07-12-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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29 apart from the scattered division of larger acreage lots. For residential development in these remaining areas, the City will require that the development fits within the land use context of the existing development, meaning that single-family development is only likely land use pattern. Moreover, the City will require that new subdivision is done in such a way as to respect the existing neighboring single-family areas. To accomplish this objective, the City has recently adopted revised single-family development standards, including stronger environmental protection requirements for tree preservation, impervious surface coverage, building setbacks, lot sizes, and similar regulations. Full compliance with these goals and regulations will be expected as new development is fitted into the last remaining undeveloped areas of the community. It is acknowledged that many of these properties have development constraints – for most, those constraints are at least part of the reason that the area remains partially undeveloped. The City will not consider those constraints to be reasons for circumventing the development standards of the community. Instead, the City encourages property owners to work creatively with the land toward unique neighborhood design, including street design, custom lot grading, natural landscapes, and other development approaches. Finally, there are both utility and environmental issues that exist in some portions of District 11. As a part of consideration of any new development, the City expects to work with development interests to resolve existing issues to the extent possible. Resource Protection Historic Preservation The preservation, protection and continued use of areas, buildings, structures and other objects that have historic, aesthetic or community value is a benefit to the welfare and education of Little Canada residents. Historical, cultural or archeological heritage of a city is one of its most vital assets for establishing a local identity and sense of community. As such, the protection of these assets for future use and education is a priority. Little Canada has an established semi-public organization, the Little Canada Historical Society, that works to identify and protect potentially historical elements within the City. These efforts will become increasingly important as more of Little Canada’s existing development becomes eligible for listing on the National or State Register of Historic Places. Solar Access Protection Ensuring that all properties have adequate access to sunlight is a priority not only for potential solar energy systems, but for the protection of property and aesthetic values. Solar access protection is provided for in Little Canada by the uniform implementation of lot and building performance standards found in the Zoning Ordinance. Requirements such as maximum building height and yard setback standards are essential for creating separation between structures and allowing equal sunlight access for all properties.