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Planning & Zoning Board <br />January 8, 2003 <br />Page 33 <br /> APPROVED MINUTES <br />Mr. Smyser stated it does not have to be just big projects and those individual lot splits <br />also have to be figured into the 147 number. He stated that, perhaps, a line should be <br />added into the matrix for individual lot splits or subdivisions without phasing plans since <br />they are new homes. Or, they could be exempted from the 147 since there are so few of <br />them. <br />Mr. Lyden noted the City Attorney will be looking at this policy closely because some <br />year it could get to the 21% over and a homeowner may make a request to split their lot. <br />He asked what basis would be used to tell them “no.” Mr. Smyser stated the City decided <br />to limit growth and picked a number (147). He stated there will probably be instances <br />where a project would force the number over the limit but a fair policy would have to <br />apply to everyone. <br />Mr. Lyden stated he would assume that the City’s legal counsel will do the research <br />necessary to assure the language can stand up in court if tested. Mr. Smyser stated he <br />had discussed the ordinance at length with the City Attorney, who believes the ordinance <br />is reasonable. Lino Lakes is attempting to do something that is unlike what has been <br />done before in other cities. <br />Mr. Lyden asked if there is any court case history. Mr. Smyser stated there is not in this <br />particular way. He explained how other cities limit growth and how Lino Lakes is <br />unique in its method. <br />Mr. Lyden asked if there is a better way to address growth management and achieve the <br />City’s goals by using the 2010 growth zone through 2020. Mr. Smyser stated that is a <br />possibility if the City wants to redo the Comprehensive Plan. <br />Mr. Lyden stated the City is already beyond the population growth projections for 2010 <br />so maybe readdressing the Comprehensive Plan is a good idea if it sets realistic goals. <br />Mr. Smyser drew a graph to explain how the number of lots will probably fluctuate. He <br />stated one option was to ratchet down to the 2010 plan but that was not an option <br />accepted by the City Council. <br />Mr. Lyden stated that after 2010 and 2020 the facts will show that the City had high <br />growth, not the moderate growth the residents wanted, and the fact that there was not the <br />backbone to take another course will be obvious to everyone. <br />Mr. Smyser stated that possibility was considered but staff was directed to not go that <br />route. He explained that for the past few years, exceeding the target of 147 per year is <br />almost completely accounted for due to the delay in getting something approved. <br />Chair Schaps asked how many permits were issued last year. Mr. Smyser estimated <br />somewhere between 215 and 220. <br />Mr. Joyer, realtor, stated he read that Woodbury is trying to control their growth to 600 <br />homes a year which is interesting considering the target for Lino Lakes. He stated it