 o so 0 • I ■ ■ • ■ ■� ■ + • ■• ■ ■ r ' Marine om• • • j ■ ■ ■• ■ • • ■ ■ ■ ■ 5t. Croix Hugo • i ■• May Twp. ■• •� w ■■ . aE • • ■ i • ■ • • j •I • ■ •• ■ �� • i t ; i r 1 County Boundaries L- _ j City and Township Boundaries Lakes and Major Rivers Street Centerlines Owner -Occupied Housing Estimated Market Value, 2015 $23S,500 or Less $238,501 to $350,000 110 $300,001 to $450,000 • Over $450,000 M ETROPOLTTA N C C U N c 1 inch = 1.1925 miles 4. Source: MetpuGIS Rep iunaI Par oel Dalasel, 2015 estimated roar kel values for taxes payable in 2016. Note- Estimated Market Value includes only homesteaded units with a building on the parcel - Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 45 C. Projected Housing Needs Household Projections in Scandia 2,100 1,910 1,498 1,518 1,700 1,294 1,060 851 408 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Number of Households The City of Scandia is anticipated to see modest population growth to 2040, which is anticipated to be accommodated in roughly 1,000 more households. Exact housing needs and demand for new housing development will be influenced by actual population growth and average household size. The amount of land needed to accommodate new housing units will be influenced by several factors, including the desire of accessory dwelling units and the location of new units. Most of the city's housing growth is anticipated to take place in the Village Neighborhood zoning district, which permits higher density residential development than General Rural or Agricultural. Likewise, accessory dwelling units on existing lots can accommodate the city's projected population growth without greatly increasing the demand for developable land. Appendix D details housing needs and gaps identified in the 2017 Community Survey. Residential development was noted as one of the top priorities for the city for the next 20 years. Most survey respondents expressed a desire for mid-range, single-family homes on larger lots. When asked to identify gaps, the most common response was about the lack of senior or assisted living (45% of survey responses). As noted in Appendix E, focus group respondents expressed a desire for housing north of Highway 97, north/west of the current village center and around Big Marine Lake. There was interest in senior housing options, which ranged from care facilities to varying house sizes (smaller single family, townhomes) and lot configurations, such as accessory dwelling units. To accommodate projected housing needs, the Future Land Use plan expands the Village Neighborhood zoning district north and west, a reflection of both public comments and orderly, contiguous residential expansion. This zoning district accommodates smaller homes and smaller lot sizes, blending into the historical character of the Village Center. This zoning district also includes density bonuses for the development of life -cycle housing, meaning the housing units are designated for residents age 55 or older or are affordable to households with incomes less than 120% of AMI. Large lot, single family homes are the primary housing type permitted in General Rural, Agricultural Core, and the St. Croix River zoning districts to preserve the city's rural character. D. Affordable Housing Allocation Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 46 The Affordable Housing Allocation reflects the region's forecasted population that will need affordable housing. According to the Metropolitan Council's affordable housing allocation, Scandia's share of affordable housing need is 0 units, noted in Table XX. AffordableTable XX — At or below 30 AMI 0 From 31 to 50 AMI 0 From 51 to 80 AMI 0 Total Number 0 While the City of Scandia does not have an affordable housing allocation, there is a concern about the lack of affordable housing in the city, noted in Appendix D. High housing costs were identified in the Community Survey as one of the top three challenges facing Scandia. About 37% of existing housing units are affordable to households with incomes at or below 80% AMI. As mentioned in the previous section, Scandia offers a density bonus for the development of affordable housing (up to 120% AMI) in the Village Neighborhood zoning district. The City will work with developers and Washington County to inform residents of available programs and identify opportunities for implementation. E. Housing Implementation Plan Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 47 Table 9— Housing Implementation Housing Available Tool Opportunity and Sequence of Use Potential Goal/Need Partners Assist first-time homebuyers with Start -Up Loan financing a home purchase and down Minnesota Program payment assistance through a dedicated Housing loan program Assist homeowners in financing home Washington Home maintenance projects to County CDA, Improvement accommodating a physical disability Minnesota Multi- Loans Housing Generational Community Develop an ordinance permitting the Living ADU Ordinance construction of accessory dwelling units Property or guest homes in specific zoning Owners districts Work with groups and stakeholders to Senior advocacy develop guiding principles, frameworks, Program or and action plans to consider and groups or Framework incorporate the needs of older residents networks, into development decisions residents Assist homeowners in financing home maintenance projects like roof repair, Washington Home plumbing and electrical work, County CDA, Maintaining Improvement accommodating a physical disability, or Minnesota Existing Loans select energy efficiency improvement Housing Housing Units projects Subsurface Assist homeowners with noncompliant Washington Sewage subsurface sewage treatment systems County Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Housing Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 47 Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 48 Treatment System Repair Grant/Loan Encourage development of new housing Tax Increment units, redevelopment and/or Washington Financing infrastructure improvements through County CDA New Housing the creation of a TIF district Construction Provide gap financing for new or GROW Fund redevelopment projects affordable to Washington owner or renter households at or below County HRA 60% AMI Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 48 IV. PARKS AND TRAILS Future land use and development decisions need to consider the necessary infrastructure that will enable growth, protect community character and natural systems, and sustain Scandia as a community over time. Parks and recreation amenities and programs are a critical element to sustaining the community. Park, recreation, and open space goals need to be integrated with Scandia's land use, transportation, and economic goals. This section summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan, the Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report, and the Regional Park and Trail needs identified by the Metropolitan Council. A. Parks and Trails Goals and Objectives Four goals for Parks and Trails in Scandia have been approved by the City Council at the October 4, 2017 work session. These goals were developed from and are in support of the goals, policies, and strategies as identified in the 2006 Parks, Trails, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. Goal: Develop an effective planning approach to developing and maintaining parks and recreation areas and constructing and maintaining trails and routes to meet the needs of City residents. Obiectives• • Design and locate parks, recreation facilities, trails, and routes in a manner that best meet their purpose and the needs of City residents. Goal: Develop a close working relationship with other agencies and groups to enhance the parks and recreation facilities and develop trails and routes in the City. Obiectives• • Continue to work closely with Washington County, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on more detailed planning efforts to insure the regional green infrastructure system is designed in a manner compatible with existing and planned development in the City. • Coordinate with local park and trail interest groups in development, implementation, operation, and maintenance of projects. • Promote volunteerism to enhance community ownership and stewardship of parks, trails, recreation programs, and services • Promote Scandia's rural and recreational assets to encourage tourism. Goal: Support the establishment of a network of public parks and public, multi -use, non - motorized trails, including the Gateway Trail, to provide outdoor recreation amenities and community -wide connections to serve the health and welfare of the City's residents. Obiectives• Emphasize the importance of making connections to regional trails, including the Gateway Trail, the Immigrant Trail, and the Hardwood Trail. Promote trail connection between Big Marine Park Reserve and William O'Brien State Park. (Glacial Hills Regional Trail) Goal: Use park search areas and recreational facilities search areas and other natural resource information to guide and encourage park acquisition donations and potential site acquisitions when property becomes available. Obiectives• Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 49 • Evaluate property located in park and/or recreational facility search areas for purchase, lease, or easement to augment the existing Park System, if and when it becomes available. B. Existing Guiding Documents The 2006 Parks, Trials, Open Space, and Recreation Plan: In 2006 New Scandia Township completed and adopted the Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan. This document describes the current state of, and recommended improvements for, the City's existing "green infrastructure." The Plan includes a detailed inventory of existing green infrastructure, summaries of public and stakeholder priorities that affect the City's investments in and maintenance of its green infrastructure, planning priorities for meeting current and future park and recreation needs, and recommendations for specific parks, trails, and land acquisition to address existing needs or shortfalls. The plan included five park goals and seven trails goals, with multiple policies or strategies for each goal. The policies identified both general principles for creating and managing parks and trails and specific recommendations for tools to achieve park and trail goals. In addition to the goals, policies and strategies, the Park Plan identified specific improvements to existing parks, search area priorities for new parks, and a general prioritization of the local needs for different types of parks. This plan also addresses Scandia's regional park assets and recommend steps to enhance their functional use by managing land use, further developing City and regional trail systems, and adding new recreational amenities in or near these regional parks. Green infrastructure refers generally to those systems that allow for and sustain growth within the community, and improve the quality of life for existing and future residents. Green infrastructure is typically based on natural systems rather than the constructed systems that comprise `grey infrastructure"— roads, water and wastewater, energy and tele- communications, and other engineered systems. Green infrastructure includes some constructed infrastructure that is based on or works with natural systems, such as active recreation parks, trails, and works in conjunction with some built systems, such as stormwater management and conveyance systems that supplement the natural stormwater system. Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report: The Scandia City Council adopted the new Comprehensive Trail Plan in June of 2011. The plan was developed with the help of many Scandia residents, the Park and Recreation Committee, and the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails. Developing connections to and among Scandia parks and to regional trails are goals of the trail planning project, as well as identifying safe walking and biking routes to school and other key locations. The plan was funded by a grant from the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) through the Washington County Department of Public Health. C. Metropolitan Council System Statement The Metropolitan Council created a Regional Parks System Statement Scandia 2015. The System Statement identifies which regional park issues need to be addressed in the City of Scandia's comprehensive plan. No new regional parks are planned in Washington County by 2040, and no recent changes to the existing regional park system (which could require adjustment of the City's land use maps) are noted in the System Statement. The System Statement identifies one existing regional park - Big Marine Park Reserve - as well as two state lands - the Rustrum Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Falls Creek Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) - as Regional Parks Components in Scandia. Washington County has additionally called out William O'Brien State Park and the Glacial Hills Regional Trail search corridor in their 2040 comprehensive planning documents. Both of these facilities are located on the southeastern border of Scandia along Marine on St. Croix and Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 50 May Township. Thrive MSP 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan calls out the Glacial Hills Regional Trail search corridor running 12 miles, east -west between William O'Brien State Park and the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. The Plan also calls out the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a portion of which is located in the region (along the western border of Scandia). The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a unit of the National Park Service located on the St. Croix River and the Namekagon River in Wisconsin. The National Riverway includes the two rivers and their riparian areas and occupies the boundary between Wisconsin and Minnesota. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is maintained and managed by the National Park Service and the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources. The Metropolitan Council's 2005 Regional Parks Capital Improvement Program identified several priority acquisitions in 2006-7 to expand Big Marine Park Reserve, and a project scheduled for 2010-11 to develop a campground and related facilities in Big Marine Park Re- serve. These investments will likely result in increased use of Big Marine Park Reserve and will enhance the recreational value of trail connections or other local park and open space efforts connecting to the Reserve. D. Stakeholder Perceptions and Recommendations The resident survey showed an extremely strong interest in protecting the City's open space amenities, which include both the natural systems portrayed on the Open Space Plan map and the rural character associated with agriculture. Residents reported greater participation in individual recreation activities (jogging, biking, and fishing) than team or organized activities. The Plan did not report, however, any distinction between adult and youth preferences. The visioning discussion addressed how the different components of Scandia's green infrastructure interrelate. The visioning process included an identification of issues, listing of opportunities, and a number of recommendations. The recommendations for the Parks and Trails portion of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, as developed by the Parks and Recreation Committee are listed in the following section. The recommendations have been separated into four categories: Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Recommendations. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Community Survey (conducted in 2017) identified the following priorities with regards to parks and trails: • Walking/Biking/Horse Trails - 13% of survey respondents identified this as one of their top three development priorities for the City of Scandia (this is the second highest ranking after Commercial growth) • Outdoor Recreation - 9% of survey respondents identified this as one of their top three development priorities • Parks - 6% of survey respondents identified this as one of their top three development priorities 41% of survey respondents enjoy walking and do so daily within their neighborhoods. Approximately 22% of respondents stated that they would walk/bike more if there were more sidewalks/trails and approximately 24% said they would walk/bike more if local roads were improved for this use. The Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation portion of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan and identified the following updated recommendations for the 2040 vision for the City. These recommendations are summarized in the following list, divided by park, trail, open space and recreational facilities recommendations. Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Recommendations Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 51 Park System Plan a) Focal point of Scandia Community Center Park as central hub of parks network throughout township b) Increase active recreation at Scandia Elementary School area c) Identify where and what kind of park acquisition is desirable d) Identify appropriate use of existing parks Trail System Plan a) Support development of Gateway trail and identify connections b) Identify opportunities for new trail systems, trailheads, and rest stops within the community Open Space System Plan a) Protect stream corridors; link to promote preservation of open space b) Promote public awareness of value of open space and conservation easements Recreational Facilities System Plan a) Develop partnerships with local and regional recreation facilities (e.g. adjacent school districts, neighboring communities, and government agencies). E. Existing Parks and Trails 1. Regional Parks Regional parks generally serve populations within a one-half hour to one-hour travel time. They are usually in areas that exhibit highly valued scenic or natural qualities. In the Scandia area, many regional parks and open space relate to the Lower St. Croix River, lakes or natural communities. This section describes and maps the regional facilities in Scandia. Scandia has a state park, a county park reserve, two scientific and natural areas and a wildlife management area located within the city. Figure XX shows regional parks located in Scandia. Map: Regional Parks and Trails Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 52 Comprehensive Plan SCANDIA Scandia, Minnesota Regional Parks and Trail System O BOLTON November 2017 & MENK Real People. Real Solutions. Chisago County A 1 I 17 I Big Marine ALake Falls Creek i` Scientific Natural j Areas (SNA) 1 Park • Crystal Spring �� / Scientific and f - Natural Area (SNA) A 1 I 17 I Big Marine ALake 0 10,000 Feet Rustrum Wildlife Management Area (WMA) William O'Brien State Park Wisconsin Big Marine �•—••— —•• —••— Park Reserve Q Legend e Cr City Limits rim County Boundary Regional Parks Existing Bike Loop U.S. Trunk Highway MN Trunk Highway 0 10,000 Feet Rustrum Wildlife Management Area (WMA) William O'Brien State Park Wisconsin • William O'Brien State Park William O'Brien State Park is on the St. Croix River and it offers many recreation opportunities including biking, swimming, and nature interpretation. The park is located in the southeast and includes 16 miles of hiking trails. The park located 5 minutes from Scandia Village. Big Marine Lake Park Reserve Big Marine Park Reserve is owned and operated by Washington County, and located partially within the City of Scandia. The park was selected as a regional facility because of its excellent natural resource features, including the St. Croix Valley/northeast ground moraine and high-quality upland and wetland wildlife habitat. When completed, the park will be 1,800 acres, with 80 percent of its acreage set aside for preservation and protection. This 80 percent will eventually resemble the land as it was prior to the arrival of the settlers in the mid -1800s. Falls Creek Scientific Natural Areas (SNA) Falls Creek is a MN DNR owned 136 -acre scientific and natural area in Scandia. It represents one of the most diverse natural areas in Washington County. It is home to a myriad of Paleozoic rocks, steep ravines, pine and oak forests, and protection for wildlife. Many areas that have been destroyed are undergoing reforestation with seedlings grown from acorns collected at the site. Unique aspects of the park include a stand of virgin hardwood and white pine forest as well as numerous wildflowers like trilliums, rue anemone, and bellwort. Crystal Spring Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) Crystal Spring is a 38 -acre MN DNR site offering high quality scenic views, impressive steep cliffs, hiking, wildlife watching, photography opportunities, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. High quality native plant communities including red oak — basswood forest, exhibiting old-growth characteristics, carpet the rugged terrain. This site is included in an Audubon Important Bird Area within the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway providing bird watching opportunities. This SNA is located between the St. Croix River and County Rd. 95 (St. Croix Trail), approximately 3 miles east of central Scandia. There are no maintained trails or other recreational facilities. Rustrum Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Rustrum WMA is 24 acres, owned by the MN DNR, and located approximately three miles east of central Scandia on the St. Croix River. The WMA is accessible by water only with the nearest carry -in access located at Otisville, one mile downstream. The site is 83% open water and emergent vegetation marsh and 17% flood plain forest. This site offers unique boat access, hunting opportunities, and flood plain forest wildlife viewing. 2. Regional Trails Washington County has a 29.7 mile on -road bike loop identified through Scandia, Marine on St. Croix, and May Township. This loop runs along County Highway 15, Trunk Highways 97 and 95. This loop intersects another bike loop which connects to the Gateway State Trail at Pine Point Park (Stillwater Township). There are no other regional trails currently identified through Scandia. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 53 3. Local Parks This section describes and maps the existing local parks, trails, and recreation facilities in Scandia. Table XX highlights the available amenities provided by each park, shown in Figure XX. Map: Local Parks and Trails Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 54 Comprehensive Plan SCANDIA Scandia, Minnesota Legend Bone Lake Park (Undeveloped Open Space) MN DNR Boat Landing Bone Lake g Goose Lake Lot (Undeveloped Open Space) Lilleskogen Park Barton Johnson) _ Memorial Park ® Wyldewood Acres (Park Access) South Ball Field I t_ C h i s a g o Goose Lake Boat Landing C c v � Kirby Ave. Lot MN DNR Boat Landing ` Big Marine Lake Lions Park at Hay Lake Big Marine Langly Ct. Lake (Lake Access) �. .. _. 185th St. N. Q (Lake Access) Big Marine Park Reserve e _11 F" . I City Limits Regional Parks L-L.F GJ County Boundary Interstate Trunk Highway Scandia Parks U.S. Trunk Highway o z MN Trunk Highway Miles Swenson Goose Lake Estate Wayne Erickso� Memorial Ball Park . ........... FA ,'�T Wil Orwell L4 (Undevel Open Sp Swedish Se Monument Scandia Parks SystemO BOLTON November 2017 Real People. Real Solutions. /Falls Creek /Scientific Natural Areas (SNA) Wind in the Pines Park Crystal Spring Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) Rustrum Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Log House Landing Scandia Scandia Community Center T -Ball Field \Orwell Lot (Undeveloped Open Space) Wisconsin • Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St N. Located in Olinda Trail North, just south of the Village Center, the Scandia Community Center is a well -used facility with a community building that houses the township offices, banquet hall with kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, restrooms and outdoor recreational facilities on an 18 -acre site. The Community Center shares a parking lot of approximately 120 parking spaces with the Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park. There is a public works maintenance building on site. • Wind in the Pines Reserve, 22199 St. Croix Trail Wind in the Pines Park is thought to be one of the most diverse ecological areas left in Washington County by the Minnesota DNR. This 44 -acre site is located in the northeast corner of the Township along State Highway 95 across from Pilar Road. Bounded by the Falls Creek SNA to the north and the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway to the east, this parcel offers diversity of old growth forest and pristine prairies, providing invaluable wildlife habitat and unparalleled scenic value. There is a small grave lot off Highway 95. Trails are marked and maintained by volunteers for non -motorized pedestrian use. • Lilleskogen Park, 14600 Oakhill Road This 8 -acre park is located near the Village Center, with approximately half its area in wetlands. Parking and access are problematic off of Oakhill Road. There are no existing facilities on site. A few old footpaths remain. This park is currently undergoing restoration of the wetlands, in preparation for future development. This park was formerly known as Old Lion's Park. • Lion's Park at Hay Lake, 14001 Old Marine Trail Located at the intersection of Old Marine Trail and Olinda Trail North in the south central part of the city, this 7 -acre site has been updated with a park shelter, picnic tables, grills, lighting, and electrical hook-ups. Parking is available on the street. This site is adjacent to the Hay Lake School Museum and across the road from the Swedish Settler's Monument. • Barton Johnson Memorial Park, 20880 Olinda Trail Barton Johnson is a private neighborhood park located adjacent to the Gammelgarden Museum and across Olinda Trail from the Scandia Community Center. • Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park, 21398 Olinda Trail Formerly known as Scandia Lighted Ball Field, Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park is located on the west side of Olinda Trail/County Road 3, north of Scandia Trail/Highway 97. The site includes a concession stand and children's play structure. • South Ball Field, 20835 Olinda Trail The ball field is located just south of the Community Center, on the east side of Olinda Trail/County Road 3. • Scandia T -Ball Field, 14849 Oakhill Road North This ball field is located on the south side of Oakhill (County Road 52), east of Olinda Trail. • Swenson Goose Lake Estate This 1.7 acre parcel is part of the Swenson Estate Subdivision off of Oren Road North near the north central part of the city. There are no existing facilities on site. In 2016 the Soaring Eagles 4-H Club led a pollinator planting project on the parcel. • Log House Landing, Off 205th Street North- North of William O'Brien State Park Log House Landing is located off 205th Street North just east of Quinnell Ave in Scandia, and provides access to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. • Bone Lake Park (undeveloped open space) Located in the northwest corner of the city near Lofton Ave., this 26 -acre park is under approximately 60% wetland cover and supports the inlet to Bone Lake. It contains a DNR boat launch on the north side of Bone Lake with associated parking. Area Boy Scouts have Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 55 been given permission to establish trails in this park, but Bone Lake is currently under- utilized. • Goose Lake Lot (undeveloped open space) This 5 -acre parcel with lake frontage is located on Goose Lake across from boat launch, and is surrounded by single-family homes. The lot is not maintained and is currently undeveloped due to steep terrain. • Orwell Lot (undeveloped open space) Approximately 50% of this 2.5 -acre lot is covered in wetlands. There are no existing facilities on site. 4. Local Trails There are currently no local trail systems in Scandia. There is existing sidewalk along Oakhill Road N and Olinda Trail N in the Old Village Area. F. Proposed Parks and Trails 1. Regional Parks There are no new regional parks currently proposed within the City of Scandia. 2. Regional Trails The Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report outlines three city-wide trail loops, Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 56 Table XX — Park Amenities By Location L Lr V) L L --+ a) E N N Q Q N � pA c VI v L v E o O Ofv C v Q fC U_ p 4-1N Y ra O L N O 4-1 +J N ra J t10 U Ln 0 OC C m O E5 U L 0- UC N oC Y C 4M f6 Z U ++ Y (6 0c [o 4-i N X W O Parks Scandia Community Center 18 X X X X X Wind in the Pines Preserve 44 X X Lilleskogn Park (Old Lion's 8 X Park) Lion's Park at Hay Lake 7 X X Barton Johnson Memorial Park X Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park X X X South Ball Field X Scandia T -Ball Field X Swenson Goose Lake Estate 1.7 X Log House Landing X Bone Lake Park 26 X (undeveloped) X Goose Lake Lot 5 X (undeveloped) Orwell Lot (undeveloped) 2.5 X 4. Local Trails There are currently no local trail systems in Scandia. There is existing sidewalk along Oakhill Road N and Olinda Trail N in the Old Village Area. F. Proposed Parks and Trails 1. Regional Parks There are no new regional parks currently proposed within the City of Scandia. 2. Regional Trails The Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report outlines three city-wide trail loops, Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 56 a County trail, a rails -to -trails possible conversion, and connections to the proposed Gateway Trail. Applicable maps from the plan have been included at the end of this section. The following trail descriptions are excerpts from the Trails Master Plan: Three Major Trail Routes The major routes identified on the plan include the Big Marine Trail, Scandia/Marine Trail, and Scandia North or Bone Lake Trail. These trails are proposed to be on -road trails, designated by signage that will be developed by the Friends of Scandia Parks. The County and City will need to approve trail signage on their respective roadways. The major trail loops are assumed to be on -road trails that will primarily be used by bicyclists, but may also be used by pedestrians. Trunk Highway 97 Trail The planning group identified a goal to explore creation of an off-road trail along portions of Trunk Highway 97, from Odell Avenue to TH 95. The proposed off-road trail and TH 97crossings are particularly needed near Scandia Elementary School. The City would need to work with Mn/DOT to develop and fund this trail and the proposed crossings. Washington County has identified a potential trail segment along TH 97 from Manning Avenue to Lofton in its long-range trail plan. The County has not determined whether this would be developed as an on -road or off-road trail. • Soo Line Trail The Master Plan includes a proposed Soo Line Trail route near the St. Croix River. This loop would follow the existing Soo Line railroad tracks. This is currently an active rail line. The route would be developed if the rail route is abandoned in the future. The trail surface should accommodate biking and walking. The route would connect Scandia with Marine -on -St. Croix and communities to the south, and could connect with communities in Wisconsin. The proposed trail would be an off-road route parallel to the St. Croix River and TH 95. Gateway Trail (Connection to Swedish Immigrant Trail) Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and County staff provided information about the proposed route of the Gateway Trail in Scandia, and the easements that have been acquired to date. The proposed route travels from William O'Brien State Park to the Village Area. The DNR has also identified a large search area for extension of the trail north from the Village. The search area is shown on the County trail map in the Attachments. Figures 1 and 2 identify proposed Scandia connections to the Gateway Trail from the Scandia/Marine Trail and from sub -loops within the Village area. Glacial Hill Regional Trail Search Corridor While not in Scandia's System Statement, the Glacial Hills Trail in Marine on St. Croix is identified as running close to Scandia's southeast border. This proposed regional trail will connect the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail to the west with Big Marine Park Reserve to east. This proposed trail does not have an approved master plan yet. The county will conduct a master planning process for this trail in the future. Figure XX shows proposed trail extensions and connections. Map: Proposed Local Parks and Trails Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 57 Comprehensive Plan Regional Trail ConsiderationsBOLTON SCANDIA Scandia, Minnesota November 2017 O & MEN K Real People. Real Solutions. Shafer Lent Township Township a� sore i e 8 Stacy Chisago City Proposed Gateway Trail to connect with Swedish Immigrant Trail 8 Lindstrom I Wyoming Franconia Township i I i i i I i Chis. o County Washington County I I NN� I®I n I� Forest Lake Proposed Glacial Hills Tra to connect with Hardwood Creek Trail Legend e I County Boundary 'F�� •� City Limits Regional Parks Hardwood Creek Trail 64%,wo-0— SwedishlmigrantTrail tr## ► ■ Proposed GatewayTrail V4## ► ■ Proposed Glacial Hills Trail o z.s Miles Source: MnDoT MnDNR & Washington Count — Chisago Lake Township LW, 11SWEREF-14-TWAIE i -t"�� 0 Big Marine Lake .�. 04WO �--�, It Marine on Saint Croix May Township I Stillwater Wisconsin 3. Local Parks Text Goes here...... Map: Proposed Local Parks 4. Local Trails The Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report outlines Village area sub loops to the identified city-wide loops as described here. Applicable maps from the plan have been included at the end of this section. Several sub -loops have been identified for each major trail route. These loops have been identified to provide a variety of trail options for bicyclists, walkers and other trail users; to create connections among neighborhoods and to the major trails routes; and to provide connections to a variety of destinations in Scandia and the Old Village. The loops have been named, using local geographic features such as lakes. The proposed sub -loops are shown on Figure 2. The sub loops are primarily proposed to be on -road trails on the shoulders of existing roadways and quieter streets. Signage should be installed at trail intersections to identify the routes and provide directional and distance information to trail users. G. Implementation The Parks, Trails, Recreation and Open Space Plan identified the following actions as high priorities for implementation: • Develop existing undeveloped parcels as an integral part of Scandia's Park System for the benefit of residents and visitors. • Evaluate property located in park and/or recreational facility search areas for pur-chase, lease, or easement to augment the existing Park System, if and when it becomes available. • Continue to identify the Gateway Trail Extension Search Areas. The trail right-of-way has now been identified from William O'Brien State Park to the village center as shown on Map 20, Park and Recreation Search Areas. • Promote trail connection between Big Marine Park Reserve and William O'Brien State Park. • Develop and install uniform park system signage (to include park, trail, open space and recreational facility components). • Provide pedestrian crosswalk on Olinda Trail North between the Scandia Community Center and the Gammelgarden/ Barton Johnson Memorial Park. • Explore how the immediate needs for athletic fields can be met. • Continue development of master plans for all existing parks. • Implement the German Lake Management Plan, as per Carnelian -Marine St. Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD) recommendations. • Develop a Landowner Outreach and Stewardship Program, as per CMSCWD recommendations. Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Parks and Trails Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update I N13112739 Page 58 Chisago Lakes Township Franconia Township `�-^ SCANDIA 240TH 4D,r Oldfield Loop 23940T F Q Bone Lake Park - ° 0 H a Figure 1: 28 D 4 JP _ a Bone Lake Landing - Z 53 0 237T Ar 236TH Trails Planning Map 36 H Bone _ m z 54p a a 2HND - Bike Routes (Friends of Scandia Parks) iels 230TH ° � �C9�, 230TH a� [aI Big Marine Trail (13 miles) L< R ti t 22 " Scandia/Marine Trail (13 miles) German L I Lop Swenson Estates Informal BaIIIFlaid Eko Bac en Recreation Area �� Falls Creek SNA Scandia North or Bone Lake Trail (10 miles) qy Wind in the Pines Park LAR Neighborhood Loops o I Scandia Rider's Club �( H i Goose Lake Landing 59 NPS Wildlife Refuge EEEE Scandia North Trails Loop Q � o Sf r ix T L y 2 8TH St. roix ,RT LL O El E] E] E] E:= Scandia/Marine Loop 217TH J O O x 216TH Ger is a �0000■ Big Marine Loop Trails K 213T < County Road Trail _ 21 TH �U • \ of � Foe Lake m o Fore ...■.■ Off -Road Trail o "�P See Old Village Map ■■■■■■ Grateway Trail (Proposed) z 299 Rustrum WMA Existing Sidewalks 71 A pUi eC)' 2 TH �q<r y - 9T "11 << Proposed Sidewalks Big-Marineibakeibanding 2 205T p0 ■ Log House Boat Landing at Copas JN�a 6w I Destinations " n ® Trailheads - ig Lake SchooLArea Good Templar Park -Association r 0 Existing Trail Crossings y, 197TH � -' TF Proposed Trail Crossings °OP T 99 p 9 99a �1 7TH k� SwedishSettler'sMonument m Park Entrance 195TGP x S Lions Park a Q.■MEN Hay Lake School Museum a IND 1 2�`i � _ 192ND 91S VVV 7014--S8 and L ke L p William O'Brien State Park OBRIEN lZlte OC Camp Lakamaga Girl Scout Camp p 72p 6 ZC ° 87TH z z w l'o Big Marine :2Y 0 0.5 1 2 13 H = 0 52p ° 1s H � o ,!/ Miles Y p (�\\� Data Sources: Scandia Comprehensive Plan, Washington County, �\� `-"'W" Metropoiltan Council, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 182ND 1 oTH Big Marine Regional Park Reserve (Planned) City of City of Hugo ��ff Marine Livin Health Washingtm a May Township _ ��INW:. Y County 4too w The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), an integral Qn part of Minnesota's nation -leading 2008 health reform law, strives 7 _ help Minnesotans lead longer, healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of tobacco use and exposure, poor TKDA M nutrition and physical inactivity. For more information, visit ENGINEERS • AHCHITEM-PLANNERS (W( http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship. June 14, 2011 ♦♦ ♦ z o LU 000 0 J w LL 0 J 0 Z Scandia Ball a 4TH S Of Public W rks/Fire Station CL SIE■ ■ ■ ■ 60 Fr _F SCANDIA • ■ F1 n❑o�co❑ ■u■■u■■■■uuu■u■■■uuu■u■uuuu Ll�0000�� o ❑ ■■■■■ ■■■■ • ■ ■■�■■ ❑ ❑ illeskogen Park Sca �o Elementary Sehool 00 j door O n - 0 CT �.� �QO■■■ ■■■■ 0 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ n 0 0 O >> •♦♦ ❑ ❑ ♦i♦ ❑ n ❑ uC1 F1 0 ❑❑coo❑❑❑c�Q� \ �� 9TH ST N��Q❑❑��o[0❑❑❑cam❑oGGGOOO� O°O` ♦♦♦ ■■� ooE:::]oor� -(� • 209TH ST N ° ° o G�ammelgarden'� 00000 0 00 SIG : o c°°c 7Fi i 0 p��� °� °o� Community Center � o /_ p0♦ : ❑ ♦ u •-ca�aoc- •a■■■■■�■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ s� 205 �N o i o i � iil"v co ection - ❑ • F1 • � u • O a� d° 5 Oj ■ ■ ■ ■ �1 W, i O ♦♦� t SCANDIA Figure 2: Trails Planning Map - Old Village Bike Routes (Friends of Scandia Parks) Big Marine Trail (13 miles) Scandia/Marine Trail (13 miles) Scandia North or Bone Lake Trail (10 miles) Neighborhood Loops °°°°°° Scandia North Trails Loop E:E]000E: Scandia/Marine Loop Big Marine Loop Trails County Road Trail ■■■■■■ Off -Road Trail Grateway Trail (Proposed) Existing Sidewalks Proposed Sidewalks Destinations ® Trailheads Existing Trail Crossings Proposed Trail Crossings Park Entrance 0 0 0.125 0.25 � Miles Data Sources: Scandia Comprehensive Plan, Washington County, Metropoiltan Council, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. • LLL g Healthy W&4 -& VM �� IN WASHINGmr. OUNTr The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), an integral part of Minnesota's nation -leading 2008 health reform law, strives to help Minnesotans lead longer, healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of tobacco use and exposure, poor nutrition and physical inactivity. For more information, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship. TKDA ENGINEERS -ARCHITEM-PLANNERS June 14, 2011