02-13-1980 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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PROPOSAL LITTLE CANADA, MINNESOTA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (MANDATORY LAND PLANNING ACT) 26 August 1977 INTRODUCTI ON The City of Little Canada is confronted with the legislatively imposed requirement to formulate a Comprehensive Plan and update its development regulations as stipulated by the Mandatory Land Planning Act, administered by the Metropolitan Council for all Twin Cities units of government. In the past, the City has pursued detailed plans for public utilities and service. These are in essence considered completed. The City also has zoning and other development regulations. These are in need of updating to conform to current standards. The City has also accomplished some land use planning. In order to meet the requirements of Mandatory Planning, however, a substantial ex- pansion of work will be necessary. From a review of the situation, the Little Canada Comprehensive Planning Project is seen as taking several emphases. One primary concern is the type and character of development which should occur on the vacant tracts or parcels of land in the City. In making these determinations, private market demand, land use compatibility and tax revenues versus service expenditures will be the principal factors of evaluation. A second main concern, partially related to the development of the community's vacant land is environmental and natural resource protection. Means to increase the compatibility of existing development (for example, apartments which abut single family homes) is also an important element of the planning to be conducted. A fourth emphasis would therefore be updating of development regulations (notably zoning) necessary to bring about the realization of plans and improvements which are approved by the City. From a regional perspective, housing is viewed as a critical issue. From an initial review by Midwest Planning, Little Canada is seen as having a wide diversity and choice in housing and would appear to meet or exceed quotas established by the Metropolitan Council . From a local perspective, therefore, housing also becomes an important aspect of the plan. The Little Canada housing situation must be thoroughly analyzed and documented to demonstrate what in fact the City has currently provided in meeting Metropolitan Council standards.