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f <br />Adopted 044-05 <br />Page 1 <br />1195.150.1 — RURAL PRESERVATION PROGRAM <br />Subd. 1. Purpose <br />The purpose of Rural Preservation Program is to maintain the rural character of Hugo and <br />provide public benefit by preserving woodlands, wildlife corridors, agricultural land, <br />open space and other significant natural features. Development under this program will <br />allow an alternative to large lot single-family detached residential plats in the A-1 and RR <br />districts (outside the 2020 Metropolitan Urban Service Area) and reduce the cost of <br />constructing and maintaining public facilities and infrastructure. The purpose is to <br />enhance and preserve the natural character of the community and create distinct <br />neighborhoods. <br />Subd. 2. Intent <br />A. To maintain and protect Hugo's rural character by preserving important landscape <br />elements, including those areas containing unique and environmentally sensitive <br />natural features such as woodlands, hedgerows, stream corridors, wetlands, <br />floodplains, shorelands, prairies, steep slopes, critical species habitat and natural areas <br />by setting them aside from development. <br />B. Preserve natural resources. <br />C. Preserve natural habitat for an integrated system of wildlife corridors. <br />D. To allow for the continuation of agricultural uses in those areas best suited for such <br />activities. <br />E. Preserve scenic views and to maintain rural identity for enjoyment by minimizing <br />view of new development from existing roadways and provide for site development <br />that maintains a low visual impact, particularly along arterial roadways and abutting <br />properties. <br />F. To allow innovation and provide for greater design flexibility in the siting of single- <br />family dwellings and other development features than would be permitted by the <br />application of standard district regulations in order to minimize the disturbance of <br />rural landscape elements, scenic quality and overall aesthetic value of the landscape. <br />G. Physically integrate neighborhoods and open spaces, in order to maintain Hugo's <br />rural identity. <br />H. To increase flexibility and promote efficiency in the siting of services and <br />infrastructure by reducing the costs of construction and maintenance of public <br />facilities, infrastructure and services. <br />