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06-25-07IV V. VI. VII. `Golden alley OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Meeting Agenda Golden Valley City Hall Monday, June 25, 2007 6:00 p.m. Joint Meeting with Planning, Environmental and Open Space and Recreation Commissions — Comprehensive Plan Update Call to Order Roll Call Roger Bergman Bob Mattison Jerry Sandler, Chair Agenda Changes or Additions Approval of Minutes — June 4, 2007 Park & Open Space Tour Jim Johnson Kelly Kuebelbeck Roger McConico Anne Saffert Jim Vaughan, Vice Chair Tom Zins Golden Oaks Park Lakeview Park Golden Ridge Nature Area General Mills Research Nature Area Medley Park Wesley Park Hampshire Park Wildwood Park/Olson School Pennsylvania Woods Honeywell Little League Area Sandburg Ball fields Comprehensive Plan Review VIII. Adjournment St. Croix Park/Bassett Creek Trail Scheid Park Briarwood/Unity Ave. Trail/Minnagua Pond Area Gearty Park Adeline Lane Nature Area Schaper Davis Community Center Lions Park Western Avenue Marsh Brookview Park This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72 -hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 1. CALL TO ORDER Sandler called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Roger Bergman, Jim Johnson, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Roger McConico, Anne Saffert, Jerry Sandler, Tom Zins, Rick Jacobson, Director of Park and Recreation; and Sheila Van Sloun, Park and Recreation Administrative Assistant. Absent: Bob Mattison and Jim Vaughan. 111. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS Bergman added New Business as follows: A. Concerts -In -The -Park Magnet B. Leadership Institute Seminars IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — April 23, 2007 MOTION: Moved by Johnson and seconded by Kuebelbeck to approve the April 23`d meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously. V. WALKABLE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP UPDATE Commissioners Bergman and Zins attended the workshop which took place on Friday, May 18th at City Hall. Zins explained the discussion focused on walkable accessibility in the downtown area of Golden Valley. The workshop also included a brainstorming session and walking tour of paths, trails and sidewalks in the downtown area of Golden Valley. Brainstorming ideas are to be compiled by staff for use with future planning. -' VI. CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Jacobson reviewed the Capitol Improvement Plan for future park projects. He explained items that get put in the Capitol Improvement Plan are those that cost over $10,000. He then gave details on projects scheduled for 2007. VII. PARK AND RECREATION FACILITY STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS A. Comprehensive Plan Discussion Sandler suggested going through the park survey results and incorporating suggested items/projects from the survey into the Comprehensive Plan Priority List. Kuebelbeck will compile a list of suggested items for discussion at a future meeting. The Commission also read through the Comprehensive Plan and made changes which will be reflected in an updated version. They plan to discuss the Comprehensive Plan again at a future meeting and make any other necessary updates or changes. Minutes of the Golden Valley Open Space and Recreation Commission June 4, 2007 Page 2 B. Survey Results 1. Youth Athletic Association Survey McConico said the committee has met with Phoenix Soccer and still needs to meet with Golden Valley Little League. He also said Mattison has a summary of current survey results. 2. OSRC Park Planning Citizen Survey Summary Kuebelbeck gave highlights from the summary and said she plans to compile the list of suggested items from the survey. Vill. NEW BUSINESS A. Concerts -In -The -Park Magnets Bergman said the magnets were really handy and a great idea. B. Leadership Institute Seminars Bergman received a flyer from the Minnesota Park & Recreation Association for a Leadership Institute and wanted to bring it to the staff for those that may be interested. IX. OLD BUSINESS A. Regional Trail Update Jacobson gave an update on the construction progress. B. Brodkview Performance Area Jacobson said the Golden Valley Federated Women's Club is still working on fund raising options and would like to attend a future OSRC meeting. C. Upcoming Important Dates Jacobson announced the following upcoming dates: Thursday, June 14`h — Council Dinner for Boards and Commissions Monday, June 25`h — Next OSRC meeting Wednesday, July 11th — Dedication of the General Mills Nature Preserve Monday, July 23rd — Joint meeting with Planning, Environmental and Open Space Commissions X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by Bergman and seconded by McConico to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. MISSION The mission of the Golden Valley Park & Recreation Department shall bete is to provide and maintain suffleien attractive parks and scenic areas for the beauty and leisure time activities of the community, and to provide wholesome recreation for the entire family. Consistent with this mission, every opportunity shall be afforded, with within financial limits, to plan, procure, develop and maintain parks and recreation resources. Our goal is to build community through people, parks and programs. INTRODUCTION Parks, playgrounds and other public and semi-public open spaces in Golden Valley must be continually assessed, maintained and upgraded if the City is to retain its image as an attractive and pleasant suburban community. Along with providing adequate and convenient recreational opportunities for all residents and corporate citizens,. parks furnish visual contrasts within the more densely built-up sectors and can help to better define the image and form of developing and redeveloping areas as well. Parks can provide a measure of relief from the monotony of buildings, industrial areas, parking lots, shops, streets and other urban features, thereby imparting a psychological uplift to its surroundings — a value which is often difficult to express in terms of dollars. Well -kept parks with attractive facilities and open space areas act as positive influences to preserve the character of the community and to help deter prevent any deteriorating influences. Parkland and open space provide an ecological function for wildlife habitat and native plant species which add to the quality of life in Golden Valley. Parkland and open spaces with connecting bikeways walkways and trails help promote a healthy urban lifestyle. 2 Therefore, it can be concluded that parks and open space serve as essential resources in communities by keeping property values high, preserving certain areas for scenic and utilitarian qualities, maintaining a certain image for the areas and providing varied recreational experiences and opportunities. BACKGROUND A. PARK SYSTEMS CLASSIFICATION Under the general heading of park systems, various types of public recreation areas are normally established to provide for the two principle forms of activities — active use in community/neighborhood parks, and passive use in open space/nature areas. In evaluating the recreation facilities in Golden Valley, the following classifications have been utilized. Neighborhood Parks: an active area designed for intensive use by children and family groups close to home and affording opportunities for informal recreation and possibly some scheduled activities for all ages. Community Parks: a larger, active play area providing for a greater variety of play experiences and activities. Open Space/Nature Areas: land set aside for preservation of natural resources, remnant landscapes and visual aesthetics/buffering which may include areas for trails and other passive recreation uses. Regional Parks: a large park area providing broad expanses of natural scenery and capable of accommodating large numbers of people. It often includes special facilities of area -wide interest. 3 Special Use Facilities: includes such facilities as play lots, squares and plazas, public beaches, swimming pools, parkway systems, golf course facilities, greenbelts, drainageways, trails, and any other facilities of a special nature for which standards are difficult to formulate and whose number, location and distribution is dependent upon a number of factors such as physical conditions, natural amenities, opportunities for acquisition and public demand. B. PARK LOCATIONS AND ACREAGE Golden Valley's park system was developed with the neighborhood in mind. Attractive park facilities (community and neighborhood parks) and nature areas are scattered throughout the City in order that the maximum number of residents are provided with close proximity to the nearest recreational area. The following list describes the existing park system in the City. This includes a park's classification, location and size. Generally, the City's community parks are larger than the neighborhood park facilities. Each facility is geographically located on the map, Exhibit A. CommunityParks ............... Location ........................................... Acres Brookview Park ....................... Winnetka Ave. & Brookview Pkwy ............ 33.0 GeartyPark............................3101 Regent ........................................... 4.7 Hampshire Park ...................... Olympia & Louisiana ...............................11.0 Lakeview Park ........................ Olympia & Hillsboro.................................5.0 Lions Park .............................. Harold & Glenwood ................................ 20.0 Medley Hills Park .................... Ensign & 23rd Ave ................................... 11.0 Schaper Park .......................... Hwy. 55 and Ottawa ............................... 14.0 Scheid Park ............................ Duluth & Toledo .....................................11.4 Wesley Park ........................... Wesley Dr. & Orkla .................................19.0 4 Neighborhood Parks Glenview Terrace Park ............ Zenith & Manor Dr...................................5.0 Briarwood Wildlife/Bird Sand . ..... Golden Oaks Park ................... Valders & Plymouth.................................2.0 Honeywell Pond ..........................1800 NatchezPark ..........................201 Natchez ............................................ 6.0 North Tyrol Park ..................... 4300 Sunset Ridge..................................9.4 Laurel Avenue (Kings Creek) .......6200 Seeman Park ..........................1101 Florida Ave ..................................... 4.6 South Tyrol Park.....................1501 Kaltern Lane...................................2.9 Mary Hills Park............................Golden Stockman Park ....................... Adell & Major..........................................1.3 Outlot #1 ...................................2301 Wildwood Park ....................... Duluth & Pennsylvania.............................5.0 Pennsylvania Woods ................... Yosemite Park ........................ 351 Yosemite..........................................1.2 Rice Lake Nature Area.................4120 St. Croix ................................. 5850 St. Croix Ave ................................... 1.0 Special Use Facilities Brookview Golf Course ................100 Brookview Parkway .....................146.7 Honeywell Little League Area....... 6600 Sandburg Road ..........................11.0 Open Space/Nature Areas Bassett Creek Nature Area ..........2130 Zane Ave....................................7.6 Briarwood Wildlife/Bird Sand . ..... 2500 Unity .........................................19.0 Honeywell Pond ..........................1800 Douglas Dr .................................. 3.6 Laurel Avenue Ponds ..................7100 Laurel Ave ................................. 15.2 Laurel Avenue (Kings Creek) .......6200 Laurel Ave..................................2.0 South Cortlawn ...........................6600 Laurel Ave. S..............................17.3 Mary Hills Park............................Golden Valley Rd. & Bonnie Lane......... 14.2 Outlot #1 ...................................2301 Noble Ave. N...............................2.9 Pennsylvania Woods ................... 23rd & Rhode Island ............................ 22.6 Rice Lake Nature Area.................4120 Bassett Creek Dr. ........................ 9.3 St. Croix Nature Area .................. 5850 St. Croix Ave ............................... 1.0 Tree Farm .................................. Plymouth Ave. and Orkla Dr. ................ 2.0 Western Avenue Marsh ............... Western & Winnetka ........................... 21.0 5 In terms of acreage, it would appear that the City of Golden Valley is amply provided for in total amounts of dedicated park and open space land. Of the established parks, nature areas and special use facilities owned and operated by the City of Golden Valley, there are a total of 462 acres. Of this, 166.5 acres are in community and neighborhood parks, 137.7 acres in nature areas, and 158 acres in Brookview Golf Course and the Honeywell Little League area, special use facilities. In addition to the city -owned open space and park facilities, Golden Valley residents have many other park acres in the municipality for their use. Theodore Wirth Park (owned and maintained by the Minneapolis Park Board but largely located in the City of Golden Valley), has 517 acres in Golden Valley. Also, the City of Golden Valley has agreements with General Mills, Independent School District #281,Breck School and the State Arts School, which add another 100 acres for resident use. In total, public park property totals approximately 1,068 acres. In Golden Valley, the total acreage of nature areas, community and neighborhood parks is 304 acres, or about 14.5 acres per 1,000 residents. This does not include the 158 acres of special use facilities for Brookview Golf Course and the Honeywell Little League area. Many of the small sites are located within 1/a mile of residential areas, while all are within 1/z mile of a municipal site. However, not all sites are within easy accessibility of many small neighborhoods due to numerous barriers. Within the Golden Valley park system appears suffiemen there still remain a number of opportunities to add to and enhance the system by further acquisitions, particularly as related to the environmental or preservative type of park holdings and through an active park development program. R 1) The community park at Brookview is seemingly large enough, but since this represents the one and only community -wide special use facility, every effort should be made to enhance it within designated and logical directions. The 21 -acre City -owned tract east of Winnetka and north of Western Avenue (known as the Western Avenue Marsh) forms a logical extension potential for combining the active site with the passive. 2) Augmenting the public recreation sites are a number of private or semi - privately maintained areas which tend to serve a segment of the population needs. The largest facility is the 152 -acre Golden Valley Country Club to the east of the Civic Center. Others include the various facilities provided by the public and private schools alike. Other specialized facilities are available at the Brookview Recreation Area, including the Brookview Community Center, an 18 -hole golf course, Par 3 golf course, driving range, pro shop and grill. Every effort should be made to cooperate with other agencies in order to perpetuate maximum recreational services. C. URBAN TRAILS (See Transportation Plan) The City of Golden Valley is nearly complete in the development of a 50 -mile urban trail system. (The present system links various neighborhoods with parks, schools, and the Civic Center area.) The urban trail is one of the most effective forms of open space when laid along the routes people travel, walk or live. The spaces provide the maximum visual impact and the maximum physical access. Broad expanses of open space tend to be under-utilized, for it is the perimeter that is most readily available to the greatest number. Furthermore, it typically cuts cross -sectionally through urban regions, bordering industrial, commercial, residential, and green areas. Thus, it provides easy access to a great number of people as they engage in a variety of activities. Continued development of the trail system throughout the community 7 s Planning 763-593-8095 / 763-593-8109 (fax) Date: 6/25/07 To: Planning Commission Members Open Space and Recreation Members Environmental Commission Members From: Joe Hogeboom, Planning Intern Subject: Comprehensive Plan Update: Land Use Element General Land Use Plan Map Commissioners: Tonight you are presented with the final draft of the land use element of the Comprehensive Plan. Attached you will also find a drafted copy of the General Land Use Plan Map. Together these documents represent the basis for future land use decisions in Golden Valley. Planning staff, in cooperation with independent consultant Perry Thorvig, have drafted these documents based on past, current, and future land use trends, Metropolitan Council standards, community visioning processes, and the previous edition of the Comprehensive Plan. We ask for your detailed review of these documents, as they stand as the cornerstone for future Comprehensive Plan elements. If you have questions or concerns regarding the Comprehensive Plan at anytime during this process, please contact me at 763-593-8099 or through email at jhogeboom@ci.golden-valley.mn.us. We appreciate your input in this process. Attached you will find a scheduling outlining future Comprehensive Plan review meetings. Attachments: Comprehensive Plan: Land Use Element Draft General Land Use Plan Map Draft Joint Commission Meetings Schedule cc: Mark Grimes Jeannine Clancy Teresa Murphy Lisa Wittman Eric Eckman Sheila Van Sloun Rick Jacobson Al Lundstrom Perry Thorvig AGENDA Golden Valley Planning Commission Joint Meeting with Environmental Commission and Open Space and Recreation Commission Comprehensive Plan Update Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, June 25, 2007 6 pm 1. Presentation/Discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Update — General Land Use Element and General Land Use Plan Map 2. Adjournment This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72 -hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 6 A BALANCED APPROACH TO THE 21St CENTURY Land Uses, 2007-2027 INTRODUCTION The general land use plan for Golden Valley is one of several elements that make up our state - mandated Comprehensive Plan. The Land Use Element provides abroad outline of the goals, objectives, and policies to guide future land use decisions. The elements of Housing, and Water Resource Management, along with our Park and Open Space Plan are all additional elements of our Land Use PIan. They are addressed in separate documents. Over time our community faces ongoing demands for specific changes to the zoning map or the zoning text in order to allow local property owners to keep up with changing land use trends. By maintaining a broad vision of how Golden Valley should look and feel and function over time, the City provides itself with a frame of reference for malting individual land use decisions. Keeping an eye on the "big picture" helps ensure that each new decision fits in with others made before it rather than working at cross purposes. The vision also gives residents and nonresident property owners information on the.expected long-term future of their property and their neighborhood, so they can make theirr own plans accordingly. In other words, the plan offers a means for local government to join in partnership with individual and corporate citizens to manage the speed and direction of change in Golden Valley. In addition to the plan map, Golden Valley's general land use plan is composed of goals, policies, objectives, programs, and standards that serve as guides to how the City will maintain and renew itself now and into the future. The foundation of 's general land use plan rests on five goal statements. Policies and objectives build upon this foundation (See the appendix for definitions of these terms): The City has included land use programs and standards within policy and objective statements rather than listing them separately. 1 Historic Land Use Trends Golden Valley was incorporated in December 1886. Seven years later in 1893, the annexation of 0.6 square miles of land on its north side represented the only significant boundary change in the City's history. Entirely surrounded by other incorporated cities for many years, Golden Valley is unlikely to see any substantial future expansion of its 10.5 square miles of area. The City's land use planning history goes back to the 1930s, where Golden Valley adopted its first zoning code to regulate the development and use of property. Total population was less than 2,000 — about 550 families. There were virtually no local business areas. The City first adopted an actual land use plan document in 1959. Population by then had ballooned to 14,500. An estimated thirty percent of the city's land area was still undeveloped. General Mills and Honeywell, two of the. City's largest corporate citizens today, had only recently come to town. Golden Valley's development boom leveled off as the supply of developable land dwindled in the 1970s and 80s. In the 1990s, Golden Valley began to shift focus toward the redevelopment of existing land. A downtown area was established near the intersection of Highway 55 and Winnetka Avenue. Downtown Golden Valley was planned with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing stock as well as new an&innovative retail and business areas. Current Land Use Trends Today Golden Valley is almost entirely developed for a variety of urban and open space uses. The number of households continues to increase modestly each year, but total population remains at about 21,000 as the average household size gets smaller. Currently, 48% of the city is devoted to residential development. Residential development in Golden Valley is mostly comprised of single family homes. Single family neighborhoods are located throughout the city. Multi family dwellings in Golden Valley range from affordable apartments to luxury condominiums. High density housing will be a component of the mixed use area planned along Interstate 394. Commercial land in Golden Valley comprises 7% of the city's total land use. Commercial development includes retail and office uses. Golden Valley is home to several large . 2 corporations, including Allianz Insurance, Honeywell, and General Mills. These corporations employ a large number of Golden Valley's corporate citizens. Retail development in Golden Valley is interspersed throughout the city. Large retail concentrations are located at the intersection of Highway 100 and Duluth Street, as well as the intersection of Winnetka Avenue and Highway 55. Redevelopment of Golden Valley's downtown area along Winnetka Avenue and Highway 55 encourages incorporating functions of walkability in the general design. Restaurants, shops, and services are intended to be accessible by area residents through motorized and non -motorized transportation. Industrial development in Golden Valley primarily occurs along railroad corridors and Interstate 394. Although some manufacturing -based industry exists in Golden Valley, most industrial designated areas include light industry and business.. Eight percent of the land. in Golden Valley is used for industrial purposes. Twenty five percent of the land in Golden Valley is includes institutional and recreational development. Schools, churches, government facilities, parks, and golf courses are integrated into various neighborhoods throughout Golden Valley. Theodore Wirth Park, operated by the Minneapolis Park Board, is the largest parkin Golden Valley. In addition to formal institutions and parks, 3% of Golden Valley's. total land use is comprised of open space and wetlands. There are certain areas, such a.s those with steep slopes or poor soils that are not developable. Golden Valley is also home to; several lakes and large bodies of standing water. Bodies of water include, Sweeney Lake, Twin Lake, and Wirth Lake. Golden Valley is well known for its excellent network of highways. Major highways (four or more lanes) account for 6% of the total land use in Golden Valley, Minnesota Trunk Iighways 55 and 100, as well as Interstate 394 and U.S Highway 169 all traverse Golden Valley. While Golden Valley: is dedicated to providing good highway and freeway access, it also strives to make itself conducive to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. In 2006, Golden Valley became involved in.a Hennepin County program emphasizing the importance of incorporating active living into everyday life. This has triggered Golden Valley to reevaluate its trail and sidewalk connectivity. Future Land Use Trends Population in Golden Valley is expected to increase in the coming years. Housing and services are expected to accommodate that increase. Mixed use development will be incorporated into future plans, meeting the needs for multi family housing and access to transportation options. The 394 Corridor Study addresses this issue. Golden Valley will work to preserve and protect historic places within the city. Currently, no such places have been identified. Golden Valley will look toward sustainable development as a means of future growth. Environmentally friendly, sustainable growth will lead Golden Valley into the future. Golden Valley Total Land Use 1 17 Residential IN Commercial 1 ❑ Industrial I O Institutional I ■ Major Highways 0 Non -Urban Areas .0 Open Water Bodies. (Insert the existing Land Use Map) 4 LAND USE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES Make a list of land use issues. Examples: • I-394 corridor • Aging High density housing areas • General Mills north campus open space designation • Isolated small residential areas along 394 and Hwy. 55. • Land use along arterial streets • Land use on Medicine Lake Road across from apartment areas in Crystal THE PLAN MAP The land use plan map (Exhibit B) provides a vision of future land use distributions throughout Golden Valley. The boundaries of different land use areas are broadly sketched; where they fall in mid -block, for example, a certain freedom of interpretation is allowed in pinpointing their exact location. Land use categories are rather broadly drawn as well; while general descriptions (Exhibit C) are provided as part of the. plan, they do not cover every possible use or situation, leaving room for interpretation when a specific use is not clearly listed anywhere or occurs under special circumstances. Zoning is the main tool available to cities for implementing the comprehensive plan. If the zoning map and the plan map reflect differing land use groups for a particular property, the zoning map must be legally amended before the planned use can occur; the rezoning process thus serves as a gateway between present and future. Differences between the zoning map and the land use plan map at any given time do not automatically indicate conflicts between zoning and plan. Golden Valley specifically supports current zoning as being entirely appropriate for any given property until it is found to be ready for plan implementation through redevelopment. Exhibit C: Definitions of Land Use Categories Residential, Low Density (Less than 5.00 homes per gross acre of land area): Single family detached homes are the predominant low density residential use, with small clusters of two family attached homes mixed in at scattered locations as appropriate. Other types of residential structures in planned unit developments (PUD's) may also be appropriate as long as the overall density of development falls witl-in the acceptable range. Metro Council equivalent is "single family" Residential, Medium Density (from 5.00 to 11.99 homes ner gross Acre of land area Medium density residential uses include two family attached homes in clusters of more than ten units, or townhomes, or other types of housing in PUD's where the average density of development falls within the acceptable range. Metro Council equivalent is part of "multi- family" Residential, High Density (12.00 homes or more per gross acre of land area): Apartment buildings and condominiums are the predominant high:density residential uses. Other types of housing in PUD's are also appropriate in these areas if they are developed to meet the minimum density threshold. Metro Council equivalent is part of "multi -family". Office: This limited use category features general office buildings. Medical or laboratory facilities where work is performed in a predominantly office setting are also acceptable uses. Office areas may. include mixed use office/residential PUDs. Metro Council equivalent is part of "commercial". Commercial: Commercial uses include retail sales/services, restaurants, hotels/motels, and for- profit entertainment/recreation facilities, as well as anything allowed in an office area. Mixed use commercial/residential PUDs are also a possibility. Metro Council equivalent is "commercial", except that does NOT classify any residential care facilities as commercial uses. Light Industrial: This category includes warehousing and storage, assembly and light manufacturing, truck/van terminals, utility installations, offices, and large-scale specialty retail operations such as lumber yards, greenhouses, and vehicle sales/rental lots. Metro Council equivalent is part of "industrial". 3 Industrial: This category includes anything that could go into a light industrial area, as well as railroad uses, animal care facilities, and heavy manufacturing. Metro Council equivalent is part of "industrial". Open Space (public and private): These uses include golf courses, ball fields, playgrounds, parks, nature areas, and storm water ponding areas. Metro Council equivalent is "parks and recreation", except that the Metro Council does not specify ponding areas or nature areas. Schools and Religious Facilities: These include education facilities at all levels, the cemetery, places of worship for all denominations, and miscellaneous religious installations. Metro Council equivalent is part of "public, semi-public". Public Facilities, Miscellaneous: Administrative or service installations (except those otherwise classified) at all levels of government fall into this. category. Metro Council equivalent is part of "public, semi-public". . Semi -Public Facilities, Miscellaneous: Residential treatment or care facilities, hospitals and surgical centers, private clubs, and other not -far -profit facilities (except those otherwise classified) fall into this category. Metro Council equivalent is part of "public, semi-public", except for residential treatment or care. Wetland: Properties. in this category are generally those listed in the National Wetland Inventory. By definition, all wetland areas are considered to be "in use". Metro Council equivalent is "wetland development constraint':'::. . Floodplain: This category includes all areas with a land elevation below the 100 -year flood level. By definition, all floodway areas are considered to be "in use". Metro Council equivalent is "floodplain development constraint". Open Water: Sweeney/Twin Lake, Wirth Lake, DNR unnamed basin #27-35, (in Wirth Park, along the creek north.,of Highway 55), and Bassett Creek are classified as open water areas. By definition, all open water is considered to be "in use". Metro Council equivalent is "open water". Right -of -Way, Road: This category includes all land reserved for street or highway uses and for certain transit facilities, whether by easement or by fee title. By definition, all such right-of-way is considered to be "in use". Metro Council equivalent is "roadways, option 2". Right -of -Way, Railroad: This category includes all land reserved for railroad uses, whether by easement or by fee title. By definition, all such right-of-way is considered to be "in use". There is no Metro Council equivalent. 7 Vacant Land: In general, land is classified as vacant if it is a legally defined parcel with no developed or Iandscaped area with its limits. Scattered vacant single family lots are generally not identified, due to incomplete data and difficulties with mapping scale. In some cases, land that does not constitute a legally defined parcel has been classified as vacant if it meets all of the following criteria — it is part of a privately owned or tax forfeit parcel; it is at least Half of the parcel's overall size; it has NO usable structures and minimal or no landscaping; it is a size and configuration to hold a development of the appropriate scale for: its land use classification; it is not substantially encumbered by floodplain or wetland designation; and both it and the developed portion of the parcel can meet all applicable City Code requirements if split apart. LAND USE GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES Goal 1— Complete Community - A community that contains a variety of residential areas, major employers, retail, service, and institutional areas. Objective ■ More townhouses and apartments or condominiums for empty -nesters. ■ Preservation of elementary schools. ■ Preservation of major employment centers. ■ Upgrading of the downtown area at Winnetka and Hwy. 55 and other neighborhood commercial areas. ■ Integrating means for alternative modes of transportation throughout the city. Policies The city will actively seek and encourage the development of townhouses, apartments or condominiums that are compatible with their surrounding areas. The city will encourage the continued upgrading of the downtown area and will provide public assistance where feasible to assist the upgrades. The city will work with Hennepin County and local area governments to establish a regional network of multi -use trails. Goal 2 — Minimized Conflicts - A regulatory framework designed to minimize potential conflicts between land uses. Objectives • Open space buffers between residential areas and commercial or industrial areas. • Segregation of commercial and residential traffic. ■ Arrangement of uses so that there is a compatible transition between major land use types. "'Implementation of multi -use districts that enable compatible uses to coexist. Policies The city will monitor and update provisions for all zoning districts and for planned unit developments, as necessary, to conform with identified land use categories and to properly support plan implementation. Of particular importance are the specific use lists and "purpose and intent" paragraphs for each district. The City will inform and include citizens in planning for land use changes in their neighborhoods. Goal 3 — Development of Commercial Corridors— Redevelopment along major commercial corridors such as I-394 and Hwy. 55. Objectives • Increased jobs and tax base. ■ Visually attractive development along the city's major freeway corridors. ■ Creation of community identity through a recognizable town center. Policies The City will study planned land. uses all along the Highway 100 corridor after all highway - related improvements are in place, to.determine the need or desirability of area -wide plan amendments accommodating.altared land.. use demand. The City will re-examine the existing HRA "redevelopment philosophy", to address questions raised in the Technical Background. The City will work with area residents and businesses to establish a visioning process for future development. Goal 4 — Protection of the Existing Job Base — Preservation and compatible expansion of the facilities housing the city's major employers. Objectives Retention of General Mills, Tenant, United Health, and other major corporations. Policies 0 The city will assist major employers in expansion efforts in order to accommodate their needs while still protecting adjacent residential areas from objectionable visual, noise, and traffic impacts. Goal 5 — High Quality Development — Existing and new development that meet high construction and visual quality standards and include measures of sustainability. Objectives Additions to older homes that are compatible with the original architecture of the home and with the established character of the neighborhood. New developments that are visually attractive and respect their surroundings. ■ Encourage development to meet environmental criteria set forth by LEED and the United States Department of Energy. Policies The City will assure that its review, processes, zoning, and building regulations are designed to promote high quality developments. The City will invest in an address -linked computerized land use database capable of providing data on the size, age, value, and other circumstances of all City properties, for better tracking of issues such as the rehabilitation or redevelopment needs of any particular area. The City will establish a list of qualifying criteria to serve as a selection standard for targeting Community Development Block Grant or other redevelopment funds. The City will review all institutionally designated properties to consider their long term viability and/or options for alternative use. The City will define various approaches and/or incentives to promote a City beautification program Goal 6 — Redevelopment — Public and private redevelopment that is compatible with the city's land use plan map and policies. Objectives ■ Redevelopment of parcels that are blighted, functionally obsolete, economically unsustainable, or incompatible with adjacent uses. Encourage and promote redevelopment projects that create opportunities for active living. Policies 10 The City will assure that new uses in redevelopment area are compatible with existing development and the city's land use plan. The City will provide public assistance to those redevelopment projects that serve a substantial public purpose and are compatible with the objective above. Goal 7 — Protection of the Environment - Environmentally sustainable land use patterns and development practices and policies that accommodate the city's economic and social needs. Objectives ■ Preservation of wetlands • Preservation of water bodies ■ Reduction of light in the night sky ■ Co -location of higher density uses with commercial services to reduce the amount of auto travel and corresponding air pollution Policies The City will consider potential diversity or environmental impacts before adopting or amending development - or construction related regulations, Negative impacts will be balanced against concerns for the general public health, safety, or welfare. Where possible, strategies for mitigating negative impacts will be identified. The City will, accommodate energy conserving technologies and construction techniques, including active and passive solar energy features, by advocating their use in applications for new development and by amending City Code or City policies as appropriate to allow property owners to take. advantage of new approaches. The City will monitor ongoing Sustainable Development Initiative research and accomplishments at.the state level, for possible incorporation into fixture updates of this plan. The City will study the suggested strategies of the Sustainable Development Initiative's local guidebook, when available, for possible local application. Goal 8 — Accommodation of Regional Needs - Reconcile local preferences and desires with regional needs and legislative imperatives by adopting a cooperative approach, seeking creative solutions to points of conflict, and maintaining ongoing education efforts. Objectives ■ Streamline growth and development policies with the Metropolitan Council. ■ Work with Hennepin County to integrate programs with the City of Minneapolis and the western suburbs. 11 Policies Per the Metro Council's regional growth strategy, in making land use -related decisions the City shall seek reasonable ways to: foster efficient, connected land use patterns; accommodate mixed use developments; and increase land use density where appropriate. Per the Metro Council's regional growth strategy for areas within the I-494/694 loop, the City shall continue to support economic development and job creation in concentrations serviceable by transit 4M ! nprove the oyerall fiedth and wel lbeiug Objectives • Improve sidewalks and trails to facilitate non -motorized transportation ■ Incorporate zoning practices that allow mixed use development, thereby promoting walking ■ Work to allocate funds through local grants to incorporate pedestrian -oriented infrastructure in existing development Policies The City will continue to work with the Planning Cpmmission, the Parks and Open Space Commission, and the Public Works! Department to improve and construct non -motorized transportation infrastructure whenever possible. The City will work to adopt mixed-use zoning designations in areas of high density, such as the I394 Corridor Redevelopment Project. The City will continue to meet standards necessary to qualify for planning grants. Goal 10:- Implementation Partners. The City shall remain open to new partnership opportunities with Hennepin County, the Metro Council, and state or federal agencies in its efforts to implement this plan. As appropriate, and in addition to consulting this general land use plan, the City shall consult the housing plan, the water resource management plan, the park plan, and any other plan that may be identified as part of the overall Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan before making any land use -related decision. The City shall continuously monitor this pian, and per Metro Council guidelines, perform an update whenever: any development proposal exceeds the parameters of the plan; any Iand identified for commercial, industrial, or office use is converted to residential use or vice versa; or 12 projected commercial, industrial, or office transportation or sanitary sewer needs increase in excess of planned capacities. Before approving a proposed text change to any provision of the zoning chapter of City Code, or to other land use -related regulations, the City sha11 first evaluate the potential impact of the proposed change on land use plan goals, policies and objectives, and on the plan map if applicable. Review the existing practice maintaining plan map/zoning map conformity via concurrent application for plan amendment and rezoning; follow-up could include formalization in City Code of a suitable joint application process or consideration of one or more policies to limit or prohibit concurrent applications. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION Policies, objectives, programs, and standards all contribute toward turning this plan into reality. Local regulations having an impact on plan implementation can be found in City Code - primarily in the zoning and subdivision chapters - and in the State Building Code, adopted by reference in City Code. Some policies adopted by separate resolutions over the years may also act as implementing devices, even though they are not officially part of the general land use plan. The main responsibility forarnplementation.l.ies.wifli the City Council as its formal decision- making body: ` The City's Planning Commission plays a strong supporting role in its capacity as advisor to the Council. The Human Rights Commission and other Council -established bodies may also be involved from time to time. The City's Housing and Redevelopment Authority provides added power to acquire land for redevelopment, secure financing, and eliminate blighting conditions, should any of those actions become necessary. To achieve any particular objective, Golden Valley may turn to state or federal agencies, the Metro Council, Hennepin County, neighboring communities, or other public or private entities for expertise, funding, or development partnerships. REZONING AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CONSISTENCY Land use planning and zoning are separate but related concepts. Zoning is part of local law, enforceable through the City's police power. The plan serves as a foundation for zoning regulations and are properly administered in the best interest of the general public health, safety, 13 and welfare. The plan embodies a broad vision of desired community characteristics, while zoning provides a specific means of implementing and regulating the vision; as a result, zoning is much more detailed with regard to the type and intensity of use allowed on any given property. The plan's focus is on moving a community as smoothly as possible into the future, while zoning is firmly grounded in the present. A property's readiness for rezoning in accordance with Golden Valley's land use plan map will be evaluated according to the following terms, which do not have to be weighed equally in all cases: 1. All owners of the property should jointly petition for rezoning to a district that matches the land use category identified on the plan map. 2. The property should meet minimum development standards for the desired change in use, which may include zoning specifications, subdivision specifications, and/or duly adopted goals, policies, and objectives of the comprehensive plan. 3. Any existing property improvements that would be nonconforming wider the zoning necessary for the desired use should be removed, or financial and legal guarantees should be in place to ensure removal by the time any rezoning request receives final approval. 4. Any existing use that would be nonconforming under the zoning necessary for the planned use should be permanently discontinued. 5. Where a proposed rezoning involves only a portion of an area that is planned for change, the proposal should not involve property so situated as to create a disconnected "island" of change within the larger area, or completely bisect the larger area and create divided "pockets" of the older use, unless it can be demonstrated that any individual, sub -area thus created can reasonable be redeveloped on its own and that the resulting discontinuities of use within the larger area will not accelerate the decline of otherwise viable existing uses not immediately included in the proposed rezoning. 6. Unique circumstances affecting the property, its surroundings, or some other aspect of a particular request may be compelling enough to result in a different outcome than what might otherwise be indicated, but in such cases the City must clearly list and explain the circumstances underlying its decision. 14 Until a property is found ready for rezoning according to the above terns, its existing use will be considered to conform with 's comprehensive plan — regardless of whether it matches the category of use identified on the plan map — as long as it meets current zoning regulations and other applicable requirements of City Code. The same rule also applies to any alteration of site improvements or change from one permitted use to another within the same district: the altered site or changed use will be considered to conform with the comprehensive plan as long as the property continues to meet all applicable code requirements and is not yet ready for rezoning per the established terms. FOR MORE INFORMATION More information on land use plan requirements and on the research underlying's general land use plan can be found in a separate report known. as the Technical Background for the Golden Valley Land Use Plan. Along with other documents relating to. all aspects of the City's overall comprehensive plan; that report is available for purchase at City Hall and a reader copy is kept with the City publications on file at the Golden Valley Library. 15 Appendix The following paragraphs outline's definitions of the terms goal, policy, objective, program, and- standard. nd standard. And how they are used in the plan. GOAL: "An idealized end state that serves as a focus for planning efforts. Goals reflect situations toward which to strive without necessarily expecting full attainment." POLICY: "An ongoing guide or set of criteria for.undertakting legislative or administrative actions in conformance with plan goals. Policies are specific enough to provide direction in a decision-making context, and are intended to be used whenever applicable throughout the life of the plan." In other words, policies provide the structural framework for making land use decisions that will properly implement the general land use plan by building firmly on its goal foundation. The City's -land use policies are.listed on pages 14-16, along with references to the primary underlying goal or goals for each policy. OBJECTIVE: `°An intermediate milestone on the way toward a goal. Objectives are specific, measurable, and achievable, and are generally intended to be met within a short (three to five year) time frame." Objectives are the building blocks that fill in the structural framework as it rises upward from the foundation. This term does not appear in state law, but statutes do require cities outline specific actions toward plan implementation, which comes to much the same thing. The City's current land use objectives are listed on pages 17-19, again with references back to primary underlying goals. 16 PROGRAM: "Usually an established source of assistance- whether financial, legal, physical, or informational — offered through a public or private agency. A program could also be any coordinated set of actions designed to yield a specified product." STANDARD: "A specified index of measurement or threshold of acceptability." Programs provide the tools for erecting the structural framework and setting the building blocks in place, while standards form the structural specifications. The City has identified land use programs and standards within policy and objective statements as appropriate rather than listing them separately. 17 PM Ch rz Ge. Pen a T— _ � North Rke CITY OF NEN' HOPE i CITY OF CRYST:I I. f !-- a"a„y: - I .ntl Rk d CITY OF xoEElnsnnt t= r�<--�-n IAi a f _i k F. fi i uxorunc no ' .Z + 7• ... rr )__. � ?. _ 1'. _.w r. .-.• .. "%k Bacmf L,eek� - aoua n seeRakPmJ t 13 S P_ sem 0�r a.a PN - i" a^�,� •/ a 1 aye �� O �a 0 s e. Q ... PeM t eA Theodcre Wirth Park .- :.-_ " _•••_� • • _ zq, Q� (Mpls Park 8 Rao Board) R O _ w , a� R•11 .r 55 . Wirth Pial P Lake Y •1 ` NntwatNe Q .O B ..P ® u. cen n �Qa M r t _ BrookNew 8 wkHew Lura' • .•-.. - e` P.M Pnl� � N u We9em e i - ?� ,��- d �l .a 10 4 e EIVV Lake \ CITY OF ST. LOUIS PAP �— Cny of Golden Valley 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley MN 5 512 74 5 88 7V 83 593 8095 ci. golden -valley. mn.us L�Q,t NpL„nc,� ��ra _ Pm EE swm' • , P­ rolO 11ey E DRAFT 2010.2030 GENERAL LAND USE PLAN Residential LOW Density (Less than 5 units per acre) 0 Medium Density (5 to 11.9 units per acre) High Density (12 or more units per acre) Commercial Office Retail/Service (also includes Office) Industrial 0 Light Industrial (alsoincludes Office) Industrial (also includes Office) Mixed Use Open Space - Public and Private Ownership 0 Schools and Religious Facilities Public Facilities - Miscellaneous L Semi -Public Facilities - Miscellaneous Open Water Wetlands National Wetlands Inventory -not field verified F� Railroad Road Rights -of -Way Private Streets ------------ Municipal Lin e Date: J 73 2007 Source, Hennep,, C my Surveyors Otfice tot Property Lines (2007). DNR to, W tl nds - City of Golden Valley for all other layers we 900 o we xa. 2.400 E. Significant Changes to the General Land Use Plan Map 1. Southeast corner of T.H 55 and Winnetka Avenue Change designations to medium and high density housing. ■ Located near busy intersection of major highways. ■ Located near central commercial and institutional district. 2. General Mills land south of Duluth Street and west of Boone Avenue Change designation to open space. ■ Land is currently undeveloped and used for open space and recreational purposes. ■ Land is adjacent to single family residential neighborhoods. 3. General Mills Headquarters at the northeast corner of U.S 169 and Interstate 394 Change designation to office. ■ Office buildings currently occupy the site. ■ General Mills laboratory work and manufacturing takes place off site. 4. Duke Development Site at the southwest corner of Interstate 394 and T.H 100 Change designation to office. ■ Current development plans call for offices to be located on this site. ■ Retail development will occur further west in Saint Louis Park. r 5. Tenant Company area at the northwest corner of T.H 55 and T.H 100 Change designation to industrial. ■ Tenant Company has acquired several of the adjoining land parcels. ■ Provides consistency in land uses to the area. ■ Prevents the appearance of `spot zoning.' 6. Land in between T.H 55, Douglas Drive, and Frontage Road Change designation to commercial. ■ Prime commercial real estate at the intersection of two major roads. ■ Interest in site generated by commercial developers. 7. Area at the northeast corner of T.H 55 and U.S 169 Change designation to light industrial. ■ Streamline uses for this area. ■ Eliminate `spot -zoning' trends. 8. Honeywell baseball fields area Change designation to open space. ■ Area is used for recreational purposes. 9. United Health area at the northwest corner of T.H 55 and Douglas Drive Change designation to office. ■ Area is used for office purposes. ■ No industrial -based business is conducted on-site. 10. Area on Lilac Drive northeast of the intersection of T.H 100 and T.H 55 Change designation to office. ■ Area is used for office purposes. ■ Office designation works as a buffer between freeway commercial area and residential area. 11. Car dealerships south of Interstate 394 Change designation to retail / service. Retail / service designations better reflect the sales -oriented nature of car dealerships. 12. Southeast corner of U.S 169 and T.H 55 Change designation to open space. ■ This area has been converted to a nature area since the last edition of the General Land Use Plan Map was released. ■ This area is used for recreational purposes.