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Natures Refuge North Concept Plan Submittal Page 1 INTRODUCTION M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC (M/I Homes) is submitting an application for a revised concept plan for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for land north of Natures Refuge. The original concept plan, with 108 proposed single-family and villa lots on an approximately 59.30-acre site, was reviewed by the City at its Planning Commission meeting on November 8, 2023 and City Council meeting on December 4, 2023. The revised concept plan proposes 92 villa lots. The revised plan accomplishes the following: 1.Approximately 8.5 acres of open space adjacent to the Arena Acres neighborhood. 2. Approximately 34 acres of open space to be preserved in perpetuity as public park or private open space, as determined by the City. 3.A neighborhood plan and homes designed for empty nesters and seniors looking for single level living with association maintenance. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT We are requesting a PUD for this development to introduce a villa home option to the Natures Refuge neighborhood. Villa homes offer single level living and provide a low maintenance living option for older adults. Natures Refuge, to the south of this proposed neighborhood, has 80-foot-wide lots with traditional single-family homes. This neighborhood is proposed to include all slab on grade 60-foot-wide villa lots with main-level living with association-maintained yards and snow removal. The City of Lino Lakes allows for development through a PUD if it results in public benefit as outlined in the City’s PUD ordinance. Nature Refuge North provides the following public benefits: •Addressing growing demands for all styles of economic expansion, greater variety in lot size, configuration, home type, design, enhanced architectural standards, and siting of structures through the conservation and more efficient use of land in such developments. o The single level living provided by villa homes include association-maintained yards and snow removal and therefore are popular with our senior buyers who are looking for a low maintenance home. It is not financially feasible to offer association-maintained yards and snow removal in the current neighborhood given the size of the lots. o The configuration of the lots works to preserve as many wetlands and trees as possible, and avoids a gas line easement that spans the site diagonally. •Preservation and enhancement of desirable site characteristics such as wildlife habitat, unique natural resources, existing vegetation, natural topography, geologic features and reduction of negative impacts on the environment. As mentioned, the site design preserves over half the acreage in open space, which preserves as many wetlands and trees as possible. We believe the general requirements for a PUD are met in the following ways: •Public or common open space to meet minimum requirements established in the ordinance. The site provides approximately 34 acres of open space. •If PUD includes preservation of natural habitat, those habitats shall be permanently protected through a conservation easement or other legally binding agreement. We have preserved approximately 57% open space within the site in order to preserve natural habitat. We are proposing to deed these outlots to the City as permanent open space to be preserved in perpetuity as public park. If the City elects not to accept the land as parkland, the HOA will own the land. Deed restrictions or restrictive covenants will preserve the land as open space. •Homeowners Association Required. The lots will be governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA) as further explained below.