HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-2020 PC
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
October 7, 2020 - 7:00 P.M. COMMISSION MEETING
Virtual Meeting
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1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Special Order of Business
A. (none)
4. Citizens Requests and Comments Relating to Planning and Zoning Issues Not
Already on the Agenda. (Before speaking, please give your full name and address for
the record.)
5. Planning Cases
A. Resolution 1122-20; Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage as an
Accessory Use, 2832 Mounds View Boulevard
B. PUBLIC HEARING; Resolution 1123-2020; Recommending submission of the 2040
Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan Council
6. Other Planning Activity
A. Discussion: Residential Driveway Setbacks
7. Reports
A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity
B. Staff Updates
C. Council Updates
D. Planning Commissioner Reports
Page 2 of 2
8. Approval of Minutes:
A. August 19, 2020
9. Next Planning Commission Meetings:
A. Wednesday, October 21, 2020
B. Wednesday, November 4, 2020
10. Meeting Conclusion
Item No: 05A
Meeting Date: Oct 7, 2020
Type of Business: Planning Case
Planning Case: 2020-004
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Planning Commission
From: Jon Sevald, Community Development Director
Item Title/Subject: Resolution 1122-20; Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor
Storage as an Accessory Use, 2832 Mounds View Boulevard
Introduction:
Caliber Companies is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for outdoor storage of light duty
trucks, trailers, and scaffolding equipment. The outdoor storage area will be screened by an 8’
tall wooden fence.
Discussion:
Caliber Companies, owner of Caliber Drywall and Donnelly Stucco, purchased 2832 Mounds
View Boulevard (Tires N’More) in September, 2020. Caliber plans to remodel the building’s
interior and enclose the east side of the backyard facing CVS, with an 8’ fence this fall, and
renovate the exterior in 2021. Caliber plans to move its operations from south Minneapolis to
Mounds View by December 1st.
Analysis:
The property is zoned B-3 Highway Business. Permitted Uses include Limited Retail uses
which have as the principal use, sales with warehousing or display secondary to that use.1 The
expectation is that the general public can enter the business during normal hours, and purchase
a product (e.g. drywall or stucco supplies) or service (installation). Caliber Companies will have
a product showroom and sales staff.
Within the B-3 district, conditional uses include Open and outdoor storage as an accessory
use.2 Exterior storage must be screened from adjacent residential uses with either a sold fence,
6’ – 8’ in height; or a row of evergreen trees, a minimum of 8’ in height.3
Exterior storage will consist of light-duty trucks, trailers (9’ or less in height), and scaffolding.
West of the property are single-family homes, screened by an existing 6’ solid wooden fence on
the subject property. On the adjacent residential properties, backyards are heavily wooded,
providing additional screening. Staff recommends that the 6’ fence be replaced by an 8’ fence,
because the outside storage will exceed 6’ in height.
History of 2832 Mounds View Boulevard:
In 1965, the building was constructed for the PAK Company, and used as a warehouse. In
1967, the property was rezoned from R1A to B-3. In 1976, a Special Use Permit was approved
for an indoor/outdoor tennis court facility at 2828 County Road 10 (behind the PAK building). In
2004, five parcels, including the PAK property and the adjacent Amoco gas station, were platted
into two lots (Velmeir CVS Addition). In 2004, an ingress/egress easement was recorded
across CVS and PAK properties for the benefit of both. Amoco was removed and redeveloped
into CVS Pharmacy (2005).
1 City Code, Section 1113.02, Subd 2 (Retail)
2 City Code, Section 1114.04, Subd 4 (Open and outdoor storage as an accessory use)
3 City Code, Section 1103.08, Subd 6 (Required Screening)
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
In 2005, A Variance was approved for PAK to reduce the driveway setback, from 5’ to 1’ (Res.
810-05). Between 2004 and 2007, disputes occurred between representatives of the PAK
property and Velmeir/CVS regarding drainage and easements.
In 2005, the PAK building became vacant. City files include 2006-2009 history of parties
interested in acquiring the PAK property, including; Anytime Fitness, a baseball/softball training
facility; gun shop; thrift store; bike shop; computer repair; an Italian-American Club, restaurant;
retail strip mall (with the Simons property), carpet store. PAK’s representative was
unresponsive to all inquiries. In 2011, the property entered foreclosure.
In 2012, C & N Group, LLC (Tires N’More) purchased the property and obtained a CUP for
Minor Auto Repair (Res 7984), with conditions of installing a 6’ fence along the western property
line, constructing a parking lot, and complying with the Fire Marshal’s orders. In 2013, a
Variance was approved allowing parking lot setbacks to be; front; 5’; east; 0’ west front-half; 0’
(Res 995-13). At that time, there was no driveway access along the east side of the Tires
N’More building from front to back. Between 2012 and 2019, the City issued various violation
orders related to tire storage and miscellaneous zoning violations. In 2019, the CUP was
revoked, in part due to these violations (Res. 9108).
Strategic Plan Strategy/Goal:
Create and maintain a positive business climate where businesses want to locate and remain in
Mounds View.
Financial Impact:
(none)
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of Resolution 1122-20, approving a Conditional Use Permit for
Open and Outdoor Storage, including replacing the existing western 6’ wooden fence, with an 8’
fence to match the proposed 8’ eastern fence.
The Planning Commission is requested to consider the following options:
1. Approve Resolution 1122-20, Recommending Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for
Open and Outdoor Storage as an Accessory Use.
2. Recommend Denial of Resolution 1122-20, with Findings.
3. Table the request. If additional information is needed before a decision can be made,
the Commission may Table the request until such information is provided. Because of
the 60-Day Rule (deadline: November 18, 2020), this would need to come back to the
Commission at its October 21st or November 4th meeting, or Staff may extend the City’s
review past 60-Days by providing notice and reasoning to the applicant.
A Public Hearing is scheduled for the October 12, 2020 City Council meeting. Notice was
published in the September 29, 2020 Shoreview Press, and mailed to property owners within
350’ of the subject property.
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Respectfully,
Jon Sevald, AICP
Community Development Director
ATTACHED
1. Resolution 1122-20
2. Zoning Map
3. Aerial Photo
4. Site Photos
5. Applicant’s Narrative
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOULTUION 1122-20
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
FOR OPEN AND OUTDOOR STORAGE AS AN ACCESSORY USE,
2832 MOUNDS VIEW BOULEVARD
(PLANNING CASE CU2020-004
WHEREAS, the applicant, Mike Horsch (JAM Ventures MN Two LLC), has applied for a
Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage as an Accessory Use on property located at 2832
Mounds View Boulevard, legally described as:
Lot 1, Block 1, Velmier CVS Addition
WHEREAS, the property is zoned B-3 Highway Business; and,
WHEREAS, the Mounds View City Code, Section 1114.04, Subd 4, requires a Conditional Use
Permit for Open and outdoor storage as an accessory use within the B-3 district. Among other conditions,
outside storage abutting a residential district must be screened; and,
WHEREAS, the Mounds View City Code, Section 1103.08, Subd 6, related to required
screening, requires a green belt planting strip at least 8’ in height, or a solid fence not less than 6’ in
height. The subject property includes a 6’ solid wooden fence along the western property line adjacent to
residential properties, and a chain link fence along the southern property line adjacent to a storm water
infiltration basin. The applicant proposes to enclose unfenced areas with an 8’ solid wooden fence; and,
WHEREAS, the Mounds View City Code, Section 1125.01, Subd 3(b) includes the Criteria for
Granting Conditional Use Permits, stating; In granting a conditional use permit, the City Council shall
consider the advice and recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the effect of the
proposed use on the Comprehensive Plan and upon the health, safety and general welfare of occupants of
surrounding lands. Among other things, the City Council shall make the following findings where
applicable (Findings in Bold italics):
1. The use will not create an excessive burden on existing parks, schools, streets and other public
facilities and utilities which serve or are proposed to serve the area.
Finding: The Open and Outdoor Storage will have no impact to public facilities.
2. The use will be sufficiently compatible or separated by distance or screening from adjacent
residentially zoned or used land so that existing homes will not be depreciated in value and there
will be no deterrence to development of vacant land.
Finding: The Open and Outdoor Storage will be adequately screened by an 8’ solid
wooden fence, except along the southern property line, which is adjacent to a
wooded storm water infiltration brain.
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
3. The structure and site shall have an appearance that will not have an adverse effect upon adjacent
residential properties.
Finding: The Open and Outdoor Storage area is currently screened from adjacent
residential properties by a 6’ solid wooden fence. Screening will be improved by
a new 8’ solid wooden fence.
4. The use, in the opinion of the City Council, is reasonably related to the overall needs of the City
and to the existing land use.
Finding: The building was built in 1965, primarily for use as a warehouse (PAK
Company). The property has been underutilized as a warehouse without retail,
for many years (Tires N’More). The proposed primary use for retail
sales/service of construction materials with warehousing, and an accessory use
of open and outdoor storage (Caliber Companies), is appropriate for this
location, considering the existing building.
5. The use is consistent with the purposes of the Zoning Code and the purposes of the zoning district
in which the applicant intends to locate the proposed use.
Finding: The proposed use (open and outdoor storage) is consistent with the purposes of
the Zoning Code.
6. The use is not in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan of the City.
Finding: The property is guided Mixed Use MU-PUD in the Comprehensive Plan (2010).
Open and Outdoor Storage is not specifically addressed in the Comprehensive
Plan, but relates to the following:
General Land Use
Goal 1: Maintain a cohesive land use pattern that ensures compatibility and
functional relationships between activities and uses.
Policy h. Transitions between distinctly differing types of land uses should not
create a negative economic, social, or physical impact on adjoining
developments.
Policy k. Require and maintain buffering and visual separation between
differing land uses, when possible.
Policy l. Strive for compatibility of adjacent land uses.
Commercial
Goal 2: Provide safe, convenient, attractive, and accessible commercial
development.
Policy d. Ensure that all service, institutional and commercial uses are
adequately screened and buffered from any existing or planned
residential developments.
Policy e. The City will require buffers such as screen plantings, fences, and
public and semi-public use areas to help eliminate conflicts and
disruptions between commercial land uses and activities and
adjacent or nearby residential development.
7. The use will not cause traffic hazards or congestion.
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Finding: The proposed use (open and outdoor storage) will not significantly contribute to
traffic hazards or congestion. The property includes two easements; (1)
accessing Groveland Road; and (2) accessing Mounds View Boulevard; both
crossing thru 2840 Mounds View Boulevard (Simons property).
8. Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and necessary facilities have been or will be provided.
Finding: Such facilities are adequate.
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing notice was published in the Shoreview Press on September 29,
2020, and mailed to property owners within 350’ of the subject property. The Public Hearing will be held
by the City Council on October 12, 2020; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mounds View Planning and Zoning
Commission, based upon the above Findings, the Staff Report, and in consideration of public
testimony, hereby recommends Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor
Storage as an Accessory Use with the following conditions:
1. The applicant shall install an 8’ tall solid wooden fence around the west, north, and east
portions of the outside storage area. The fence shall be completed prior to June 1, 2021.
Applicable permits shall be obtained.
2. All work permitted, associated with the open and outdoor storage, shall be completed
within one year of the approval of this CUP, or the CUP shall laps and become void,
consistent with the Mounds View City Code, Section 1125.01, Subd 3(f) (Lapse of
Conditional Use Permit by Nonuse).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mounds View
Planning Commission directs Staff to forward this resolution to the City Council prior to
approval of the minutes.
Adopted this 7th day of October, 2020
Gary Stevenson, Chair
Attest:
Jon Sevald, Community Development Director
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Zoning Map
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Aerial Photo
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Site Photos
2832 Mounds View Boulevard, view from NE property corner, looking south (photo Sep 28, 2020
2832 Mounds View Boulevard, view of west side yard, looking south (photo Sep 28, 2020)
2832 Mounds View Boulevard, view from CVS Pharmacy western drive lane, looking west-southwest toward proposed Open and
Outside Storage Area (photo Sep 28, 2020)
Item No: 05B
Meeting Date: Oct 7, 2020
Type of Business: Planning Case
Special Planning Case: SP-203-16
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Planning Commission
From: Jon Sevald, Community Development Director
Item Title/Subject: PUBLIC HEARING; Resolution 1123-2020; Recommending
submission of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan
Council
Introduction:
The Mounds View Comprehensive Plan (Plan) is a 20-year guide for land use and development.
The Plan includes chapters on Land Use; Housing; Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities;
Transportation; Water Resources; and Implementation. The Plan is updated every ten years,
and reviewed by the Metropolitan Council for conformance with regional systems plans (Thrive
MSP 2040). The Planning Commission is requested to conduct a Public Hearing, and provide a
recommendation to the City Council to submit the revised Draft Plan to the Metropolitan Council,
and authorize Staff to make any additional changes necessary to the Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan has two parts; the Plan and the Appendixes. The Plan is more easily
readable than the appendixes. The appendixes have been excluded from the packets.
Discussion:
The Draft Plan was submitted to the Metropolitan Council in December 2019, which responded
with an incomplete letter. The Plan has been revised. Staff intended to re-submit the Plan to
the Metropolitan Council after the City Council’s October 12th meeting. However, Metcouncil
Staff advised that there is a backlog of plans for review. Thus, Staff chose to submit the revised
Plan on September 25th, ahead of the Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Prior to
September 25th, a Public Hearing notice had been published for the Commission’s October 7th
meeting.
The intent is for the Plan to be approved by the Metropolitan Council by the end of this year, in
order to continue qualifying for affordable housing grants in 2021. In 2017, Boulevard
Apartments received a $500,000 Livable Communities grant. A similar grant may be pursued
for the former Skyline Motel site in 2021.
Changes since December 2019 Submission:
The Metcouncil’s January incomplete letter addressed a number of minor errors and omissions
in the Plan, and are included in the Commission’s packets. More substantial edits were made to
the appendixes related to the wastewater and surface water plans. The Water Supply Plan is
near complete, but not ready yet. Once completed, it will be submitted to the Metropolitan
Council.
Strategic Plan Strategy/Goal:
Maintain and plan for infrastructure improvements including waste water, water, &
transportation.
Increase community engagement while being sensitive to the changing demographics &
their needs and inclusive to all socioeconomic situations.
Continue BR&E program, maximize utilization of development space and current list of
available sites, encourage land owners to maintain their properties, & consider residential
redevelopment.
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Financial Impact:
The City Council has approved $99,441 to complete the Comprehensive Plan, with funds from
Community Development, Sanitary Sewer, and Storm Water funds.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Commission conduct a Public Hearing, and approve Resolution
1123-2020; Recommending submission of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan
Council, and authorizing Staff to make any changes needed to the Plan.
Staff does not expect the Commission to have read the entire Plan prior to its October 7th
meeting. Most of the Plan is unchanged since the Commission’s last review in December 2019.
Stantec (consultant planner) will be in attendance to answer any questions Staff is unable to
address.
Respectfully,
Jon Sevald, AICP
Community Development Director
ATTAHCED
1. Resolution 1123-2020
2. DRAFT Comprehensive Plan (without addendums)
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 1123-20
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING SUBMISSION OF THE
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
(Special Planning Case SP-203-16)
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 462.355 requires planning agencies within the
metropolitan area to prepare a comprehensive municipal plan, and update the plan, fiscal devices,
and official controls, every ten years; and,
WHEREAS, the Village of Mounds View adopted a comprehensive plan in 1959, and
updated it in 1975, 1979, 1998, and 2010; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council appointed a Comprehensive Plan Taskforce, which met in
2018 and 2019, culminating in a joint workshop with the City Council and advisory commissions
on April 23, 2019. The City Council approved the Draft Comprehensive Plan for distribution to
affected jurisdictions for a mandatory 6-month review on May 13, 2019 (Resolution 9111).
Jurisdictions’ comments were incorporated into the plan where appropriate; and,
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 462.355, Subd 2 (Procedure to adopt, amend) requires
the planning agency to conduct a Public Hearing prior to any amendment of the plan. The
Planning Commission reviewed the Draft Comprehensive Plan on December 4, 2019 (Resolution
1107-19). The City Council conducted a Public Hearing on December 9, 2019 (Resolution
9195). The Draft Comprehensive Plan was submitted to the Metropolitan Council on December
20, 2019; and,
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council responded with an incomplete letter on January
10, 2020. The Draft Comprehensive Plan was revised, and resubmitted to the Metropolitan
Council on September 25, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing notice was published in the September 15, 2020
Shoreview Press. The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on October 7, 2020 to review
the revised Draft Comprehensive Plan; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in consideration of the staff report, the
revised Draft Comprehensive Plan, and public testimony, the Mounds View Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval of the revised Draft Comprehensive Plan; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City Staff and consultants
shall make all changes that are necessary to the revised Draft Comprehensive Plan without
formal review by the Planning Commission or City Council, to obtain approval from the
Metropolitan Council.
Item 05B
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The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Adopted this 7th day of October, 2020
Gary Stevenson, Chair
Attest:
Jon Sevald, Community Development Director
(Seal)
Comment Response
Roadways
The Plan must identify existing and future number of lanes on
principal and minor arterials. The Plan needs to include lane
information (existing or future) on the two principal arterials, l‐35W
and US 10. The Plan must also acknowledge the addition of a
MnPASS lane on l‐35W, which is included in the 2040 Transportation
Policy Plan and is currently under construction. The Plan mentions in
the text that there are four lanes on both minor arterials, Mounds
View Boulevard and Silver Lake Road, and also needs to include the
future number of lanes on either road. Council staff normally
assume no future change from the existing number of lanes, but the
Plan discusses in several places that the City would like to reduce the
amount of right of way and desires a "revision" of Mounds View
Boulevard, so it is unclear if this reduction means reducing the
number of lanes.
Addressed by adding language about the
current and future number of lanes on I‐
35W, Highway 10, MV Blvd and Silver
Lake Road on page 5‐3. Assumed no
change in number of lanes by 2040. Also
added a sentence about the MnPASS lane
on I‐35W on the bottom of page 5‐3.
Transit
On page 5‐9, there is no mention of Transit Link service. Reference
to Transit Link could be added in the following section on page 5‐9
"In addition to the fixed route bus service, the Metropolitan Council
operates Metro Mobility that provides door‐to‐door transportation
service for people with disabilities. The Metropolitan Council
provides other services through the Metro Commuter program. The
City is expecting the Metropolitan Council to continue to provide
mass transit, Metro Mobility, and Metro Commuter services in the
future."
Inserted description of Transit Link
service in proposed section on page 5‐9
TAZ Forecasts
TAZ forecasts are included, but Council staff could not find any 2040
traffic forecasts (the Plan does show existing traffic volumes in Fig 5‐
1). The Plan must include 2040 traffic forecasts.
2040 projected traffic volumes have been
added to Figure 5‐1 and are shown in
purple.
Transportation and Transit
Response to Met Council Incomplete Letter Dated January 10, 2020
Advisory Comments:
• The text on page 5‐9 should be revised to the following "Mounds
View is within the Metropolitan Transit Taxing District Transit Capital
Levy District, Market Area III."
• On Figure 5‐3, on page 5‐10, the following should be revised:
O Remove Routes 252, 288, and 955 from the map.
■ Routes 252 and 288 do not serve stops in Mounds View. They
operate on l‐35W on the eastern edge of the City.
■ Route 955 is a State Fair route, which does not travel along
Mounds View Boulevard as indicated on the map. This route travels
nonstop from the l‐35W & 95th Avenue Park‐and‐Ride in Blaine to
the State Fair, making no stops in Mounds View.
O Figure 5‐3 shows four "Park & Ride Lot" symbols in southeast
Mounds View. The two dots west of Mounds View Boulevard are
associated with the former Mermaid Supper Club Park‐and‐Ride,
which was closed in 2018. The northern‐most dot is associated with
the Bethlehem Baptist Church, which temporarily served as a park‐
and‐ride in 2016 when the County Road H Park‐and‐Ride was closed
during interchange construction. Today, the County Road H Park‐
and‐Ride is the only park‐and‐ride facility in Mounds View and
should be the only "Park & Ride Lot" shown in Figure 5‐3.
Text on page 5‐9 has been revised as
suggested
Figure 5‐3 has been adjusted as
requested to remove routes 252,288 and
955. Figure 5‐3 also shows only 1 park
and ride (County Road H park and ride).
Comment Response
Provide an electronic map or maps (GIS shape files or equivalent)
showing the existing sanitary sewer system, including lift stations,
the existing connection points to the metropolitan disposal system,
future connection points for new growth (if applicable), local sewer
service districts by connection point, and intercommunity
connections.
• It is the Council's understanding that there are areas of Mounds
View that are provided wastewater service through connections to
adjacent community systems, and areas within adjacent
communities that are provided wastewater service through
connection(s) with the Mounds View system. The GIS map files need
to identify the location of these intercommunity connection points
and those areas within Mounds View that are served through a
connection with the adjacent community.
In Appendix D, Map 1, Sanitary Sewer
System, shows the MCES Interceptor
system through the City, along with
existing and proposed future connections
to the MCES system. Intercommunity
connections are also shown on this map.
The map has been submitted as both a
pdf and shapefiles.
Wastewater (Requested changes submitted to Roger Janzig via email on 9/16/2020)
For all Wastewater comments see Appendix D ‐ Comprehensive Sewer Plan
The Plan must include a copy of intercommunity service agreements
entered into with an adjoining community, or language that
confirms the Council's understanding that the communities
reimburse each other for the municipal wastewater charges that
each will incur by receiving flow from the adjacent community,
including a map of areas covered by the agreement. The Plan should
detail how the intercommunity connections are being billed for
wastewater service. For example, identify if the intercommunity
connections are billed by the community receiving the flow or if the
Council needs to make an adjustment in the wastewater flow billing
for the two communities.
• The Plan needs to either include a copy of the agreements with the
adjacent communities that outline the terms of the intercommunity
wastewater service as it relates to reimbursement of treatment
costs associated with wastewater, or the Plan needs to provide a
narrative as to how these costs are adjusted for between the
municipalities or if they rely on the Council to make these
adjustments. The Metropolitan Council does not make any
adjustments to Mounds View wastewater volume allocation for any
intercommunity flow exchanges.
As noted in Section 4.2, there is one
active intercommunity service agreement
with Fridley. The City is working on
intercommunity service agreements with
the other communities and will supply
them when they are executed.
The Plan must include a table or tables that provide the following
local system information:
• Capacity and design flows for existing trunk sewers and lift
stations.
o For local sanitary sewer lines 12" and larger that connect to a
Metropolitan Interceptor, provide the 2040 design flow and pipe
capacity for each connecting trunk sewer and lift station. The Plan
must state what percentage of the total capacity of each pipe will be
used by 2040.
• Assignment of 2040 household and employment forecasts by
Metropolitan interceptor facility.
o The City is provided regional wastewater service through four
individual connections to the regional system. Each is related to a
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services wastewater flow
meter. They are: M202 (Shamrock Lane & 69th Avenue), M203
(County Road H & East of Edgewood), M208 (Quincey & Hillview),
and M212 (County I & St. Michael). The Plan needs to state the
hydraulic capacity for each of the local gravity sewers that connect
to the regional system at these locations, state the 2040 projected
flow, and provide the breakdown of the 2040 household and
employment forecasts that are anticipated to be served through
these connections. Both the individual 2040 flow projections and
2040 growth forecasts need to reflect the totals referenced
elsewhere in the Plan.
Appendix D provides design flows and
capacities for trunk sewers. Table 4‐1
provides design flows and capacities for
lift stations.
Table 2‐3 provides 2040 household and
employment projections by Metropolitan
interceptor facility
Define the City's goals, policies, and strategies for preventing and
reducing excessive inflow and infiltration (I/I) in the local municipal
(City) and private (private property) sanitary sewer systems.
• Include a summary of activities or programs intended to mitigate
I/I from both public and private property sources.
Section 5.1.2 contains a summary of City
goals, policies, and strategies to address
I/I in the system. A summary of activities
intended to mitigate I/I is provided in
Section 5.1.3.
Describe the requirements and standards in the City for minimizing
inflow and infiltration.
• Include a copy of the local ordinance or resolution that prohibits
discharge from sump pumps, foundation drains, and/or rain leaders
to the sanitary sewer system.
• Include a copy of the local ordinance or resolution requiring the
disconnection of existing foundation drains, sump pumps, and roof
leaders from the sanitary sewer system.
The City’s sanitary sewer ordinance is
provided in Appendix E and referenced in
Section 5.1.2. It contains a Storm Water
section that prohibits discharge of roof
drains, sump pumps, and foundation
drains to the sanitary sewer system and
further requires disconnection of such
systems from the sanitary sewer system.
Describe the sources, extent, and significance of existing inflow and
infiltration in both the municipal and private sewer systems.
• Include a description of the existing sources of I/I in the municipal
and private sewer infrastructure.
• Include a summary of the extent of the systems that contribute to
I/I such as locations, quantities of piping or manholes, quantity of
service laterals, or other measures. If an analysis has not been
completed, include a schedule and scope of future system analysis.
• Include a breakdown of residential housing stock age within the
City into pre‐ and post‐ 1970 era, and what percentage of pre‐1970
era private services have been evaluated for I/I susceptibility and
repair.
• Include the measured or estimated amount of clearwater flow
generated from the public municipal and private sewer systems.
• Include a cost summary for remediating the I/I sources identified in
the City. If previous I/I mitigation work has occurred in the City,
include a summary of flow reductions and investments completed. If
costs for mitigating I/I have not been analyzed, include the
anticipated wastewater service rates or other costs attributed to
inflow and infiltration.
Section 5.1.1 provides a description of
potential sources of I/I in the system. A
detailed analysis of the extent of sanitary
sewer that contributes to I/I has not been
completed. Specific evaluations will be
performed in the future on an as‐needed
basis.
Section 5.1.1 discusses the proportion of
I/I contribution in the City’s wastewater
system based on the EPA Guide for
Estimating Infiltration and Inflow (June
2014) and flow data from the MCES.
Section 5.1.3 and Table 5‐1 provide the
City’s implementation plan for preventing
and eliminating excess I/I. Almost all the
items are currently being performed on
an ongoing basis and are planned to
continue as such, with annual costs
provided.
Describe the implementation plan for preventing and eliminating
excessive inflow and infiltration from entering both the municipal
and private sewer systems.
• Include the strategy for implementing projects, activities, or
programs planned to mitigate excessive I/I from entering the
municipal and private sewer systems.
• Include a list of priorities for I/I mitigation projects based on flow
reduction, budget, schedule, or other criteria.
• Include a schedule and the related financial mechanisms planned
or needed to implement the I/I mitigation strategy. Include
information related to the City's CIP that pertains to I/I mitigation
efforts ‐ pipelining, MH structure sealing, private property service
inspection, etc.
Section 5.1.3 and Table 5‐1 provide the
City’s implementation plan for preventing
and eliminating excess I/I. Almost all the
items are currently being performed on
an ongoing basis and are planned to
continue as such, with annual costs
provided.
Describe your management program for sub‐surface sewage
treatment systems (SSTS) to comply with MPCA 7080 regulations for
the one noted system in the City.
Section 4.3 notes that Chapter 907 of the
City Code (Appendix E) requires that all
existing buildings adjacent to a sewer
main and all new buildings shall be
connected to the City sewer system, at
which point any existing septic system
will be pumped and filled.
Include a map or maps (GIS shape files or equivalent) showing the
location of the sub‐surface sewage treatment systems and a
narrative as to conformance with 7080 and any issues or problems
with the systems.
Map 1 shows the location of the single
subsurface sewage treatment system in
the City. The map has been submitted as
both a pdf and shapefiles.
Section 4.3 notes that Chapter 907 of the
City Code (Appendix E) requires that all
existing buildings adjacent to a sewer
main and all new buildings shall be
connected to the City sewer system, at
which point any existing septic system
will be pumped and filled.
Comment Response
Development and Redevelopment Staging
The Plan provides a proposed forecast revision in Table 1‐1. Council
staff and the City discussed this forecast revision in May 2019 and
agreed to a forecast that matches that shown in Table 1‐1 and
shown below for reference (see table in incomplete letter)
Chapter 2 of the Plan describes and inventories land supply for
future development and redevelopment. The Plan identifies 87 acres
that could be redeveloped during 2020‐2040 (Table 2‐3). Most of the
new housing capacity is associated with the supply of mixed use
residential land: 194 housing units are possible during 2020‐2030 if
the identified sites are fully redeveloped with mixed use residential
projects; an additional 363 housing units are possible during 2030‐
2040 (Table 2‐3). This staging does not accommodate the growth
forecast for the 2020‐2030 decade (220 additional households
during 2020‐2030). Council staff advise either adjusting the land use
staging expectations to allow more housing by 2030; or requesting a
slightly lower 2030 household and population forecast.
Table 2‐3 and Figure 2‐3 have been
adjusted to account for the forecast
revision and this comment. Staging now
accommodates the growth forecast for
the 2020‐2030 decade.
Affordable Housing Need
With this forecast revision, the 2021‐2030 Affordable Housing Need
for Mounds View is revised. The new 2021‐2030 Affordable Housing
Need numbers are: 27 units at <=30% AMI, 11 units at 31‐50% AMI;
21 units at 51‐80% AMI; 59 units total. The information in Table 3‐7
is obsolete and must be revised.
Table 3‐7 has been revised as suggested.
Forecasts
TAZ Forecasts
The Council requires 2020, 2030, and 2040 forecasts assigned
transportation analysis zones, or portions of TAZs within the City
boundaries. Further, the Council requires the column totals to match
the communitywide forecast, as revised in Table 1‐1. Table 5‐2
presents TAZ allocations that are significantly in error. Employment
is over‐allocated by 1,100 to 1,200 jobs; the numbers must be
reduced to match the communitywide total employment.
Population and households are under‐allocated; the numbers must
be increased to match the communitywide totals.
TAZ forecasts in Table 5‐2 have been
adjusted to match the community‐wide
forecast.
Sewer‐serviced Forecast
The Council requires a sewer‐serviced forecast and expects that the
entire community is sewer‐serviced. A sewer‐serviced forecast table
appears as Table 6‐1, but the table includes the obsolete forecast
from the System Statement. This table must be updated to reflect
the City‐proposed forecast in Table 1‐1.
Table 6‐1 has been updated to reflect the
City‐proposed forecast in table 1‐1.
Further information is included in the
Comprehensive Sewer Plan in the
Appendix.
Comment Response
Future Land Use
The Plan must define each land use category shown on the Future
Land Use Map.
• Not all of the land uses shown in Figure 2‐2, Future Land Use Map,
on page 2‐12, are defined on pages 2‐7 to 2‐10. For instance,
public/semi‐public and parks/open space land uses are not defined.
•The residential land use categories shown in Figure 2‐2 are not
specifically defined on pages 2‐7 to 2‐10. The housing types
permitted within these land use categories need to be clearly
detailed. For instance, provide clarity on housing types permitted in
the Multi‐family Residential land use category.
• In Figure 2‐2, Utility is a land use category, and needs to be defined
on pages 2‐7 to 2‐10.
Public/semi‐public and parks/open space
are now defined on page 2‐10.
Clarity added to Plan on page 2‐7 and 2‐8.
Individual definitions for each residential
land use are now included along with
density expectation.
Utility is now defined on page 2‐10
Land Use
Land use categories must be used consistently throughout the Plan.
•Industrial land use is defined on page 2‐9 and included in Table 2‐2,
Future Land Use. However, Figure 2‐2, Future Land Use Map, on
page 2‐12, shows Light Industrial land use, which is inconsistent with
other portions of the land use chapter.
• Table 2‐2 shows Single Family Residential land use, and the table
needs to include Single Family Attached land use because it is
identified as a discreet land use on page 2‐7.
•On page 2‐9, the Plan states "The City anticipates that Mixed Use
districts will be redeveloped at 60% residential and 40% commercial
with the residential portions matching the density minimums and
maximums of the High‐Density Residential designation." However,
there is no High‐Density Residential designation described elsewhere
in the Plan. The Plan needs to either be amended to include this land
use, or this reference to High‐Density Residential needs to be
removed.
Light Industrial label in Figure 2‐2 has
been changed to Industrial to match with
the rest of the Plan.
Single‐Family Attached land use has been
included in Table 2‐2.
This reference to High Density Residential
has been removed from the Plan.
Density Calculations
The Mixed Use (MU) land use category includes an expectation that
60% of these acres will be developed with a residential use. Detail
needs to be added to clarify Table 2‐3 to state that the acreages
shown for MU are the 60% residential development expectation of
the total development acres. For instance, the MU acres for 2021‐
2030 are shown in Table 2‐3 as 11.2 acres, which suggests that the
total development acres for that decade is 18.62 acres. This detail
can be added with an additional 'total acres' table column, a
notation for the table, or within the narrative.
A notation has been added to Table 2‐3
stating that the mixed use acres
represent the 60% expected residential
development.
The Affordable Housing Need Allocation number is incorrect within
the Housing chapter of the Plan. The information depicted in the
Housing chapter does not take account of the forecast revision,
which changes the Affordable Housing Need Allocation number.
Please revise this information based on the Housing comments
below.
The Affordable Housing Allocation
number has been changed within the
housing chapter on page 3‐6 to be
consistent with the forecast revision.
Future Land Use maps used elsewhere in the Plan need to be
consistent with Figure 2‐2, Future Land Use Map, on page 2‐12. For
instance, Figure 4‐1, Publicly Owned‐ Properties, shows land uses
not detailed in Figure 2‐2. Figure 5‐3, Existing Transit System also
appears to be inconsistent with Figure 2‐2.
Figures 4‐1 and 5‐3 have been updated to
be consistent with Future Land Use
shown in Figure 2‐2.
Advisory
The shorthand for the Mixed Use land use category is variously
shown as MU or MF. This inconsistency should be amended for
clarity.
All MF and MU references have been
amended to clarify the correct land use ‐
Multi‐Family or Mixed Use
Comment Response
Mounds View is located within the oversight boundaries of the Rice
Creek Watershed District. The City submitted a draft Local Water
Management Plan (LWMP) update to the Council in March 2019.
Council Water Resources staff reviewed and commented on the
draft LWMP to the City and Watershed in a letter dated April 22,
2019. The Plan indicates on page 6‐2 in the Surface Water
Management section of Water Resources Chapter 6 that a full copy
of the LWMP will be included as an Appendix to the Plan when
complete following review by the Rice Creek Watershed District.
•To be considered complete for review, the City needs to submit a
Comprehensive Plan that incorporates the most recent draft LWMP
update that is currently under review by the District. The final Plan
that the City adopts will need to include the final LWMP that the
Watershed had approved, but for our review purposes at this time,
the most recent draft LWMP will be sufficient.
Most recent LSWMP has been added to
this Plan as an Appendix. This version was
last updated 9.14.2020 and responds to
the second round of RCWD comments.
Comment Response
Historic Preservation
All plans must include a protection element for historic sites. Page 2‐
18 states, "There are no historically significant or potential
historically significant sites in Mounds View. Therefore, there is not a
need for any special measures to ensure the protection of
historically significant properties. The City will consider this potential
issue during the normal development review process." The Plan
must provide a policy or protection element for historic sites. On
page 2‐12, the Plan makes reference to the need for restoration of
the historic and iconic Mermaid Statue, yet there are no policy
provisions or protection element in the Plan for historic sites.
A policy addressing historic sites has been
added under goal 3 on page 2‐3, and
additional language regarding historic
preservation added on page 2‐18.
Comment Response
Special Resource Protection
Housing
Surface Water Management
Projected Housing Need
The Plan needs to include the correct local Affordable Housing Need
Allocation (Need). The correct Need, provided to the City at the time
of a forecast change in spring of 2019, is 27 units affordable at or
below 30% of area median income (AMI), 11 units affordable
between 31 and 50% AMI, and 21 units affordable between 51 and
80% AMI, for a total of 59. For the Plan to be consistent with Council
housing policy, please note that enough land must be guided for the
2021‐2030 timeframe to meet the City's Need.
Affordable Housing Need Allocation
numbers hace been updated to reflect
the forecast change.
Implementation Plan
The Plan must consider the use of all widely accepted housing tools
to be considered consistent with Council housing policy, including
when such tools would be used. The following tools are included in
the Plan, but the Plan does not include information about if or when
such tools would be used by the City to meet their housing needs:
o Fair Housing Policy
o Participation in housing‐related organizations, partnerships, and
initiatives
o Zoning and subdivision ordinances
o Preservation of LI HTC properties
o Housing Improvement Areas (HIAs)
o Tools that preserve private unsubsidized affordable housing
(NOAH Impact Fund, MN Housing, 4(d) tax incentives)
Please note that all tools added to the Plan that the City plans to use
or will consider for use must be connected to housing needs for the
Plan to be found consistent with Council housing policy.
Language has been added on page 3‐9 to
describe when the identified housing
tools would be used by the City to meet
their housing needs.
Advisory
Housinglink reports two housing developments that are funded with
Low‐Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that may expire in the 2021
to 2030 time period. There are more than 130 units that are
affordable to households earning 60% Area Median Income, and
expiration of these tax credits without a preservation plan could
result in eviction of these households.
(1) Silver Lake Commons (1970), 5657
Mounds View Blvd; 44 units at 60% AMI
& 5 units at 30% AMI. LIHTC expires
2028. (2) Silver Pointe Apartments
(1995) (SLP Acquisition LLC), 2701 Co Rd
I; 83 units at 60% AMI. LIHTC expires
2025. The City has no policies or plans to
preserve these as affordable. Silver Lake
Commons sold in 2018. In the City's
opinion, Gentrafication is not likely to
occur pre‐2040, therefore, it is more
likely that as NOLA multi‐family housing
ownership changes, new owners are
unlikely to make drastic changes such
that units are no longer affordable.
Rather than preserving NOLA, the City‐
County‐ISD 621 should be partnering with
others to address underlying poverty
causes.
Comment Response
The Plan must include a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for
transportation, sewers, parks, water supply, and open space
facilities. Specify the timing and sequence of major local public
investments. The Plan currently provides a hyperlink to the City's
CIP, but the current CIP must be appended to the Plan to be
considered complete for review.
2021‐2025 adopted CIP is now included
as an Appendix to the Plan.
Implementation
City of Mounds View
Comprehensive Plan
Adopted _______, __ 2020
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
September 21, 2020
Community Vision:
A Thriving Desirable Community
Mission Statement:
Provide High Quality Public Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner
Work Session; Comprehensive Plan Taskforce, City Council, and all advisory commissions (April 23, 2019)
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 1: Background | 1-1
Chapter 1: Background
INTRODUCTION
This document represents the fifth official update to the Mounds View
Comprehensive Plan originally released in 1959. The plan has been updated
in 1975, 1979, 1998, and 2008. Though it is written in response to a legislative
mandate, the City recognizes that comprehensive planning – including goals,
policies, and actions – is a continuous process to support the livability of the
Mounds View Community. Comprehensive Plan updates must respond to
changing conditions, both internal to Mounds View and external.
Updating the Comprehensive Plan provides an opportunity to review Mounds
View’s development related goals and policies to ensure growth that is
managed and orderly through the year 2040. The Comprehensive Plan update
must also respond to regional system statements that affect the City as
outlined in the Metropolitan Council’s regional framework: Thrive MSP 2040.1
Although the emphasis is on land use, the Comprehensive Plan includes
several interrelated elements that are critical to the growth of the city.
Included in this plan:
Chapter 1: Background
Chapter 2: Land Use
Chapter 3: Housing
Chapter 4: Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities
Chapter 5: Transportation
Chapter 6: Water Resources
Chapter 7: Implementation
To ensure the integration of these various elements, the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan identifies current issues for the City to consider as part of the planning
process and sets broadly defined goals and policies for the community. The
Mounds View Comprehensive Plan is a policy document. The term ‘policy’
reflects the flexibility that the City requires in the application of the plan. This
document is an expression of the City’s social and economic values.
Residents, developers, and city officials should use each element of the
comprehensive plan as a guide for development and redevelopment through
the year 2040. The plan should be viewed not as a hard and fast graphic layout
of the city. Nor should one view the goals and policies, as presented in written
form, as ordinances or law. These are guidelines that the City and individuals
must review and apply individually and collectively to each proposed
development, improvement, or decision.
1 Text and Footnotes with the Metropolitan Council logo address the Checklist of Minimum
Requirements for Mounds View.
Figure 1-1: Mounds View Comprehensive
Plan, Land Use Map (1979)
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 1: Background | 1-2
The plan is also long-range by definition, covering a period of at least 20 years
into the future. Since it is difficult for the City to predict the changes that may
occur during that period, the plan will need to be updated on a periodic basis.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to help the public and private
sectors develop productive physical, social, and economic environments. To
this end, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan will accomplish the following:
• Guide future development and redevelopment in an orderly manner
• Define the proper functional relationships between different types of
land uses
• Help coordinate public and private sector decisions
• Encourage orderliness and economy in City government
• Inspire expression of the city’s unique identity
The goals and policies contained in the following chapters form the basic and
fundamental plan for the city. In this regard, they serve two functions. First and
foremost, they guide public and private actions and development within the
city. In addition to this active function, they also serve the more passive
function of establishing evaluation criteria for the development and change that
subsequently occurs.
Policies are collective in nature. Although a single policy may define a decision
or course of action, it is more likely that several policies jointly apply to a given
situation. The City must approach and use the Comprehensive Plan with this
understanding.
To ensure proper understanding and clarification, the City defines the following
terms as noted:
Goals: The desired end products that will ultimately result in
achieving the kinds of living, working, and recreational areas that
are desired and that are in accord with accepted policies and
standards.
Policies: The means of achieving established goals. Policies
involve a general course of conduct. They are goals translated into
legislative action.
Planning decisions not only have an impact on land use, but also affect the
provisions of public services and facilities. The ability to provide services and
facilities in an efficient manner is one of the responsibilities of local
government. Through this process, cities can determine the current and future
services that will be necessary to meet the needs and demands of its many
constituents.
Figure 1-2: Comprehensive Plan Taskforce.
(Left to Right) John Kroeger, Bill Urbanski,
Dennis Farmer, Angelica Klebsch, Marcie
Weinandt, Teresa Muckala, Gary Rundle,
Carol Mueller (Chair), and Justin Klander.
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 1: Background | 1-3
PLANNING PROCESS
The City Council appointed a Comprehensive Plan Taskforce consisting of
representatives of the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Parks,
Recreation, and Forestry Commission, Economic Development Commission,
and at-large residents. The Taskforce was facilitated by City Staff and Stantec.
The City requested and was granted an extension by the Metropolitan Council
to complete this plan, allowing additional time to focus on topics beyond the
minimum requirements.
A community opinion survey was distributed in the April 2018 Utility Bills,
spring 2018 edition of Mounds View Matters, and on the City’s website. The
survey included 15 questions on various subjects related to the
Comprehensive Plan. The City received 845 responses, equivalent to 7% of
the population. The results of this survey served as a guide in supporting the
Goals and Policies of this Comprehensive Plan, and have provided the City
Council, its advisory commissions, and staff with guidance on the residents’
priorities. Excerpts of the survey responses are included in the sidebars of
this plan, and within the text when applicable.
The Comprehensive Taskforce met intermittently in 2018 and 2019, reviewing
and discussing Census data, Goals and Policies, Future Land Use Map, and
results of the community opinion survey. On April 23, 2019, a joint-work
session was held between the Taskforce, City Council, Economic
Development Commission, Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Commission, and
Planning & Zoning Commission. The group reviewed the Future Land Use
Map, and Goals and Policies. Recommendations were reviewed by the City
Council on May 13, 2019. The Draft Comprehensive Plan was distributed to
affected jurisdictions (listed below) in May, 2019. Comments received and
responses are included in the Appendix.
• City of Arden Hills
• City of Blaine
• City of Fridley
• City of New Brighton
• City of Shoreview
• City of Spring Lake Park
• Anoka County
• Ramsey County
• Ramsey County (regional
park implementing
agency)
• Mounds View School
District, ISD 621
• Coon Creek Watershed
District
• Rice Creek Watershed
District
• Minnesota Department of
Transportation
• Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources
• Metropolitan Airports
Commission
Figure 1-3: Taskforce Ice Breaker
Green: Where do you live?
Blue: What, or where is the focal
point of your neighborhood?
Yellow: Where is your favorite place
in Mounds View and why
(excluding your home)?
Red: If you could change one
thing, where/what would it
be?
Focal points of neighborhoods included
parks, schools, and intersections.
Favorite places included the Ramsey
County Library, parks, schools, RJ Riches,
and Caribou.
One thing to change included, Mounds
View Boulevard and vacant businesses
along that boulevard.
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 1: Background | 1-4
In addition to the April 2018 public opinion survey, public participation
included an open house conducted during the Annual Town Hall Meeting,
held April 30, 2018 and April 15, 2019. The City Council conducted a Public
Hearing on December 9, 2019, reviewing the Draft Comprehensive Plan,
directing Staff to forward the Draft onto the Metropolitan Council (Resolution
9195).
TCAAP
The Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant
(TCAAP) was located on 2,370 acres in
Arden Hills, adjacent to Mounds View.
TCAAP was established in 1941, and
decommissioned during the early
2000’s. At its height, it employed 26,000
workers. In 2013, Ramsey County
purchased 427 acres for “Rice Creek
Commons”, a planned mixed-use
redevelopment. Though its future is still
unknown, Rice Creek Commons could
be home to around 4,000 residents, in
about 270-520 single-family homes,
240-360 townhomes, and 180-240
multi-family units. Rice Creek Commons
could additionally accommodate 159
acres of commercial, retail, office and
flex space (extrapolated from Arden
Hills Comprehensive Plan, Table 6.3
and 7.3).
As the project develops, there will likely
be residential redevelopment within
proximity of the Mounds View
Boulevard and County Road H
intersection. This area currently
consists of a mix of entertainment,
hospitality, and service-oriented
businesses. There will be additional
demand for such land uses not
permitted within Rice Creek Commons,
such as auto dealers, warehousing, and
other uses requiring outside storage.
Mounds View will also benefit as an
affordable alternative to the higher-end
homes planned in Arden Hills. Mounds
View neighborhoods will have a closer
proximity to TCAAP attractions than
many Arden Hills and Shoreview
neighborhoods. Additionally, Ramsey
County plans major improvements to
the Rice Creek North Regional Trail,
creating a major regional recreational
designation for cross country skiing,
single-track mountain biking, and
canoeing.
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 1: Background | 1-5
CITY BACKGROUND
Mounds View is located in the northwest corner of Ramsey County and is
adjacent to Anoka County. It is neighbored by the cities of Blaine, Shoreview,
Arden Hills, New Brighton, Fridley, and Spring Lake Park. Mounds View lies
north and west of a large range of lakes and Rice Creek which drains into the
Mississippi River, about 7½ miles to the west. The City is bordered by US
Highway 10 to the north, and Interstate 35W to the east, supporting travel to
Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud.
Mounds View Boulevard (formerly the Anoka Cutoff, Trunk Highway 10, and
County Road 10) runs diagonally through the City and defines the character of
the community. The Boulevard is a four-lane divided highway with a mix of
uses, from single-family residential to office-warehouse and auto-oriented
retail. The Boulevard has always been auto dependent. After the Trunk
Highway (TH) 610 bridge was completed across the Mississippi River in 1999,
the average daily traffic (ADT) on the Boulevard declined from 43,000 ADT to
21,000 ADT in 2015. With this decline, many auto-dependent businesses
moved, leaving many commercial buildings empty and properties blighted.
This challenge, addressing appearance and redevelopment of the Boulevard,
is a reoccurring topic throughout this plan.
HISTORY
Mounds View Township consisted of the northwest quadrant of Ramsey
County, including present-day Mounds View, Arden Hills, New Brighton,
Shoreview, and portions of Blaine, North Oaks, Spring Lake Park, and St.
Anthony Village. The center of commerce was Irondale (present-day New
Brighton).
The first elections of the Mounds View Township were held in May of 1858.
The township was 23,040 acres in size. Its name is in reference to the
significant mounds on the present-day Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant
(TCAAP) and Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) and could be seen from
much of Ramsey and Anoka counties. The largest of the mounds were mined
for gravel to develop TCAAP and expand roads.
In 1891, New Brighton became the first village in the township to incorporate,
followed by Arden Hills (1951), North Oaks (1956), Spring Lake Park, Blaine,
St. Anthony Village and Shoreview (1957).
Delegates from the remaining four-square miles of the township sought for the
area to become part of New Brighton but their efforts were denied. Instead,
the Village of Mounds View was incorporated on April 2, 1958 (57% voter
approval) with a population of 5,738. In accordance with state law, the Village
of Mounds View became the City of Mounds View on January 1, 1974.
Figure 1-4: Ramsey County, 1874
(Mounds View Township outlined in
red)
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 1: Background | 1-6
Figure 1-6: Suburban community designation, within the regional context
The now defunct Village2 established the first Planning Commission in 1959
and completed the first Comprehensive Plan for Mounds View that same year.
The City adopted a revised comprehensive plan in 1976 in accordance with
the Metropolitan Land Planning Act passed by the Minnesota legislature.
Mounds View adopted the previous Comprehensive Plan in 2010.
SUBURBAN DESIGNATION
In Thrive MSP 2040, the Metropolitan Council has designated Mounds
View as a “Suburban” community. Suburban communities are those that saw
peak development periods as baby boomers formed families and built homes.
Figure 1-5 and Figure 1-6 show Mounds View and surrounding cities, color
coded by specific community designations.
The Council sets an overall density expectation for development and
redevelopment within Suburban communities at 5 units per acre.
2 "Little Mounds View” included about 300 acres in the southwest corner of the township, mostly
owned by the Salvation Army. The area incorporated into St Anthony Village in 1958, and
was the last area of the township to incorporate.
Figure 1-5: Suburban community
designation, within the local context.
Mounds View, as a Suburban
community, is required to plan for
development and redevelopment
growth resulting in an average net
density of at least 5 units per acre.
Population Cohorts, 2010 Census
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 1: Background | 1-7
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
While Mounds View has been developed from edge-to-edge it is still
expected to grow through infill and redevelopment. Table 1-1 and Figure 1-7
shows the Metropolitan Council’s forecasted population, household, and
employment growth in Mounds View through 2040.
Table 1-1:
Projections
Forecast Year
Population Households Employment
2010 12,155 4,954 6,386
2020 13,500 5,280 6,800
2030 13,700 5,500 7,100
2040 13,700 5,500 7,200
Figure 1-7: Growth and Projections
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
194019501960197019801990200020102020 (est.)2030 (est.)2040 (est.)Population Households
Employment
County Road H
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-1
Neighborhood Meeting held for
proposed Crossroad Pointe apartments,
and Heartland Gun Club & Range (Sept
21, 2017). The project evolved into the
128-unit Gray Stone Flats, at Mounds
View Boulevard and County Road H2,
opening fall, 2021.
Chapter 2: Land Use
INTRODUCTION
This element of the Comprehensive Plan steers future development and
redevelopment of land across Mounds View. The city continues to face land
use challenges of a developed suburban community. This section responds to
those challenges in a manner that encourages growth and supports a high
quality of life.
The intent of the Mounds View Land Use element is to describe the overall
land use patterns throughout the city and how it relates to the city’s future
needs. State statutes and Metropolitan Council guidelines require specific
elements be addressed in the plan.
Thrive MSP 2040, adopted by the Metropolitan Council, has designated
Mounds View as a “Suburban” community – one that was primarily developed
in the 1980’s and into the 1990’s as Baby Boomers established homes. In May
2014, the Metropolitan Council estimated that Suburban communities will grow
by 159,000 residents, 76,000 households, and 161,000 jobs between 2010
and 2040. This represents growth of 22% in population, 27% in households,
and 43% in jobs, regionally.
The City of Mounds View intends for this plan to guide development and
redevelopment within the city to achieve the stated goals and policies for
balanced and efficient land use. Most of the development activity will occur
through redevelopment. The City anticipates that most opportunities for
redevelopment will occur along the Mounds View Boulevard corridor. As such,
much of the corridor is guided for Mixed-Use, with the intent of allowing
flexibility of residential and/or commercial redevelopment, at varying densities.
The Metropolitan Council encourages growth to occur around new and existing
activity centers. This type of land use can create places for people to gather
with a mix of retail, higher density residential, parks, and institutional spaces.
If properly integrated with the community, these places also help people move
around by foot, bicycle, transit, and other modes while diminishing the
dependence on the automobile. The City’s land use policies and strategies
reflect this regional strategy.
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Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-2
LAND USE PLAN PURPOSE
The land use plan is interrelated with all other elements, goals, and objectives
of the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the land use element is to
designate the type, location, and density of land uses in Mounds View. In doing
so, the City will consider the following:
• City goals and policies
• Natural resources
• Supportive elements, such as transportation, utilities, and drainage
• Existing and future problems
• Coordination with surrounding cities and metropolitan systems and
facilities
LAND USE GOALS AND POLICIES
The City has developed land use goals and policies which function as the
foundation of the plan as they define what the city should look like in the future.
Mounds View has based the future land use plan on these goals and policies.
The following are the land use goals and policies for Mounds View:
Goal 1: Stabilize and strengthen neighborhoods
• Establish and preserve neighborhood character through public
investments identified in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Stabilize neighborhoods through citizen-initiated and proactive
zoning code enforcement.
• Require impact studies to be completed when considering
developments which may significantly affect a surrounding
neighborhood.
• Ensure redevelopment complements adjacent land uses and
character. When considering development, preserve vegetative
buffers between different land uses when possible and establish
vegetative buffers when none exist.
Goal 2: Enhance the appearance of properties along Mounds View Boulevard
and establish a physical focal center for the city.
• Conduct proactive code enforcement of properties along the Mounds
View Blvd corridor.
• Complete pedestrian trails with connections to trail systems in
adjacent communities.
• Create a place that represents a unique and attractive destination.
• Ensure redevelopment and landscaping along the Mounds View
Boulevard Corridor enhances the corridor’s urbanizing character
while maintaining physical buffers from the motoring public.
• Develop a model for mixed-use districts along Mounds View
Boulevard.
Opinion Survey
The top three factors residents
like most about Mounds View are
(1) access to highways; (2, tied)
schools; and neighborhood or my
neighbors; and (3) my house.
Survey respondents commented
about the city’s large wooded lots,
quiet neighborhoods, and
proximity to services and
amenities.
General comments about what
respondents liked most about
Mounds View:
“Proximity to needed services &
businesses”.
“Proximity to Unity Hospital and
Cub”.
“Old trees, large lots. I like the
variety of dwellings. This is not
cookie-cutter suburbia.”
“Compost and organics recycling”.
“Large lots for a close suburb”.
“New roads”.
“Location close to town but yet not
too far north”.
“People need to be able to get
around when they have no car;
the walking and bike paths are
great to have. Thank you”.
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Goal 3: Strategically invest in redevelopment opportunities.
• Continue Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) efforts through
conducting BR&E visits, and promotion of Mounds View businesses.
• Identify sites deemed blighted or detracting from the city’s character
for potential façade improvements.
• When reviewing proposals to redevelop historically or culturally
significant buildings or sites, consider how these icons can be
repurposed or preserved as an alternative to their removal.
Examples include homes or businesses built before 1940 (consider
remodel & expansion before removal & replacing), and the Mermaid
statue (consider public subsidies for restoration).
• Include large parking lots in discussions related to potential
redevelopment of underutilized lands.
• Map opportunities to assemble properties.
• Encourage affordable housing in redevelopment.
• Meet the City’s goals of creating livable wage jobs on redeveloped
sites.
• Support new industrial businesses.
Goal 4: Encourage resident participation and active citizenship within the
community.
• Provide accurate, complete, and timely communications with the
public through official notices and social media.
Goal 5: Amend the Future Land Use Map and/or Zoning Map to support
changes when found that the proposed designation will not significantly create
adverse impacts to the surrounding neighborhood or community.
• Require supporting documentation for land use and zoning changes.
• Update the zoning code to conform to the Future Land Use plan.
EXISTING LAND USE
There is a variety of land use throughout Mounds View from parks and single-
family residential neighborhoods to commercial and industrial nodes. The city
consists mostly of single-family residential neighborhoods with most other
uses (e.g. multi-family, commercial, and industrial uses) clustered along and
around Mounds View Boulevard. Small parks and churches are scattered
throughout the quiet residential neighborhoods. The largest parks are
generally closer to multi-family residential, manufactured housing parks, and
commercial areas. The industrial areas are clustered around freeway access-
points.
Opinion Survey
General comments about what
respondents liked the least about
Mounds View:
“Nothing to draw outsiders, lack of
restaurants or central shopping.”
“Could be more walkable
destinations for families.”
“Mounds View is not a destination
city. It is a city that commuters
want to travel through, as quickly
as possible, to get to their jobs in
other cities. Mounds View does
not do a good job of managing
this traffic.”
“Lack of community
center/”downtown” area for
shopping. No stores and lots of
vacant old buildings, dining,
gathering.”
“Mounds View is thoroughly
bland, uninteresting, poorly
landscaped, uninspired, and the
government seems uninterested
in making it a “home town”. It has
zero character – it’s just another
place.”…
“Mounds View Boulevard appears
quite unkempt both the land and
businesses. Next, landlords
should be made more responsible
for upkeep of their properties.
Finally, if we’re building more
apartments, gear them toward a
more upscale population.
Mounds View has enough low
income housing.”
“Lack of grocery and retail. Lack
of quality shopping choices.
Overabundance of affordable
housing.”
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RESIDENTIAL
Most of the land in Mounds View is used for single-family homes. The vast
majority of homes were built in the latter half of the twentieth century. Scattered
throughout these tree-lined neighborhoods are small neighborhood parks,
churches, and a few schools.
COMMERCIAL
At the center of the city and along Mounds View Boulevard are lands with a
wider variety of uses – from multi-family housing to commercial strip malls and
City Hall. Mounds View Boulevard is generally lined by commercial and office
uses, with multi-family, institutional, and industrial uses just off the Boulevard
and indirectly connected. Certain uses function as effective buffers between
the busy corridor and the quiet residential streets – including Silver View Park
and various multi-family housing developments.
INDUSTRIAL
The area around the interchange of Mounds View Boulevard and Interstate-
35W is the primary industrial area of the city. Retail and other commercial uses
work to provide an entrance to the city from the southeast at Mounds View
Boulevard and Old Hwy 8, but surrounding that area are a large number of
parcels used primarily for industrial purposes.
A second industrial area is on the far north edge of Mound View, bisected by
US Highway 10 from the rest of the city. This area is unique from the larger
industrial area previously mentioned because it hosts one large distribution
center. It is also accessed directly from County Road J on the edge of Mounds
View. Little traffic that is related to this use is expected through Mounds View.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING PARKS
The manufactured housing parks in Mounds View are also situated near I-35W
– though freeways may not function as an amenity for this use. One
manufactured housing park is situated between a freeway, an industrial area,
and a large park. The two others are lined by freeways on at least one side
and multi-family housing or duplexes on the others.
Manufactured Homes
Mounds View is home to three
manufactured housing parks, with a
combined 561 homes (11% of
households). The parks were established
during the 1960’s and are privately
owned. They are licensed and inspected
annually by Ramsey County Public
Health.
Towns Edge Terrace
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EXISTING LAND USE MAP
Existing land use in Mounds View is shown by net acreage and percentage
of the whole in Table 2-1. On the following page, Figure 2-1: Existing Land Use
shows the distribution of those categories throughout the city.
Table 2-1: Existing Land Use Net Acres Percent Acres
Single Family, Detached 1,109.88 42%
Single Family, Attached 58.47 2%
Multi‐Family 86.10 3%
Manufactured Housing Park 80.03 3%
Retail and Other Commercial 74.56 3%
Office 40.35 2%
Mixed‐Use Residential 0.40 0%
Mixed‐Use Industrial 21.33 1%
Industrial and Utility 148.82 6%
Institutional 87.77 3%
Park, Recreation, or Preserve 128.58 5%
Undeveloped/Vacant 52.63 2%
Right‐of‐Way 538.21 20%
Open Water 61.90 2%
NWI Wetland 144.75 5%
Total City 2,633.79 100%
Mounds View Square
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Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-6
Figure 2-1: Existing Land Use
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Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-7
FUTURE LAND USE
Mounds View is a developed suburb. Updates to the land use map are more
detailed and less radical in nature. Updates to the future land use plan include:
• Consolidation of land use guide categories
• Development of the definition, and expansion of Mixed-Use districts
Because Mounds View is developed from edge-to-edge, new land uses will
occur through redevelopment. No significant impacts to infrastructure or a
need for additional services provided by the City – including sewage flow – are
expected as a result of population growth.
RESIDENTIAL
This comprehensive plan update comes with a simplified list of residential land
use categories compared to the previous update. The purpose of this
simplification is for easier compatibility of the zoning code and realization of
the City’s vision.
The 2030 Update had four residential categories: single-family, detached;
single family, attached; Multi-family; and Manufactured Housing Park. Each of
those categories was compatible with numerous zoning categories which
stifled the ability of the Comprehensive Plan to guide toward a defined vision.
The 2040 Update simplifies the guide categories and establishes a clearer
path for the application of the zoning code. The new designations are as
follows:
Single-Family Attached (SFA) includes single family residential units which
are attached to each other. Examples include two-family dwellings, three-
family dwellings or townhomes. The density limits within this category are
between 1 to 5 units per acre.1
Single-Family Detached (SFD) includes standalone single family residential
buildings with only one unit. Examples include single0family dwellings and
platted lots. The density limits within this category are between 1 to 5 units
per acre.
Multi-Family Residential (MF) includes land with one or more buildings and
three or more dwelling units which are attached to each other. Examples
1 In R-1 zoning district (2018), the minimum lot size is 11,000 sf (12,500 sf if corner lot).
Subtracting ROW, the density = 2.83 units per acre. In R-2 district (e.g. two-family
townhomes), the density = 5 units per acre.
New Neighbors
Mounds View Township was settled in the
early 1940’s with small homes built on
large wooded lots along dirt roads. When
regional sewer was extended into town in
the 1960’s, many of these large lots were
re-platted.
As time passed, many of the original
1940’s homes have aged poorly. For
those still on larger lots, if the property
value was less than the retail value of two
lots minus home demolition costs (e.g.
less than $180,000), the large lot becomes
a target for developers as a tear-down and
re-plat.
In Mounds View, there are about two or
three teardowns per year, often including
subdividing the large lot into two. There
are only a handful of these large lots left,
which can be subdivided, and still meet
the minimum lot dimensions required in
the Zoning Code.
Red Oak Drive
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Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-8
include fourplexes, apartments, cooperatives and condominiums. Density
expectations for this category are from 5 to 15 units per acre.2
Manufactured Housing Park includes land under single ownership that has
been planned and improved for the placement of mobile/manufactured
housing for dwelling purposes. Also includes land that has been planned,
improved and subdivided for the placement of mobile/manufactured housing
for dwelling purposes. The density expectation for this category is from 1 to 8
units per acre.3
COMMERCIAL
The commercial guide designations have been streamlined. The previous
2030 Update included four commercial designations and one commercial
planned unit development (PUD) designation. This 2040 Update includes two
commercial designations and one office designation.
Neighborhood Commercial is intended for those commercial uses which are
compatible within a residential neighborhood. Historically, retail businesses in
these locations have struggled, and many of them sit vacant or have uses such
as offices, which are not location dependent.
General Commercial is intended for retail and service businesses, often which
are auto dependent. Examples may include retail, restaurants, entertainment,
and gas stations. This category is a consolidation of the 2030 Plan’s
Community Commercial, Regional Commercial PUD, and Highway
Commercial.
Office is intended for offices and ancillary uses. An example is the Medtronic
complex, consisting of offices, laboratories, daycares, and other services
intended for those office employees.
2 In R-3 zoning district (e.g. 4+ unit townhomes) (2018), the density = 10.6 units per acre (e.g.
Pleasant View Townhomes, SW corner of Mounds View Blvd & Groveland Rd).
3 There are three manufactured housing parks. Colonel Village is 7.66 units per acre; Mounds
View Manufactured Home Park is 7.78 units per acre, and Townsedge Terrace Manufactured
Home Park is 6.92 units per acre.
The Corner Store
As neighborhoods grew, retail grocery
and convenience stores have come and
gone:
Simon’s Market (1946 – mid 1980 )
B & R Groceries (1958 – 1972)
Fedor’s (1961 – 2016)
Unknown name (? – 1965)
Tom Thumb / Sam’s Food Market /
Snap Market (1973 – 2016)
Penny’s Market / Country Club (1974
– 1992)
7 Eleven / Super America (1973 ~
1992)
Walgreens (2001 – present)
Snyder’s (2005 – 2010)
CVS (2004 – present)
Aldi (2007 – present)
Competition with gas station
convenience stores and supermarkets in
neighboring cities have contributed to
local store closures. Today, many of
these former stores have been
repurposed for meat processing, liquor
sales, offices, and warehouses. Property
owners and city staff have struggled to
identify compatible reuses. The map
below shows former convenience and
grocery stores in red and current stores
in green.
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INDUSTRIAL
Three Industrial designations have been combined into a single category.
The previous 2030 update included a Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial, and
Light Industrial PUD designation.
The 2040 Update streamlines the guide to a single Industrial designation.
Industrial guided areas are located around the interchange of Mounds View
Boulevard and Interstate-35W and north of State Highway 10 at Xylite Street,
as were the cases in the previous Update. Some small changes have been
made to guide certain parcels from Regional Commercial to Industrial, and
from Industrial to Office or General Commercial.
Industrial is intended for light manufacturing, warehousing, office-showroom,
and similar uses, in addition to a need for outside storage. Non-traditional uses
may be in Industrial areas which have similar needs (e.g. high ceilings and
open floor plans). Examples of these alternative uses include indoor sports
facilities and trampoline parks.
MIXED USE
Compared to previous updates, the Mixed-Use designation becomes a more
substantial category for guiding land use. The purpose of a Mixed-Use
category is to remove barriers for developments that have complementary
uses from two or more use categories – for instance a combination of multi-
family residential and office/retail uses together on one parcel, or one
neighborhood. The Future Land Use map includes two neighborhoods of
Mixed Use; (1) Mounds View Blvd & Groveland Rd; and (2) Mounds View Blvd
& Co Rd H2.
It is the intent – not requirement – that development within the Mixed-Use
designation be developed as a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The City
anticipates that Mixed Use districts will be redeveloped at 60% residential and
40% commercial. The density minimums and maximums for the residential
portion will be as follows:
• Mixed Use (MU) residential component: 15 to 30 units per acre4
The City of Mounds View seeks to achieve Mixed Use Districts by:
• Allowing development of multiple, complementary uses that support
one another.
• Promoting a walkable, sustainable development pattern that
supports alternative forms of transportation (walking, biking, and
transit) while still accommodating the automobile.
4 In the R-4 zoning district (2018), the density = 17 units per acre. The Gray Stone Flats PUD
(2020) will = about 30 units per acre.
Business, Retention & Expansion
Mounds View is home to about 140
businesses of various industries and
sizes. City Staff maintain an active
Business, Retention & Expansion
(BR&E) program, visiting each business
on a 3-year cycle. The intent is for City
Staff to be aware of the businesses’
activities and needs, and to provide
assistance when appropriate, from
providing information on sign regulations,
to connecting business owners wishing
to expand with representatives from MN
DEED and Greater MSP.
The greatest challenges that local
businesses have expressed include; lack
of employees; tax & utility rates; and lack
of space to expand.
By staying knowledgeable of available
properties and business needs, the City
can connect buyers and sellers. Since
the City is built-out, many businesses
can only expand by relocating outside of
Mounds View. This is a short-term loss
for the City but presents opportunities for
redevelopment of vacant and
underutilized properties.
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Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-10
• Demanding high quality design to ensure compatibility between
residential and commercial uses.
• Creating attractive, community-oriented development that positively
reflects on the identity and quality of life of Mounds View.
The City has conducted various studies5 and plans6 of the Boulevard corridor.
Such plans have presented an ideal vision, but challenges to redevelopment
remain. The Mixed-Use designation provides the flexibility to consider
opportunities, without needing to amend the Comprehensive Plan.
PARKS/OPEN SPACE
Park, open space and recreational facilities owned and operated by local,
regional, state and federal governments.
PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC
Land use primarily for governmental, educational, religious, social or health
care facilities excluding clinics. Examples include nursing homes, private
hospitals, tax-exempt properties owned by federal, state, county, city or school
districts, private schools, fire stations, libraries, and tax-exempt properties
owned by churches and cemeteries.
UTILITY
An area or strip of land, either public or private, occupied by a power plant or
substation, electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, water tower, municipal
well, reservoir, pumping station, water treatment facility, communications
tower, or similar use.
5 Redevelopment Roundtable, April 7, 2018. Navigating the New Normal Workshop, ULI
Minnesota, June 14, 2012.
6 County Road 10 Redevelopment and Revitalization Plan, URS (2002). Premium Stop
Redevelopment Area Study, DSU/Bonestroo (2006)
Premium Stop Redevelopment Study, 2006
(DSU/Bonestroo/Stantec).
Concept plans included a mix of (west to
east): townhomes, senior condominiums,
office/retail, more townhomes, an apartment
building.
As of 2019, this area consists of (west to
east): apartments, senior/assisted living,
vacant land, single-family homes.
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Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-11
FUTURE LAND USE MAP
The 2040 future land use plan for Mounds View is shown by net acreage and
percentage of the whole in Table 2-2. On the following page, Figure 2-2 shows
the distribution of those categories across the city.
Over the decades, the land use category definitions have evolved. Note: no
changes to the future land use plan were made between 2030 and 2040.
Table 2-2: Future Land Use
2020 2030 2040
Acres / Percent Acres / Percent Acres / Percent
Single‐family
Detached
1,111 42% 1,115.3 42% 1,120 43%
Single‐family
Attached
58.5 2% 57.05 2% 55.6 2%
Multi‐family
Residential
86.1 3% 85.9 3% 85.6 3%
Manufactured
Housing Park
80.0 3% 80.0 3% 80.0 3%
Neighborhood
Commercial
‐ 0% 1.9 0% 3.7 0%
General Commercial 74.6 3% 71.7 3% 68.8 3%
Office 40.4 2% 46.4 2% 52.4 2%
Mixed Use 21.7 1% 30.4 1% 39.0 1%
Industrial 148.8 6% 159.1 7% 171.6 7%
Utility ‐ 0% 2.3 0% 2.3 0%
Public/Semi‐public 87.8 3% 82.3 3% 76.7 3%
Parks/Open Space 128.6 5% 131.5 5% 134.4 5%
Undeveloped 52.6 2% 26.3 1% ‐ 0
Right of way 538.2 20% 538.2 20% 538.2 20%
Open Water 61.9 2% 61.9 2% 61.9 2%
Wetland 144.8 6% 144.8 6% 144.8 6%
Total 2,635.0 2,635.0 2,635.0
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Figure 2-2: Future Land Use
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ANOKA COUNTY – BLAINE AIRPORT
The Anoka County-Blaine Airport is north and in proximity to Mounds View,
effecting certain land use regulations. Federal and state agencies have
established safety zones to ensure safety of aircraft operations. Land uses in
these zones must be consistent with FAA and MnDOT Aeronautics rules. For
more information regarding the Anoka County – Blaine Airport see Chapter 5:
Transportation.
POTENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT AREAS
Various underutilized sites have been identified in Mounds View that are prime
for redevelopment. Most of these sites are located along Mounds View
Boulevard, and in year 2019 take the form of vacant lots, vacant or
underutilized buildings, or oversized surface parking lots. Potential
redevelopment sites are listed in Table 2-3 and mapped in Figure 2-3. Such
sites may or may not be actively marketed for sale or lease by their owners. In
either case, the City markets such sites to inquiring developers and investors.
The City’s Economic Development efforts are restricted by the following:
• Land that is prime for redevelopment, but whose owners are not
interested in selling, or have priced the property above market.
• Land in which the highest & best use would require demolition of its
building. The cost of the property (land + building) is too expensive
when considering the building has no reusable value.
• Lack of available properties, five or more acres in size.
• Lack of access onto Mounds View Boulevard.
Since the 2030 Comprehensive Plan update, the City has assisted private
redevelopment efforts through acquiring small adjacent properties and
assembling into a larger project area. The EDA’s acquisition of property is
dependent upon adequate funding. Funding sources have varied, project by
project.
The EDA has and will consider Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax
Abatement, as appropriate.
Table 2-3: Density within Redevelopment areas (Net Developable Acres)
Applicable
Districts
Density
p/acre
Current-2020 2021-2030 2031-2040
Net
Acre
Min.
Units
Net
Acre
Min.
Units
Net
Acre
Min.
Units
SFD 1-5 10 19 21 25 8 14
SFA 1-5 11 66 0 1 - -
MU 15-30 5* 160 66 366 13 60
*Mixed use acres represent the 60% expected residential development
The Mermaid Event Center
The Mermaid Lounge opened in 1966 on
the corner of Mounds View Boulevard
and County Road H, featuring a 25 foot
tall mermaid statue. The lounge has
expanded to include a bowling center,
three event halls, and a hotel. The
property includes 9.3 acres, and over
800 parking stalls. The expansive
parking lot allows the facility to hold
simultaneous events which maximizes its
capacity. The property changed owners
in 2018 and looks forward to a new
chapter at this key intersection. This may
include redevelopment of portions of its
parking lot for a use complementary to its
hotel and event center, in addition to the
restoration of its iconic statue.
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Figure 2-3: Potential Redevelopment Sites
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DOWNTOWN STUDY
The City Council and Planning Commission have expressed interest in
redevelopment along Mounds View Boulevard and public input has suggested
increased demand for a local downtown center. The Metropolitan Council has
emphasized the importance of developing dense activity centers where people
can live, work, and play. A center that is accessible by Mounds View residents
by foot could provide a place to gather and inspire unified identity for the
community. The most likely locations for a downtown center are around the
New Vision Cinema, The Mermaid, or Mounds View Square.
The Mixed-Use land use guide category may be used as a tool to encourage
this type of growth.
In the coming years, staff will study feasibility and alternatives for redeveloping
land to function as a town center for Mounds View. Land use studies will be
done in tandem with transportation studies, as each is largely dependent on
the other. For transportation related topics, see Chapter 5.
Opinion Survey
“Character. We are bland with
one stupid wide treeless
canal-like highway of cement
cutting down the middle with
some of the worst-timed stop
lights in the Twin Cities.
Nowhere to go, nothing to do,
no place to meet. We live
here, but go elsewhere for any
kind of social life.”
- Mounds View Resident
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Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-16
HOUSING
Many of the sites identified in Figure 2-3 are along Mounds View Boulevard,
prime for Mixed-use development including medium- to high-density housing
as an integral component. Projects in these locations are well situated to host
both affordable- and market-rate units as they often have greatest access to
services and amenities. For more information, see Chapter 3: Housing.
New housing units along Mounds View Boulevard may help increase the
number of available units in the city while maintaining the existing character of
adjacent residential neighborhoods by directing growth toward the corridor.
Support for – and improvement of – existing transit along the Boulevard will
help improve mobility, reduce congestion, and in turn help reduce the
likelihood of motorists driving-through residential neighborhoods, helping
maintain their quiet character. See Chapter 5: Transportation for more.
KEY EMPLOYMENT AREAS
Most employment areas within the city are located along Mounds View
Boulevard. The exceptions include schools and churches. The heaviest
concentration of jobs are in the industrial areas around the interchange of
Mounds View Boulevard and Interstate-35W. A secondary employment area
straddles the border of Mounds View and Blaine north of US Highway 10.
The Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) and Arden Hills Army
Training Site (AHATS) together comprise over two-thousand acres of land just
east across interstate-35W from Mounds View. Plans for redevelopment of the
massive site have spanned decades. In 2016, the City of Arden Hills and
Ramsey County, as a Joint Development Authority, selected a master
developer for the site. As development continues, the TCAAP and AHATS site
are expected to become key employment areas for Mounds View and
surrounding municipalities.
The Mounds View School district is consistently ranked among the Top 10
metro school districts. School district facilities within Mounds View include
Pinewood Elementary school (553 students), Edgewood Middle school (659
students), Bridges transitional school and the Area Learning Center.
Combined, these schools account for about 200 staff.
It is critical for Mounds View to maintain and attract employment opportunities
as a matter of quality of life for its residents. A self-sustaining community is
one that has a variety of uses, from residential to commercial and industrial.
Keeping jobs nearby means that residents of Mounds View have greater
opportunities to live near work, reduce their commute times, and be able to
spend more time doing other things.
Measures of employment intensity in key areas is shown in Table 2-4: 2040
Employment Intensity.
Medtronic
In 1970, the Mounds View City Council
denied a proposed 900-unit
manufactured housing park near the
North Starr Speedway (1950-1979), and
appointed a golf course study committee,
which recommended an 18-hole public
course and swimming pool. In 1995,
“The Bridges” 9-hole public course
opened. After consistently operating at a
deficit, the City closed the course in
2005, and sold the land to Medtronic.
Proceeds from the sale have been used
to supplement the City’s General Fund
by about $250,000 per year, between
2007 and 2033. Park Dedication Fees
were used to move the clubhouse to
Random Park, and construct park
shelters at Hillview and Lambert parks.
Medtronic’s Mounds View campus
opened in 2007 and focuses on research
& development of cardiac rhythm medical
devices. The campus includes three
office towers, a parking ramp, and land
for expansion. Employment fluctuates
between 3,000 and 3,300 employees and
is Medtronic’s largest campus. The
campus includes an employee walking
path, which according to Strava Labs
Global Heat Map, is the most used
walking path in Mounds View.
West of the campus are 43-acres of
wetland, flood plain and woods. This
land was donated to the City by Sysco
Foods for parks and open space.
Pending funding, there is an opportunity
to develop a loop trail system. It is likely
that such a trail would primarily benefit
Sysco and Medtronic employees with
limited use by residents because of
separation by US Highway 10.
Development of a trail would be
dependent upon donations from the two
businesses.
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-17
Table 2-4: 2040 Employment Intensity
APPLICABLE
DISTRICTS
Acres Mean
FAR
Working
acres
Working sqft Sqft/worker Workers
Neighborhood
Commercial
3.7 0.28 1.036 45128.16 1200 37
General
Commercial
68.8 0.28 19.264 839139.84 920 912
Office 52.4 0.64 33.536 1460828.16 600 2434
Mixed Use
(40% Com.)
15.6 0.28 4.368 190270.08 1200 158
Industrial/Utility 174 0.32 55.68 2425420.8 1500 1616
PROTECTING SPECIAL RESOURCES
As required by state statute, a municipality’s comprehensive plan must include
strategies for protection of special resources including solar access, historic
preservation, aggregate resources, and natural resources.
SOLAR ACCESS
Minnesota Statutes require an element for the protection and development
of access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. The purpose of this
legislation is to prevent solar collectors from being shaded by adjacent
structures or vegetation and to ensure the availability of solar access. The City
of Mounds View will whenever possible protect access to direct sunlight for
solar energy systems on principal structures. The City will consider solar
access in the review of site plans and planning decisions.
The Metropolitan Council has calculated the gross and rooftop solar potential
for the City to identify how much electricity could be generated using existing
technology. The gross solar potential and gross solar rooftop potential are
expressed in megawatt hours per year (Mwh/yr) and these estimates are
based on the solar map for each community. Developed areas with low
building heights and open space areas have the highest potential for solar
development within the City. Many of the developed neighborhoods and some
natural areas in Mounds View have low gross solar potential due to existing
tree cover. Solar suitability is mapped in Figure 2-4 and calculated in Table 2-
5: Solar Suitability.
Table 2-5: Solar Suitability in Mounds View
Gross Gross Generation Rooftop Rooftop Generation
Megawatt hours per year
(Mwh/yr)
3,970,368 397,036 543,963 54,396
Mounds View Community Center
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-18
Figure 2-4: Gross Solar Potential
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-19
NATURAL RESOURCES
Vibrant natural amenities help make Mounds View thrive. Preserving and
retaining natural resources for the future is an important value in Mounds View
and across the region. The City is home to numerous parks, lakes, and
wetlands, which provide ecological and recreational benefits to residents.
These natural resources are shown in Figure 2-5. No new parks are planned
but the City will work to protect existing natural areas for future generations.
Mounds View will collaborate with adjacent communities, the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, the Rice Creek Watershed District, Ramsey
County, Anoka County, and the Metropolitan Council to protect and enhance
natural resources in the area.
Mounds View is a Minnesota Green Step City, Level 2 (2020) and considering
appointing a Green Step Advisory Committee to pursue additional endeavors.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Figure 3-1 illustrates the age of housing. There are no known historically
significant or potential historically significant sites in Mounds View. The
Mermaid statute (The Mermaid Event Center (1966) is culturally significant
The statute was removed in 2018 due to roof damage. Nearly historic
buildings include Moe’s (formerly, Pinewood Club (1940), Church Upon the
Rock (formerly, Red Oak School, 1940), Columbia Transit (1940), Simons
Sporting Goods and Simons Liquor (1946), and Fedor’s Pinewood Market
(1948). These buildings served as cornerstones of the Village after the War
years. Structurally and by appearances, these buildings have not fared well
over time. Within this Plan, a policy is established to consider adapted re-
use, prior to any demolition and redevelopment.
AGGREGATE RESOURCES
There are no aggregate sites in Mounds View. Therefore, there is no need
for the City to adopt any special measures to ensure the protection of these
resources. According to historic accounts, much of the “mounds” of Mounds
View Township were mined long ago. Remnants remain within the Arden Hills
Army Training Site (AHATS).
SilverView Park
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 2: Land Use | 2-20
Figure 2-5: Natural Resources
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 3: Housing | 3-1
Chapter 3: Housing
INTRODUCTION
Mounds View is a suburb in the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area. A
variety of forces affect housing including demographic, regional, and local
trends, the economic climate, the availability of land, government controls and
the real estate market. A key factor in the City’s ability to provide a livable
community has been the development and maintenance of strong
neighborhoods, which consist of a variety of housing styles and types,
ownership and rental options, and range of costs.
The housing element of the Plan reviews the current housing situation and
establishes a plan to meet the city’s future housing needs. In addition, this
element reports on four areas that the Metropolitan Council requires study
including housing goals and policies, analysis of housing supply, anticipating
future housing needs, and outlining programs that the City plans or currently
utilizes to achieve housing goals.
HOUSING GOALS AND POLICIES
The City has developed goals and policies related to housing in order to grow
and adapt to changing conditions. The goals and policies of this chapter are
critical to guide housing that supports the community as it evolves and to
support projected growth. The following are the housing goals and policies for
Mounds View:
Goal 1: Support development and redevelopment which accomplishes 2040
forecasted population growth and the supportive land use designations
identified in this plan.
Goal 2: Maintain the residential character of Mounds View.
• Preserve single-family neighborhoods.
• Reinvest in multi-family properties.
• Redevelop the Mounds View Boulevard corridor.
Goal 3: Support a mix of housing types reflective of the needs and desires of
the community.
• Preserve affordable housing while encouraging redevelopment of
multi-family properties, including manufactured home parks, such
that if publicly subsidized redevelopment occurs, there is no net-loss
of affordable housing units.
• Support Home Improvement programs and encourage their use by
residential property owners.
Opinion Survey
It is clear that there is public
opposition to affordable housing,
and apartments.
Many of the concerns may be
attributed to the age of
apartments, many of which were
built in the 1960’s and 1970’s,
have been minimally improved,
and lack modern amenities.
The Comprehensive Plan seeks a
mix of housing types, supporting
existing single-family
neighborhoods, stabilizing the
County Road I corridor, and
manufactured home communities,
as well as redevelopment of the
Mounds View Boulevard Corridor.
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Chapter 3: Housing | 3-2
• Coordinate with manufactured home communities on ways to
improve their neighborhoods and longevity of private infrastructure.
Implementation of Housing goals and policies will focus on enforcement of
property maintenance codes, crime reduction, preservation of urban forests,
coordination with Ramsey County and service providers to help residents
with financial and health concerns, and encourage rehabilitation and
preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing, including reducing
stormwater inflow & infiltration at manufactured home parks. Affordable
Housing goals are most likely to be accomplished through redevelopment
along the Boulevard, with inclusion of affordable and market-rate units. This
is dependent upon the flexibility afforded by the Mixed Use zoning district,
allowing increased density standards. The City will adopt a Fair Housing
Policy and/or plan. Currently, the City informally implements practices
without a coordinated plan.
EXISTING STOCK
Mounds View was predominantly developed in the 1950’s through 1970’s.
One-level homes, split-levels, and rambler homes are typical in this city as they
are in the surrounding cities. Manufactured homes provide a significant
percentage of housing units in the city and are located in three manufactured
home parks. There are also a number of senior housing and multi-family units
built from the late 1960’s through the 2000’s. The farmhouses that were built
prior to 1930 and that are still standing are scattered throughout town. Figure
3-1 shows the time period in which each house in the city was built.
Figure 3-2 shows the values of owner-occupied housing units. The same data
is not available for renter occupied units so this map excludes the values of
apartments and homes in manufactured home parks.
There were 5,332 occupied housing units in Mounds View in 2016. Most
of those units, 3,102 or 58% were single-family homes. Multi-family homes (i.e.
apartments or townhomes) made up 30% of the housing stock. A significant
10% of housing units in Mounds View are manufactured homes.
Approximately two-thirds of the total housing units were owner occupied. One-
third were renter occupied. A break-down of housing units by type are
calculated in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1: housing unit types NUMBER OF UNITS
Owner occupied 3,600
Renter occupied 1,732
Single-family 3,102
Multi-family 1,669
Manufactured homes 561
Mounds View Schools
Mounds View ISD 621 serves
northwestern Ramsey County. Mounds
View residents are within the attendance
area of each school listed below:
Irondale High School - All students
have a personal learning plan, guiding
their choice in classes according to their
goals and progress. The District’s
Pathways to Possibilities allows students
to pursue trades and earn college credit,
including an Associates degree while at
Irondale, along with internships with
about 30 partnering businesses and
organizations.
Edgewood Middle School - The middle
school has a STEAM curriculum. 60% of
students participate in music programs,
and 40% in extracurricular activities.
47% of students are non-White. The
most popular non-English, non-native
languages are Spanish, Hmong, and
Arabic. 47% of students are eligible for
free or reduced-price lunch.
Pinewood Elementary School - Family
Night is held each Thursday. Students in
grades 4 and 5 can take band, choir, or
orchestra, and Spanish. 49% of students
are non-white. 52% of students are
eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Sunnyside Elementary School - 43% of
students are non-white. The most
popular non-English, non-native
languages are Spanish, Tibetan, and
Somali. 45% of students are eligible for
free or reduced-price lunch.
Pike Lake Education Center - This
school serves 519 all-day
kindergarteners, and are provided with
free breakfast. 47% of students are non-
white, 47% are eligible for free or
reduced-price lunch.
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
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Chapter 3: Housing | 3-3
Total 5,332
Figure 3-1: Housing Age
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
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Chapter 3: Housing | 3-4
Figure 3-2: Owner Occupied Housing Values
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 3: Housing | 3-5
AFFORDABILITY
Residents across the Twin Cities region experience challenges affording the
costs of housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
defines housing as ‘affordable’ if its residents pay no more than 30% of their
gross income on housing and related costs. Housing costs include rent or
mortgage payments, utility bills, HOA fees or other fees associated with living
in a home. There are over twelve hundred (24%) cost burdened households
in Mounds View who do not meet that threshold.
Households are considered Cost Burdened if their housing costs account
for a high percentage of their income. Cost burdened households are classified
by household size and income as a percent of the area median income (AMI).
Qualifications for affordable housing are dependent on income and household
size, broken down in Table 3-2. The maximum rent by income and household
size is broken down in Table 3-3. The number of cost-burdened households
by income brackets below area median income (AMI) are calculated in Table
3-4.
1 Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, “Income Limits And Maximum Rents; Table K:
Projects Placed in Service on or after 4/1/2018”. Jan 2, 2019.
Table 3-2: Income limits by household size in order to qualify for
affordable housing1
1 2 3 4 5
30% AMI $13,220 $15,100 $16,980 $18,860 $20,380
50% AMI $33,050 $22,650 $25,470 $28,290 $30,570
60% AMI $39,660 $45,300 $50,940 $56,580 $61,140
80% AMI $52,880 $60,400 $67,920 $75,440 $81,520
Table 3-3: Maximum gross rents by bedroom size for affordable
housing (post 1989)
1 2 3 4
30% AMI $531 $636 $735 $735
50% AMI $885 $1,061 $1,226 $1,367
60% AMI $1,062 $1,273 $1,471 $1,641
80% AMI $1,416 $1,698 $1,962 $2,188
Hillview Avenue
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Chapter 3: Housing | 3-6
Table 3-4: Cost-Burdened by Income Households
at or below 30% of AMI 532
31% to 50% of AMI 593
51% to 80% of AMI 144
The median home value in Mounds View was $219,100 in 2018 compared
to $208,000 in 2010. Most of the housing units in the City were affordable for
households earning 51% to 80% AMI. A much smaller number were affordable
to those earning a smaller percent AMI. The number of affordable units for
each income bracket below AMI are calculated in Table 3-5.
Table 3-5: Affordable Units by Income Housing Units
at or below 30% AMI 704
31% to 50% AMI 1,467
51% to 80% AMI 2,612
Some housing units in Mounds View are publicly subsidized. A certain
number of those units are supplied specifically for seniors. The number of
publicly subsidized homes is calculated with sub-categories in Table 3-6.
Table 3-6: Subsidized Housing Number of Units
Publicly Subsidized 181
… specifically for Seniors 40
… specifically for People with Disabilities 22
HOUSING PROJECTIONS AND NEEDS
Although Mounds View is largely built-out, it will need to continue to grow
as local and regional demographics evolve. The city will need to accommodate
a rising population including residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The
Metropolitan Council requires Mounds View to supply 27 new affordable units
by 2040. The allocation of needed units by income brackets below AMI are
calculated in Table 3-7.
2 “Boulevard” Apartments, constructed in 2019, includes 60-units at or below 60% AMI.
Table 3-7: Housing Allocation by Income Required Units
at or below 30% of AMI 27
31% to 50% of AMI 11
51% to 80% of AMI 212
Total Units 59
AMI = Area Median Income
Reinvestment
Many apartment buildings in Mounds
View were built in the 1960’s and 1970’s
without indoor parking, elevators, or
other modern amenities, and are
naturally occurring affordable housing,
with rents $0.90 - $1.10 per sq ft for a
two-bedroom unit ($900 - $1,300 per
month), as of 2018.
In 2018, BBH Management purchased
the 48-unit Ridgewood Apartments. As
leases expire, BBH has remodeled each
unit, floor to ceiling, investing about
$10,000 per unit, with a goal of rents of
about $1 per square foot (garage extra).
Reinvestment in multi-family housing is
critical to maintain these older buildings
and stabilize neighborhoods.
0
25000
50000
75000
100000
125000
150000
175000
200000
225000
250000
275000
Mounds View Median Home
Value
Suburban Ramsey County Median
Home Value
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 3: Housing | 3-7
The Metropolitan Council estimates that there will be an increase of 220 new
households in Mounds View between 2020 and 2040. In order to
accommodate the growth, new homes both single-family and multi-family are
likely needed. New multi-family development is likely to occur along the
Mounds View Boulevard corridor on property currently used as single-family
residential and commercial uses.
HOUSING ACTION PLAN
Mounds View intends to work with partners to develop an Action Plan that
focuses on:
1. Homeowner Assistance
2. Preservation of Affordable Housing
3. Development/Redevelopment of New Affordable Housing
Currently (2019), such efforts operate independently, rather than as a
conjoined effort. A conjoined effort will be developed as part of the City’s
Strategic Plan that more clearly explains cause & effect of the City’s actions.
HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE
Many of the resources are through Ramsey County, and include loans for
moderate-income to low-income households, and weatherization programs
specific to suburban communities. A list of available resources can be found
on the City of Mounds View website. As of 2019, this list includes programs
facilitated by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), including;
• Suburban Ramsey County Energy Conservation Differed Loan
• Mounds View Emergency Repair Deferred Loan
• Mounds View General Home Repair Revolving Loan
• Mounds View Mobile Home Loan
Red Oak Drive
Fairchild Avenue
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 3: Housing | 3-8
PRESERVATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Mounds View includes some small homes on large lots built prior to World War
II. As homeowners move or pass away, developers have purchased,
demolished, and subdivided the properties for new construction, typically
priced between $325,000 and $425,000. The City will continue to encourage
such redevelopment, which is necessary to provide options, and to remain
competitive with surrounding communities within the School District.
Mounds View is home to three manufactured home parks consisting of 561
homes on a combined 80 acres. These properties are particularly desirable for
redevelopment due to their size, proximity to freeways, service, manufacturing
and high-tech jobs, and are walkable distances to parks and schools. These
manufactured home parks are privately owned and maintained. The City
intends to work with the owners and the Metropolitan Council to monitor private
infrastructure for structural stability including water inflow and infiltration.
Should one or more of these parks be redeveloped, the City supports
preserving the same number of affordable housing units in its place, or within
the same school attendance boundary.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The City has preference for new market-rate housing in order to provide a
range of housing options. When warranted, the City will support new affordable
housing projects on a case-by-case basis, preferably mixed with market rate
housing. It has been the City’s experience that mixed affordable/market-rate
developments are difficult to attract to Mounds View because of smaller land
parcels available for redevelopment, meaning smaller projects are more likely
to be developed as all affordable, or all market-rate units with no mixture.
The City will continue to work with its partners to better understand the City’s
place in supporting affordable housing within the larger metro area. Mounds
View is an attractive location because of the school district, proximity to
freeways, and jobs. Redevelopment is likely to occur along the Mounds View
Boulevard and many of those parcels are guided for mixed use and higher
density housing to better support a mix of housing, including affordable units.
See Chapter 1: Land Use.
The city’s location is hindered by the availability and cost of land3, limited mass
transit access, and public opposition to affordable housing due to the large
amount that already exists in the City. Part of this is public perception of “what
kind of people” live in affordable housing. The City will continue its efforts of
making Mounds View an inclusive and welcoming community.
3 The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) provides competitive tax credits to
qualifying affordable housing projects based on a Qualified Allocation Plan, taking into
account proximity to jobs, transit, high performing school districts, economic and racial
integration. More points tend to be awarded to those areas of higher incomes and less
integration, presenting a challenge for Mounds View which is stable and affordable, not
attracting regional attention for reinvestment, and supporting vacancy along Mounds View
Boulevard.
Boulevard
Affordable Housing costs about the same
to construct as market-rate housing.
New affordable housing is affordable
because of subsidies provided to the
developer/owner, allowing them to
reduce rent. For example, the Boulevard
Apartments (2019) costs about $230,000
per unit to build, and will charge rents
within 60% of AMI.
The project received funding from
multiple sources, including; the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (IRS
Tax Credits), Metropolitan Council
(Livable Communities Grant), Ramsey
County (discounted land sale), and the
City of Mounds View (Tax Increment
Financing). It is these subsidies that
made the project financially feasible, and
would not have been built but for this
assistance.
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 3: Housing | 3-9
HOUSING TOOLS
There are a number of widely used tools available to the City of Mounds View
to address housing needs within the community. Such tools include, but are
not limited to:
Local sources of funding:
Creation/use of a local Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA),
Community Development Agency (CDA), or Economic Development
Authority (EDA): State law permits cities to cooperatively plan,
undertake, construct, or operate projects that contribute to the
economic welfare and public benefit of the community, including
housing projects and developments, redevelopment projects, interest
rate reduction programs, or any combination of these (Source:
Metropolitan Council).
Housing Bonds
Tax Abatement: Tax abatement is a financing tool that reduces taxes
or tax increases for owners of specific properties. Local governments
offer the tax reduction to provide a financial incentive for a public
benefit, such as creation of housing affordable to low and moderate-
income households (Source: Metropolitan Council).
Tax Increment Financing: A primary tool in economic development
and redevelopment, tax increment financing, also known as TIF, is a
legislatively authorized tool available to cities and special entities such
as housing and redevelopment authorities. Used to finance real estate
development costs, municipalities create TIF districts to encourage
development and to pay for related public improvements and
infrastructure needs such as streets, sidewalks, or sewer (Source:
Metropolitan Council).
Local policies and strategies:
Effective referrals, most commonly occurring as a result of Rental or
Zoning inspections of housing conditions beyond the owner’s or
renter’s ability to correct and maintain.
Fair Housing Policy, most commonly used in conjunction with
Metropolitan Council Livable Community Account grants.
First time homebuyer, down payment assistance, and foreclosure
prevention programs, including the New Brighton-Mounds View
Rental Property Managers Coalition.
Participation in housing-related organizations, partnerships, and
initiatives
Site Assembly, most commonly conducted in cooperation with private
owners of land adjacent to EDA land, who share a common vision for
redevelopment, and a cooperative timeline.
Zoning and subdivision ordinances with flexible use of PUD’s to
increase density where tree and open space preservation is not
necessary.
Federal and regional sources
of funding:
Consolidated Request for
Proposals
Land Bank Twin Cities
Livable Communities
Demonstration Account
(LCDA)
Livable Communities
Demonstration Account –
Transit Oriented
Development (TOD)
Community Development
Block Grant Funds (CDBG)
HOME Investment
Partnerships Program
(HOME)
Preservation strategies:
Project Based Rental
Assistance
Low Income Housing Tax
Credit Properties
Public Housing
Housing Improvement
Areas (HIAs)
Community Land trusts
Low-interest rehab
programs
Manufactured Home Parks
Private unsubsidized
affordable housing
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Chapter 3: Housing | 3-10
Rental license and inspections programs, in conjunction with a Crime
Free Multi-Family Housing program.
HOUSING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Housing Need Available Tool Circumstance and
Sequence of Use
Potential Partners
Homeowner Assistance Home Improvement Loans, Energy
Conservation Deferred Loan
The City has links on their website
to these resources and will provide
referrals to residents as needed.
Center for Energy and
Environment (CEE)
Habitat for Humanity’ A Brush with
Kindness and Hearts & Hammers home
repair programs
The City has links on their website
to these resources and will provide
referrals to residents as needed.
Habitat for Humanity and
Hearts & Hammers
Homestead to reduce property taxes The City has a link on their website
to this resource and will provide
referrals to residents as needed.
Ramsey County
FirstHOME Buyer Assistance Program The City has a link on their website
to this resource and will provide
referrals to residents as needed.
Ramsey County
Rental license and inspections programs The City administers a rental
dwelling license and inspection
program, with a Crime Free Multi-
Family Housing component.
N/A
Preservation of Affordable
Housing
CDBG and HOME The City will consider sponsoring
an application to Ramsey County
HOME or CDBS to assist with
maintenance and rehabilitation of
housing for low-and-moderate
income households.
Ramsey County
Housing Bonds, Local EDA powers,
Community Land Trust
The City will consider strategic use
of these tools to preserve
threatened affordable housing
Ramsey County,
Metropolitan Council,
MHFA
Manufactured Home Park
Preservation Tools
The City will consider extending
homeownership resources to
Manufactured home parks and will
consider supporting a local notice
of first sale or first look provisions
to provide residents time to
consider cooperative ownership
if/when the community becomes
available for sale.
Metropolitan Council,
Ramsey County
Development/Redevelopment
of New Affordable Housing Tax Abatement, TIF The City would consider these
local tools at the request of a
qualified developer providing
affordable housing with units
available of at least 80% AMI.
Affordable Housing
Developer, MHFA,
Metropolitan Council
Consolidated RFP, LCDA, Site
Assembly
The City would consider these
regional tools at the request of a
qualified developer providing
affordable housing with units
available of at least 80% AMI.
Affordable Housing
Developer, MHFA,
Metropolitan Council,
Ramsey County
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 4: Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities | 4-1
Chapter 4: Parks, Trails,
and Community Facilities
INTRODUCTION
This section covers the lands, infrastructure, buildings, and services that public
agencies provide on a public and semipublic basis in the interest of Mounds
View residents. Public facilities and services are vital to the city’s quality of life
and marketability. As Mounds View is a developed city, its public facilities are
generally in place. The focus of this chapter is maintenance and improvement
of existing facilities and services and the community’s future needs.
PARKS, TRAILS, AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES GOALS AND
POLICIES
The City of Mounds View has developed policies related to parks, trails, and
community facilities to ensure their preservation and enhancement. The goals
and policies are as follows:
Goal 1: Recognize that the Mounds View ISD 621 is the most valued
community asset, and coordinate with the district in developing mutually
beneficial facilities and programs.
• Establish agreements with ISD 621 and athletic associations for
shared programing and maintenance of city-school facilities.
Goal 2: Support community health through land uses that improve
opportunities for physical activities, access to healthy food and social services,
housing stability and the environment.
• Support healthy lifestyle programs through continued cooperation
with the YMCA and other programing.
• Support partnerships between the City and community organizations,
and for-profit organizations and local entrepreneurs, for the joint use
of City facilities.
• Investigate market demands for the Community Center and consider
re-allocating space and/or expansion to meet the needs of the
community and the adjacent City Hall Park.
• Explore opportunities for studying access to healthy food.
Opinion Survey
28% of respondents use the
Mounds View Community Center,
and 30% use city trails at least
weekly.
There were several comments
comparing Mounds View facilities
to that of Shoreview and New
Brighton, along with suggestions
for minor improvements to specific
parks and trail segments.
The Comprehensive Plan seeks
to maintain and enhance current
park facilities and explore
partnerships for expansions and
enhancements.
Silver View Park
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Chapter 4: Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities | 4-2
Goal 3: Improve connections between local trails and regional trail systems.
• Complete the City’s trail and sidewalk master plan with connections
to trails/sidewalks in adjacent cities.
• Coordinate with Ramsey County and DNR for improvements to the
Rice Creek Water trail and the regional trail system.
Goal 4: Conduct inventory and needs analysis of park facilities to address if
parks are addressing the needs of the immediate neighborhood and the larger
community.
• Identify gaps in facilities, and program improvements through the
CIP and annual budget.
• Consider repurposing of under-utilized properties in a manner that
achieves the highest and best use and increases the value (not
limited to monetary) to the community while mitigating impacts on
surrounding neighborhoods.
• Study park dedication fees and how they are handled by other
municipalities.
Goal 5: Create a pollinator friendly community.
• Encourage pollinator friendly practices in private gardens.
• Partner with local schools.
Goal 6: Maintain, repair, and improve the City’s stormwater system
infrastructure as necessary.
EXISTING PARKS AND TRAIL NETWORK
Parks and open space areas in Mounds View include municipally owned
and operated neighborhood and community parks and special use facilities.
There are nine neighborhood parks, three community parks, and one special
use park. These publicly owned parcels are highlighted in Figure 4-1.
The City owns several properties that do not have a designated use. Many of
these are not publicly accessible or consist of wetlands and flood plain. The
City intends to consider the land’s highest and best use, which may be leaving
it as open space.
City trails and sidewalks are identified in Figure 4-2. The City plans to
complete a trail segment along Mounds View Boulevard, with connections to
the Rice Creek North Regional Trail (east), and planned trails in Spring Lake
Park (west). The City has added sidewalks as part of its street reconstruction
program. It is the intent that every household be within a ¼ mile of a sidewalk
or trail, and that all busy roads have a sidewalk or trail.
Rice Creek North Regional Trail
Master Plan
The 14-mile Rice Creek Regional Trail
extends from the Chain of Lakes
Regional Park Reserve in Lino Lakes
(5,500 acres), to the Mississippi River in
Fridley. Within Ramsey County, the trail
passes through a wildlife corridor
adjacent to the Arden Hills Army Training
Site, and through Long Lake Regional
Park in New Brighton (217 acres). Anoka
and Ramsey counties are conducting a
trail master plan. The main activity center
will be in and around Building 189 in
Arden Hills. Within Mounds View,
planned improvements include:
• Trails for hiking, mountain biking, and
cross-country skiing, east of and
adjacent to Irondale HS.
• Redevelopment of the parking lot at
Old Hwy 8 to include improved water
trail access, fishing area, restrooms,
increased parking.
• Overflow parking at Edgewood
Middle School.
(Below) Proposed Development (south
section). Mounds View is highlighted in
yellow.
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Chapter 4: Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities | 4-3
Figure 4-1: Publicly Owned Properties
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Chapter 4: Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities | 4-4
Figure 4-2: Bicycle and Pedestrian System
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Chapter 4: Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities | 4-5
Silver View Park
In addition to City parks, Ramsey County Parks and Trails are included in
the Metropolitan Council’s Regional Park System. Within, and adjacent to
Mounds View, is the Rice Creek North Regional Trail, and water trail, which
includes portions of Anoka and Ramsey counties. The trail cuts through the
far southeast corner of Mounds View. Facilities include a pedestrian trail,
water trail (Rice Creek), and parking/portage area.
PLANNED PARKS AND TRAILS
There are no proposals for new parks within the city. There are a number
of sidewalks, trails, and extensions proposed to improve options for active
transportation. Proposed trails and sidewalks generally connect segments that
are missing to close gaps in the network. Proposed trails/sidewalks
connections are mapped in Figure 4-2.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Mounds View public buildings include City Hall (which includes city
administrative offices and the police department), the Public Works
maintenance facility, the community center, park buildings, and park shelters.
All community facilities are mapped in Figure 4-.
Mounds View Community Center
and YMCA
The Bel Rae Ballroom was built in
1964 and was remodeled to become
the Mounds View Community Center
in 1998. The Center includes a
banquet facility with a 400-person
capacity, meeting rooms, gymnasium,
fitness equipment, teen center, game
area, and a daycare center which
operates independently.
In 1998, the City Council voted to
eliminated the Parks Department and
contract with an external agency. The
City entered into an agreement with
the YMCA in 1999, reviewing
agreements every five years. The
YMCA administers the Community
Center operations and recreational
programing, and is overseen by the
YMCA Advisory Board, including two
City Councilmembers, Parks, Trails &
Forestry Commissioners, community
members, YMCA staff and City staff.
The Advisory Board provides
recommendations to the City Council
on operational considerations.
Heat Source Map, illustrating popularity
of walking/jogging routes (Stava Labs,
2019). The most used route is on the
Medtronic campus.
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Chapter 4: Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities | 4-6
Figure 4-3: Community Facilities
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-1
Chapter 5: Transportation
INTRODUCTION
The roadway system in Mounds View is built-out, though it will continue to evolve
in the coming years. The system consists of state and county roads that function
as principal and minor arterials, and County and City roads that function as
collector and local streets. Mounds View Boulevard, also known as County
Highway 10, runs diagonally through the city. The corridor provides quick access
to nearby freeways, but many have seen it function dually as a barrier. The State
of Minnesota (MnDOT) turned the jurisdiction of Mounds View Boulevard to
Ramsey County in 2000. While Mounds View acknowledges the importance of the
corridor for moving traffic, the City has determined that there is an excessive
amount of right-of-way being maintained for the Boulevard. In 2002, the City
adopted a design theme to enhance the image of the Mounds View Boulevard
corridor and continues to work toward its implementation.
Mounds View has developed a comprehensive trailway plan. The City will consider
opportunities to implement the construction and maintenance of trailways. See
Chapter 5: Parks, Trails, and Community Facilities for more information.
Transportation Goals and Policies
The City has developed transportation goals and policies to ensure residents and
visitors can move safety through the city. The goals and policies related to
transportation are as follows:
Goal 1: Support Transit Oriented Development (TOD) through supportive transit
options.
Expand transit routes through Mounds View, including the city’s northeast
quadrant, where there are gaps in the service area.
Encourage transit innovation and implementation, including future Bus
Rapid Transit, alternative modes of transit (e.g. autonomous vehicles),
and electric vehicles.
Work with MTC to invest in permanent Park & Ride facilities.
Advocate for transit including the preservation of existing routes,
investments in permanent Park & Ride facilities, and support for Transit
Oriented Development.
Improve permanent mass transit stations, including seating, shelters, and
signage for all ages and abilities.
Goal 2: Complete the remaining 20% of street reconstruction and maintain a long-
term fiscal plan for maintenance and replacement of City infrastructure.
Goal 3: Balance community and commuting needs by enhancing characteristics
that improve the City’s Boulevard.
Coordinate with Ramsey County access management to balance needs
of travelling public with needs of residents and local property owners.
Minimize non-local traffic from driving through residential neighborhoods.
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Coordinate with Ramsey County and MnDOT to improve traffic flow on
County and State Roads.
Improve safety of pedestrian crossings along Mounds View Boulevard.
When considering subdivisions, require additional right-of-way and
realignment of off-set intersections along Mounds View Blvd.
Include electric vehicle charging stations and improvements to support
innovative modes of transportation in capital improvement projects.
Goal 4: Continue to participate in the planning process for any expansion of the
Anoka County Airport.
Protect the general airspace of the Anoka County Airport, through
regulation of structure height.
Notify MnDOT and the FAA of any proposed construction or alteration
that would exceed a height of 200’ above ground level at an imaginary
surface extending upward and outward at a slope of 100:1 from the
nearest point of the nearest runway of a public airport, at least 30 days in
advance of a Public Hearing, or City Council action.
Oppose expansion of the Anoka County Airport if it creates noise
nuisance or safety related issues for Mounds View residents.
Goal 5: Improve major and minor gateway entrances of the city to include
improved signage and attractive landscaping (where space permits).
ROADWAY SYSTEM
The streets in Mounds View mostly create a regular, rectangular grid system. The
major exception is Mounds View Boulevard as it cuts through the grid northwest to
southeast diagonally from Central Avenue (Highway 65) just outside of Mounds
View to I-35W at the opposite corner of the city. This layout creates many angled
intersections with the Boulevard. The City is not anticipating any major street
expansion projects in the near future, although some street extensions may occur
due to subdivisions and development of existing large lots. Some street and
intersection reconfigurations and traffic calming installations may also be
undertaken to manage traffic. Ramsey County and the City recently completed a
federally funded reconstruction of the intersection of Mounds View Boulevard and
County Road H. The City will continue to pursue funding opportunities to improve
roadway facilities, crossings, and calming measures across the city.
Old Highway 8 (foreground)
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-3
Functional Classification
Functional classification is a system to establish the hierarchy of streets that collect
and distribute traffic from residential neighborhoods to the metropolitan roadway
system. The Metropolitan Council has established a functional classification
system for the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Classifications of streets in Mounds
View include principal arterials, minor arterials, collector roadways, and local
streets. The functional classifications of roadways in Mounds View and associated
traffic volumes are shown in Figure 5-1.
Functional classification helps to ensure that non-transportation factors, such as
land use and development, are taken into account in planning and design of the
roadway system.
The two major considerations in the classification of roadway networks are access
and mobility. Mobility is of primary importance on arterials and thus limiting access
is a necessity. However, the primary function of a local roadway is access. This in
turn limits mobility. The extent and degree of access control is an important factor
in the function of a roadway facility. The functional classification types are
dependent upon one another in order to provide a system of streets and highways.
Minor Arterials – Mounds View Boulevard, Silver Lake Road: Minor arterial
roadways connect the urban service area to cities and towns inside and outside
the region and generally service medium to short trips. Minor arterials connect
principal arterials, minor arterials, and collectors. The spacing range from ¼ to ¾
of a mile in metro centers to 1 to 2 miles in developing areas. The desired minimum
average speed during peak traffic periods is 20 mph in fully developed and 30 mph
in developing areas. The emphasis for minor arterial roadways is on mobility rather
than on land access. In urban areas, direct land access is generally restricted to
concentrations of commercial/industrial land uses.
Mounds View Boulevard (A-Minor Reliever): Defined as a road that
provides direct relief for metropolitan highway traffic. 4 lanes + turn lanes,
and no anticipated changes to number of lanes.
Silver Lake Road (A-Minor Expander): Defined as a road that provides
a way to make connections between urban areas outside the I-494/I-694
beltway. 4 lanes and no anticipated changes to number of lanes.
Principal Arterials - Interstate 35W, State Highway 10: Principal arterial roadways
serve major activity centers, higher traffic volumes, longer trips, and carry a higher
proportion of total urbanized travel on a minimum of mileage. Along these facilities,
the City and other agencies limit access to preserve the ability of the roadway to
accommodate the volumes and to maximize safety for drivers. The management
criteria require that a 40 mph average speed be achieved during peak traffic
periods. Also, little or no direct land access should be allowed to these roadways.
Grade separated intersections are required for freeways and highly desired for
other principal arterial roadways.
Interstate 35W is between 6-8 lanes as it travels through Mounds View and no
additional lanes are planned at this time. A MnPASS lane is currently under
construction on I-35W. State Highway 10 is currently 4-6 lanes and no additional
lanes are planned at this time.
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-4
Highway Safety
Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) 2014-2019, Minnesota Toward
Zero Deaths (TZD)
Figure 5-1: Existing and Planned Functional Classifications and Traffic Volumes
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-5
Access Management
Access management is the balancing of two important components in any
transportation system: access and mobility. It is a critical component of a safe and
efficient roadway system. By limiting access points on highways, the number of
potential conflicts may be reduced. Access management is important to balancing
automotive mobility with automobile access to local properties. As discussed
above, access is limited on higher mobility roadways such as Principal Arterials,
while local streets provide increased access and decreased mobility. Standards
are listed in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1: Summary of Recommended Street Spacing for Non-IRCs, MnDOT
Access Management Manual
Complete Streets
The City is committed to providing a transportation network that is safe and
supportive of all users, in or outside of motor vehicles.
As the use of alternative modes of transportation rise locally and regionally, the
City will study the feasibility of allocating more space on the roads for slower
moving traffic with a primary focus on pedestrian comfort and safety.
The City also recognizes that residents’ mode choice is largely dependent on the
type of infrastructure in place. The City will continue to study options for improving
sidewalk, bikeways, and transit facilities as a catalyst for increasing use of
alternative modes of transportation.
Red Oak Drive
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-6
Revisioning Mounds View Boulevard
In 1999, MnDOT completed the MN Highway 610 bridge across the Mississippi
River. The new bridge resulted in a significant decrease in traffic on County Road
10, from 43,000 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) in 1999, to 26,500 ADT in 2001.
In 2002, the City completed the County Road 10 Redevelopment and
Revitalization Plan. The Plan considered realignment of several odd-angled
intersections of County Road 10 (Mounds View Blvd), but focused on two
intersections; (1) County Road H2, and (2) Long Lake Road. When the plan was
made public, several affected landowners opposed the proposed realignments
because of the needed land takings. The plan was shelfed. Since that time, a
number of development projects have occurred at these two intersections,
rendering the 2002 realignment plan obsolete. Over the years, the City Council
has had numerous conversations regarding improving the Mounds View Blvd
corridor, focusing on trails, landscaping, and streetscaping, in addition to
redevelopment. The City has no plans to improve the roadway itself.
If and when Ramsey County considers reconstruction of the roadway, the City
wishes to consider converting it from a rural section with open ditches, to an urban
section with storm sewer, curb & gutter. This would allow a landscaped median,
and significant visual improvements to the corridor. Such a plan would involve the
roadway segment between I-35W in Mounds View, and MN Highway 65 in Spring
Lake Park, necessitating a coordinated project with Ramsey County, Anoka
County, and the two cities. Ramsey County has no plans for County Road 10
within its 2019-2023 Transportation Improvement Plan, although the topic is on the
minds of Staff from the City and County..
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-7
Mounds View Boulevard
Pedestrian and Bicycle System
Mounds View adopted a resolution establishing a comprehensive trailways system
policy in 1992. The goals of this program include:
1. Helping to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety in the city
2. Providing a trailway system that connects recreational opportunities
within the city
3. Provide trail links to Ramsey and Anoka counties and to adjacent cities’
trail systems
In recent years, a link to the Rice Creek North Regional Trail and Rice Creek Chain
of Lake Park Preserve has been completed, providing bike and walking access to
neighboring jurisdictions and the Mississippi River Trail. Anoka and Ramsey
Counties jointly operate the Rice Creek West Regional Trail and the Rice Creek
North Regional Trails. Mounds View lies in the middle of the corridor and provides
a link between the two.
Ramsey County trailway connections that serve Mounds View include a route to
downtown St. Paul through Shoreview on a trailway on County Road I. Mounds
View also has the opportunity to connect with trailways leading to downtown
Minneapolis via Silver Lake Road. The City will continue to study trailway
improvements and extensions. See Chapter 4: Parks, Trails, and Community
Facilities for more.
The City does not provide trailways on every street. Mounds View intends for the
trailway system to provide reasonable accessibility to all areas of the city, making
special provisions to provide access to schools, parks, business areas, and the
City Hall and Community Center area. A map of the existing and proposed bicycle
and pedestrian system can be seen in Figure 5-2.
Trailway priorities established by the City in 1992 include:
Stripe and mark one or both sides of City roads with sufficient width to provide on-
street trails consistent with the trailways plan
1. Pursue grants and funding sources for development of the trailways in
Mounds View
2. Consider adding trailways during street reconstruction and
improvements
The City has nearly completed a program to construct new trailways along both
sides of Mounds View Boulevard, a street which could otherwise be seen as a
barrier to safe biking. The corridor contains several destinations vital to the city,
including Mounds View City Hall, Community Center, Ramsey County public
library, parks, transit facilities, and various strip malls, most of which were designed
primarily for access by car. The new trails along Mounds View Boulevard provide
pedestrian safe access to these facilities as well as provide access to several local
trial segments and regional trail systems. The City will investigate strategies for
integrating mixed-use trails into existing strip malls and other auto-oriented
developments. The City will also study expansions to the system that provide
connections with neighboring cities.
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-8
Figure 5-2: Bicycle and Pedestrian System
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-9
Spring Lake Road
Transit
Metro Transit is the major transit service provider in the Twin Cities area, and it
provides transit service in Mounds View. Mounds View is within the Transit Capital
Levy District, Market Area III. Service options for Market Area III include:
Primary emphasis on commuter express bus service
Suburban local routes providing basic coverage
General public dial-a-ride service supplementing fixed route service
Figure 5-3 shows the current bus routes serving Mounds View. There are express
routes to downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, and limited plus local bus
services to downtown Minneapolis via Silver Lake Road. In addition to the fixed
route bus service, the Metropolitan Council operates Metro Mobility that provides
door-to-door transportation service for people with disabilities and Transit Link,
which provides shared-ride public transportation for areas where regular route
transit service is infrequent or unavailable. The Metropolitan Council provides other
services through the Metro Commuter program. The City is expecting the
Metropolitan Council to continue to provide mass transit, Metro Mobility, and Metro
Commuter services in the future.
The City is supportive of higher density and mixed-use development along the
Mounds View Boulevard corridor, see Chapter 2: Land Use. Higher density
development is needed to support frequent transit service, and vice-versa. As
plans move forward with higher density development along the Corridor, the City
will continue to work with Metro Transit to develop transit service on Mounds View
Boulevard.
There is an existing park-and-ride lot located at the County Road H and I-35W
interchange area. Transit service in the northeast quarter of Mounds View is
virtually nonexistent. The residential areas there, including two manufactured
home parks, would benefit from transit service. As Mounds View works to build a
robust and diversified transportation network, it is important for transit service to
be included as a viable option. Mounds View will work with Metro Transit to
enhance transit service in the City in order to support a multi-modal network and
improve access for current and future residents.
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-10
Figure 5-3: Existing Transit System
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-11
Aviation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT) Aeronautics safety and standards are a major
consideration in the planning, design, maintenance, and operation of air
transportation facilities and services. There are no existing or planned aviation
facilities within Mound View. However, the City has a responsibility to protect
airspace from potential hazards to air navigation including electronic interference.
The City recognizes its responsibility to protect the general airspace around the
airport in Blaine and within City limits.
Federal and state agencies have established safety zones and regulations around
public airports to ensure safety of aircraft operations. Land uses in these zones
must be consistent with FAA and MnDOT Aeronautics rules. Structures that are
200 feet tall or higher may pose a hazard to air navigation. As such, structures are
limited to a maximum height of 200 feet and there can be no interference with
electronic communications, airport lighting, and impairment of visibility. The
construction for any structure or alteration exceeding a height of 200 feet or any
construction or alteration of greater height that an imaginary surface extending
upward at a scale of 100:1 from the nearest point of the nearest runway of a public
airport requires notification to the MnDOT Commissioner and possibly the FAA.
The current FAA Regulations can be found on the FAA website. Part 77 of the
Current FAA Regulations contains guidelines regarding when the FAA shall be
notified of construction or alterations that will affect the local airspace. In the event
that the FAA shall be notified of proposed construction or alterations, one may find
the appropriate form (“Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration” – Form 7460-
1) on the FAA website. The FAA has several regional offices with Minnesota
served by the Great Lakes Regional Office in Des Plaines, Illinois.
There currently are no structures in Mounds View that exceed 200 feet or pose
safety hazards to air navigation. Mounds view is almost fully developed and land
uses are well established in the safety zones. Some infill development of
residential land may occur as property owners subdivide larger lots in the future.
Mounds View has enacted a Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Ordinance
that governs the height of towers among other things. This ordinance limits the
height of towers to 150 feet in an industrial area, subject to certain conditions. As
such, the City is not expecting to have any structure that would be taller than 200
feet near the airport or within its boundaries.
In 2008, the Mounds View City Council passed Resolution 7366, opposing the
expansion of the Anoka County-Blaine Airport runway(s), and opposing any
legislative effort to reclassify the airport as an intermediate status facility.
The City expects to participate in the long-term planning efforts and preparations
of the safety zoning ordinance for the Anoka County-Blaine Airport and to ensure
that airport noise levels to not increase in Mounds View.
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-12
Figure 5-4: Freight Access
SAIA LTL Freight
Freight
There are a couple nodes of industrial uses that generate freight movement within
Mounds View, each adjacent to city limits.
The first and largest is around the interchange of I-35W and Mounds View
Boulevard (County 10). Multiple industrial facilities with trucking docks are located
in this area. Access is provided via A-Minor and local streets to the Interstate
system and Mounds View Boulevard.
The second use that generates freight movement is along the city’s northern
border. There is a distribution center with direct access to County Rd J, an A-Minor
Expander so freight traffic is not expected on local streets as a result.
There are no rail lines or rail stations in Mounds View. One rail line and spur runs
adjacent to city limits and to a facility in Fridley. County Road H2 through Mounds
View is the most direct route between the property and Interstate-35W, creating
freight traffic through Mounds View along County Road H2.
Figure 5-4 illustrates major access-point and desitnations in Mounds View for
freight traffic. Figure 5-1 maps multi-axle freight traffic on A-Minor and Principal
Arterial roads.
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-13
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS ZONES
The City of Mounds View lies within Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) 1692 through
1695, and 1701 through 1707. Potions of zones 1703 and 1695 are also within
adjacent cities. Figure 5-5 shows the alignment of TAZ zones and Mounds View
boundaries. Population, household, and employment forecasts are allocated for
each TAZ zone in Table 5-2.
The City of Mounds View is developed with few vacant parcels. New population
growth in each zone will be the result of residential and mixed-use redevelopment.
The heaviest concentration of redevelopment (i.e. population growth) is guided
along the Mounds View Boulevard corridor, which limits the need for road
improvements on local roads and better supports use of mass transit and
alternative modes of transportation.
TAZ zone 1701 is expected to see the greatest population change in the city with
an 80 person increase. This zone is one of the largest by geographical area and
includes land along Mounds View Boulevard, residential neighborhood, one of the
city’s manufactured home parks, and large industrial parcels. Population growth
here could be a result of mixed-use or high-density residential development along
Mounds View Boulevard, or infill development in the residential neighborhoods or
manufactured home park.
The number of households is also expected to remain steady across all Mounds
View TAZ zones. In one zone near Long Lake Road and County Road H2, the
number of households is expected to drop by 10. In the other zones, the number
of households is expected to increase by anywhere between 10 and 30 between
2020 and 2040. The greatest increase is expected in a small zone between
Mounds View Boulevard and Spring Lake.
Employment numbers are expected to rise nearly across the board, with one major
exception. The zone that is spread between Blaine and the northeast corner of
Mounds View and that includes a Medtronic facility within Mounds View and
industrial uses within Blaine is expected to lose 100 jobs between 2020 and 2040.
Most zones are expected to gain somewhere between 10 and 40 jobs. The zone
south of Mounds View Boulevard at the southeast corner of Mounds View is
expected to gain 300 jobs.
Most growth is expected in TAZ zones adjacent to Mounds View Boulevard.
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-14
Figure 5-5: Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ)
Figure 5-5: Existing Transit System
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-15
Table 5-2: Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ)
Population : TAZ 2020 2030 2040
1692 1,300 1,320 1,316
1693 1,330 1,350 1,346
1694 2,250 2,250 2,256
1695 0 0 0
1701 2,700 2,760 2,786
1702 1,810 1,840 1,846
1703 620 660 676
1704 570 600 596
1705 570 570 556
1706 1,120 1,100 1,076
1707 1,230 1,250 1,246
Households : TAZ 2020 2030 2040
1692 490 511 510
1693 500 521 530
1694 860 891 890
1695 0 0 0
1701 1,090 1,121 1,120
1702 760 791 790
1703 230 271 270
1704 220 231 240
1705 200 211 210
1706 420 431 420
1707 510 521 520
Employment : TAZ 2020 2030 2040
1692 50 60 70
1693 35 45 50
1694 70 80 90
1695 4,050 4,200 4,220
1701 1,450 1,500 1,510
1702 230 240 250
1703 130 150 160
1704 5 10 10
1705 10 15 20
1706 80 90 100
1707 690 710 720
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Chapter 5: Transportation | 5-16
PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS
The City of Mounds View will continue to collaborate with neighboring
municipalities, Anoka and Ramsey Counties, and MnDOT to maintain and improve
mobility and access for residents and visitors to the city.
Highlights from the 2018-2024 Capital Improvement Plan are listed below.
2018 – Program Ave from MV Blvd to CR H2
2019 – Bronson Dr from Edgewood to Long Lake and Woodale Dr.
2019 – Water Treatment System Upgrade (bonds in 2020)
2020 – Quincy St from CR H2 to CR I
2020 – MV Blvd / Co. Rd. H2 intersection improvements
2020 – Water Treatment System Upgrade
2021 – Pleasant View Dr/84th Ave
2021 – Spring Lake Road
2021 – Water Treatment System Upgrade
2022 – Bronson from Edgewood to Quincy
2024 – Intersection improvements along MV Blvd (2024 or later)
2026 – Sediment Removal – Silver View Pond (approx. year)*
*The City will need to demonstrate compliance with RCWD and DNR requirements and the
Wetland Conservation Act in order to proceed with sediment removal at Silver View Pond.
Quincy Street
Street & Utility Improvement
Program
In 2005, a petition was submitted by
Mounds View residents in opposition to
a street project that was to be
assessed. In 2007, the City Council
appointed a 30-member taskforce to
develop street standards and a
financial plan to reconstruct all City
streets.
The financial plan included the use of
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Municipal State Aid (MSA), franchise
fees, utility funds, and a ten-year
property tax levy. Through the levy,
homeowners paid an average of $100
per year, as opposed to street
assessments as high as $3,000 per
household.
The street design plan includes
narrowing most streets from 32’ in width
to 28’, and use of storm sewer (vs.
open ditches) with curb & gutter. The
plan also added sidewalks to a number
of local streets.
Between 2009 and 2018, about 80% of
the city’s streets were reconstructed,
with the remaining to be completed by
2024.
The adopted plan was not without
controversy. A number of residents
who were assed for street
reconstruction projects prior to 2007,
objected to the levy. Those affected
property owners were refunded 60% of
levied amounts.
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Chapter 6: Water Resources | 6-1
Chapter 6: Water Resources
INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides information on the City’s Sanitary Sewer, Local Surface
Water Management, and Water Supply Plans. These plans are currently being
updated to meet new Metropolitan Council and watershed district standards. Full
versions of these water resource plans will be included as appendices to the final
comprehensive plan.
Water Resources Goals and Policies
The City of Mounds View recognizes the importance of water resources for human
and ecological services. The following goals and policies address sanitary sewer,
surface water, and water supply.
1. Provide adequate sanitary sewer, water supply, and surface water
management to serve existing and new development or redevelopment.
2. Construct and operate existing and new public facilities to protect the
health, safety, and welfare of residents.
3. Develop a plan consistent with the Metropolitan Council’s Regional
Development Framework.
Policies and Action Steps:
1. Encourage new development or redevelopment that is consistent with the
capacity of the sanitary sewer and water systems.
2. Continue City activities to prevent or eliminate excessive infiltration/inflow
from the sanitary sewer system.
3. Continue City activities and programs to prevent flooding and adverse
impacts from land disturbance, and to manage and preserve the City’s
wetlands, lakes, and groundwater.
4. Continue implementation of the City’s water conservation actions
including a conservation rate structure, system improvements,
educational efforts, conservation ordinances, and enforcement of water
regulations.
SANITARY SEWER
The Metropolitan Council has prepared forecasts for sewer flow to assist
communities in their comprehensive planning efforts. The sewer forecasts for
Mounds View are presented in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Sewer Forecasts
2020 2030 2040
Sewered Population 13,500 13,700 13,700
Sewered Households 5,280 5,500 5,500
Sewered Employment 6,800 7,100 7,200
Average Annual Wastewater
Flow (MGD)
1.06 1.03 1.01
Longview Drive rain garden
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DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 6: Water Resources | 6-2
The City of Mounds View is served by two Metropolitan Council interceptors, 4-
NS-523 and 4-NS-524. Mounds View’s wastewater flow is treated at the
Metropolitan Waste Water Treatment Plant in St. Paul. Several improvements are
planned for this facility through 2040 to provide for additional plant capacity and to
meet required permit standards.
The Met Council has established infiltration/inflow (I/I) goals for all communities
discharging wastewater to the Metropolitan Disposal System. Since excess I/I is a
local concern to Mounds View as well as a regional concern to the Metropolitan
Council, Mounds View will continue to work on reducing I/I in its sanitary sewer.
The City’s goals generally are to identify and prevent I/I from exceeding local and
regional system capacity and causing local backups, and to work to remove I/I from
the system to the greatest extent practicable.
As demonstrated in Table 6-1, the community’s sewer flow is anticipated to
decrease slightly by the year 2040, largely due to water conservation efforts. The
City does not anticipate any capacity issues with the existing sewer system.
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT
Mounds View is within the Rice Creek Watershed District. The City has updated
its local surface water management plan to reflect the needs of the watershed
district and the Metropolitan Council. A draft plan has been prepared and is
currently (2019) under review by the watershed district and Met Council. A full copy
of the plan will be included in the appendices of this Comprehensive Plan upon
completion.
WATER SUPPLY PLANNING
The City of Mounds View water system includes water supply, treatment,
distribution, and storage to meet the water demands of the utility’s customers. The
utility operates five active groundwater wells to supply water and maintains two
water tanks in the distribution system to sustain water system pressures and
provide water during emergencies.
The City’s water system supply and storage is adequate to meet projected future
water demands. The existing firm water supply capacity exceeds the projected
2040 maximum day demand. The existing water storage capacity exceeds future
average day demand. While no new water system facilities are planned,
maintenance and repair of existing facilities are ongoing. The water treatment
facilities are currently (2019) being evaluated to determine necessary repairs and
improvements to be made over the next five years.
All public water suppliers in Minnesota that operate a public water distribution
system, serve more than 1,000 people, and/or all cities in the seven-county
metropolitan area, must have a Water Supply Plan (WSP) approved by the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The City of Mounds View Water Supply
Plan is required by the DNR and Metropolitan Council. The Mounds View WSP
was originally submitted in December 2016 and was updated in January 2019. A
full copy of the plan is included in the appendices of this Comprehensive Plan.
Inflow & Infiltration
One Million Dollars, per year! That is the
cost of treating sewage that the City of
Mounds View pays to the Metropolitan
Council each year to have our sewer
lines connected to their sanitary sewer
treatment system. I & I, or Inflow and
Infiltration comprises somewhere from
20% to 25% of that bill.
Inflow is waste water going down the
drain. Flushing toilets, showers, sinks,
washing machines, etc. It is not lawn
sprinkling as that goes back into the
ground or down the storm sewer.
Infiltration is seepage into the
underground sewer lines, both the City
collector lines and the lateral line from
the house/business to that collector line.
Cracks occur do to settling, roots, or
construction activity and with our high
water table, ground water or clear water,
seeps into the pipe.
You can HELP, do not let the faucet run
in the sink. Use water saving appliances
and low flow shower heads. 100% of our
lines will be inspected and re-lined within
the next 10 years. A proposed ordinance
will require homeowners to inspect and
repair their lateral line at the point of sale.
Example of ground water infiltration due
to separation of sewer joint.
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Chapter 6: Water Resources | 6-3
GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT
Mounds View is within the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area
(GWMA), designated by the Minnesota DNR. The North and East Metro GWMA
includes all of Washington County, all of Ramsey County, and a portion of Anoka
and Hennepin Counties. The GWMA Plan will guide the DNR’s efforts to manage
groundwater appropriations sustainably in this area over the next five years. The
Plan establishes sustainability goals to help appropriation permit holders plan for
their future water use and ensure that groundwater supplies remain adequate to
meet human needs while protecting lakes, streams and wetlands.
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Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-1
Chapter 7: Implementation
INTRODUCTION
This Chapter is intended to address the Metropolitan Council’s Checklist of
Minimum Requirements regarding Implementation, unless otherwise
addressed previously in this Plan. This Plan is not intended to sit on a shelf
and collect dust, but to be continuously used as a reference and long-term
guide to implementing short-term goals identified in the City’s Strategic Plan.
This Comprehensive Plan addresses land use, supportive infrastructure, and
related topics. It is not intended to address quality of life, much of which is
outside the scope and boundary of city government services. This is a critical
topic, which the City wishes to address outside of this Plan, in cooperation with
community organizations, many of which are represented in the sidebar of
page 7-2.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
The Comprehensive Plan (Plan) will be implemented through the
following:
1. When considering a change in land use (e.g. Zoning Map amendment,
subdivision, conditional use permit, etc.), the City Council and
Planning Commission shall consider if the proposed use is consistent
with the Goals and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. When considering annual department goals, Department Heads shall
consider their role in implementing the Goals & Policies of the
Comprehensive Plan, in conjunction with the Strategic Plan.
3. When considering adoption of a three-year Strategic Plan, the City
Council shall consider how it relates to, and implements the Goals &
Policies of this 20-year Comprehensive Plan. This includes the
timeline in which this Comprehensive Plan will be implemented.
4. When considering adoption of a 5-year Financial Plan1, City Staff and
the City Council shall consider prioritization of expenditures, in
implementing the Goals & Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
1 The Five Year Financial Plan (aka Capital Improvement Plan, or CIP) is adopted annually, as
required by the City Charter, Chapter 7.05. The Financial Plan includes the replacement of
equipment and vehicles within their expected life-cycle (5 – 25 years). The CIP is adopted
annually in May, and supports annual budget preparation for the coming August/September.
The Five Year Financial Plan is available at www.moundsviewmn.org and through the City’s
Finance Department.
Priorities
The Strategic Plan establishes policy
areas and strategy for the City to
concentrate its efforts. The 2020-
2023 Plan identifies the following
Major Themes:
• Financial Stability
• Maintain Good Infrastructure
• Demographics: Diversity &
Outreach
• Employee Recruitment &
Retention
• Business Retention &
Expansion
The Strategic Plan identifies Goals,
allocated funds and funding gaps,
and Staff’s tasks in implementing the
Plan within fiscal constraints. In
preparation of creating the Strategic
Plan, the City Council discusses
numerous subjects during Council
Work Sessions, such as
Development Priorities (pictured). In
this example, the Council identified
five priority sites (2018):
• Tires N’More/Simon’s Sports
• Mounds View Blvd & Woodale
Dr
• Rydell Auto Outlet
• Mounds View Blvd & Spring
Lake Rd
• Snyder’s
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Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-2
5. When considering studies, inter-agency cooperative efforts, and Joint
Power Authorities (when applicable), City Staff will consider how these
actions are impacted by this Comprehensive Plan, in addition to that
of adjacent agency’s comprehensive plans, to meet common goals.
6. Throughout this Plan, and as stated numerous times in the City’s 2018
Opinion Survey, there is a need to improve the appearance of the
Mounds View Boulevard corridor, as well as other areas of the City.
The City conducts Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) visits with
each business on a three-year cycle, with the intent of understanding
each business’ future plans and needs, and assisting when applicable,
including programs to assist business owners with improving their
property.
The City conducts a reactive code enforcement program, relying on
residents to notify the City when a property does not meet their
expecations. When a complaint is inspected, the City not only
inspects that property, but the entire block for code violations. This is
to be fair, particularly when the complaint stems from neighbor
disputes.
7. Official Controls relevent to this Comprehensive Plan include the
following:
• Mounds View City Code, Chapters 600 (Public Health and Safety),
900 (Public Ways), 1000 (Building and Development
Regulations),
• 1100 (Zoning Code), 1200 (Land Subdivisions), and 1300 (Flood
Control Regulations).
• All new buildings designated for human occupancy shall be
connected to the Municipal water system.2
• All buildings which include a toilet or other plumbing facilities, and
which are adjacent to the municipal sanitary sewer system, must
be connected to the system.3 Once connected, septic tanks are
required to be filled.4
Private Water service Private Sewer service
2510 Ardan Ave 2510 Ardan Ave
3024 Co Rd I
3032 Co Rd I
2 City Code, Section 906.01 (Connection Required; Exceptions).
3 City Code, Section 907.02 (Connection with System Required). A number of Mounds View
properties are serviced by Blaine and Fridley.
4 City Code, Section 907.04, Subd 3 (Construction Specifications).
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Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-3
OFFICIAL CONTROLS
Within nine months of adoption of this Plan, the City shall update its Official
Controls (e.g. City Code), such that the Code and this Plan are not in conflict.
It is not the City’s intent that such amendments (e.g. Zoning Map amendments)
create non-conforming land uses, but such conflicts must be considered when
balancing property rights, and Goals & Policies of this Plan.
Updates to the City Budget, Strategic Plan, and Capital Improvement Plan will
be made on a regular basis as follows:
1-year Budget (updated annually, December adoption)
3-year Strategic Plan (updated annually, April/May adoption)
5-year Financial Plan (updated annually, May adoption)
Official Controls relevant to zoning, subdivision, water supply, and private
sewer systems
Zoning Code: City Code, Title 1100
Subdivisions: City Code, Title 1200
Water Supply: City Code, Title 900
Private Sewer: City Code, Title 900
ZONING CODE
Zoning is the primary regulatory tool used by local governments to implement
their comprehensive plan. The code consists of the official zoning map and the
supporting ordinance text. The official map divides the community into a series
of zoning districts and the text describes regulations for the use of land within
these districts. Zoning districts in Mounds View are mapped in Figure 7-1.
Zoning districts are listed in the following section. Full regulations for all
districts can be found in the City Code, Title 1100 (Zoning Code).
Residential Districts:
R-1, Single-Family Residential District - The purpose of the R-1, Single-Family
District is to provide for low density single-family detached residential dwelling
units and directly related, complementary uses.
R-2, Single and Two-Family Residential District - The purpose of the R-2,
Single and Two-Family Residential District is to provide for low to moderate
density one (1) and two (2) unit dwellings and directly related, complementary
uses.
R-3, Medium Density Residential District - The purpose of the R-3, Medium
Density Residential District is to provide for medium density housing in multiple
family structures ranging up to and including six (6) units and directly related
complementary uses.
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R-4, High Density Residential District - The purpose of the R-4, High Density
Residential District is to provide for high density residential uses and directly
related complementary uses.
R-5, Mobile Home District - The purpose of the R-5, Mobile Home District is to
provide for the planned regulation of mobile homes. Such homes are grouped
together due to their particular space requirements, construction and style.
Non-residential Districts:
B-1, Neighborhood Business District - The purpose of the B-1, Neighborhood
Business District is to provide for the establishment of local centers for
convenient, limited office, retail or service outlets which deal directly with the
customer for whom the goods or services are furnished. These centers are to
provide services and goods for the surrounding neighborhoods and are not
intended to draw customers from the entire community.
B-2, Limited Business District - The purpose of the B-2, Limited Business
District is to provide for low intensity, retail or service outlets which deal directly
with the customer for whom the goods or services are furnished. The uses
allowed in this District are to provide goods and services on a limited
community market scale and located in areas which are well served by
collector or arterial street facilities at the edge of residential districts.
B-3, Highway Business District - The purpose of the B-3, Highway Business
District is to provide for and limit the establishment of motor vehicle oriented
or dependent commercial and service activities.
B-4, Regional Business District - The purpose of the B-4, Regional Business
District is to provide for the establishment of commercial and service activities
which draw from and service customers from the entire community or region.
I-1, Industrial District - The purpose of the I-1, Industrial District is to provide
for the establishment of warehousing and industrial development and use.
CRP, Conservancy, Recreation and Preservation District - The purpose of the
CRP District is to permit the development of major recreational use facilities
on lands uniquely situated in the City by virtue of such factors as access,
surrounding uses and adaptability. Such lands may be wholly or partially
unsuitable for most residential, commercial or industrial development because
of location, surrounding uses, water tables, drainage and soil conditions, the
lack of adequate public utilities because of availability or cost considerations
and where such developments would adversely impact the flood plains,
wetlands and drainage ways of the area. Such recreational use development
shall be designed to conserve, preserve and enhance the environment,
important natural features and resources, forests and woodlands and control
density, particularly in areas of the City affected by major highways, airports
and other regional areas.
PS, Pawnshop Overlay Districts - The purpose of the Pawnshop Overlay
District is to allow the location of a Pawnshop as defined by Section 1102.02
Quanex Building Products
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Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-5
of the City Code as an additional permitted use in defined areas of certain
other zoning districts within the City.
PUD, Planned Unit Development District - The purpose of the PUD, Planned
Unit Development District is to provide for the integration and coordination of
land parcels as well as the combination of varying types of residential,
commercial and industrial uses.
County Road 10 Corridor Overlay District - The purpose of this District is to
provide standards of development for land lying on either side of the major
transportation corridor along County Road 10. The County Road 10 Corridor
District is the primary gateway through the City. The aesthetic impacts from
new developments and redevelopments must be evaluated to help ensure the
long-term viability and success of the District. Accomplishing the purpose of
the County Road 10 Corridor District requires particular concern for the site
layout, building materials, site features and other related design elements. To
that end, new development and redevelopment shall conform to the standards
in this and related zoning requirements. In reviewing and approving land use
applications, the City Council will make the final determination in the
compatibility and consistency with all provisions in this and related sections of
the Zoning Ordinance.
Gray Stone Flats
Splash Pad ribbon cutting ceremony
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DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-6
Figure 7-1: Zoning Map
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DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-7
POLICIES AND TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION
LAND USE POLICIES IMPLEMENTING BODY TIMELINE
Goal 1: Stabilize and strengthen neighborhoods
Establish and preserve neighborhood character
through public investments identified in the Capital
Improvement Program (CIP).
City planning staff,
commissions, elected
officials and residents
Ongoing
Stabilize neighborhoods through citizen-initiated
and proactive zoning code enforcement.
Residents and City zoning
staff
Ongoing
Require impact studies to be completed when
considering developments which may significantly
affect a surrounding neighborhood.
City planning staff and
elected officials
As development
occurs
Ensure redevelopment complements adjacent
land uses and character. When considering
development, preserve vegetative buffers
between different land uses when possible and
establish vegetative buffers when none exist.
City planning staff, planning
commission and elected
officials
As redevelopment
occurs
Goal 2: Enhance the appearance of properties along Mounds View Boulevard and establish a
physical focal center for the city.
Conduct proactive code enforcement of properties
along the Mounds View Blvd corridor.
City zoning staff Short-term and
ongoing
Complete pedestrian trails with connections to trail
systems in adjacent communities.
City planning staff in
coordination with regional
planning staff
Medium-term
Create a place that represents a unique and
attractive destination.
City planning staff,
commissions, elected
officials, developers and
residents
Long-term
Ensure redevelopment and landscaping along the
Mounds View Boulevard Corridor enhances the
corridor’s urbanizing character while maintaining
physical buffers from the motoring public.
City planning staff and
planning commission
Short-term
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Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-8
Develop a model for mixed-use districts along
Mounds View Boulevard.
City planning staff, planning
commission and elected
officials
Short-term
Goal 3: Strategically invest in redevelopment opportunities.
Continue Business Retention & Expansion efforts
through conducting Business Retention &
Expansion (BR&E) visits, and promotion of
Mounds View businesses.
City economic development
staff and economic
development
commission/authority
Ongoing
Identify sites deemed blighted or detracting from
the city’s character for potential façade
improvements.
City economic development
staff and economic
development
commission/authority in
coordination with private
landowners
Short-term
Include large parking lots in discussions related to
potential redevelopment of underutilized lands.
City planning and economic
development staff in
coordination with
developers and owners of
underutilized lands
Medium-term
Map opportunities to assemble properties. City planning and economic
development staff
Short-term
Encourage affordable housing in redevelopment. City staff in coordination
with regional affordable
housing staff and tools
Ongoing
Meet the City’s goals of creating livable wage jobs
on redeveloped sites.
City economic development
staff, economic
development commission
and elected officials
Long-term
Support new industrial business. City economic development
staff, economic
development commission
and elected officials
Medium-term
Goal 4: Encourage resident participation and active citizenship within the community.
Provide accurate, complete, and timely
communications with the public through official
notices and social media.
All City staff Short-term and
ongoing
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Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-9
Goal 5: Amend the Future Land Use Map and/or Zoning Map to support changes when found
that the proposed designation will not significantly create adverse impacts to the surrounding
neighborhood or community.
Require supporting documentation for land use
and zoning changes.
City planning staff Ongoing
Update the zoning code to conform to the Future
Land Use plan.
City planning staff, planning
commission and elected
officials
Short-term
HOUSING POLICIES IMPLEMENTING BODY TIMELINE
Goal 1: Support development and redevelopment which accomplishes 2040 forecasted
population growth and the supportive land use designations identified in this plan.
Goal 2: Maintain the residential character of Mounds View.
Preserve single-family neighborhoods. City staff, elected officials in
coordination with regional
housing partners
Long-term
Reinvest in multi-family properties. City staff, elected officials in
coordination with regional
housing partners
Medium-term
Redevelop the Mounds View Boulevard corridor. City staff, elected officials in
coordination with regional
transportation planning and
engineering stakeholders
Long-term
Goal 3: Support a mix of housing types reflective of the needs and desires of the community. 5,
5 There are a number of “tools” available to implement Housing goals; There is no
known Fair Housing policy, although policy elements are implemented informally.
The Council will consider such a policy, in accordance with the Livable
Communities Act. The City will evaluate its zoning requirements relating to
promoting vs. hindering affordable housing, such as standards for density vs.
usable open space, height limitations, and parking standards. The City has used,
and will continue to consider issuing conduit debt, and tax increment financing for
affordable housing.
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Preserve affordable housing while encouraging
redevelopment of multi-family properties including
manufactured home parks, such that if publicly
subsidized redevelopment occurs, there is no net-
loss of affordable housing units.
City staff, elected officials in
coordination with regional
housing partners
Long-term and as
opportunities arise
Support Home Improvement programs and
encourage their use by residential property
owners.
City staff in coordination
with regional housing
partners and residential
property owners.
Ongoing
Coordinate with manufactured home communities
on ways to improve their neighborhoods and
longevity of private infrastructure.
City planning and
engineering staff in
coordination with
manufactured home
community stakeholders
Medium-term
PARKS, TRAILS, AND COMMUNITY
FACILITIES POLICIES
IMPLEMENTING BODY TIMELINE
Goal 1: Recognize that the Mounds View ISD 621 is the most valued community asset, and
coordinate with the district in developing mutually beneficial facilities and programs.
Establish agreements with ISD 621 and athletic
associations for shared programing and
maintenance of city-school facilities.
City and school district staff Short-term
Goal 2: Support community health through land uses that improve opportunities for physical
activities, access to healthy food and social services, housing stability and the environment.
Support healthy lifestyle programs through
continued cooperation with the YMCA and other
programing.
City staff in coordination
with YMCA staff and other
local programming
Ongoing
Support partnerships between the City and
community organizations, and for-profit
organizations and local entrepreneurs, for the joint
use of City facilities.
City staff and elected
officials
Ongoing
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Investigate market demands for the Community
Center and consider re-allocating space and/or
expansion to meet the needs of the community
and the adjacent City Hall Park.
City staff with direction from
elected officials and
commissions
Short-term
Explore opportunities for studying access to
healthy food.
City staff in coordination
with local and regional
healthy food advocates
Medium-term
Goal 3: Improve connections between local trails and regional trail systems.
Complete the City’s trail and sidewalk master plan
with connections to trails/sidewalks in adjacent
cities.
City staff in coordination
with regional trail partners.
Medium-term
Coordinate with Ramsey County and DNR for
improvements to the Rice Creek Water trail and the
regional trail system.
City staff in coordination
with Ramsey County and
DNR staff
Medium-term
Goal 4: Conduct inventory and needs analysis of park facilities to address if parks are addressing
the needs of the immediate neighborhood and the larger community.
Identify gaps in facilities, and program
improvements through the CIP and annual
budget.
City staff, parks recreation
and forestry commission
and elected officials
Short-term and
ongoing
Consider repurposing of under-utilized properties
in a manner that achieves the highest and best
use and increases the value (not limited to
monetary) to the community while mitigating
impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
City economic development
staff, commissions and
elected officials
Long-term
Study park dedication fees and how they are
handled by other municipalities.
City staff and parks,
recreation and forestry
commission
Short-term
Goal 5: Create a pollinator friendly community.
Encourage pollinator friendly practices in private
gardens.
City staff, parks recreation
and forestry commission
and private property owners
Short-term
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Partner with local schools. City, school staff and
students
Medium-term
Goal 6: Maintain, repair, and improve the City’s stormwater system infrastructure as necessary.
TRANSPORTATION POLICIES IMPLEMENTING BODY TIMELINE
Goal 1: Support Transit Oriented Development (TOD) through supportive transit options.
Expand transit routes through Mounds View,
including the city’s northeast quadrant, where
there are gaps in the service area.
City planning and
engineering staff,
commissions and elected
officials
Long-term
Encourage transit innovation and implementation,
including future Bus Rapid Transit, alternative
modes of transit (e.g. autonomous vehicles), and
electric vehicles.
City staff in coordination
with regional transportation
partners
Ongoing
Work with MTC to invest in permanent Park &
Ride facilities.
City and MTC staff Medium-term
Advocate for transit including the preservation of
existing routes, investments in permanent Park &
Ride facilities, and support for Transit Oriented
Development.
City staff, commissions,
elected officials and
residents
Short-term
Improve permanent mass transit stations,
including seating, shelters, and signage for all
ages and abilities.
City and regional
transportation staff
Long-term
Goal 2: Complete the remaining 20% of street reconstruction and maintain a long-term fiscal
plan for maintenance and replacement of City infrastructure.
Goal 3: Balance community and commuting needs by enhancing characteristics that improve
the City’s Boulevard.
Coordinate with Ramsey County access
management to balance needs of travelling public
with needs of residents and local property owners.
City and Ramsey County
staff
Short-term and
ongoing
Minimize non-local traffic from driving through
residential neighborhoods.
City engineering staff Medium-term
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Coordinate with Ramsey County and MnDOT to
improve traffic flow on County and State Roads.
City engineering staff in
coordination with Ramsey
County and MnDOT
Medium-term
Improve safety of pedestrian crossings along
Mounds View Boulevard.
City engineering staff and
elected officials
Short-term
When considering subdivisions, require additional
right-of-way and realignment of off-set
intersections along Mounds View Blvd.
City staff, commissions and
elected officials
As development
occurs
Include electric vehicle charging stations and
improvements to support innovative modes of
transportation in capital improvement projects.
City staff in coordination
with regional funding
partners
Long-term
Goal 4: Continue to participate in the planning process for any expansion of the Anoka County
Airport.
Protect the general airspace of the Anoka County
Airport, through regulation of structure height.
City and County staff Short-term
Notify MnDOT and the FAA of any proposed
construction or alteration that would exceed a
height of 200’ above ground level at an imaginary
surface extending upward and outward at a slope
of 100:1 from the nearest point of the nearest
runway of a public airport, at least 30 days in
advance of a Public Hearing, or City Council
action.
City staff Prior to approval
process
Oppose expansion of the Anoka County Airport if
it creates noise nuisance or safety related issues
for Mounds View residents.
City staff, commissions,
elected officials and
residents
Ongoing
Goal 5: Improve major and minor gateway entrances of the city to include improved signage and
attractive landscaping (where space permits).
WATER RESOURCES POLICIES IMPLEMENTING BODY TIMELINE
Encourage new development or redevelopment
that is consistent with the capacity of the sanitary
sewer and water systems.
City economic
development, planning and
engineering staff
As development
occurs
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Continue City activities to prevent or eliminate
excessive infiltration/inflow from the sanitary
sewer system.
City engineering staff and
residents
Ongoing
Continue City activities and programs to prevent
flooding and adverse impacts from land
disturbance, and to manage and preserve the
City’s wetlands, lakes, and groundwater.
City staff, commissions and
elected officials in
coordintion with DNR and
other water protection
agencies.
Ongoing
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Mounds View is an affordable community, with strategic access to major
freeways, and is within an outstanding school district. The community
welcomes all people.
Regarding Affordable Housing, the Metropolitan Council has allocated a need
for 27 additional units of affordable housing in Mounds View by 2030.6 The
City will consider subsicizing development projects on a case by case basis
(e.g. Tax Increment Financing, etc.), dependent upon location, project
integratiion within the neighborhood, and the City’s fiscal abilities.
The most desirable location for affordable housing is within ¼ mile of both
regular mass-transit stops (e.g. route 25/825) and grocery stores (Aldi). There
is a one-block corridor that fits this criteria; Long Lake Rd, between Hillview
Rd & Bronson Dr. This block consists of, and is guided for single-family
residential; thus, transit-dependent affordable housing is not practical in
Mounds View without cooperative change by Metro Transit.
It is the City’s desire for affordable housing to be mixed with market rate
housing, although, in practice, this has not been feasible. The reasons why,
need to be studied further. Mounds View includes a substantial amount of
naturally occuring affordable housing, such as manufactured homes, and
aging apartments built in the 1960’s and 1970’s. It is the City’s desire that
these communities be stabilized, physically (structures) and neighborly
(community). The City does not have the capacity to stablize these
communities alone, and is dependent upon cooperation with property owners,
Ramsey County, ISD 621, community organizations, and private development.
Since the relocation of US Highway 10 in 1999, Mounds View Boulevard
(County Road 10) has experienced many vacant businesses and blight due to
changing traffic patterns, a changing economy, and commercial landlords who
have choosen not to reinvest in their properties. The 2018 Community Survey
indicates that Mounds View Boulevard is the #1 priority that residents would
change, and that there is a desire for additional restaurants, grocery stores,
retail, and other businesses. In order to support such businesses, the
community’s income must increase, either through higher incomed families, or
through increased density. In either case, redevelopment involves change,
which is difficult for established neighborhoods to accept. But change is
necessary to support the Mounds View Boulevard corridor.
Similar to aging apartment buildings, the community includes aging single-
family homes. The City utilizes the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)
to administer the City’s housing assistance program.7 The program has been
seldomly used, and is adequately funded based on demand. The program is
6 Metropolitan Council, 2021-2030 Allocation of Affordable Housing Need. Allocation of need
includes 13 units for households at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), 5 units
for households with income 31% - 50% of AMI, and 9 units for households with income 51% -
80% AMI.
7 Emergency Repair Loan, Revolving Loan Program, Manufactured Home Loan, Home Energy
Squad.
Festival in the Park parade
City of Mounds View | 2040 Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT September 21, 2020
Chapter 7: Implementation | 7-16
promoted by City Staff through word-of-mouth to homeowners in need (e.g.
during building permit inspections), and through the City’s website.
Final Thoughts
Although this Plan has an end, planning does not. Redevelopment requires
three ingredients; a willing landowner, a willing developer, and a willing City
Council. When these three align, it is the City’s intent to take advantage of the
opporunity to study and implement this Plan in more detail. Without any one
of those ingredients, planning is trivial at best. This Plan does not provide all
of the answers, but does provide a path to explore ideas further.
Skyline Motel
Festival in the Park
Item No: 06A
Meeting Date: Oct 7, 2020
Type of Business: Other
Planning Case: _____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Planning Commission
From: Jon Sevald, Community Development Director
Item Title/Subject: Discussion: Residential Driveway Setbacks
Introduction:
During the August 19th Commission meeting, the Commission approved a Variance to reduce a
driveway side yard setback from 5’ to 1’. During the discussion, Commission members
expressed an interest in considering amending the City Code.
Discussion:
Between 1993 and 2004, driveways could have a side yard setback of 1’ if the neighbor agreed
(Ordinance 524). In 2004, the City Code was amended back to 5’ (Ordinance 752). At that time,
the Council felt that neighbors could be coerced to allow a 1’ setback. Based on a quick scan of
planning cases since 2004, the Commission has approved 27 variances for driveway setbacks.
This suggests that the ordinance is inadequate.
Comparison:
Minimum Side Yard
Setback for Driveways
(Single Family Residential)
Arden Hills 0’, but not less than 5’
from neighbor’s driveway.
Blaine 5’
Circle Pines 2’
Columbia Heights Lots < 60’ wide = 1’
Lots > 60’ wide = 3’
Coon Rapids 0’
Fridley 3’
Lexington 5’
Lino Lakes 5’
Mounds View 5’
New Brighton 5’
North Oaks 30’
Shoreview 5’
Spring Lake Park 5’
Strategic Plan Strategy/Goal:
(none)
Financial Impact:
(none)
Recommendation:
Staff recommends keeping the 5’ setback.
However, if the Commission continues to approve Variances for reduced setbacks, then the
Item 06A
Page 2 of 2
The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Commission should amend the City Code to reduce the setback. If this is the plan,
consideration should be given as to the practicality of homeowners confirming their property
lines prior to constructing driveways with lesser setbacks. Example; requiring the homeowner to
expose the property monuments for inspection by Staff, or if none are found, then requiring a
survey ($500 - $1,000 cost).
Respectfully,
Jon Sevald, AICP
Community Development Director
DRAFT
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
August 19, 2020
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevenson at 7:00 p.m. for August 19, 2020. Due to
the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held virtually.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Commissioners Farmer, French, Monn, Nelson, Rundle, and Stevenson.
Absent and Excused: None.
Also Present: Community Development Director Jon Sevald and Council Member Gary
Meehlhause.
______________________________________________________________________________
Index to Minutes Page
Resolution 1121-20, Variance to Reduce Setbacks for a Driveway 2
Approval of Minutes 5
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Special Order of Business
None.
4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda
None.
Mounds View Planning Commission August 19, 2020
Regular Meeting Page 2
________________________________________________________________________
5. Planning Cases
A. PUBLIC HEARING; Resolution 1121-20, Variance to Reduce Setbacks for a
Driveway at 2448 Clearview Avenue
Community Development Director Sevald stated the applicant Carl Stroeing, is requesting a
Variance to decrease the side yard setback from 5’ to 0’ to widen the driveway The existing
driveway is 10’ wide (asphalt), and 8’ wide (unpermitted gravel addition). The Applicant’s
written request is for a 1’ setback. After finding the property pin, the applicant has changed the
request to a 0’ setback. Staff commented further on the Variance, the history of when and why
the setback requirement was changed from 5’ to 1’, and back to 5’, and recommended the
Planning Commission hold a public hearing and approve the Variance request.
Carl Stroeing, 2448 Clearview Avenue, explained he was hoping to make his driveway
doublewide. He reported this driveway should have been replaced when he purchased his home
in 1991, however this was not done. He commented he did not want to lose the tree in his yard if
at all possible.
Chair Stevenson stated the one foot setback was put in place for legal reasons.
Mr. Stroeing stated he understood this concern. He explained his neighbors were constructing a
garage and recently had their property surveyed. He indicated he could change the setback to 6
inches if he had to.
Chair Stevenson supported the setback being set at one foot versus zero feet.
Chair Stevenson opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m.
Heather Sadkuhler, 2440 Clearview Avenue, explained she spoke to staff this afternoon and she
did not have any further comments regarding the request.
Commissioner Monn stated looking at the aerial photo it appears Mr. Stroeing was already
parking on the setback. She questioned what would happen to the apron. Community
Development Director Sevald explained the applicant would be responsible for changing the
apron, otherwise it would remain as is. Mr. Stroeing stated he would be interested in widening
the curb cut and apron.
Chair Stevenson indicated this would mean the apron wings would be going onto the neighbor’s
property. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case.
Commissioner Monn questioned what alterations would be made to the garage. Mr. Stroeing
explained he was not altering his garage but rather his neighbors were building onto their garage.
Mounds View Planning Commission August 19, 2020
Regular Meeting Page 3
________________________________________________________________________
Commissioner Monn inquired if the neighbors used this side of the yard to access their back
yard. Mr. Stroeing commented the neighbors were always welcome to use his driveway to access
their backyard.
Ms. Sadkuhler reported she does go up Carl’s driveway to get into her backyard.
Commissioner Monn stated she could support the one foot setback but did not support the zero
foot setback.
Commissioner Nelson commented Mr. Stroeing may not always live in this house and for this
reason he would like to follow the City’s guidelines regarding driveway setbacks, versus
allowing the zero setback just because these two neighbors got along. He recommended the
setback be set at one foot. He suggested the applicant consider putting one additional foot of
concrete to the west side of the driveway.
Councilmember Rundle agreed with this recommendation.
Mr. Stroeing stated he could support this recommendation.
Commissioner Farmer requested further information regarding why a five foot setback was the
standard. Community Development Director Sevald discussed the reasons for having a five foot
setback in place.
Chair Stevenson closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Nelson/Commissioner Rundle. To approve Resolution
1121-20, a Resolution Approving a Variance for a One Foot Setback for a Driveway at 2448
Clearview Avenue.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
_____________________________________________________________________________
6. Other Planning Activity
None.
7. Reports
A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity
Community Development Director Sevald stated staff had no current Planning Cases.
Mounds View Planning Commission August 19, 2020
Regular Meeting Page 4
________________________________________________________________________
B. Staff Updates
Community Development Director Sevald provided the Commission with an update from staff.
He reported work continues on the Comprehensive Plan and a public hearing was being planned
for the Planning Commission in October. He explained work began on Tommy’s Car Wash. He
updated the Commission on the Long Lake Woods 2nd Addition noting this project was stalled,
along with the Skyline Motel property. He commented work continues on Gray Stone Flats. He
stated a purchase agreement was in place for the Tires N More property. He explained New
Vision Cinema has filed for bankruptcy. He indicated the owner of the theater in Mounds View
was confident a new operator could be found to purchase and remodel the property. He stated
there was talk about using a portion of the movie theater parking lot for new apartments. He
commented the 2020 census was still underway and residents were encouraged to fill out their
census information by mail or online. He stated the majority of staff was working from City Hall
and a number were working from home part-time. He indicated the goal was to open City Hall
by October 1st. He discussed the safety improvements that have occurred at City Hall.
Commissioner Farmer questioned what the process would be to have the Planning Commission
further investigate and discuss driveway setbacks. Community Development Director Sevald
explained he would need direction from the majority of the Commission to bring this back at a
future meeting.
Commissioner Monn recommended the setback be no less than two or three feet in order to
accommodate the apron skirt.
Commissioner French supported the setback remaining at five feet.
Commissioner Farmer stated he would like to know what other cities have in place for driveway
setbacks.
Chair Stevenson recommended this item be brought back to the Planning Commission at a future
meeting for further discussion.
C. Council Updates
Council Member Meehlhause provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City
Council. He explained the City received about $1.04 million in CARES Act dollars and these
funds would be utilized to cover COVID-19 expenses. He noted the Council would be
addressing the YMCA contract at the September worksession. He stated the City was
considering becoming the Local Governing Unit (LGU) for issuing stormwater management
permits. He noted this was presently completed by the Rice Creek Watershed District. He
explained communities were going this route in order to avoid working with the Rice Creek
Watershed District. He commented further on how the watershed district has changed their rain
garden requirements over the years. He stated staff would continue to explore this possibility for
the City of Mounds View. He indicated the Council would be addressing the preliminary 2021
budget in the coming months.
Mounds View Planning Commission August 19, 2020
Regular Meeting Page 5
________________________________________________________________________
D. Planning Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Monn requested comment from staff on how the open seat on the Planning
Commission would be filled. Community Development Director Sevald stated the Planning
Commission would have three open seats at the end of 2020 and staff would be taking
applications for the open seats beginning in October. He reported appointments would be made
by the City Council in December.
Commissioner Monn discussed the pop-up National Night Out event she held with her neighbors
on Tuesday, August 18th. She stated the bike parade was a tremendous success and she was
happy to host this event in the community. She thanked the Police Department and City
Councilmembers for being a part of this event.
8. Approval of Minutes
July 1 , 2020.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Rundle/Commissioner Farmer. To approve the Minutes of
the July 1, 2020 regular Planning Commission meetings as presented.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
9. Next Planning Commission Meeting:
A. Wednesday, September 2, 2020
B. Wednesday, September 16, 2020
______________________________________________________________________________
10. Adjournment
There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the
meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Sevald
Community Development Director
Mounds View Planning Commission August 19, 2020
Regular Meeting Page 6
________________________________________________________________________
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
Minute Maker Secretarial