06.04 - Planning and Zoning 2005 Year-End Report

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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION A good Comprehensive Plan is not just a guide,but it is an implementation tool. The actions of the Planning Department are driven largely by the policies and implementation strategies adopted in the Plan. As reported at the beginning of the year, in 2005 we worked to accomplish the short-term strategies contained within the plan. Of those short term actions,we completed the following(completion action noted in parenthesis). • Monitor commercial development along roadways by adopting a zoning strategy that strengthens the downtown commercial area, permits sensible development, and retains forested gateways leading into Pequot Lakes. (The new land use and subdivision ordinance which accomplishes this was adopted in June of 2005). • Develop zoning strategies that facilitate the removal of blighted and un- maintained properties (cars on front lawn, etc) that detracts from Pequot's character. (The new land use and subdivision ordinance which accomplishes this was adopted in June of 2005. The ordinance contains specific language on blight in Section 75, but more importantly the ordinance provides more development ,flexibility in blighted areas by decreasing minimum lot sizes, decreasing setbacks and increasing coverage limits. This increased,flexibility is designed to provide an incentive for the areas to redevelop.) • Provide for orderly business development in clustered, properly zoned development areas in the City. (The new land use and subdivision ordinance which accomplishes this was adopted in June of 2oo5. The ordinance contains a well-defined downtown mixed-use area which provides for this style of development). • Designate a rural,urban and rural/urban transition zone in order to maintain the integrity of these distinct areas. Each zone should promote development that fits within the context of existing development. (The new land use and subdivision ordinance which accomplishes this was adopted in June of 2oo5. The ordinance contains a zone called Transition Residential which accomplishes this strategy). • Within the transition zone, zone for affordable starter homes including duplexes and other multi-family dwelling units. (The new land use and subdivision ordinance which accomplishes this was adopted in June of 20o5. The downtown-mixed use and urban residential zoning classifications provides for this type of use at densities that are viable within the market. The City has already received one application for a subdivision containing over 8o affordably priced homes within this area). • Evaluate the impervious coverage standard in each land use zone and make modifications to better address water quality issues. (All of the impervious coverage standards were addressed within the ordinance that was adopted in June of 2oo5, however, the Planning Commission has found that the Commercial and Light Industrial zones still are not adequate. A public hearing on making modifications to these zones is being held in January of 2oo6). • Do not count wetlands, streams,land below the ordinary high water level, slopes, or core forests as build-able areas on building lots for new subdivisions. (The new land use and subdivision ordinance which accomplishes this was adopted CITY OF PEQucrr LAKEs PLANNING AND ZONING 200$REPORT 11