01/21/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Item No. 2. The draft plan currently calls for biannual reviews to keep the plan up to date. To address Item No. 2 staff has proposed additional language to be inserted as follows: "The City will perform an intensive review at least once every five years to ensure the plan addresses changing needs and conditions." Item No. 3. Staff is still reviewing the impacts of this proposed change. With the proposed change the density ranges would be as follows: Our initial review indicates that with the proposed change the City's overall net density will drop below 3.0 units per acre. The 3.0 units per acres is the minimum density required by Metropolitan Council and is not related to affordability but rather the efficient use of regional infrastructure. Additionally, staff was informed by Metropolitan Council that existing unsewered development, guided for future sewer service, would also need to be included in the density calculations. This further reduces the overall net density. Staff is currently evaluating several options including adjusting the proposed density ranges and the removal of several existing unsewered areas from Stage 1 /Stage 2 into the Urban Reserve districts. Staff will have a proposed option available for review at the meeting. Item No. 4. The City Council would like to promote the distribution of affordable housing in all residential districts. Staff is recommending the addition of a policy statement to the Housing goals in Chapter 4 as follows: "Establish requirements to provide for affordable housing in all residential land use districts. The implementation mechanism will be in the form of an ordinance, the drafting of which will necessitate some lengthy conversations with the council. A number of issues will need to be considered including but not limited to the following: 1. Does all residential development need to provide affordable housing? If so, how much? 2. Is it only required to be affordable for the first owner or also subsequent owners? 3. What financial incentives will the City provide, if any? 2 2008 Plan (proposed) 2002 Plan (recommended) Low Density 1.5 — 3.5 1.0 — 3.0 Medium Density 3.6 — 7.9 3.0 — 6.0 High Density 8.0 —15.0 6.0 — 12.0 Our initial review indicates that with the proposed change the City's overall net density will drop below 3.0 units per acre. The 3.0 units per acres is the minimum density required by Metropolitan Council and is not related to affordability but rather the efficient use of regional infrastructure. Additionally, staff was informed by Metropolitan Council that existing unsewered development, guided for future sewer service, would also need to be included in the density calculations. This further reduces the overall net density. Staff is currently evaluating several options including adjusting the proposed density ranges and the removal of several existing unsewered areas from Stage 1 /Stage 2 into the Urban Reserve districts. Staff will have a proposed option available for review at the meeting. Item No. 4. The City Council would like to promote the distribution of affordable housing in all residential districts. Staff is recommending the addition of a policy statement to the Housing goals in Chapter 4 as follows: "Establish requirements to provide for affordable housing in all residential land use districts. The implementation mechanism will be in the form of an ordinance, the drafting of which will necessitate some lengthy conversations with the council. A number of issues will need to be considered including but not limited to the following: 1. Does all residential development need to provide affordable housing? If so, how much? 2. Is it only required to be affordable for the first owner or also subsequent owners? 3. What financial incentives will the City provide, if any? 2