HomeMy WebLinkAbout#13 - Comprehensive Plan Draft STAFF REPORT
DATE: 6/5/2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 13
MOTION
TO: City Council
FROM: Emily Becker, Planning Director
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update to be Submitted for
Adjacent Jurisdictional Review
REVIEWED BY: Jennifer Haskamp, Swanson Haskamp Consulting
BACKGROUND:
The Council is being asked to approve submittal of the Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
for adjacent jurisdictional review.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should the Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update be submitted for adjacent jurisdictional
review?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
City Review Thus Far. The City has been working with consultant Swanson Haskamp Consulting
since February of 2017 on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update (Update). There have been a
number of community engagement events including 4th of July Parade, Arbor Day, Tri-Lakes Ski
Show, Farmers Market; a number of Advisory Panel meetings; and two Open Houses. Review by the
Planning Commission occurred on April 23rd, two public hearings were held at the Planning Commission
meetings on May 7th and 30th, and two Council Workshops were held on March 13th and May 8th.
Extension Requested – Not Yet Granted. As previously explained at the May 15th Council meeting, the
City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update (Update) is due to the Metropolitan Council by December 31,
2018. While the City would still like to meet that deadline, an extension request has been made to extend
this deadline to February 28, 2019, though this has not yet been approved. Before the City can submit the
Update to the Metropolitan Council, it must first submit the Update to adjacent jurisdictions for review.
These jurisdictions have up to six months to complete this review, although it may not take this long.
After this, a final public hearing is required, and Council must approve with a 4/5 vote that the Update
may be officially submitted. In order to try and still meet the December 31st deadline, Staff is
recommending that the Council approve the Update to be submitted to jurisdictional review so that the
City may keep on track with the final deadline for adoption.
City Council Meeting Page 2 Regular Item #13
6/5/2018
Changes Since Last Review. Through direction of the Planning Commission and Council, the
Urban Reserve land use designation, which guided land to develop post-2040, has been removed.
This has been replaced with various land uses including Village Low Density Residential, Village
Medium Density Residential, Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, and some
High Density Residential. The Housing Chapter was also updated. Additionally, drafts of Chapters
7-10 are provided.
Option to Make Changes After Jurisdictional Review. The submittal for adjacent jurisdictional
review can be sent in draft form. Therefore, Council can still require minor changes to the submittal
after it has been sent out for adjacent jurisdictional review. These changes cannot be significant
however, in that they cannot significantly impact adjacent jurisdictions. Changes such as the goals
and strategies can still be made.
Changes Since the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The following provides a brief summary of
updates made.
• Chapter 1: Community & Planning Context (This Chapter has already been provided to
Council)
o This provides a summary of current demographic and socio-economic trends;
current market snapshot (both local and regional) and planning context (regional
context requirements by the Metropolitan Council and local context and objectives
guiding plan development). The regional context requirements reflect the
Metropolitan 2015 Systems statement, which forecast that Lake Elmo will more
than double its population and add more than 2.5 times the number of households
counted in the last census of 2010, and employment will add another 1,000 jobs,
increasing by 125% from now until 2040. The local context and objectives guiding
plan development describe the process through which the Update was drafted. It
also outlines changes from the 2030 Plan, which explains that the Update is a re-
write from the previous Plan, taking in to consideration current market place and
expected demand.
• Chapter 2: Vision, Goals & Strategies (This Chapter has already been provided to
Council)
o This chapter is similar to the 2030 Plan’s City-Wide Planning Policy. The former
plan’s City-Wide Planning Policy outlined goals that pertained to that planning
period, including agricultural preservation, goals for residential and non-residential
development, housing, environmental protection, municipal services,
transportation, I-94 Freeway Corridor Planning Policy, and Village Area Planning
Policy. The 2040 Update provides a Vision Statement and outlines goals and
strategies. These goals and strategies were derived from a Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis exercise by the Advisory Panel. These
goals and strategies pertain to character and governance; land use; balanced
development and growth; and housing; parks, trails and open space; and
transportation and infrastructure.
• Chapter 3: Land Use
City Council Meeting Page 2 Regular Item #13
6/5/2018
o Sewered Development. The previous existing land use plan did not include any
developed areas that were in the Metropolitan Urban Services Area (MUSA), and
the 2040 Update’s existing land use includes sewered development (Inwood,
Savona, Easton Village, etc.).
o Density. Densities within the plan have changed as follows:
Density ranges for Medium Density Residential and High Density
Residential were shifted from 4.5-7 units per acre (upa) to 4.5-8 upa and
7.5-15 upa to 8-15 upa, respectively, to allow for a better integration of uses
and more flexibility to respond to market demands.
Density ranges for Village Low Density Residential and Village Medium
Density Residential have hanged from 1.5-2.49 upa to 1.5-3 upa and 2.5-
4.99 upa to 3-7.99 upa, respectively, and a Village High Density Residential
Land Use with a density of 8-12 upa in order to provide for an increase in
types of housing stock, provide opportunities for a more affordable and
lifecycle housing, and bring higher concentration of people living close to
Village destinations and amenities.
o Mixed Use. Mixed Use south of 10th Street has changed. The 2030 Plan stated that
mixed use areas south of 10th Street could be zoned in accordance with either the
base or adjacent land use category. This is not actually mixed use. The 2040 Update
actually proposes mixed use business and mixed use business park south of 10th
Street, which assumes that land will develop with a minimum of 50% residential
use.
o Business Park. The Business Park land use category specifically exempts
residential use, warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, assembly and truck
terminals, whereas the 2030 Plan allowed such uses. The aforementioned mixed
use business park does, however, allow warehousing, showroom, light
manufacturing and residential use.
o Commercial. The Commercial category specifies that this land use category is to
be used for retail business and not to be used for residential, whereas the 2030 Plan
allowed for a broader range of uses, including residential. The mixed use
commercial category does allow residential use.
o Village.
Greenbelt Buffers. These are not within the 2040 Update. There is still a
proposed open space/green network on page 35 of the Parks, Trails, and
Open Space Chapter, which will help guide green networks and open space
throughout the city when development occurs.
The center of the Village is guided for Commercial, while it was previously
designated as Village Mixed Use. Parcels guided for Rural Single Family
north of Stillwater Boulevard and in the southeast portion were changed to
Village Mixed Use and Low Density Residential. The northeast area of the
Village was changed from Low Density Residential and Commercial to
Medium Density Residential and Commercial.
There is no longer a Village Plan. Rather, there is reference to creating three
districts within the Village: Civic, Elmo Station, and Old Village, which are
further described in the Balanced Development & Growth Chapter.
o Rural Areas. Residential Estates and Rural Single Family land use designations
were combined into one Rural Single Family land use designation, which allows
City Council Meeting Page 2 Regular Item #13
6/5/2018
development at a density of 0.1-2 units per acre. Additionally, there is no longer a
density requirement for Open Space Preservation developments. The Update
simply states that these developments generally average more than one residential
unit per 10 acres.
o Musa. There is no change to the MUSA except for amendments since the 2030 Plan
that have been approved by Council.
o Staging Plan. The Staging Plan has changed slightly, and specifies specific
development time periods and includes the Village Area. The 2030 Plan designated
stages. The 2040 Update still designates the areas south of 10th Street in the same
order as the 2030 Plan.
• Chapter 4: Balanced Development & Growth (This Chapter has already been provided to
Council)
o This is a new chapter which describes what types of development patterns exist
today, where those patterns are changing and evolving, and where they are likely
to stay the same.
• Chapter 5: Housing
o The housing chapter presents important housing principles that underscore the
dynamics behind the role and importance of housing as a key element within the
Plan; focuses on existing housing stock, summarizing important information
regarding the overall number, types, affordability, and occupants of housing units;
projected need for housing during this planning period; and practical
implementation tools to help the City achieve its identified housing goals. The 2030
Plan had similar goals, including providing more affordable and a wider variety of
housing.
• Chapter 6: Parks, Trails, and Open Space (This Chapter has already been provided to
Council)
o The Parks and Trails chapter focuses on refining and synthesizing information
contained within the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and preparing an update that is
more concise, clear and direct about the City’s goals and objectives for its future in
regards to parks and trails. It now functions at a higher level of detail that will focus
and more clearly demonstrate the interconnected quality of the Parks and Trails
system. There are wider park search areas, and the trail plan identifies a regional
trail search corridor and broader trail search corridors. This Chapter will evolve in
to an updated Park System Plan and a Trail System Plan that implements this
chapter as part of the implementation process.
• Chapter 7: Transportation
o The 2030 Plan has been updated to use new numbers within the 2040 Plan and also
includes updated road classification and new improvements to be made.
• Chapter 8: Surface Water
o Information updated.
• Chapter 9: Wastewater Facilities
o Information from the 2030 Plan was updated significantly, as the 2030 Plan only
planned for, and did not include, infrastructure.
• Chapter 10: Water Supply
o The City submitted a Water Supply Plan as required by the Metropolitan Council
and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on December of 2017.
City Council Meeting Page 2 Regular Item #13
6/5/2018
This has not yet been approved. An updated draft has been sent to the DNR with
updated population projections for review.
• Chapter 11: Implementation
o Rather than designating implementation within each individual chapter, there is an
implementation chapter that describes implementation for each chapter within the
2040 Update.
Approval to Submit to Adjacent Jurisdictions Requested. The City’s 2040 Comprehensive
Plan Update (Update) is due to the Metropolitan Council by December 31, 2018. While the City
would still like to meet that deadline, an extension request has been made to extend this deadline
to February 28, 2019. Before the City can submit the Update to the Metropolitan Council, it must
first submit the Update to adjacent jurisdictions for review. These jurisdictions have up to six
months to complete this review, although it may not take this long. After this, a final public
hearing is required, and Council must approve with a 4/5 vote that the Update may be officially
submitted. In order to try and still meet the December 31st deadline, Staff is recommending that
the Council approve the Update to be submitted to jurisdictional review so that the City may
keep on track with the final deadline for adoption.
Planning Commission Recommendation. The Planning Commission reviewed the Draft 2040
Comprehensive Plan and held a public hearing at its May 30, 2018 meeting. The Planning
Commission had the following comments in regards to the Plan. During the meeting, the
following public comments were heard:
• Jim Ogren, 11790 Little Bluestem Court had a question about new designations to replace
Urban Reserve and had question about how these designations were derived.
• Stefany Lorgan, 9918 7th Street North, had concern about the designation of Mixed Use-
Business Park east of the Savona Development. It was explained that the previous
designation of the parcel that is directly east of the Savona townhomes was previously
designated as Mixed Use in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
• Ann Bucheck, 2301 Legion Avenue, had concern about truck terminals being in the
Business Park District; requested that reference language to the Golf Course Community
land use designation on page 14 of the Land Use Chapter change to “…likelihood that a
golf course can will be maintained on the property;” had population concerns about the
sewered population; asked if the Being Healthy section in the land use chapter could also
promote farms in present time and encourage that they stay in the community, maintain
aquifers, and encourage use of the private sewer system; asked about emphasizing
historical districts in the Housing Chapter in order to preserve the houses that are over 40
years old; has concerns about page 11 of the Housing Chapter, stating that there are
already a variety of housing types that provide affordable housing; does not agree with
TIF districts; has concerns about the Surface Water Chapter, asking that the City adopt
stricter water volume than the Valley Branch Watershed District, as they did in the past;
asked for clarification on items in the Transportation Chapter including the park and ride
City Council Meeting Page 2 Regular Item #13
6/5/2018
and Transit Advisory Committee; and asked for clarification on the Water Supply Plan,
asking if the entire City has to have public water.
• Jackie McNamara, 10321 10th Street North, thanked the City for changing the Urban
Reserve land use designation and asked for clarification about phasing.
• David Screaton, 711 Manning Avenue North, asked that the Airport Safety Zones and
Runway Protection Zones shown in the Land Use Chapter show both existing and
proposed runway locations.
The Planning Commission recommended that Council approve submittal of the Draft 2040
Comprehensive Plan for adjacent jurisdictional review with the following amendments:
• Chapter 1: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 2: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 3:
o Greenbelt buffer. There was a motion that the greenbelt buffer within the Village
should be maintained. It was clarified that there is a proposed open space/green
network on page 35 of the Parks, Trails and Open Space Chapter which clarifies
greenways and open space that are to be maintained when considering
development. It was also added that most of the areas that had the greenbelt buffer
are developed (i.e. Legacy at North Star, Easton Village, Village Park Preserve, and
Wildflower). Commissioner Hartley added that greenbelt buffers in the Village
forces us to increase density elsewhere. Commissioner Weeks stated that the
greenbelt buffer has proven confusing to both Staff and Council because it’s unclear
how wide it should be. Motion failed 6-1.
o Mixed Use-Business Park North of 5th Street. There was a motion to change the
land use designation north of 5th Street to the east of Keats Avenue and north of the
Commercial area the northeast of the intersection of Hudson Boulevard and Keats
Avenue to Medium Density Residential. It was discussed that this is a plan that
works, and the City as a whole has to think of what is best for the city. Additionally,
there are ordinances that can be drafted to protect these areas so that the residential
portions of these mixed use areas are strategically placed so as to not negatively
impact adjacent residential development. Motion failed 5-2.
o Airport Impact Zones. There was a motion to provide both existing and proposed
Airport Impact Zones within the Land Use Chapter. Motion passed 7-0.
o Planning Commission recommended approval 6-1 (Commissioner Lundquist
dissenting with the desire for the first two proposed amendments to be included).
• Chapter 4: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 5: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 6: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 7: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 8: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 9: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 10: Recommended approval with no amendments (7-0)
• Chapter 11: Motion that ongoing review of Chapter 150 of the City Code: Illicit Discharge
be reviewed in light of recent water contamination. Motion passed 7-0.
City Council Meeting Page 2 Regular Item #13
6/5/2018
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City has hired a consultant to prepare the 2040 Update, and direction by Council is that the
budget cannot exceed $90,000. This number is near being reached, as we are nearing the end of
the process. Major changes and delays could cause this budget to be exceeded.
OPTIONS:
The Council has the following options:
1) Approve the 2040 Update be submitted for adjacent jurisdictional review.
2) Do not approve the 2040 Update be submitted for adjacent jurisdictional review.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend that Council approve that the 2040 Update be
submitted for adjacent jurisdictional review.
“Move to approve that the 2040 Update be submitted for adjacent jurisdictional review.”
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan Updated Chapters
2. 2030 Land Use Plan and Draft 2040 Land Use Plan (for comparison)
Draft Chapter 3: Land Use
Existing & Future
F
Draft 2040 Future Land Use Plan
Urban Reserve
V-UHD
V-MXD
V-ULD
V-UMD
MXD-BP
MXD-UHD
ULD
UM D
UH D
RAD
RE
RSF
RSFS
GC
C
LB
Institutional
BP
Park/OS
ROW
PSP
MUSA2040 _Revised
2020 -
2030
2020
2020
SO
U
T
H
M
U
S
A
SO
U
T
H
M
U
S
A
VI
L
L
A
G
E
MUSA
2020
existing
existing
existing
2030-2040
post-2040 2030-2040
2020 -
2030
post-2040
post-2040
existing
2020
ex
i
s
t
i
n
g
post-2040
existing
existing
F
Draft 2040 Future Land Use Plan
Urban Reserve
V-UHD
V-MXD
V-ULD
V-UMD
MXD-BP
MXD-UHD
ULD
UM D
UH D
RAD
RE
RSF
RSFS
GC
C
LB
Institutional
BP
Park/OS
ROW
PSP
MUSA2040 _Revised
2020 -20302020
2020
SO
U
T
H
M
U
S
A
SO
U
T
H
M
U
S
A
VILLAGE MUSA
2020
existing
existing
existing
2030-2040
post-2040 2030-2040
2020 -
2030
post-2040
post-2040
existing
2020
ex
i
s
t
i
n
g
post-2040existing
existing
IDEALAVEN 60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
S TILLWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
OLSONLAKETRLN 50TH ST N
MANNINGAVEN47TH ST N34TH ST NLAKE J A N E TRL N 4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
Horseshoe
ClearUnnamedDeMontrevilleOlsonJaneBerschen'sPond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
GoetschelKlawitterPondDeerPondCrombiePondHedge'sPond Dirk'sPond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.2.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
BP
C
Park
PSP
Reserve
Close d Landfill
ROW
IDEAL
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
STILLWATER BLVD N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE JA NE TRL N
4 5TH ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.2.2018Source: Washington County, MNGEO, SHC
Closed Landfill
AP
ELU
RAD
RSF
LDR
MDR
V-LDR
V-MDRLB
BP
GB
C
MXDIndustrial
Institutional
Golf Course
PSP
Park/OS
Undeveloped
ROW
Comprehensive Plan 2040
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
2
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
3
INTRODUCTION
The City of Lake Elmo is a growing, engaged and dynamic community that has
experienced significant change over the past planning period. The City’s proximity
to jobs and access to regional amenities means that the City will likely continue to
experience external pressures to grow. Consequently, it is essential for the City to
develop a thoughtful, well-planned approach to its future land uses and growth strategy.
The following chapter will focus first on existing land uses that will provide a baseline
from which the Future Land Use Plan (“FLU”) was derived. The FLU guides anticipated
densities of new neighborhoods, locations of future mixed-use and employment centers,
and guides land for commercial and retail services through 2040. The community
understands that while there is significant growth pressure and demand today for certain
types of development, that demand is likely to ebb and flow and change over the next
several decades as market trends fluctuate. More detail regarding current market trends
and development can be found in Chapter 4. Balanced Development & Growth within
this Plan; however, the pace of growth is addressed through the Staging Plan that is
included in subsequent sections of this chapter. The Staging Plan provides sequential
geographic areas available for development and growth during prescribed time periods
that methodically allows for contiguous development and cost-effective expansion of
municipal services to undeveloped areas of the community.
The Future Land Use, Staging and Special Area plans contained within this chapter,
if consistently followed and implemented, directly support the goals and objectives
contained within Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies. The intent of this chapter is to
demonstrate where land use changes are anticipated, where existing land use patterns are
guided to stay the same, and how these land uses patterns will continue to support the
identity and character of the community through this planning period.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
4
2040 Land Use Highlights – What’s to Come
»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.
»New Future Land Use designations will allow for a better
response to market conditions and will allow a greater
options in land use choices.
»Integration of more diverse neighborhood patterns and
densities will allow for a stronger commitment to the
staging plan.
»Refinement of staging and infrastructure phasing to
promote contiguous, efficient development patterns.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
5
Existing Land Use
The existing land use patterns reflect the City’s past commitment to the rural landscape
and investment in development of primarily single-family detached housing. Rural
residential neighborhoods with conventional rural subdivisions and open space
development subdivisions are sprinkled throughout much of the community’s
landscape. The many lakes of the City are dotted with smaller residential lots that
once were dominated by vacation homes that have now transitioned to full-time
residences. The Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve is centered in the City providing
a hub of natural and recreational resources for both City and metro-area residents.
The “Old Village” is the historical hub of activity in the City, and a mix of uses is
present today including some residential, commercial and office users. Business uses,
employment pockets and retail/service users are primarily located in or near the “Old
Village”, along the I-94 corridor, or at major intersections and thoroughfares.
In Lake Elmo’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the City’s existing land uses did not
include any areas that were connected to municipal services or located within the
Metropolitan Urban Service Area (“MUSA”). Now, in this 2040 Plan, the existing
land use patterns include neighborhoods that have been developed or are under
construction that were guided in the MUSA in the previous plan. The availability of
municipal services has allowed for the addition of new land use patterns that can be found
in developing neighborhoods such as Inwood, Savona, and Easton Village. Additionally,
the Old Village area has been incrementally served and connected to municipal services
over the past decade, which has allowed for existing small-lot residential neighborhoods
to be served, as well as new neighborhoods under development. While the developing
neighborhoods in the MUSA continue to be dominated by single-family detached uses,
some diversification has started to emerge as a few small pockets of medium-density
residential uses are under construction and development.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
6
Table 3-1. Existing Land Use
Existing Land Uses Residential Density
(dwelling units/acre)Acres % Total Acres
Agricultural Preserve (AP)0.025 414.70 2.67%
Rural Area Development (RAD)0.1 6,103.13 39.36%
Rural Estate (RE)0.1 -0.4 815.26 5.26%
Rural Single Family (RSF)0.66 - 2.0 1,754.14 11.31%
Low Density Residential (LDR)2 - 4 182.06 1.17%
Medium Density Residential (MDR)4 - 8 231.41 1.49%
Village - Low Density Residential (V-LDR)1 - 4 36.08 0.23%
Village - Medium Density Residential
(V-MDR)4 - 6 48.18 0.31%
Mixed Use (MU)5 - 12 4.93 0.03%
Undeveloped (U)Various 392.15 2.53%
Limited Business (LB)NA 71.79 0.46%
Business Park (BP)NA 88.01 0.57%
General Business (GB)NA 70.09 0.45%
Commercial (C)NA 50.27 0.32%
Institutional (INST)NA 305.40 1.97%
Closed Landfill (CL)NA 67.53 0.44%
Public/Semi-Public (PSP)NA 123.55 0.80%
Golf Course (GC)NA 267.36 1.72%
Parks & Open Space (POS)NA 2,531.43 16.32%
Right of Way (ROW)NA 594.18 3.83%
Open Water NA 1,355.29 8.74%
TOTAL 15,506.96 100.00%
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
7
Map 3-1: Existing Land Use Map 2018
IDEAL
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
S TILLWATER BLV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE J A N E TRL N
4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.2.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
Closed Landfill
AP
ELU
RAD
RSF
LDR
MDR
V-LDR
V-MDR LB
BP
GB
C
MXD Industrial
Institutional
Golf Course
PSP
Park/OS
Undeveloped
ROW
Closed Landfill
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
8
Existing Land Use Definitions
Agricultural Preserve (AP)
This land use designation identifies land that is enrolled in the Agricultural
Preserves program. Land in this designation is required to be guided for
no more than 1 dwelling unit per 40 acres, and is protected from further
subdivision during the contract period.
Rural Area Development (RAD)
This land use designation represents the large areas of rural residential
development and agricultural uses within the City. Common uses found in
these areas include working farms, alternative agricultural uses as defined
by City Code, and rural single family detached residences. Development
in these areas requires 10+ acres, or a conditional use permit to authorize a
cluster development meeting the City’s Preserved Open Space regulations.
Rural Estate (RE)
This land use designation defines areas developed specifically for large lot
single-family detached housing typically on two or more acres of land, but
developed at densities more than one unit per ten acres.
Rural Single Family (RSF)
This land use designation identifies land that was platted for conventional
subdivision prior to 2005, and includes large lots that are primarily serviced
by private on-site well and septic system.
Low Density Residential (LDR)
This land use designation identifies land that has been developed with
primarily single-family detached housing with urban services between
2010 and 2018 at densities between 2.5 and 4 dwelling units per acre. This
existing land use is only located within the South MUSA.
Medium Density Residential (MDR)
This land use designation identifies land that has been developed primarily
with a mix of attached and detached single-family housing with urban
services between 2010 and 2018 at densities between 4.5 and 7 dwelling
units per acre, and the manufactured home park that was developed in the
1960s. This existing land use is only located within the South MUSA.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
9
Village - Low Density Residential (V-LDR)
This land use designation identifies land that has been developed with
primarily single-family detached housing with urban services between 2010
and 2018 at densities between 1.5 and 2.5 dwelling units per acre. This
existing land use is only located within the Village Planning MUSA.
Village - Medium Density Residential (V-MDR)
This land use designation identifies land that has been developed with
primarily single-family detached housing with urban services between
2010 and 2018 at densities between 2.5 and 5 dwelling units per acre. This
existing land use is only located within the Village Planning MUSA.
Mixed Use (MU)
This land use designation identifies land developed with a mix of
commercial and residential uses and is limited to land within the Village
Planning Area.
Undeveloped (U)
This land use designation identifies land within the South MUSA and Village
MUSA that has been approved for future sewered development through a
Preliminary Plat or PUD process, but Final Plat has not been completed.
Limited Business (LB)
This land use designation identifies areas that are developed with
commercial users that are not served by urban services. Users in this
designation are generally less intense than would be permitted in the
planned MUSA designations.
Business Park (BP)
This land use designation identifies areas used for professional businesses
including medical and research facilities, offices and corporate headquarters.
Users specifically excluded for existing park areas include warehousing,
manufacturing, distribution, assembly and truck terminals. Retail sales of
goods and services are allowed by conditional use permit.
General Business (GB)
This land use designation identifies areas used for general business activities
that currently include warehousing, light industrial and manufacturing uses.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
10
Commercial (C)
This land use designation identifies areas that are used for retail and
service businesses. This land use can be found within the Village MUSA
and South MUSA.
Institutional (INST)
This land use designation identifies lands that are developed with public
or semi-public uses including users such as, but not limited to, religious
institutions, schools, libraries and other civic buildings.
Public/Semi-Public (PSP)
This land use designation identifies lands that support adjacent development
with stormwater ponds and other utilities and may include ancillary uses
such as trails and small open spaces.
Golf Course (GC)
This land use designation identifies land that is used for a private golf course
and ancillary uses that may include, but not be limited to, driving range,
clubhouse and other amenity centers.
Park & Open Space (POS)
This land use designation identifies land that is used for park, recreation,
trails, other natural resources preservation. Land within this designation is
publicly owned by either the City, county, or other public agency.
Closed Landfill Restricted (CL)
This land use designation identifies former landfills that are qualified to
be under the Closed Landfill Program of the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA). The purpose of this category is to limit uses of land within
the closed landfill, both actively filled and related lands, to minimal uses in
order to protect the land from human activity where response action systems
are in place and, at the same time, are protective of human health and safety.
Right of Way (ROW)
This land use designation includes all publicly dedicated areas that are used
for roadways, shoulders, ditches, and other improvements. It should be
noted that not all roads in the City are platted, and many are dedicated by
easement and therefore this land area is accounted for through the associated
land use designation. As a result there is more land dedicated to road use
than identified within the acreages identified on the existing land use table.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
11
FUTURE LAND USE
The Future Land Use Plan (“FLU”) was
developed by building on stated goals
and strategies as identified through the
planning process and documented in
Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies.
The resulting FLU carefully balances the
recommendations and considerations
of residents, stakeholders, staff, and
policy-makers while responding to and
incorporating the regulatory requirements
of the Metropolitan Council.
The FLU is in part shaped by the policy designations the City is required to meet as
part of the Metropolitan Council’s Thrive MSP 2040 Land Use Policy as provided
within the 2015 Lake Elmo System Statement. Lake Elmo falls into two categories of
Community Designation, as described in Chapter 2: Community Context. Each of these
designations carries responsibility for the related Community Role in the regional growth
of the metropolitan area in relation to future land use. These roles are outlined in the
Metropolitan Council’s Thrive 2040 Land Use Policy and include the following land use
practices for Lake Elmo:
Emerging Suburban Edge
• Plan and stage development for forecasted growth through 2040 and
beyond at overall average net densities of at least 3-5 dwelling units per
acre in the community. Target higher-intensity developments in areas with
better access to regional sewer and transportation infrastructure, connections
to local commercial activity centers, transit facilities, and recreational
amenities. Future land use must therefore plan to accommodate a minimum
residential density of 3 du/acre within this designation.
• Identify and protect an adequate supply of land to support growth for
future development beyond 2040, with regard to agricultural viability and
natural and historic resources preservation.
• Incorporate best management practices for stormwater management and
natural resources conservation and restoration in planning processes.
• Plan for local infrastructure needs including those needed to support
future growth.
LU Goal #1. Wo rk with residents,
developers, land owners and other
stakeholders through the development
process and require development that is
consistent with the future Land Use Plan.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
12
Rural Residential
• Discourage future development of rural residential patterns (unsewered
lots of 2.5 acres or less) and where opportunities exist, plan for rural
development at densities that are not greater than 1 unit per 10 acres.
Future land use must therefore plan to limit development to a maximum
residential density of 0.1 du/acre within this designation.
• Implement conservation subdivision ordinances, cluster development
ordinances, and environmental protection provisions in local land
use ordinances, consistent with the Council’s flexible residential
development guidelines.
• Promote best management practices for stormwater management,
habitat restoration, and natural resource conservation in development
plans and projects.
The two distinctive Community Designations require the City to adopt and implement
a FLU that provides a minimum residential density within the areas defined as
Emerging Suburban Edge (where MUSA is designated), while implementing a maximum
residential density for the areas identified as Rural Residential (areas not included
within the MUSA in this planning period).
The FLU must also identify appropriate land use designations and guide corresponding
acreages that support the forecasted employment growth as identified within the
System Statement. Additionally, the FLU must guide adequate land area, at appropriate
densities, that may accommodate the City’s allocated number of affordable housing
units for the period between 2021 and 2030. The employment and affordable housing
requirements will be provided for within the MUSA, and are not expected to be
met within the Rural Residential Areas. The Emerging Suburban Areas are generally
consistent with the MUSA areas identified in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan with two
exceptions; 1) the existing single-family homes on the south side of Olson Lake are now
served by MUSA; and 2) the newly designated Golf Course Community located on the
east side of the community was incorporated into the MUSA through a Comprehensive
Plan Amendment in October 2017. With the exception of these two areas, the MUSA
and corresponding Emerging Suburban Area designations are unchanged from the
previous planning period, and all projected urbanized growth can be accommodated
within the boundaries as shown on Map 3-2. 2018-2040 MUSA.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
13
IDEAL
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
STILLWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AV
E
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE J A N E TRL N
4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.2.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
Map 3-2. 2018 – 2040 MUSA
VILLAGE PLANNING AREA
(MUSA)
SOUTH PLANNING AREA
(MUSA)
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
14
Future Land Use Definitions
Agricultural Preserve (AP)
This land use designation identifies land that is enrolled in the Agricultural
Preserves program. Land in this designation is required to be guided for no more
than 1 dwelling unit per 40 acres, and is protected from further subdivision during
the contract period.
Rural Area Development (RAD)
A large percentage of land in Lake Elmo falls within the Rural Area Development
designation, including single-family detached homes, working farms and agricultural
uses where land is undeveloped, cultivated in crops, or used for livestock. This
designation includes open space developments that are developed, or may be
developed, with clustered housing and may be served by a community septic system.
Open space developments generally average more than 1 residential unit per 10 acres
and include a dedicated open space protected through a conservation easement. This
designation is inclusive of large-lot rural single family detached residential uses, and
future conventional subdivision. Density accross this land use designation is planned
to maintain maximum densities of 1 residential dwelling unit per 10 acres. This land
use designation is limited to areas not within the MUSA planning areas.
Rural Single Family (RSF)
This land use designation combines the previous Residential Estate and Rural
Single-Family categories into one designation to simplify intended land use
guidance. Development with this designation includes single-family detached
housing served by private on-site well and septic systems. Some areas with this
designation are allowed to have two-family dwellings based on zoning.
Rural Single Family Sewered (RSFS)
This land use designation identifies existing previously unsewered rural single
family land uses located within the Village Planning Area. These properties have
either recently been served with municipal sewer and water, or are planned to be
served as part of the planned MUSA extensions within the Village Planning Area.
Golf Course Community (GC)
In recognition that a Golf Course on the land formerly known as Tartan Park is
a local and regional amenity the City wishes to maintain, this specialized land
use category has been crafted to maximize the likelihood that a golf course can
be maintained on the property should a development proposal for the land come
forward.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
15
Low Density Residential (LDR)
Approximately 20% of the planned land uses in the South Planning Area are
guided or developed with low density residential land uses. This category includes
development of single-family detached housing and two-family attached dwellings
with a density of 2.5 to 4 units per acre (2.5 – 4 du/acre) and are planned to be
serviced by public sewer and water. This land use is limited to the part of the City
within the South Planning Area.
Medium Density Residential (MDR)
Approximately 12% of the planned land uses in the South Planning Area are guided
for medium density residential uses. This category allows for a variety of housing types
including single-family detached, duplexes, townhomes, and small two- and three-story
apartment buildings and/or senior living centers. The Medium Density Residential
development is intended for a density of 4.01 to 8 units per acre (4.01 – 8 du/acre).
This land use is limited to the part of the City within the South Planning Area.
High Density Residential (HDR)
Approximately 4% of the planned land uses in the South Planning Area are
guided for high density residential uses. This land use designation guides land for
higher density residential development including townhomes, small apartment
buildings, and multi-family dwellings. Residential density ranges between
8.01 and 15 units per acre (8.01 – 15 du/acre) and provides opportunities for
affordable housing to be incorporated into future developments. This land use is
limited to the part of the City within the South Planning Area.
Mixed Use Commercial (MU-C)
Approximately 8% of the planned land uses in the South Planning Area are
guided as mixed-use commercial. This designation is a new land use designation
and identifies where a mix of commercial and residential uses may be integrated
to benefit from proximity and adjacencies to each other. Commercial uses in this
category include service and retail uses such as, but not limited to, restaurants,
shops, convenience stores, salons, studios and dry cleaners. Land with this
designation is assumed to develop with a minimum of 50% residential use with a
density ranging from 10 to 15 dwelling units per acre (10 – 15 du/acre).
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
16
Mixed Use - Business Park (MU-BP)
Approximately 8% of the planned land uses in the South Planning Area are
guided as mixed-use business park. This land use designation is new and
identifies where a mix of general business, business park, and residential
uses may benefit or be compatible due to proximity of uses. Business uses
in this category include office and service uses such as, but not limited to,
offices and agencies, warehouse/showroom, light manufacturing, and live/
work development. Land with this designation is assumed to develop with a
minimum of 50% residential use with a density ranging from 6 to 10 dwelling
units per acre (6 – 10 du/acre).
Village – Low Density Residential (V-LDR)
This land use designation is planned for areas within the Village Planning Area
and identifies land intended for single-family detached housing development
serviced by municipal sewer and water. Density ranges between 1.5 and 3
dwelling units per acres (1.5 – 3 du/acre). This land use already exists, or
is developing, in much of the outside edges of the Village Planning Area,
transitioning from the village center districts to the rural land use pattern not
designated within the MUSA areas.
Village – Medium Density Residential (V-MDR)
This land use designation identifies proposed land use within the Village
Planning Area guided for single-family detached, duplexes, and townhomes/
villa housing types. Residential density ranges between 3.01 and 8 dwelling
units per acre (3.01 – 8 du/acre). This land use allows for a greater variety in
housing stock and brings more people closer to living within easy access of
Village destinations and amenities.
Village – High Density Residential (V-HDR)
This land use designation is a new planned land use within the Village Planning
Area and is guided for apartment buildings and multi-family dwellings with
a density between 8.01 and 12 units per acre (8.01 – 12 du/acre). This land
use is intended to provide for an increase in types of housing stock, provide
opportunities for more affordable and lifecycle housing, and bring a higher
concentration of people living closer to Village destinations and amenities.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
17
Village – Mixed Use (V-MU)
This land use designation is used in the center of the Village Planning Area to
identify an area where a mix of vertically integrated commercial/business and
residential uses provide development types that benefit from proximity to each
other. More residents in closer proximity to businesses bring greater traffic
to the businesses while these same businesses offer convenient and necessary
services and amenities to nearby residents. Together, the dynamics of a mixed-use
district can establish unique vitality, synergy of activity, and a true community
destination. Land with this designation is assumed to redevelop or develop with
a minimum of 50% residential use with a density ranging from 5 to 10 dwelling
units per acre (5 – 10 du/acre).
Limited Business (LB)
This land use designation identifies areas that are developed with commercial
users that were not served by urban services. Users in this designation
are generally less intense than would be permitted in the planned MUSA
designations.
Commercial (C)
The commercial land use includes areas that are used for retail business and
are primarily located within MUSA boundaries of the City. Small pockets of
commercial land can also be found where retail goods and services are located at
transportation intersections. This category excludes any residential use.
Business Park (BP)
This land use provides for a wide variety of professional businesses such as medical
and research facilities, offices and corporate headquarters. Uses specifically excluded
from existing business park areas include warehousing, manufacturing, distribution,
assembly and truck terminals. Retail sales of goods and services are allowable uses by
conditional use permit provided such uses are goods and services for the employees
of the permitted business use. This category excludes any residential use.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
18
Institutional (INST)
The Institutional land use category identifies land that is used for schools, religious
institutions, City hall, municipal buildings, libraries, and other institutional uses. This
land use is found throughout the City.
Public/Semi-Public (PSP)
The Public/Semi-Public land use category identifies land that is generally owned by
the City or other agency, whose primary purpose is to support adjacent developments
with stormwater management and other utilities. This land use may also include some
secondary uses such as public trails or small open spaces.
Closed Landfill Restricted (CL)
This land use designation identifies former landfills that are qualified to be under the
Closed Landfill Program of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The
purpose of this category is to limit uses of land within the closed landfill, both actively
filled and related lands, to minimal uses in order to protect the land from human
activity where response action systems are in place and, at the same time, are protective
of human health and safety.
Park & Open Space (Park)
This land use identifies land used for public recreation and protected open space managed
for park uses. Most land within this designation is owned by Washington County or the City
of Lake Elmo, but also includes land owned by other public and semi-public agencies.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
19
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
20
The following table identifies the total land area within the community and comprehensively includes all
existing land uses, not guided for change, and planned land uses. The planned land use designations are
generally consistent with the 2030 Land Use Plan, with some exceptions as noted:
• The nomenclature regarding sewered residential uses has been changed from “Urban Low
Density” to “Low Density Residential, “Urban Medium Density” to “Medium Density
Residential” and so forth. This change did not in all cases alter the definition or density
ranges but was renamed to better describe the planned land uses.
• The density ranges for Medium Density Residential and High Density Residential
were shifted to align with the required affordable housing density requirements as
noted within the Metropolitan Council’s Housing Policy Plan.
• Two mixed use residential land uses were added to areas within the MUSA to allow for
a better integration of uses and more flexibility to respond to market demands. These
use designations require a minimum residential component as described within the
Future Land Use definitions.
Table 3-2. Future Land Use Plan and Total Acreage
Future Land Use Residential Density
(dwelling units/acre)Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Agricultural Preserve (AP)0.025 414.73 2.67%
Rural Area Development (RAD)0.1 4,835.22 31.18%
Rural Single Family (RSF)0.1-2.0 2,398.76 15.48%
Rural Single Family Sewered (RSFS)0.1-2.0 149.79 0.97%
Golf Course Community (GC)1.5-2.49 442.96 2.86%
Low Density Residential (LDR)2.5 - 4 477.90 3.08%
Medium Density Residential (MDR)4.01 - 8 365.92 2.36%
High Density Residential (HDR)8.01 - 15 80.07 0.52%
Mixed Use – Commercial (MU-C)10 - 15 138.23 0.89%
Mixed Use - Business Park (MU-BP)6 - 10 92.20 0.59%
Village – Low Density Residential (V-LDR)1.5 - 3 377.54 2.43%
Village – Medium Density Residential (V-MDR)3.01 - 8 157.13 1.01%
Village – High Density Residential (V-HDR)8.01 - 12 21.99 0.14%
Village – Mixed Use (V-MU)5 - 10 76.74 0.49%
Commercial (C)NA 154.92 1.00%
Business Park (BP)NA 206.93 1.33%
Limited Business (LB)NA 45.76 0.30%
Institutional (INST)NA 301.41 1.94%
Closed Landfill NA 67.34 0.43%
Public/Semi-Public (PSP)NA 206.56 1.33%
Park/Open Space (Park)NA 2602.16.79%
Open Water NA 1355.29 8.74%
Right of Way (ROW) Includes RR ROW NA 534.54 3.45%
Total 15,506.97 100.00%
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
21
IDEAL
AVE
N
INWOOD
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
STILLWATER B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE J A N E TR L N
4 5 T H ST N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.23.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, City of Lake Elmo, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
Closed Landfill
ROW
BP
C
Park
PSP
0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.20.15
Miles
Map 3-3. Future Land Use Map
Legend
Planned Roadway (Parkway)
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
22
Planned Growth Areas
Growth within Lake Elmo is expected to primarily occur
in areas designated within the MUSA, consistent with the
Metropolitan Council’s 2015 System Statement Projections.
The City geographically describes their primary growth
areas the South Planning Area and the Village Planning
Area. Within both of these MUSA boundaries, there is
adequate land to serve the projected population, households
and employment through 2040. As shown on Map 3-4
and Map 3-5, the areas planned for growth and change in
this planning period are identified. Corresponding Table
3-3. Net Developable Acreage of Residential Land Uses
provides the calculated density, and expected households, based on the FLU in each of
these areas. In addition to the anticipated growth in the areas served within the MUSA,
the City also anticipates some growth within the Rural Residential areas consistent with
previous lans, and as projected within the 2015 System Statement. Further description
regarding the development of the FLU and the growth strategy are provided within
Chapter 4: Balanced Development & Growth.
Map 3-4. Future Land Use – South Planning Area Planned Growth
IDEAL
AVE
N
INWOOD
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
S TIL LWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MA
NNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE J A N E TR L N
4 5 T H ST N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
KlawitterPond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.23.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, City of Lake Elmo, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-L DR
V-MD R
V-HDR
V-MU
In stitutional
Closed Lan dfill
ROW
BP
C
Park
PSP
0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.20.15
Miles
LU Goal #3. Continue to
educate residents, developers,
and stakeholders about the
guided land uses and where
sewered and non-sewered
development is guided.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
Elmo
Eagle Point
Downs
Rose
Goose
Horseshoe
Kramer
Sunfish
Legion Pond
Armstrong
Friedrich Pond
H.J. Brown Pond
GooseArmstrong
Beutel's Pond
FDraft Date: 4.5.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
BP
C
Park
PSP
Reserve
Closed Landfill
ROW
MU
S
A
MUSA
Areas Planned for Growth
Planned Roadway (Parkway)
Legend
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
23
Map 3-5. Future Land Use –Village Planning Area Planned Growth
IDEAL
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
S TILLWATE R B LVD N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE J A N E TRL N
4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.2.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-H DR
V-MU
Institutional
BP
C
Park
PSP
Reserve
Closed Landfill
ROW
ID
EAL
AVE
N
INWOOD
AVE
N
60THSTN
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
S TIL LWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50T H ST N
MA
NNING
AVE
N
47T H ST N
34TH ST N
LAKEJANETRLN
45THSTN
Horseshoe
Clea r
UnnamedDeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elm o
Sunf ish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Krame r
Goetschel
Klawitt erPond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date : Rev. 5.2 3.2018
Source: Washin gton Coun ty,
MNGEO, City of Lake Elmo, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
Clo se d Lan dfill
ROW
BP
C
Park
PSP
0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.20.15
Miles
Areas Planned for Growth
Planned Roadway (Parkway)
MUSA
MU
S
A
Legend
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
24
Table 3-3. Net Developable Acreage of Residential Land Uses
Future Land Use Residential Density
(dwelling units/net acre)
Total Net
Acres
Estimated
Households
Low Density Residential (LDR)2.5 - 4 233.43 584
Medium Density Residential (MDR)4.01 - 8 148.50 596
High Density Residential (HDR)8.01 - 15 79.99 640
Mixed Use – Commercial (MU-C)*10 - 15 62.19 622
Mixed Use - Business Park (MU-B)*6 - 10 46.05 276
Village – Low Density Residential (V-LDR)1.5 - 3 137.60 206
Village – Medium Density Residential (V-MDR)3.01 - 8 70.10 211
Village – High Density Residential (V-HDR)8.01 - 12 19.99 49
Village – Mixed Use (V-MU)*5 - 10 9.84 160
Total 2020-2040 Residential 807.71 3,344
Net Density 2020-2040 4.14 du/acre
Residential Plats 2010 - 2020 1,180.75 2,444
Total Sewered Households 2010-2040 1,914.81 5,788
Total Net Density 2010-2040 3.02 du/acre
*Only residential acreage included/calculated in table. Land Use designation assumption
that a minimum of 50% of total acreage is developed with residential use.
Total number of households does not exclude potential park areas as contemplated in Chapter 6: Parks Trails
and Open Spaces. Actual acres and resulting households to be adjusted and calculated at time of development
(Preliminary and Final Plat). Net density does exclude principal/arterial ROW, wetlands, and lake areas.
Density in Sewered Areas by 2040
Consistent with the Metropolitan Council’s policies, the density calculation performed
based on Table 3-3. Net Developable Acreage of Planned Residential Land Uses will
result in an average net density of approximately 3.0 dwelling units per acre. As
required, the household calculation in Table 3-3 was performed based on the minimum
units allowable per the density range.
As shown on Map 3-4 and Map 3-5, there are three land use designations at sufficient
densities to meet the City’s allocation of affordable housing per the Metropolitan
Council System Statement. Approximately 112 acres are collectively guided for these
three designations between 2021 and 2030, which meets the required allocation in this
planning period. (Further detail regarding affordable housing can be found in Chapter
5: Housing).
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
25
Revised Population and Household Projections
As noted in Table 3-3 the number of households, and thus the corresponding projected
population, is greater than the projections identified by the Metropolitan Council in the
2015 System Statement. After much deliberation and discussion, the City concluded
that it would be more advantageous to plan for a thoughtful, contiguous land use
pattern throughout all MUSA areas rather than limiting the amount of land available for
urbanized services within this planning period to match the 2015 System Statement. As
denoted in subsequent sections of this chapter and the Sanitary Sewer chapter, the City’s
infrastructure may need additional improvements to its infrastructure to serve the entire
MUSA area depending on the ultimate commercial and/or business user and density of
the residential neighborhoods. Thus capacity of the infrastructure within later staging
areas will need to be evaluated, and development approvals contingent on appropriate
system upgrades. Regardless, this Plan identifies and guides all land within the MUSA
with an urbanized land use designation, and therefore the following table provides
the City’s adjusted projections based on the Future Land Use Plan and Staging Plan
contained in this chapter. (There are no revisions to the employment forecasts, as those
are relatively consistent with the System Statement).
Table 3-4. Revised Population & Household Projections
2020 2030 2040
Population Unsewered 6,788 7,140 7,992
Population Sewered 5,032 11,196 15,743
Total Population 11,820 18,335 23,735
Households Unsewered 2,441 2,760 3,379
Households Sewered 1,850 4,116 5,788
Total Households 4,291 6,876 9,167
Source: Lake Elmo System Statement, SHC, City of Lake Elmo
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
26
Employment Locations
Existing and planned employment locations are generally located within the Village
Planning Area and South Planning Area. Land uses served by MUSA, or planned for
extension of services, will continue to be the primary locations for employment through
the forecasted planning period. There are some existing limited business land uses
located outside of MUSA designations that are anticipated to remain in operations
through this planning period, but are not accounted for in Table 3-4 because they are
existing, and no intensification of the land use is projected in these areas.
To determine the intensity of the commercial and business park uses in the guided
FLU, the maximum impervious surface coverage was estimated based on information
contained in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The coverage calculation was converted
to square feet and the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Sewer Area
Charge (SAC) 2017 Manual was used to determine allocated SAC units based on the
designation and potential users.
These land uses are identified on Map 3-3: Future Land Use Plan, Map 3-4: Future Land Use
Plan – South Planning Area and Map 3-5: Future Land Use Plan – Village Planning Area.
Table 3-5. Employment Locations and Intensity (Planned for Development)
Growth Area Land Use Planned
Acres
Intensity
(FAR)
Estimated
Acres
(Square Feet)
SAC
South
Planning Area Commercial 110 35%38.5
(1,677,060)559
Business Parkb 100 35%35
(1,524,600)320
Mixed Use - Commerciala 69.12 35%24.19
(1,053,804)351
Mixed Use - Business Parkab 46.1 35%16.14
(702,841)148
Village
Planning Area Commercial 14.9 35%5.21
(227,165)76
Mixed Use - Villagea 9.54 50%4.77
(207,781)69
Total SAC/Emp.1,523
aOnly commercial/business component is included in acreage. Approximately 50% of total land use designation used
for calculation per land use definition.
bBusiness Park Designations calculation assumes office/manufacturing/warehousing mix of general business users.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
27
Airport Impact
The Lake Elmo Regional Airport is located adjacent to the City’s eastern boundary
in West Lakeland Township. The airport is east of Manning Avenue and between the
railroad and 30th Street N. Parts of the airport safety zone and noise impact areas
impact a portion of the Village Planning Area in Lake Elmo. A new low density single-
family detached residential neighborhood is partially developed with subsequent phases
anticipated within this planning period. No development is allowed within the Runway
Protection Zone (RPZ). All land designated within the RPZ are designated as Public/
Semi-Public uses and are included within the City’s Greenway Overlay which restrict
any future development of land within this designation. The FLU is consistent with
allowed land uses within the safety zones for the Lake Elmo Regional Airport and
reflects this restriction. The City will continue to work with the Metropolitan Airports
Commission and MnDOT Aeronautics Division to update airport zoning regulations
that address noise and safety concerns within these zones as required.
Map 3-6. Airport Safety and Runway Protection
IDEAL
AVE
N
INWOOD
AVE
N
60THSTN
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
S TIL LWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MA
NNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKEJANETRLN
45 T H ST N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.23.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, City of Lake Elmo, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
Closed Landfill
ROW
BP
C
Park
PSP
0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.20.15
Miles
*Runway protection zones and safety zones depicted are mos recently available shapefiles.
Verification of location of runway improvements and revised RPZ to be completed after EA process.
IDEAL
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
STILLWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE J A N E TRL N
4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.2.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
21D Preferred Ultimate Runway Protection Zone
21D Preferred Ultimate Safety Zone A
21D Preferred Ultimate Safety Zone B
LAKE ELMO
AIRPORT
Legend
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
28
Phasing and Staged Growth
The majority of the City’s growth in households and employment is anticipated to occur within
the designated MUSA boundaries; however, there will be some continued development in the
rural residential areas of the community consistent with the community’s land use designations.
Table 3-6 identifies gross acreages per land use designation, while calculations found in Table 3-3
provide net acreage calculations for each residential land use designation within the designated
MUSA as noted. The City’s objective is to plan for phased, contiguous growth to ensure adequate
infrastructure and capacity are available to support development. Map 3-7 identifies four staging
areas consistent with existing and planned water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure.
The last phase is denoted as post-2035 and should be monitored for capacity and potential
improvements based on actual development in earlier phasing periods.
Map 3-7. MUSA Growth & Phasing Plan
IDEAL
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAK
E
ELMO
AVE
N
STILLWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
K
EATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
AK
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAK E J A NE TRL N
4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.17.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
Closed Landfill
ROW
BP
C
Park
PSP
Current (2020)
2020 - 2030
2030-2040
2035-2040 +
Staging/Phase
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
29
Table 3-6. Future Land Use Forecast Gross Acreage per Decade
Future Land Use Residential Density
(dwelling units/acre)2020 Acres (%)2030 Acres (%)2040 Acres (%)
Agricultural Preserve (AP)0.025 414.73 (2.67%)414.73 (2.67%)414.73 (2.67%)
Rural Area Development (RAD)0.1 6,118.16 (39.45%)5,490.01 (35.40%)4,837.37 (31.19%)
Rural Single Family (RSF)0.5 - 2 2,398.76 (15.47%)2,398.76 (15.47%)2,398.76 (15.47%)
Rural Single Family Sewered (RSFS)0.5-2 149.79 (0.97%)149.79 (0.97%)149.79 (0.97%)
Golf Course Community 1.5-2.49 221.48 (1.43%)442.96 (2.86%)442.96 (2.86%)
Low Density Residential (LDR)2.5 - 4 216.16 (1.39%)256.20 (1.65%)477.90 (3.08%)
Medium Density Residential (MDR)4.01 - 8 298.89 (1.93%)365.92 (2.36%)365.92 (2.36%)
High Density Residential (HDR)8.01 - 15 12.69 (0.08%)80.07 (0.52%)80.07 (0.52%)
Mixed Use - Commercial (MU-C)12 - 15 63.73 (0.41%)63.73 (0.41%)138.23 (0.89%)
Mixed Use - Business Park (MU-BP)6 - 10 0 (0%)0 (0%)92.20 (0.59%)
Village – Low Density Residential
(V-LDR)1.5 - 3 202.78 (1.31%)225.45 (1.45%)377.54 (2.43%)
Village – Medium Density Residential
(V-MDR)3.01 - 5 78.31 (0.50%)92.71 (0.60%)157.13 (1.01%)
Village – High Density Residential
(V-HDR)8.01 -12 0 (0%)0 (0%)21.99 (0.14%)
Village – Mixed Use (V-MU)5 - 10 76.74 (0.49%)76.74 (0.49%)76.74 (0.49%)
Commercial (C)NA 41.16 (0.27%)129.18 (0.83%)154.92 (1.0%)
Business Park (BP)NA 99.80 (0.64%)206.93 (1.33%)206.93 (1.33%)
Limited Business (LB)NA 45.76 (0.30%)45.76 (0.30%)45.76 (0.30%)
Institutional (INST)NA 301.41 (1.94%)301.41 (1.94%)301.41 (1.94%)
Public/Semi-Public (PSP)*NA 206.56 (1.33%)206.56 (1.33%)206.56 (1.33%)
Closed Landfill NA 67.34 (0.43%)67.34 (0.43%)67.34 (0.43%)
Park (Park)*NA 2,602.89 (16.79%)2,602.89 (16.79%)2,602.89 (16.79%)
Open Water*NA 1,355.29 (8.75%)1,355.29 (8.75%)1,355.29 (8.75%)
ROW / RR ROW*NA 534.54 (3.45%)534.54 (3.45%)534.54 (3.45%)
TOTAL NA 15,506.97 (100%)15,506.97 (100%)15,506.97 (100%)
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
30
ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVES OF FUTURE LAND USES
The City’s FLU acknowledges and plans for continued household and employment growth
through 2040, but also includes preservation and continued support of its rural residential
landscape and robust parks and open space system. The City of Lake Elmo has always
been identified as an exceptional place to live because of its robust parks system, protected
high-quality natural resources, and proximity to major employment, healthcare and retail
centers. Even though the community is growing, and in some cases transitioning from a
primarily rural residential community, there is a desire and an opportunity to weave the
most important elements and characteristics into changing areas of the community to ensure
that the identity and character of the community continues for generations to come.
Equally important to the planned land uses, densities and projections is the
commitment to maintain open spaces, natural resources and parks and to promote
opportunities to provide healthy, vibrant, resilient neighborhoods.
The following sections should be used as an extension to the Future Land Use Plan
and should be incorporated or acknowledged in growth areas and in areas planned for
protection of existing uses. There is always an opportunity to do better, and the following
themes help support the future direction of the City’s land uses and decision-making.
Promoting Health with Land Use
As part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
process, the City obtained a grant from Washington
County Health Services through the State Health
and Improvement Program (SHIP) to incorporate
living healthy principles into this comprehensive
plan. There are many ways that the principles
of healthy neighborhoods, communities and
environments can be incorporated into existing and
future land uses. The following summary identifies
some of the ways in which health was considered,
and incorporated, into the Future Land Use Plan.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
31
Mixed-Use Land Use Designations to Promote Health
The introduction of land uses that will promote a more compact, walkable, development
pattern was purposefully integrated throughout the growth areas as identified in
previous sections of this chapter. In addition to creating new land use designations, the
City discussed opportunities to better connect existing neighborhoods though bikeways,
trails and other pedestrian routes to support active residents. This discussion included
how public and private trail connections may be used to achieve these objectives, and
the City acknowledges the need to better communicate and sign public trails and routes
so users are comfortable and informed using the system.
In addition to neighborhood pattern, the new mixed-use designations will permit the
incorporation of uses such as restaurants, markets, farmers markets, and other events
that can be designed to support an active lifestyle for the City’s residents, employees
and employers. With the growing popularity of farm-to-table dining and experiences
that focus on healthy living, Lake Elmo is well-positioned to capitalize on trends that
connect its rich rural and agricultural resources with health-conscious consumers seeking
fresh high-quality foods and products. As the community grows and new households are
added, it will be important for the City to ensure grocery and fresh foods are sold and
provided at locations nearby higher concentrations of residents.
Ensuring “Uses” that Support Health are Permitted and Accessible
Closely related to the introduction of more compact development patterns, is the need
to provide accessible options to purchase healthy and fresh foods and products. This can
be accomplished through ensuring that uses that support that objective are permitted
within the City’s land use designations and the zoning code. Connection and ease of access
are essential components to this objective, so pedestrian, bikeways and other routes to
locations with fresh products is important to consider as the City develops and evolves.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
32
Providing an Accessible and Connected Green Network
The City is committed to preservation of its
existing natural resource and open space network.
In addition to the existing network, the City
plans to expand the network as growth areas are
developed. Part of this planning process included
discussion and recommendations regarding better
park, trail and open space connections for residents
in existing neighborhoods and in new growing
neighborhoods. Natural resource protection,
identification, preservation and development
creates opportunities to create a network of
greenways and trails for residents to utilize for
recreation, connection with nature, connection between various neighborhoods and
destinations in and around Lake Elmo, and to build a more resilient (and green)
infrastructure. Trail development is an important way to promote health and activity
in the community. The City’s Future Land Use Plan should be implemented to be
consistent with Chapter 6: Parks, Trails & Open Space that identifies key trail, natural
resource and open space considerations as development occurs within the City’s growth
areas.
Parks, Open Space and Natural Resources Integration
Nearly 18% of the City’s land acreage is publicly protected as Park or Open Space,
and an additional 11% of private lands area is protected with a conservation easement.
Natural resources, parks, and open spaces protection and enhancement is one of
the City’s character defining elements that makes the community a special place to
live, work and recreate. The City’s expansive natural resources, including woodland,
meadow, lakes and wetlands, and rural scenic amenities are sprinkled throughout the
heart of the community are valued assets for all residents. The presence of high quality
natural resources is important to the lasting effort of balanced development, enduring
biodiversity, and opportunity for recreation and connection for area residents. The effort
to preserve and enhance these features as an asset for the community and region is a
primary objective and specifically stated in several Goals and Strategies within Chapter
1: Vision, Goals & Strategies.
LU Goal #2. Enhance Lake
Elmo’s expansive network
of trails, open spaces,
and natural resources as
amenities in developing areas
of the community.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
33
Decision-making related to incorporation of greenways, natural resources, parks
and trails associated within this Future Land Use Plan should be consistent with the
information found in Chapter 6: Parks, Trails & Open Space.
Access & Transportation
A key component of implementing the Future Land Use Plan is to plan for appropriate
access and consider diverse modes of transportation. It is likely that as the growth areas
change and develop a more diverse demographic will move to the community and their
transportation demands may include alternate modes such as bikeways, pedestrian ways
and the desire for transit.
Incorporated on Map 3-3: Future Land Use Plan are the conceptual main thoroughfares
through the growth areas that are planned for within the Chapter 7: Transportation.
Identification of the east-west roadway connection in the South MUSA planning
boundary on the Future Land Use Plan is deliberate and was used to guide compatible
and appropriate land uses. It is the intent of the Future Land Use Plan that development
along the east-west corridor would support and plan for adequate right-of-way at time
of development that would include a multi-use trail that would promote mode choice
and accessibility to adjacent neighborhoods. Likewise, a new roadway connection in the
Village MUSA planning boundary is identified and the land use plan was developed to
encourage higher-densities near the roadway to improve access. More detail regarding
new roadways, and the existing transportation, transit, and bikeways system can be
found in Chapter 7: Transportation.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
34
Supporting Resiliency
The purpose of creating a Future Land Use Plan that provides a diverse land use
pattern is to allow for the City to adapt and change as needed through this planning
period. Better integration of land uses allows for the community to be thoughtful about
innovation as the environment changes and new technologies are developed, and creates
opportunities to adapt and be responsive. The idea of resiliency is woven throughout
this Plan, and is specifically discussed as it relates to the Green Network and Resilient
Infrastructure in Chapter 6. It is the intent of the City that the idea of a Green
Network be used as part of the decision-making process and allow for improvements in
neighborhood and development design as the community evolves and changes through
2040.
Solar Access
The City has incorporated standards into their zoning ordinances regarding siting of
structures and buildings to support access to solar resources. Given the City’s dominant
residential landscape pattern, options for private property owners including individual
homeowners and homeowners associations to capitalize on solar energy are supported by
the City’s adopted ordinances and official controls.
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
35
Map 3-8: Gross Solar Potential
Lake
Elmo
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
INWOOD AVE N
34TH ST N
10TH ST N
IDEAL AVE N
KEATS AVE N
D E M O N T R E V I L L E T R L N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AV
E
N
47TH ST N
KIMBRO AVE N
L A K E J A NE T R L N
JULEP AVE N
Gross Solar Potential
(Watt-hours per Year)
High : 1276008
Low : 900001
Solar Potential under 900,000 watt-hours per year
County Boundaries
City and Township Boundaries
Wetlands and Open Water Features
Gross Solar Potential
Source: University of Minnesota U-Spatial Statewide Solar Raster.
ANOKA
DAKOTA
HENNEPIN RAMSEY
SCOTT
WASHINGTON
CARVER
Extent of Main Map
0 1 2 3 40.5
Miles
12/20/2016
City of Lake Elmo, Washington County
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
36
SPECIAL RESOURCE PROTECTION
A consideration when developing the Future Land Use Plan was to inventory special or
unique resources in the community, and to allow these resources (where applicable) to
help guide where and when development would occur.
Historical Resources
There are no State or Locally registered historical districts or structures in the Lake
Elmo. However, the City strongly supports the preservation of the “Old Village” Main
Street, where the village first developed. During the 2030 Planning period, the City
developed a set of design guidelines which will help protect existing buildings and
ensure new construction integrates well with the existing character and building form of
the district.
During this Plan development process the City studied the Old Village area, and
concluded that it would benefit from further refinement based on areas contained within
the previous Old Village boundary. The result, is that this Plan creates three distinct
Districts that describe the use, activities and desired plans based on location within the
City’s core village area. A full description of the Districts, and how they will shape the core
of the village are provided in Chapter 4: Balanced Development & Growth.
LU Goal #4. Create strong
and vibrant Districts in the
Village Planning Area that
becomes a destination for all
residents of the community.
LU Goal #5. Identify and
Explore opportunities to
improve the streetscape in the
Old Village District, Elmo
Station District and Civic
Center District to create a more
walkable environment.
LU Goal #6. Maintain and
Strengthen the small-town
charm of the Old Village
District.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
37
ID
EAL
AVE
N
INWOOD
AVE
N
60THSTN
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
STIL LWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50T H ST N
MA
NNING
AVE
N
47T H ST N
34TH ST N
LAKEJANETRLN
45THSTN
Horsesho e
Clea rUnnamedDeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elm o
Sunf ish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Krame r
Goe tsche l
KlawitterPond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date : Rev. 5.2 3.2018
Source: Was hin gton County,
MNGEO, City of La ke El mo, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
Close d Lan df ill
ROW
BP
C
Park
PSP
0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.20.15
Miles
District Plan - NEED TO CREATE - Old Village, Civic, Elmo Station
Vi
l
l
a
g
e
P
l
a
n
n
i
n
g
A
r
e
a
Civic District
Old Village
District
Village Planning Area
Elmo Station
District
MAP 3-9: District Boundaries in Village Planning Area Elmo
Eagle Point
Downs
Rose
Goose
Horseshoe
Kramer
Sunfish
Legion Pond
Armstrong
Friedrich Pond
H.J. Brown Pond
GooseArmstrong
Beutel's Pond
FDraft Date: 4.5.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
BP
C
Park
PSP
Reserve
Closed Landfill
ROW
Source: Metropolitan Council,City of Lake Elmo, SHC
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
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Aggregate Resources
Per the Metropolitan Council’s 1997 Aggregate Resources information,
there are approximately 324 acres of land identified in the City has having
aggregate resource value. Today, there are two active aggregate sites,
one located in the northwestern quadrant of the community, which is
identified on the 1997 Aggregate Resource Inventory. The second active
site is located in the South MUSA boundary, near the Keats intersection
with 10th Street North. Adjacent to this site, and designated within the
City’s post-2035 phasing area, is additional land identified within the 1997
Aggregate Resource map. The existing active sites have been in operation
for several decades, and it is the City’s understanding that these sites are
nearing their useful life and may be exhausted in this planning period.
Beyond the active sites, the 1997 Aggregate Resource map identified areas
within exiting neighborhoods that are not likely to experience any demand
or opportunity for extraction. As aggregate resources are depleted, the
land will likely transition into suburban-style development, consistent
with the surrounding district. As mentioned, some of the land identified
with potential for aggregate resource extraction that has not been mined,
is designated within the City’s post-2035 phasing area, which does not
plan for or anticipate urbanized development over the next 15-years due to
existing development patterns and infrastructure planning.
Agricultural Preserve
The City’s agrarian and agricultural past continues to be valued by the
City, and landowners and homeowners that express interest in preserving
agricultural land through the Agricultural Preserve program will be
supported by the City. Currently, there are approximately 414-acres of
land protected by an Agricultural Preserve covenant per the Metropolitan
Council’s records, and those properties have been identified and guided
appropriately on the Existing and Future Land Use Plan contained within
this chapter.
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Map 3-10. Aggregate Resource Locations
IDEAL
AVE
N
INWOOD
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
STILLWATE R B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE J A N E TR L N
4 5 T H ST N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.23.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, City of Lake Elmo, SHC
Aggregate Resources 1997
MUSA 2040 (Revised)
0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.20.15
Miles
Elmo
Jane
Olson
Downs
Rose
Eagle Point
DeMontreville
Sunfish
Horseshoe
Goose
Clear
Goetschel
Kramer
Armstrong
Unnamed
Legion Pond
Friedrich Pond
H.J. Brown Pond
Goose
Deer Pond
Armstrong
Crombie Pond
Klawitter Pond
Berschen's Pond
Hedge's Pond
Dirk's Pond
Beutel's Pond
FHomesteaded EMV
< $238,500
$238,501 - $450,000
$450,001 - $750,000
$750,001+
Draft Date: 4.5.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
Elmo
Jane
Olson
Downs
Rose
Eagle Point
DeMontreville
Sunfish
Horseshoe
Goose
Clear
Goetschel
Kramer
Armstrong
Unnamed
Legion Pond
Friedrich Pond
H.J. Brown Pond
Goose
Deer Pond
Armstrong
Crombie Pond
Klawitter Pond
Berschen's Pond
Hedge's Pond
Dirk's Pond
Beutel's Pond
FHomesteaded EMV
< $238,500
$238,501 - $450,000
$450,001 - $750,000
$750,001+
Draft Date: 4.5.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
Chapter 5: Housing
Supply, Demand & Allocations
Comprehensive Plan 2040
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INTRODUCTION
The City’s housing stock is evolving and is slowly becoming more diverse as new
neighborhoods throughout the community are beginning to be developed. Prior
to the 2030 Plan, the City was dominated by single-family detached housing in a
predominantly rural residential setting. The historical development pattern is fairly
homogeneous, with some pockets of slightly smaller and older homes near the Old
Village District, and around the Tri-Lakes area that remain a vibrant, vital part of the
City’s housing stock. The City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan was the first to introduce
suburban densities into the community, and with that guiding came the opportunity to
incorporate more diversity into the housing stock and create a more balanced housing
supply that would provide options to a broader demographic. Shortly after the 2030
Plan was put into effect, the housing bust and great recession hit, leaving the residential
housing market largely paralyzed, and places like Lake Elmo saw little to no new
residential development even though land had been guided to allow new neighborhoods
and housing. While the first half the decade very little happened due to the housing
bust, by 2015 renewed interest in housing began to emerge. The first signs of recovery
in Lake Elmo were consistent with regional and nation trends, which first saw recovery in
the single-family detached housing market which is demonstrated in neighborhoods such
as Wildflower in the Village Planning Area, and Savona in the South Planning Area.
As the single-family residential housing market heated up and prices began to escalate,
interest in attached housing and multi-family products has slowly emerged as a more
cost-effective alternative. The delay in demand for attached and multi-family products is
particularly noticeable in communities like Lake Elmo; however, current regional trends
suggest that the housing market is likely to remain strong, and that Lake Elmo will
continue to see increasing demand for new, and more diverse housing stock over this
planning period.
Understanding that there will be demand for a more diverse housing stock, the Future
Land Use Plan included in Chapter 3 guides residential land use with a range of
densities to allow for development of spectrum of households from rural residential
neighborhoods to small apartment complexes. The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate
Lake Elmo’s existing housing stock and to plan for future housing needs based on
not only the Future Land Use Plan, but the household and population projections
as stated within the City’s 2015 System Statement prepared by the Metropolitan
Council. Addressing and planning for the City’s housing stock is a critical part of this
Comprehensive Plan, because residential uses account for the largest existing and future
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2040 Housing Highlights
»Greater housing diversity (townhomes and
apartments added to mix of housing types, beyond
single-family homes)
»Intensification of housing in the South Planning Area
and Village Area
»Protect the rural residential areas and neighborhood
patterns.
»Staging plan supports diverse housing stock
throughout each phasing area.
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land use category in Lake Elmo. Moreover, a diverse housing stock with access to open
space and essential goods and services is paramount to creating a healthy, sustainable,
and resilient community. It protects the community’s tax base against market
fluctuations; it helps the community’s economic competitiveness by assisting Lake
Elmo businesses with employee attraction and retention; it provides options for existing
residents to remain in the community should their life circumstances (e.g., aging-in-
place); and it offers future residents access to the same amenities and levels of service
that current residents have come to expect and appreciate.
The first part of this chapter presents important housing principles that underscore
the dynamics behind the role and importance of housing as a key element in this Plan.
The second part of the Chapter focuses on the existing housing stock and summarizes
important information regarding the overall number of housing units, the type of units,
their affordability, and the profile of who lives in those units.
The existing housing stock provides a critical baseline of information from which the
City can plan and determine what types of housing products may be demanded over the
next 10-20 years, which then informed where to appropriately guide land areas suitable
to attract that type of development. Finally, the third part of this chapter addresses
the projected need for housing during this planning period based on the existing
housing and neighborhood conditions and the 2015 System Statement requirements.
This section evaluates issues surrounding affordability and the Metropolitan Council’s
requirements for quantifying need based on income and provides corresponding
description of where and how the City might encourage a broader range of affordability
in its new neighborhoods. The final section links projected housing need to practical
implementation tools to help the City achieve its identified housing goals.
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HOUSING PRINCIPLES
The following sections provide context and information about the role housing plays in
the community, and how the principles can be supported through thoughtful planning
of the City’s future housing stock. Throughout this process, residents, stakeholders and
the Advisory Panel discussed the visible changes in the housing stock taking place in
the community, particularly within the growth areas. Though new development and
growth is planned to continue over the next planning period, the existing housing stock
and neighborhoods was also an important part of the discussion. What is clear, is that
the City is likely to continue to be dominated by residential uses and land use patterns
in both the existing areas of the community and in the areas guided for growth and
change. Since housing plays such a critical role in the character of the community, it
is important for the City to have a universal understanding of the principles that make
good houses, neighborhoods and community. The following are some core principles
from which this Housing chapter is developed.
Housing Diversity
As described in the Balanced Development and Growth Chapter, and within the
introduction of this Chapter, the City has been slowly increasing and improving
diversity of its housing stock in new neighborhoods but there are still critical gaps
in the City’s housing supply. To more effectively describe why diversity is important,
understanding what it means to have a diverse housing stock is a critical first step to
demonstrating why a diverse housing stock can have long-term positive effects on the
City and its residents. A community that has a diverse supply of housing is one that
includes different tenures (rental and ownership), types (single family, townhome, and
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
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apartment), price points, sizes and styles. This residential mix can accommodate the
needs of a wide variety of households at different life stages, incomes and family types.
Furthermore, it provides more options as resident housing needs vary over time due to
changes in age, income, housing preference, family structure, or physical abilities. In
turn, this enables people to move into a community and remain in it as they experience
these life changes while staying close to their established social support networks. For
example, a long-term Lake Elmo resident who no longer wishes to care for a large yard
will likely choose to move to another housing type within their community with less
maintenance needs, if that option is available, before looking at other communities. A
diverse supply also provides options for young adults, who grew up in a community,
to move out of their parent’s home into an apartment or townhome nearby.
In addition to providing improved housing options for residents, a diverse supply of
single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments provides local governments with a
broad tax base that can withstand changes in economic and housing trends without
dramatic impacts on government budgets and services.
Age and housing types aside, a
diverse supply of housing price
points specifically helps to address
the needs of current and projected
local workers. Oftentimes employees
want to live close to where they
work. Employers need a diverse
housing supply to help attract and
hire the best qualified talent at all
wage levels with a variety of home
preferences. A full range of home
options is needed to match the
needs of a diverse workforce.
Housing Stability
For many people, a stable home is a critical component to their quality of life. Quality
of life can mean something different to many people, but with respect to housing it
is often associated with a feeling that their home feels safe in terms of its surrounding
neighborhood and the physical structure, and that they expect to be able to reside there
for the near future. This degree of certainty in a home is often the foundation needed
to pursue life goals and to fulfill their potential. A central aspect to a stable home is
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affordability, and the industry has generally quantified this as defined as paying no more
than 30% of gross income toward home expenses. If forced to pay more, a household
may forgo health care, food, education, transportation and other expenses in order to
pay their mortgage or rent and utilities. In that situation, an essential car repair may
mean making the difficult choice between reliable transportation and risking mortgage
defaults or evictions. Frequent moves, in an attempt to afford a suitable home, place a
lot of stress on households. For families with children, this often results in a change in
schools, daily work commutes, and access to supportive friends and family. For seniors,
it may impact access to healthcare, transportation, and long established social networks.
A community with quality affordable housing helps to ensure the stability of both
neighborhoods and communities that greatly benefit its residents and businesses.
Workforce Housing
The Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) conducted research
that revealed a mismatch between the wages of many who work in Washington
County (County) and the cost of housing in the County, this mismatch is particularly
pronounced in the City of Lake Elmo. The County has the third highest median
household income in the Metro Area and one of the highest costs of living in the state.
However, the average weekly wage for the workers employed in the County is 37 percent
lower than the Metro Area average. There are two contributing factors: 1) many jobs in
the County are low skill and do not pay enough to afford the housing that currently exists
in the County; and 2) there is a lack of modestly priced options in the County affordable
at that wage level. To be a vibrant and growing community, it is important to have a good
mix of jobs across a wide wage range as well as enough housing that is accessible to all
income levels so that those that work in the County can also call it home.
For the business sector to grow and expand, a reliable labor force is needed to fuel it.
Available and financially accessible housing helps to attract a talented workforce to fill
these job opportunities so they can live near their place of work. Workers often look for
jobs that are located near attractive housing options. This also helps to retain current
workers who wish to be at a company for the long term thereby avoiding unnecessary
and costly employee turn-overs.
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EXISTING HOUSING SUPPLY
The previous sections are intended to provide context from which to consider the City’s
existing housing stock, and to eventually consider how the City map plan for future
needs in the housing stock. This section provides information about the current housing
stock in Lake Elmo that is most relevant to consider when planning for the future of
the City’s housing. This information is a synthesis of more detailed housing and socio-
economic data that is included in Appendix, which was used to inform the remaining
content of this chapter.
Key Housing Characteristics
Total Housing Units & Recent Construction Trends
According to data from the Metropolitan
Council and the City of Lake Elmo, there are
3,606 housing units in Lake Elmo as of 2017.
As seen in Figure 4-1. Housing Construction
Permits 2001-2017, a 10-year period of very
limited new construction proceeds Lake
Elmo’s current strong housing market and rapid growth adding approximately 300 new
housing units per year. It is important to keep in mind, though, that the housing sector,
like all real estate sectors, is cyclical. Therefore, not every year during the planning
period will likely see similar quantities of new housing development. As a result, it will
be important to track housing development on an on-going basis to understand how
broader market trends are influencing the growth and change of Lake Elmo.
Figure 5-1. Housing Construction Permits 2001-2017 (units)
Sources: Metropolitan Council; City of Lake Elmo
3,606 Lake Elmo housing
units as of December 31, 2017
- Sources: Metropolitan Council:
City of Lake Elmo
Grand Total
87%Single Family
7%Townhome
7%Multifamily
52%Single Family
23%Townhome
24%Multifamily
42%Single Family
15%Townhome
43%Multifamily Sources: Metropolitan Council; City of Lake Elmo
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
20
1
1
20
1
2
20
1
3
20
1
4
20
1
5
20
1
6
Me
t
r
o
A
r
e
a
H
o
u
s
i
n
g
U
n
i
t
s
COUNTY METRO AREA
140
94
46
13 21 27 25 23 17 26 25 34 36 41
142
339
299
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Year Built
Although recent construction in Lake Elmo
is adding a lot of new housing units, over 40
percent of the City’s housing stock (1,500
units) is more than 40 years old. Therefore,
it will be important to track the condition
of these older homes because they are at-risk
of deferred maintenance, which can rapidly
result in critical structural problems. At the
same time, well-maintained older housing
can be an important source of entry-housing.
Housing Type
Lake Elmo’s existing housing stock is dominated by detached, single-family homes
as seen in Figure 5-2. Housing Stock by Structure Type. According to data from the
Metropolitan Council, 82 percent of the City’s housing stock (2,955 units) consists
of single-family homes. Moreover, the remaining housing stock mostly consists of
manufactured housing or mobile homes, which account for 12 percent of the housing
stock of 428 units. This means only six percent of the housing stock (223 units) is
something other than a single-family home or mobile home. More housing choices will
help older adults to remain in the community as they age-in-place and younger adults to
move into the community.
Figure 5-2. Housing Stock by Structure Type (2017)
Single-Family82%
Mobile Homes
12%
All Other Housing Types 6%
Owner-Occupied92%
Renter-Occupied
8%
Sources: Metropolitan Council; City of Lake Elmo
Housing Goal #4. Protect
and preserve the existing
housing stock of established
neighborhoods.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
40% Lake Elmo housing
stock more than 40 years old
- Sources: US Census; Metropolitan Council;
City of Lake Elmo
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Although single family homes can be a very flexible type of housing, it does mean that
the community has a lack of housing choices. This can have an impact on both existing
residents who may desire a different housing type and those who may want to move into
the community. This is especially true for older residents who no longer want or are able
to maintain a single-family home. Currently, the only option for Lake Elmo residents
in need of housing with support services is Arbor Glen Senior Living, which opened in
2017. However, for older adults who do not need support services, but would prefer
low maintenance housing, the options are limited to small pockets of new developments
such as the villa-style products in Inwood.
Key Demographics
The issue of being able to adequately house an aging population will only become more
important in the coming years. According to data from the US Census, Lake Elmo is
already a community with a high proportion of older adults. Illustrated in Figure 5-3.
Median Age of the Population, the median age of Lake Elmo residents in 2015 was 44
years, which was almost 8 years older than the Metro Area median age. The Minnesota
State Demographer anticipates Lake Elmo’s median age will increase, and by 2020, they
expect the City’s median age to be just over 46. Therefore, the housing needs of an older
population will become increasingly important in the years to come.
Figure 5-3. Median Age of the Population (2015)
37.3
42.4
43.9
46.1
34.2
36.0 36.5
37.7
33
38
43
2000 2010 2015 2020
LAKE ELMO
METRO AREA
Sources: US Census; Minnesota State Demographer; Perkins+Will
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At the same time, Lake Elmo has
surprisingly few residents age 25 to 34.
Currently, a little over five percent of the
City’s population is in this age group.
Metro-wide the percentage is three times
this amount at just over 15 percent. The
lack of young adults is likely the result of
few entry-level housing options.
Homeownership Level
The predominance of single-family homes helps explain why almost all of the housing
stock is owner-occupied (92% or 3,402 units) versus renter-occupied (8% or 204
units) as seen in Figure 5-4. Lake Elmo Homeownership. Although homeownership
is an important path to building wealth and promoting greater civic involvement,
depending on where households are in their lifecycle, homeownership also can be a
financial burden. For example, many older adults have health concerns that make
maintenance and upkeep of their housing a physical and financial challenge. Younger
persons who grow up in a community and want to form their own household often don’t
have the savings to enter homeownership. Without rental options, these population
groups are forced to leave the community to find housing that will accommodate their
circumstances. The only existing rental options are single-family homes or the recently
completed Arbor Glen Senior Living residence.
Figure 5-4. Lake Elmo Homeownership (2017)
Single-Family82%
Mobile Homes
12%
All Other Housing Types6%
Owner-Occupied92%
Renter-Occupied
8%
Sources: Metropolitan Council; City of Lake Elmo
5 % of Lake Elmo residents
are 25-34 years old
1 5% of Metro Area residents are
25-34 years old
- Source: US Census
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Home Values & Household Income
Lake Elmo has high housing values compared to the larger Metro Area. According to the
Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, the 2017 median sales price of homes in Lake
Elmo was $432,500, which was $185,000 more than the Metro Area median sales price
of $247,900 illustrated in Figure 5-5. Median Home Sales Price. High home prices are
attributed to larger homes sizes, newer housing stock, and larger lot sizes as well as the
community’s advantageous location within the region given its proximity to numerous
open space amenities, retail shopping and services, and major employment centers.
Despite the high average home prices, there are areas within the City with less costly
housing. In particular, older and smaller homes are concentrated near the Old Village,
Tablyn Park, and in the Cimmaron Mobile Home Park.
Figure 5-5. Median Home Sales Price (2017)
$432,500
$247,900
LAKE
ELMO
METRO
AREA
Source: Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors
The cost of housing also has a strong influence on who lives in Lake Elmo. The result
is a community that is much older and wealthier than the Metro Area. According to
the US Census, the 2015 median household income for Lake Elmo was just under
$100,000, which was 35 percent higher than the metro area median household income
of $69,000 as seen in Figure 5-6. Median Household Income. High household incomes
have more to do with few younger households than a concentration of wealth. If the
community had more younger households, the median would likely be lower.
Figure 5-6. Median Household Income (2015)
$99,161
$69,233
LAKE
ELMO
METRO
AREA
Source: US Census
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MAP 5-1. Assessor Estimated Home Values (2018)
Elmo
Jane
Olson
Downs
Rose
Eagle Point
DeMontreville
Sunfish
Horseshoe
Goose
Clear
Goetschel
Kramer
Armstrong
Unnamed
Legion Pond
Friedrich Pond
H.J. Brown Pond
Goose
Deer Pond
Armstrong
Crombie Pond
Klawitter Pond
Berschen's Pond
Hedge's Pond
Dirk's Pond
Beutel's Pond
FHomesteaded EMV
< $238,500
$238,501 - $450,000
$450,001 - $750,000
$750,001+
Draft Date: 4.5.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, SHC
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HOUSING DEMAND & AFFORDABILITY
The existing conditions of the City’s housing stock provide valuable insight and
information to assist in planning for what types of housing and price-points may be
demanded in the future as the City continues to grow. As described in the previous
sections of this chapter, the existing housing stock is relatively homogeneous and
expensive. By planning for improved housing diversity, the City will experience a more
stable, well-rounded housing supply to meet the demands of a diverse demographic. To
assist in that planning effort, this section of the housing plan analyzes the affordability
of Lake Elmo’s existing housing stock and compares it to the City’s ability to meet the
current and forecasted housing needs. One of the most important factors in analyzing
the housing stock is its affordability and marketability. As demonstrated in previous
sections of this Chapter, the majority of Lake Elmo’s housing stock is not considered
affordable. Some of the conditions that limit affordability are the newer age of the
housing stock, the larger size of the homes and lots, and also Lake Elmo’s geographic
location in the region. These same factors also contribute to the City’s marketability
and housing value. With newer and larger homes, the average market value of the homes
is more than that of other communities that may have more typical suburban size lots,
more modest homes, and an older housing stock.
Definition of Affordability
There are several different definitions of affordable housing. The definition of affordable
housing most frequently cited and measured in this chapter is that housing is affordable
when households do not pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs.
(Defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or “HUD”).
When households have incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income
(AMI) costs associated with market rate housing (whether ownership or rental) becomes
a challenge. This household group tends to pay more than 30 percent of their income
on housing and has less disposable income to pay for other goods and services such
as clothing, food, child care, transportation, and medical expenses. In addition, those
residents with lower incomes have significantly fewer housing choices to meet their
family needs.
As required by 2015 System Statements issued by the Metropolitan Council, cities
within the 7-County Metropolitan Area are required to plan for an allocated number
affordable housing units based on three levels of affordability. As prescribed by HUD
for the Twin Cities region, the three levels are: Extremely Low Income (30% of Area
Median Income “AMI” or less); Very Low Income (31-50% of AMI); and Low Income
(51-80% of AMI).
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Ownership Housing Affordability
Table 5-1 identifies the housing costs/prices that meet each of the affordability levels
for home ownership in Lake Elmo. The Metropolitan Council determines affordable
home prices based on monthly housing costs, assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at
prevailing interest rates, insurance, and utilities.
Ta ble 5-1. 2017 Affordable Purchase Price for Owner-Occupied Housing
hHousehold Income Level Affordable Home Price
80% AMI ($68,000)$236,000
60% AMI ($54,240)$185,000
50% AMI ($45,200)$151,500
30% AMI ($27,100)$85,000
Source: Metropolitan Council
Table 5-2 identifies the monthly rental housing costs that meet each of the affordability
levels for rental housing in Lake Elmo. Based on HUD defined parameters, the
Metropolitan Council determines affordable rents based on the number of bedrooms
assuming that smaller units can and should accommodate smaller households.
Table 5-2. 2017 Affordable Rental Rates
# of Bedrooms 30% of AMI 50% of AMI 60% of AMI 80% of AMI
Studio/Efficiency $474 $791 $949 $1,265
1 Bedroom $508 $848 $1,017 $1,356
2 Bedroom $610 $1,017 $1,220 $1,627
3 Bedroom $705 $1,175 $1,410 $1,880
4 Bedroom $786 $1,311 $1,573 $2,097
Source: Metropolitan Council
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Existing Affordable Units
Table 5-3 compiles an inventory of the estimated market value of ownership housing
and of rental rates to determine what percentage of the City’s housing stock would be
considered Affordable based on the levels established by HUD for the region. As shown,
24 percent of the City’s housing stock (865 units) is at or below 80 percent of AMI,
with 13 percent of the housing stock (473 units) at or below 50 percent of AMI. A
significant proportion of the City’s affordable housing stock is located in the Cimmaron
Mobile Home Park, and in the historic neighborhoods surrounding the Old Village
District.
As suggested by the City’s median home sales price, Lake Elmo’s overall housing stock
is not affordable, especially when compared to the Metro Area’s percentage of housing
units that are considered affordable. Regionally, 68 percent of the housing stock is
affordable at or below 80 percent of AMI and 28 percent is affordable at or below 50
percent of AMI.
Table 5-3. Lake Elmo Affordable Housing Stock
Lake Elmo
Units
Pct. of All
hHousing uUnits
Metro Area Pct. of
All Housing Units
Units affordable to households with
income at or below 30% of AMI 373 10.3%6.5%
Units affordable to households with
income 31% to 50% of AMI 100 2.8%21.8%
Units affordable to households with
income 51% to 80% of AMI 392 10.9%39.9%
Total Units at or below 80% AMI 865 24.0%68.3%
Source: Metropolitan Council staff estimates for 2015 based on 2105 and 2016 MetroGIS Parcel
Datasets (ownership units), 2009-2013 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy data from HUD
(rental units and household income), and the Council’s 2015 Manufactured Housing Parks Survey
(manufactured homes).
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18
Publicly Subsidized Units
As of 2017, Lake Elmo does not have any publicly subsidized housing units.
Cost Burdened Households
Directly correlated to affordability is the metric of cost burden, which is the proportion
of household income spent toward housing and utilities. When lower income households
spend more than 30 percent of their income toward housing and utilities this burden is
considered excessive because it begins to limit the money available for other essentials
such as food, clothing, transportation, and healthcare. Table X-4 shows the number and
percentage of low-income Lake Elmo households that are cost burdened and compares
this against the Metro Area rate of cost burdened low-income households.
According to data from the Metropolitan Council, 418 Lake Elmo households have
incomes at or below AMI and also spend more than 30 percent of their income on
housing costs. This is just under 12 percent of the City’s households. This percentage
is less than half the Metro Area rate of 23 percent. The low incidence of cost burdened
households is correlated with high proportion of households in their peak earning years
(i.e., age 45-64) with higher than average incomes and the existing housing supply.
As Lake Elmo’s population ages into retirement, and younger households are needed
to support local business expansion, housing that is cost burden to lower income
households will increase.
Table 5-4. Cost Burdened Households by Income Level
Lake Elmo
Units
Percentage of All
Households
Metro Area Percentage
of All Households
Income at or below 30% of AMI 200 5.5%10.0%
Income 31% to 50% of AMI 151 4.2%7.4%
Income 51% to 80% of AMI 67 1.9%5.8%
Total households at or
below 80% AMI 418 11.6%23.2%
Note: Housing cost burden refers to households whose housing costs are at least 30% of their income.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2009-2013 Comprehensive Housing
Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, with counts adjusted to better match Metropolitan Council 2015
household estimates.
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19
Affordable Housing Allocation for Lake Elmo
Included within the 2015 System Statement provided by the Metropolitan Council is an
allocation of affordable housing need for the City of Lake Elmo. The System Statement
requires the City to plan for an additional 508 Affordable Units over the next 20 years
(Table 5-5). Because of the limited supply of existing affordable housing, the Metropolitan
Council is establishing an allocation of new affordable units to meet both regional
goals for housing affordability and to ensure greater housing choice within Lake Elmo
as it grows and its housing needs become more diverse. As such, land use designations
contained within Chapter 3. Land Use assign appropriate densities to developing or
redevelopment areas to meet the Metropolitan Council’s affordable allocation.
Table 5-5. Affordable Housing Need Allocation through 2030
% of Area Median Income (AMI)Units
At or below 30% AMI 27
31 to 50% AMI 179
51 to 80% AMI 302
Total Units 508
Source: Metropolitan Council 2015 Systems Statement - Lake Elmo
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20
FUTURE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
Projected Housing Need
The Metropolitan Council’s 2015 System
Statement forecasts that Lake Elmo will
add approximately 3,500 new households
through 2040. This amount of household
growth will generate need for a more diverse
housing stock. As a community that is both
aging and growing, it will be important that
a much wider selection of housing be made
available in order to retain existing residents
and attract new ones. Therefore, more
housing options besides detached single-
family units on large lots and mobile homes
will need to be accommodated.
This housing plan does not prescribe specific housing products or styles, but it does
identify where within the land use plan different housing types, primarily through
guided densities, can be accommodated. For example, the 2015 System Statement
allocates 508 new affordable housing units in Lake Elmo through 2030. It does not
stipulate that these be rental or owner;
it does not stipulate that these units be
attached or detached; nor does it stipulate
that they be publicly subsidized or
dependent on market dynamics. However,
housing affordability is strongly correlated
with the price of land. Therefore, areas that
allow higher densities are more likely to
accommodate a range of housing types and
price points.
3,500
Number of forecasted new households
in Lake Elmo through 2040
- Source: Metropolitan Council
508
Number of allocated affordable
housing units through 2030
- Source: Metropolitan Council
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21
Future Residential Uses in Planned Growth Areas
Higher Density Residential Areas
The Land Use Plan outlined in Chapter 3 identifies two planned growth areas both
within the Municipal Urban Services Area (MUSA): 1) the South Planning Area; and
2) the Village Planning Area. Both planned growth areas call for new residential land
uses at a sufficient density to accommodate a variety of housing types at densities that
could support the number of allocated affordable units at the three income levels. Table
5-6 below describes the future land use categories, the allowable density ranges, and the
minimum number of supportable future units. According to the guided densities and
staging plan, these three high density areas could accommodate, at minimum, a total of
approximately 958 dwelling units between 2020 and 2030, which exceeds the required
allocated affordable units.
Table 5-6. Planned Residential Uses Supportive of Affordable Housing
Future Land Use Residential Density
(dwelling units/acre)Total Acres Supportable Households/
Dwellings
High Density Residential
(HDR)8.01-15 79.99 640
Mixed Use Commercial
(MU-C)10-15 31.86 318
Total 2020-2030 Higher
Density Residential 111.85 958
Net Density 2020-2040 (All
Planned Residential Areas)8.6 dwelling units/acre
Source: SHC, Perkins+Will, City of Lake Elmo
Moreover, the two residential land use
categories would be proximate to mixed-
use and commercial districts in which
essential goods and services, transit, and
employment opportunities would be
planned to be available.
Housing Goal #1. Create land use
designations that support various housing
types throughout the community.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
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22
Other Sewered Residential Areas
In addition to new residential development envisioned in higher density areas between
2020 and 2030, the housing plan also calls for significant residential development in
the planned growth areas at lower densities and in future staging period. According to
the land use plan, the growth areas could accommodate approximately 2,386 housing
units through 2040. These residential categories range from low density areas to mixed use
districts that could support relatively high density development, such as housing above
ground floor commercial space, or horizontally integrated uses that are connected with
walking trails between job centers and apartments.
Rural Residential Areas
Lake Elmo has a rich history of supporting innovative conservation developments and
other unsewered residential neighborhoods. These residential areas preserve critical open
space and contribute to Lake Elmo’s high quality of life. Although this Plan does not plan
for significant residential growth in the rural
portions of Lake Elmo, some growth in this
area of the community is anticipated to occur
over this planning period. Like housing in the
sewered areas of the community, the City’s Rural
Residential housing stock is an important part
of the housing supply that must be planned for
and considered as the community grows. An
important consideration of any future residential
developments in these areas should respect past
efforts to protect and preserve important open
spaces, critical habitats, and water resources.
Maintaining Existing Housing & Neighborhoods
While the City is projected to more than double its households in this planning period,
there remains a significant portion of the housing supply that is aging and may begin
to experience deferred maintenance, and structural obsolescence if not maintained. As
such, it is critical that the City plan for and consider how existing neighborhoods and
structures, particularly as they age, will be maintained. Many of these neighborhoods
are constructed with high-end, large homes and lots but there are also areas of the City
with smaller houses and lots that are an important piece of the City’s history, as well as
a contributor to the small proportion of naturally occurring affordable houses in the
community. These neighborhoods, at all price-points, are an important part of the City’s
character, and it is important for the community to continue to prioritize these areas for
preservation and maintenance as an important part of the City’s housing stock.
Housing Goal #3. Endorse and sustain
existing neighborhood patterns
throughout the rural residential areas
of the community.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
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23
HOUSING RESOURCES, STRATEGIES & TOOLS
Table 5-7 outlines a variety of resources and tools to implement Lake Elmo’s identified housing needs and
stated housing goals. There is a wealth of resources available to assist communities in meeting their goals.
The table below should be considered a starting point. As the City’s housing needs evolve or become more
defined, it should expand with options.
Table 5-7. Housing Resources and Tools
Housing Goal Tool/Resource/Strategy Description
Protect and
Preserve
Housing Stock
of Existing
Neighborhoods
CDBG Work with Washington County CDA to use CDBG funds to help low-
and moderate-income homeowners with rehabilitation assistance.
Referrals
Review and update reference procedures and training for applicable
staff, including a plan to maintain our ability to refer our residents to any
applicable housing programs outside the scope of our local services.
Foreclosure prevention
In established neighborhoods, a rash of foreclosures, especially in
close proximity to one another, can have a deleterious effect on the
surrounding neighborhood. Be aware of foreclosures and be able
to direct homeowners at-risk of foreclosure to resources that can
help prevent foreclosures (can http://www.foreclosure-response.org/
policy_guide/index.html).
Explore ways
to integrate
lifecycle
housing
choices
throughout the
community
Washington County Community
Development Agency (CDA)
Given the limited staff capacity of Lake Elmo, regularly coordinate
with the Washington County CDA to best align their resources with
the city’s housing needs and goals. The CDA has capacity, funding
resources, and expertise to assist smaller communities with their
housing needs.
Livable Communities
Demonstration Account (LCDA)
Consider supporting/sponsoring an application to LCDA programs
for multi-family rental proposals in areas guided for high density
residential and targeted to households of all income levels.
Tax Abatement Consider tax abatement for large rental project proposals.
Zoning and Subdivision
ordinances
Review zoning and subdivision ordinances to identify any regulations
that inhibit the housing priorities in this document.
Expedited application process
Streamline the pre-application process in order to minimize
unnecessary delay for projects that address our stated housing
needs, prior to a formal application submittal.
Site Assembly Consider strategies for assembling sites in high-density or mixed-use
districts that would increase appeal to developers.
Housing Bonds Work with Washington County CDA to raise housing bonds for the
development of low-income housing at various targeted income levels.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)To help meet the need for low-income housing, consider establishing
a TIF district in an area guided for high density development.
Brownfield Clean-Up
In potential redevelopment areas in the Old Village or along the I-94
corridor, explore EPA and MN DEED grant programs that provide
funding and assistance with planning, assessment, and site clean-up.
This page is blank.
Chapter 7: Transportation
Mode Choice, Safety & Connections
Comprehensive Plan 2040
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Transportation Chapter is to guide development, maintenance, and
improvement of the community’s transportation network. This Chapter incorporates
and addresses the City’s future transportation needs based on the planned future land
uses, development areas, housing, parks and trail systems.
The City’s transportation network is comprised of several systems including roadways,
transit services, trails, railroads and aviation that all work together to move people
and goods throughout, and within, the City. This Chapter identifies the existing and
proposed transportation system, examines potential deficiencies, and sets investment
priorities. The following Chapter plans for an integrated transportation system that
addresses each of the following topics in separate sections:
• Roadway System
• Transit
• Trails
• Rail
• Aviation
The last section of this Chapter provides a summary and implementation section
which addresses each of the components of the system, if any additional action within
this planning period is expected. The implementation plan sets the groundwork for
investment and improvements to the transportation network consistent with the goals,
analyses, and conclusions of this Plan.
As discussed in preceding Chapters of this Comprehensive Plan, the Transportation
Chapter is intended to be dynamic and responsive to the City’s planned land uses
and development patterns. As the City’s conditions change and improvements occur,
this Chapter should be reviewed for consistency with the Plan to ensure that the
transportation systems support the City’s ultimate vision for the community through
this planning period.
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Transportation System Objectives
Through this planning process update, the City’s Advisory Panel, members of the public, staff
and policy makers discussed the relationship between planned land uses, development areas and
the transportation network. The feedback received from this process included comments about
specific intersections, questions about future roadway improvements, and discussion about
larger policy statements regarding transit and trail planning. While there was a range of detail
received, there were a few common objectives for the system that remained consistent with those
stated in the 2030 Plan, which are identified as follows:
Creating a Connected System
Universally, the City and its constituents identified a safe, efficient, and connected
system as critical to the success of the transportation system in the community.
Residents and business owners identified the need for personal, accessible
transportation systems with multi-modal choice as an important consideration as
the City grows and development occurs. Business owners and stakeholders echoed
that sentiment, focusing on accessibility to and from their locations to promote a
healthy stable business environment. Slightly different than the 2030 Plan, feedback
communicated through this planning process focused on the need to improve and
create a more connected trail network that would include accommodations for bikeways
as an alternate transportation mode choice. Less focus and feedback were received
regarding protection of the rural character, and instead there was a distinction made
between the types of systems that might be needed in the rural residential areas versus
the system improvements that would be needed in the developing areas. Much like the
feedback reflected in the Land Use and Balanced Development and Growth Chapters
of this Plan, the community’s desire is to create a cohesive transportation system that
minimizes disruption to the environmental quality of all areas of the community; is
respectful of the rural residential areas of the community; and plans for an efficient and
effective system in the developing areas of the community.
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ROADWAY SYSTEM
The roadway system is the City’s primary component of the transportation system and is the
component of the transportation system used most frequently by residents and businesses in the
City. The roads are used for commutes, deliveries, and other basic travel. This section describes
the existing roadway system and provides a guide from which future roadways should be
planned as development occurs in the City.
Existing Roadway System
The existing roadway system can be described with respect to several characteristics including
jurisdictional classification, functional classification, physical location and construction. The
following sections describe each of these characteristics with respect to the existing roadway
system in the community.
Roadway Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of a roadway is an important consideration in the planning process because
it indicates who the responsible agency or party is for maintenance, management, permitting,
and possible future improvements. Turnbacks are typically forced from higher level jurisdictions
to lower level jurisdictions. Therefore, it is an important part of the City’s understanding of
the existing roadway system, as well as any recommended improvements which are discussed
in subsequent sections of this Chapter. The tables that follow describe the existing jurisdiction
of roadways serving the community, as well as provide an indication of how the City’s existing
system compares to the region.
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Table 7-1: Roadway Jurisdiction and Names
Roadway Jurisdiction Roadway Type Roadway Name
Federal Interstate
US Highway
None
None
Minnesota Trunk Highway (TH)TH 36
Washington County County State-Aid Highway (CSAH)
County Road (CR)
Stillwater Blvd (CSAH 6)
10th St (CSAH 10)
Ideal Ave/Olson Lake Tr (CSAH 13)
Inwood Avenue (CSAH 13)
34th St/Stillwater Blvd/40th St (CSAH 14)
Manning Ave (CSAH 15)
Lake Elmo Ave (CSAH 17)
Keats Ave (CSAH 19)
50th St (CSAH 35)
Lake Elmo Ave (CR 17B)
City of Lake Elmo Municipal State-Aid (MSA)
Municipal/Local
Jamaca Ave (MSA 103)
Lake Jane Tr/45th St/Julep Ave/47th
St/Kimbro Ave/43rd St (MSA 104)
Keats Ave (MSA 105)
Upper 33rd St/Laverne Ave (MSA 106)
20th St (MSA 107)
30th St (MSA 108)
15th St (MSA 110)
50th St (MSA 111)
Eagle Point Blvd (MSA 112)
Helmo Ave (MSA 113)
39th St (MSA 114)
Manning Tr (MSA 115)
Demontreville Tr (MSA 119)
Hudson Boulevard (MSA 120)
5th Street North (MSA 121)
All remaining roads
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Table 7-2: Roadway Jurisdiction Type Compared to Region
Roadway
Jurisdiction & Type
Lake Elmo
Mileage (%)
Washington County
Mileage (%)
Minnesota
Mileage (%)
Federal
Interstate
US Highway
0.0 (0.0%)
0.0 (0.0%)
26.6 (1.4%)
30.2 (1.6%)
913.9 (0.7%)
3,224.7 (2.4%)
Minnesota
Trunk Highway (36?)0.0 (0.0%) 82.1 (4.4%)7,731.0 (5.7%)
Washington County
County State-Aid
County Road
23.51 (21.5%)
1.0 (0.9%)
215.1 (11.6%)
68.1 (3.7%)
30,506.9 (22.5%)
14,489.5 (10.7%)
Municipal
Municipal State-Aid
Municipal/Local
18.12 (16.6%)
66.57 (61.0%)
181.6 (9.7%)
1,083.1 (58.1%)
3,063.5 (2.3%)
16,006.7 (11.8%)
Other
Township, Park, etc.0.0 (0.0%)176.1 (9.5%)59,583.3(43.9%)
Totals 109.2 (100%)1,862.8 (100%)135,519.4 (100%)
ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION
The Metropolitan Council has established a functional classification system for classifying
roadways serving the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. This system establishes a hierarchy of roads
to collect and distribute traffic from local neighborhood properties to the metropolitan highway
system. The functional classification system for roadways is broken down into four categories:
Principal Arterials, Minor Arterials, Collectors, and Local Roadways.
Principal Arterials
Principal arterials, generally interstates and trunk highways, provide high-speed mobility
between the Twin Cities and important locations outside the Metropolitan Area. They also
connect the central business districts of Minneapolis and Saint Paul with other regional business
centers. Principal arterials are generally constructed as limited access freeways in the urban area
but may also be constructed as multiple-lane divided highways. Principal arterials are primarily
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under federal or state jurisdiction. The City’s only principal arterial is TH 36 which runs east-
west along the northern border. Two other principal arterials, I-94 and I-694, lie just beyond
the City’s borders, but are still considered primary routes.
Minor Arterials
Minor Arterials also emphasize mobility over property access and connect cities with adjacent
communities and the metropolitan highway system. Major business centers and other major
traffic generators are often located on Minor Arterial roadways. Minor Arterials are further
classified as ‘A’ Minor and, ‘B’ Minor arterials. A-Minor Arterials are roadways that are of
regional importance because they relieve, expand, or complement the principal arterial system.
Minor Arterials other than A-Minor Arterials are classified as B-Minor Arterials. B-Minor
Arterials provide City-wide or inter-city connections and generally serve shorter trips than A-
Minor Arterials. Minor Arterials of either type are generally under state or county jurisdiction.
34th Street/Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH 14) and 10th Street (CSAH 10) are examples of A
Minor Arterials, while Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17), between 34th Street/Stillwater Boulevard
(CSAH 14) and 10th Street (CSAH 10), is an example of a B-Minor Arterial.
Collectors
Collectors supplement the arterial roadway system by providing access between neighborhoods
and to the arterial system. They are designed to carry less traffic than arterials and to provide
direct access to some properties. Collectors can be further divided into Major and Minor
Collectors. Major Collectors typically provide access and mobility across neighborhoods and
would connect to the arterial roadway system. Minor Collectors are typically limited to one or
two neighborhoods and may connect only to other Collectors. Major Collectors are typically
under county or municipal jurisdiction. Minor Collectors are primarily under local jurisdiction.
50th Street between Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) /Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH14); Hudson
Boulevard and Keats Avenue, TH 36 south to 47th Avenue are examples of a Major Collector
within the City. 39th Avenue North (Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) east to Stillwater Boulevard
(CSAH 14)), Eagle Point Boulevard (Inwood Avenue (CSAH 13) east and south to Hudson
Boulevard), and 5th Street North are examples of Minor Collectors.
Local Roadways
Local streets consist of township roads and city streets and are under municipal jurisdiction.
Their primary purpose is to provide direct access to local properties within neighborhoods.
Local streets are designed for low speeds to discourage through traffic.
Figure 7-1 shows the existing functional classification of the roadways within the City.
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Long
Unnamed
Unnamed Unnamed Park
Nursery
Pond
Long
Klawitter
PondUnnamed Unnamed
Unnamed
DeMontreville Unnamed
UnnamedClear
Cloverdale
Unnamed
Unnamed
Jane
Unnamed
(Goetschel)Dirk's
Pond
UnnamedUnnamed
Deer
Pond Berschen's
PondCrombie
Pond Unnamed
Sunfish
Unnamed
Unnamed
Friedrich
Pond
Elmo
Unnamed
Legion
Pond Unnamed
Eagle
Point
DownsUnnamedUnnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Horseshoe
H.J.
Brown
Pond
Armstrong Goose
Rose Unnamed
Unnamed
Kramer
Unnamed
Markgrafs
Olson
Unnamed
Hedge's
Pond
Unnamed
F00.6 1.2 1.80.3
MilesExisting Functional Classification of Roadways
Classification
Principal Arterial
Other Arterial
A-Minor Augmentor
A-Minor Connector
A-Minor Expander
A-Minor Reliever
Major Collector
Minor Collector
Figure 7-1: Existing Functional Classification of Roadways
Source: MnGEO, Metropolitan Council,
Washington County, City of Lake Elmo,
SHC, Focus Engineering
Figure 7-1. Existing Functional Classification of Roadways
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Traffic Operations
Figure 7-2 displays the volumes of existing principal and A-Minor Arterial roadways within
the City based on the 2015/2016 Mn/DOT Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) counts, and
also shows projected 2040 Volumes from Washington County (more information regarding
forecasts is discussed in subsequent sections of this Chapter). Table 7-3 lists planning-level daily
threshold volumes for different roadway design types as referenced in the Washington County
Transportation Plan.
The average daily traffic volumes were compared to the design threshold capacities shown in
the above table to determine the approximate level of congestion for each roadway segment
analyzed. Each roadway segment was ranked according to the following categories:
• Uncongested: the existing average daily volume is less than 85-percent of the
threshold volume, with a low probability of operational problems due to traffic flow.
• Approaching congestion: the existing average daily volume is between 85-percent
and 100-percent of threshold volumes, with a moderate probability of operational
problems due to restricted traffic flow.
• Congested: the existing average daily volume exceeds 100-percent of the threshold
volume, with a high probability of operational problems due to restricted traffic flow.
For purposes of this Chapter and analysis, the City will use the data available from Washington
County because all Principal and A-Minor Arterials are either County or State Roads and the
County and data available is current and reflects existing conditions in the City. Washington County
Comprehensive Plan Draft Chapter 5 states the following regarding the methodology used:
“Existing capacity deficiencies were identified by comparing the AADT volumes
to the thresholds identified in Table 7-3. The methodology used does not account
for traffic conditions that do not fit the average daily traffic criteria (e.g. weekend
travel, holiday travel, etc) because they tend to produce atypical congestion and
different congestion levels.”
“The methodology does not take into account factors such as geometric conditions
at the intersection nodes, potential peaking characteristics, or directional flow
disparities.”
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13 3 0 0
44400
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
6
2
0
0
11200
410000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5 3 00
0
0
20000
0
0 5600
7300
9700
89000
8
9
0
0
0
17100
Long
Unnamed
Unnamed Unnamed Park
Nursery
Pond
Long
Klawitter
PondUnnamed Unnamed
Unnamed
DeMontreville Unnamed
Clear
Cloverdale
UnnamedUnnamed
Jane
Unnamed
(Goetschel)Dirk's
Pond
UnnamedUnnamedDeer
Pond Berschen's
Pond
Unnamed
Sunfish
Unnamed
Unnamed
Friedrich
Pond
Elmo
Unnamed
Legion
Pond Unnamed
Eagle
Point
DownsUnnamedUnnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Horseshoe
H.J.
Brown
Pond
Armstrong Goose
Unnamed
Unnamed
Kramer
Unnamed
Markgrafs
Olson
Unnamed
Unnamed
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AV
E
N
50TH ST N
M
ANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
L A K E J A N E T R L N 4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
L
A
K
E
ELMOAVE
N
F00.6 1.2 1.80.3
Miles
Figure 7-2: Existing 2015 AADT and Projected 2040 AADT
Source: MnGEO, Metropolitan Council,
Washington County, City of Lake Elmo,
SHC, Focus Engineering
Legend
XXX 2015 AADT
XXX 2040 Projected AADT
Figure 7-2. Existing 2015 AADT and Projected 2040 AADT
12
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
As noted within the Washington County Chapter, while there are deficiencies in the
methodology that could impact the order of magnitude of the deficiency, this methodology is
widely accepted and applicable for transportation planning purposes.
Based on Washington County’s analysis and data there are roadway segments that are operating
under, near, or over capacity today. As shown on Figure 9 from the Washington County 2040
Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 several roadway sections currently have AADTs above the
planning level thresholds and are experiencing congestion and delays, especially during the peak
periods. These segments include:
• I-94; approaching congested from Keats Avenue (CSAH 19) to the west (Although
not within the City, I-94 is an important regional route for the City and included
in this plan).
• TH 36; over capacity from Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) to the east.
• Manning Avenue (CSAH 15); over capacity north and south of the Stillwater
Boulevard (CSAH 14) intersection.
Table 7-3: Planning Level Roadway Capacities by Roadway Type
Roadway Type1 Planning Level Daily
Capacity2 (AADT)
Approaching Capacity
(85% AADT)
Two-Lane
Undivided Urban
Undivided Rural
Three-lane (two-lane with turn lanes)
10,000
12,000
22,500
8,500
10,200
19,125
Four-Lane
Undivided Urban
Divided Urban
Divided Rural
20,000
32,000
38,000
17,000
27,200
32,300
Freeway
Four-Lane
Six-Lane
80,000
120,000
68,000
102,000
This chart is intended for use as an approximation for planning purposes. 1.The terms urban and
rural describe typical section design (e.g. curb and gutter for urban and ditch drainage for rural),
not geographical areas. 2. Turn lanes may be needed for high speeds at 7,000 AADT.
Source: Washington County 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 5 Transportation
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Number of Lanes
The number of lanes of a roadway is directly correlated to the capacity of a roadway. While
local roadways are generally two-lanes, the County and State roads are constructed to handle
higher volumes of traffic. The following summary of Principal and A-Minor arterial roadways
that serve the City are provided in Table 7-4.
Table 7-4: 2017 Number of Lanes on Principal and A-Minor Arterial Roadways
Roadway Number of Lanes
TH36 4 Lanes
CSAH 17 2 Lanes
CSAH 14 (I-494 to CSAH 6)4 Lanes
CSAH 14 (CSAH 6 to CSAH 17)2 Lanes
CSAH 14 (CSAH 17 to CSAH 17 South)3 Lanes
CSAH 14 (CSAH 17 to CSAH 15)2 Lanes
CSAH 10 2 Lanes
I-94 6 Lanes
Source: Washington County 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 5 Transportation
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Safety
As noted in previous sections of this Chapter, safety of the transportation system and most
importantly the roadways, is a priority of the City particularly as it becomes more developed.
While this planning process did not perform a full analysis of crashes within the City, the City
can consider and incorporate the findings of Washington County who recently completed a
comprehensive system wide analysis for crashes occurring from 2013 to 2015. While the study
considered data for the whole County, the findings of the report are still important and valuable
to the City of Lake Elmo particularly since many of its residents and business owners frequently
travel throughout the region.
The findings and conclusions of Washington County’s crash analysis are summarized below. It
should be noted that the details of the report, including specific data related to Lake Elmo is
available and can be obtained as individual projects or roadways are planned for through this
planning period.
• A total of 107 fatal and incapacitating injury crashes occurred on all roadways
within the county (31 fatal and 76 incapacitating injury crashes).
• A total of 28 fatal and incapacitating injury crashes occurred on the Washington
County roadway system (6 fatal and 22 incapacitating injury crashes).
• The following types of fatal and incapacitating injury crashes occurred most
frequently on the county roadway system:
»Lane departure crashes including head-on crashes and run off road crashes
(particularly on the right side of the roadway)
»Intersection-related crashes including right angle crashes
»Motorcycle crashes
»Crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists
Since much of the City’s developing area is accessed by County and State roads, the findings of
Washington County’s crash analysis is relevant and should be considered as new local roadways
and intersections are designed.
Additionally, the County’s Annual Intersection Control Ranking System (ICRS) Report is an
annual report that prioritizes the installation of traffic control improvements on roadways under
Washington County’s jurisdiction.
15
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Traffic Forecasts
An important component of future planning is determining expected traffic volumes. By
establishing the projected demand, transportation network deficiencies within the City
can be further recognized and potential improvements identified. The following sections
provide a summary of the previous 2030 Plan methodology, and how the 2040 Traffic
Forecasts were derived.
2030 Transportation Chapter Forecasts and Methodology
The City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan marked a significant change and departure from the City’s
typical rural residential development pattern as new areas were identified for urbanization
and intensification of development. The planned growth meant that a detailed transportation
analysis was essential so that the City could plan for a safe, and efficient roadway system to
serve new businesses, retail areas and neighborhoods.
That planning effort resulted in the City’s consultants developing a citywide travel demand
model that was based on the projected future growth and land development patterns identified
in the Future Land Use Plan and staging/phasing plans. The travel demand forecasts developed
were based on the modified Twin Cities regional travel demand model, which was released
by the Metropolitan Council. The City developed its travel demand model as a subset of the
Washington County Transportation Model in coordination with the CSAH 17 Sub-area Study
to forecast traffic in 2030 per the requirements of the previous planning period.
The results of that effort were compiled and included within the City’s 2030 Comprehensive
Plan Transportation Chapter, which were subsequently incorporated into the County and
Metropolitan Council’s data after the Plan adoption.
2040 Traffic Forecasts and Methodology
Since the 2030 Plan was adopted, the City has experienced development and growth, but
the projected increase of population, households and employment was impacted by the great
recession of the late 2000s through the early 2010s. By the time the Metropolitan Council
issued the City’s 2015 System Statement the projected growth identified in the City’s 2030
16
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Plan had been reduced by approximately 25% through 2040. While the projections have been
reduced, the City is still expected to experience significant growth in this planning period that
may be comparable to the City’s 2030 Plan. The reduced projections slightly impacted the
Future Land Use plan, particularly within the urbanizing areas.
Methodology
As part of Washington County’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update, a 2040 Traffic Model was
developed and used to project 2040 traffic volumes on principal and A-Minor Arterials in the
County. The detailed methodology of their model can be found in Chapter 5 Transportation of
Washington County’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and associated appendices; however, what is
most relevant to the City is that the model incorporated known community land use plans and
development objectives to project 2040 population, households and employment data for sub-
areas of the county called Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs).
Given Washington County’s methodology for projecting 2040 volumes included use of the
City’s adopted 2030 Future Land Use plan (which is more intense than the 2040 Future Land
Use Plan) the City was confident that the Washington County model could be used to forecast
traffic volumes in this 2040 Plan update. To validate this conclusion, the City prepared an
updated TAZ analysis based on the Future Land Use Plan contained within Chapter 3 of this
2040 Comprehensive Plan and compared the estimates to those contained within the County’s
TAZ projections. The full table with estimated TAZ projections can be found in the Appendix
to this Chapter.
Summary and Conclusions
Figure 7-2 shows the 2040 projected traffic volumes on principal and A-Minor Arterials of Lake
Elmo’s roadways based on the Washington County traffic model. Based on the traffic model,
Washington County prepared a 2040 Volume/Capacity Analysis that identified principal and
A-Minor Arterials that will be approaching capacity or over capacity with the existing roadway
system. Washington County performed only a planning-level analysis to identify locations
where capacity problems are expected to occur by 2040, and the City should consider this as it
plans for future development in areas that may experience deficiencies in the roadway system.
This information provides insight into areas that may need additional traffic study and analysis
as developments are proposed. The City should require future developers to provide traffic
studies and analysis as part of the development review process to ensure proper mitigation and
improvements to the system are incorporated as areas of the community develop with a greater
intensity of uses.
The Washington County 2040 Traffic Model indicates the following potential deficiencies in
17
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Figure 7-3. 2040 AADT Forecasts
0
0
4000
0
21000
0
0 0
22000
22000
0
0
0
0
0
22000
5200
75
00
0
18900
3600
6400
22400
0
3 6 0 0 0
0
16900
6700
0
7100
1 4 9 0 00
1800
8 3 0 0
99000
4500
0
38000
107000
0
5800
200
7800
4550 0
8300
21000
5 1 0 0 0
1 9 0 0
31000
5400
19100
96000
1600
16700
21000
95000
0
13800
17900
6800
5300
6900
6 2 0 0
21000
0
126000
3
1
0
0
12200
1300
93000121000
1700
9
5
0
0
0
1330 0
44400
0
0
0
0
1
6
2
0
0
11200
0
0
41000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
53 00
0
0
20000
0
0 5600
7300
9700
89000
17100
Long
Unnamed
Unnamed Unnamed Park
Nursery
Pond
Long
Klawitter
PondUnnamed Unnamed
Unnamed
DeMontreville Unnamed
Clear
Cloverdale
Unnamed
Unnamed
Jane
Unnamed
(Goetschel)Dirk's
Pond
UnnamedUnnamedDeer
Pond Berschen's
Pond
Unnamed
Sunfish
Unnamed
Unnamed
Friedrich
Pond
Elmo
Unnamed
Legion
Pond Unnamed
Eagle
Point
DownsUnnamedUnnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Horseshoe
H.J.
Brown
Pond
Armstrong Goose
Unnamed
Unnamed
Kramer
Unnamed
Markgrafs
Olson
Unnamed
Unnamed
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
50TH ST N
M
ANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
L A K E J A N E T R L N 4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
F2040 Traffic Forecasts
0 0.6 1.2 1.80.3
Miles
Figure 7-4: 2040 AADT Forecasts
Source: MnGEO, Metropolitan Council,
Washington County, City of Lake Elmo,
SHC, Focus Engineering
DRAFT
18
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Lake Elmo given current conditions:
• Inwood Avenue is approaching capacity; segment north of 10th Street (CSAH 10)
and segment south of CSAH 6
• 10th Street (CSAH 10) is over capacity; segment east of Inwood (CSAH 13) to
Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17)
• Manning Avenue (CSAH 15) is over capacity from 10th Street (CSAH 10) to
Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH 14); and is approaching capacity from CSAH 14 to
Highway 36
It should be noted that the Washington County model does not attempt to evaluate if specific
improvements would result in a reduction of deficiencies, and instead it only evaluates the Base
Model assumptions. For purposes of this Comprehensive Plan Chapter, Lake Elmo will use this
information as a guide to help inform how local roadways, and associated improvements, might
impact the roadway system as development occurs. Because a city-wide specific model was
prepared for the 2030 Plan, some specific roadway improvements were established and will carry
forward into this planning period. A summary of those improvements are as follows:
• Continuation of 5th Street North (the east-west Minor Collector roadway/parkway)
through the South Planning Area. This is intended to alleviate congestion on 10th
Street/CSAH 10 as development progresses within this area of the community.
• Development of a local roadway/parkway to connect mixed-use and new
neighborhoods on north side of CSAH 14 to the south side of CSAH 14 (39th
Street/Village Parkway).
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Regional Initiatives
As Lake Elmo and the surrounding area have developed, certain roadways and locations were
identified in the City’s previous plan as having strategic importance, to either the City or
region. While these areas were studied in and around the time of the 2030 Plan, given the
delayed time-line of development in the community, some of these studies and planning efforts
remain relevant to this plan. Two such items are identified in this plan as having significant
impact on the City’s roadway network, including:
• Lake Elmo Village Area Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR)
• Minnesota Interregional Corridor System
Since the 2030 Plan, an addition study and effort within Washington County has been initiated
to improve and expand Manning Avenue (CSAH 15) which runs along the eastern boarder of
Lake Elmo. Since this regional project also has the potential to significantly impact the City’s
roadway network a summary of this project is also included within the plan.
Each of these initiatives is described separately below.
Lake Elmo Village Area AUAR
In anticipation of development within the Village Planning Area, the City prepared an
Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) that evaluated anticipated development scenarios
and identify potential deficiencies and impacts and identify appropriate mitigation that would
alleviate those issues. While the AUAR was prepared prior to development, the document
continues to be a relevant guide in assessing necessary improvements as development occurs.
The scenarios analyzed within the AUAR continue to be fairly consistent with development
trends, and therefore many of the transportation improvements and mitigative
recommendations condition to be either implemented or planned for within the system. A
summary of the mitigation identified within the AUAR is provided as follows:
• Signalizing intersections.
• Adding left and right turn lanes for capacity and safety.
• Upgrading Stillwater Boulevard (TH 5) from its current two lanes to a four-lane facility.
20
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
In addition to this mitigation, information on other options to improve traffic operations was
provided, including:
• Access Management; controlling the number of and spacing of private driveways
and public roadways that connect to a roadway corridor.
• Non-Traditional Intersection Control; using alternatives to traffic signals and stop
signs, such as roundabouts, to control turning movements at intersections.
• Transit Opportunities; providing regularly scheduled bus or rail service as well as
car pool opportunities to provide an option to single-driver vehicles.
• Trail Systems; providing a system that allows for non-motorized travel between
land uses for recreation or commuting.
One notable planned change/improvement within the Village Planning Area that was identified
as important within the AUAR is the realignment and design of Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH
14). The design of this realignment is underway, and the City continues to work with
Washington County on appropriate upgrades of CSAH 14 through this area.
Minnesota Interregional Corridor System (IRC)
In January of 2000, Mn/DOT adopted the IRC Study as part of the State Transportation Plan.
This study identified key corridors in Minnesota with an emphasis on providing efficient
connections between regional trade centers. The goal of the IRC system is to tie the state
together and enhance the economic vitality by safe, timely, and efficient movement of goods
and people.
Lake Elmo is bracketed on the north and south by two roadways identified in the IRC Study as
Interregional Corridors: TH 36 and I- 94. Under this identification, Mn/DOT has certain goals
and performance targets for each corridor. Mn/DOT is implementing measures to maintain
and improve the IRC System through completion of corridor plans, which include management
plans on each roadway in cooperation with local units of government. More information
regarding the Minnesota IRC System can be found on MnDOT’s website.
Trunk Highway (TH) 36
TH 36 has been identified as a Medium Priority Interregional Corridor under the IRC Study.
The TH 36 Corridor Management Plan was published in May 2001 detailing the study of TH
36, from I-694 to the Wisconsin border. This includes the segment along the border of Lake
Elmo.
21
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
The key reasoning for this designation includes:
• Its connection to the Stillwater area.
• Its service as one of the major routes connecting with western Wisconsin.
• Its service to the adjacent communities of Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Grant,
Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Willernie, Pine Springs, and Oakdale.
• Its high volume of commuter traffic and recreational/tourist traffic.
• Its expected traffic increases due to continued growth in Stillwater and Oak Park
Heights, which serve as the commercial activity center for the St. Croix Valley, and
continued growth in western Wisconsin.
Lake Elmo did not agree with this designation or the reasoning presented by Mn/DOT. An
October 2001 resolution, Resolution 2001-94, declined City acceptance and participation
in the TH 36 Corridor Management Plan for, among other reasons, not giving the City the
opportunity to respond to the designation and the belief that closing access on TH 36 will
prove harmful to the City’s residents and businesses.
Despite City objections, planning for TH 36 as a Medium Priority IRC continued. The
strategies and goals for TH 36 with this designation included a 55-mph average peak hour
operating speed, elimination of traffic signals, and access via interchange or right in/right out
only without median breaks. The original TH 36 IRC plan envisioned City access to TH 36 via
new Manning Avenue (CSAH 15) interchange or right in/right out access from Keats Avenue
and some select private access driveways. Demontreville Trail and Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH
17) would become overpasses without connection to TH 36. Highlands Trail and most other
private access points would be eliminated or reduced to right in/right out access only.
As the City has continued to work with the County and Mn/DOT on the future of TH 36, both
agencies have been open to changes to the original ICR plan. The City has obtained federal
grant assistance and is currently completing the development of a concept plan for a south
frontage road system from Demontreville Trail to Lake Elmo Avenue to maintain better access
to TH36 for Lake Elmo properties. For instance, the current intersection of TH 36 with Lake
Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) is now being examined as a potential interchange. The City is working
in earnest with other agencies to determine the final configuration. The City will need to
continue to work with Mn/DOT, the County, and adjacent communities to determine the final
22
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
configuration of access to TH 36 at this and other locations. In addition, the City will also need
to decide how to serve properties adjacent to TH 36 as access is reduced or eliminated. Options
for access to and from TH 36 as well as to adjacent property includes creating a frontage road,
creating a backage road, using the north frontage road, or a combination of two or more of
these methods.
There are two primary benefits to the City from the potential improvements to TH 36. The
first is reduced commuter traffic on City roadways. As TH 36 is improved with higher average
operating speeds, commuters will have less desire to seek other routes. Wisconsin commuters
would travel through the City on TH 36 without impact to City residential areas. Without the
improvements, travel times on TH 36 will likely be reduced in the future. As observed on other
routes in the Metropolitan area, as a major route gets congested, motorists will seek out County
and local roads that show at least a perceived improvement in travel time. A comparison of
projected 2030 traffic volumes in the previous sections shows this to be the case here.
The other potential benefit to the City from the potential improvements to TH 36 is increased
safety. Current at-grade intersections with TH 36 represent some of the most dangerous areas of
the City in terms of crashes. By consolidating access into interchanges and limited right in/right
out access, residential and business traffic to and from the City will be able to more safely enter
and exit this corridor.
Interstate 94
The I-94 corridor, including the segments adjacent to the southern border of the City, has
been designated High Priority IRC. Under this designation, I-94 has a goal 60-mph average
peak hour operating speeds with minimal conflicts and interruptions to traffic flow. A corridor
management plan has not yet been developed to examine the existing operations and determine
future plans to meet those goals. It is expected that such a plan will be developed in the near
future. It is also anticipated that Lake Elmo will have the opportunity to participate on some
type of advisory panel in conjunction with development of that plan to express the City’s views
and opinions on the corridor. The City will work with the Mn/DOT, the County, and adjacent
communities on a corridor plan that is effective for all involved.
Although an IRC plan has not been developed for I-94, a recent traffic impact study involving
the corridor was completed under the direction of the City of Woodbury. The October 2008
Woodbury Northeast Area Traffic Impact Study examined impacts from the development
of an approximately 580-acre site between Keats Avenue (CSAH 19) and Manning Avenue
23
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Long
Unnamed
Unnamed Unnamed Park
Nursery
Pond
Long
Klawitter
PondUnnamed Unnamed
Unnamed
DeMontreville Unnamed
UnnamedClear
Cloverdale
Unnamed
Unnamed
Jane
Unnamed
(Goetschel)Dirk's
Pond
UnnamedUnnamed
Deer
Pond Berschen's
Pond
Unnamed
Sunfish
Unnamed
Unnamed
Friedrich
Pond
Elmo
Unnamed
Legion
Pond Unnamed
Eagle
Point
DownsUnnamedUnnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Horseshoe
H.J.
Brown
Pond
Armstrong Goose
Rose Unnamed
Unnamed
Kramer
Unnamed
Markgrafs
Olson
Unnamed
Unnamed
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
L A K E J A N E T R L N 4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
F00.6 1.2 1.80.3
MilesThrive MSP -Transportation Policy Plan Projects
Project Type
2019 - 2024 Pavement
Figure 7-3: Planned Improvements to Principal and A-Minor Arterials
Source: MnGEO, Metropolitan Council,
Washington County, City of Lake Elmo,
SHC, Focus Engineering
Figure 7-4. Thrive MSP - Transportation Policy Plan Projects
(TH 95), south of I-94. This development is planned for mixed-use including retail, office,
some residential, parkland, and a new park-and-ride facility. Although the report focuses on
transportation improvements necessary to accommodate a development not located in Lake
Elmo, the potential mitigation options affect the I-94 corridor and potentially Lake Elmo’s
transportation network.
2040 Transportation Policy Plan Projects
As part of the regional planning initiatives, the Metropolitan Council’s 2040 Transportation
Policy Plan identifies projects to regional roadways planned for improvements during this
planning period. The Metropolitan Council has identified improvements to CSAH 14 and I-94
as shown on Figure 7-4.
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
System Analysis
With the traffic forecasts completed, the City of Lake Elmo’s transportation system elements were re-
examined to identify potential issues, recommend potential improvements, and provide guidance for
development of the system through 2030. These elements are examined separately below.
Functional Classification Changes
The functional classification system creates a hierarchy of roads that carries traffic between
destinations in a safe and efficient manner, as described earlier. Principal Arterials and Minor
Arterials are generally well spaced around the City. Taking into account the 2040 projected
volumes, regional initiatives, and proposed roadway improvements, Lake Elmo Avenue
(CSAH 17) could change its current designation of a B-Minor Arterial. With the proposed
improvements, the 2040 projected volume decreases as regional traffic shifts to Manning Avenue
(CSAH 15). This suggests the roadway serves more local than regional traffic and could be
designated as a Major Collector.
The City’s Collector system is also less than desired and lacking appropriate connections
between the arterials. In general, these connections already exist in the form of the State Aid
system. Minnesota State-Aid (MSA) routes are designed to accommodate higher levels of traffic
and truck traffic, similar to the function of collector roadways. In addition, residents already
use these roads as routes to access the arterial roadways and other land uses.
Identifying these routes in the functional classification system reinforces their need as MSA
routes and better identifies the routes to existing and future residents and businesses. The
functional classification system is also related to access management, which can help the City
maintain the balance between mobility and access as development occurs. The functional
classification can also be used to help determine the appropriate location of intersection
improvements and traffic control, such as traffic signals. The following changes and additions
are proposed for the City’s functional classification map.
Proposed function classification changes:
• Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17), Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH) south to 10th Street
(CSAH 10), will change from a B-Minor Arterial to a Major Collector.
• Lake Jane Trail, 42nd Street north and east to Jamaca Avenue, will change from its
current Major Collector designation to a local road.
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Proposed functional classifications additions:
• 42nd Street, Lake Jane Trail east to Jamaca Avenue, will be designated as a Major
Collector.
• Jamaca Avenue, Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH 14) north to Lake Jane Trail, will be
designated as a Major Collector.
• A future south frontage road along TH 36 (Demontreville Trail North to Lake
Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17)) will be designated as a Major Collector.
• Jamaca Avenue North (from Lake Jane Trail North to Stillwater Boulevard
(CSAH14)) will be designated as a Major Collector.
• Hudson Boulevard, Inwood Avenue (CSAH 13) east to Manning Avenue (CSAH
15), will be designated as a Major Collector.
• Kimbro Avenue, 43rd Street north to 47th Street, will be designated as a Minor
Collector.
• 43rd Street, Kimbro Avenue east to Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17), will be
designated as a Minor Collector.
• Laverne Avenue, Upper 33rd Street north to 39th Street, will be designated as a
Minor Collector.
• Upper 33rd Street, Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) east to Laverne Avenue, will be
designated as a Minor Collector.
• Village Parkway, connecting the Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH 14)/39th Street
intersection to the 30th Street/Lisbon Avenue intersection, will be designated as a
Minor Collector.
• 31st Street, Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH 6) east to Stillwater Boulevard (TH 5),
will be designated as a Minor Collector.
• 20th Street, Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) east to Manning Trail, will be
designated as a Minor Collector.
• Manning Trail, 20th Street north to the City border, will be designated as a
Minor Collector.
• 15th Street, the City border east to Inwood Avenue (CSAH 13), will be designated
as a Minor Collector.
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• Kimbro Avenue North (starting at the intersection of 47th Street North), as it turns
to 43rd Street North to Lake Elmo Avenue North (CSAH 17), will be designated as
a Minor Collector.
• Stillwater Way will be designated as a Minor Collector.
• Village Parkway will be designated as a Minor Collector.
• 20th Street North, from Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) to Manning Trail North,
will be designated as a Minor Collector.
• Island Trail North will be designated as a Minor Collector.
• Jade Trail North will be designated as a Minor Collector.
• A future road, connecting 5th Street North to Hudson Boulevard North to the
east of Jade Trail North and South of Keats Avenue North, will be designated as a
Minor Collector.
This proposed functional classification plan is shown in Figure 7-5.
The majority of these changes could occur now as most of the roadways currently exist. As
stated, these changes would align the City’s MSA routes with its Functional Classification Map
in addition to other benefits. The new roadways will need to be designated and developed as
development occurs. This also means the City will plan access and mobility along each roadway
according to its classification’s characteristics. As development occurs and travel patterns
change, the functional classification map will need to be reviewed to evolve and to continue to
serve its function.
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Figure 7-5. Planned Functional Classification
Long
Unnamed
Unnamed Unnamed Park
Nursery
Pond
Long
Klawitter
PondUnnamed Unnamed
Unnamed
DeMontreville Unnamed
UnnamedClear
Cloverdale
Unnamed
Unnamed
Jane
Unnamed
(Goetschel)Dirk's
Pond
UnnamedUnnamed
Deer
Pond Berschen's
PondCrombie
Pond Unnamed
Sunfish
Unnamed
Unnamed
Friedrich
Pond
Elmo
Unnamed
Legion
Pond Unnamed
Eagle
Point
DownsUnnamedUnnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Horseshoe
H.J.
Brown
Pond
Armstrong Goose
Rose Unnamed
Unnamed
Kramer
Unnamed
Markgrafs
Olson
Unnamed
Hedge's
Pond
Unnamed
F00.6 1.2 1.80.3
MilesPlanned Functional Classification of Roadways
Principal Arterial
A Minor Augmentor
A Minor Reliever
A Minor Expander
A Minor Connector
B Minor
Major Collector
Minor Collector
A Minor Expander
Major Collector
Minor Collector
Plan Major
Plan Minor
Figure 7-5. Planned Functional Classification
Source: MnGEO, Metropolitan Council,
Washington County, City of Lake Elmo,
SHC, Focus Engineering
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Right-of-way Preservation
Many of the changes discussed above are due to existing and planned land uses that will likely
warrant future functional classification changes. Currently, the principal and A-Minor Arterials
within the city are all Washington County roadways. As part of future planning effort, the City
is required to identify the County’s required right-of-way that must be planned for to support
the planned functional classification of roadways. The information in this table should be
planned for as new development occurs within the City.
Table 7-5. Right-of-Way Preservation
Functional Classification Right-of-Way Width**Future Facility Type
Minor Arterial
220 feet 6-lane divided
180 feet 4-lane divided
150 feet 3-lane undivided
120 feet 2-lane urban
Collector
150 feet 3-lane undivided
120 feet 2-lane undivided
100 feet 2-lane undivided, urban
* Widths are total width of corridor and assume the road is centered in the corridor.
** Due to particular development conditions, physical features of the site or highway
corridor, special traffic control needs, or other conditions, Washington County
may require more right-of-way width than shown in these guidelines.
Source: Washington County 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 5 Transportation
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System Safety
Safety of the roadways and intersections for users of the system is a primary goal of the City.
Improvement in safety can occur from multiple strategies. As part of the Minnesota Toward
Zero Deaths campaign, four major focus areas were identified for communities to reduce traffic
injuries and fatalities: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Medical Services.
While each area is important in improving safety, their combined use can result in a greater
reduction in crashes and severity than one area alone. Using information from that campaign,
these areas are examined in consideration of the City’s network.
Education
Education is about motivating changes in driving habits and behaviors. It goes beyond an
understanding of the “rules of the road” to consideration of how driving or a particular safety
issue can impact other drivers, pedestrians/bicyclists, and the surrounding land uses. Education
is typically coordinated with a targeted enforcement campaign, such as drunk driving.
Educational efforts can include posters, news releases, public service announcements, or many
other types of public information.
The City schools represent an opportunity to influence driver behavior before and after
obtaining a license. Education can focus on driving as well as safety on other transportation
modes, such as walking or riding a bus. Education directed at students can also influence the
parents into better behavior and decisions. The Lake Elmo Elementary School 2008 Safe Routes
to School Plan documents some educational ideas for younger students to improve their safety
in the transportation network.
Opportunities for education also exist outside the classroom and can be targeted at all ages. An
example could be a traffic safety page on the City’s website. The City will look for educational
opportunities to improve driving behavior.
Enforcement
Traffic rules and laws set the guidelines for safe operations of the roads. Enforcement of those
laws ensures that motorists use the roads as they are intended and do not adversely impact
themselves or others. The Toward Zero Deaths website lists existing enforcement campaigns and
resources that could be used by the City in cooperation with different enforcement agencies. In
addition, the City could address some specific safety issues by targeted enforcement. Currently,
policing in the City is provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Therefore,
increased enforcement on a specific issue within the City would need the cooperation of the
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
County. Depending upon the issue, the County may benefit from targeted enforcement at
similar sites throughout the County. The City, in cooperation with the County and the Sheriff’s
Department, will examine issues and opportunities that may result in targeted or increased
enforcement to improve roadway safety.
Engineering
Any physical modification of the roadways can be designated as engineering. Various methods
can be used from complete reconstruction for improved grades to tree-trimming for improved
sight distance. Before an engineering change is made, a full evaluation and analysis of existing
characteristics and issues is needed. Through an evaluation, the engineering needs can be
customized to directly impact the safety issue and improve traffic operations. Two engineering
options for roadways within the City have been shown to increase safety: access management
and roundabouts.
Access Management
Access management is the balance between corridor mobility and property access. Increased
access to a road leads to more vehicle turning movements as motorists enter and exit properties.
This increase in turning movements results in a decrease in mobility on the corridor. Similarly,
increasing the mobility corresponds with a decrease in access.
The relationship between access and mobility is further defined with the functional
classification of roadways. An Interstate Freeway provides the greatest mobility as access
is limited to grade-separated interchanges. On the opposite side, a local roadway cul-de-
sac provides the greatest access with multiple driveways and limited spacing between those
driveways. However, with only one connection to other roadways, the cul-de-sac offers almost
no mobility. The Mn/DOT graph below shows this relationship between access and mobility.
In terms of safety, as the access to a road increase, whether public or private, the crash rate
increases. This relationship has been confirmed by Technical Study No. 4, Toward An Access
Classification System and Spacing Guidelines, by the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(Mn/DOT) and by the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Access Research Report No.
FHWA-RD-91-0444.
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Based upon this relationship, the safest transportation network would have no access. Such a
network is completely unrealistic, as all roadway users need access for every destination. Thus,
access management guidelines were developed to provide that balance between safe, efficient
travel and sufficient property access on different types of roadways.
When a transportation network provides effective access management, the benefits include:
• Reduced congestion and improved safety with fewer crashes.
• Improved travel times.
• Improved movement between destinations.
• Improved economic development.
The following Mn/DOT website provides additional information regarding access management:
www.oim.dot.state.mn.us/access/index.html
Each agency is responsible for the access management of their roadways. In some cases, the State
and County will consult with the City as the roadway travels through important land uses or
existing access that may be difficult to move or remove. As proper access management provides
benefits to all agencies, there are advantages to having consistency across the agencies. Therefore,
the City will use the Washington County access spacing guidelines. Table 7.5 shows these
guidelines that are based upon the functional classification. The table identifies recommended
distances for full access locations. This chart is part of the Washington County Transportation
Plan and more information regarding these guidelines can be found in that document.
Some existing public and private connections may not currently satisfy these guidelines. In
addition, access that does not adhere to these guidelines may need to be granted for special
circumstances or specific reasons. Flexibility is required in these and other cases, depending upon
the exact situation and conditions. It is important to note that these spacing guidelines are goals
and not absolute laws or regulations. The City will work with the State, the County, developers,
and its community to improve roadway safety and mobility through these guidelines.
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Table 7-6: Access Management Guidelines
Type of Access
Functional Classification of Roadway
Principal
Arterial
Minor Arterial
Collector Local> 7,500
AADT
< 7,500
AADT
A. Private Residential Driveways No Direct
Access
No Direct
Access (3)(3)(3)
B. Commercial Driveways or Non-Continuous
Commercial Street
No Direct
Access
No Direct
Access 1/8 Mile 1/8 Mile (3)
C. Non-Continuous Residential Streets No Direct
Access
1/8 Mile
with No
Median
Opening
1/8 Mile 1/8 Mile (3)
D. Continuous Local Streets and Collector
Streets 1/2 Mile 1/4 Mile 1/4 Mile 1/8 Mile 1/8
Mile
E. Minor Arterials 1/2 Mile 1/2 Mile 1/2 Mile 1/2 Mile 1/2
Mile
(1) See Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-5 for existing and planned functional classification of roadways.
(2) Traffic volumes refer to 20 year forecasts.
(3) Determination based on other criteria (sight distance, speed, traffic volume, etc.).
(4) Distances shown are minimums.
(5) “Non-Continuous” streets refer to cul-de-sacs or short length streets (less than 1/2 mile) which do not cross the
roadway in question.
(6) The type of traffic control, turn lanes and bypass lanes required will be determined based upon the projected
traffic volumes on the type of access requested
(7) Distances may be increased over these minimums based on other criteria (sight distance, speed, traffic volume,
etc.).
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In addition to working with these spacing guidelines, the City will use best access management
practices in its urban, developing, and rural areas. These practices include:
• Minimizing new access locations and reducing/consolidating existing access points.
• Protecting and improving intersection functional and sight distance areas.
• Properly designing of driveway and intersection (grade, lane width, etc.).
• Developing turn lanes.
• Avoiding offset intersections and driveways.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are a type of circular intersection with key features that differentiate it from other
types of circular intersections, like traffic circles or rotaries. The key characteristics identifiable
in the field are:
• Yield at entry.
• No pedestrian access to the center island.
• No parking.
• Counterclockwise traffic circulation around the center island.
With a fundamentally different design than tradition intersections with stop signs or
signals, roundabout offer many benefits. The primary benefit is fewer crashes and less severe
crashes compared to traditional intersections. The roundabout forces lower speeds through
the intersection and all vehicles are traveling the same direction around the center island. This
combination eliminates several types of crashes, like right angle, and allows more reaction time for
drivers to avoid crashes. As a result, crash rates at roundabout intersections have been shown to be
significantly lower than those at traditional stop-controlled or signal-controlled intersections.
In addition to safety benefits, roundabouts generally result in less vehicular delay at the
intersections, less vehicle pollution, and increased landscaping opportunities. A notable use in
other sites has been roundabout corridors where roundabouts are used for several intersections
in a row. In combination, vehicle speeds in the corridor have been reduced and landscaping
opportunities are increased.
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Roundabouts are not intended for every intersection. Some characteristics, such as steep
grades and/or limited right-of-way, may not allow the proper design of a roundabout. Site
characteristics should be carefully studied and analyzed to ensure a roundabout is the proper
control for a particular situation. The City will consider roundabouts as an option for
intersection control, particularly for the Village Area.
Although only these two engineering items have been detailed in this section, other engineering
solutions are available to improve safety. For instance, providing adequate paved, shoulders
on roadways allows motorists to recover from incidents that cause them to leave the drive lane
and allows a safe location for disabled vehicles. Access management, roundabouts, and other
engineering options will be considered by the City in developing a safe transportation network.
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency medical services fit into the goals of improving safety by their response to an
incident. Fast and effective emergency responses are critical in reducing the severity of a crash.
Focus on this response is particularly important in rural areas like within the City, which does
not have close medical facilities.
In the City, emergency responses are provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department
and the Lake Elmo Fire Department. As the first responders to a crash, these emergency services
workers have firsthand knowledge of safety issues and impacts. Beyond their importance as
Emergency Medical Service providers, their knowledge can be used in determining safety issues
and solutions as well as in public outreach and education.
In most cases, a combination of two or more of these four major focus areas provide for a more
complete safety solution to a specific or general safety issue. More specific examples and ideas
for use in the City can be found at the Toward Zero Deaths website: www.minnesotatzd.org.
As the City works to improve safety, these major focus areas will be considered alone and in
combination. Of particular importance to the City, in terms of safety, are the area schools. As
mentioned earlier, planning efforts have already begun for improving safety around the Lake Elmo
Elementary School through its 2008 Safe Routes to School Plan. While not a City led initiative,
the City supports continuing this special effort directed specifically at students.
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
TRANSIT FACILITIES
Transit represents a major component of transportation planning. Several factors influence
the potential use of transit. However, the primary predictors are density of origination and
destination. With consideration of these primary factors, the Metropolitan Council identifies
four key conditions to identify transit market areas:
• Population density
• Employment concentration and job density
• Trip volumes and patterns
• Transit dependent segments of the population
Using these criteria, distinct market areas have been developed recognizing different types and
levels of transit service for each market.
Lake Elmo is currently within the Metropolitan Transit Taxing District and is designated within
Transit Market Area IV and Transit Market Area V as shown on Figure 7-6. Transit within
Market Areas IV and V are expected to be served by peak period express service and a public
dial-a-ride service.
Existing Transit Facilities
Lake Elmo has existing transit facilities consistent with its Market Area IV and V designation,
which includes limited fixed route express and dial-a-ride service, rideshare program, and park-
and-ride lots. Each component of the existing system is discussed below.
Transit Service
Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, provides transit service along one fixed
route through the City. Route 294 provides service between downtown Saint Paul and Stillwater
via on 34th Street/Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH 14). Route 375 an express route bus route
providing access to downtown Minneapolis has a stop just outside the City’s far southwestern
corner, but is within walking distance of Lake Elmo’s Inwood neighborhood. The route includes
stops in Lake Elmo.
While not located in the City of Lake Elmo, the Metro Gold Line, a new Bus Rapid Transit
(BRT) line, is planned within the I-94 corridor. The park-and-ride for the BRT route is located
less than a mile from the City’s southwestern border and will provide additional transit options
to Lake Elmo’s residents.
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Figure 7-6. Transit Market Areas and Facilities
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Nursery
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Klawitter
PondUnnamed Unnamed
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UnnamedClear
Cloverdale
Unnamed
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Jane
Unnamed
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Pond
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Pond
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H.J.
Brown
Pond
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Rose Unnamed
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Olson
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60TH ST N
10TH ST N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
50TH S T N
M
ANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
L A K E J A N E T R L N 4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
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LAKE
ELMO
AVE
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294
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k Park-and-Ride- Future
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Transit Market Area
Market Area IV
Market Area V
Figure 7-8: Transit
Source: MnGEO, Metropolitan Council,
Washington County, City of Lake Elmo,
SHC, Focus Engineering
DRAFT
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Demand-response transit service is currently offered by Metro Mobility through the provider
HSI Transporter Services. HSI Transporter Services provides door-through-door transit services
for adults 59 years or older and persons with disabilities who are residents of Washington
County. Door-through-door service means that drivers will help riders through the first set of
doors at both their pick-up points and their destinations.
The HSI Transporter Service is available Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5
p.m. and will take residents anywhere in Washington County. Outside of Washington County,
trips are available to specific destinations and medical facilities in St. Paul. In addition, the
transporter will take riders to a Metro Transit bus line that allows for increased connections to
destinations throughout the Metro Area.
Rideshare
Rideshare is a Metro Transit program that matches motorists with others traveling in the same
direction and time. There are two types of rideshare opportunities available to Lake Elmo
residents: carpool matching and trip matching. Carpool matching finds commuters in the same
area who travel to and from the same work area. Trip matching helps individuals share rides to
concerts, sporting events, business conferences, or other one-time trips. In either case, people
register with Metro Transit, who then notifies them when a carpool or trip match opportunity
exists. It is up to the individuals to contact each other and follow through on the pool.
Park-and-Ride Lots
To facilitate use of transit, either using the bus or carpool, parking lots are available across
the Twin Cities. Motorists are able to park for free at these lots and then continue to their
destination using the bus or carpooling.
There are six lots in the adjacent cities that could be used by Lake Elmo commuters, including:
• St. Croix Valley Recreation Center in Stillwater.
• Guardian Angels Church in Oakdale.
• Walton Park in Oakdale.
• Woodbury Mall Theater in Woodbury.
• Woodbury Lutheran Church in Woodbury.
• Christ Episcopal Church Park and Ride next to Woodbury Lutheran Church Park-
and-Ride.
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Separately, there is one park and pool lot available in Grant, near the intersection of TH 36 and
Manning Avenue (CSAH 15). Bus service is not provided at this lot, but commuters may still
park for free and carpool from this location.
In addition to the existing park-and-ride lots located in adjacent communities, there are two
additional park-and-rides planned to become available within this planning period. The planned
facilities are:
• New park-and-ride facility in Lake Elmo located just west of the Manning Avenue
and Hudson Road intersection.
• New park-and-ride facility located less than 1-mile from the southwestern city
border in the City of Lake Elmo to provide access to the Metro Gold Line BRT.
Figure 7-6 shows the existing transit facilities, including current bus routes and the existing
park-and-ride lot locations in the City, as well as the planned park-and-rides in the City and to
serve the Metro Gold Line BRT.
Transit Planning
Transit alternatives to automobile travel are both encouraged and advocated by the City.
According to Metro Transit information, commuter growth is expected in most areas of Lake
Elmo. The Village Area in particular represents an opportunity to expand transit within the
City. Two other areas of potential transit expansion include the TH 36 corridor on the north
border of the City and the I-94 corridor on the south border of the City. Each area is discussed
separately below.
Village Area
Transit service to the Village Area is an important component for the City and in keeping
with regional transportation goals. The Village Area is now and will continue to be the largest
concentration of commerce and urban scale housing in the City. The relationship of the Village
Area to future transit is enhanced by its location adjacent to 34th Street/Stillwater Boulevard
(TH 5) and the existing east-west Union Pacific rail corridor.
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
I-94 Transit Corridor
The 2040 Transportation Policy Plan contained within Thrive MSP identified a potential
alignment of the planned Metro Gold Line BRT through the South Planning Area in the City.
However, since the adoption of the 2040 Thrive MSP plan, the Metro Gold Line alignment and
planned stops has been established, and the alignment will not occur adjacent to, or within, the
City of Lake Elmo.
There is an express route bus planned on I-94 that will include a stop at the planned park-and-
ride lot at I-94 and Manning Avenue (CSAH 15).
Expanding the existing transit corridor on the southern border of Lake Elmo would serve
residents with an improved option to driving and could reduce congestion on I-94. Reduced
congestion on I-94 would result in fewer commuters using alternative routes through the City on the
frontage road. It would also reduce potential congestion from continued development in Woodbury.
The City encourages and advocates for the continued improvement of existing transit routes
and the development of new transit alternatives, particularly for the Village Area. As regional
agencies are often better able to advocate for improved transit in the area, the Metropolitan
Council and the County are encouraged to continue examining these potential transit way
corridors and associated issues. However, support and assistance from the local governments is
needed. The City will work with these and other agencies in pursuit of their common and City-
specific transit goals. Participating in a future transit advisory committee, if formed for the area
for one of the corridors, is one method that will increase the City’s voice on transit coverage and
improvements. Another method for active City participation could include leading or assisting
in more detailed studies of proposed transit improvements, such as expansion of the City’s
current park-and-ride or providing transit facilities like a shelter.
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
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Long
Unnamed
Unnamed Unnamed Park
Nursery
Pond
Long
Klawitter
PondUnnamed Unnamed
Unnamed
DeMontreville Unnamed
UnnamedClear
Cloverdale
Unnamed
Unnamed
Jane
Unnamed
(Goetschel)Dirk's
Pond
UnnamedUnnamed
Deer
Pond Berschen's
Pond
Unnamed
Sunfish
Unnamed
Unnamed
Friedrich
Pond
Elmo
Unnamed
Legion
Pond Unnamed
Eagle
Point
DownsUnnamedUnnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Horseshoe
H.J.
Brown
Pond
Armstrong Goose
Rose Unnamed
Unnamed
Kramer
Unnamed
Markgrafs
Olson
Unnamed
Unnamed
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
50TH S T N
M
ANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
L A K E J A N E T R L N 4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
LAKEELMO
AVE
N
F00.6 1.2 1.80.3
MilesRBTN Corridors
Tier 2 Alignment
Trails
Classification
On Road Striped Shoulder
Road Separated Trail
Sidewalk
Figure 7-6: Regional Bicycle Transportation Network & Local Trail Designations
Source: MnGEO, Metropolitan Council,
Washington County, City of Lake Elmo,
SHC, Focus Engineering
Figure 7-7. Regional Bicycle Transportation Network and Local Trail Designation
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TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
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BIKEWAY & TRAIL SYSTEM
The City’s bikeway and trail system plays a role in the Parks, Trails, and Open Space system
planning as well as contributes to the City’s transportation system. Trails and bikeways have the
unique opportunity to do ‘double duty’, that is to say they can provide not only recreational
opportunities, but can also serve as a transportation mode choice provided the system is well
connected and planned for.
This section addresses the City’s bikeway and trail system from a transportation perspective,
and while it repeats or restates some of the information contained in Chapter 6, the purpose
of this section is to identify how the system will be planned for and contribute to the City’s
comprehensive transportation system as the community continues to grow and evolve.
As indicated in Chapter 6, the City’s Comprehensive Trail Master Plan was created and adopted
in 2005. While many of the components of the Trail Master Plan (hereafter referred to as the
Trail System Plan) should be updated to reflect current and projected development trends,
some of the principles contained within the plan continue to be relevant. For example, the
2005 Trail System Plan was developed with the objective of providing a connected network of
trails that would created increased accessibility to key destinations within the community. That
objective continues to be valid but has now expanded to consider how the system could provide
connections to local destinations, and also how the system could provide connections to the
larger region.
The City and the transportation system benefit from a trail network through its currently
designated recreation and commuter routes. Recreation trails are generally considered an
amenity, positively affect the City’s image, and in some cases provide connections to the
regional and city trail network. Commuter routes link destinations and provide an additional
mode option to vehicular travel. Recognizing the limitations of seasonality in our climate,
these routes provide connections for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles between parks and
open spaces, neighborhoods and developments, adjacent cities, and regional trails. A properly
designed trail system will help to reduce reliance on automobiles and the volume of auto traffic
on the City roadways provided a complete, and comprehensive, system is developed.
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Existing Trail Network
Currently, on- and off-road trails, dedicated bicycle lanes, and private trails are provided within
the City.
The City will need to focus on connecting recreational trails and linking specific destinations to
create an adequate commuter trail system. Providing designated trail links between the schools,
the Village area, and other key residential and business areas will improve safety for pedestrians
and bicyclists. Planning for some destinations has already occurred through the Lake Elmo
Elementary School 2008 Safe Routes to School Plan. However, today in 2018, the issue of safe
pedestrian and bicycle access continues to be a discussion topic since crossing of CSAH 14
continues to be challenging at best. Through this planning process, several residents continued
to communicate a desire for improved trail connections and access that would be safer, and
easier to navigate. Essentially, the community is interested in developing a complete trail
network that is safe and has easy to follow wayfinding within the system.
Regional Bicycle Transportation Network, Bikeways and Trails
As part of this Comprehensive Plan update, the Metropolitan Council introduced the concept
of planning for the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN). The plan suggests
that communities look at their existing trail and bikeway network and identify interregional
opportunities to connect the system and to create transportation mode choice not only for
recreational opportunities, but for overall transportation choice. Figure 7-7 identifies the
Metropolitan Council’s RBTN planning corridors in the City, and the City’s existing trails – or
designated routes – are identified on the figure to demonstrate how existing routes support the
plan for RBTN. As shown on the trail figures contained in Chapter 6, the City is interested in
the opportunity to convert some of the currently designated ‘on-road shoulder striped’ bikeways
to be either dedicated bike lanes or road-separated trails to improve safety and to benefit trail/
bike user wayfinding. These improvements are largely identified on County roadways, which
align with the RBTN alignments, so the City will need to work with Washington County when
improvements are scheduled or planned to help bring these plans to fruition.
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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.
Generally, the City has been and will continue to be focused on creating a multi-purpose,
connected and comprehensive trail network in the community that provides recreational
opportunities as well as transportation mode choice. The City’s Park Commission has
established the following vision for the system in the 2005 Trail System Plan, and it continues
to be appropriate today:
“The City will develop a safe, convenient and integrated system of trails linking
neighborhoods, schools, the “Old Village,” and parks that will focus on the
natural resources and character of Lake Elmo and help safely meet the recreation,
health/fitness, and transportation needs of its residents.”
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FREIGHT
Trucking
The movement of goods and services throughout Washington County is conducted through
various modes of transportation including commercial trucking. Many of the County’s roads
are designated truck routes, that are designed and constructed to accommodate and support the
transport of freight by truck. Figure 7-8 identifies 2016 Heavy Commercial AADT on roads
adjacent to, or within the City of Lake Elmo.
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Long
Unnamed
Unnamed Unnamed Park
Nursery
Pond
Long
Klawitter
PondUnnamed Unnamed
Unnamed
DeMontreville Unnamed
UnnamedClear
Cloverdale
Unnamed
Unnamed
Jane
Unnamed
(Goetschel)Dirk's
Pond
UnnamedUnnamed
Deer
Pond Berschen's
Pond
Unnamed
Sunfish
Unnamed
Unnamed
Friedrich
Pond
Elmo
Unnamed
Legion
Pond Unnamed
Eagle
Point
DownsUnnamedUnnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
Horseshoe
H.J.
Brown
Pond
Armstrong Goose
Rose Unnamed
Unnamed
Kramer
Unnamed
Markgrafs
Olson
Unnamed
Unnamed
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
50TH ST N
M
ANNING
AVE
N
47TH S T N
34TH ST N
L A K E J A N E T R L N 4 5 T H ST N
INWOOD
AVE
N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
810
550
9 8 0
680
2850
4650
16 50
480
2 0 0 0
690
5000
10000
3 4 0
550
11000 10500
4
8
5
0
6
5
0
0
29 5
1800
F00.6 1.2 1.80.3
Miles2016 HCAADT
Figure 7-7: Heavy Commercial/Freight
Source: MnGEO, Metropolitan Council,
Washington County, City of Lake Elmo,
SHC, Focus Engineering
DRAFTFigure 7-8. Heavy Commercial / Freight
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RAIL
Existing Characteristics
There is one active railway in Lake Elmo, owned by Union Pacific Railroad Company. This east-
west rail line travels through the middle of the City, generally adjacent to 34th Street/Stillwater
Boulevard (CSAH 14). According to current Mn/DOT records, the track shows an average of
four trains per day with a top speed of 40 mph. This is in conflict with information from Union
Pacific, which states an average use of five trains per day at 30 mph. Additional information
from Union Pacific indicates two of these trains operate at night.
There are four public at-grade crossings in the City, located at the crossings of 31st Street,
Klondike Avenue, Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17), and Manning Avenue (CSAH 15). The Lake
Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) and Manning Avenue (CSAH 15) crossings have flashing lights and
warning bells for oncoming trains. The other two public at- grade crossings are under stop
sign control. In addition to these public at- grade crossings, there are several private at-grade
crossings. In general, these private crossings are controlled with stop signs.
Safety
Crossing of the railway should only occur at those marked locations. Crossing at unauthorized
locations is illegal and dangerous. A fully loaded train moving at 40 mph can take close to
a mile or more to come to a complete stop. When the train engineer sees something on the
track, such as a vehicle or pedestrian, it is often too late to stop the train. Because of this and
as required by law, all other modes of traffic must yield to trains at the crossing locations,
including emergency services, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Depending upon the speed and length of the train, stopping for a train can add noticeable delay
to a trip. The size of a train also leads to a perception of a slower traveling speed. Combining
this perception with the potential delay, motorists or others may attempt to ‘beat’ the train
creating a significant safety risk.
To date, the risk has not translated into a problem. Mn/DOT crash records did not show any
vehicle-train crashes in the years 1998 through 2007.
However, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) did provide records for one crash at the
Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17) crossing. From FRA records, a single vehicle crashed into a train
at this location in 2007. The crash caused property damage only with neither the vehicle driver
nor train personnel injured.
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Rail Planning
A public at-grade crossing is planned in the Village area, to the east of the Village center. The
crossing location, while not yet in place, has been determined by the Easton Village residential
housing development which has been preliminary platted, and with this Plat the alignment of
Village Parkway has been established from 30th Street to the UPRR. At the time of the crossing
construction it is expected that the existing private crossing will be closed.
The number of trains may increase on the Union Pacific line whether through a general
increase in freight deliveries or a possible commuter rail, as described in the Transit Section.
This rail line is part of a primary route between the Twin Cities and Chicago as well as through
Milwaukee. The connection of these major cities creates the potential for increased rail traffic at
any time.
Projected traffic volumes show motorized traffic increasing around the rail corridor. Non-
motorized traffic is also expected to increase in the area and at rail crossings. As these volumes
increase into the future, potential delays at the crossings will increase and the potential safety
issues subsequently increase. Consideration of safety and the crossing locations is particularly
important for the higher density expected in the Village Area as well as its planned new public
at-grade crossing. To combat the increase in potential risk, the City will work to improve
conditions through:
• Providing education focused on safe driving, biking, and walking behaviors at
crossing locations.
• Closing private crossings when feasible and when development or
redevelopment occurs.
• Upgrading existing crossings to include lights and warning bells, or improve to full
lights and guard arms.
• Including safety components in any new at-grade crossing.
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Ultimately, all users of the transportation network may benefit from grade-separated crossings
at one or more of the public locations. Grade- separated crossings physically separate the trains
from other modes of travel. The City will need to work with the other agencies and the railroad
as opportunities arise and traffic volumes increase into the future. When opportunities arise,
the City will work with other agencies or organizations to provide rail crossing information and
safety tips.
Quiet Zones are another option to consider for the railroad crossings. The term “Quiet Zone”
pertains to a single highway/railroad at-grade crossing or a consecutive stretch of highway/
railroad at-grade crossings (rail corridor) in which a train engineer, under normal conditions, is
ordered not to blow the train horn while approaching the crossing. From the community’s point
of view, the result can be improved living conditions as loud train horns are silenced. From the
railroad’s perspective, a warning and safety device, the loud train horn, has been silenced. The
City will consider the potential safety implications, monetary cost, community benefits, and
other factors before implementing a Quiet Zone. The City will also work with other agencies
and the railroad in determining the need/desire for a Quiet Zone and/or implementing the
Quiet Zone.
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AVIATION
While Lake Elmo does not directly host an airport, the Lake Elmo Airport is located in Baytown
Township adjacent to the City’s eastern border. The runways of the airport are oriented such
that aviation safety and clear zones extend into the City. With airport approach patterns
stretching over Lake Elmo, residents and businesses of the community are impacted by airport
operations and the policies and planning of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC).
Located on approximately 640 acres of land, this airport first opened in 1951 and is one of
seven airports in the region owned and operated by the MAC. During its time in operation, the
Lake Elmo Airport has existed as a General Aviation “good neighbor” to the City. To ensure the
continuance of this “good neighbor” environment, elected and appointed City officials regularly
monitor the activities of the MAC in their efforts to manage and plan for this airport. The most
recent long-term comprehensive plan for the Lake Elmo Airport was prepared by the MAC in
2016. A summary of The Lake Elmo Airport 2035 Long-Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP)
information is provided as follows. Some text is taken directly from the LTCP for reference in
this Plan chapter.
Existing Conditions & Issues
The current definition or classification of the Lake Elmo Airport depends upon the agency.
Four agencies (MAC, FAA, MnDOT, and Metropolitan Council) each classify this airport in
their terms, which are provided below. While differing in language, the common theme for
classification is general aviation activity focused on personal or recreational use with minor
business use.
• The MAC considers the Lake Elmo Airport as a “complimentary reliever,” serving
as a recreation use airport.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated
Airport Systems (NPIAS) identifies airports that are significant to national air
transportation with both a Service Level and Asset Role for each airport. The
Service Level describes the type of service the airport currently provides to the
community, and the Asset Role is assigned using operational categories developed
in the ASSET 1 report.
In the 2015-2019 NPIAS, the FAA classifies Lake Elmo Airport as follows:
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»Service Level: Reliever. The FAA has encouraged the development of
high-capacity general aviation airports in major metropolitan areas. These
specialized airports, called relievers, provide pilots with attractive alternatives
to using congested hub airports. They also provide general aviation access to
the surrounding area. To be eligible for reliever designation, these airports
must be open to the public, have 100 or more based aircraft, or have 25,000
annual itinerant operations. Lake Elmo Airport qualifies as a reliever on the
basis of having over 100 based aircraft.
»Asset Role: Local. Local airports supplement communities by providing
access primarily to intrastate and some interstate markets. These airports
accommodate small businesses, flight training, emergency service, charter
passenger service, cargo operations, and personal flying activities. They
typically accommodate smaller general aviation aircraft, mostly single-engine
and some multi-engine propeller aircraft.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) classifies the Lake Elmo Airport as
an Intermediate System Airport, suggesting a paved lighted runway of up to 5,000 feet and
capable of accommodating all single engine and most twin engine aircraft as well as some light
jet aircraft. According to the latest Minnesota State Aviation System Plan (SASP) published in
2013 by, Lake Elmo Airport is identified by MnDOT as one of the state’s intermediate airports
potentially needing a runway extension based on the operational requirements of the airport’s
critical aircraft.
The Metropolitan Council considers the Lake Elmo Airport a Minor Airport, meaning a
primary runway length between 2,500 and 5,000 feet with either precision or non-precision
approach and accommodating personal use and recreation aircraft, business general aviation and
air taxi traffic, flight training, and military operations.
Based on the most recent study in 2014, Lake Elmo Airport has just over 200 based aircraft
and accommodates approximately 26,000 total annual aircraft operations. It has two paved
runways. The primary runway (Runway 14-32) is 2,849 feet long by 75 feet wide and is lighted
with Medium Intensity Runway Edge Lights, end identifier lights, and precision approach path
indicators. The crosswind runway (Runway 04-22) is 2,496 feet long by 75 feet wide and is not
lighted.
It should be noted with regard to aviation outside of Lake Elmo Airport that seaplanes are
currently permitted to operate on Lake Elmo within the City and must follow guidelines set
forth in Minnesota Rules 8800.2800.
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Identified Issues
Previous reports indicated several deficiencies of the airport, including lack of a weather station.
Since then, an automated weather system has been added. Other issues noted included:
• The runways are the shortest of the area’s reliever airports
• The registered aircraft is almost up to the capacity of the hanger areas.
• The airport is currently using wells and septic systems rather than sanitary sewer
and water facilities.
Runway Protection Zones and State Safety Zones extend into the City. These areas restrict
land use off runway ends to help ensure the safety of people and property on the ground. The
dimensions of Runway Protection Zones are based upon the aircraft approach category and
runway approach visibility minimums. The runways at the Lake Elmo Airport require a Runway
Protection Zone in a trapezoid area extending beyond the end of a runway and intended to be
clear of structures and places of public assembly in order to enhance safety for those operating
at the airport and for people on the ground.
The FAA’s updated RPZ guidance, issued in 2012, clarifies and tightens up the policy on what
constitutes an incompatible land use in an RPZ, now defined to include public roadways and
railroads. The FAA also clarified the process to evaluate proposed land uses that would be
introduced into an RPZ based upon a triggering action. A triggering action could be an airfield
project, an off-airport development proposal, or an operational change at the airport.
Based on FAA guidelines, Mn/DOT has further designated land use safety zones and other
Airport Zoning Standards, as established in the Minnesota Rules Chapter 8800.2400. Minimum
Standard Zones are; Safety Zone A, Safety Zone B, and Safety Zone C. These zones are intended
to restrict land uses that may be hazardous to the operational safety of aircraft using the airport
and to protect the safety and property of people on the ground in the area near the airport.
Details for restrictions within these zones can be found online at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/
rules/?id=8800.2400.
Another restriction to development around airports is noise or Day-Night Average Sound Level
(DNL). The FAA requires the DNL noise metric to determine and analyze noise exposure and
aid in the determination of aircraft noise and land use compatibility issues. The MAC suggests
that the 60 DNL contour be used for planning purposes inside the Metropolitan Urban Service
Area (MUSA). Since much of Lake Elmo is not within the MUSA, the planning also includes
the 55 DNL. More information regarding the location of the Runway Protection Zones, Safety
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Zones, and DNL contour impact areas, including graphics, can be found in the MAC’s LTCP
for the Lake Elmo Airport.
Finally, Federal Regulation Title 14 Part 77 establishes standards and notification requirements
for objects affecting navigable airspace. Each sponsor who proposes certain types of construction
or alteration, which includes buildings/structures and roadways, shall notify the FAA. This
notification allows the FAA to identify potential aeronautical hazards in advance to prevent or
minimize adverse impacts to the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace. Once notified, the
FAA will conduct an aeronautical study to determine the impact to air navigation. One of three
responses is then typically issued:
• No Objection - subject construction did not exceed obstruction standards and
marking/lighting is not required.
• Conditional Determination - proposed construction/alteration would be
acceptable contingent upon implementing mitigating measures (Marking &
Lighting, etc.).
• Objectionable - proposed construction/alteration is determined to be a hazard and
is thus objectionable.
Source: Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77: Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace
The FAA’s Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, can be found through
this link to the FAA’s website: http://forms.faa.gov/forms/faa7460-1.pdf
Recent Airport Improvements
The following facility improvements have been completed at Lake Elmo Airport since the
completion of the previous LTCP in 2006:
• Installation of an Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) by MnDOT
in 2008
• Rehabilitation of Runway 14-32 taxiway connectors in 2008
• Reconstruction of the apron/run-up area in front of the MAC Maintenance
Building, replacement of the pavement on the main entrance road, and airfield
crack repairs in 2009
• Reconstruction of the center 40-feet of Runway 14-32 in 2012
• Rehabilitation of portions of Runway 04-22 and its parallel taxiway in 2013
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• Reconstruction and widening of portions of Runway 04-22 parallel
taxiway and north building area alleyway pavement rehabilitation in 2015
All of the airfield areas at Lake Elmo Airport are asphalt, but they vary in pavement
age, thickness, and structural section. Runway 14-32 and the associated taxiways were
originally constructed in 1951. Runway 04-22 and its parallel taxiway were built in
1967. The north side taxiway was partially constructed in 1981 and was extended to its
current length in 1992. Over time, pavement overlays, rehabilitation, reconstruction
and/or crack repair methods have changed the characteristics of the pavement from
section to section.
The Airport Pavement Management Program for the MAC Relievers has included
periodic pavement condition inspections, most recently in 2013. The inspections were
completed in accordance with FAA guidelines and utilized the Pavement Condition
Index (PCI) Method.
Existing landside facilities, including the existing number of aircraft storage hangars,
appear to be adequate to support anticipated levels for both based aircraft and
total operations. No new hangar development areas are proposed, although areas to
accommodate the construction of additional hangars should be preserved in the LTCP.
Airport Planning
One of the most significant challenges facing airports today is the presence of
incompatible land use, either adjacent to the airport or in runway flight paths. Working
closely with municipal officials, airport users, developers, and any nearby residents,
airports can reduce these types of conflicts through the use of zoning regulations that
disallow certain types of nearby development.
Lake Elmo Airport is located in Baytown Township with the City of Lake Elmo adjacent
and directly west and West Lakeland Township adjacent and directly south of the airport
property. All of these areas are located in Washington County. Washington County has
adopted an overlay district for Lake Elmo Airport to control the type and extent of land
development adjacent to and near the airport. The City of Lake Elmo does not have its
own airport overlay district.
As the Lake Elmo Airport is not located within the City limits, it is primarily the
Runway Protection Zones, Safety Zones, and noise restriction guidelines that affect land
use planning within the City. Currently, land use around the airport is used or planned
for Agricultural, Open Space, or Single Family Detached. In general, the surrounding
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land uses are compatible with the airport. New residential development in recent years is getting
closer to the airport property. Approximately 320 single-family residential homes at a density
of approximately 2 to 2.5 units per acre are built or under construction in the residential
developments known as the Easton Village and Village Park Preserve, which include a new
north-south minor connector road between 30th Street North and 40th Street North and several
stormwater detention ponds. MAC staff reviewed the plans for these developments and provided
comments to the City of Lake Elmo emphasizing the potential for aircraft overflights and noise,
along with items related to the design of the stormwater ponds and landscaping.
Airport Forecasts & Proposed Development
Forecasts were completed for airport operations and based aircraft in the LTCP. The base year is
2012 and forecasts were prepared for 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2035. The forecasts for the
airport are unconstrained, except for runway length and assume that the necessary facilities will
be in place to accommodate demand. Operations at Lake Elmo Airport are projected to decrease
slightly from 26,709 in 2012 to 26,138 in 2035 in the Base Case, an average annual decrease of
approximately 0.1 percent.
A relocated and longer primary runway is proposed at the Lake Elmo Airport for several reasons:
• The existing 2,850-foot primary runway pavement is in need of full
reconstruction.
• The runway must be lengthened in order to meet FAA criteria for runway length
for the type of aircraft using the runway today.
• Obstructions on either end of the existing runway make it infeasible to extend the
runway in its current location.
• The runway must be relocated in order to best achieve FAA-compliant runway
protection zones (RPZs).
• The FAA has indicated that they will require MAC to purchase the private
property within the existing RPZ on the west side of Manning Avenue as a
condition of receiving grant funding to reconstruct the existing runway in its
current configuration.
• The proposed project will achieve the objectives of enhancing safety and
improving operational capabilities for the design aircraft family.
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Four development alternatives were initially evaluated in the Alternatives Analysis
developed for the Draft 2035 LTCP. The Final LTCP Preferred Development Alternative
plan includes extending the primary runway to 3,600 feet. The plan proposes the
following improvements over the next 20-year planning period:
• Relocate primary Runway 14-32 by shifting the centerline 615 feet to the
northeast and extend it to a length of 3,500 feet, including all necessary
grading and clearing
• Realign 30th Street N around the new Runway 32 end RPZ and reconnect
to the existing intersection with Neal Avenue
• Construct a new cross-field taxiway to serve the new Runway 14 end,
including taxiway lighting and/or reflectors
• Convert existing Runway 14-32 into a partial parallel taxiway and
construct additional taxiway infrastructure as needed to support the
relocated runway, including taxiway lighting and/or reflectors
• Reconstruct existing crosswind Runway 04-22 and extend it to 2,750 feet
as recommended in the facility requirements section, including runway
lighting, Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems, and a new
taxiway connector
• Pursue the establishment of a new non-precision instrument approach to
the Runway 14 end, and upgrade the existing Runway 04 approach to an
RNAV (GPS) type
• Using the projections for the airport, noting the existing deficiencies,
and in consideration of several concepts, costs, benefits, and negative
issues, the long-term plan recommended a preferred alternative for future
development of the Lake Elmo Airport. Table 11 below provides the
summary of the recommendations and the timeline for these changes.
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One of the goals for the 2035 LTCP is to comply with the FAA’s airport design
standards, so achieving RPZ compliance in the recommended future condition is a
high priority. With the preferred development concept, all RPZs will be contained
on property the MAC already owns and be clear of any non-compliant land uses. The
MAC would no longer need to acquire private property, and the County roadway
project would not be subject to an FAA runway protection zone evaluation and approval
process.
In general, the preferred alternative for the Lake Elmo Airport does not change its
impact on the City of Lake Elmo. The location of the Runway Protection Zones, Safety
Zones, and DNL contour impact areas within the City remain the same. Land use
compatibility is therefore expected to remain consistent. For the crosswind runway,
areas within the protection and noise contour impact areas are primarily developed. Very
limited development, if any, is expected in this area in the future.
For the primary runway, the future development impacts will affect a part of the
Village Area. Development scenarios for the Village Area maintain a greenbelt/buffer
along Manning Avenue (CSAH 15) specifically to provide a buffer to the airport. The
development scenarios do include residential uses within the safety zones and noise
contour impact areas. These future residential developments located within the safety
zones and noise contour impact areas are subject to development restrictions established
by state statute and the City. The City will continue to work with a Joint Airport
Zoning Board to minimize land use compatibility issues and implement an airport
zoning ordinance.
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Amphibian and Float-Equipped Plane Operations
Seaplanes are allowed to operate on several lakes within the metro area. When lakes are frozen,
aircraft equipped with either wheels or skis may operate on the lakes if such operations can
be conducted in a safe and reasonable manner relative to lake traffic and use. These types of
aircraft are under multiple Minnesota State Statutes to guide their operation and promote
safety. These Statutes include:
• Minnesota Rules 8800.2600, Compliance with Marine Traffic Rules: All seaplanes
must comply with marine traffic rules to the extent that such rules do not interfere
with the safe operation of aircraft.
• Minnesota Rules 8800.2700, Approaches and Takeoffs: All approaches to and
takeoffs from the water area shall be made in such a manner as to clear all
structures on the lane by at least 100 feet, and wherever the area of body of water
will permit, such landing and takeoffs shall be made at a distance of not less than
300 feet, both laterally and vertically, from any boat or person on the surface of
the water, or as near to 300 feet as the area of water will permit.
• Minnesota Rules 8800.2800; Seaplanes operations are permitted only on the
following public waters within Washington County - Big Carnelian Lake, Big
Marine Lake, Clear Lake, Forest Lake, Lake Elmo, Mississippi River, Oneka Lake,
and St. Croix River. Seaplane operations are prohibited on all other public waters
within Washington County.
In addition, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Government have
restrictions and guidelines on seaplanes that may affect their operations within the City of Lake
Elmo. The Mn/DOT Office of Aeronautics and Aviation should be consulted for more details
on the rules and guidelines regarding these types of aircraft.
Information regarding this type of plane activity on the allowed lakes is not available. As such,
projections of usage on the lakes for these types of aircraft are not available either. In any case,
the City is committed to safe and lawful plane activity on its lakes.
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TRANSPORTATION IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
The following program will be implemented in order to ensure that the City’s
Transportation goals and policies are met.
• The City will continue to advocate for a transportation network that
coincides with the overall goals of the City; safety, multi-modal, and
preserving the rural character.
• The City will continue to work with surrounding Cities, Washington
County, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and other
government agencies in development of a transportation network
consistent with the goals and policies of this plan.
• The City will work with developers for improvements to the transportation
network that will serve its goals and strategies. A specific example is the
creation of a Minor Collector road between 10th Street (CSAH 10) and
Hudson Boulevard (I-94 frontage road). This new roadway would reduce
traffic volumes on 10th Street (CSAH 10) and Hudson Boulevard (I-94
frontage road), eliminating the need for four-lane facilities.
• The City will participate in coalitions and multi-jurisdictional efforts for
improvements to the transportation network that coincide with the overall
goals of the City. This could include corridor studies/groups, transit
oversight panels, and/or construction projects.
• The City will continue to improve the transportation network to reflect all
modes of travel.
• The City is supportive of the four major focus areas in pursuit of safety
improvements: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency
Medical Services. Combination of these focus areas result in better
solutions to targeted or general safety issues. Of particular concern are the
areas around schools and keeping students safe. Applying these major focus
areas towards the school areas is encouraged and expected.
• The City will continue to pursue a TH 36 access and connectivity plan
to provide a safe and adequate service to residents of Lake Elmo while
minimizing traffic by-passing through the city. The City will work with
the County and the State on the ultimate plan for TH 36, including its
connections to the City.
59
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
• The City supports improvements that will eliminate the need for a four-lane
facility on Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH 14). Examples of improvements could
include one or more of the following: upgrade TH 36 to “freeway” status, upgrade
of Manning Avenue (CSAH 15) to a four-lane facility, reconfiguration of the
Stillwater Boulevard (CSAH 14)/Manning Avenue (CSAH 15) intersection with
the 40th Street (CSAH 14)/Manning Avenue (CSAH 15) intersection to create
a single four-legged intersection, access management, alternative intersection
control, expanded transit opportunities, and expanded trail system. These options
could allow for more extensive landscaping and streetscaping on Stillwater
Boulevard (CSAH 14), consistent with its expected redevelopment.
• The City will continue to support improvements that will maintain the rural character
of Lake Elmo Avenue, in particular along the eastern shoreline of Lake Elmo.
• The City will update and refine their Capital Improvement Plan to be consistent
with the goals and strategies described in this plan.
Capital Improvement Plan
The Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) is the financial planning mechanism used by
communities to plan for long-term major expenditures. Lake Elmo adopts a 5-year CIP
annually. Each year is it reviewed and revised as priorities change. The upcoming year of the
CIP is used to aid in the annual budgeting process. Each year the City adopts an annual budget.
Expenditures are made in accordance with this budget for the following year.
The Comprehensive Plan sets forth overall direction for the City; the 5-year CIP and annual
budget implements the goals and policies contained within it. Each year, every item in
the CIP should be evaluated in relation to the goals, policies, and general direction of the
Comprehensive Plan. This allows spending decisions to be made within the overall context and
future plan for the City. It is important that the financial tools implement the intent of the
Comprehensive Plan.
60
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
TRANSPORTATION APPENDIX : 2040 TAZ
62
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
63
TRANSPORTATION ffi DRAFT 5ffi24ffi2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
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Transportation Analysis Zone Population, Household & Employment Projections
DRAFT Chapter 8: Surface Water Management
Protect, Preserve & Conserve
Comprehensive Plan 2040
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
2
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
3
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
T he purpose of this chapter of the Lake Elmo 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the
Lake Elmo Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) is to guide the City of
Lake Elmo in conserving, protecting, and maintaining the quality of its surface waters,
ground water, and natural resources. The City is generally positioned to follow water
management strategies and regulations set forth by the governing watershed districts.
According to the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act of 1982, local units of
government in the seven-county metro area prepare and implement comprehensive
surface water management plans through membership in a watershed management
organization (WMO) or a watershed district (WD). The primary goals of the
Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act are to:
• Protect, preserve, and use natural surface and groundwater storage and
retention systems;
• Minimize public capital expenditures needed to correct flooding and water
quality problems;
• Identify and plan for means to effectively protect and improve surface and
groundwater quality;
• Establish more uniform local policies and official controls for surface and
groundwater management;
• Prevent erosion of soil into surface water systems;
• Promote groundwater recharge;
• Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational
facilities; and
• Secure the other benefits associated with the proper management of
surface and groundwater.
(Source MN Board of Water and Soil Resources, www.bwsr.mn.us)
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
4
2040 Surface Water – What’s to Come
»The City primarily partners with the local watershed
management organizations to regulate and manage
surface water resources in Lake Elmo.
»Surface water management best practices will continue
to be critical for maintaining and improving water
quality for City residents.
This Plan chapter therefore recognizes that the responsibility of water resource management
is in the hands of numerous agencies and organizations each tasked with monitoring and
planning for water resource management and environmental protection. It intends to meet
the provisions of Minnesota Statutes §473.157 and §103B.235, Minnesota Rules 8410, and
standards and requirements of the three watershed districts intersecting Lake Elmo municipal
boundaries: Valley Branch, South Washington, and Brown’s Creek Watershed Districts.
Lake Elmo’s LSWMP avoids duplicating efforts of others by adopting or referencing the
standards and policies of the Brown’s Creek Watershed District (BCWD), Valley Branch
Watershed District (VBWD), South Washington Watershed District (SWWD), Washington
County, the Metropolitan Council, State of Minnesota Agencies such as the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(MnDNR), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and the Board of Soil and Water
Resources (BWSR), plus Federal Agencies, most notably the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) where applicable.
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
5
CITY OF LAKE ELMO LOCAL SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Plan Summary
The City of Lake Elmo’s Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) together through
its MS4 Permit implementation helps guide the protection and management of surface waters,
ground water, and related natural resources in the City of Lake Elmo. The existing LSWMP was
adopted in 2009 for a ten-year period and developed as a part of the City’s 2030 Comprehensive
Plan to meet the requirements of the applicable State Statutes, the Metropolitan Council, and
local Watershed Districts. The LSWMP will be updated as part of the implementation of the
Lake Elmo 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update and to comply with current regulations and
requirements of these organizations. While the City’s fully adopted LSWMP will be updated
as an implementation step to this planning effort, where available, the relevant sections of this
Chapter have been updated to reflect revised data and information available from the applicable
agencies.
Lake Elmo’s adopted LSWMP is divided into eight sections:
1. Purpose and Scope
2. Physical Setting
3. Regulatory Setting
4. Related Studies, Plans and Reports
5. Goals and Policies
The City has land area that falls within three Watershed Districts - the Valley Branch Watershed
District, South Washington Watershed District, and Brown’s Creek Watershed District. (See
Map 8-1: Lake Elmo Watershed Districts.) The City concurs with the watershed management
plans and standards adopted by these Districts. The current plans of these organizations were
used to develop several sections of this Chapter, and updated information will be incorporated
into the City’s revised LSWMP to include goals, policies, and implementation actions that
address issues identified by the City and others.
Approximately 10 percent of the City is covered by lakes and wetlands, and the City also
possesses several creeks. Goals and policies indicate the Watershed Districts will continue to take
the primary regulatory role in surface water management of these water features within Lake
Elmo. Lake Elmo works collaboratively with the watershed districts for permitting development
and redevelopment projects. The Watersheds will review project applications to ensure district
storm water management requirements are being met with regards to rate control and volume
control rules. Lake Elmo reviews the development and redevelopment projects to ensure quality
infrastructure and that the storm water BMPs constructed to meet permit requirements, are
6. Assessment of Problems and
Corrective Actions
7. Implementation
8. Administration
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
6
constructed in accordance with the City Engineering Design Standards. Both the City and
Watershed oversee development and redevelopment projects as they relate to erosion control
site management. In addition, the City will continue to implement its adopted MS4 Permit and
SWPPP to manage and maintain the surface waters and infrastructure in the City and educate
its residents about the importance of protecting surface and ground water resources.
The goals, policies, and implementation of the LSWMP note that the City will enforce its
zoning and subdivision ordinances to assist in maintaining or improving the quality of surface
and ground waters within Lake Elmo. More detail of the goals and policies are included later in
this Chapter. The City will update its applicable codes to ensure they meet the requirements of
the Metropolitan Council, are consistent with the Watershed Management Plans and standards,
and conform with the Washington County Groundwater Plan. The City will continue to
cooperate with local Watershed Districts, the Washington Conservation District, Washington
County, its residents, and others to protect and enhance surface water, ground water, and
related natural resources for current and future generations.
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE ELMO AVE N
INWOOD AVE N
50TH ST N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
34TH ST N
L A K E JAN E TR L N
MANNING AVE N
KEATS AVE N
47TH ST N
30TH ST N
4 5 T H S T N
IDEAL AVE N STILLWATER BLVD N
60TH ST N
MANNING AVE N
LAKE ELMO AVE N
S T I L LW A T E R B L V D N
0 2,900 5,800 8,7001,450
Feet
Date: 4/24/2017
Source: Metropolitan Council, MnGEO
Prepared by: SHC [Watershed Management Organizations
BROWNS CREEK
SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY
VALLEY BRANCH
Map 8-1. Watershed Boundary Map
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
7
Local Water Management Responsibilities and Related Agreements
Each of the three watershed districts that intersect the city boundaries of Lake Elmo
regulates potential development impacts to water resources within their respective
district by managing permitting and providing comments on development proposals and
other permit applications. The City of Lake Elmo also adopts the water management
plans, rules, and standards of all three watershed districts by reference within its
LSWMP and reaffirms it within this Plan chapter.
The majority of the City is contained within the Valley Branch Watershed District
(VBWD), and the VBWD serves as the local governmental unit (LGU) for the Wetland
Conservation Act (WCA) for the City of Lake Elmo. The City is the LGU for the WCA
within the Brown’s Creek Watershed District (BCWD) and the South Washington
Watershed District (SWWD) areas, and portions of the City within the BCWD
and SWWD are mostly developed. The City utilizes the services of the Washington
Conservation District (WCD) in carrying out its responsibilities under WCA in
BCWD and SWWD. The WCD provides services to administer WCA, including
wetland determinations, review of wetland delineations and impact applications,
recommendations to the City, preparation of notices of application or decisions, and
other administrative tasks.
The City of Lake Elmo also has an approved Municipal Stormwater (MS4) Permit from
MPCA and storm water pollution preparation plan (SWPPP), for which it implements
SWPPP requirements. Copies of these documents are included in the Appendix of the
LSWMP. The City is otherwise responsible for construction and maintenance of all
municipal storm water management infrastructure associated with City roads and rights-
of-way.
The City of Oakdale, the City of Lake Elmo, and the VBWD entered into a joint
powers agreement for storm water management for the 3M property on the east and
west sides of Ideal Avenue (in Lake Elmo and Oakdale, respectively). Discharge rates
must be compliant with this agreement for any future development of this area. A copy
of the agreement is included in the Appendix of the LSWMP.
Plan Revisions and Amendment Procedures
To keep current with local practices and policies and address unintended issues, the City
may need to revise and update the adopted LSWMP. Written petitions from residents or
business owners for LSWMP amendments must be submitted to the City Administrator
stating the reason for the requested amendment and providing supporting information
for the request.
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The City may reject the petition, delay action on the petition until the next full LSWMP
revision/update, or accept the petition as an urgent issue that requires immediate LSWMP
amendment. The City of Lake Elmo may also amend the LSWMP in response to City-identified
needs. Any amendments made to the LSWMP must be submitted to the three Watershed
Districts for review and approval before adoption by the City.
The current LSWMP was adopted in 2009 and is intended to be in effect for 10 years. The
City’s LSWMP was scheduled to be updated in 2019 as stated within the adopted LSWMP, and
therefore is identified as an implementation step in this 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Much of
the information contained within the adopted 2009 LSWMP will continue to be relevant and
accurate since the City has adopted and incorporated by reference all three Watershed District’s
rules and regulations, and the updates to the LSWMP are generally anticipated to include any
additional information available from the Watershed Districts that was not available in the last
planning period.
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PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE
Existing Land Use and Physical Environment
The City of Lake Elmo was established in 1969. Located in central Washington County on
the east side of the seven-county metro area, land use in Lake Elmo reflects the City’s past
commitment to the rural landscape and investment in development of primarily single-family
detached housing. It now possesses a mix of low-density residential, parks and open space,
pockets of agriculture, and scattered commercial uses. (See Map 3-1: Existing Land Use Map
2018)
Between 1970 and 1980, Lake Elmo experienced a significant increase in the number of
households (84%). Development slowed during the 1980s and 1990s (17 - 19% increases in
households). Population was expected to grow significantly between 2010 and 2020, however,
the great recession slowed the rate of development, and the expected population growth was less
than forecasted in the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
The physical environment of Lake Elmo is primarily a scenic rural landscape and the
recreational lifestyle makes the community highly desirable to residents. Gently rolling land,
wooded lots, and a series of lakes offer an appealing setting to residents. The City is home to
four “priority lakes”, varying in size from 87 to 257 acres. Expanses of the natural landscape are
protected in park lands, and pockets of property are protected for agricultural use through the
agricultural preserve program. Many areas developed for residential land use are lower density
or utilize conservation easements to protect the natural features that provide value to the area.
Much of the City’s high quality natural areas and rare species are found within the Lake Elmo
Regional Park Reserve.
Topography and Geology
Topography influences the direction and rate of runoff as it flows over land. Like most of
Washington County, the topography of Lake Elmo was established during the late Wisconsinan
glaciation when the glacier retreated leaving behind topographic lows and bedrock surface. The
melting glacier ice left many depressions that became lakes and wetlands visible today, as well as
hills and steep slopes. Some steep slopes can be found throughout the City’s landscape as well.
The City’s topography and topographical features are illustrated in Map 8-3: Topography to
follow. In addition, the Valley Branch Watershed District has compiled topographic mapping to
determine the steepness of land and the elevations of features throughout the watershed. More
information can be found in the VBWD watershed management plan.
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Climate and Precipitation
The climate in the seven-county metro area is described as a humid continental climate
with moderate precipitation, wide daily temperature variations, warm humid summers
and cold winters. The diverse nature of the air masses impacting Minnesota’s climate also
leads to seasonal temperature extremes. The total average annual precipitation in this area
is approximately 31 inches, and annual snowfall averages around 54 inches (equivalent to
approximately 5.4 inches of water). The amount, rate, and type of precipitation a watershed
receives have a direct effect on its water resources. Average precipitation amounts can vary
locally across the region, and precipitation amounts can vary widely across a watershed during
individual storm events.
Despite wide variations in climate conditions, climatologists are studying four significant
climate trends in the recently determined in the Upper Midwest (Minnesota Weather Almanac,
Seeley, 2006):
1. Warmer winters
2. Higher minimum temperatures
3. Higher dew points
4. Changes in precipitation trends – more rainfall is coming from heavy
thunderstorm events and increased snowfall
According to the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s (SWCS) 2003 report, total precipitation
amounts in the United States (and in the Great Lakes region) are trending upward, as are storm
intensities.
More information about climate and its impacts on water resources can be found in the Valley
Branch Watershed District’s Watershed Management Plan, 2015.
Soils
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS), now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS),
published the Soil Survey of Washington and Ramsey Counties in 1980. The publication
provides soil location maps and information on the physical properties of soils found in
Washington County.
Within the City of Lake Elmo, the NRCS has identified three soil associations (soil patterns), as
generally described here:
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1. Antigo-Chetek-Mahtomedi Association – These soils are formed dominantly in
outwash. They are described as nearly level to steep, well drained to excessively drained,
medium textured to coarse textured soils; mostly on outwash plains. These soil types are
located in the north central and south eastern areas of the City as well as a small portion
in the southwestern area of the City.
2. Santiago Kingsley Association – These soils formed dominantly in glacial till. They are
described as undulating to steep, well drained, medium textured and moderately course
textured soils, and are found on uplands. These soils are found generally in the south
western portion of the City reaching north easterly through the central area of the City.
3. Antigo-Comstock Association – These soils are formed dominantly in silty mantle
and the underlying sandy outwash and in silty lacustrine sediments. They are described
as level to moderately sloping, well drained and somewhat poorly drained, medium
textured soils on outwash plains and glacial lake plains. These soils are found in the
south eastern corner of the City as well as the east central border of the City. A small
area in the north central area also has these soil characteristics.
The nature of soils comprising the top layer of unconsolidated material in a watershed is
important because soil properties are a primary factor in determining the volume of runoff
associated with a given rainfall event. The NRCS Soil Survey assigns soil types to a hydrologic
group depending on the soils ability to infiltrate water during long-duration storms. The four
hydrologic soil group classifications are described below.
Hydrologic soil group types indicate the level of infiltration and compatibility with
development for each type of soil. More information about the location of these soil groups in
Lake Elmo can be found in the Appendix of the LSWMP.
Group A soils have low runoff potential and high infiltration rates even when
thoroughly wetted. These consist of deep, well-drained sands or gravels.
Group B soils have moderate infiltration rates and the potential for runoff. They consist
of moderately-deep to deep, and moderate to well-drained soils.
Group C soils have low infiltration rates and generally impede the downward movement
of water. These soils have more moderately-fine to fine textures and provide greater
amounts of runoff volumes when thoroughly wetted.
Group D soils have very low infiltration rates and very high runoff potential. These soils
are associated with clays with high swelling potential and soils with a high permanent
water table.
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NATURAL RESOURCES
The landscape of Lake Elmo comprises a wealth of natural resources, including many lakes
and intermittent wetlands. The location of these features, and efforts to preserve and protect
them, should contribute to decisions about the development of new parks, trails, and other
recreational facilities.
In past planning efforts, the Parks Commission utilized natural resource mapping resources to
identify features to include in future park sites. For example, bodies of water and wetlands were
characterized with high importance and informed recommendations on future park locations.
Locations included forested shoreland on Lake Elmo, shoreland on Goose Lake, shoreland on
Clear Lake, shoreland on Kramer Lake, and steep shoreland north of 50th Street. A forested area
off of the northern portion of Lake Elmo Avenue was also highlighted.
Other land features and prioritized for different purposes. For instance, relatively flat parcels
of land were identified as possible locations for athletic fields. Maps 8-2 through 8-4 identify
Lake Elmo’s natural resources including wetlands, topography, and significant natural features
according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This mapping will inform
decisions when refining locations of
future park, trail, and open space uses.
Wetlands
Wetlands provide a rich habitat for
wildlife, including birds, mammals,
fish, and amphibians, and contribute
as well to maintaining the quality
of the City’s water. Wetlands within
parks can be a focal point for nature
observation and wildlife watching.
Map 6-7 includes wetlands indexed
by the National Wetlands Inventory
which categorizes wetlands based on
quality and significance for habitat,
as well as outlines the 100 year
floodplain.
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FNational Wetlands Inventory
100-YR FEMA Floodplain
Source: MNGEO, Washington
County, City of Lake Elmo
Draft 3.26.2018
Legend
MAP 8-2. WETLANDS AND FLOODPLAIN
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Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen'sPond
Elmo
Sunfish
FriedrichPond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.BrownPond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FMLCCS Regionally Significant Ecological Areas 2008
Ecological Score
1 (Low)
2 (Moderate)
3 (High)
2040 FLU
Closed Landfill
Institutional
PSP
Park
GC
Source: MNGEO, Washington
County, City of Lake Elmo
Draft 3.26.2018
Legend
Topography
Contour lines describe slopes and flat
lands, indicating views and drainage
ways. Naturally flat areas are conducive
to formal or informal play fields and
gardens. High points within parks are
opportunities for benches or picnic tables
overlooking views below. Slopes may
provide opportunities for sledding or
natural amphitheaters. Undulating terrain
or drainage ways create interest for trails.
Playgrounds nestled into a lower area
create a sense of safety and separation
from nearby streets or homes. Map 8-3
includes contour lines at ten-foot intervals
to illustrate topography.
Biologically Significant Ecological Areas
Land cover refers to vegetation, water,
rock, and human-made surfaces on the
land. Examples of common land cover
in Lake Elmo are agricultural crops,
short grass (lawns), forests, woods, and
water. Some land cover is identified to
special and unique values that make
it regionally significant to the quality
of natural resources and ecological
healthy of the landscape. These lands
are important for inclusion in a
high-quality PTOS system. Map 8-4
describes significant ecological areas in
Lake Elmo.
MAP 8-3. TOPOGRAPHY
MAP 8-4. SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREAS
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
BrownPond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FSteep Slope Areas
10-FT Contours
Source: MNGEO, Washington
County, City of Lake Elmo
Draft 3.26.2018
Legend
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Proposed Physical Environment and Future Land Use
Land use data is an important factor for estimating surface water runoff. The hard or
impervious surface areas associated with each land use greatly affect the amount of runoff
generated from an area. Future land use projections indicate those areas that may be available
for water resource enhancement and where improvements should be a priority. Significant
changes or intensification of land use can increase runoff due to added impervious surfaces.
The City of Lake Elmo is designated as both an Emerging Suburban Community and a Rural
Residential Community meaning that future land use will maintain a mix of rural uses and rural
residential densities, as well as suburban-style development. All of the areas potentially available
for suburban development are located within the identified MUSA boundaries described as the
Village Planning Area and the South Planning Area in this Plan.
Forecasts contained within Chapter 3 of this Plan, indicate that approximately 2,200 additional
households will be added to the MUSA planning area in addition to the households already
planned for between 2010 and 2020. In addition the additional households within the
MUSA, there will likely be some growth within the Rural Residential areas with conventional
subdivisions and open space developments.
Utilities
Portions of Lake Elmo are within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA), providing
sanitary sewer and water service to included properties. A large portion of the City remains
outside these boundaries through 2040 and is generally served by private well and septic systems
(individual and community). Due to groundwater contamination in the Lake Elmo area, the
municipal water system extends beyond the designated MUSA boundaries.
The sanitary sewer system in Lake Elmo is of relatively new construction, most of which has
been constructed only since 2013. The sanitary sewer system consists of approximately 23 miles
of sewer mains managed by 6 lift stations. The portions of the City’s wastewater handled by
the public sewer is managed on a metropolitan level and is split between Metro Wastewater
Treatment Plant located in St. Paul Minnesota and the Cottage Grove Metropolitan Wastewater
Treatment Plant.. Other parts of Lake Elmo utilize Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems
(SSTS) for wastewater management including 8 community treatment systems owned and
operated by the City.
The City storm water conveyance system consists largely of rural ditches and swales and the
runoff is typically treated and retained near the point of rainfall through a series or lowlands
or storm water basins. In the urbanized areas curb and gutter, along with storm sewers are
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
15
utilized to convey runoff to the storm water treatment basins consisting of pretreatment basins,
retention basins and infiltration basins. The City’s storm sewer and sub watersheds are mapped
and included in the City’s MS4 Permit attached in the Appendix. Future street maintenance and
redevelopment will likely dictate the extension or reconstruction of the storm drainage system.
Mapping of stormwater utilities will be updated as improvements of the system are completed
to stay in compliance with MS4 inventory and mapping requirements.
SURFACE WATERS AND DRAINAGE
Watersheds and Sub-Watersheds
As mentioned, three watersheds districts are located within the City of Lake Elmo, however,
the Valley Branch Watershed District covers the majority (approximately 90-95%) of the City’s
waterways and drainage areas. A small portion in the northeast falls within the Brown’s Creek
Watershed District, and a small portion in the southwest of the City falls within the South
Washington Watershed District as shown on Map 8-1.
Subwatersheds within the broader Watersheds District areas identify the more localized drainage
and flows with the City of Lake Elmo. The Valley Branch Watershed District developed
a management plan for each of the subwatersheds which illustrates boundaries, drainage
flows, and elevations within the sub watershed mapping. This Plan chapter refers to these
subwatershed management plans for drainage flow and runoff details, which can be found
online at http://www.vbwd.org/watershed_management_plan_2015-2025/index.php.
There are 21 total subwatersheds of the Valley Branch Watershed District in Lake Elmo:
Lake Demontreville Lake Olson Friedrich’s Pond
Long Lake Beutel Pond Raleigh Creek
Klawitter Pond Sunfish Lake Eagle Point Lake
Goetchel Pond Cloverdale Goose Lake
Clear Lake Legion Pond Rose Lake
Lake Jane Lake Elmo Horseshoe Lake
Kramer Pond Rest Area Pond
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
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Public Waters
Approximately ten percent (10%) of the City of Lake Elmo is occupied by wetlands and
open water features. These water features and watercourses defined as public waters are under
regulatory control by the MnDNR. Map 8-5 and the table below identify the major public
waters located in the City of Lake Elmo.
Table 8-1. Public Waters, Lakes, and Wetlands
Name DNR Public
Waters No.
Surface Area
(Acres)
Maximum
Depth (ft)
DeMontreville (Lake)82-101 P 158 24
Eagle Point (Lake)82-109 P 154 6
Elmo (Lake)82-106 P 297 140
Horseshoe (Lake)82-74 P 76 11
Jane (Lake)82-104 P 154 39
Olson (Lake)82-103 P 87 15
Sunfish (Lake) 82-107 P 73 Not determined
Armstrong 82-116 W 6 -
Berschen’s Pond 82-105 W 6 -
Beutel’s Pond 82-399 W 3 Not determined
Clear 82-99 W 25 10
Crombie Pond 82-386 W 7 -
Deer Pond 82-385 W 6 -
Dirk’s Pond 82-389 W 3 -
Downs 82-110 W 38 7
Friedrich Pond 82-108 W 17 Not determined
Goetschel 82-313 W 22 14
Goose 82-113 W 42 5-7
H.J. Brown Pond 82-111 W 21 -
Hedge’s Pond 82-387 W 5 -
Klawitter Pond 82-368 W 5 Not determined
Kramer 82-117 W 28 Not determined
Legion Pond 82-462 W 18 Not determined
Rose 82-112 W 26 Not determined
Unnamed Wetlands 82-316; 82-366; 82-367;
82-369; 82-370; 82-371;
82-384; 82-388; 82-390; 82-
100; 82-314; 82-315;
198
Sources: MnDNR, VBWD, City of Lake Elmo
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
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¬«36
§¨¦94
Pine
Springs
Grant Stillwater
Oak
Park
Heights
Baytown
Twp.
West
Lakeland
Twp.
AftonWoodbury
Oakdale
Armstrong
Kramer
Horseshoe
Rose
Goose
H.J. Brown Pond
Eagle Point
Elmo
Downs
Legion Pond
Friedrich's
Pond
Sunfish
Berschen's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond Goetschel
C
Clear
Jane
Olson
DeMontreville
Klawitter
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Crombie
Pond
R
alei
g
h
C
re
e
k
Fa r ne y C re e kNorthFarneyCreek
Eden
Park
Pond
Margaret
BeutelPond
Hedge's
Bog
Deer
Pond
LakeElmoOutlet
LIMITATION OF LIABILITYThis document is not a legally recorded map or survey and is not
intended to be used as one. This map is a compilation of records and information from various state, county, and city offices, and other sources.
00.510.25
Miles
K:\gis\LAKEELMO\PROJECTS\2009 SWMP\Maps\Figure 10-PublicWatersInventory Map.mxd
2030 Comprehensive Plan
City of Lake Elmo, Minnesota /Legend
City Boundary
Streams Network
Public Waters
Local Roads
Major Highways
Map date: February 2009
Prepared by:
Surface Water Management Plan
Sources: MnDNR, TKDA
FIGURE 10:
PUBLIC WATER INVENTORY
Map 8-5. Lake Elmo Public Waters
Source: City of Lake Elmo, MnDNR
¬«36
§¨¦94
Pine
Springs
Grant Stillwater
Oak
Park Heights
Baytown
Twp.
West
Lakeland
Twp.
AftonWoodbury
Oakdale
Armstrong
Kramer
Horseshoe
Rose
Goose
H.J. Brown Pond
Eagle Point
Elmo
Downs
Legion Pond
Friedrich's
Pond
Sunfish
Berschen's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond Goetschel
C
Clear
Jane
Olson
DeMontreville
Klawitter
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Crombie
Pond
R
alei
g
h
C
re
e
k
FarneyCreekNorthFarneyCreek
Eden
Park
Pond
Margaret
Beutel
Pond
Hedge's
Bog
Deer
Pond
LakeElmoOutlet
LIMITATION OF LIABILITYThis document is not a legally recorded map or survey and is not intended to be used as one. This map is a compilation of records
and information from various state, county, and city offices, and other sources.
00.510.25
Miles
K:\gis\LAKEELMO\PROJECTS\2009 SWMP\Maps\Figure 10-PublicWatersInventory Map.mxd
2030 Comprehensive Plan
City of Lake Elmo, Minnesota /Legend
City Boundary
Streams Network
Public Waters
Local Roads
Major Highways
Map date: February 2009
Prepared by:
Surface Water Management Plan
Sources: MnDNR, TKDA
FIGURE 10:
PUBLIC WATER INVENTORY
¬«36
§¨¦94
Pine
Springs
Grant Stillwater
Oak
Park Heights
Baytown
Twp.
West
Lakeland
Twp.
AftonWoodbury
Oakdale
Armstrong
Kramer
Horseshoe
Rose
Goose
H.J. Brown Pond
Eagle Point
Elmo
Downs
Legion Pond
Friedrich's
Pond
Sunfish
Berschen's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond Goetschel
C
Clear
Jane
Olson
DeMontreville
Klawitter
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Crombie
Pond
R
alei
g
h
C
re
e
k
Fa r ne y C re e kNorthFarneyCreek
Eden
Park
Pond
Margaret
Beutel
Pond
Hedge's
Bog
Deer
Pond
LakeElmoOutlet
LIMITATION OF LIABILITYThis document is not a legally recorded map or survey and is not intended to be used as one. This map is a compilation of records
and information from various state, county, and city offices, and other sources.
00.510.25
Miles
K:\gis\LAKEELMO\PROJECTS\2009 SWMP\Maps\Figure 10-PublicWatersInventory Map.mxd
2030 Comprehensive Plan
City of Lake Elmo, Minnesota /Legend
City Boundary
Streams Network
Public Waters
Local Roads
Major Highways
Map date: February 2009
Prepared by:
Surface Water Management Plan
Sources: MnDNR, TKDA
FIGURE 10:
PUBLIC WATER INVENTORY
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
18
Lakes
There are 7 lakes included in the inventory of public waters in Lake Elmo. Size and depth of
these water bodies is also included in the table above where available from the MnDNR.
Lake Information Reports for the seven named lakes in the City are included within the
LSWMP. These reports are a summary of MnDNR data and describe available public access
information, lake characteristics, water level histories, and water quality information.
Additional information on these lakes is available from the VBWD Watershed Management
Plan. The Metropolitan Council has identified four priority lakes in Lake Elmo: DeMontreville,
Olson, Jane, and Elmo. The “priority lake” designation is used to focus the Council’s limited
resources and to identify lakes that will require completion of a nutrient budget analysis during
environmental review processes.
Wetlands
The relatively flat topography and wet soil conditions in Lake Elmo result in extensive wetland
areas. Wetland community types within the City include a full range of wetlands, from
emergent wetland habitats, to scrub and shrub wetland habitats, as well as forested wetland
habitats. However, the primary wetland features in the City include deep water and shallow
water habitats due to the extensive lake network within the City. The wetland areas within the
City are illustrated in Map 8-2 Wetlands and Floodplain.
Wetland areas are valuable resources that provide many benefits to the City and surrounding
areas. Some of these benefits include ground water recharge, filtration of sediments and
nutrients, flood control, wildlife habitat, and scenic value. The three Watershed Districts have
adopted standards for wetland management in each of their Watershed Management Plans.
Rivers & Streams
Raleigh Creek is the dominant stream that flows through the City of Lake Elmo and is a major
sub watershed within the VBWD. Its course as an intermittent stream begins in the City of
Oakdale, west of I-694 and south of TH 5. Water flows easterly as it enters the City of Lake
Elmo and crosses Stillwater Boulevard near its intersection with 31st Street North east of Tablyn
Park. A tributary enters Raleigh Creek from south of Stillwater Boulevard and east of the Ideal
Avenue intersection. In addition, the discharge from Beutel Pond also enters Raleigh Creek
near Stillwater Boulevard. From near Tablyn Park and Stillwater Boulevard, Raleigh Creek flows
southerly to Lake Elmo Park Reserve and the northernmost bay of Eagle Point Lake. VBWD has
completed a Watershed Management Plan for Raleigh Creek and extensive information about
this sub watershed can be found in the VBWD’s Watershed Management Plan.
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
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Farney Creek and North Farney Creek are located within the Eagle Point Lake sub watershed
within the VBWD. These creeks are located south of Raleigh Creek in the City of Lake Elmo
and drain into Eagle Point Lake. Farney Creek is an intermittent stream that enters the lake’s
west side. Additional details can also be found in the VBWD’s Watershed Management Plan for
Eagle Point Lake.
Groundwater
The City of Lake Elmo follows regulations and standards for groundwater protection,
preservation, and use from various state and local agencies charged with monitoring and
regulating water quality and consumption. These agencies include:
The MPCA, which monitors water quality and enforces laws relating to water pollution.
The Minnesota Geological Survey which complies a state inventory of groundwater resources.
The MnDNR which regulates the usage rate and volume of drinking water. Domestic water use
is regulated with permits. Use in excess of 25 people or use that exceeds 10,000 gallons per day
or 1,000,000 gallons per year must obtain a water appropriation permit from the MnDNR.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is responsible for environmental groundwater
quality protection and facilitates well abandonment and installation of new wells.
Local Watershed Districts are generally responsible for groundwater protection and use, but
their role is limited to cooperating and assisting state agencies in their groundwater protection
efforts.
Washington County developed the Washington County Groundwater Plan that provides a
county-wide structure for preserving and protecting the county’s groundwater supply. The groundwater
plan can be found online at https://www.co.washington.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/794.
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
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EXISTING AND POTENTIAL WATER RESOURCE-RELATED PROBLEMS
Existing Water Resource Problems
The City of Lake Elmo’s existing LSWMP contains a list of known water resource problems
within the City. They are listed by the Watershed where the issue is located. Corrective actions
are identified in the current LSWMP and have been updated in the following section.
Valley Branch Watershed District Area
The VBWD Watershed Management Plan identifies the following problems in the City of
Lake Elmo that is within the Watershed District. The City and VBWD have discussed these
problems, and the City proposes the following actions to address the problems:
> Village Area Flooding
Potential flooding in the Lake Elmo Village Area and the potential water quality and quantity
impacts of storm water runoff from proposed future development, particularly on Down’s Lake.
Assessment of Problem: The Lake Elmo Old Village Area was urbanized decades ago within
areas of very flat terrain and with the lack of adequate stormwater management or conveyance
systems in place to either store or infiltrate the water or to convey the water efficiently through
the downtown area. Persistent and regular flooding has caused problems ranging from nuisance
flooding of properties and roadways to more significant flooding of homes and commercial
structures. In addition, Downs Lake is relatively small, with a large tributary area. The lake has
a history of wide fluctuations in water levels, from potential for flooding in some years to very
low water levels during drought years. Two homes are within the 100-year floodplain of Down’s
Lake and connecting waterbodies.
• The Watershed District and the City have studied conditions on the lake and in its
watershed several times. A proposal by VBWD for a more detailed study and flood-relief
project were opposed by Washington County, the DNR, Washington SWCD, MPCA,
the City and some residents.
• The Lake Elmo Old Village Area AUAR analyzed the proposed development scenarios
for this area, which drains to Down’s Lake. The AUAR analyzed the potential impacts
to the lake and other water bodies, and recommended strategies to avoid, minimize or
mitigate for impacts.
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Proposed Corrective Actions: A Regional Stormwater Management Study was completed by SEH,
in May 2015, to develop a regional drainage strategy and approach for managing stormwater to
reduce the flooding in the Village Center Area and to identify opportunities for water quality
treatment in the Downs Lake subwatershed. An important aspect of this approach was to
consider future development / redevelopment in the watershed and to explore the potential for
amenities such as water features or the potential for green infrastructure.
The study identified a regional strategy that includes the following recommendations, with the
first two recommendations already completed:
• A regional infiltration basin was constructed in 2015 directly downstream from the
Old Village Center together with the construction of a new large diameter storm sewer
system along Lake Elmo Avenue, Laverne Avenue, 36th Street, and Upper 33rd Street.
• Goetschel Pond Stormwater Diversion. As part of multiple development projects, storm
water was diverted from 2 large new subdivisions from draining to the Down’s Lake
subwatershed to the Goetschel Pond subwatershed, effectively diverting 50+ acres of
drainage area from entering the Old Village center, and ultimately Down’s Lake.
• Continue to construct stormwater retention ponds upstream of the Village Center
as new development occurs. By enforcing VBWD and City storm water management
practices, the rate and volume of storm water runoff will be reduced with any
development project.
• Complete further evaluation and consider implementation of the Sunfish Lake
Diversion plan.
• Continue to improve storm water conveyance through the Village Center to further
reduce flooding and incorporate small scale green infrastructure with future Village
Center projects as opportunities become available.
• Complete the ongoing maintenance of proposed and existing storm water facilities
> Flooding near Friedrich’s Pond
Assessment of the Problem: The VBWD noted from the late 1970s to the mid 1980s Friedrich’s
Pond experienced high water levels resulting from above average precipitation and decreased
ground water seepage from Friedrich’s Pond, which resulted in basement flooding to the
adjacent homes. There have been no further reports of high water levels until recently in
2016 and 2017 from one property owner having a driveway inundated and reporting high
groundwater levels near the home. Land uses are proposed to remain the same in the area in the
City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
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Proposed Corrective Actions: The VBWD has identified the following mitigation options to
address the high water level in Friedrich’s Pond: Installation of a controlled gravity outlet
and drainage routes, utilizing a pumped outlet structure, flood proofing the affected homes,
flood insurance, and a do nothing approach. The City and VBWD have not proposed any
specific solution and have not yet identified a public purpose for making improvements since
the potential high water risks are very limited and exist on private property. Any permit
applications for this area will be reviewed per the City of Lake Elmo Flood Plain Ordinance.
> Flooding near Legion Pond
Assessment of Problem: In the 1980’s the VBWD reported high water levels in the Legion Pond/
Eden Park area which threatened the nearby homes. Several proposals were developed to
mitigate the flooding, including overflow pumping to Lake Elmo. The residents located in the
floodplain rejected the pumping proposals, objecting to the high cost and lack of a permanent
solution to the problem as reasons. The high water levels were later relieved by a onetime
overflow pumping of the pond to Lake Elmo, and later by the drought of 1987-1988. Residents
have bermed around their homes to help protect against future high water levels.
Proposed Corrective Action: The VBWD proposed three feasible mitigation plans to the Legion
Pond’s high water problem: the first option involves constructing a pumped outlet to Lake
Elmo. This option would incur annual operation and maintenance costs. The second option is
to construct a gravity outlet from Legion Pond to Lake Elmo. The third option is to provide
only emergency pumping relief.
• Beginning in 1984, the City constructed a community wastewater facility as part of the
201 System and hooked up 2764, 2778, 2790, and 2814 Legion Avenue North. This
addressed the location of the individual septic systems on these lots. If future flood
mitigation is pursued, it could focus on the remaining septic systems not connected to
the 201 System and the walk out elevations of all homes in the affected area.
• The second option (constructing a gravity outlet to Lake Elmo) now becomes a more
feasible option with the availability of the 201 System. The City would consider all
options provided in the VBWD Plan - the preferred corrective action will depend
on the timing, urgency, public comment, agency comment, and available funding.
However, due to the current trend of low water levels and the Project 1007 flood-relief
improvements, the City does not find any immediate need to address flooding issues in
this area.
• The City will work directly with the VBWD to continue to monitor the situation. Any
permit applications for this area will be reviewed per the City of Lake Elmo Flood Plain
Ordinance. This ordinance is included in the Appendix of this Report.
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> Low Water Levels on Sunfish Lake
Assessment of Problem: Residents have expressed concerns related to low water levels on Sunfish
Lake.
Proposed Corrective Actions: The City and VBWD have discussed the problem and agreed that
there is little that the City can do to address this issue.
> Minimum Building Elevations to prevent flooding
The City will continue to enforce the VBWD standard that minimum floor elevations of
buildings be 2’ or more above the 100- year flood plain and will continue to enforce the
standard on development that is not reviewed by the Watershed District. The District requires
the minimum floor elevations of structures to be at least two feet higher than the adjacent water
body’s critical 100-year flood level. The VBWD rule applies to all water bodies, whether they
are mapped as floodplains on FEMA flood insurance rate maps or not.
Proposed Corrective Action: The City has adopted the Watershed District standard in its
Engineering Standards and reviews development plans and building permits accordingly.
South Washington Watershed District Area
The SWWD Water Management Plan has identified the following problems in the area of Lake
Elmo that is within the Watershed District. The City and SWWD discussed these problems, and
the City is proposing the following actions to address the problems:
> Wilmes Lake Flooding Issues
Assessment of Problem: The SWWD has completed studies of Wilmes Lake and potential
flooding issues. Areas in the Wilmes Lake sub watershed within Lake Elmo contribute to the
lake’s drainage area but are not the cause of the flooding concern. No structures are currently
below the 100-year flood elevation. The Watershed District and City of Woodbury have
established and funded a program to provide protection to homes on the east side of the lake.
Proposed Corrective Action:. The City concurs with and adopts the SWWD volume control
standard in this LSWMP and will continue to implement its ordinances requiring volume
control.
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> Wilmes Lake Water Quality Issue
Assessment of Problem: Wilmes Lake has been classified as an impaired water for nutrients. The
SWWD has not completed a TMDL study for the lake but is likely to complete a study and
develop recommendations to address the nutrient problems in the future.
Proposed Corrective Action: The City will support the District’s TMDL study for Wilmes Lake,
and work with the District to implement its recommendations. The City has, and will continue
to enforce volume control requirements for new development within the subwatershed to
benefit water quality in Wilmes Lake. The City adopts the District’s standards for volume
control and allowable phosphorus loading to Wilmes Lake, and will address these requirements
as it manages land use and development within the Wilmes Lake Subwatershed area.
Brown’s Creek Watershed District
> Impaired Waters Issues
Assessment of Problem: The BCWD area within Lake Elmo includes wetland areas and some areas
that may still be developed. The area drains to Long Lake, Brown’s Creek, and the St. Croix
River. All of these water bodies are impaired waters. The BCWD is currently completing TMDL
studies for Long Lake and Brown Creek. The St. Croix Basin Team has set a goal to reduce
nutrient loading to the St. Croix basin by 20 percent.
Proposed Corrective Action: The City will participate in the District’s TMDL studies of Long
Lake and Brown’s Creek and will work with the District to implement the recommendations
of these studies. The City will implement its land use plan and ordinances to assist with the
protection of surface waters in this area.
Groundwater Resource Problems
> Sustainable Water Supply for Drinking Water
Assessment of Problem: Groundwater contamination has been present within the Lake Elmo area
since discovery of PFCs in early 2004. Ongoing investigation, mitigation, and management of
the contamination continues to take place and is primarily managed through the Minnesota
Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources. The City has contamination in Well #3, which was never placed into service,
and more recently has discontinued use of Well #1 after receiving a well advisory from the
MDH in April 2018. These wells will require the construction and implementation of high cost
treatment facilities if these wells are ever placed into service again.
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The City’s two remaining water supply wells (Well #2 and Well #4) are located in the northeast
part of the City, located in areas free from groundwater contamination. However, these wells
are Jordan Aquifer Wells and are located near or within the jurisdiction of the White Bear
Lake Court Order (5 mile radius) and have become subjected to appropriation restrictions and
limitations.
As the City continues to grow, the City will require 2 to 3 additional water supply wells,
however there is a severe limitation on groundwater use. A moratorium has been placed on
appropriation permits impacting White Bear Lake. Currently, no new drinking wells can be
located within 5 miles of White Bear Lake, which affects approximately the northern half
of the City of Lake Elmo. The southern parts of Lake Elmo overlay the PFC groundwater
contamination plume.
Proposed Corrective Action: The City will work with the MDH, MPCAs, MnDNR, and
neighboring municipalities to identify appropriate water supply sources and water supply well
locations.
> Drinking Lake Elmo Water Quality
Assessment of Problem: Lake Elmo is a ground water discharge waterbody. Impacts to ground
water resources may impact lake quality.
Proposed Action: City will implement its land use plan and ordinances to protect ground water
recharge areas.
> Jordan Aquifer Impacts
Assessment of Problem: The City of Lake Elmo has two municipal wells located in the northeast
quadrant of Lake Elmo. These wells are cased to the Jordan aquifer, which is the same aquifer
that feeds Lake Elmo. The City, the DNR, Washington County, and the VBWD have not
performed any calculations to determine the long-term sustainability of the Jordan aquifer in
this area and if the pumping is or will impact the water levels of the lake. Nor has any agency
determined if there will be conflict between the drinking water well and the lake.
More recently, court action has prevented new wells from being located within 5 miles of White
Bear Lake. [ADD MORE]
Proposed Action: The City will work cooperatively with the VBWD, the MnDNR, Washington
County, and other entities as this issue is further studied.
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> Special Well Construction Areas (SWCA)
Assessment of Problem: Portions of the City in both VBWD and SWWD were designated by the
Minnesota Department of Health as a Special Well Construction Area (SWCA) in 1988 and
2007. This designation applies to the construction repair, modification, and sealing of wells and
borings. The primary purpose of SWCAs is to protect public health and ground water quality by
ensuring wells and borings are constructed to obtain ground water from a protected aquifer(s)
and to help prevent spread of contamination. Storm water related activities in these areas,
such as geotechnical evaluations for a pond or infiltration feature, should reflect appropriate
compliance with requirements set forth by the Department of Health given the criteria for
environmental bore holes. Nonstructural methods for controlling storm water runoff volumes
should generally be given priority over structural methods.
Proposed Action: The City will cooperate with the MPCA, MDH, and the Watershed Districts
to address ground water quality issues and enforce its Zoning and Subdivision ordinances to
protect ground water quality.
> The SWWD Groundwater Management
Assessment of Problem: The SWWD’s ground water management initiative consists of monitoring
and data analysis. The objective is to compile baseline data to characterize dynamics between
storm water and ground water. Outcomes of the ground water management include setting or
adjusting thresholds or standards to best address storm water management and ground water
protection and identifying potential ground water resources trends in the context of storm water
management efforts.
Proposed Action: The City will support these efforts as they relate to the area within the SWWD
in Lake Elmo.
> Washington County Groundwater Management
Assessment of Problems: Reduced ground water recharge resulting from urbanization. Degraded
quality of ground water as a result of increased non-point source pollution. Reduced ground
water flows to surface waters, lowered lake levels, and well interference resulting from overuse of
ground water. Need for citizens and public officials to understand ground water-related issues.
Proposed Actions: The County Ground water Plan identifies the following actions to implement:
Provide education to citizens and public officials on the interaction of surface and ground water
quality and quantity; the value of and need to protect ground water recharge areas.
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Impaired Waters
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) compiles water quality data for water bodies
in the state. The impaired waters within Lake Elmo’s drainage are listed in Table 8-2, and Map
8-6 shows locations of impaired waters in Lake Elmo. More information about water quality
data and monitoring can be found at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/water-quality-data.
Table 8-1: 2018 Impaired Waters List
Water
body
name
Water
body
type
Year
added
to
List
Affected
designated
use
Pollutant or
stressor
TMDL
target
completion
year
EPA
category
Mercury
TMDL
region
Year
TMDL
plan
approved
Approved
TMDL
EPA ID#
Downs Lake 2012 Aquatic
Recreation
Nutrient/eutrophi-
cation biological
indicators
2024 5
Elmo Lake 1998 Aquatic
Consumption
Mercury in fish
tissue 4A SW 2007 32414
Elmo Lake 2008 Aquatic
Consumption
Perfluorooctane
Sulfonate
(PFOS) in fish
tissue
2025 5
Goose
(South)Lake 2012 Aquatic
Recreation
Nutrient/eutrophi-
cation biological
indicators
2024 5
Jane Lake 2006 Aquatic
Consumption
Mercury in fish
tissue 2021 5 SW
Sunfish Lake 2008 Aquatic
Recreation
Nutrient/eutrophi-
cation biological
indicators
4A 2016 66249
Source: MPCA
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Studies
As with nearly all of the east metro communities, Lake Elmo is upstream of Lake Pepin and
therefore is required to implement TMDL plans for this impaired water body. The St. Croix
Basin Team has set a goal to reduce nutrient loading to the St. Croix basin by 20%, to protect
this Outstanding Resource Value Water (ORVW). The City adopted a BMP in its MS4 Permit
to cooperate with the Watershed Districts to create a process to identify all discharges from the
City’s MS4 system to the St. Croix and determine if discharges to the ORVW can be eliminated,
or to identify and adopt BMP’s that allow the existing high quality of the St. Croix River to
be maintained. If modifications are needed, the City will modify its SWPPP and submit the
modifications to the MPCA.
The City will work with the Watershed Districts and other organizations as they complete
TMDL studies and enforce its ordinances to assist in protection and improvement of these
resources.
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Potential Water Resource Problems
> Maintaining and updating Municipal Stormwater Infrastructure
The City of Lake Elmo is responsible for maintenance of its storm sewer system in conformance
with the MS4 Permit Program. This system includes pipes, constructed ponds, lakes, wetlands,
ditches, swales, and other infiltration features and drainageways and provides needed flood
management and water quality mitigation. The City’s current SWPPP can be found in the
Appendix of the LSWMP.
Other units of government are responsible for maintaining the stormwater systems under their
control:
• MnDOT is responsible for maintaining the ditch and infiltration areas along Trunk
Highway 36 and Interstate 94.
• Washington County is responsible for maintaining storm sewer catch basins and leads in
the county roads. Private stormwater facilities must also be maintained in compliance
with original performance design standards. Owners are responsible for removing and
properly disposing of all settled materials, including solids, from ponds, sumps, grit
chambers, and other devices. The City and/or local Watershed Districts may inspect
private stormwater facilities and work with owners to bring cleaning and maintenance
up to date.
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Map 8-6. Lake Elmo Impaired Waters
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE ELMO AVE N
INWOOD AVE N
50TH ST N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
34TH ST N
L A K E JA N E T R L N
MANNING AVE N
KEATS AVE N
47TH ST N
30TH ST N
4 5 T H S T N
IDEAL AVE N STILLWATER BLVD N
60TH ST N
MANNING AVE N
LAKE ELMO AVE N
S T I L L W A T E R B L V D N
Elmo
Jane
O
l
s
o
n
E
a
g
l
e
P
o
i
n
t
S
u
nfis
h
Rose
DeMontreville
Horseshoe
Downs
Goose
Clear
Goetschel
Kramer
Unnamed
Armstrong
Legion Pond
H.J. Brown Pond
Friedrich Pond
Deer Pond
Crombie Pond
Klawitter Pond
Hedge's Pond Berschen's Pond
Dirk's Pond
Beutel's Pond
0 2,900 5,800 8,7001,450
Feet
Date: 4/24/2017
Source: Metropolitan Council, MnGEO
Prepared by: SHC [Impaired Waterbodies (2014 Draft)
Impaired Streams
Impaired Lakes
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GOALS AND POLICIES
General
The goals in Lake Elmo’s Local Surface Water Management Plan are consistent with the goals of the
Brown’s Creek Watershed, Valley Branch Watershed District, and South Washington Watershed
District while addressing the more specific and changing needs of the City. The goals are also
established in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 103B and Minnesota Rules 8410.
The policies of Brown’s Creek Watershed District, Valley Branch Watershed District, and South
Washington Watershed District have been adopted by reference for the portions of the watershed
districts within the City, as shown in Map 8-1.
The City of Lake Elmo recognizes that BCWD, VBWD, and SWWD will continue to have
permitting authority for areas within each district. The most recent rules and regulations for
each district can be found at the relative locations online:
• Brown’s Creek Watershed District (BCWD) www.bcwd.org
• Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD) www.vbwd.org
• South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) www.swwdmn.org
Local surface water goals will continue to be implemented through annual review and updates
of the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), as well as compliance with the
NPDES MS4 Permit. Additional goals and policies of the City are contained as follows.
LSWMP Goals and Policies
The following goals and policies are part of the City of Lake Elmo’s adopted Local Surface
Water Management Plan:
1. The City of Lake Elmo is committed to a goal of no adverse impacts to ground and
surface water resources in the area.
Policies:
• The City will work cooperatively with local water management organizations, state
agencies, and landowners to protect local wetlands, lakes, streams, and ground water to
preserve the values of these resources for future generations.
• The City concurs with and adopts the Valley Branch, South Washington and Brown’s
Creek Watershed Districts’ Watershed Management Plans, rules and standards by
reference through this LSWMP. The Watershed Districts will continue to enforce
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surface water regulations and permitting within the City within the boundaries of
their districts. The City will coordinate its review of development proposals with the
Watershed Organizations, by providing review comments to the districts.
• The City will manage land use to support protection of surface and ground waters
through the following elements of its Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance:
Chapter 53 Stormwater Management Utility
Chapter 91 Forests and Trees
Chapter 152 Flood Plain Management
Chapter 153 Subdivision Regulations
Chapter 154 Zoning Code
• The City will implement its ordinances and standards and cooperate with the County,
MPCA and the Watershed Organizations in managing land use to protect ground water
resources. Additional goals and policies for ground water protection are included in the
Water Supply element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• The City encourages the use of best management practices for agricultural land uses to
minimize erosion and to protect the quality of surface and ground water resources.
• The City supports and will encourage developers and landowners to use storm water
practices that promote infiltration/filtration and decrease impervious areas through site
design and use of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques and Green Design.
• The City supports inspection of on-site individual sewage treatment systems by an
MPCA certified inspector at the time of property sale or transfer and requirements that
these systems meet state standards.
GOAL 2. The City will work with local Watershed Districts to collaborate in the plan
review and permitting new development and redevelopment projects to meet ordinances
and design standards thereby implementing rate and volume control practices,
Policies:
• The City will continue to review and implement the recommendations of the Village
Regional Stormwater Study to further mitigate water quantity and quality concerns in
the Old Village center and Down’s Lake Watershed.
• Review developments and require they meet SWWD permit requirements.
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GOAL 3. Protect the quality of local lakes by supporting the Watershed Districts’ goals and
plans for managing lakes in the City.
Policies:
• The City will update and implement its land use plan, zoning and subdivision
ordinances to protect shoreland areas and lake water quality, and work with the
Watershed Districts to achieve the lake management goals identified in the Watershed’s
Water Management Plans.
• The City will participate in the Watershed Districts’ Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) studies and implementation plans to address impaired water bodies within the
City and areas downstream.
GOAL 4. Protect and enhance the quality of wetland resources.
Policies:
• The City will cooperate with the Valley Branch Watershed District as they serve as the
LGU for the WCA within its watershed area.
• The City will serve as the LGU for the WCA within the BCWD and SWWD areas
of the City. The City will utilize the technical assistance provided by the Washington
Conservation District in this role.
• The City will support and help to implement Watershed District requirements for
wetland management, including District water quality standards, buffer requirements,
and pretreatment of storm water prior to discharge into all wetlands.
• Wetlands that have not been inventoried by the Watershed Districts will be required to
complete a functions and values assessment as a part of the development application.
Watershed rules regarding wetland management will be applied based on the results of
the assessment and the wetland classification.
GOAL 5. Protect and enhance the quality of natural resources.
Policies:
• The City will work with state agencies, Washington County, local watershed districts
and residents and landowners to protect and enhance natural communities and natural
resources in Lake Elmo.
• The City will encourage developers and landowners to retain native vegetation and
undisturbed areas to protect habitat and manage storm water.
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• The City will require subdivision design that preserves natural drainage systems and
protects and restores wetlands and wetland buffers.
• The City will work with other organizations and landowners to protect the greenway
corridors and habitat connections identified in Lake Elmo.
• The City will work with other organizations and support efforts to control the spread of
invasive exotic species.
GOAL 6. Protect ground water quality and quantity.
Policies:
• The City will cooperate with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota
Department of Health, Washington County, and local watershed districts to address
ground water quality and quantity issues. The City will enforce its Zoning and
Subdivision ordinances to protect ground water quality, ground water quantity, and to
manage ground water recharge areas.
• The City will coordinate with other LGUs for ground water sensitive areas, wellhead
protection areas, water use contingency, and allocation plans, and other ground water
issues where the plans may affect other jurisdictions.
• The City has completed a Wellhead Protection Plan (included in the Appendix) and will
continue to evaluate and monitor implementation of the objectives and plans of actions
identified in this Plan.
• The City will consider requiring a ground water monitoring plan or ground water
protection plan as part of a permit application for businesses that store, use, or transport
hazardous materials and for properties formerly used as a waste disposal site or waste
transfer facility.
TRIN Goal #1. Provide improved
infrastructure, including sewer, water,
and facilities, to serve new residents in
the developing areas of the community.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
City Role and Responsibilities
The City will complete the following specific implementation actions to implement the Surface
Water chapter of this Plan:
1. The City adopts and incorporates by reference the Watershed Management Plans of
the three Watershed Districts with presence in Lake Elmo, including the standards
and rules, into this Comprehensive Plan and as a part of the City’s permitting and
development review process. The Watershed Districts will continue to enforce surface
water regulations and permitting within the City and within their geographic areas. The
City will coordinate its review of development proposals with the Watershed Districts
and will manage land use to support protection of surface and ground waters through its
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance.
2. The City will update its Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) by the end of
2019 consistent with the timeline adopted in the 2009 LSWMP. The City understands
that its LSWMP must be consistent with each Watershed District’s Watershed
Management Plans.
a) The City understands that the Valley Branch Watershed District, Brown’s Creek
Watershed District and South Washington Watershed District have prepared models
for portions of the City, but not all modeling work is complete. The City will rely
on each watershed district completing this work and will update its LSWMP as
information and data become available.
b) The City will update its LSWMP and submit a copy to each of the Watershed
Districts for review, comment, and approval once complete.
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3. City Process for Proposed Development. The City of Lake Elmo reviews proposed
development per its Subdivision Ordinance. Design must be in compliance with
Engineering Design Standards. An approved Watershed District permit is required
prior to final plat acceptance. WCD approval of any wetland impact must be provided
if located in BCWD or SWWD. Any impacts to public waters must be reviewed by
the MnDNR. An NPDES Permit must be received from the MPCA when applicable.
An approved SWPPP must be provided for all subdivisions. No building permit will
be issued until the following has been completed: The City will support the Watershed
Districts’ implementation of their standards for management of water quantity and
quality, including control of peak runoff, volume control, infiltration and filtration,
wetland quality, and best management practices to control Total Suspended Solids
(TSS), Total Phosphorus (TP), and runoff from development or redevelopment within
the City.
4. The Watershed Districts will continue to play the primary role in reviewing storm water
plans for development applications within the City, and the City will condition any
development approvals on demonstrated compliance with Watershed District Rules. The
City will direct applicants to submit completed permit applications of any development
proposals at time of application and will work cooperatively with the Watershed
Districts through the review and approval process.
5. The City will continue to work with each Watershed District on refinement of
coordination of permit and development application review processes and timelines.
6. The City will update its ordinances to be consistent with Watershed Management Plans,
standards and rules, and with NPDES construction storm water permit requirements for
erosion and sediment control if necessary.
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7. The City will cooperate with the Watershed Districts to address concerns related to
impaired waters and, as the Watershed Districts complete TMDL studies, will manage
land use to avoid impacts to water resources within the City.
8. Continue to implement the City’s MS4 Permit and SWPPP requirements.
9. Funding Mechanisms. The City will continue to use general fund revenues and storm
water utility funds to fund improvements when needed to address water quality and
quantity concerns and maintain City-owned storm water management facilities. The
City’s commitments to system maintenance are described in detail in its MS4 permit
and SWPPP. The City requires that developers finance the improvements that are
required with new development and redevelopment to ensure that private developments
meet City and watershed requirements.
10. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The City’s CIP will incorporate specific
implementation strategies for surface water management as part of the budgeting
process.
11. The City’s inspection and maintenance program and pollution prevention/good
housekeeping is completed under the MS4 Permit and documented per the SWPPP.
12. The City will continue to implement the strategies and recommendations as needed
from the Old Village Area Regional Stormwater Management Study that was completed
by SEH, in May 2015, to continue to address and mitigate the Old Village Area
flooding problems and to protect resources in the Down’s Lake Watershed and
downstream. City Ordinances. The City’s adopted ordinances that provide standards and
regulations to manage water resources include the following:
• Chapter 53 Stormwater Management Utility
• Chapter 91 Forests and Trees
• Chapter 150 Illicit Discharge and Connection
• Chapter 152 Flood Plain Management
• Chapter 153 Subdivision Regulations
• Chapter 154 Zoning Code
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
37
NPDES Phase II
The City of Lake Elmo is required to have a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
permit through the MPCA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase
II Program of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). MS4 Permits are required for
communities with urban development and populations over 10,000 or with urban development
and populations over 5,000 that have potential to discharge to valuable or polluted waters.
In accordance with an MS4 Permit, the City of Lake Elmo is required at a minimum to
implement six control measures:
1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Participation/Involvement
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management
6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
For more information on the MS4 Permit requirements, see the MPCA’s rules online at www.pca.
state.mn.us.
Official Controls
The City of lake Elmo maintains official controls for the purposes of water management and
environment protection within their Municipal Code.
Stormwater Management Utility
Lake Elmo maintains a stormwater management utility as outlined in ordinance Chapter 53 of
the Municipal Code. The code states that “The municipal surface water system shall be operated
as a public utility, pursuant to M.S. § 444.075, …from which revenues will be derived subject
to the provisions of this chapter and Minnesota Statutes.
In general, revenue from the surface water utility shall be used for preparation of a Surface
Water Management Plan, maintenance of existing ditches, culverts, pond, and storm sewers,
capital improvement in developed areas, equipment, planning, inventories, and water quality
improvements, including weed control.”
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
38
Wetland Protection and Preservation Overlay District (WPP)
(Chapter 150, Section 215)
The purpose of the Wetland Protection and Preservation Overlay District is to “provide for the
protection, preservation, proper maintenance, and use of the city’s wetlands, to minimize the
disturbance to them and to prevent damage from excessive sedimentation, eutrophication, or
pollution, to prevent loss of fish or other beneficial aquatic organisms, and/or loss of wildlife
and vegetation or the habitants of the same; to provide for the protection of the city’s probable
fresh water supplies from the dangers of drought, overdraft, pollution, or mismanagement;
to secure safety from floods; to reduce the financial burdens imposed upon the communities
through rescue and relief efforts occasioned by the occupancy or use of areas subject to periodic
flooding to prevent loss of life, property damage, and the losses and risks associated with flood
conditions; to preserve the location, character, and extent of natural drainage courses.”
Shoreland District and Standards
(Chapter 150, Section 250)
The Shoreland District is identified to protect water features from potential development and
land use impacts. Generally, the ordinance outlines standards that “apply to all shorelands
of the protected waters. Where the requirements of the underlying zoning district as shown
on the official zoning map are more restrictive than those set forth in §§ 150.250et seq., the
more restrictive standards shall apply. Only land above the ordinary high water level of public
waters can be used to meet lot area standards, and lot width standards must be met at both the
ordinary high water level and at the building line.”
Storm Water and Erosion and Sediment Control
(Chapter 150, Section 270)
As part of the Land Usage chapter (Chapter 150), the municipal code also regulates
maintenance of storm water facilities, both public and privately-owned. It also requires that all
site construction undergo regular monitoring and inspections for compliance with appropriate
NPDES permit requirements.
Illicit Discharge and Connection
(Chapter 150, Section 300)
This Chapter of the Municipal Code regulates discharge and watercourse protection, and
directly supports requirements in the MS4 Permit. It states “No person shall throw, drain,
or otherwise discharge, cause, or allow others under its control to throw, drain, or otherwise
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
39
discharge into the MS4 any pollutants or waters containing any pollutants, other than storm
water.” For privately-owned land along a public watercourse, the ordinance also states “Every
person owning property through which a watercourse passes, or such person’s lessee, shall keep
and maintain that part of the watercourse within the property free of trash, debris, yard waste,
excessive vegetation, and other obstacles that would pollute, contaminate, or significantly retard
the flow of water through the watercourse. In addition, the owner or lessee shall maintain
existing privately owned structures within or adjacent to a watercourse, so that such structures
will not become a hazard to the use, function, or physical integrity of the watercourse.”
Floodplain Management
Lake Elmo maintains a floodplain management ordinance in Chapter 152 of the Municipal
Code. The ordinance generally regulates development and construction within floodways and
floodplains. The purpose of the ordinance is to promote the public health, safety, and general
welfare and to minimize those losses” applicable “to all lands within the jurisdiction of Lake
Elmo shown on the official zoning map and/or the attachments thereto as being located within
the boundaries of the Floodway, Flood Fringe, or General Flood Plain Districts.
Others
Other rules part of the official controls contribute to the goals and policies for surface water
management and are contained within the Municipal Code. These chapters include Chapter 91,
Forests and Trees; Chapter 153 Subdivision Regulations; and Chapter 154 Zoning.
There are no major changes identified at this time to the City’s Official Controls as they relate
to the management of surface water in the City. As the Lake Elmo 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Update is adopted, Zoning Codes will be updated to match the Future Land Use Plan. These
Zoning Codes may incorporate additional standards that support implementation of best
practices in surface water management as development occurs. The added standards may help
achieve City goals for improved groundwater recharge, reduction of runoff, and increased water
quality.
Education Program
As part of Lake Elmo’s commitment to education, and an important component of the MS4
Permit compliance, the City will continue to organize education programs for increased public
awareness and participation in local surface water management. Lake Elmo is a member of
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
40
the East Metro Water Resource Education Program (EMWREP) to assist in establishing and
facilitating education programs for water management. More information about EMWREP can
be found online at www.mnwcd.org/emwrep.
Other opportunities will continue to be presented for residents, business owners, developers,
and others to help improve strategies and implementation for increasing water quality and
reducing runoff in all areas of Lake Elmo. Appropriate advertising of events and programs will
be facilitated accordingly. Example programs may include:
• Wetland buffer delineation and management
• Best management practices for storm water infiltration
• Best management practices for storm water runoff reduction and control
• Invasive species control
• Conservation easements
• Sustainable groundwater recharge
Collaboration with Agencies & Organizations
There are a number of local, state, and federal agencies that have rules and regulations related
to local water management. The City recognizes the roles of these other agencies and will
cooperate, coordinate, and when possible partner with these agencies.
This Plan chapter recognizes the many agencies and organization involved with regulating
surface water management. It is the intention of the City of Lake Elmo to cooperate,
collaborate, and coordinate efforts with these agencies to achieve successful water management
within the City. Each of these organizations hosts various resources, plans, data, rules, and
regulations for water management at the related website:
Federal
• Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov
• US Army Corps of Engineers www.mvp.usace.army.mi
• US Fish and Wildlife Service www.fws.gov
State
• Minnesota Environmental Quality Board www.eqb.state.mn.us
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources www.dnr.state.mn.us
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
41
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency www.pca.state.mn.us
• Minnesota Department of Health www.health.state.mn.us
• Board of Water and Soil Resources www.bwsr.state.mn.us
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture www.mda.state.mn.us
County
• Washington County http://www.co.washington.mn.us/
• Washington Conservation District http://www.mnwcd.org/
Regional
• South Washington Watershed District www.swwdmn.org
• Valley Branch Watershed District http://vbwd.org/
• Brown’s Creek Watershed District http://bcwd.org/
• Metropolitan Council www.metrocouncil.org
TRIN Goal #2. Maintain the level of
city services to existing neighborhoods
and plan through appropriate capital
expenditures for necessary improvements.
- Chapter 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
42
Table 8-3. Local Water Management Implementation Plan
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WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
DRAFT Chapter 9: Wastewater Services
1
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
INTRODUCTION
The City of Lake Elmo is located within Washington County and is bordered by the City of
Oak Park Heights, Baytown Township, and West Lakeland Township to its east; City of
Woodbury to its south; the City of Oakdale to its west; and the City of Grant to its north.
A large portion of Lake Elmo is designated as Rural Residential, to which there are no plans
to provide urban infrastructure, such as a centralized sanitary sewer collection. Two areas
are designated as Emerging Suburban Edge and are in the Metropolitan Urban Service Area
(MUSA), the Old Village MUSA Area and South Planning MUSA Area. In addition, there is
a small MUSA area along the west side of Lake Olson where lake home properties connect
to the City of Oakdale Sanitary Sewer system. The Comprehensive Wastewater
Management Plan will focus heavily on the needs and future plans for the City sanitary
sewer system needed to serve the Old Village and South Planning MUSA Areas.
The purpose of the Wastewater Management Chapter is to describe the existing wastewater
management systems within the City and to outline timing and sequence of future
improvements, allowing the City to build and improve a sanitary sewer collection system for
the defined 2040 MUSA in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
The City of Lake Elmo’s Sanitary Sewer Plan was developed to conform to the
Metropolitan Council’s Thrive 2040 Water Resources Policy Plan, which outlines goals for
the wastewater system, including environmental sustainability. Additionally, the Thrive 2040
Plan includes population, household, and employment projections alongside projected
wastewater flows.
Wastewater flows are anticipated to increase significantly through 2040 as a result of
projected population increases and land use changes within Lake Elmo. The Sanitary Sewer
Plan serves as a guiding document for City infrastructure improvements and expansion.
1
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
CITY SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM AND URBAN SERVICES AREAS
Typically, municipal wastewater management systems consist of two elements: sanitary sewer
collection and wastewater treatment. Collection systems include sewer services, trunk sewer pipe,
lateral sewer pipe, manholes, lift stations, and forcemains which collect the sewer flows from private
residential, commercial, and industrial properties within the city. Treatment systems include the
biological or chemical treatment to remove targeted contaminants from the wastewater.
The City’s sanitary sewer system is defined by four primary sanitary sewer service areas as follows: 1)
the Old Village MUSA, 2) the Southeast Planning MUSA (Keats Avenue – Manning Avenue), and 3)
the Southwest Planning MUSA (Inwood Avenue – Keats Avenue), and 4) Lake Olson MUSA.
Old Village MUSA
In 2013, the City constructed a lift station-forcemain system to convey wastewater from the Village
Planning Area. The lift station-forcemain system was designed to serve the planned 1,100 new
housing units and approximately 400 existing housing units with additional reserve capacity for
future needs. The lift station was located near Reid Park at 30th Street and Lisbon Avenue, at the
southern boundary of the Village Planning area. Two gravity trunk mains were extended north from
the lift station, an 18-inch trunk main was extended on the Village east side through the new
development growth areas, then along 39th Street from CSAH 14 to Lake Elmo Avenue. A 15-inch
trunk main was extended west from the lift station along 30th Street, then north along Lake Elmo
Avenue to serve existing residential properties. 8-inch lateral mains are being installed through a 7
Phase “Old Village Capital Improvement Plan” to replace aging and failed onsite wastewater
systems, including two of the four community 201 wastewater systems. All Village wastewater is
pumped through a 16-inch forcemain running approximately 3 miles and discharging to a 24-inch
trunk main at Lake Elmo Avenue and 5th Street North.
Southeast Planning MUSA (Keats Avenue – Manning Avenue)
Sanitary sewer service was also initiated in 2013 to serve portions of the Southeast Planning MUSA
beginning at the intersection of Lake Elmo Avenue and 5th Street. A 24-inch trunk main was
extended north from the MCES Cottage Grove Ravine Meter Station in Lake Elmo and 8-inch
lateral mains were extended to serve two new residential developments. As identified above, the 24-
inch trunk main was designed to receive the Old Village MUSA wastewater and convey it to the
MCES Cottage Grove Ravine Meter Station, located along Hudson Boulevard near Lake Elmo
Avenue.
In 2017, following a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, sanitary sewer was extended to the Tartan
Park area, just north of the Southeast Planning MUSA to serve the Royal Golf Club (RGC)
residential development. The RGC sanitary sewer system consists of lateral gravity sanitary sewer
mains within three separate lift station service areas. The multiple lift stations were needed to convey
wastewater through a highly variable topography. The largest of the lift stations is located along 10th
Street (the southern RGC boundary) and receives all wastewater generated from the development
and pumps it to the existing 16-inch forcemain along Lake Elmo Avenue. The construction for two
of the lift stations will be completed in 2018 with the third lift station to be phased in with the future
build-out of the development.
2
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
The 2020 Staging Plan includes the extension of a second trunk sewer from the MCES Cottage
Grove Ravine Meter Station to serve the portions of the Southeast Planning MUSA from Lake
Elmo Avenue to Manning Avenue. In addition to serving new development in this area, service will
be extended to the existing Cimarron manufactured home park consisting of approximately 510
units. Cimarron owns and operates a private sewer collection and wastewater treatment system. A
new lift station will likely be required to connect to the City sanitary sewer system. This service area
also includes the future connection to the existing Oakland Junior High School to replace an existing
on-site wastewater treatment facility. These flows are included in the forecasts.
The 2030 Staging Plan includes the extension of two additional trunk sewer mains west of Lake
Elmo Avenue, one from the MCES Cottage Grove Ravine Meter Station along Hudson Boulevard
running west across Lake Elmo Avenue to serve new development south of the Forest Addition,
and the second extending west from the intersection of Lake Elmo Avenue and 5th Street N. to
serve the areas north and west of the Forest Addition. Both trunk sewer mains will discharge to a
new lift station to be located on the west side of the Lake Elmo Avenue that will pumped across
Lake Elmo Avenue to the adjacent gravity trunk mains.
Southwest Planning MUSA (Inwood Avenue – Keats Avenue)
The Eagle Point Business Park, located in the southeast 1/4 of Section 33, was platted and
developed beginning in year 2000. The area was brought into the Metropolitan Urban Service Area
(MUSA) and gravity sanitary sewer was constructed to serve the business park. Wastewater is
conveyed to the I-94 lift station located on north side of Hudson Boulevard, about 1/3 mile east of
Inwood Avenue (CSAH 13). Through agreement with the City of Oakdale, the I-94 lift station
discharges to a City of Oakdale sanitary sewer main in Hudson Boulevard. From there it enters the
WONE interceptor. Under the agreement with the City of Oakdale, Lake Elmo is limited to the
amount it can discharge.
In 2014, significant residential development was initiated in the remaining Southwest Planning
MUSA area, first to the east of the Eagle Point Business Park and later to the north. A sanitary
sewer conveyance system was developed to serve the entire MUSA area consisting mostly of gravity
sanitary sewer. A 12-inch trunk main was extended along Hudson Boulevard approximately 4,200
feet to the east of the I-94 lift station. At Jade Trail, another 12-inch trunk main is extended north
into the Inwood development (north of the Eagle Point Business Park) which later transitions down
to a 10-inch main at 10th Street and Island Trail. A lift station (Keats Avenue Lift Station) was
needed to capture wastewater flows from the lower topographic area adjacent to Keats Avenue and
Goose Lake. The forcemain from this lift station runs south along Keats Avenue, then west along
Hudson Boulevard and discharging back to the 12-inch trunk main on Hudson Boulevard.
The current staging areas (up to 2020) have been platted for the most part and the sanitary sewer
system installed, although some areas have not been fully built-out. The commercial areas remain
unbuilt along Inwood Avenue and just north of the Eagle Point Business Park.
The 2020 Staging Plan consists of about 125 aces located between the Eagle Point Business Park
and Keats Avenue, and south of 5th Street North. The existing sanitary sewer system is in place and
readily available to serve this area.
3
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Lake Olson MUSA
In 2013, the City of Lake Elmo and City of Oakdale entered into a cooperative agreement, which is
included in this Chapter as Appendix D, to jointly install sanitary sewer along Olson Lake Trail in
the Tri-Lakes area, a border street with Lake Elmo properties on the east side and Oakdale
properties on the west side. The sanitary sewer extension provides public sewer service to 21 Lake
Elmo properties but connects to an Oakdale owned and operated sanitary sewer system. Five
properties were connected to sewer in 2013 and the remaining properties were connected in 2017.
No future extensions are anticipated for this MUSA area at this time.
4
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
For the City of Lake Elmo, the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) provides
wastewater treatment for Lake Elmo’s sanitary sewer flows. Therefore, the City’s sanitary sewer
system consists of only a collection system which connects and discharge to MCES interceptors.
MCES owns and operates a system of sewer interceptors that convey wastewater across City
boundaries to regional treatment facilities. Wastewater flows from Lake Elmo enter the MCES
Interceptor system at two locations. The western portion of the South Planning MUSA, between
Inwood Avenue and Keats Avenue, are conveyed to the MCES Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment
Plant (WWTP) located in the City of St. Paul, directly adjacent to the Mississippi River. This area
connects to the MCES system through a 10-inch gravity sewer extending across eastern Oakdale and
connecting to the MCES 15-inch 1-WO-500 (WONE) interceptor sewer that crosses under I-94
into Woodbury. The Old Village MUSA and eastern portion of the South Planning MUSA, between
Keats Avenue and Manning Avenue, are conveyed to the MCES Eagle Point Plant in Cottage Grove
which serves southern Washington County. This area connects to the MCES system at a meter
station/interceptor that also crosses under I-94 into Woodbury. The connection point is located
along Hudson Boulevard approximately 1,000 feet east of Lake Elmo Avenue.
The MCES plans to extend a new sewer connection for the City of Lake Elmo to replace the
connection through Oakdale for the western portion of the South Planning MUSA, more
specifically the east 1/2 of Section 33 and all of Section 34. The new WONE connection point will
be near the City's existing I-94 lift station and will greatly reduce that lift station’s forcemain length.
The I-94 lift station will continue to be active and maintained by the City.
The existing units in the Cimarron manufactured home park will be served by regional sewer
between 2030 and 2040 unless environmental threats require a more immediate connection. The
remaining homes and businesses not currently served by sewer within the Village Planning Area are
assumed to be served by regional sewer between 2018 and 2030.
Lift Stations
The City’s current system includes 5 lift stations, as summarized in Table 9-1.
TABLE 9-1 LIFT STATIONS
No. Lift Station Year
Constructed
Pumping
Capacity
(gpm)
1 I-94 (along Hudson Blvd.) 2018 (rebuilt) 825
2 Reid Park 2013 1,200
3 Keats Avenue 2014 390
4 RGC 1st Addition 2018 100
5 10th Street 2018 325
5
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
FORECASTS
Population
The Metropolitan Council projects and publishes population and sewer usage forecasts for each City
in the Metropolitan Area. This allocation is used in projecting future wastewater flows and system
capacity to plan for additional infrastructure needs. Table 9-2 shows such forecasts for Lake Elmo.
TABLE 9-2 POPULATION FORECASTS FOR LAKE ELMO
Forecast
Year
Forecast
Component
Population
Households
Employment
2010 MCES Sewered 0 0 623
2010 Unsewered 8,061 2,776 1,318
2020 MCES Sewered 3,712 1,359 2,338
2020 Unsewered 6,788 2,441 562
2030 MCES Sewered 6,960 2,540 2,788
2030 Unsewered 7,140 2,760 562
2040 MCES Sewered 10,208 3,721 3,238
2040 Unsewered 7,992 3,379 562
Community Forecast for Areas Served by Regional Sewer Service
Wastewater flow projections were generated for each MUSA area and regional interceptor for the
2020, 2030 and 2040 planning periods based on the anticipated land uses. Table 9-3 summarizes
these projections by sewer REC units, average day wastewater flows and peak day wastewater flows.
TABLE 9-3 PROJECTIONS BY SEWER REC UNITS
Current (2020) Wastewater Flows by Interceptor
MCES WONE Interceptor/Oakdale MCES Cottage Grove Ravine
Interceptor
REC Units
Average
Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Peak Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
REC Units
Average
Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Peak Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Old Village MUSA 1,542 0.42 1.48
Southeast
Planning MUSA 170 0.05 0.19
Southwest
Planning MUSA 1,682 0.46 1.61
TOTALS 1,682 0.46 1.61 1,712 0.47 1.67
6
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
2020-2030 Wastewater Flows
MCES WONE Interceptor/Oakdale MCES Cottage Grove Ravine
Interceptor
REC Units
Average
Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Peak Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
REC Units
Average
Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Peak Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Old Village MUSA 1,823 0.50 1.70
Southeast
Planning MUSA 3,001 0.82 2.63
Southwest
Planning MUSA 2,613 0.72 2.36
TOTALS 2,613 0.72 2.36 4,824 1.32 4.33
2030-2040 Wastewater Flows by Interceptor
MCES WONE Interceptor/Oakdale MCES Cottage Grove Ravine
Interceptor
REC Units
Average
Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Peak Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
REC Units
Average
Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Peak Day
Projected
Flow
(MGD)
Old Village MUSA 2,537 0.70 2.29
Southeast
Planning MUSA 5,344 1.46 4.39
Southwest
Planning MUSA 2,613 0.72 2.36
TOTALS 2,613 0.72 2.36 7,881 2.16 6.69
Sanitary Sewer Plan Map
The Sewer Staging Plan Map (Map 9-1) [to be inserted at a later date - see land use chapter]
shows sewer service staging in four phases in accordance with the Land Use Plan.
The Sewer Services Area – Tri Lakes Map (Map 9-2) shows the sewer service area for existing
homes to be provided with service along Lake Olson.
7
Lake DeMontreville
Lake Olson
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Sewer Service Area - Tri Lakes
Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan Update E
0 250 500 750 1,000125Feet
Public Sewer
Service Area
Map 9-2
8
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
Projected Flows for Each MCES Interceptor Service Area (MGD)
TABLE 9-4 PROJECTED FLOWS FOR EACH MCES INTERCEPTOR SERVICE AREA (MGD)
Average Day Projected Wastewater Flows by Interceptor (MGD)
Year WONE Cottage Grove TOTAL
2020 0.46 0.47 0.93
2030 0.72 1.32 2.04
2040 0.72 2.16 2.88
Peak Day Projected Wastewater Flows by Interceptor (MGD)
Year WONE Cottage Grove TOTAL
2020 1.61 1.67 3.28
2030 2.36 4.33 6.69
2040 2.36 6.69 9.05
Land Use Plan Map
The general plan for providing sanitary sewer to the planned service area is outlined in Map 9-3. 9
La
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Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS,USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community
Future Land Use - Sewer Plan- DRAFT (needs edits and land use inserted)
Map 9-3
K 0 10.5 Miles
WONE Interceptor Cottage Grove Ravine Interceptor
456713
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#*
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#Flow Direction
MCES Interceptor
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Gravity SewerForcemain SewerMunicipal Boundary
Data Source: Washington County, MN
Planning MUSA
South West Planning MUSA
South East Planning MUSA
Old Village Planning MUSA
Lake Olson MUSA
")
10
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
INFILTRATION AND INFLOW (I/I)
Inflow is water, typically stormwater, which enters the sewer system through broken manhole
covers, sewer cleanouts, sump pumps, foundation drains, and rain leaders. Infiltration is water,
typically groundwater, which leaks into the sewer system through cracks in the sewer mains, laterals,
joints, and manholes. Water from inflow and infiltration (I/I) can consume available
capacity in the wastewater collection system and increase the flow into treatment facilities. As a
sewer system ages, I/I can become an increasing burden on a City’s system and consume otherwise
available capacity. Therefore, it is imperative that I/I be reduced whenever it is cost
effective to do so.
In February 2006, the MCES began an Ongoing I/I Program which requires communities within
their service area to eliminate excessive I/I. The City of Lake Elmo’s sanitary sewer system is very
new, primarily installed since 2013. Therefore, Lake Elmo currently does not have excessive I/I
concerns.
The City of Lake Elmo’s goal is to have no inflow or infiltration into its sewer system, and to attain
the goal of preventing and reducing excessive infiltration and inflow as the sewer system ages. To
meet that goal the City will observe the following procedures:
•All sewer mains will be air tested in accordance with the Minnesota City Engineers Association
Standards for Utility Construction.
•All new sewer mains will be televised.
•Homes and businesses will be checked for sump pump discharge into the sewer system prior to
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
•The City will monitor actual sewer flows during storm events to see if there is an increase in
sewer discharge.
•The City will develop a schedule to inspect and clean all sewers.
Additionally, City Code Section 150.300 prohibits discharge from and requires disconnection of
existing sump pumps, foundation drains, and/or rain leaders to the sanitary sewer system, a copy of
which is attached as in Appendix A.
11
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
AREAS NOT SERVED BY THE REGIONAL SYSTEM
Description of the City’s Current Management Program
The City has adopted Chapter 4: Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Regulations of the
Washington County Development Code by reference. A copy of the City's Ordinance and a
description of the SSTS monitoring system are included as Appendix B. Washington County
currently monitors SSTS installations and administers the code for the City.
Cimarron Manufactured Home Park operates and maintains a packaged treatment plant with a
capacity of 0.15 MGD. There is a State permit for this facility.
Information, including location, of non-conforming systems or systems with known problems may
be obtained from the Washington County Comprehensive Plan 2040.
Conditions Under Which Septic Systems Are Allowed
Septic Systems are allowed for all land uses within the City outside of the planned sewer service
areas in accordance with Chapter 4: Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Regulations of the
Washington County Development code as adopted by reference by the City of Lake Elmo.
Private Community Wastewater Treatment Systems
Map 9-4 and Table 9-5 Private Community Wastewater Treatment Systems shows the privately
owned sewage treatment systems that have been constructed in the City. These community
wastewater collection and treatment systems were installed in accordance with Minnesota Rules
7080 to serve open space developments including Carriage Station, Discover Crossing, Farms of
Lake Elmo, Fields of St. Croix, Hamlet on Sunfish Lake, Hidden Meadows, St. Croix’s Sanctuary,
Tamarack Farm Estates, Tana Ridge, Tapestry at Charlotte’s Grove, Whistling Valley, and
Wildflower Shores. These systems have all been constructed since 1998. The homeowners within
these new subdivisions are responsible for ownership, operation and maintenance. The Private
Community Wastewater Treatment Systems consist of “wetland treatment systems” or “community
drainfield systems”. Systems over 10,000 gallons per day have a State Disposal Permit.
The City's Agreement with
Washington County is included as Appendix C.
12
WASTEWATER FACILITIES – DRAFT – 5-23-2018
| City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
TABLE 9-5 PRIVATE COMMUNITY WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Private Community Wastewater Treatment Systems
Subdivision Number of Homes Design Flow (GPD) State Permit
Carriage Station 111 44,875 Yes
Discover Crossing 28 9,045 No
Farms of Lake Elmo 33 12,375 Yes
Fields of St. Croix 135 35,589 Yes
Hamlet on Sunfish Lake 41 8,200 Pending
Hidden Meadows 25 and church 13,375 Yes
St. Croix’s Sanctuary 62 20,000 Yes
Tamarack Farm Estates 20 4,000 No
Tana Ridge 20 5,841 Yes
Tapestry at Charlotte’s Grove 67 25,125 Yes
Whistling Valley 46 20,000 Yes
Wildflower Shores 25 3,600 No
Private Treatment Systems
There are currently 1,981 known individual sewage treatment systems (ISTSs or septic systems)
within the City of Lake Elmo, as shown in Map 9-5.
City-Owned Community Wastewater Treatment Systems (201 Systems)
In the late 1980’s, the City of Lake Elmo participated in the Federal 201 program which provided
grant funds to help communities build shared wastewater treatment systems. The City of Lake Elmo
designed and constructed eight (8) 201 shared wastewater treatment systems under this program to
replace failing septic systems on private property. The systems provided individual septic tanks for
private properties with shared wastewater drain fields and were constructed in the Old Village and
Tri-Lakes areas. Two of the four Old Village 201 systems were replaced in 2015 and 2016 through
the extension of City sanitary sewer, including Old Village Remote B and D. There are also four 201
systems located in the Tri-Lakes area.
Map 9-6 Existing 201 Shared Wastewater Treatment Systems shows the location of these systems,
which includes the following facilities, as shown in Table 9-6:
TABLE 9-6 SHARED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
City-Owned 201 Wastewater Treatment Systems
Old Village Remote A 6 3,750
Old Village Remote B REPLACED 0
Old Village Remote C 8 1,500
Old Village Remote D REPLACED 0
Tri-Lakes Remote A 1 450
Tri-Lakes Remote B 3 1,500
Tri-Lakes Remote C 2 600
Tri-Lakes Remote D 3 1,350
13
Map 9-4
Discover Crossing .. St. Croix's Santurary.Hidden Meadows
14
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80631080
6
3
2
0
80
5
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B
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A
8 0 6 3
1-WO-500
®!(Individual Sewer Treatment Systems (ISTS) (Approx. 1,982 Systems)
")Private Wastewater Treatment (Approx. 12 Systems)
Gravity Interceptor
Forcemain Interceptor
City & Township Boundaries
Individual Sewer Treatment Systems (ISTS)City of Lake Elmo
0 4,0002,000
Feet
Source Data: SSTS, (ISTS) Washington County (June 2017),
NCompass Technologies and MCES.
Map created by MCES.
15
Map 9-6
System A
[REPLACED]
[REPLACED]
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Print
Lake Elmo, MN Code of Ordinances
ILLICIT DISCHARGE AND CONNECTION
§ 150.300 PURPOSE.
The general purpose of this subchapter is to provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of the
public through the regulation of non-storm water discharges to the storm drainage system to the maximum
extent practicable as required by federal and state law. This subchapter establishes methods for controlling
the introduction of pollutants into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) in order to comply
with requirements of the MS4 permit issued to the City of Lake Elmo by the Minnesota Pollution control
Agency (MPCA) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit process. The
objections of this subchapter are:
(A) To regulate the contribution of pollutants to the MS4 by storm water discharges by any user;
(B) To prohibit illicit connections and discharges to the MS4;
(C) To establish legal authority to carry out all inspection, surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement
procedures necessary to ensure compliance with this subchapter.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.301 APPLICABILITY.
This subchapter shall apply to all water entering the storm drainage system generated on any developed
and undeveloped lands unless explicitly exempted by § 150.306(A)(1) through (A)(4) of this subchapter.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.302 DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this subchapter, all terms, phrases, words, and their derivatives shall have the
meanings as stated in Chapter 11 of the City Code.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.303 RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION.
The City of Lake Elmo shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this subchapter. Any
powers granted or duties imposed upon the City of Lake Elmo maybe delegated in writing by the City
Administrator to persons or entities acting in the beneficial interest of or in the employ of the city.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.304 COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER REGULATIONS.
Appendix A: Illicit
Discharge
Connection
Ordinance
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This subchapter is not intended to modify or repeal any other ordinance, rule, regulation, or other
provision of law. The requirements of this subchapter are in addition to the requirements of any other
ordinance, rule, regulation, or other provision of law, and where any provision of this subchapter imposes
restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule, regulation, or other provision of law,
whichever provision is more restrictive or imposes higher protective standards for human health or the
environment shall control.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.305 ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY.
The standards set forth herein and promulgated pursuant to this subchapter are minimum standards;
therefore this subchapter does not intend or imply that compliance by any person will ensue that there will
be no contamination, pollution, or unauthorized discharge of pollutants.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.306 DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS.
(A)Prohibition of illegal discharges. No person shall throw, drain, or otherwise discharge, cause, or
allow others under its control to throw, drain, or otherwise discharge into the MS4 any pollutants or waters
containing any pollutants, other than storm water. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any
illegal discharge to the storm drain system is prohibited except as described as follows:
(1) The following discharges are exempt from discharge prohibitions established by this subchapter:
water line flushing, landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, rising groundwater, uncontaminated
groundwater infiltration, uncontaminated pumped groundwater, discharges from potable water sources,
foundation drains, air conditioning condensation, irrigation water, springs, water from crawl space pumps,
footing drains, lawn watering, individual residential car washing, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands,
street wash water, dechlorinated swimming pool water, and any other water source not containing a
pollutant.
(a) For swimming pool discharges, water shall sit seven days without the addition of chlorine to
allow for chlorine to evaporate before discharge.
(b) Discharge of swimming pools, crawl spaces, sump pumps, footing drains and other sources that
may be determined to contain sediment or other forms or pollutants may NOT be discharged directly to a
gutter or storm sewer. This discharge must be allowed to flow over a vegetated area to allow filtering of
pollutants, evaporation of chemicals and infiltration of water consistent with the storm water requirements
of the City of Lake Elmo.
(2) Discharges or flow from firefighting, and other discharges specified in writing by the City of Lake
Elmo as being necessary to protect public health and safety.
(3) Discharges associated with dye testing, however this activity requires a written notification to the
City of Lake Elmo prior to the time of the test.
(4) The prohibition shall not apply to any non-storm water discharge permitted under an NPDES
permit, waiver, or waste discharge order issued to the discharger and administered under the authority of the
MPCA, provided that the discharger is in foil compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver, or
order and other applicable laws and regulations, and provided that written approval has been granted for
any discharge to the storm drain system.
(B)Prohibition of illicit connections.
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(1) The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connections to the storm drain
system is prohibited.
(2) This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illicit connections made in the past,
regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the
time of connection.
(3) A person is considered to be in violation of this subchapter if the person connects a line conveying
sewage to the MS4, or allows such a connection to continue.
(4) Improper connections in violation of this subchapter must be disconnected and redirected, if
necessary, to an approved onsite wastewater management system or the sanitary sewer system upon
approval of the City of Lake Elmo.
(5) Any drain or conveyance that has not been documented in plans, maps or equivalent, and which
may be connected to the storm sewer system, shall be located by the owner or occupant of that property
upon receipt of written notice of violation from the City of Lake Elmo requiring that such locating be
completed. Such notice will specify a reasonable time period within which the location of the drain or
conveyance is to be determined, that the drain or conveyance be identified as storm sewer, sanitary sewer or
other, and that the outfall location or point of connection to the storm sewer system, sanitary sewer system
or other discharge point be identified. Results of these investigations are to be documented and provided to
the City of Lake Elmo.
(C)Additional discharge prohibitions. Any owner or occupant of property within the City of Lake Elmo
shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Subsurface sewage treatment systems shall be maintained to prevent failure.
(2) Recreational vehicle sewage shall be disposed of to a proper sanitary waste facility.
(3) Mobile washing companies (carpet cleaning, mobile vehicle washing, and the like) shall dispose of
wastewater to the sanitary sewer.
(4) All motor vehicle parking lots and private streets shall be swept, at a minimum, once a year in the
spring to remove debris. Such debris shall be collected and properly disposed.
(5) Fuel, chemical residue, household hazardous waste or other types of potentially harmful material
shall be disposed of properly.
(6) Objects, such as motor vehicle parts, containing grease, oil or other hazardous substances, and
unsealed receptacles containing hazardous materials, shall not be stored in areas susceptible to runoff.
(7) Any machinery or equipment that is to be repaired or maintained in areas susceptible to runoff shall
be placed in a confined area to contain leaks, spills or discharges.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.307 WATERCOURSE PROTECTION.
Every person owning property through which a watercourse passes, or such person’s lessee, shall keep
and maintain that part of the watercourse within the property free of trash, debris, yard waste, excessive
vegetation, and other obstacles that would pollute, contaminate, or significantly retard the flow of water
through the watercourse. In addition, the owner or lessee shall maintain existing privately owned structures
within or adjacent to a watercourse, so that such structures will not become a hazard to the use, function, or
physical integrity of the watercourse.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
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§ 150.308 INDUSTRIAL OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY DISCHARGES.
Submission of Notice of Intent (NOI) to the City of Lake Elmo.
(A) Any person subject to an industrial or construction activity NPDES storm water discharge permit
shall comply with all provisions of such permit. Proof of compliance with said permit is required in a form
acceptable to the City of Lake Elmo prior to the allowing of discharges to the MS4.
(1) Industrial activity includes activities subject to NPDES Industrial Storm Water Permits as defined
in 40 CFR, Section 122.26 (b)(14).
(2) Construction activity includes activities subject to NPDES Construction Permits. These include
construction projects resulting in land disturbance of one acre or more. Such activities include but are not
limited to clearing and grubbing, grading, excavating, and demolition.
(B) The operator of a facility, including construction sites, required to have an NPDES permit to
discharge storm water associated with industrial activity shall submit a copy of the NOI to the City of Lake
Elmo at the same time the operator submits the original NOI to the EPA as applicable.
(C) The copy of the NOI must be delivered to the City of Lake Elmo either in person or by mailing it to:
Notice of Intent to Discharge Storm Water
City of Lake Elmo 3800 Laverne Avenue S.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(D) A person commits an offense if the person operates a facility that is discharging storm water
associated with industrial activity without having submitted a copy of the NOI to do so to the City of Lake
Elmo.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.309 REQUIREMENT TO PREVENT, CONTROL, AND REDUCE STORM WATER
POLLUTANTS BY THE USE OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.
The City of Lake Elmo will adopt requirements identifying best management practices for any activity,
operation, or facility which may cause or contribute to pollution or contamination of storm water, the storm
drain system, or waters of the United States. The owner or operator of such activity, operation, or facility
shall provide, at their own expense, reasonable protection from accidental discharge of prohibited materials
or other wastes into the municipal storm drain system or watercourses through the use of these structural
and non-structural BMPs. Further, any person responsible for a property or premise that is, or may be, the
source of an illicit discharge, may be required to implement, at said person's expense, additional structural
and non-structural BMPs to prevent the further discharge of pollutants to the MS4. Compliance with all
terms and conditions of a valid NPDES permit authorizing the discharge of storm water associated with
industrial activity, to the extent practicable, shall be deemed compliance with the provisions of this
subchapter. These BMPs shall be part of a storm water management plan (SWMP) as necessary for
compliance with requirements of the NPDES permit.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.310 NOTIFICATION OF SPILLS.
Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any person responsible for a facility or operation,
or responsible for emergency response for a facility or operation has information of any known or suspected
release of materials which are resulting or may result in illegal discharges or pollutants discharging into
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storm water, the storm drain system, or waters of the United States, said person shall take all necessary
steps to ensure the discovery, containment, and cleanup of such release. In the event of such a release of
hazardous materials said person shall immediately notify emergency response agencies of the occurrence
via emergency dispatch services. In the event of a release of non-hazardous materials, said person shall
notify the City of Lake Elmo in person or by phone no later than the next business day. If the discharge of
prohibited materials emanates from a commercial or industrial establishment, the owner or operator of such
establishment shall also retain an on-site written record of the discharge and the actions taken to prevent its
recurrence. Failure to provide notification of a release as provided above is a violation of this subchapter.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.311 RIGHT OF ENTRY.
The City of Lake Elmo shall be permitted to enter and inspect facilities subject to regulation under this
subchapter as often as may be necessary to determine compliance with this subchapter, including the right
to set up, or require facilities owner to set up devices necessary to conduct monitoring and/or sampling of
the facilities storm water discharge.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.312 ENFORCEMENT.
(A)Enforcement. The City of Lake Elmo shall be responsible for enforcing this subchapter.
(B)Penalties. Any person, firm or corporation failing to comply with or violating any of the provisions
of this subchapter, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each day during which any violation of
any of the provisions of this subchapter is committed, continued or permitted, shall constitute a separate
offense. All land use and building permits shall be suspended until the applicant has corrected any and all
violations.
(C)Emergency cease and desist orders. When the City of Lake Elmo finds that any person has violated,
or continues to violate, any provision of this subchapter, or any order issued hereunder, or that the person’s
past violations are likely to recur, and that the person’s violation(s) has (have) caused or contributed to an
actual or threatened discharge to the MS4 or waters of the state which reasonably appears to present an
imminent or substantial endangerment to the health or welfare of persons or to the environment, the City of
Lake Elmo may issue an order to the violator directing it immediately to cease and desist all such
violations.
(D)Suspension due to the detection of illicit discharge. Any person discharging to the MS4 in violation
of this subchapter may have their MS4 access terminated if such termination would abate or reduce an
illicit discharge. Such suspension may also be imposed if it is necessary to stop an actual or threatened
discharge which presents or may present imminent and substantial danger.
(E)Violations deemed a public nuisance. In addition to the enforcement processes and penalties
provided, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this subchapter
is a threat to public health, safety, and welfare, and is declared and deemed a nuisance, and may be
summarily abated or restored at the violator’s expense; and/or a civil action to abate, enjoin, or otherwise
compel the cessation of such nuisance may be taken.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.313 SEVERABILITY.
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The provisions of this subchapter are severable. If any provision of this subchapter or the application of
any provision of this subchapter to any circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other
provisions or applications of this subchapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
§ 150.314 AUTHORITY.
This subchapter shall become effective upon its passage and publication in accordance with the law.
(Ord. 2012-59, passed 6-5-2012)
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Print
Lake Elmo, MN Code of Ordinances
CHAPTER 51: WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Section
Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems
51.001 Intent and purpose
51.002 Regulations adopted by reference
51.003 Exceptions to county regulations
51.004 Generally
51.005 Administration
Municipal Sanitary Sewer System
51.020 General operation
51.021 Definitions
51.022 Connections with sewer required
51.023 Supervision of sewer connections
51.024 Permits
51.025 Connection charge
51.026 Types of wastes prohibited
51.027 Pretreatment, control, and refusal of extraordinary wastes
51.028 Tampering with municipal sanitary sewer system prohibited
51.029 Entry upon private property
51.030 Maintenance of municipal sanitary sewer connections
51.031 Rates and charges
51.032 Establishment of strength charges
Community Sewage Treatment System Service Charge
51.045 Intent and purpose
51.046 Regulations
51.047 Determination of community sewage treatment system service charge
51.048 Delinquent accounts; revocation
51.049 Community Sewage Treatment System Service Fund
Appendix B:
Wastewater
Treatment Systems
Ordinance
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Alternative Waste Disposal Systems; Wetland Treatment Systems
51.065 Intent and purpose
51.066 Rules
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
§ 51.001 INTENT AND PURPOSE.
This subchapter is adopted for the purpose of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the residents of
the city through regulating the location, design, installation, use and maintenance of individual sewage
treatment systems so as to prevent contamination of surface waters and groundwater.
(1997 Code, § 700.02) (Am. Ord. 08-029, passed 9-21-2010; Am. Ord. 08-159, passed 12-6-2016)
§ 51.002 REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY REFERENCE.
Chapter 4 of the Washington County Development Code entitled Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems
Regulations, Ordinance # 196 (the “County Regulations”), with the exception of Sections 3.1, 3.3, 3.4,
22.10, 23, 26.3, 28.1, and 29.1 is hereby adopted by reference and made part of this chapter. Whenever the
term “Department” appears in the County Regulations, it shall mean the “Lake Elmo Planning
Department.” Whenever the word “County” appears in the County Regulations, it shall mean the “City of
Lake Elmo” except as used in Section 3.14 of the County Regulations. Whenever the term “local unit of
government” appears in the County Regulations, it shall mean the “City of Lake Elmo.”
(Ord. 08-029, passed 9-21-2010; Am. Ord. 08-159, passed 12-6-2016)
§ 51.003 EXCEPTIONS TO COUNTY REGULATIONS.
(A) The following provisions are adopted in addition to the County Regulations and are more restrictive
than the County Regulations:
Mound systems are not allowed for new collector systems in the OP Open Space Preservation District
except to replace existing non-compliant systems.
(Ord. 08-029, passed 9-21-2010; Am. Ord. 08-159, passed 12-6-2016)
§ 51.004 GENERALLY.
General requirements - community sewage treatment systems.
(A) (1) Lawful connections to community sewage treatment systems will be allowed, with a city
permit.
(2) When an existing individual sewage treatment system is failing and the property in question is near
the community sewage treatment system provided capacity is available in all components of the community
sewage treatment system.
(3) A new connection to a community sewage treatment system will not be permitted for new
construction, unless the previous structure in which the new construction occurs was previously connected
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to the existing community sewage treatment system. In that event, a city permit is required.
(Am. Ord. 97-105, passed 4-2-2002)
(B) The fee for new connections will be determined by the city. The new user will be responsible for
paying all costs to connect to the system, plus a charge to pay for previously built drainfield areas.
(C) No person(s) shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, or disturb any
community sewage treatment system or appurtenance of the system without first obtaining a written permit
from the city. This provision shall not apply to certified qualified employees performing tasks within their
area of certification for which a permit is not required. The definition of a CERTIFIED QUALIFIED
EMPLOYEE shall be as set forth in the County Regulations.
(1997 Code, § 700.04) (Am. Ord. 08-029, passed 9-21-2010; Am. Ord. 08-159, passed 12-6-2016)
Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.005 ADMINISTRATION.
(A) Board of Adjustment and Appeals.
(1) Administrative appeals.
(a) An aggrieved party may appeal a decision by the permitting authority regarding the interpretation
or application of the provisions of §§ 51.001et seq.
(b) Appeals shall be reviewed and determined by the city’s Board of Adjustment and Appeals.
(2) Variance procedures.
(a) Request for variances to the provisions of §§ 51.001et seq. shall be reviewed pursuant to the
procedures and standards contained in the zoning code.
(b) No variances with respect to Sections 4.1, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and Sections 16.2(1) through 16.2(4) of
the County Regulations will be considered or granted by the city. The city may grant a variance with
respect to Section 4.8(4)(A) of the County Regulations for replacement MSTS serving existing dwellings or
other establishments.
(Am. Ord. 97-124, passed 11-18-2003; Am. Ord. 08-029, passed 9-21-2010; Am. Ord. 08-159, passed 12-
6-2016)
MUNICIPAL SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
§ 51.020 GENERAL OPERATION.
The municipal sanitary sewer system shall be operated as a public utility and convenience from which
revenues will be derived, subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(1997 Code, § 705.01)
§ 51.021 DEFINITIONS.
Unless specifically defined within §§ 51.020et seq., common definitions, words, and phrases used in §§
51.020 et seq. shall be interpreted so as to give them the same meaning throughout this code, and are found
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in § 11.01.
(1997 Code, § 705.02)
§ 51.022 CONNECTIONS WITH SEWER REQUIRED.
(A) Any building used for human habitation or in which a toilet or other plumbing facility for the
disposal of human waste is installed and located on property adjacent to a sewer main, or in a platted block
through which the system extends, shall be connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system within 2 years
from the date on which a connection is available to the building.
(B) All buildings subsequently constructed within the city on property adjacent to a sewer main or in a
platted block through which the municipal sanitary sewer system extends, shall be provided with a
connection to the sewer system for the disposal of all human waste.
(1997 Code, § 705.03) (Am. Ord. 08-139, passed 6-21-2016) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.023 SUPERVISION OF SEWER CONNECTIONS.
(A) The Building Official shall supervise all sewer connections made to the municipal sanitary sewer
system and excavations for installing or repairing the connections.
(B) All sewer installers shall verify the location and elevation of a sewer connection stub by securing a
written statement from the City Engineer before proceeding with the installation of the sewer house
connection.
(C) The City Engineer shall not deviate from the planned location without written permission from the
Council.
(1997 Code, § 705.04) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.024 PERMITS.
(A) Persons desiring a connection to the municipal sanitary sewer system shall apply to the city for a
permit. The application shall be made on forms furnished by the Administrator and shall be accompanied
by plans, specifications, and other information required by the Building Official, together with a permit fee
as set forth from time to time by resolution of the Council. When reinspection is necessary, a fee as set
forth from time to time by resolution of the Council for the reinspection shall be paid. All costs and
expenses incident to the installation and connection shall be borne by the owner, and the owner shall
indemnify the city for any loss or damage that may, directly or indirectly, be occasioned by the installation
of the sewer connection, including restoring streets and street surfaces.
(B) Permits for connections will be issued only to the property owner or to a person duly licensed to
make the connection under the provisions of this chapter.
(1997 Code, § 705.05) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.025 CONNECTION CHARGE.
(A) A connection charge as determined by resolution of the Council and the permit fee as set forth from
time to time by resolution of the Council shall be paid at the time of making application for a connection to
the municipal sanitary sewer system.
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(B) Before a permit shall be issued, the following conditions shall be complied with.
(1) Permit requirements. No permit shall be issued to connect any lot or tract of land with the
municipal sanitary sewer system of the city, either directly or indirectly, unless it shall be determined that:
(a) The lot or tract of land to be served by the connection has been assessed for the cost of
construction of the sanitary sewer main with which the connection is made;
(b) If no assessment has been levied for the construction cost, the proceedings for levying the
assessment have been or will be commenced and completed in due course; or
(c) If no assessment has been levied, and no assessment proceedings will be completed in due
course, a sum equal to the portion of cost of construction of the sanitary sewer main which would be
assessable against the lot or tract has been paid to the city.
(2) Additional connection fee.
(a) If none of the above conditions are met, no permit to connect to any sanitary sewer main shall be
issued unless the applicant shall pay an additional connection fee which shall be equal to the portion of the
cost of construction of the sanitary sewer main which would be assessable against the lot or tract to be
served by the connection.
(b) The assessable cost is to be determined by the Administrator upon the same basis as any
assessment previously levied against other property for the main.
(c) If no assessment has been levied, the assessable cost will be determined upon the basis of the
uniform charge which may have been or which shall be charged for similar connection with the sanitary
sewer main, determined on the basis of the total assessable cost of the main, allocated on a frontage basis,
acreage basis, or both.
(1997 Code, § 705.06) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.026 TYPES OF WASTES PROHIBITED.
(A) Unlawful discharges. It is unlawful to discharge any of the following described waters or wastes
into the municipal sanitary sewer system:
(1) Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 150°F;
(2) Any water or waste containing more than 100 parts per million by weight of fat, oil, or grease;
(3) Any liquids, solids, or gases which by reason of their nature or quantity are, or may be, sufficient
either alone or by interaction with other substances to cause fire or explosion or be injurious in any other
way to the waste water disposal system or to the operation of the system. Prohibited materials include, but
are not limited to, gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethers, alcohols, ketones,
aldehydes, peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, bromates, carbides, hydrides, and sulfides;
(4) Any waste water having a pH of less than 5.0 or greater than 9.5 or having any other corrosive
property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment, and personnel of the waste water
disposal system;
(5) Any waste water containing toxic pollutants, including pesticides and herbicides, in sufficient
quantity, either single or by interaction with other pollutants, to inhibit or disrupt any waste water treatment
process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, or create a toxic effect in the receiving waters of the
waste water disposal system. A toxic pollutant shall include but not be limited to any pollutant identified
pursuant to § 307(a) of the Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended;
(6) Any garbage that has not been properly shredded;
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(7) Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, plastics, wood, manure,
or any other solid or viscous substances capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers or other
interference with the proper operation of the sewage system;
(8) Any waters or wastes containing suspended solids of a character and quantity that unusual attention
or expense is required to handle the materials at the sewage treatment plant;
(9) Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable of creating a public nuisance; and/or
(10) Grease, oil, and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the Building Official,
they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, or any
inflammable wastes, sand, or other harmful ingredients; except that the interceptors shall not be required for
private dwelling units which discharge only normal wastes. Grease and oil interceptors shall be of
substantial construction, watertight, and equipped with easily removable covers, which, when bolted in
place, shall be gastight and watertight. All grease, oil, and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the
owner, at owner's expense, and in continuously efficient operation at all times.
(B) Substances prohibited.
(1) No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged directly or indirectly the following described
substances to any public sewers unless, in the opinion of the city, the discharge will not harm the municipal
sanitary sewer system facilities, nor cause obstruction to free flow in sewers, nor otherwise endanger life,
limb, or public property, nor constitute a nuisance. In forming its opinion as to the acceptability of the
wastes, the city may give consideration to the factors as the materials or construction of the sewers, nature
of the sewage treatment process, capacity of the municipal sanitary sewer system facilities, the city's
S.D.S./N.P.D.E.S. permit and other pertinent factors. City may make the determination either on a general
basis or as a discharges from individual users or specific discharges, and may prohibit certain discharges
from individual users because of unusual concentrations or combinations which may occur.
(2) The substances prohibited are:
(a) Any water or wastes containing strong acid, iron and pickling wastes, or concentrated plating
solutions, whether neutralized or not;
(b) Any water or wastes containing phenols or other taste or odor-producing substances which
constitute a nuisance or hazard to the structures, equipment, or personnel of the sewage works, or which
interfere with the treatment required to meet the requirements of the state or federal government, or any
other public agency with proper authority to regulate the discharge from the sewage treatment plant; and
(c) Any radioactive wastes or isotopes of the half-life or concentration that they are not in
compliance with regulations issued by the appropriate authority having control over their use or may cause
damage or hazards to the treatment works or personnel operating it.
(C) Water runoff discharge prohibited. It shall be unlawful to discharge or cause to be discharged into
the municipal sanitary sewer system, either directly or indirectly, any roof, storm, surface or ground water
of any type or kind, or water discharged from any air conditioning unit or system.
(1997 Code, § 705.08) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.027 PRETREATMENT, CONTROL, AND REFUSAL OF EXTRAORDINARY WASTES.
(A) Generally.
(1) If any water or wastes are discharged, or are proposed to be discharged directly or indirectly to the
public sewers, which water or wastes do not meet the standards set out in or promulgated under this section,
or which in the judgment of the city may have a deleterious effect upon the treatment facilities, processes,
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equipment, and soil, vegetation, and ground water or which otherwise create a hazard to life, or constitute a
public nuisance, the city may take all or any of the following steps:
(a) Refuse to accept the discharges;
(b) Require control over the quantities and rates of discharge;
(c) Require pretreatment to an acceptable condition for the discharge to the public sewers; and/or
(d) Require payment to cover the added cost of handling or treating the wastes.
(2) The design and installation of plant or equipment for pretreatment or equalization of flows shall be
subject to the review and approval of the city, and subject to the requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 403, as it may
be amended from time to time, entitled "Pretreatment Standards," and the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency.
(B) Operation and maintenance; preliminary treatment. Where preliminary treatment, flow
equalization, or interceptors are required for any water or waste, they shall be effectively operated and
maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective condition by the owner at owner's expense and shall
be available for inspection by the city at all reasonable times.
(C) Control; observation devices.
(1) When required by the city, the owner of any property services by a building sewer carrying
industrial wastes shall install a suitable control structure together with the necessary meters and other
appurtenances in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling, and measurement of the wastes.
(2) The structure and equipment, when required, shall be constructed at the owner's expense in
accordance with plans approved by the city and shall be maintained by the owner so as to be safe and
accessible at all times.
(D) Sampling. All measurements, tests, and analysis of the characteristics of water and waste to which
reference is made in this section shall be determined in accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 136, as it may be
amended from time to time, "Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants"; the
latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water and shall be determined
at the control structure provided, or upon suitable samples taken at the control structure. If no special
structure has been required, the control structure shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole
in the public sewer from the point at which the building sewer is connected. Sampling shall be carried out
by customarily accepted methods to reflect the effluent constituents and their effect upon the treatment
works and to determine the existence of hazards to life, health, and property. Sampling methods location,
times, durations, and frequencies are to be determined on an individual basis subject to approval by the city.
(E) Proof of compliance. The owner of any property serviced by a building sewer carrying industrial
wastes shall, at the discretion of the city, be required to provide laboratory measurements, tests, and
analysis of waters or wastes to illustrate compliance with §§ 51.020et seq. and any special condition for
discharge established by the city or regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the discharge. The
number, type, and frequency of sampling and laboratory analysis to be performed by the owner shall be as
stipulated by the city. The industry must supply a complete analysis of the constituents of the waste water
discharge to assure that compliance with the federal, state, and local standards are being met. The owner
shall bear the expense of all measurements, analysis, and reporting required by the city. At the times as
deemed necessary, the city reserves the right to take measurements and samples for analysis by an outside
laboratory.
(F) New connections; sufficient capacity. New connections to the sanitary sewer system shall be
prohibited unless sufficient flow capacity is available in all downstream facilities.
(G) Special considerations. No statement contained in §§ 51.020et seq. shall be construed as preventing
any special agreement or arrangement between the city and any industrial concern where an industrial
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waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the city for treatment, subject to payment for the
special agreement/arrangement by the industrial concern, providing that National Categorical Pretreatment
Standards and the city's N.P.D.E.S. and/or state disposal system permit limitations are not violated.
(1997 Code, § 705.09) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.028 TAMPERING WITH MUNICIPAL SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM PROHIBITED.
No person shall maliciously, willfully, or negligently damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with
any part of the municipal sewer system.
(1997 Code, § 705.10) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.029 ENTRY UPON PRIVATE PROPERTY.
The Building Official, bearing proper credentials and identification, shall at reasonable times be permitted
to enter upon all properties connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system for the purpose of inspection,
observation, measurement, sampling, and testing in connection with the operation of the municipal sanitary
sewer system.
(1997 Code, § 705.11)
§ 51.030 MAINTENANCE OF MUNICIPAL SANITARY SEWER CONNECTIONS.
Each property owner shall be responsible at all times for the maintenance of owner's sewer connection to
the municipal sanitary sewer system, and shall have the obligation to keep the connection in good repair, to
the end that there shall be no interference or obstruction to the sewer system as a whole, nor shall there be
any violation of this chapter, and the laws of the state. The Building Official is authorized to make the
inspections of the sewer connections as the Building Official may deem necessary to accomplish this
purpose, and the property owner shall be responsible for carrying out the instructions as the Building
Official deems necessary to accomplish this purpose.
(1997 Code, § 705.12) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.031 RATES AND CHARGES.
Except as provided in §§ 51.020et seq., the Council shall prescribe by resolution the rates to be charged
for sewer service and the method of billing and payments. Delinquent accounts may be assessed against
the respective property served.
(1997 Code, § 705.13)
§ 51.032 ESTABLISHMENT OF STRENGTH CHARGES.
(A) The Metropolitan Waste Control Commission, a metropolitan commission organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Minnesota (the "Commission"), in order to receive and retain grants in
compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (the "Acts"), as amended
from time to time, and the regulations under the Act, has determined to impose an industrial user sewer
strength charge upon users of the Metropolitan Disposal System (as defined in M.S. § 473.121, Subd. 24, as
it may be amended from time to time) to recover operation and maintenance costs of treatment works
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attributable to the strength of the discharge of industrial waste, the sewer strength charge being in addition
to the charge based upon the volume of discharge. In order for the city to pay the costs based upon strength
of industrial discharge and allocated to it each year by the Commission, it is found, determined, and
declared to be necessary to establish sewer strength charges and a formula for the computation of the
charges for all industrial users receiving waste treatment services within or served by the city. Furthermore,
M.S. § 444.075, Subd. 3, as it may be amended from time to time, empowers the city to make the sewer
charge a charge against the owner, lessee, occupant, or all of them and certify unpaid charges to the county
auditor as a tax lien against the property served.
(B) For the purpose of paying the costs allocated to the city each year by the Metropolitan Waste Control
Commission that are based on the strength of discharge of all industrial users receiving waste treatment
service within or served by the city, in addition to sewer charge based on volume of discharge, a sewer
charge upon each person, company, or corporation receiving waste treatment services within or served by
the city, based upon strength of industrial waste discharged into the sewer system of the city, the charges
referred to as "strength charge."
(1) Establishment of strength charge formula. For the purpose of computation of the strength charge
established by this section, there is established, approved, and adopted the same strength charge formula
designated in Resolution No. 76-172 adopted by the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission on 6-15-
1976, a formula based upon pollution qualities and difficulty of disposal of the sewage produced through an
evaluation of pollution qualities and quantities in excess of an annual average base and the proportionate
costs of operation and maintenance of waste treatment service provided by the commission.
(2) Strength charge payment. The strength charge established by this section shall be paid by each
industrial user receiving waste treatment services and subject to the charge before the twentieth day next
succeeding the date of billing of the charge to the user by or on behalf of the city. The payment of the
charge shall be deemed to be delinquent if not paid to the billing entity before the date. If the payment is
not paid before the date an industrial user shall pay interest compounded monthly at the rate of 2/3 of 1%
per month on the unpaid balance due.
(3) Establishment of tax lien.
(a) As provided by M.S. § 444.075, Subd. 3, as it may be amended from time to time, if payment of
the strength charge established by this section is not paid before the sixtieth day next succeeding the date of
billing of the charge to the industrial user by or on behalf of the city, the delinquent sewer strength charge,
plus accrued interest, shall be deemed to be a charge against the property served, and the city or its agent
shall certify the unpaid delinquent balance to the collection as other taxes are collected.
(b) The certification shall not preclude the city or its agent from recovery of the delinquent sewer
strength charge and interest on the charge under any other available remedy.
(1997 Code, § 705.14)
COMMUNITY SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM SERVICE CHARGE
§ 51.045 INTENT AND PURPOSE.
Sections 51.045et seq. is adopted for the purpose of:
(A) Setting forth the requirements for accruing revenues to enable the city to comply with the state and
federal laws and to provide sufficient revenues to financially balance expenditures for the administration of
those waste water systems within the city constructed with federal and state grant funds; and
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(B) Charging those users of the waste water utilities within the city, which are constructed with federal
and state grant funds, for the operation, maintenance, and replacement costs in proportion to use.
(1997 Code, § 710.02)
§ 51.046 REGULATIONS.
(A) The city has established a waste water service charge system whereby revenues collected from users
of the waste water treatment facilities will be used to offset all expenditures incurred for administration,
annual operation and maintenance, and equipment replacement.
(B) (1) A passive maintenance program shall be required of all those properties utilizing individual
onsite sewage treatment systems while all properties connected to community collection and treatment
systems, cluster system, or individual off-site treatment systems shall be on the active maintenance
program.
(2) For those properties on the passive maintenance program, the property owner shall be responsible
for the cost of operating, maintaining, and replacing owner's system. This will include arranging for all
repairs and maintenance to septic tanks, pipes, pumps, controls, drain fields, as well as septic tank
pumping. The property owner shall report all problems and the steps taken to alleviate the problems to the
City Administrator. The city will supply inspection cards to the pumpers within the city. When a septic
tank is pumped, the tank will also be inspected by the pumper and the signed inspection card returned to the
city. The city shall, at regular intervals, and at least biennially, determine which septic tanks have not been
inspected and/or pumped. If owners on passive maintenance fail to pump their septic tanks or to return the
inspection card, the city will, at its option, inspect the system and perform the required maintenance. All
costs of the inspection and maintenance shall be charged to the property owner.
(3) For those properties on the active maintenance program, the city shall be responsible for operating,
maintaining, and replacing the collection and final treatment and disposal system. The city shall arrange
for all repairs and maintenance on sewers, lift stations, controls, and drain fields. The property owner shall
be responsible for all repairs and maintenance to septic tanks, including septic tank pumping, and to all
individual pump stations and sewer pipes up to the collector sewer or final treatment and disposal system.
Unless otherwise prescribed, city ownership and the city's responsibility for conducting operation,
maintenance, and replacement shall begin at the property line.
(4) If owners on active maintenance fail to pump their septic tanks or to return the inspection card, the
city will, at its option, inspect the system and perform the required maintenance. All costs of the inspection
and maintenance shall be charged to the property owner. Property owners shall report all problems to the
City Administrator who will determine responsibility for their correction. Damages caused by the abuse of
the system by the property owner will be repaired by the city and assessed against the property owner.
(5) When it has been determined that maintenance and replacement is necessary on an individual or
community sewage treatment system (apart from septic tank pumping addressed above), the maintenance
and replacement shall be accomplished in a manner acceptable to the city. Replacement parts, equipment,
and appurtenances shall be of a design and quality acceptable to the city and shall be installed in a manner
acceptable to the city and in conformance with requirements of State of Minnesota Rule 7080, "Individual
Sewage Treatment Systems," as it may be amended from time to time. In the absence of code provisions or
in the amplification of code provisions, materials and procedures shall be as set forth in appropriate
specifications of the A.S.T.M., and W.P.C.F. Manual of Practice No. 9. Replacement effected on individual
systems shall be reported to the sewer authority.
(C) Community sewage treatment system service charges will be established based on equivalent
residential units (E.R.U.). One E.R.U. is defined as a unit of waste water volume of 250 gallons per day
with a theoretical waste strength of 250 mg/l of B.O.D. and 300 mg/l of total suspended solids. The
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assignment of E.R.U.s will be made by the City Administrator in accordance with Tables I and II of
Appendix A.
(D) In accordance with federal and state requirements, each user will be notified annually at the
beginning of each calendar year of the user charge rates attributable to waste water treatment services.
(E) In accordance with federal and state requirements, the city will be responsible for maintaining all
records necessary to document compliance with the waste water service charge system adopted.
(1997 Code, § 710.05) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 51.047 DETERMINATION OF COMMUNITY SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM SERVICE
CHARGE.
(A) Intent.
(1) It is the intent of §§ 51.045et seq. that the user charges shall cover the costs of operating and
maintaining the waste water systems, and that costs are recovered from all users in a proportionate manner.
The City Administrator shall maintain a proper system of accounts suitable for determining the operation
and maintenance, equipment replacement, and debt retirement costs of the collection and treatment
facilities.
(2) These costs shall be reviewed at regular annual intervals. The city shall determine whether or not
sufficient revenue is being generated for the effective operation and maintenance and management of the
waste water system, and that user charges are being distributed proportionately to all users. Any inequities
and/or shortages shall be corrected by adjusting the rates accordingly by Council resolution.
(3) The annual user charge per equivalent residential unit is described as follows.
(a) User charge rate per equivalent residential unit:
(b) Where:
1. Uc = Annual User Charge;
2. Comr = Total Annual OM&R Costs;
3. ERU = Equivalent Residential Unit; and
4. Total ERUs = The total number of ERUs connected to community sewage treatment systems.
(B) Use formula. All users shall be charged in accordance with the methodology described below.
(1) (a) Individual off-site or clustered sewage treatment units:
(b) Where:
1. SCC = Sewer Service Charge;
2. Uc = User charge for operation, maintenance, and replacement;
3. Ac = Administration charge; and
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4. #ERU = Number of ERUs assigned to a particular connection.
(2) (a) Individual on-site sewage treatment units:
(b) Where:
1. SCC = Sewer service charge; and
2. Ac = Administration charge.
(C) Basis for annual user charge. All users of the waste water treatment facilities shall be charged
annually for sewer service based on the number of equivalent residential units assigned to each and based
on whether the unit is seasonal or year-round.
(D) Additional requirements.
(1) If a user discharges toxic pollutants or wastes of unusual strength of character to the treatment
facilities which cause or increase the operation and maintenance costs, the user shall be ordered either to
install pretreatment facilities or pay for the extra costs of treating the wastes.
(2) This decision will be made by the City Administrator at the time the user begins to discharge extra
strength wastes.
(1997 Code, § 710.06)
§ 51.048 DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS; REVOCATION.
(A) Delinquent accounts. Any bill not paid for 4 weeks after date of billing shall be declared delinquent
and a past-due notice shall be issued to the billed party. The past-due notice shall contain an additional
charge to cover the costs of the rebilling. Additional delinquent notices including their respective charges
shall be sent at 8 and 12 weeks after the billing date. Should a bill still be delinquent after 120 days, the
city may elect to take the following actions.
(1) Tax. Whenever waste water service charge bills become delinquent, the amount due shall be
certified to the City Auditor for inclusion with the following year's tax statement.
(2) Lien. Whenever waste water treatment bills become delinquent, the same shall become and
constitute a lien upon the real estate to which the sewer service is supplied. Statements rendered for the
charge shall be deemed notice to all parties, whether or not the person charged with the statement is the
owner of the property served. The claim for lien shall be made in the form of a sworn statement setting
forth:
(a) A description of the real estate, sufficient for the identification of the real estate, upon or for
which the sewage service was supplied;
(b) The amount of money due for the sewage service; and
(c) The date or dates when the amount or amounts became delinquent. If all amounts shown due
remain unpaid after recording as provided by state statutes, the city may foreclose the lien in the same
manner and with the same effect as in the foreclosure of mortgages on real estate.
(3) Civil action.
(a) In the alternative of levying a lien, the city may, at its discretion, file suit in a civil action to
collect the amounts as are delinquent and due against the occupant or user of the real estate and shall
collect, as well, all attorney's fees incurred by the city in filing the civil action.
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(b) The attorney's fees shall be fixed by order of the court.
(B) Delinquent account penalties. In addition to all penalties and costs attributable and chargeable to
recording notices of the lien or filing a civil action, the owner or user of the real estate being served by the
treatment works shall be liable for interest upon all unpaid balances at the rate of 12% per annum.
(C) Revocation. The city reserves the right to revoke discharge permits and to disconnect service to any
user whenever waste water treatment becomes delinquent.
(1997 Code, § 710.07)
§ 51.049 COMMUNITY SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM SERVICE FUND.
(A) Purpose.
(1) The city, by §§ 51.045et seq., establishes a "Sewer Service Fund" as an income fund to receive all
revenues generated by the sewer service charge system, and all other income dedicated to the operation,
maintenance, replacement, and construction of the waste water treatment works, including taxes, special
charges, fees, and assessments intended to retire construction debt.
(2) The city also establishes the following accounts as income and expenditure accounts within the
Sewer Service Fund:
(a) Operation and Maintenance Account;
(b) Equipment Replacement Account; and
(c) Debt Retirement Account.
(B) Management of funds.
(1) All revenue generated by the sewer service charge system, and all other income pertinent to the
treatment system, including taxes and special assessments dedicated to retire construction debt, shall be
held by the Clerk separate and apart from all other funds of the city.
(2) Funds received by the Sewer Service Fund shall be transferred to the Operation and Maintenance
Account, the Equipment Replacement Account, and the Debt Retirement Account in accordance with state
and federal regulations and the provisions of §§ 51.045et seq.
(C) Replacement. Revenue generated by the sewer service charge system sufficient to ensure adequate
replacement throughout the design of useful life, whichever is longer, of the waste water facility shall be
held separate and apart in the Equipment Replacement Account and dedicated to effecting replacement
costs. Interest income generated by the Equipment Replacement Account shall remain in the Equipment
Replacement Account.
(D) Operation and maintenance. Revenue generated by the sewer service charge system sufficient for
operation and maintenance shall be held separate and apart in the Operation and Maintenance Account.
(1997 Code, § 710.08)
ALTERNATIVE WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS; WETLAND TREATMENT
SYSTEMS
§ 51.065 INTENT AND PURPOSE.
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(A) Health, safety, and welfare. The purpose of §§ 51.065et seq. is to protect the health, safety, and
welfare of the residents of the community, present and future.
(B) Contamination of surface/ground water. The purpose of §§ 51.065et seq. is to regulate the location,
design, installation, use, and maintenance of alternative waste disposal systems so as to prevent the
contamination of the surface and ground water within the community.
(C) Contamination of private water supply wells. The intent of §§ 51.065et seq. is to protect the
individual water supply wells of the community from contamination by inadequate, improperly designed,
located, installed, or maintained individual and community sewage treatment systems.
(D) Open space development. The intent of §§ 51.065et seq. is to allow subsurface flow "wetland
treatment" systems to be an allowed alternative system within cluster developments.
(1997 Code, § 720.02)
§ 51.066 RULES.
(A) Specifications which apply. Lake Elmo Municipal Code §§ 51.001et seq. shall apply, except as
provided below: § 51.003(B)(1). Each dwelling shall have its own sewage tank and a stilling tank shall be
installed before the first cell.
(B) Location of systems.
(1) Setbacks.
(a) All components of a wetland treatment system within a new residential or commercial
development, including stilling tanks, pump stations, and treatment cells, shall be located a minimum of
100 feet from any property line, and 200 feet from any existing or proposed home. Stilling tanks may
however be located 50 feet from a street right-of-way.
(b) Wetland treatment systems used to replace failed septic systems shall have setbacks considered
reasonable for the site and the neighboring properties.
(2) Ground water. Treatment cells shall have a minimum of 3 feet between the bottom of the cell and
the ground water table. Drain tile or French drains shall not be used to artificially lower the ground water
table.
(C) System design.
(1) Designer. Wetland treatment systems shall be designed by a registered professional engineer with
experience and specific training in the design of these types of systems.
(2) Design flow. Wetland treatment systems shall be sized based on a minimum of 50 gallons per day
per person.
(3) Level of treatment.
(a) Wetland treatment systems shall be designed to remove total suspended solids (T.S.S.),
phosphorous (P.), total nitrogen (T.N.), and fecal coliforms (F.C.), and reduce the 5-day carbonaceous
biochemical oxygen demand (C.B.O.D.5). Calculations showing the design level of treatment shall be
submitted.
(b) Prior to discharge into the infiltration cell, the following discharge limits shall be met:
1. C.B.O.D.5 - 50 mg/l;
2. T.S.S. - 20 mg/l;
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3. T.N. - 15 mg/l;
4. N.H.4 - 10 mg/l;
5. T.P. - 5 mg/l; and
6. F.C. - 200 mg/l.
(c) One foot below the infiltration cell, the following discharge limits shall be met:
1. C.B.O.D.5 - 0 mg/l;
2. T.S.S. - 0 mg/l;
3. T.N. - 5 mg/l;
4. N.H.4 - 1 mg/l;
5. T.P. - 1 mg/l; and
6. F.C. - 10 mg/l.
(4)Inspection points. Inspection and monitoring ports shall be located within the system so that the
water level can be determined, and a water sample can be easily taken in each treatment cell, and 1 foot
below the infiltration cell.
(5)Operating plan. An operating plan shall be developed by the designer. This plan shall include
standard operating procedures and maintenance of the system.
(6)Monitoring plan.
(a) Systems designed for greater than 1,500 gallons per day shall have a monitoring plan developed
by the designer. It shall include monitoring of sludge and scum levels in the septic tanks and pumping
stations, effluent flow into the system. Water quality exiting the first treatment cell shall be monitored to
ensure that it meets the design level of treatment. Monitoring 1 foot below the second treatment cell shall
be done to ensure that it meets the design level of treatment. Monitoring shall be conducted annually.
(b) The city shall be sent a copy of all test results.
(7)Mitigation plan. The system designer shall develop a plan to follow in case expansion or
abandonment of the system is necessary.
(8)City review. The city shall review and approve all parts of the system design and associated plans
prior to any construction taking place. Once approval of the system is given, a permit shall be issued by the
city.
(D)Construction.
(1)Sanitary sewers. All sanitary sewers shall be constructed and tested in accordance with the City
Engineers Association of Minnesota Standards for Utility Construction.
(2)Treatment cells; testing.
(a) Liners of treatment cells shall be visually inspected for tears, holes, or poor seams prior to
placing rock. A leak test shall be performed after the rock is in placed. The liner shall be uncovered,
repaired, and the test rerun if any leaks show up during this testing.
(b) A city representative shall be present for all treatment cell testing.
(3)Turf establishment; plant growth.
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(a) The designer shall prepare a vegetation plan to establish a wetland community over the treatment
cells.
(b) Prior to final acceptance, wetland plants shall display vigorous growth, and turf shall be
established outside of the treatment cell area.
(c) No erosion shall be present on the site.
(4)Certification. The system designer shall certify in writing to the city that the treatment system has
been constructed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, and that all test requirements
have been met. This certification must be received before start-up of the system.
(1997 Code, § 720.03) Penalty, see § 10.99
38
Appendix C Agreement with Lake
Olson for Subsurface Sewage
Treatment System
39
40
41
42
43
44
Appendix D Lake
Elmo Oakdale
Sanitary Sewer
Service Agreement
45
46
47
1
Draft Chapter 10: Water Supply Plan
Local Water Supply Plan Template
Third Generation for 2016 -2018
Revised April 10, 2017
Formerly called Water Emergency & Water Conservation Plan
2
Cover photo by Molly Shodeen
For more information on this Water Supply Plan Template, please contact the DNR Division of Ecological
and Water Resources at (651) 259-5034 or (651) 259-5100.
Copyright 2015 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources
This information is available in an alternative format upon request.
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources is available to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex,
marital status, public assistance status, age, sexual orientation, disability or activity on behalf of a local
human rights commission. Discrimination inquiries should be sent to Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette
Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4049; or the Equal Opportunity Office, Department of the Interior,
Washington, DC 20240.
3
Table of contents
INTRODUCTION TO WATER SUPPLY PLANS (WSP) ............................................................. 6
Who needs to complete a Water Supply Plan ......................................................................... 6
Groundwater Management Areas (GWMA) ............................................................................ 6
Benefits of completing a WSP ................................................................................................ 6
WSP Approval Process .......................................................................................................... 7
PART 1. WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION ................................ 9
A. Analysis of Water Demand .............................................................................................. 9
B. Treatment and Storage Capacity ....................................................................................11
Treatment and storage capacity versus demand ........................................................................... 12
C. Water Sources ................................................................................................................12
Limits on Emergency Interconnections .......................................................................................... 12
D. Future Demand Projections – Key Metropolitan Council Benchmark ..............................13
Water Use Trends ........................................................................................................................... 13
Projection Method .......................................................................................................................... 14
E. Resource Sustainability ..................................................................................................14
Monitoring – Key DNR Benchmark ................................................................................................. 14
Water Level Data ............................................................................................................................ 15
Potential Water Supply Issues & Natural Resource Impacts – Key DNR & Metropolitan Council
Benchmark ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Wellhead Protection (WHP) and Source Water Protection (SWP) Plans ....................................... 21
F. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) .....................................................................................22
Adequacy of Water Supply System ................................................................................................. 22
Proposed Future Water Sources ..................................................................................................... 23
Water Source Alternatives - Key Metropolitan Council Benchmark .............................................. 23
PART 2. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROCEDURES .....................................................24
A. Emergency Response Plan ............................................................................................24
B. Operational Contingency Plan ........................................................................................24
C. Emergency Response Procedures .................................................................................24
4
Emergency Telephone List .............................................................................................................. 25
Current Water Sources and Service Area ....................................................................................... 25
Procedure for Augmenting Water Supplies .................................................................................... 25
Allocation and Demand Reduction Procedures .............................................................................. 26
Notification Procedures .................................................................................................................. 28
Enforcement ................................................................................................................................... 29
PART 3. WATER CONSERVATION PLAN ...............................................................................30
Progress since 2006 ..............................................................................................................30
A. Triggers for Allocation and Demand Reduction Actions ..................................................31
B. Conservation Objectives and Strategies – Key benchmark for DNR ...............................32
Objective 1: Reduce Unaccounted (Non-Revenue) Water loss to Less than 10% .......................... 32
Objective 2: Achieve Less than 75 Residential Gallons per Capita Demand (GPCD) ...................... 34
Objective 3: Achieve at least 1.5% annual reduction in non-residential per capita water use ...... 35
Objective 4: Achieve a Decreasing Trend in Total Per Capita Demand .......................................... 36
Objective 5: Reduce Ratio of Maximum day to the Average Day Demand to Less Than 2.6 ......... 36
Objective 6: Implement Demand Reduction Measures ................................................................. 37
Objective 7: Additional strategies to Reduce Water Use and Support Wellhead Protection
Planning .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Objective 8: Tracking Success: How will you track or measure success through the next ten
years? .............................................................................................................................................. 39
C. Regulation ......................................................................................................................40
D. Retrofitting Programs ......................................................................................................41
Retrofitting Programs ..................................................................................................................... 41
E. Education and Information Programs .............................................................................42
Proposed Education Programs ....................................................................................................... 42
PART 4. ITEMS FOR METROPOLITAN AREA COMMUNITIES ..............................................45
A. Water Demand Projections through 2040 .......................................................................45
B. Potential Water Supply Issues ........................................................................................45
5
C. Proposed Alternative Approaches to Meet Extended Water Demand Projections ...........45
D. Value-Added Water Supply Planning Efforts (Optional) ..................................................46
Source Water Protection Strategies ............................................................................................... 46
Technical assistance........................................................................................................................ 46
GLOSSARY ..............................................................................................................................47
Acronyms and Initialisms .......................................................................................................49
APPENDICES TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE WATER SUPPLIER ............................................49
Appendix 1: Well records and maintenance summaries .......................................................49
Appendix 2: Water level monitoring plan ...............................................................................49
Appendix 3: Water level graphs for each water supply well ...................................................49
Appendix 4: Capital Improvement Plan ..................................................................................49
Appendix 5: Emergency Telephone List ...............................................................................49
Appendix 6: Cooperative Agreements for Emergency Services ............................................49
Appendix 7: Municipal Critical Water Deficiency Ordinance ...................................................49
Appendix 8: Graph of Ten Years of Annual Per Capita Water Demand for Each Customer
Category ................................................................................................................................49
Appendix 9: Water Rate Structure ........................................................................................49
Appendix 10: Ordinances or Regulations Related to Water Use ............................................49
Appendix 11: Implementation Checklist ................................................................................49
Appendix 12: Sources of Information for Table 10 ................................................................49
6
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES – DIVISION OF ECOLOGICAL AND
WATER RESOURCES AND METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
INTRODUCTION TO WATER SUPPLY PLANS (WSP)
Who needs to complete a Water Supply Plan
Public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people, large private water suppliers in designated
Groundwater Management Areas, and all water suppliers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area are
required to prepare and submit a water supply plan.
The goal of the WSP is to help water suppliers: 1) implement long term water sustainability and
conservation measures; and 2) develop critical emergency preparedness measures. Your community
needs to know what measures will be implemented in case of a water crisis. A lot of emergencies can be
avoided or mitigated if long term sustainability measures are implemented.
Groundwater Management Areas (GWMA)
The DNR has designated three areas of the state as Groundwater Management Areas (GWMAs) to focus
groundwater management efforts in specific geographies where there is an added risk of overuse or
water quality degradation. A plan directing the DNRs actions within each GWMA has been prepared.
Although there are no specific additional requirements with respect to the water supply planning for
communities within designated GWMAs, communities should be aware of the issues and actions
planned if they are within the boundary of one of the GWMAs. The three GWMAs are the North and
East Metro GWMA (Twin Cities Metro), the Bonanza Valley GWMA and the Straight River GWMA (near
Park Rapids). Additional information and maps are included in the DNR Groundwater Management
Areas webpage.
Benefits of completing a WSP
Completing a WSP using this template, fulfills a water supplier’s statutory obligations under M.S.
M.S.103G.291 to complete a water supply plan. For water suppliers in the metropolitan area, the WSP
will help local governmental units to fulfill their requirements under M.S. 473.859 to complete a local
comprehensive plan. Additional benefits of completing WSP template:
The standardized format allows for quicker and easier review and approval
Help water suppliers prepare for droughts and water emergencies.
Create eligibility for funding requests to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for the
Drinking Water Revolving Fund.
Allow water suppliers to submit requests for new wells or expanded capacity of existing wells.
Simplify the development of county comprehensive water plans and watershed plans.
Fulfill the contingency plan provisions required in the MDH wellhead protection and surface
water protection plans.
Fulfill the demand reduction requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.291 subd 3
and 4.
7
Upon implementation, contribute to maintaining aquifer levels, reducing potential well
interference and water use conflicts, and reducing the need to drill new wells or expand
system capacity.
Enable DNR to compile and analyze water use and conservation data to help guide decisions.
Conserve Minnesota’s water resources
If your community needs assistance completing the Water Supply Plan, assistance is available from your
area hydrologist or groundwater specialist, the MN Rural Waters Association circuit rider program, or in
the metropolitan area from Metropolitan Council staff. Many private consultants are also available.
WSP Approval Process
10 Basic Steps for completing a 10-Year Water Supply Plan
1. Download the DNR/Metropolitan Council Water Supply Plan Template from the DNR Water
Supply Plan webpage.
2. Save the document with a file name with this naming convention:
WSP_cityname_permitnumber_date.doc.
3. The template is a form that should be completed electronically.
4. Compile the required water use data (Part 1) and emergency procedures information (Part 2)
5. The Water Conservation section (Part 3) may need discussion with the water department,
council, or planning commission, if your community does not already have an active water
conservation program.
6. Communities in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area should complete all the
information discussed in Part 4. The Metropolitan Council has additional guidance information
on their Water Supply webpage. All out-state water suppliers do not need to complete the
content addressed in Part 4.
7. Use the Plan instructions and Checklist document from the DNR Water Supply Plan webpage to
insure all data is complete and attachments are included. This will allow for a quicker approval
process.
8. Plans should be submitted electronically using the MPARS website – no paper documents are
required.
9. DNR hydrologist will review plans (in cooperation with Metropolitan Council in Metro area) and
approve the plan or make recommendations.
10. Once approved, communities should complete a Certification of Adoption form, and send a copy
to the DNR.
8
Complete Table 1 with information about the public water supply system covered by this WSP.
Table 1. General information regarding this WSP
Requested Information Description
DNR Water Appropriation Permit Number(s) 611031
Ownership ☒ Public or ☐ Private
Metropolitan Council Area ☒ Yes or ☐ No (and county name) Washington
Street Address 3800 Laverne Ave. N
City, State, Zip Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Contact Person Name Rob Weldon
Title Public Works Director
Phone Number 651-747-3941
MDH Supplier Classification Municipal, Non-municipal transient, non-municipal
non-transient, etc.
9
PART 1. WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION
The first step in any water supply analysis is to assess the current status of demand and availability.
Information summarized in Part 1 can be used to develop Emergency Preparedness Procedures (Part 2)
and the Water Conservation Plan (Part 3). This data is also needed to track progress for water efficiency
measures.
A. Analysis of Water Demand
Complete Table 2 showing the past 10 years of water demand data.
Some of this information may be in your Wellhead Protection Plan.
If you do not have this information, do your best, call your engineer for assistance or if
necessary leave blank.
If your customer categories are different than the ones listed in Table 2, please describe the differences
below:
10
Table 2. Historic water demand (see definitions in the glossary after Part 4 of this template)
Year Pop.
Served
Total
Connections
Residential
Water
Delivered
(MG)
C/I/I
Water
Delivered
(MG)
Water
used for
Non-
essential
Wholesale
Deliveries
(MG)
Total Water
Delivered
(MG)
Total Water
Pumped (MG)
Water
Supplier
Services
Percent Unmetered/
Unaccounted
Average Daily
Demand
(MGD)
Max. Daily
Demand
(MGD)
Date of Max.
Demand
Residential
Per Capita
Demand
(GPCD)
Total per
capita
Demand
(GPCD)
2005 2077 495 46 6 .106 52 56 1 .142 .660 7/17 60 68
2006 2919 651 70 6 .139 76 82 1 .208 .813 7/13 66 71
2007 2980 671 108 9 .756 117 142 1 .321 1 7/26 99 108
2008 3400 868 109 8 .120 117 129 1 .321 1 7/3 89 94
2009 2551 905 103 8 3 114 130 1 .312 .970 7/17 110 122
2010 3153 911 81 7 5 94 103 1 .256 .736 8/29 70 82
2011 3212 932 93 7 3 103 112 1 .282 .876 6/30 79 88
2012 165
2013 3200 1050 94 31 4 125 129 1 .342 1 8/25 80 107
2014 3200 1069 89 22 .635 111 112 1 .304 76 95
2015 3600 1152 84 22 .759 106 110 1 .290 .831 8/3 64 81
Avg.
2010-
2015
3273 1029 88 18 2.68 108 122 1 .295 .861 74 91
MG – Million Gallons MGD – Million Gallons per Day GPCD – Gallons per Capita per Day
See Glossary for definitions. A list of Acronyms and Initialisms can be found after the Glossary.
11
Complete Table 3 by listing the top 10 water users by volume, from largest to smallest. For each user,
include information about the category of use (residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, or
wholesale), the amount of water used in gallons per year, the percent of total water delivered, and the
status of water conservation measures.
Table 3. Large volume users
Customer Use Category
(Residential, Industrial,
Commercial,
Institutional,
Wholesale)
Amount Used
(Gallons per
Year)
Percent of Total
Annual Water
Delivered
Implementing Water
Conservation
Measures?
(Yes/No/Unknown)
1. HOLIDAY INN COMMERCIAL 3,124,000 2.45 UNKNOWN
2. MACHINE SHED COMMERCIAL 1,681,600 1.32 UNKNOWN
3. HIGH POINTE COMMERCIAL 1,193,000 0.94 UNKNOWN
4. LAKE ELMO INN COMMERCIAL 999,998 0.79 UNKNOWN
5. BREMER BANK COMMERCIAL 992,000 0.78 UNKNOWN
6. ROCKPOINT COMMERCIAL 588,000 0.46 UNKNOWN
7. MI HOMES RESIDENTIAL 527,000 0.41 UNKNOWN
8. BARTHELEMY RESIDENTIAL 477,000 0.37 UNKNOWN
9. LAKE ELMO ELEM COMMERCIAL 467,000 0.37 UNKNOWN
10. ELMO INN ENT COMMERCIAL 450,000 0.35 UNKNOWN
B. Treatment and Storage Capacity
Complete Table 4 with a description of where water is treated, the year treatment facilities were
constructed, water treatment capacity, the treatment methods (i.e. chemical addition, reverse osmosis,
coagulation, sedimentation, etc.) and treatment types used (i.e. fluoridation, softening, chlorination,
Fe/MN removal, coagulation, etc.). Also describe the annual amount and method of disposal of
treatment residuals. Add rows to the table as needed.
Table 4. Water treatment capacity and treatment processes
Treatment
Site ID
(Plant
Name or
Well ID)
Year
Constructed
Treatment
Capacity
(GPD)
Treatment
Method
Treatment
Type
Annual
Volume of
Residuals
Disposal
Process
for
Residuals
Do You
Reclaim
Filter
Backwash
Water?
Insert
Facility ID
here
Add rows
as needed
Total NA NA NA NA
Complete Table 5 with information about storage structures. Describe the type (i.e. elevated, ground,
etc.), the storage capacity of each type of structure, the year each structure was constructed, and the
primary material for each structure. Add rows to the table as needed.
12
Table 5. Storage capacity, as of the end of the last calendar year
Structure Name Type of Storage
Structure
Year Constructed Primary Material Storage Capacity
(Gallons)
Water Tower #1 Elevated storage 1962 Steel 75,000
Water Tower #2 Elevated storage 2006 Composite 750,000
Add rows as needed Other -
Total NA NA NA 825,000
Treatment and storage capacity versus demand
It is recommended that total storage equal or exceed the average daily demand.
Discuss the difference between current storage and treatment capacity versus the water supplier’s
projected average water demand over the next 10 years (see Table 7 for projected water demand):
C. Water Sources
Complete Table 6 by listing all types of water sources that supply water to the system, including
groundwater, surface water, interconnections with other water suppliers, or others. Provide the name
of each source (aquifer name, river or lake name, name of interconnecting water supplier) and the
Minnesota unique well number or intake ID, as appropriate. Report the year the source was installed or
established and the current capacity. Provide information about the depth of all wells. Describe the
status of the source (active, inactive, emergency only, retail/wholesale interconnection) and if the
source facilities have a dedicated emergency power source. Add rows to the table as needed for each
installation.
Include copies of well records and maintenance summary for each well that has occurred since your last
approved plan in Appendix 1.
Table 6. Water sources and status
Resource Type
(Groundwater,
Surface water,
Interconnection)
Resource Name MN Unique
Well # or
Intake ID
Year
Installed
Capacity
(Gallons
per
Minute)
Well
Depth
(Feet)
Status of Normal
and Emergency
Operations (active,
inactive,
emergency only,
retail/wholesale
interconnection))
Does this Source
have a Dedicated
Emergency Power
Source? (Yes or
No)
Ground Water Well #1 208448 1962 500 808 Active No
Ground Water Well #2 603085 2001 1000 285 Active No
Ground Water Well #3 655910 1000 Inactive N/A
Ground Water Well #4 767874 2015 1250 290 Active Yes
Interconnect City of Oakdale Hudson Blvd. 1996 607 Retail N/A
Interconnect City of Oakdale Ideal Ave. 1400 Residential/Inactive
Limits on Emergency Interconnections
13
Discuss any limitations on the use of the water sources (e.g. not to be operated simultaneously,
limitations due to blending, aquifer recovery issues etc.) and the use of interconnections, including
capacity limits or timing constraints (i.e. only 200 gallons per minute are available from the City of Prior
Lake, and it is estimated to take 6 hours to establish the emergency connection). If there are no
limitations, list none.
Interconnects with City of Oakdale
Hudson Blvd = 12”
Ideal Ave = 6”
D. Future Demand Projections – Key Metropolitan Council Benchmark
Water Use Trends
Use the data in Table 2 to describe trends in 1) population served; 2) total per capita water demand; 3)
average daily demand; 4) maximum daily demand. Then explain the causes for upward or downward
trends. For example, over the ten years has the average daily demand trended up or down? Why is this
occurring?
Demand and population have increased and will continue to increase due to growth and development.
Use the water use trend information discussed above to complete Table 7 with projected annual
demand for the next ten years. Communities in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area must
also include projections for 2030 and 2040 as part of their local comprehensive planning.
Projected demand should be consistent with trends evident in the historical data in Table 2, as discussed
above. Projected demand should also reflect state demographer population projections and/or other
planning projections.
Table 7. Projected annual water demand [Table to be updated with new projected numbers. TBU=to be updated]
Year Projected
Total
Population
Projected
Population
Served
Projected Total Per
Capita Water Demand
(GPCD)
Projected
Average Daily
Demand
(MGD)
Projected Maximum
Daily Demand (MGD)
2016 8,122 3,960 84 .333 .999
2017 8,872 4,830 74 .359 1
2018 9,622 5,580 74 .414 1.2
2019 10,372 6,330 74 .469 1.4
2020 11,122 7,080 74 .523 1.6
2021 11,872 7,830 74 .580 1.7
2022 12,622 8,580 74 .635 1.9
2023 13,372 9,330 74 .690 2
2024 14,122 10,080 74 .745 2.2
2025 14,452 10,410 74 .770 2.3
2030 18,000 13,860 74 1.045 3.135
2040 23,735 20,649 74 1.595 4.785
GPCD – Gallons per Capita per Day MGD – Million Gallons per Day
14
Projection Method
Describe the method used to project water demand, including assumptions for population and business
growth and how water conservation and efficiency programs affect projected water demand:
Population and peak day water use. Percentage of population served increases by 1% each year. Projected Total Per
Capita Water Demand changed from 2016 to 2017 and remained consistent each year. Projected Average Daily
demand increased from 2017 incrementally by 0.055, and projected Maximum Daily Demand is Projected Average
Daily Demand multiplied by three.
E. Resource Sustainability
Monitoring – Key DNR Benchmark
Complete Table 8 by inserting information about source water quality and quantity monitoring efforts.
The list should include all production wells, observation wells, and source water intakes or reservoirs.
Groundwater level data for DNR’s statewide network of observation wells are available online through
the DNR’s Cooperative Groundwater Monitoring (CGM) webpage.
Table 8. Information about source water quality and quantity monitoring
MN Unique Well #
or Surface Water ID
Type of monitoring
point
Monitoring program Frequency of
monitoring
Monitoring Method
Well #1
208448
☒ production well
☐ observation well
☐ source water
intake
☐ source water
reservoir
☐ routine MDH
sampling
☒ routine water
utility sampling
☐ other
☐ continuous
☐ hourly
☒ daily
☐ monthly
☐ quarterly
☐ annually
☐ SCADA
☐ grab sampling
☒ steel tape
☐ stream gauge
Well #2
603085
☒ production well
☐ observation well
☐ source water
intake
☐ source water
reservoir
☐ routine MDH
sampling
☒ routine water
utility sampling
☐ other
☐ continuous
☐ hourly
☒ daily
☐ monthly
☐ quarterly
☐ annually
☒ SCADA
☐ grab sampling
☐ steel tape
☐ stream gauge
Well #4 ☒ production well
☐ observation well
☐ source water
intake
☐ source water
reservoir
☐ routine MDH
sampling
☒ routine water
utility sampling
☐ other
☐ continuous
☐ hourly
☒ daily
☐ monthly
☐ quarterly
☐ annually
☒ SCADA
☐ grab sampling
☐ steel tape
☐ stream gauge
Add rows to the
table as needed
☐ production well
☐ observation well
☐ source water
intake
☐ source water
reservoir
☐ routine MDH
sampling
☐ routine water
utility sampling
☐ other
☐ continuous
☐ hourly
☐ daily
☐ monthly
☐ quarterly
☐ annually
☐ SCADA
☐ grab sampling
☐ steel tape
☐ stream gauge
15
Water Level Data
A water level monitoring plan that includes monitoring locations and a schedule for water level readings
must be submitted as Appendix 2. If one does not already exist, it needs to be prepared and submitted
with the WSP. Ideally, all production and observation wells are monitored at least monthly.
Complete Table 9 to summarize water level data for each well being monitored. Provide the name of the
aquifer and a brief description of how much water levels vary over the season (the difference between
the highest and lowest water levels measured during the year) and the long-term trends for each well. If
water levels are not measured and recorded on a routine basis, then provide the static water level when
each well was constructed and the most recent water level measured during the same season the well
was constructed. Also include all water level data taken during any well and pump maintenance. Add
rows to the table as needed.
Groundwater hydrographs illustrate the historical record of aquifer water levels measured within a well
and can indicate water level trends over time. For each well in your system, provide a hydrograph for
the life of the well, or for as many years as water levels have been measured. Include the hydrographs in
Appendix 3. An example of a hydrograph can be found on the DNR’s Groundwater Hydrograph
webpage. Hydrographs for DNR Observation wells can be found in the CGM discussed above.
Table 9. Water level data
Unique Well
Number or Well ID
Aquifer Name Seasonal Variation
(Feet)
Long-term Trend in
water level data
Water level
measured during
well/pumping
maintenance
Well #1 208448 Jordan Sandstone
Mt. Simon
☐ Falling
☐ Stable
☐ Rising
MM/DD/YY:____
MM/DD/YY:____
MM/DD/YY:____
Well #2 603085 Prairie du Chien
Jordan
☐ Falling
☐ Stable
☐ Rising
MM/DD/YY:____
MM/DD/YY:____
MM/DD/YY:____
Well #4 767874 Prairie du Chien
Jordan
☐ Falling
☐ Stable
☐ Rising
MM/DD/YY:____
MM/DD/YY:____
MM/DD/YY:____
☐ Falling
☐ Stable
☐ Rising
MM/DD/YY:____
MM/DD/YY:____
MM/DD/YY:____
Potential Water Supply Issues & Natural Resource Impacts – Key DNR & Metropolitan Council
Benchmark
Complete Table 10 by listing the types of natural resources that are or could potentially be impacted by
permitted water withdrawals in the future. You do not need to identify every single water resource in
your entire community. The goal is to help you triage the most important water resources and/or the
water resources that may be impacted by your water supply system – perhaps during a drought or when
the population has grown significantly in ten years. This is emerging science, so do the best you can with
available data. For identified resources, provide the name of specific resources that may be impacted.
16
Identify what the greatest risks to the resource are and how the risks are being assessed. Identify any
resource protection thresholds – formal or informal – that have been established to identify when
actions should be taken to mitigate impacts. Provide information about the potential mitigation actions
that may be taken, if a resource protection threshold is crossed. Add additional rows to the table as
needed. See the glossary at the end of the template for definitions.
Some of this baseline data should have been in your earlier water supply plans or county comprehensive
water plans. When filling out this table, think of what are the water supply risks, identify the resources,
determine the threshold and then determine what your community will do to mitigate the impacts.
Your DNR area hydrologist is available to assist with this table.
For communities in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, the Master Water Supply Plan
Appendix 1 (Water Supply Profiles), provides information about potential water supply issues and
natural resource impacts for your community.
Steps for completing Table 10
1. Identify the potential for natural resource impacts/issues within the community
First, review available information to identify resources that may be impacted by the operation
of your water supply system (such as pumping).
Potential Sources of Information:
County Geologic Atlas
Local studies
Metropolitan Council System Statement (for metro communities)
Metropolitan Council Master Water Supply Plan (for metro communities)
ACTION: Check the resource type(s) that may be impacted in the column “Resource Type”
2. Identify where your water supply system is most likely to impact those resources (and
vice versa).
Potential Sources of Information:
Drinking Water Supply Management Areas
Geologic Atlas - Sensitivity
If no WHPA or other information exists, consider rivers, lakes, wetlands and significant
within 1.5 miles of wells; and calcareous fens and trout streams within 5 miles of wells
ACTION: Focus the rest of your work in these areas.
3. Within focus areas, identify specific features of value to the community
You know your community best. What resources are important to pay attention to? It may be
useful to check in with your community’s planning and zoning staff and others.
Potential Sources of Information:
Park plans
Local studies
17
Natural resource inventories
Tourist attractions/recreational areas/valued community resource
ACTION: Identify specific features that the community prioritizes in the “Resource Name”
column (for example: North Lake, Long River, Brook Trout Stream, or Green Fen). If, based on a
review of available information, no features are likely to be at risk, note “None”.
4. Identify what impact(s) the resource is at risk for
Potential Sources of Information:
Wellhead Protection Plan
Water Appropriation Permit
County Geologic Atlas
MDH or PCA reports of the area
Metropolitan Council System Statement (for metro communities)
Metropolitan Council Master Water Supply Plan (for metro communities)
ACTION: Check the risk type in the column “Risk”. If, based on a review of available information,
no risk is identified, note “None anticipated”.
5. Describe how the risk was assessed
Potential Sources of Information:
Local studies
Monitoring data (community, WMO, DNR, etc.)
Aquifer testing
County Geologic Atlas or other hydrogeologic studies
Regional or state studies, such as DNR’s report ‘Definitions and Thresholds for Negative
Impacts to Surface Waters’
Well boring logs
ACTION: Identify the method(s) used to identify the risk to the resource in the “Risk Assessed
Through” column
6. Describe protection threshold/goals
What is the goal, if any, for protecting these resources? For example, is there a lower limit on
acceptable flow in a river or stream? Water quality outside of an accepted range? A lower limit
on acceptable aquifer level decline at one or more monitoring wells? Withdrawals that exceed
some percent of the total amount available from a source? Or a lower limit on acceptable
changes to a protected habitat?
Potential Sources of Information:
County Comprehensive Water Plans
Watershed Plans or One Watershed/One Plan
Groundwater or Aquifer Plans
Metropolitan Master Plans
DNR Thresholds study
Community parks, open space, and natural resource plans
18
ACTION: Describe resource protection goals in the “Describe Resource Protection Threshold”
column or reference an existing plan/document/webpage
7. If a goal/threshold should trigger action, describe the plan that will be implemented.
Identify specific action, mitigation measures or management plan that the water supplier will
implement, or refer to a partner’s plan that includes actions to be taken.
Potential Sources of Information:
County Comprehensive Water Plans
Watershed Plans or One Watershed/One Plan
Groundwater or Aquifer Plans
Metropolitan Master Plans
Studies such as DNR Thresholds study
ACTION: Describe the mitigation measure or management plan in the “Mitigation Measure or
Management Plan” column.
8. Describe work to evaluate these risks going forward.
For example, what is the plan to regularly check in to stay current on plans or new data?
Identify specific action that the water supplier will take to identify the creation of or change to
goals/thresholds, or refer to a partner’s plan that includes actions to be taken.
Potential Sources of Information:
County Comprehensive Water Plans
Watershed Plans or One Watershed/One Plan
Groundwater or Aquifer Plans
Metropolitan Master Plans
Studies such as DNR Thresholds study
ACTION: Describe what will be done to evaluate risks going forward, including any changes to
goals or protection thresholds in the “Describe how Changes to Goals are monitored” column.
19
Table 10. Natural resource impacts (*List specific resources in Appendix 12)
Resource
Type
Resource
Name
Risk Risk Assessed
Through *
Describe
Resource
Protection
Threshold or
Goal *
Mitigation
Measures or
Management
Plan
Describe How
Thresholds or
Goals are
Monitored
☐ River or
stream
☒ None
anticipated
☐
Flow/water
level decline
☐ Degrading
water quality
trends
☐ Impacts on
endangered,
threatened,
or special
concern
species
habitat
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Geologic
atlas or other
mapping
☐ Modeling
☐ Modeling
☐ Monitoring
☐ Aquifer
testing
☐WRAPS or
other
watershed
report
☐Proximity
(<1.5
miles)
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Not
applicable
☐ Additional
data is
needed to
establish
☐ See report:
___________
☐ No data
available
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Change
groundwater
pumping
☐ Increase
conservation
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Newly
collected data
will be
analyzed
☐ Regular
check-in with
these
partners:
___________
_
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Calcareous
fen
☒ None
anticipated
☐
Flow/water
level decline
☐ Degrading
water quality
trends
☐ Impacts on
endangered,
threatened,
or special
concern
species
habitat
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Geologic
atlas or other
mapping
☐ Modeling
☐ Modeling
☐ Monitoring
☐ Aquifer
testing
☐WRAPS or
other
watershed
Report
☐Proximity
(<5 miles)
☐ Other:
_________
☐ Other: ___
☐ Not
applicable
☐ Additional
data is
needed to
establish
☐ See report:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Change
groundwater
pumping
☐ Increase
conservation
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Newly
collected data
will be
analyzed
☐ Regular
check-in with
these
partners:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
20
Resource
Type
Resource
Name
Risk Risk Assessed
Through *
Describe
Resource
Protection
Threshold or
Goal *
Mitigation
Measures or
Management
Plan
Describe How
Thresholds or
Goals are
Monitored
☒ Lake
White Bear
Lake
☐ None
anticipated
☒
Flow/water
level decline
☐ Degrading
water quality
trends
☐ Impacts on
endangered,
threatened,
or special
concern
species
habitat
☐ Other:
___________
☒ Geologic
atlas or other
mapping
☐ Modeling
☒ Modeling
☐ Monitoring
☐ Aquifer
testing
☐WRAPS or
other
watershed
report
☐Proximity
(<1.5
miles)
☐ Other:
_________
☐ Other: ___
☐ Not
applicable
☐ Additional
data is
needed to
establish
☐ See report:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☒ Change
groundwater
pumping
☐ Increase
conservation
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☒ Newly
collected data
will be
analyzed
☐ Regular
check-in with
these
partners:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Wetland
☒ None
anticipated
☐
Flow/water
level decline
☐ Degrading
water quality
trends
☐ Impacts on
endangered,
threatened,
or special
concern
species
habitat
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Geologic
atlas or other
mapping
☐ Modeling
☐ Modeling
☐ Monitoring
☐ Aquifer
testing
☐WRAPS or
other
watershed
report
☐Proximity
(<1.5
miles)
☐ Other:
_________
☐ Not
applicable
☐ Additional
data is
needed to
establish
☐ See report:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Change
groundwater
pumping
☐ Increase
conservation
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Newly
collected data
will be
analyzed
☐ Regular
check-in with
these
partners:
___________
_
☐ Other:
___________
21
Resource
Type
Resource
Name
Risk Risk Assessed
Through *
Describe
Resource
Protection
Threshold or
Goal *
Mitigation
Measures or
Management
Plan
Describe How
Thresholds or
Goals are
Monitored
☐ Trout
stream
☒ None
anticipated
☐
Flow/water
level decline
☐ Degrading
water quality
trends
☐ Impacts on
endangered,
threatened,
or special
concern
species
habitat
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Geologic
atlas or other
mapping
☐ Modeling
☐ Monitoring
☐ Aquifer
testing
☐WRAPS or
other
watershed
report
☐Proximity
(< 5 miles)
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Not
applicable
☐ Additional
data is
needed to
establish
☐ See report:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Change
groundwater
pumping
☐ Increase
conservation
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Newly
collected data
will be
analyzed
☐ Regular
check-in with
these
partners:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Aquifer
☒ None
anticipated
☐
Flow/water
level decline
☐ Degrading
water quality
trends
☐ Impacts on
endangered,
threatened,
or special
concern
species
habitat
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Geologic
atlas or other
mapping
☐ Modeling
☐ Monitoring
☐ Aquifer
testing
☐Proximity
(obwell < 5
miles)
☐ Other:
___________
☐ Not
applicable
☐ Additional
data is
needed to
establish
☐ See report:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Change
groundwater
pumping
☐ Increase
conservation
☐ Other:
___________
☐Not
applicable
☐ Newly
collected data
will be
analyzed
☐ Regular
check-in with
these
partners:
___________
☐ Other:
___________
Wellhead Protection (WHP) and Source Water Protection (SWP) Plans
Complete Table 11 to provide status information about WHP and SWP plans.
The emergency procedures in this plan are intended to comply with the contingency plan provisions
required in the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Wellhead Protection (WHP) Plan and Surface
Water Protection (SWP) Plan.
22
Table 11. Status of Wellhead Protection and Source Water Protection Plans
Plan Type Status Date Adopted Date for Update
WHP ☒ In Process
☐ Completed
☐ Not Applicable
SWP ☐ In Process
☐ Completed
☒ Not Applicable
WHP – Wellhead Protection Plan SWP – Source Water Protection Plan
F. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Please note that any wells that received approval under a ten-year permit, but that were not built, are
now expired and must submit a water appropriations permit.
Adequacy of Water Supply System
Complete Table 12 with information about the adequacy of wells and/or intakes, storage facilities,
treatment facilities, and distribution systems to sustain current and projected demands. List planned
capital improvements for any system components, in chronological order. Communities in the seven-
county Twin Cities metropolitan area should also include information about plans through 2040.
The assessment can be the general status by category; it is not necessary to identify every single well,
storage facility, treatment facility, lift station, and mile of pipe.
Please attach your latest Capital Improvement Plan as Appendix 4.
Table 12. Adequacy of Water Supply System
System Component Planned action Anticipated
Construction
Year
Notes
Wells/Intakes
Have 4 wells (3 active)
2 additional wells are in CIP
☐ No action planned - adequate
☐ Repair/replacement
☒ Expansion/addition
Water Storage Facilities
Have 2
2 additional are in CIP
☐ No action planned - adequate
☐ Repair/replacement
☒ Expansion/addition
2017 & 2025
Water Treatment Facilities
☒ No action planned - adequate
☐ Repair/replacement
☐ Expansion/addition
Distribution Systems
(Pipes, valves, etc.)
Old Village Water and Sewer Upgrades
Inwood Ave waterma
☐ No action planned - adequate
☒ Repair/replacement
☒ Expansion/addition
2017
Pressure Zones
Inwood Booster Station
☐ No action planned - adequate
☐ Repair/replacement
☒ Expansion/addition
2017
23
System Component Planned action Anticipated
Construction
Year
Notes
Other: ☐ No action planned - adequate
☐ Repair/replacement
☐ Expansion/addition
Proposed Future Water Sources
Complete Table 13 to identify new water source installation planned over the next ten years. Add rows
to the table as needed.
Table 13. Proposed future installations/sources
Source Installation
Location
(approximate)
Resource
Name
Proposed
Pumping
Capacity (gpm)
Planned
Installation Year
Planned
Partnerships
Groundwater
Surface Water
Interconnection
to another
supplier
Water Source Alternatives - Key Metropolitan Council Benchmark
Do you anticipate the need for alternative water sources in the next 10 years? Yes ☐ No ☒
For metro communities, will you need alternative water sources by the year 2040? Yes ☐ No ☒
If you answered yes for either question, then complete table 14. If no, insert NA.
Complete Table 14 by checking the box next to alternative approaches that your community is
considering, including approximate locations (if known), the estimated amount of future demand that
could be met through the approach, the estimated timeframe to implement the approach, potential
partnerships, and the major benefits and challenges of the approach. Add rows to the table as needed.
For communities in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, these alternatives should include
approaches the community is considering to meet projected 2040 water demand.
Table 14. Alternative water sources
Alternative Source
Considered
Source and/or
Installation
Location
(approximate)
Estimated
Amount of
Future
Demand (%)
Timeframe
to
Implement
(YYYY)
Potential
Partners
Benefits Challenges
☐ Groundwater
☐ Surface Water
☐ Reclaimed stormwater
☐ Reclaimed wastewater
☐ Interconnection to
another supplier
24
PART 2. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROCEDURES
The emergency preparedness procedures outlined in this plan are intended to comply with the
contingency plan provisions required by MDH in the WHP and SWP. Water emergencies can occur as a
result of vandalism, sabotage, accidental contamination, mechanical problems, power failings, drought,
flooding, and other natural disasters. The purpose of emergency planning is to develop emergency
response procedures and to identify actions needed to improve emergency preparedness. In the case of
a municipality, these procedures should be in support of, and part of, an all-hazard emergency
operations plan. Municipalities that already have written procedures dealing with water emergencies
should review the following information and update existing procedures to address these water supply
protection measures.
A. Emergency Response Plan
Section 1433(b) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, (Public Law 107-188, Title IV- Drinking Water Security
and Safety) requires community water suppliers serving over 3,300 people to prepare an Emergency
Response Plan. MDH recommends that Emergency Response Plans are updated annually.
Do you have an Emergency Response Plan? Yes ☐ No ☒
Have you updated the Emergency Response Plan in the last year? Yes ☐ No ☒
When did you last update your Emergency Response Plan? ____________________
Complete Table 15 by inserting the noted information regarding your completed Emergency Response
Plan.
Table 15. Emergency Response Plan contact information
Emergency Response Plan Role Contact Person Contact Phone Number Contact Email
Emergency Response Lead
Alternate Emergency Response
Lead
B. Operational Contingency Plan
All utilities should have a written operational contingency plan that describes measures to be taken for
water supply mainline breaks and other common system failures as well as routine maintenance.
Do you have a written operational contingency plan? Yes ☐ No ☒
At a minimum, a water supplier should prepare and maintain an emergency contact list of contractors
and suppliers.
C. Emergency Response Procedures
Water suppliers must meet the requirements of MN Rules 4720.5280. Accordingly, the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people
to submit Emergency and Conservation Plans. Water emergency and conservation plans that have been
25
approved by the DNR, under provisions of Minnesota Statute 186 and Minnesota Rules, part 6115.0770,
will be considered equivalent to an approved WHP contingency plan.
Emergency Telephone List
Prepare and attach a list of emergency contacts, including the MN Duty Officer (1-800-422-0798), as
Appendix 5. An Emergency Contact List template is available at the MnDNR Water Supply Plans
webpage.
The list should include key utility and community personnel, contacts in adjacent water suppliers, and
appropriate local, state and federal emergency contacts. Please be sure to verify and update the
contacts on the emergency telephone list and date it. Thereafter, update on a regular basis (once a year
is recommended). In the case of a municipality, this information should be contained in a notification
and warning standard operating procedure maintained by the Emergency Manager for that community.
Responsibilities and services for each contact should be defined.
Current Water Sources and Service Area
Quick access to concise and detailed information on water sources, water treatment, and the
distribution system may be needed in an emergency. System operation and maintenance records should
be maintained in secured central and back-up locations so that the records are accessible for emergency
purposes. A detailed map of the system showing the treatment plants, water sources, storage facilities,
supply lines, interconnections, and other information that would be useful in an emergency should also
be readily available. It is critical that public water supplier representatives and emergency response
personnel communicate about the response procedures and be able to easily obtain this kind of
information both in electronic and hard copy formats (in case of a power outage).
Do records and maps exist? Yes ☒ No ☐
Can staff access records and maps from a central secured location in the event of an emergency?
Yes ☒ No ☐
Does the appropriate staff know where the materials are located?
Yes ☒ No ☐
Procedure for Augmenting Water Supplies
Complete Tables 16 – 17 by listing all available sources of water that can be used to augment or replace
existing sources in an emergency. Add rows to the tables as needed.
In the case of a municipality, this information should be contained in a notification and warning
standard operating procedure maintained by the warning point for that community. Municipalities are
encouraged to execute cooperative agreements for potential emergency water services and copies
should be included in Appendix 6. Outstate Communities may consider using nearby high capacity wells
(industry, golf course) as emergency water sources.
26
WSP should include information on any physical or chemical problems that may limit interconnections
to other sources of water. Approvals from the MDH are required for interconnections or the reuse of
water.
Table 16. Interconnections with other water supply systems to supply water in an emergency
Other Water
Supply System
Owner
Capacity (GPM
& MGD)
Note Any Limitations On
Use
List of services, equipment, supplies
available to respond
City of Oakdale (Hudson
Blvd)
1400 GPM
City of Oakdale (Ideal
Ave.)
607 GPM
GPM – Gallons per minute MGD – million gallons per day
Table 17. Utilizing surface water as an alternative source
Surface Water
Source Name
Capacity
(GPM)
Capacity
(MGD)
Treatment Needs Note Any Limitations
On Use
Insert name of
surface water
source here
Add rows as
needed
If not covered above, describe additional emergency measures for providing water (obtaining bottled
water, or steps to obtain National Guard services, etc.)
Allocation and Demand Reduction Procedures
Complete Table 18 by adding information about how decisions will be made to allocate water and
reduce demand during an emergency. Provide information for each customer category, including its
priority ranking, average day demand, and demand reduction potential for each customer category.
Modify the customer categories as needed, and add additional lines if necessary.
Water use categories should be prioritized in a way that is consistent with Minnesota Statutes 103G.261
(#1 is highest priority) as follows:
1. Water use for human needs such as cooking, cleaning, drinking, washing and waste disposal; use
for on-farm livestock watering; and use for power production that meets contingency
requirements.
2. Water use involving consumption of less than 10,000 gallons per day (usually from private wells
or surface water intakes)
3. Water use for agricultural irrigation and processing of agricultural products involving
consumption of more than 10,000 gallons per day (usually from private high-capacity wells or
surface water intakes)
27
4. Water use for power production above the use provided for in the contingency plan.
5. All other water use involving consumption of more than 10,000 gallons per day.
6. Nonessential uses – car washes, golf courses, etc.
Water used for human needs at hospitals, nursing homes and similar types of facilities should be
designated as a high priority to be maintained in an emergency. Lower priority uses will need to address
water used for human needs at other types of facilities such as hotels, office buildings, and
manufacturing plants. The volume of water and other types of water uses at these facilities must be
carefully considered. After reviewing the data, common sense should dictate local allocation priorities to
protect domestic requirements over certain types of economic needs. Water use for lawn sprinkling,
vehicle washing, golf courses, and recreation are legislatively considered non-essential.
Table 18. Water use priorities
Customer Category Allocation Priority
Average Daily Demand
(GDP)
Short-Term Emergency
Demand Reduction
Potential (GPD)
Residential 1 217,968
Institutional 2 1,279
Commercial 3 161,640
Industrial N/A 0
Irrigation 4 32,074 32,074
Wholesale 5 0
Non-Essential 6 0
TOTAL NA NA
GPD – Gallons per Day
Tip: Calculating Emergency Demand Reduction Potential
The emergency demand reduction potential for all uses will typically equal the difference between
maximum use (summer demand) and base use (winter demand). In extreme emergency situations,
lower priority water uses must be restricted or eliminated to protect priority domestic water
requirements. Emergency demand reduction potential should be based on average day demands for
customer categories within each priority class. Use the tables in Part 3 on water conservation to help
you determine strategies.
Complete Table 19 by selecting the triggers and actions during water supply disruption conditions.
28
Table 19. Emergency demand reduction conditions, triggers and actions (Select all that may apply and describe)
Emergency Triggers Short-term Actions Long-term Actions
☒ Contamination
☒ Loss of production
☒ Infrastructure failure
☐ Executive order by
Governor
☐ Other: _____________
☒ Supply augmentation through
distribution valve configuration
or City of Oakdale.
☒ Adopt (if not already) and
enforce a critical water
deficiency ordinance to penalize
lawn watering, vehicle washing,
golf course and park irrigation &
other nonessential uses.
☐ Water allocation through____
☒ Meet with large water users to
discuss their contingency plan.
☒ Supply augmentation through
distribution valve configuration
or City of Oakdale.
☒ Adopt (if not already) and
enforce a critical water
deficiency ordinance to penalize
lawn watering, vehicle washing,
golf course and park irrigation &
other nonessential uses.
☐ Water allocation through____
☒ Meet with large water users to
discuss their contingency plan.
Notification Procedures
Complete Table 20 by selecting trigger for informing customers regarding conservation requests, water
use restrictions, and suspensions; notification frequencies; and partners that may assist in the
notification process. Add rows to the table as needed.
Table 20. Plan to inform customers regarding conservation requests, water use restrictions, and suspensions
Notification
Trigger(s)
Methods (select all that apply) Update
Frequency
Partners
☒ Short-term
demand reduction
declared (< 1
year)
☒ Website
☐ Email list serve
☒ Social media (e.g. Twitter,
Facebook)
☒ Direct customer mailing,
☒ Press release (TV, radio,
newspaper),
☐ Meeting with large water users
(> 10% of total city use)
☐ Other: ________
☒ Daily
☐ Weekly
☐ Monthly
☐ Annually
☒ Long-term
Ongoing demand
reduction
declared
☒ Website
☐ Email list serve
☒ Social media (e.g. Twitter,
Facebook)
☒ Direct customer mailing,
☒ Press release (TV, radio,
newspaper),
☐ Meeting with large water users
(> 10% of total city use)
☐ Other: ________
☐ Daily
☐ Weekly
☒ Monthly
☐ Annually
☐ Governor’s critical
water deficiency
declared
☐ Website
☐ Email list serve
☐ Social media (e.g. Twitter,
Facebook)
☐ Daily
☐ Weekly
☐ Monthly
☐ Annually
29
Notification
Trigger(s)
Methods (select all that apply) Update
Frequency
Partners
☐ Direct customer mailing,
☐ Press release (TV, radio,
newspaper),
☐ Meeting with large water users
(> 10% of total city use)
☐ Other: ________
Enforcement
Prior to a water emergency, municipal water suppliers must adopt regulations that restrict water use
and outline the enforcement response plan. The enforcement response plan must outline how
conditions will be monitored to know when enforcement actions are triggered, what enforcement tools
will be used, who will be responsible for enforcement, and what timelines for corrective actions will be
expected.
Affected operations, communications, and enforcement staff must then be trained to rapidly implement
those provisions during emergency conditions.
Important Note:
Disregard of critical water deficiency orders, even though total appropriation remains less than
permitted, is adequate grounds for immediate modification of a public water supply authority’s water
use permit (2013 MN Statutes 103G.291)
Does the city have a critical water deficiency restriction/official control in place that includes
provisions to restrict water use and enforce the restrictions? (This restriction may be an ordinance,
rule, regulation, policy under a council directive, or other official control) Yes ☒ No ☐
If yes, attach the official control document to this WSP as Appendix 7.
If no, the municipality must adopt such an official control within 6 months of submitting this WSP and
submit it to the DNR as an amendment to this WSP.
Irrespective of whether a critical water deficiency control is in place, does the public water supply
utility, city manager, mayor, or emergency manager have standing authority to implement water
restrictions? Yes ☒ No ☐
If yes, cite the regulatory authority reference: ________________________.
If no, who has authority to implement water use restrictions in an emergency?
30
PART 3. WATER CONSERVATION PLAN
Minnesotans have historically benefited from the
state’s abundant water supplies, reducing the need
for conservation. There are however, limits to the
available supplies of water and increasing threats to
the quality of our drinking water. Causes of water
supply limitation may include: population increases,
economic trends, uneven statewide availability of
groundwater, climatic changes, and degraded water
quality. Examples of threats to drinking water quality
include: the presence of contaminant plumes from
past land use activities, exceedances of water quality
standards from natural and human sources,
contaminants of emerging concern, and increasing
pollutant trends from nonpoint sources.
There are many incentives for conserving water; conservation:
reduces the potential for pumping-induced transfer of contaminants into the deeper aquifers,
which can add treatment costs
reduces the need for capital projects to expand system capacity
reduces the likelihood of water use conflicts, like well interference, aquatic habitat loss, and
declining lake levels
conserves energy, because less energy is needed to extract, treat and distribute water (and less
energy production also conserves water since water is used to produce energy)
maintains water supplies that can then be available during times of drought
It is therefore imperative that water suppliers implement water conservation plans. The first step in
water conservation is identifying opportunities for behavioral or engineering changes that could be
made to reduce water use by conducting a thorough analysis of:
Water use by customer
Extraction, treatment, distribution and irrigation system efficiencies
Industrial processing system efficiencies
Regulatory and barriers to conservation
Cultural barriers to conservation
Water reuse opportunities
Once accurate data is compiled, water suppliers can set achievable goals for reducing water use. A
successful water conservation plan follows a logical sequence of events. The plan should address both
conservation on the supply side (leak detection and repairs, metering), as well as on the demand side
(reductions in usage). Implementation should be conducted in phases, starting with the most obvious
and lowest-cost options. In some cases, one of the early steps will be reviewing regulatory constraints to
water conservation, such as lawn irrigation requirements. Outside funding and grants may be available
for implementation of projects. Engage water system operators and maintenance staff and customers
in brainstorming opportunities to reduce water use. Ask the question: “How can I help save water?”
Progress since 2006
Is this your community’s first Water Supply Plan? Yes ☒ No ☐
Priority 1:
Significant
water
reduction; low
cost
Priority 2: Slight
water
reduction, low
costs (low
hanging fruit)
Priority 2:
Significant
water
reduction;
significant costs
Priority 3: Slight
water
reduction,
significant costs
(do only if
necessary)
31
If yes, describe conservation practices that you are already implementing, such as: pricing, system
improvements, education, regulation, appliance retrofitting, enforcement, etc.
Tiered billing.
If no, complete Table 21 to summarize conservation actions taken since the adoption of the 2006 water
supply plan.
Table 21. Implementation of previous ten-year Conservation Plan
2006 Plan Commitments Action Taken?
Change water rates structure to provide conservation pricing ☒ Yes
☐ No
Water supply system improvements (e.g. leak repairs, valve replacements, etc.) ☒ Yes
☐ No
Educational efforts ☐ Yes
☒ No
New water conservation ordinances ☒ Yes
☐ No
Rebate or retrofitting Program (e.g. for toilet, faucets, appliances, showerheads, dish
washers, washing machines, irrigation systems, rain barrels, water softeners, etc.
☐ Yes
☒ No
Enforcement
☐ Yes
☐ No
Describe other ☐ Yes
☐ No
What are the results you have seen from the actions in Table 21 and how were results measured?
Results are unobtainable due to increased growth of city and expansion of the water system.
A. Triggers for Allocation and Demand Reduction Actions
Complete table 22 by checking each trigger below, as appropriate, and the actions to be taken at various
levels or stages of severity. Add in additional rows to the table as needed.
Table 22. Short and long-term demand reduction conditions, triggers and actions
Objective Triggers Actions
Protect surface water flows ☐ Low stream flow conditions ☐ Increase promotion of conservation
measures
32
Objective Triggers Actions
☐ Reports of declining
wetland and lake levels
☐ Other: ______________
☐ Other: ____________
Short-term demand reduction
(less than 1 year
☐ Extremely high seasonal
water demand (more than
double winter demand)
☐ Loss of treatment capacity
☐ Lack of water in storage
☐ State drought plan
☐ Well interference
☐ Other:
___________________
☐ Adopt (if not already) and enforce the
critical water deficiency ordinance to
restrict or prohibit lawn watering,
vehicle washing, golf course and park
irrigation & other nonessential uses.
☐ Supply augmentation through ____
☐ Water allocation through____
☐ Meet with large water users to discuss
user’s contingency plan.
Long-term demand reduction
(>1 year)
☐ Per capita demand
increasing
☐ Total demand increase
(higher population or more
industry). Water level in
well(s) below elevation of
_____
☐ Other: _____________
☐ Develop a critical water deficiency
ordinance that is or can be quickly
adopted to penalize lawn watering,
vehicle washing, golf course and park
irrigation & other nonessential uses.
☐ Enact a water waste ordinance that
targets overwatering (causing water to
flow off the landscape into streets,
parking lots, or similar), watering
impervious surfaces (streets, driveways
or other hardscape areas), and
negligence of known leaks, breaks, or
malfunctions.
☐ Meet with large water users to discuss
user’s contingency plan.
☐ Enhanced monitoring and reporting:
audits, meters, billing, etc.
Governor’s “Critical Water
Deficiency Order” declared
☐ Describe ☐ Describe
B. Conservation Objectives and Strategies – Key benchmark for DNR
This section establishes water conservation objectives and strategies for eight major areas of water use.
Objective 1: Reduce Unaccounted (Non-Revenue) Water loss to Less than 10%
The Minnesota Rural Water Association, the Metropolitan Council and the Department of Natural
Resources recommend that all water uses be metered. Metering can help identify high use locations
and times, along with leaks within buildings that have multiple meters.
It is difficult to quantify specific unmetered water use such as that associated with firefighting and
system flushing or system leaks. Typically, water suppliers subtract metered water use from total water
pumped to calculate unaccounted or non-revenue water loss.
Is your five-year average (2005-2014) unaccounted Water Use in Table 2 higher than 10%?
Yes ☐ No ☒
What is your leak detection monitoring schedule? (e.g. Monitor 1/3rd of the city lines per year)
33
Do leak detection on areas of the city that are scheduled for street reconstruction 2 years prior to
construction beginning. Create a plan to ¼ of the city every year.
Water Audits - are designed to help quantify and track water losses associated with water distribution
systems and identify areas for improved efficiency and cost recovery. The American Water Works
Association (AWWA) has a recommended water audit methodology which is presented in AWWA’s M36
Manual of Water Supply Practices: Water Audits and Loss Control Programs. AWWA also provides a free
spreadsheet-based water audit tool that water suppliers can use to conduct their own water audits. This
free water audit tool can be found on AWWA’s Water Loss Control webpage. Another resource for
water audit and water loss control information is Minnesota Rural Water Association.
What is the date of your most recent water audit? N/A
Frequency of water audits: ☐ yearly ☐ other (specify frequency) ________
Leak detection and survey: ☒ every year ☐ every other year ☐ periodic as needed
Year last leak detection survey completed: 2017
If Table 2 shows annual water losses over 10% or an increasing trend over time, describe what actions
will be taken to reach the <10% loss objective and within what timeframe
Metering -AWWA recommends that every water supplier install meters to account for all water taken
into its system, along with all water distributed from its system at each customer’s point of service. An
effective metering program relies upon periodic performance testing, repair, maintenance or
replacement of all meters. Drinking Water Revolving Loan Funds are available for purchase of new
meters when new plants are built. AWWA also recommends that water suppliers conduct regular water
audits to account for unmetered unbilled consumption, metered unbilled consumption and source
water and customer metering inaccuracies. Some cities install separate meters for interior and exterior
water use, but some research suggests that this may not result in water conservation.
Complete Table 23 by adding the requested information regarding the number, types, testing and
maintenance of customer meters.
Table 23. Information about customer meters
Customer
Category
Number of
Customers
Number of
Metered
Connections
Number of
Automated
Meter
Readers
Meter testing
intervals
(years)
Average
age/meter
replacement
schedule (years
Residential 1610 1610 1610 When needed 20 years
Irrigation meters 24 24 24 When needed 20 years
Institutional 1 1 1 When needed 20 years
Commercial 112 112 112 When needed 20 years
34
Customer
Category
Number of
Customers
Number of
Metered
Connections
Number of
Automated
Meter
Readers
Meter testing
intervals
(years)
Average
age/meter
replacement
schedule (years
Industrial 0 0 0 NA 0
Public facilities 7 0 0 When needed 20 years
Other 0 0 0 NA 0
TOTALS 1754 1754 1754 NA NA
For unmetered systems, describe any plans to install meters or replace current meters with advanced
technology meters. Provide an estimate of the cost to implement the plan and the projected water
savings from implementing the plan.
Table 24. Water source meters
Number of
Meters
Meter testing
schedule
(years)
Number of Automated
Meter Readers
Average age/meter
replacement schedule (years
Wells 3 10 years 3 ___ / ___
Interconnects 2 unknown 2 ___ / ___
Objective 2: Achieve Less than 75 Residential Gallons per Capita Demand (GPCD)
The 2002 average residential per capita demand in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area was 75 gallons per
capita per day.
Is your average 2010-2015 residential per capita water demand in Table 2 more than 75? Yes ☐ No ☒
What was your 2010 – 2015 five-year average residential per capita water demand? 74 g/person/day
Describe the water use trend over that timeframe:
Varies, no consistent trend.
Complete Table 25 by checking which strategies you will use to continue reducing residential per capita
demand and project a likely timeframe for completing each checked strategy (Select all that apply and
add rows for additional strategies):
Table 25. Strategies and timeframe to reduce residential per capita demand
Strategy to reduce residential per capita demand Timeframe for completing work
☒ Revise city ordinances/codes to encourage or require water
efficient landscaping.
Continuous, No water credit will be given for
new sod starting in 2018
☐ Revise city ordinance/codes to permit water reuse options,
especially for non-potable purposes like irrigation,
35
Strategy to reduce residential per capita demand Timeframe for completing work
groundwater recharge, and industrial use. Check with
plumbing authority to see if internal buildings reuse is
permitted
☒ Revise ordinances to limit irrigation. Describe the restricted
irrigation plan:
Reviewed annually
☐ Revise outdoor irrigation installations codes to require high
efficiency systems (e.g. those with soil moisture sensors or
programmable watering areas) in new installations or system
replacements.
☒ Make water system infrastructure improvements continuous
☐ Offer free or reduced cost water use audits) for residential
customers.
☐ Implement a notification system to inform customers when
water availability conditions change.
☐ Provide rebates or incentives for installing water efficient
appliances and/or fixtures indoors (e.g., low flow toilets, high
efficiency dish washers and washing machines, showerhead
and faucet aerators, water softeners, etc.)
☐ Provide rebates or incentives to reduce outdoor water use
(e.g., turf replacement/reduction, rain gardens, rain barrels,
smart irrigation, outdoor water use meters, etc.)
☐ Identify supplemental Water Resources
☐ Conduct audience-appropriate water conservation education
and outreach.
☐ Describe other plans
Objective 3: Achieve at least 1.5% annual reduction in non-residential per capita water use
(For each of the next ten years, or a 15% total reduction over ten years.) This includes commercial,
institutional, industrial and agricultural water users.
Complete Table 26 by checking which strategies you will used to continue reducing non-residential
customer use demand and project a likely timeframe for completing each checked strategy (add rows
for additional strategies).
Where possible, substitute recycled water used in one process for reuse in another. (For example, spent
rinse water can often be reused in a cooling tower.) Keep in mind the true cost of water is the amount
on the water bill PLUS the expenses to heat, cool, treat, pump, and dispose of/discharge the water.
Don’t just calculate the initial investment. Many conservation retrofits that appear to be prohibitively
expensive are actually very cost-effective when amortized over the life of the equipment. Often
reducing water use also saves electrical and other utility costs. Note: as of 2015, water reuse, and is not
allowed by the state plumbing code, M.R. 4715 (a variance is needed). However, several state agencies
are addressing this issue.
Table 26. Strategies and timeframe to reduce institutional, commercial industrial, and agricultural and non-revenue use
demand
Strategy to reduce total business, industry, agricultural demand Timeframe for completing work
☐ Conduct a facility water use audit for both indoor and outdoor
use, including system components
36
Strategy to reduce total business, industry, agricultural demand Timeframe for completing work
☒ Install enhanced meters capable of automated readings to
detect spikes in consumption
In process, completion expected in 5 years
☐ Compare facility water use to related industry benchmarks, if
available (e.g., meat processing, dairy, fruit and vegetable,
beverage, textiles, paper/pulp, metals, technology, petroleum
refining etc.)
☐ Install water conservation fixtures and appliances or change
processes to conserve water
☒ Repair leaking system components (e.g., pipes, valves) continuous
☐ Investigate the reuse of reclaimed water (e.g., stormwater,
wastewater effluent, process wastewater, etc.)
☒ Reduce outdoor water use (e.g., turf replacement/reduction,
rain gardens, rain barrels, smart irrigation, outdoor water use
meters, etc.)
continuous
☒ Train employees how to conserve water continuous
☒ Implement a notification system to inform non-residential
customers when water availability conditions change.
CodeRed call system
☐ Nonpotable rainwater catchment systems intended to supply
uses such as water closets, urinals, trap primers for floor
drains and floor sinks, industrial processes, water features,
vehicle washing facilities, cooling tower makeup, and similar
uses shall be approved by the commissioner. Plumbing code
4714.1702, Published October 31, 2016
☐ Describe other plans:
Objective 4: Achieve a Decreasing Trend in Total Per Capita Demand
Include as Appendix 8 one graph showing total per capita water demand for each customer category
(i.e., residential, institutional, commercial, industrial) from 2005-2014 and add the calculated/estimated
linear trend for the next 10 years.
Describe the trend for each customer category; explain the reason(s) for the trends, and where trends
are increasing.
Objective 5: Reduce Ratio of Maximum day (peak day) to the Average Day Demand to Less
Than 2.6
Is the ratio of average 2005-2014 maximum day demand to average 2005-2014 average day demand
reported in Table 2 more than 2.6? Yes ☐ No ☒
Calculate a ten-year average (2005 – 2014) of the ratio of maximum day demand to average day
demand: 3:1
37
The position of the DNR has been that a peak day/average day ratio that is above 2.6 for in summer
indicates that the water being used for irrigation by the residents in a community is too large and that
efforts should be made to reduce the peak day use by the community.
It should be noted that by reducing the peak day use, communities can also reduce the amount of
infrastructure that is required to meet the peak day use. This infrastructure includes new wells, new
water towers which can be costly items.
Objective 6: Implement Demand Reduction Measures
Water Conservation Program
Municipal water suppliers serving over 1,000 people are required to adopt demand reduction measures
that include a conservation rate structure, or a uniform rate structure with a conservation program that
achieves demand reduction. These measures must achieve demand reduction in ways that reduce
water demand, water losses, peak water demands, and nonessential water uses. These measures must
be approved before a community may request well construction approval from the Department of
Health or before requesting an increase in water appropriations permit volume (Minnesota Statutes,
section 103G.291, subd. 3 and 4). Rates should be adjusted on a regular basis to ensure that revenue of
the system is adequate under reduced demand scenarios. If a municipal water supplier intends to use a
Uniform Rate Structure, a community-wide Water Conservation Program that will achieve demand
reduction must be provided.
Current Water Rates
Include a copy of the actual rate structure in Appendix 9 or list current water rates including
base/service fees and volume charges below.
Volume included in base rate or service charge: __0___ gallons or ____ cubic feet ___ other
Frequency of billing: ☐ Monthly ☐ Bimonthly ☒ Quarterly ☐ Other: _________________
Water Rate Evaluation Frequency: ☒ every year ☐ every ___ years ☐ no schedule
Date of last rate change: 4/1/17
Table 27. Rate structures for each customer category (Select all that apply and add additional rows as needed)
Customer
Category
Conservation Billing Strategies
in Use *
Conservation Neutral
Billing Strategies in Use **
Non-Conserving Billing
Strategies in Use ***
Residential ☐ Monthly billing
☒ Increasing block rates
(volume tiered rates)
☐ Seasonal rates
☐ Time of use rates
☒ Water bills reported in
gallons
☐ Individualized goal rates
☐ Excess use rates
☐ Uniform
☒ Odd/even day watering
☐ Service charge based on water
volume
☐ Declining block
☐ Flat
☐ Other (describe)
38
Customer
Category
Conservation Billing Strategies
in Use *
Conservation Neutral
Billing Strategies in Use **
Non-Conserving Billing
Strategies in Use ***
☐ Drought surcharge
☐ Use water bill to provide
comparisons
☒ Service charge not based on
water volume
☐ Other (describe)
Commercial/
Industrial/
Institutional
☐ Monthly billing
☒ Increasing block rates
(volume tiered rates)
☐ Seasonal rates
☐ Time of use rates
☒ Water bills reported in
gallons
☐ Individualized goal rates
☐ Excess use rates
☐ Drought surcharge
☐ Use water bill to provide
comparisons
☒ Service charge not based on
water volume
☐ Other (describe)
☐ Uniform ☐ Service charge based on water
volume
☐ Declining block
☐ Flat
☐ Other (describe)
☐ Other
* Rate Structures components that may promote water conservation:
Monthly billing: is encouraged to help people see their water usage so they can consider changing
behavior.
Increasing block rates (also known as a tiered residential rate structure): Typically, these have at least
three tiers: should have at least three tiers.
o The first tier is for the winter average water use.
o The second tier is the year-round average use, which is lower than typical summer use. This rate
should be set to cover the full cost of service.
o The third tier should be above the average annual use and should be priced high enough to
encourage conservation, as should any higher tiers. For this to be effective, the difference in
block rates should be significant.
Seasonal rate: higher rates in summer to reduce peak demands
Time of Use rates: lower rates for off peak water use
Bill water use in gallons: this allows customers to compare their use to average rates
Individualized goal rates: typically used for industry, business or other large water users to promote
water conservation if they keep within agreed upon goals. Excess Use rates: if water use goes above an
agreed upon amount this higher rate is charged
Drought surcharge: an extra fee is charged for guaranteed water use during drought
Use water bill to provide comparisons: simple graphics comparing individual use over time or compare
individual use to others.
Service charge or base fee that does not include a water volume – a base charge or fee to cover universal
city expenses that are not customer dependent and/or to provide minimal water at a lower rate (e.g., an
amount less than the average residential per capita demand for the water supplier for the last 5 years)
Emergency rates -A community may have a separate conservation rate that only goes into effect when
the community or governor declares a drought emergency. These higher rates can help to protect the city
budgets during times of significantly less water usage.
39
**Conservation Neutral**
Uniform rate: rate per unit used is the same regardless of the volume used
Odd/even day watering –This approach reduces peak demand on a daily basis for system operation, but
it does not reduce overall water use.
*** Non-Conserving ***
Service charge or base fee with water volume: an amount of water larger than the average residential
per capita demand for the water supplier for the last 5 years
Declining block rate: the rate per unit used decreases as water use increases.
Flat rate: one fee regardless of how much water is used (usually unmetered).
Provide justification for any conservation neutral or non-conserving rate structures. If intending to adopt
a conservation rate structure, include the timeframe to do so:
Objective 7: Additional strategies to Reduce Water Use and Support Wellhead Protection
Planning
Development and redevelopment projects can provide additional water conservation opportunities,
such as the actions listed below. If a Uniform Rate Structure is in place, the water supplier must provide
a Water Conservation Program that includes at least two of the actions listed below. Check those actions
that you intent to implement within the next 10 years.
Table 28. Additional strategies to Reduce Water Use & Support Wellhead Protection
☒ Participate in the GreenStep Cities Program, including implementation of at least one of the 20
“Best Practices” for water
☒ Prepare a master plan for smart growth (compact urban growth that avoids sprawl)
☒ Prepare a comprehensive open space plan (areas for parks, green spaces, natural areas)
☒ Adopt a water use restriction ordinance (lawn irrigation, car washing, pools, etc.)
☒ Adopt an outdoor lawn irrigation ordinance
☐ Adopt a private well ordinance (private wells in a city must comply with water restrictions)
☒ Implement a stormwater management program
☐ Adopt non-zoning wetlands ordinance (can further protect wetlands beyond state/federal laws-
for vernal pools, buffer areas, restrictions on filling or alterations)
☐ Adopt a water offset program (primarily for new development or expansion)
☐ Implement a water conservation outreach program
☐ Hire a water conservation coordinator (part-time)
☐ Implement a rebate program for water efficient appliances, fixtures, or outdoor water
management
☐ Other
Objective 8: Tracking Success: How will you track or measure success through the next ten
years?
Documentation. This will be difficult to achieve due to planned growth of the city and infrastructure.
40
Tip: The process to monitor demand reduction and/or a rate structure includes:
a) The DNR Hydrologist will call or visit the community the first 1-3 years after the water supply plan is
completed.
b) They will discuss what activities the community is doing to conserve water and if they feel their
actions are successful. The Water Supply Plan, Part 3 tables and responses will guide the discussion.
For example, they will discuss efforts to reduce unaccounted for water loss if that is a problem, or go
through Tables 33, 34 and 35 to discuss new initiatives.
c) The city representative and the hydrologist will discuss total per capita water use, residential per
capita water use, and business/industry use. They will note trends.
d) They will also discuss options for improvement and/or collect case studies of success stories to share
with other communities. One option may be to change the rate structure, but there are many other
paths to successful water conservation.
e) If appropriate, they will cooperatively develop a simple work plan for the next few years, targeting a
couple areas where the city might focus efforts.
C. Regulation
Complete Table 29 by selecting which regulations are used to reduce demand and improve water
efficiencies. Add additional rows as needed.
Copies of adopted regulations or proposed restrictions or should be included in Appendix 10 (a list with
hyperlinks is acceptable).
Table 29. Regulations for short-term reductions in demand and long-term improvements in water efficiencies
Regulations Utilized When is it applied (in effect)?
☒ Rainfall sensors required on landscape irrigation systems ☒ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during declared Emergencies
☒ Water efficient plumbing fixtures required ☒ New development
☐ Replacement
☐ Rebate Programs
☐ Critical/Emergency Water Deficiency ordinance ☐ Only during declared Emergencies
☒ Watering restriction requirements (time of day, allowable days, etc.) ☒ Odd/even
☐ 2 days/week
☐ Only during declared Emergencies
☐ Water waste prohibited (for example, having a fine for irrigators
spraying on the street)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during declared Emergencies
☒ Limitations on turf areas (requiring lots to have 10% - 25% of the
space in natural areas)
☒ New development
☒ Shoreland/zoning
☐ Other
☐ Soil preparation requirement s (after construction, requiring topsoil
to be applied to promote good root growth)
☐ New Development
☐ Construction Projects
☐ Other
☒ Tree ratios (requiring a certain number of trees per square foot of
lawn)
☒ New development
☒ Shoreland/zoning
☐ Other
41
Regulations Utilized When is it applied (in effect)?
☐ Permit to fill swimming pool and/or requiring pools to be covered (to
prevent evaporation)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during declared Emergencies
☐ Ordinances that permit stormwater irrigation, reuse of water, or
other alternative water use (Note: be sure to check current plumbing
codes for updates)
☐ Describe
D. Retrofitting Programs
Education and incentive programs aimed at replacing inefficient plumbing fixtures and appliances can
help reduce per capita water use, as well as energy costs. It is recommended that municipal water
suppliers develop a long-term plan to retrofit public buildings with water efficient plumbing fixtures and
appliances. Some water suppliers have developed partnerships with organizations having similar
conservation goals, such as electric or gas suppliers, to develop cooperative rebate and retrofit
programs.
A study by the AWWA Research Foundation (Residential End Uses of Water, 1999) found that the
average indoor water use for a non-conserving home is 69.3 gallons per capita per day (gpcd). The
average indoor water use in a conserving home is 45.2 gpcd and most of the decrease in water use is
related to water efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances that can reduce water, sewer and energy
costs. In Minnesota, certain electric and gas providers are required (Minnesota Statute 216B.241) to
fund programs that will conserve energy resources and some utilities have distributed water efficient
showerheads to customers to help reduce energy demands required to supply hot water.
Retrofitting Programs
Complete Table 30 by checking which water uses are targeted, the outreach methods used, the
measures used to identify success, and any participating partners.
Table 30. Retrofitting programs (Select all that apply)
Water Use Targets Outreach Methods Partners
☐ Low flush toilets,
☐ Toilet leak tablets,
☐ Low flow showerheads,
☐ Faucet aerators;
☐ Education about
☐ Free distribution of
☐ Rebate for
☐ Other
☐ Gas company
☐ Electric company
☐ Watershed organization
☐ Water conserving washing machines,
☐ Dish washers,
☐ Water softeners;
☐ Education about
☐ Free distribution of
☐ Rebate for
☐ Other
☐ Gas company
☐ Electric company
☐ Watershed organization
☐ Rain gardens,
☐ Rain barrels,
☐ Native/drought tolerant landscaping, etc.
☐ Education about
☐ Free distribution of
☐ Rebate for
☐ Other
☐ Gas company
☐ Electric company
☐ Watershed organization
Briefly discuss measures of success from the above table (e.g. number of items distributed, dollar value
of rebates, gallons of water conserved, etc.):
42
E. Education and Information Programs
Customer education should take place in three different circumstances. First, customers should be
provided information on how to conserve water and improve water use efficiencies. Second,
information should be provided at appropriate times to address peak demands. Third, emergency
notices and educational materials about how to reduce water use should be available for quick
distribution during an emergency.
Proposed Education Programs
Complete Table 31 by selecting which methods are used to provide water conservation and information,
including the frequency of program components. Select all that apply and add additional lines as
needed.
Table 31. Current and Proposed Education Programs
Education Methods General summary of
topics
#/Year Frequency
Billing inserts or tips printed on the actual bill ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Consumer Confidence Reports 1 ☒ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Press releases to traditional local news
outlets (e.g., newspapers, radio and TV)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Social media distribution (e.g., emails,
Facebook, Twitter)
Facebook is used to help
spread time sensitive
materials that have not
reached the emergency
level.
☒ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Paid advertisements (e.g., billboards, print
media, TV, radio, web sites, etc.)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Presentations to community groups ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Staff training MN Dept of Health
Operator Certification
Program for PW Staff
☒ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
43
Education Methods General summary of
topics
#/Year Frequency
Facility tours ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Displays and exhibits ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Marketing rebate programs (e.g., indoor
fixtures & appliances and outdoor practices)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Community news letters Article related to water
conservation will be
included in bi-annual
newsletters
2 ☐ Ongoing
☒ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Direct mailings (water audit/retrofit kits,
showerheads, brochures)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Information kiosk at utility and public
buildings
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Public service announcements ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Cable TV Programs ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Demonstration projects (landscaping or
plumbing)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
K-12 education programs (Project Wet,
Drinking Water Institute, presentations)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Community events (children’s water festivals,
environmental fairs)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
44
Education Methods General summary of
topics
#/Year Frequency
Community education classes ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Water week promotions ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Website (include address: ) ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Targeted efforts (large volume users, users
with large increases)
☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Notices of ordinances ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Emergency conservation notices ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Other: ☐ Ongoing
☐ Seasonal
☐ Only during
declared emergencies
Briefly discuss what future education and information activities your community is considering in the
future:
Utilize new created Social Media pages, Weekly e-mail updates and Quarterly Newsletter
45
PART 4. ITEMS FOR METROPOLITAN AREA COMMUNITIES
Minnesota Statute 473.859 requires WSPs to be completed for all local units of
government in the seven-county Metropolitan Area as part of the local
comprehensive planning process.
Much of the information in Parts 1-3 addresses water demand for the next 10
years. However, additional information is needed to address water demand
through 2040, which will make the WSP consistent with the Metropolitan Land Use Planning Act, upon
which the local comprehensive plans are based.
This Part 4 provides guidance to complete the WSP in a way that addresses plans for water supply
through 2040.
A. Water Demand Projections through 2040
Complete Table 7 in Part 1D by filling in information about long-term water demand projections through
2040. Total Community Population projections should be consistent with the community’s system
statement, which can be found on the Metropolitan Council’s website and which was sent to the
community in September 2015.
Projected Average Day, Maximum Day, and Annual Water Demands may either be calculated using the
method outlined in Appendix 2 of the 2015 Master Water Supply Plan or by a method developed by the
individual water supplier.
B. Potential Water Supply Issues
Complete Table 10 in Part 1E by providing information about the potential water supply issues in your
community, including those that might occur due to 2040 projected water use.
The Master Water Supply Plan provides information about potential issues for your community in
Appendix 1 (Water Supply Profiles). This resource may be useful in completing Table 10.
You may document results of local work done to evaluate impact of planned uses by attaching a
feasibility assessment or providing a citation and link to where the plan is available electronically.
C. Proposed Alternative Approaches to Meet Extended Water Demand
Projections
Complete Table 12 in Part 1F with information about potential water supply infrastructure impacts (such
as replacements, expansions or additions to wells/intakes, water storage and treatment capacity,
distribution systems, and emergency interconnections) of extended plans for development and
redevelopment, in 10-year increments through 2040. It may be useful to refer to information in the
community’s local Land Use Plan, if available.
Complete Table 14 in Part 1F by checking each approach your community is considering to meet future
demand. For each approach your community is considering, provide information about the amount of
46
future water demand to be met using that approach, the timeframe to implement the approach,
potential partners, and current understanding of the key benefits and challenges of the approach.
As challenges are being discussed, consider the need for: evaluation of geologic conditions (mapping,
aquifer tests, modeling), identification of areas where domestic wells could be impacted, measurement
and analysis of water levels & pumping rates, triggers & associated actions to protect water levels, etc.
D. Value-Added Water Supply Planning Efforts (Optional)
The following information is not required to be completed as part of the local water supply plan, but
completing this can help strengthen source water protection throughout the region and help
Metropolitan Council and partners in the region to better support local efforts.
Source Water Protection Strategies
Does a Drinking Water Supply Management Area for a neighboring public water supplier overlap your
community? Yes ☒ No ☐
If you answered no, skip this section. If you answered yes, please complete Table 32 with information
about new water demand or land use planning-related local controls that are being considered to
provide additional protection in this area.
Table 32. Local controls and schedule to protect Drinking Water Supply Management Areas
Local Control Schedule to
Implement
Potential Partners
☐ None at this time
☐ Comprehensive planning that guides development in
vulnerable drinking water supply management areas
☐ Zoning overlay
☒ Other: 2018 Well Head Protection Plan 2018 Mn Rural Water
Technical assistance
From your community’s perspective, what are the most important topics for the Metropolitan Council to
address, guided by the region’s Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee and Technical
Advisory Committee, as part of its ongoing water supply planning role?
☒ Coordination of state, regional and local water supply planning roles
☒ Regional water use goals
☐ Water use reporting standards
☐ Regional and sub-regional partnership opportunities
☐ Identifying and prioritizing data gaps and input for regional and sub-regional analyses
☐ Others: ___________________________________________________________________
47
GLOSSARY
Agricultural/Irrigation Water Use - Water used for crop and non-crop irrigation, livestock watering, chemigation,
golf course irrigation, landscape and athletic field irrigation.
Average Daily Demand - The total water pumped during the year divided by 365 days.
Calcareous Fen - Calcareous fens are rare and distinctive wetlands dependent on a constant supply of cold
groundwater. Because they are dependent on groundwater and are one of the rarest natural communities in the
United States, they are a protected resource in MN. Approximately 200 have been located in Minnesota. They may
not be filled, drained or otherwise degraded.
Commercial/Institutional Water Use - Water used by motels, hotels, restaurants, office buildings, commercial
facilities and institutions (both civilian and military). Consider maintaining separate institutional water use records
for emergency planning and allocation purposes. Water used by multi-family dwellings, apartment buildings,
senior housing complexes, and mobile home parks should be reported as Residential Water Use.
Commercial/Institutional/Industrial (C/I/I) Water Sold - The sum of water delivered for commercial/institutional
or industrial purposes.
Conservation Rate Structure - A rate structure that encourages conservation and may include increasing block
rates, seasonal rates, time of use rates, individualized goal rates, or excess use rates. If a conservation ra te is
applied to multifamily dwellings, the rate structure must consider each residential unit as an individual user. A
community may have a separate conservation rate that only goes into effect when the community or governor
declares a drought emergency. These higher rates can help to protect the city budgets during times of significantly
less water usage.
Date of Maximum Daily Demand - The date of the maximum (highest) water demand. Typically this is a day in July
or August.
Declining Rate Structure - Under a declining block rate structure, a consumer pays less per additional unit of water
as usage increases. This rate structure does not promote water conservation.
Distribution System - Water distribution systems consist of an interconnected series of pipes, valves, storage
facilities (water tanks, water towers, reservoirs), water purification facilities, pumping stations, flushing hydrants,
and components that convey drinking water and meeting fire protection needs for cities, homes, schools,
hospitals, businesses, industries and other facilities.
Flat Rate Structure - Flat fee rates do not vary by customer characteristics or water usage. This rate structure does
not promote water conservation.
Industrial Water Use - Water used for thermonuclear power (electric utility generation) and other industrial use
such as steel, chemical and allied products, paper and allied products, mining, and petroleum refining.
Low Flow Fixtures/Appliances - Plumbing fixtures and appliances that significantly reduce the amount of water
released per use are labeled “low flow”. These fixtures and appliances use just enough water to be effective,
saving excess, clean drinking water that usually goes down the drain.
Maximum Daily Demand - The maximum (highest) amount of water used in one day.
Metered Residential Connections - The number of residential connections to the water system that have meters.
For multifamily dwellings, report each residential unit as an individual user.
Percent Unmetered/Unaccounted For - Unaccounted for water use is the volume of water withdrawn from all
sources minus the volume of water delivered. This value represents water “lost” by miscalculated water use due to
inaccurate meters, water lost through leaks, or water that is used but unmetered or otherwi se undocumented.
Water used for public services such as hydrant flushing, ice skating rinks, and public swimming pools should be
reported under the category “Water Supplier Services”.
48
Population Served - The number of people who are served by the community ’s public water supply system. This
includes the number of people in the community who are connected to the public water supply system, as well as
people in neighboring communities who use water supplied by the community’s public water supply system. It
should not include residents in the community who have private wells or get their water from neighboring water
supply.
Residential Connections - The total number of residential connections to the water system. For multifamily
dwellings, report each residential unit as an individual user.
Residential Per Capita Demand - The total residential water delivered during the year divided by the population
served divided by 365 days.
Residential Water Use - Water used for normal household purposes such as drinking, food preparation, bathing,
washing clothes and dishes, flushing toilets, and watering lawns and gardens. Should include all water delivered to
single family private residences, multi-family dwellings, apartment buildings, senior housing complexes, mobile
home parks, etc.
Smart Meter - Smart meters can be used by municipalities or by individual homeowners. Smart metering generally
indicates the presence of one or more of the following:
Smart irrigation water meters are controllers that look at factors such as weather, soil, slope, etc. and
adjust watering time up or down based on data. Smart controllers in a typical summer will reduce water
use by 30%-50%. Just changing the spray nozzle to new efficient models can reduce water use by 40%.
Smart Meters on customer premises that measure consumption during specific time periods and
communicate it to the utility, often on a daily basis.
A communication channel that permits the utility, at a minimum, to obtain meter reads on demand, to
ascertain whether water has recently been flowing through the meter and onto the premises, and to issue
commands to the meter to perform specific tasks such as disconnecting or restricting water flow.
Total Connections - The number of connections to the public water supply system.
Total Per Capita Demand - The total amount of water withdrawn from all water supply sources during the year
divided by the population served divided by 365 days.
Total Water Pumped - The cumulative amount of water withdrawn from all water supply sou rces during the year.
Total Water Delivered - The sum of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, water supplier services,
wholesale and other water delivered.
Ultimate (Full Build-Out) - Time period representing the community’s estimated total amount and location of
potential development, or when the community is fully built out at the final planned density.
Unaccounted (Non-revenue) Loss - See definitions for “percent unmetered/unaccounted for loss”.
Uniform Rate Structure - A uniform rate structure charges the same price-per-unit for water usage beyond the
fixed customer charge, which covers some fixed costs. The rate sends a price signal to the customer because the
water bill will vary by usage. Uniform rates by class charge the same price-per-unit for all customers within a
customer class (e.g. residential or non-residential). This price structure is generally considered less effective in
encouraging water conservation.
Water Supplier Services - Water used for public services such as hydrant flushing, ice skating rinks, public
swimming pools, city park irrigation, back-flushing at water treatment facilities, and/or other uses.
Water Used for Nonessential Purposes - Water used for lawn irrigation, golf course and park irrigation, car
washes, ornamental fountains, and other non-essential uses.
Wholesale Deliveries - The amount of water delivered in bulk to other public water suppliers.
49
Acronyms and Initialisms
AWWA – American Water Works Association
C/I/I – Commercial/Institutional/Industrial
CIP – Capital Improvement Plan
GIS – Geographic Information System
GPCD – Gallons per capita per day
GWMA – Groundwater Management Area – North
and East Metro, Straight River, Bonanza,
MDH – Minnesota Department of Health
MGD – Million gallons per day
MG – Million gallons
MGL – Maximum Contaminant Level
MnTAP – Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
(University of Minnesota)
MPARS – MN/DNR Permitting and Reporting System
(new electronic permitting system)
MRWA – Minnesota Rural Waters Association
SWP – Source Water Protection
WHP – Wellhead Protection
APPENDICES TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE WATER SUPPLIER
Appendix 1: Well records and maintenance summaries
Go to Part 1C for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 2: Water level monitoring plan
Go to Part 1E for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 3: Water level graphs for each water supply well
Go to Part 1E for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 4: Capital Improvement Plan
Go to Part 1E for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 5: Emergency Telephone List
Go to Part 2C for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 6: Cooperative Agreements for Emergency Services
Go to Part 2C for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 7: Municipal Critical Water Deficiency Ordinance
Go to Part 2C for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 8: Graph of Ten Years of Annual Per Capita Water Demand for Each
Customer Category
Go to Objective 4 in Part 3B for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 9: Water Rate Structure
Go to Objective 6 in Part 3B for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 10: Ordinances or Regulations Related to Water Use
Go to Objective 7 in Part 3B for information on what to include in appendix
Appendix 11: Implementation Checklist
Provide a table that summarizes all the actions that the public water supplier is doing, or proposes to do,
with estimated implementation dates.
Appendix 12: Sources of Information for Table 10
Provide links or references to the information used to complete Table 10. If the file size is reasonable,
provide source information as attachments to the plan.
DRAFT Chapter 11: Implementation
Bringing the Plan to Fruition
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Comprehensive Plan 2040
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INTRODUCTION
An important component of this Comprehensive Plan Update process is to identify
implementation strategies and priorities that will work towards bringing this Plan to
fruition. This chapter provides a set of implementation strategies that are specific to the
chapters, goals and strategies of each component contained within this Plan.
One of the last major public engagement efforts of this planning process was a city-wide
Open House to present the draft Plan, and to solicit feedback specific to implementation
chapter development. Over 150 residents and stakeholders attended the event and nearly
100 people responded to the Implementation Survey at the Open House or online. Once
tabulated, trends regarding implementation priorities were identified, and were then used
to help inform the implementation strategies contained within this chapter. A summary of
the most agreed to, and highest priority implementation strategies as identified within the
survey include:
• General Comprehensive Plan Statement: Overwhelmingly people responded that
they rely on the Comprehensive Plan to understand what is happening in the
City and that the City should follow its Plan. Further respondents felt that the
City should put the work and financial resources into developing appropriate
ordinances and policies to implement the Plan. Ordinances should be clear,
easy to understand, and reliable.
• Land Use: The majority of respondents prioritized the development of
zoning districts that support new Future Land Use designations contained
within this Plan as the most important implementation step, and identified
the top priority as creating zoning that supports the new mixed-use areas.
With respect to the character of commercial areas, respondents were fairly
consistent in their desire to promote low-intensity users that keep traffic calm.
Further, respondents were uninterested in developing a regional destination
for commercial and business park users, and instead prioritized creating
opportunities for businesses and users that would support existing Lake Elmo
neighborhoods and residents. From a residential perspective, respondents
were focused on creating policies and ordinances that would support the
protection, restoration and integration of existing natural resources into new
neighborhoods and developing areas in the community.
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• Balanced Development and Growth: Respondents were split as to whether the City
should take a more proactive approach to economic development in the community.
Many felt that the City’s leaders and staff should be proactive to identify the types of
growth and development it wants and may even go as far as supporting that effort with
financial resources. Financial commitments aside, overwhelmingly people felt that the
City should at a minimum be prepared to respond to development pressure through
establishing appropriate zoning, design guideline and policies that support the desired
development and growth patterns in the community. Additionally, respondents felt
like it was important to create a more streamlined, easy to understand development
review process, and to make sure details such as architecture/design standards, setbacks
and landscape requirements were established within ordinances to reduce ambiguity.
• Housing: Opinions on the top priorities related to housing were more distributed than
any other question, and there was less consensus on who and what types of housing
would be most needed through this planning period. Generally, people continue
to see the owner-occupied single-family detached housing type as important to the
future of the community. However, a significant number of people also identified
the need for owner-occupied town homes and condominiums in the City. With
respect to demographic trends, people felt that the future needs in the community
would continue to be households with young children, and empty-nesters looking
to downsize but also recognized that there may be other demographics that may lack
options within the community.
• Parks, Trails and Open Space (PTOS): Respondents generally agreed on their top
priorities for the PTOS system; they prioritized the desire to create more local trail
connections into Lake Elmo Regional Park (north and west), to improve and restore
the quality of natural resources (lakes, wetland, woodlands, etc.) in the community,
and finally identified the desire to make sure new developments (residential and
commercial) are required to incorporate a public trail or sidewalk in development
plans that provide connections to the larger city-wide planned trail network.
• Transportation: People generally rely on the City’s existing roadway network as the
primary mode of transportation and identified their top priority as maintenance and
management of the existing roadway system. Ranked closely behind, respondents were
interested in creating more dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian safety improvements
on local roadways.
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In addition to the top priorities identified through the Implementation Survey, the Advisory Panel
has also discussed priorities for implementing this Comprehensive Plan throughout this planning
process. A summary of the top priorities that have been discussed by the Advisory Panel over the
last year include the following:
• Create zoning districts that support a balanced land use plan and provide
opportunities for housing diversity including single-family, townhome and
multi-family products within the developing areas of the community.
• Create opportunities for young people to come back to the community in their
early adult years. This likely will include some market rate renter-occupied product
(apartment, townhome, etc.), that could not only provide options for young
professionals but seniors looking to downsize.
• Allow enough flexibility within this Plan and supporting implementation ordinances
and policies to have the latitude to respond to market fluctuations and demands.
• Integrate and weave parks, trails, open spaces and natural resources into every
development – rural or urbanizing. Create a green network that is an amenity, and
accessible, to all residents.
• Create bikeways and pedestrian connections on major roadways to create a more
hospitable network.
• Work with the County to see if there is an opportunity to provide non-motorized trail
access/connections into the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, particularly from the north and
west sides of the park.
Guided by the priorities identified from the Advisory Panel, and the Implementation Survey the
following implementation chapter was developed. This chapter is not intended to identify every
planning or policy effort needed to implement this Comprehensive Plan, but instead is intended to
provide a road-map of major initiatives that may require time, resources, and additional study to
make sure the City prioritizes certain efforts at it continues to grow and evolve.
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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
The following strategies are organized by Plan chapter. In some cases some of the implementation
strategies will perform ‘double-duty’ that is to say, there may be an implementation strategy
identified that would assist with implementation of the goals and strategies of the Land Use chapter
and the Housing Chapter. In those cases, the implementation strategy is listed with the Plan chapter
that the implementation strategy most directly supports.
Chapter 3: Land Use
The following implementation steps and strategies are identified to support the City’s Future Land
Use Plan and the corresponding goals and strategies identified within Chapter 2 of this Plan.
1. Create two new zoning designations that support the Mixed-Use Business Park and Mixed-
Use Commercial land use designations. The process to prepare the new zoning districts
will be led by the Planning Commission and may involve a subcommittee to develop
the ordinances. This process should be initiated immediately upon adoption of this
Comprehensive Plan and should be completed within nine (9) months. Each zoning district
may address and include standards such as:
• Massing and architecture
• Setbacks
• Height restrictions
• Site design/landscape standards
• Permitted, conditionally permitted, and not permitted uses
• Mix of uses
• PUD process
2. Establish whether each parcel is required to be planned for mix of uses, or if a master
planned approach with ghost platting and tracking/monitoring is more desirable
3. Establish a staff and policymaker process and/or create and adopt a formal policy that
defines how mixed-use development projects will be tracked for compliance with this
Plan. The process must identify how the City will track the mix of land uses and provide
a minimum of 50-percent of the land area within the designations for residential uses
at densities that meet minimum thresholds as identified within this Plan. Tracking may
include, but is not limited to, the following examples:
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• Require developers to ‘ghost’ plat and file the concept plan as an official document to
establish land use mix consistent with this Plan. Create a database or inventory (e.g.
Excel) to track residential units and associated density, and acreages associated with each
use. This inventory should be considered and used during the development review process.
• Create a ordinance and process reference sheet for developers and land owners that
describes the mix of uses and process (PUD or otherwise) to ensure compliance with
the ordinance.
4. The City may consider using a consultant to assist with developing a master plan for
the Mixed-Use Commercial and Mixed-Use Business Park designations that can be used
to inform the development of the zoning district requirements and the process to track
development within these designations.
5. Create a new zoning district to support the Village High Density Residential (V-HDR) land
use designation. This zoning district should be based on other Village residential zoning
districts but will be refined and updated to reflect the increased density range identified
within this Plan.
7. The City will review and revise, as necessary, current zoning district regulations for
consistency with the residential density ranges contained within this document. The review,
and any changes, will be completed within nine (9) months of adoption of this Plan.
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Chapter 4: Balanced Development and Growth
The following implementation steps and strategies are identified to support the City’s Balanced
Development and Growth Chapter and the corresponding goals and strategies identified within
Chapter 2 of this Plan.
1. This City will prioritize and establish a cost for each of the zoning ordinance updates and
budget appropriately to complete these updates within their next Capital Improvement Plan
process. Some of these initiatives will likely be staff-led to be cost-effective while others
may involve a focus group and/or consultant involvement. The City acknowledges that
to effectively manage growth and development, the creation of clear, concise and easy to
understand ordinances is integral to the implementation of this Plan.
2. The City will create three Overlay Districts for the Village Planning Area to support this
Plan. The Overlay Districts will provide additional detail regarding the vision, plan, and
specific standards that are unique and tailored to the specific overlay district. For example,
the Old Village District overlay will focus on preservation of the integrity of Main Street
and existing building patterns and uses within the District. This is unique to the Old
Village Overlay District. The process will determine what characteristics and qualities are
unique to each Overlay District, and a specific Zoning Overlay District will be added to
the Zoning Ordinance and identified on the City’s official Zoning Map. This process will
include the Planning Commission and may include a subcommittee to prepare the criteria
for each Overlay District. The Overlay Districts will be established and created within nine
(9) months of adoption of this Plan.
3. The City will review and update its Open Space Development ordinance to focus on
building the greenway network through connected conservation areas, public trails, and
other natural resources.
4. The City will explore options to be cautiously proactive about the types of economic
development it would like to see in its growth areas. To determine the appropriate level of
involvement or engagement by policy makers, a task force, subcommittee, or staff review
process may be initiated to establish an economic development and/or competitiveness plan.
5. The Phasing and/or Staging Plan identified within the Land Use chapter, will serve as the
foundation for development review and the approval process so that municipal utilities and
infrastructure are contiguous and cost-effective.
6. The City will continue to prioritize identification of a solution to the current water supply
issues related to the 3M contamination, and current freeze on water appropriation permits
from the MnDNR. The City acknowledges that part of implementing a balanced growth
plan is the ability to provide municipal services, and at this time there are obstacles that
extend well beyond the City’s borders and in some cases, beyond its control.
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Chapter 5: Housing
The City’s implementation program for the Housing chapter is contained within Chapter 5 as
required by the Metropolitan Council.
Chapter 6: Parks, Trails and Open Space
The following implementation steps and strategies are identified to support the City’s Parks, Trails,
and Open Space Chapter and the corresponding goals and strategies identified within Chapter 2 of
this Plan.
1. The City will continue discussions with Washington County Parks to identify opportunities
for improved trail connections into the Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve, particularly from
the north and west side.
2. The City is open to participating on a task force or working group with the County to plan
for future connections into the Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve.
3. The City will continue to require park dedication as established within the City’s
Ordinance, and will focus its priority on improving trail (bikeway and pedestrian)
connections and providing open space/park access to new neighborhoods.
4. The Park Commission will be involved in initial stages of any development review and
process and will provide recommendations regarding planned public trails, parks or other
open spaces as identified within this Plan. The Park Commission will provide a written
recommendation to the Planning Commission detailing how a proposed development
plan is consistent, or inconsistent with this Plan and detailing what modifications are
recommended, if any, for a project to be consistent with this Plan.
5. An update to the City’s Park System Plan originally adopted in 2008 and incorporated as
part of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan should be completed to reflect recent changes due to
development, and to incorporate the Goals and Strategies of this Plan.
6. The City will prepare an update to the City’s Trail System Plan originally adopted in 2005
and incorporated as part of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, to reflect recent changes due to
development, and to incorporate the Goals and Strategies of this Comprehensive Plan. The
Trail System Plan should also include maps that identify existing trails, ownership (private
or public), as well as planned trail routes and connections throughout existing and new
developments.
7. The City will explore opportunities, either by ordinance, or through the development review
process to support and enhance the Green Network through the continued enforcement of
the park dedication ordinance.
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8. The City will review existing ordinances and policies to identify opportunities to include
standards that support the objectives of the Green Network and Resilient Infrastructure as
described within this Plan.
Chapter 7: Transportation
The following implementation steps and strategies are identified to support the City’s
Transportation Chapter and the corresponding goals and strategies identified within Chapter 2 of
this Plan.
1. The City will continue to work cooperatively with surrounding Cities, Washington County,
the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and other government agencies in development
of a transportation network consistent with the goals and strategies of this Plan.
2. The City will require developers to provide roadways, trails, and appropriate right-of-way
consistent with the goals and strategies of this Plan. For example, the City has identified the
continuation of the Minor Collector roadway (5th Street) to extend eastward to Manning
Avenue as development progresses.
3. The City will participate in coalitions and multi-jurisdictional efforts for improvements
to the transportation network that coincide with the overall goals of the City. This could
include corridor studies/groups, transit oversight panels, and/or construction projects.
4. The City will continue to improve the transportation network to reflect all modes of travel,
and will identify opportunities as development occurs to complete the bikeway and trail
systems identified within this Plan or through future planning efforts.
5. The City will continue to work with MnDOT and Washington County on the TH 36 South
Frontage Road Study to plan to provide safe and adequate access and connectivity to TH 36
for Lake Elmo residents, while minimizing traffic by-passing through the City.
6. The City will continue to support improvements that will maintain the rural character of
Lake Elmo Avenue, in particular along the eastern shoreline of Lake Elmo.
7. The City will continue to incorporate the goals and strategies contained within this Plan
into the Capital Improvement Plan process.
8. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is the financial planning mechanism used by
the City to plan for long-term expenditures. Each year the CIP is revised and updated to
reflect the City’s priorities, and the CIP is used to aid in the annual budgeting process.
Expenditures are made in accordance with the annual established and adopted budget for
the following year. The transportation improvements will continue to be a priority within
the CIP, and projects will be identified to implement and support this Comprehensive
Plan.
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Chapter 8: Surface Water
The following implementation steps and strategies are identified to support the City’s Surface Water
Chapter and the corresponding infrastructure goals and strategies identified within Chapter 2 of
this Plan.
1. The City adopts and incorporates by reference the Watershed District’s Water Management
Plans, standards, and rules into this Plan and as a part of the City’s permitting and
development review process. The Watershed Districts will continue to enforce surface
water regulations and permitting within the City within their geographic areas. The City
will coordinate its review of development proposals with the Watershed Districts and will
manage land use to support protection of surface and ground waters through its Zoning and
Subdivision Ordinance.
2. The City will update its Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) by the end of
2019 consistent with the timeline adopted in the 2009 LSWMP. The City understands that
its LSWMP must be consistent with each Watershed District’s Water Management Plans.
• The City understands that the Valley Branch Watershed District, Browns Creek
Watershed District and South Washington Watershed District have prepared drainage
models for portions of the City that indicate path and low direction, but not all
modeling work has been complete. The City will rely on each watershed district
completing this work and will update its LSWMP as information and data become
available.
• The City will prepare its LSWMP update and submit a copy of it to each of the
Watershed Districts for review, comment and approval once complete.
3. City Process. The City of Lake Elmo reviews proposed development per its Subdivision
Ordinance. Design must be in compliance with Engineering Design Standards. An approved
Watershed District permit is required prior to final plat acceptance. WCA approval of
any wetland impact must be provided by the designated LGU for the Watershed District.
Any impacts to public waters must be reviewed by the DNR. An NPDES Permit must be
received from the MPCA when applicable. An approved SWPPP must be provided for all
subdivisions. No building permit is issued until the following has been completed:
• The City will support the Watershed Districts’ implementation of their standards for
management of water quantity and quality, including control of peak runoff, volume
control, infiltration and filtration, wetland quality, and best management practices
to control Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Phosphorus (TP), and runoff from
development or redevelopment within the City.
4. The Watershed Districts will continue to play the primary role in reviewing storm water
plans for development applications within the City, and the City will condition any
development approvals on demonstrated compliance with the Watershed District Rules. The
IMPLEMENTATION - DRAFT 5-24-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
12
City will direct applicants to submit completed permit applications of any development
proposals at time of City application, and will work cooperatively with the Watershed
Districts through the review and approval process.
5. The City will continue to work with each Watershed District on refinement of coordination
of permit and development application review processes and timelines.
6. The City will update its ordinances to be consistent Watershed plans, standards and rules,
and with NPDES construction storm water permit requirements for erosion and sediment
control if necessary.
7. The City will cooperate with the Watershed Districts to address concerns related to
impaired waters and, as the Watershed Districts complete TMDL studies, will manage land
use to avoid impacts to water resources within the City.
8. The City will continue to implement the City’s MS4 Permit and SWPPP requirements.
9. Funding Mechanisms. The City will continue to use general fund revenues and storm
water utility funds to fund improvements when needed to address water quality and
quantity concerns and maintain City-owned storm water management facilities. The
City’s commitments to system maintenance are described in detail in its MS4 permit and
SWPPP. The City requires that developers finance the improvements that are required with
new development and redevelopment to ensure that private developments meet City and
watershed requirements.
10. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The City’s CIP will incorporate specific implementation
strategies for surface water management as part of the budgeting process.
11. The City’s inspection and maintenance program and pollution prevention/good
housekeeping is completed under the MS4 Permit and documented per the SWPPP.
12. The City will continue to implement the strategies and recommendations as needed from
the Old Village Area Regional Stormwater Management Study that was completed by SEH,
in May 2015, to continue to address and mitigate the Old Village Area flooding problems
and to protect resources in the Down’s Lake Watershed and downstream.
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
13
13. City Ordinances. The City’s adopted ordinances that provide standards and regulations to
manage water resources include the following:
a. Chapter 53 Storm water Management Utility
b. Chapter 91 Forests and Trees
c. Chapter 150 Illicit Discharge and Connection
d. Chapter 152 Flood Plain Management
e. Chapter 153 Subdivision Regulations
f. Chapter 154 Zoning Code
Chapter 9: Wastewater Services
The following implementation steps and strategies are identified to support the City’s Wastewater
Services Chapter and the corresponding goals and strategies identified within Chapter 2 of this Plan.
1. The City will review and update its Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer System Plan based on
the Land Use and Zoning adopted in this Plan to ensure system capacity is available for each
service area, including an updated Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Plan.
2. The City will work with the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) to
further understand the downstream capacity limitations and planned improvements required
for the City’s Oakdale interceptor connection and/or WONE interceptor connection; and
will coordinate planned improvements with MCES.
3. The City will provide new sanitary sewer extensions consistent with the sanitary sewer
staging plan and within the general time frames established as part of this Plan, when
possible, and as market conditions warrant.
4. The City will continue to operate and maintain the City-owned 201 Community wastewater
systems and will develop a system replacement plan.
5. The City will continue to support the MPCA and County’s oversight, monitoring,
permitting and enforcement of their respective ISTS rules and regulations within the City.
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City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
14
Chapter 10: Water Supply
The following implementation steps and strategies are identified to support the City’s Water Supply
System needs and the corresponding goals and strategies identified within Chapter 2 of this Plan.
1. The City will work expeditiously with the MDH, MnDNR and other agencies with
regulatory authority of the City’s Municipal Water Supply to identify a solution to the
closure and decommissioning of Water Supply Well #1 and to implement a new water
supply well to meet the existing and growing water customer base.
2. The City will work to implement a new water storage facility to serve the growing water
system demands int he low pressure zone (Village area south of the UPRR and southeastern
parts of the City) and to replace the aging Water Tower No.1.
3. The City will review and update its Comprehensive Water System plan based on the
Land Use adopted by this Plan to ensure system capacity is available for each service area,
including an updated Water System Capital Improvement Plan.
4. The City will continue to work with the MDH to monitor the groundwater contamination
plumes and contamination impacts to Lake Elmo properties and will develop a mitigation
plan for extending the City’s water supply to replace private wells whenever feasible.
5. The City will work to identify appropriate funding resources, including the recent 3M
Settlement Fund and Closed Landfill Fund, to implement City water supply extensions
to replace private wells, and to address short and long-term public water supply system
improvements.
6. Continue to monitor the potential future use of Well No. 3 and Well No. 1 by providing
water treatment, but plan for the abandonment of these wells when they are deemed no
longer needed. Abandonment is important to protect against groundwater contamination at
the well locations.
7. Negotiate a long-term Agreement with the City of Oakdale for a water system interconnect
between the two Cities for standby emergency water supply use.
8. Maintain the City’s Water Supply Plan consistent with the MnDNR water supply plan
template and continue to provide necessary reporting through the MnDNR Permit and
Reporting System (MPARS). Continue to incrementally review the Water Supply Plan to
ensure it is consistent with continuing development activities and demands.
9. Implement water conservation measures as identified in the City’s Water Supply Plan.
blank page.
Sources: Washington County & Metro GIS7-12-2016
5
Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2030
Map 3-3
Village Open Space OverlayMunicipal Boundary
White hatching denotes possible mixed use areas
Planned Land Use
Planned Land UsesBusiness ParkCommercial
Golf Course Community
Limited Business
Public/ParkResidential EstateRural Area Development
Rural Single Family Sewered
Urban High Density
Urban Low DensityUrban Medium Density
Village Urban Low DensityVillage Mixed Use
Village Urban Medium Density
Rural single Family
LAND USE - DRAFT 5-25-2018
City of Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan 2040
21
IDEAL
AVE
N
INWOOD
AVE
N
60TH ST N
10TH ST N
LAKE
ELMO
AVE
N
STILLWATER B LV D N
30TH ST N
KEATS
AVE
N
O
L
S
O
N
L
A
K
E
T
R
L
N
50TH ST N
MANNING
AVE
N
47TH ST N
34TH ST N
LAKE J A N E TR L N
4 5 T H ST N
Horseshoe
Clear
Unnamed
DeMontreville
Olson
Jane
Berschen's
Pond
Elmo
Sunfish
Friedrich
Pond
Eagle
Point
Downs
H.J.
Brown
Pond
RoseGoose
Goose
Armstrong
Armstrong
Kramer
Goetschel
Klawitter
Pond
Deer
Pond
Crombie
Pond
Hedge's
Pond
Dirk's
Pond
Beutel's
Pond
Legion
Pond
FDraft Date: Rev. 5.23.2018
Source: Washington County,
MNGEO, City of Lake Elmo, SHC
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
V-MU
Institutional
Closed Landfill
ROW
BP
C
Park
PSP
0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.20.15
Miles
Map 3-3. Future Land Use Map
Legend
Planned Roadway (Parkway)