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4 c. Protect natural areas through encouraging the use of the open space development ordinance. d. Explore opportunities to apply tools and techniques contained within the open space development ordinance in the urbanizing areas of the community. 2040 Land Use Highlights – What’s to Come p 3:2 The Existing Land Use Patterns in the Rural Residential areas should be protected through this planning period; some new rural residential neighborhoods, including open space developments, are anticipated to develop consistent with the City’s rural tradition. Rural Patterns p 4:5 The following sections describe the most common types of neighborhoods and development patterns in the City’s rural areas and it is anticipated that many of the following patterns, particularly Open Space Development neighborhoods, will continue to define the community through this planning period. Open Space Development Neighborhoods p 4:6-7 The City of Lake Elmo is known for pioneering innovative rural development patterns in the region which contributes positively to the character of the community. These rural developments, commonly referred to as Open Space Developments, embrace the lifestyle of the rural landscape capitalizing on the natural features residents desire. Several Open Space Developments have endured for decades to provide residents with opportunities to live near nature and preserve land for conservation, wildlife, and recreation. In many ways much of the City’s existing rural residential neighborhood pattern is innovative, and unique from many similarly situated communities in the metropolitan area. There are over a dozen Open Space Development neighborhoods that include clustered residential uses with perpetually protected conservation areas. Neighborhoods such as the Fields of St. Croix, and the more recently developed Discover Crossing, are Open Space Development neighborhoods that are a part of the City’s continuing rural residential land use patterns. The principle characteristics of these neighborhoods is that homes in these neighborhoods are sited closer together (clustered) which allows for surrounding land to be preserved for open space, natural resources protection, recreational and trail opportunities, and natural surface water drainage. The City will continue to promote the open space development neighborhood pattern of the next planning period and will guide potential developers to preserve areas with natural resource value. Developing with open space neighborhood patterns affords the City the opportunity to identify and protect important natural resources and provide multi-purpose connected greenways. Chapter 6: Parks, Trails & Open Space Introduction p 6:1 As the community grows, park, trail and open space development and management will continue to be a top priority for existing and incoming residents to ensure the system remains a defining characteristic of the community for future generations. Regional Bicycle Transportation Network, Bikeways and Trails p 7:41 As the system continues to grow, and key gaps and links are made, their use will likely increase as residents’ and others’ comfort level with the system improves. Focusing on public pedestrian/ bicycle trail planning and development compliments both the private trail development in several Open Space Development neighborhoods and the ‘central place’ philosophy, policy, and planning of the City regarding the Old Village.