4 - Rezoning from Forestry to Forest Management, Owens

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K. The necessity to reserve and restore certain areas having significant historical or ecological value. L. Conflicts between land uses and impacts of commercial uses or higher densities on adjacent properties. M. Alternatives available for desired land use. N. Prevention of spot zoning. O. Conformance to the City of Pequot Lakes Comprehensive Plan. P. Conformance to the City of Pequot Lakes Future Land Use Map and any other official maps of the City. Division 40 of the previous Ordinance contains the requirements for the Forestry District: 1. Purpose and Intent: The Forestry District is established for the purpose of efficiently using land to conserve forest resources through the management of land for forest, woodland, or plantation uses, to establish and maintain timber resources and healthy, well-balanced forests, to protect the natural environment, and to preserve undeveloped areas and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. 2. Lot,Use, and Density Requirements: Lot Width—feet, minimum............................................................3oo Feet Lot Area—acres, minimum............................................................. io acres Section 5.4 of the current Ordinance contains the requirements for the Forest Management (FM)zone: 1. Intent and Purpose: To provide a zoning classification for sustainable management of forested areas, to establish and maintain timber resources, to protect the natural environment, to preserve undeveloped areas, and to provide recreation opportunities. Development patterns are characterized as very low-density residential without municipal service and with only limited demand for accessibility. Forest Management zoning should be used to preserve rural character. 2. Compatibility: Forest Management zones would generally be compatible and can be established adjacent to Agriculture, Rural Residential, Transition Residential, Commercial, and Light Industrial zones. The zone may also be compatible with other zones in areas where forest stands exist. 3. Lot, Use, and Density Requirements: Lot Width—feet, minimum....................................................................300 Buildable Lot Area—acres, minimum.......................................................io Staff Findings: The Staff provides the following findings of fact for consideration by the Planning Commission: 1. The proposed rezoning to Forest Management would be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan which states as policies to protect and enhance natural resources and open space along with to direct future development away from significant and/or sensitive natural resources (page 56). The subject property is located adjacent to Lowell Wildlife Management Area, managed by the Department of Natural Resources. 2. The proposed rezoning to Forest Management is consistent with the Future Land Use Map,which designates this area as a future Forest Preservation area. 3. The property currently is undeveloped, and is covered with forest stands and wetlands. 4. The proposed rezoning to Forest Management meets the compatibility requirements for the zone as the surrounding parcels are zoned Forest Management or Recreation. 5. The subject property meets the purpose and intent of the Forest Management zone as would protect the natural environment, preserve an undeveloped area, and enhance any recreational opportunities available in the adjacent Wildlife Management Area. City of Pequot Lakes Staff Report 5-2 July 20,2006