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WS — Item 4 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item 4 Date: Council Work Session, January 4, 2011 To: City Council From: Michael Grochala Re: Comprehensive Plan Review Background At the November 1, 2010 council work session the City Council was presented with a request to modify the residential land use densities from how they are currently proposed in the Comprehensive Plan. The council requested: 1) a determination of what the process would be to adjust the figures; 2) how much rework would be required if pursued; and 3) a determination on whether there could be gaps between residential density ranges. Review Process As noted in prior reports, the City cannot adopt a modified plan without prior review and authorization from the Metropolitan Council. Proposed changes, if any, need to conform with regional plans and be coordinated with Metropolitan Council. Minor text changes i.e., goals and policies that are local in nature and remain consistent with or do not impact regional plans, can be administratively approved. Major changes, however require full review and approval by the Metropolitan Council. The proposed change in residential land use densities would be considered a major change and invalidate the Metropolitan Council's current authorization to place the 2030 Comprehensive Plan into effect. This would require restarting the comprehensive plan update review process, including completing the adjacent community review period (up to 6 months), and going through the Met Council's full review. Alternatively, the City Council could adopt the 2030 update as is and proceed with a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to modify the proposed densities. The process would be generally the same however the adjacent jurisdiction review period would be 60 days rather than the potential 6 months. Additionally, this process would allow for implementation of comprehensive plan elements unaffected by the residential density issue. For example the City has been working with the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Army Corp of Engineers on a Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) regarding wetland management with the City. The Army Corp will not proceed with the final SAMP notice and corresponding general permit approval until adoption of the comprehensive plan. 1