09/02/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Right -of -Way Preservation When future expansion or realignment of a roadway is proposed, but cannot immediately be constructed, Lino Lakes should consider ROW preservation strategies to reduce costs and maintain the feasibility of the proposed improvement. Several different strategies can be used to preserve ROW for future construction, including advanced purchase, zoning and subdivision dedication techniques, official mapping, and corridor signing. Direct Purchase One of the best ways to preserve ROW is to purchase it. Unfortunately, the City has limitations on needed funds to purchase ROW in advance, and the public benefit of purchasing ROW is not realized until a roadway or transportation facility is built. Most typically, local jurisdictions utilize various corridor preservation methods prior to roadway construction and then purchase the ROW if it is not dedicated, at the time of design and construction. Planning and Zoning Authority Lino Lakes has the authority to regulate existing and future land use. Under this authority, the City has a number of tools for preserving right -of -way for transportation projects. These tools include: • Zoning If the property has a very low- density zoning classification, the City should try to maintain its existing zoning classification (i.e., do not rezone it). A low zoning classification limits the risk for significant development, and can help preserve land for potential ROW, until funding becomes available for roadway construction. • Platting and Subdivision Regulations Platting and subdivision regulations allow the City to consider future roadway alignments during the platting process because most land must be platted before it is developed. The City can use its authority to regulate land development to influence plat configuration and the location of proposed roadways. Lino Lakes requires ROW dedication as part of the platting and subdivision process. • Official Mapping A final strategy to preserve ROW available to the City is to adopt an Official Map. An Official Map is developed by the local governmental unit and identifies the centerline and ROW needed for a future roadway. Additional information on some of the tools and techniques listed above can be found in Appendix 3 of Mn /DOT's Interregional Corridors: A Guide for Plan Development and Corridor Management. This guide also includes information on the environmental review and documentation process as it relates to right -of -way preservation. Use of the ROW acquisition /preservation tools identified above is consistent with Goal 1, Policy 3 of this transportation plan, which states, "Identify and prepare appropriate plans, official controls, zoning and subdivisions ordinances and regulations, and official maps for land use around identified potential future interchanges" Transit System Plan Meeting the transportation needs of Lino Lakes' residents requires more than a comprehensive, well maintained roadway system. A complete transportation system incorporates a variety of transportation modes to meet the disparate needs of the City's residents. Affordable and convenient transit is an essential characteristic of an urban community. 6 -20 • • •