02-18-98 PCNORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS
INCNIN COMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN - MARKET RESEARCH
MEMORANDUM
TO: Otsego Mayor and City Council
Otsego Planning Commission
FROM: Bob Kirmis / David Licht
DATE: 11 February 1998
RE: Otsego - Comprehensive Plan - Community Issues
and Policy Plan
FILE NO: 176.14
Attached please find an initial draft of the Community Issues and Policy Plan sections of
the Comprehensive Plan Development Framework.
This material (or portion thereof as time allows) is scheduled to be discussed at the
forthcoming 18 February City Council / Planning Commission workshop meeting.
PC: Mike Robertson
Elaine Beatty
Andy MacArthur
John Harwood
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CITY OF OTSEGO
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
COMMUNITY ISSUES/POLICY PLAN
11 FEBRUARY 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Forward...................................................................................................
Introduction..............................................................................................
CommunityIssues...................................................................................
PolicyPlan...............................................................................................
OTSEGO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
FORWARD
Following an official public hearing and recommendation for approval by the Otsego
Planning Commission on 1998, the Otsego City Council approved and
adopted the Otsego Comprehensive Plan - Community Issues/Policy Plan/Development
Framework on 1998.
City officials and staff involved in the formulation of the Comprehensive Plan were:
Mayor
Larry Fournier
City Council Members
Suzanne Ackerman
Mark Berning
Vern Heidner
Virginia Wendel
Planning Commission
Jim Kolles
Arlene Nagel
Richard Nichols
Bruce Rask
Ing Roskaft
Carl Swenson
City Staff
Michael Robertson, City Administrator
Elaine Beatty, City Clerk/Zoning Administrator
Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk
Carol Olson, Secretary
Jerry Olson, Building Official
John Harwood, City Engineer
Andrew MacArthur, City Attorney
Numerous residents and property owners from the City also contributed to the
identification of issues and finalization of plans. Their interest, participation and courtesy
was of great value and sincerely appreciated.
OTSEGO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
FORWARD
OTSEGO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS
VISIONING / PLANNING TACTICS
N T R O D U C T I O N
As the City of Otsego proceeds beyond the year 2000, the City must again reassess the
community's growth, identify the current development issues, and re-establish community
development goals and parameters that will guide growth through the year 2010.
Since the adoption of its 1991 Comprehensive Plan, Otsego's population has grown from
5,219 to 6,229 residents (1995 estimate). Situated in one of the region's fastest growth
areas, Otsego's growth is expected to continue through the year 2010. In conjunction with
expected growth, Otsego faces land use, environmental, economic development,
transportation, utility, community service, and financial issues and needs which must be
considered and strategized.
The first two phases of work involved in the formulation of a Comprehensive Plan Update
for Otsego have cerlitered on the assembly of community views and technical background
data. The Otsego Comprehensive Plan Tactics report, dated January 1997, highlights and
organizes the community concerns voiced by local officials and community
representatives. The Comprehensive Plan Inventory, dated January 1997, provides
various community technical background data.
The next step in the planning process entails an analysis of the information collected to
date and its organization into meaningful issue statements which will serve as a basis for
Policy Plan and Development Framework portions of the Comprehensive Plan Update.
In the paragraphs which follow, a summary of community issues resulting from an
evaluation of previously assembled data is provided.
It is emphasized that the Policy Plan/Development Framework does not represent the
completion of Otsegds planning responsibilities. Detailed plans for transportation, parks,
public utilities, etc. must be periodically reviewed, updated and finalized. Moreover, the
City's existing development regulations (i.e., Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances) should
be re-evaluated to successfully implement the City's planning goals and objectives.
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COMMUNITY ISSUES
C O M M U N I TY IS S U ES
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan Update is not only to direct development policy
for the City of Otsego but to identify and resolve issues which have affected development
in the past. In large part, these issues were identified in the Comprehensive Plan Tactics
report and Inventory (January 1997).
The next logical step�toward completion of the Comprehensive Plan Update process is the
Community Issues section which follows this introduction. The Community Issues section
entails an analysis of the information collected to date and organizes it into meaningful
issues statements which serve as a basis for the Policy Plan and Development Framework
portions of the Comprehensive Plan.
By doing this, the City will be able not only to direct development policy for the community,
but resolve issues which have affected development in the past. The material in this
section is grouped into six basic subject areas as follows:
■ Social Development
■ Natural Environment
■ Land Use
■ Transportation
■ Community Facilities
■ Administration
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DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
COMMUNITY ISSUES
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Increasing Population Growth
Population growth within Otsego has varied considerably in past decades with rapid
growth experienced in the 1970s and moderate growth in the 1980s. Growth during the
first half of the 1990s has continued at a moderate rate. In comparison to surrounding
communities, Otsego's growth rate is among the lowest. Such growth rate can, however,
be partially attributed to limited amounts of available land for development and the
establishment of a development moratorium pending completion of the Comprehensive
Plan. In anticipation of public sanitary sewer and developable land availability, as well as
area growth trends, strong growth is expected through the year 2010 (7,450 to 7,898
persons projected). If not adequately addressed, such growth will put strains on City
services including, but not limited to, sewer, water, fire, police, roadways, recreation, and
schools. Careful planning is critical throughout the design of new developments to
address issues at the onset and avoid future problems.
Decreased Household Size
While the number of households in the City of Otsego has increased significantly since
1980, the household size has decreased from 3.41 in 1980 to 3.24 in 1995. This lower
household size is reflective of a combination of young, married couples who are waiting
longer to have children and having fewer children, and an increasing number of "empty
nester' parents whose children have grown and left home.
This community characteristic will have a direct effect upon future housing types in the
community including a need for higher density housing options (i.e., sewered single family
lots and multi -family dwellings and "executive" type homes which cater to career -oriented
families who seek a suburban living environment).
Age Characteristics
Otsego's population is aging. Since 1980, the predominance of persons in the labor force
age group (20-64) increased from 51.9 percent to 60.9 percent. During the same period,
the percentage of retirees has decreased from 5.4 to 4.1 percent. Such decline is likely
due to relocation of the retirement age population to Sunbelt areas or a lack of medium
and high density residential living alternatives. As a result, housing and related facilities
to accommodate an aging population should not be overlooked in the community's
planning efforts.
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COMMUNITY ISSUES
NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Ground Water Pollution
While the City's pending sanitary sewer service efforts are based in part on the desired
acquisition of a commercial/industrial tax base and equally important impetus for such
effort relates to ground water pollution concerns.
Of specific and continued concern is the threat of ground water pollution resulting from
failed septic systems in the northeast area of the community. In response to these
concerns, aggressive planning related to providing sanitary sewer service has been
undertaken. In many aspects, suggested areas for urban growth will reflect the findings
of the City's sanitary sewer planning efforts.
As a means of preventing premature sanitary sewer service to existing residential areas
of the community, the City should investigate mandatory septic system pumping and
continue to monitor the ground water supply.
Agricultural Land Protection
While the preservation of agricultural lands is a land use, economic and governmental
administrative issue, it is also very much an environmental concern. Although agricultural
use remains the predominant land use in the community, recent urban growth pressures
and urban/rural conflicts (i.e, pollution concerns from agricultural uses) have raised
question as to the viability of preserving the City's prime agricultural lands in the long term.
A very major community issue is therefore the desired level of protection of this land use.
River Corridors/Floodplains
A notable variation to the gently rolling farmland and topography of Otsego is the river
corridor areas with their natural beauty and forested vegetation. These areas have been
a focus of development interest and as a consequence, are threatened if left unprotected.
Moreover, the river floodplains present minimal development restrictions and as a result,
also are targets for urban type uses. Such areas, however, pose a periodic threat due to
high water and resulting loss. As a consequence, there is a need to preserve these areas
and if development is to take place within their boundaries, ensure that adequate
measures are taken to afford adequate and appropriate protections.
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Otsego's Mississippi River corridor areas lie within the Wild and Scenic River District,
established by the State of Minnesota. While the special protections imposed by the
district are recognized and accepted, a continuing issue of debate has been the
boundaries which define the district which oftentimes extend beyond reasonable limits and
visibility or impact on the river. In partial response to these concerns, the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently in the process of re-evaluating the
Wild and Scenic standards and area designations. Continued attention needs to be given
to this pending DNR analysis and the ramifications of possible changes upon the City of
Otsego.
Drainageways and Wetland/Ponding Areas
Over time, a natural system of storm water drainage and treatment has evolved within the
City's borders. In its undisturbed setting, a "balanced" system has been established.
While agricultural operations disrupt the natural system, urbanization and development
have a much more immediate and evident impact on the natural drainage and
wetland/ponding system. In such a case, there is an immediate, major increase in storm
water runoff. Also there is typically an alteration of drainage flows and the filling of storage
"treatment" areas.
While updated zoning and subdivision regulations, coupled with a recently adopted
Community Drainage Plan, satisfactory address drainage issues and impacts associated
with new development, older areas of the community (which were approved without
associated drainage plans) continue to present isolated problems.
Vegetation
Due to both its natural as well as agricultural history, Otsego has limited tree and forested
areas. For the concentrations which do exist, incentives for preservation should be
pursued, especially in cases of urban development and within the river corridors. Some
thought also needs to be given to instigating a tree preservation process as part of
subdivision and development review.
Erosion
The loss of topsoil is a concern for both agriculture and urban development. In this regard,
both wind and water erosion are aspects of the problem. As it relates to agriculture, the
community needs to encourage, typically through Wright County Extension Services,
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farming practices which will minimize erosion concerns. In the area of urban development
erosion, the City has played a more direct role in insuring proper grading and drainage
planning.
Air and Noise Pollution
At present, Otsego is not plagued with any evident air or noise pollution of major
significance. Anticipated noise pollution associated with the recent Highway 101 upgrade
has been addressed through the construction of noise walls along concentrations of
existing low density residential development along the corridor. Future
commercial/industrial development and increased traffic volumes may, however, generate
future concerns. To the extent possible that local control can be exerted, measures to
minimize such problems need to be taken.
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COMMUNITY ISSUES
LAND USE ISSUES
From its natural state, the City of Otsego evolved into a highly productive agricultural area
which subsequently has been and continues to be transformed into an urban environment.
As a result of several factors, the City has experienced its share or urban/rural conflicts.
While such conflicts are in fact anticipated in a transitional community such as Otsego,
detailed attention should be given to solving and/or minimizing these conflicts in a physical
and fiscally responsible manner.
Agricultural Use
As noted in the previous section (natural environmental issues) as well as the Inventory
report, continued agricultural land use in the community is a primary concern. While the
City's 1991 Comprehensive Plan strongly established the preservation of agriculture as
a primary community objective, question now has been raised whether this is in fact a
desired or realistic objective or whether the premise of the original 1991 Comprehensive
Plan remains valid and accepted. The issue of agricultural preservation, including the
current prohibition of new animal feedlots, is considered a critical issue which must be
confirmed or resolved as part of the Comprehensive Plan effort.
Residential Uses
Historically, Otsego's development pattern has been truly sub -urban (with unsewered one
acre single family residential development concentrated in the northeast area of the
community) and lacking in diversity. Since the adoption of and based upon the 1991
Comprehensive Plan, residential development has occurred in an infill fashion, typically
with moderate price range housing. Area land costs and amenities offered within the river
corridor areas of the community along with anticipated sanitary sewer service to the
Highway 101 corridor area are expected to result in a continuance of market attraction.
There is, however, a need to be prepared to address problems and concerns which exist
or will result from this situation.
Sanitary Sewer Service/Housing Diversity
In response to concerns over ground water pollution and a desire to expand the City's
commercial/industrial tax base, the City has actively taken steps to provide public sanitary
sewer collection and treatment within the eastern portion of the community. Such sanitary
sewer service availability will have the result of higher residential densities and a greater
diversity of housing. A need for a diverse housing supply has historically been established
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as a community objective. As the City's population ages, different types of housing styles
will be necessary to meet changing physical and lifestyle needs. Sanitary sewer service
availability will allow the City to consider multiple family residential housing proposals.
Such land use offers the community a new residential housing choice, a major tax
generator, and land conservative development. Moreover, such housing with proper
design measures can effectively relate to more intense commercial development and
pending Highway 101 improvements. Conversely, multiple family housing will also add to
commercial development viability.
The City of Otsego has also been a source for modestly priced starter type housing.
According to the Inventory report, 87 percent of the community's owner -occupied housing
units are valued less than $100,000. Although this starter housing role will likely continue,
an increased emphasis needs to be placed on middle to higher end housing types which
cover their service costs via tax base contributions. This will serve to accommodate the
upward mobility of existing residents as well as provide opportunities to attract new
residents.
Unsewered Development
Recognizing the City's need to protect its financial investment in sanitary sewer service,
question exists in regard to the extent to which unsewered residential development should
be allowed in the community. Of particular issue is concern over creating market
competition for available residential lands within the sanitary sewer service district.
Specific attention must be given to desired unsewered development (densities) in the rural
and long range urban service areas, including the allowance of unsewered "infill"
development.
Manufactured (Mobile Home) Housing
This type of housing has played a significant role in the City of Otsego's history and
continues to be a housing type requiring attention. While the historical practice of allowing
"mobile home" subdivisions in the City has been halted, isolated, older portions of these
developments exhibit blight and maintenance concerns. In part, the non -conforming status
of these dwellings may have the result of discouraging reinvestment. In this regard, a very
pressing need exists for the City to protect property values not only in these but all areas
of the community which have identified property maintenance problems. To address such
need and enhance the community character, the City should consider the establishment
of incentive measures to upgrade blighted situations. Another issue related to
manufactured housing is the extent to which additional parks should be allowed as well as
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COMMUNITY ISSUES
their appropriate location and standards. The extent to which this use should continue and
be maintained is a critical issue, as is the extent and proportion to which manufactured
housing should contribute to the City's housing inventory.
Home Occupations
A historical and ongoing concern in the City is that of home occupations. If these
accessory uses are limited in scale and internally operated, they typically are unnoticed.
Many of these home occupations, however, spill into yards for outside storage and the
parking of an excessive number of vehicles. These uses often exhibit characteristics of
full scale commercial/industrial operations and arguably may be considered the principal
use of a property. Further, these uses fail to contribute to the City's tax base and create
unfair competition for other community business. To address these concerns, the 1991
Comprehensive Plan suggested the establishment of a "third industrial site" as a
transitional area for home occupations which have outgrown their residential locales.
While this directive has yet to be formally addressed, the recently incorporated Frankfort
commercial/industrial area may provide an opportunity for such home business relocations.
Accessory Buildings
Recognizing that municipal sanitary sewer service will have the result of smaller, "urban"
lot sizes within the City, concern exists in regard to the continued allowance of "large"
accessory buildings which historically have been allowed in conjunction with unsewered,
one acre -plus single family lots. Of particular issue is the scale of such buildings in a
relatively dense urbanized setting. As a result, reconsideration of the City's accessory
building requirements should be pursued, particularly in regard to their application to
sewered single family residential lots.
Commercial Uses
To date, Otsego has experienced only very basic and highly limited convenience oriented
commercial development. The lack of public sewer and water has contributed to this
situation as the community's population could undoubtedly support additional commercial
services. Another limiting factor, however, has been the availability of commercial retail
and service opportunities in very close proximity in Elk River and also to some degree, in
Rogers and Albertville.
In regard to future commercial service and development, the following issues must be
faced by the City:
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Sanita[y Sewer and Water Service
Historically, a major drawback to Otsego's pursuit of commercial (and industrial)
development has been an inability to provide public sewer and water service. Not only is
such service necessary to accommodate businesses with high water usage, but fire codes
(i.e., sprinkling system requirements) virtually mandate public water service. The
anticipated availability of public sewer and water service, visibility and access
opportunities associated with the Highway 101 corridor and land availability would appear
to make Highway 101 corridor highly conducive to future commercial development.
Expansion of commercial business in the City would not only increase convenience to City
residents but would greatly enhance the community's tax base.
Recognizing that an enhancement of the tax base is a primary community objective, ample
sewage capacities should be reserved for commercial uses.
Southwest Area Development
In recognition of the commercial and industrial uses which are guided within northern
Albertville (along Otsego's shared border), due consideration and thought should be given
to the future establishment of complementary uses (commercial and industrial) within
bordering areas of Otsego. As part of this examination, the ability to provide public sewer
and water service should also be investigated.
Development Quality
Through the adoption of its Zoning Ordinance in 1992, the City established a relatively
high standard of development quality for commercial uses. In this regard, Otsego has had
an opportunity to confront issues well in advance of new commercial development
proposals.
Since the adoption of the initial Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, the City has
inherited a commercial/industrial area formally contained within Frankfort Township. Such
area is characterized by metal -type structures and which, by virtue of the Zoning
Ordinance, are considered legally non -conforming. Recognizing the established character
of the area, as well as a continued need to accommodate home occupation/business
relocations, consideration should be given to applying "less restrictive" performance
standards to the area.
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Industrial Uses
While the establishment of the Otsego industrial park in the southwest area of the City is
acknowledged, a continuing void exists within the City with regard to industrial
development and major employment opportunities. This again translates back to the
community's lack of public sewer and water which have continued to limit such
development potential. Another notable consideration is the active economic development
efforts of surrounding cities including Elk River, Rogers, Albertville, St. Michael and
Monticello. These organized programs not only serve to locate new possible development
but have the added advantage of being able to offer incentives, primarily through tax
increment financing, to entice industrial development to their jurisdictions.
Generally speaking, many of the issues confronting industrial development in the City
parallel issues associated with commercial land use. These include sanitary sewer service
(and associated tax base generation), development in the Albertville border areas, and the
lesser performance standard application in the former Frankfort territory.
Considering the anticipated availability of sanitary sewer service to the Highway 101
corridor, increased and organized efforts in economic development and marketing should
take place to entice industrial development and provide a comparable advantage with
neighboring communities.
Public/Serpi-Public Uses
A significant amount of land within Otsego is devoted to public and semi-public uses.
Primary public/semi-public uses include: the City Hall/Prairie Park facility in the central
portion of the City, the Otsego County Park and Christ Lutheran Church in the
northeastern portion of the community, the Otsego Elementary School in the City's eastern
area, and the MnDOT test facility in the extreme southwest corner of the Otsego. To
adequately respond to community growth and evolution, the City's adopted Park and Trail
Plan should be periodically reviewed and updated to best respond to the recreational
needs of the community.
Another issue which should be addressed within the Comprehensive Plan is the
identification of long term public facility sites (i.e.,water tower, sewage treatment plant)
necessary to implement the City's sewer and water planning efforts and ensure the public
health and welfare (i.e., possible fire/police substations).
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COORDINATED URBAN EXPANSION
Recognizing that bordering development in neighboring cities will impact Otsego's various
systems and vice versa, it is considered important that shared boundaries with neighboring
cities and Monticello Township be jointly planned and monitored.
This is particularly relevant to planned commercial/industrial development along
Albertville's northern border and possible animal feedlot allowances in Monticello
Township to the west.
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COMMUNITY ISSUES
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
Highway 101
As the major traffic carrier crossing the City, Highway 101 serves local as well as regional
and intra -state travel needs. Highway 101 is the primary link to the greater region which
has served to open Otsego to development. With the recent upgrade of this very critical
traffic carrier, the City of Otsego needs to pursue frontage road designs which will function
from a positive traffic engineering perspective, plus relate to positive land use
arrangements and opportunities.
Interstate 94 Interchange(s)
While there are no scheduled improvements for an upgrade of the 1-94/CSAH 19
interchange, the issue has been cited as an improvement need by the Wright County
Transportation Department (with 1994 Wright County Transportation Plan). The plan
states that the existing half diamond interchange at CSAH 19/1-94 could be expanded to
provide access to and from the east, which it currently lacks. While construction
associated with such possible improvement would likely occur within the City of
Albertville's jurisdictional boundaries, the impacts of such a project (i.e., increased traffic
volumes) would most definitely affect Otsego. This project as well as a potential Kadler
Avenue/1-94 interchange proposal (discussed in association with an area race track
proposal) should be closely monitored by the City.
Construction and Upgrade
Community officials have very responsibly taken on a programmed upgrade of streets and
roads which are under their responsibility. This has led to improvement of the overall City
system. Wright County has also been highly responsive in the construction, maintenance
and upgrade of its roads within the City. However, with the volumes of traffic being
experienced as well as the continuing development, a critical need exists to expand and
define funding capabilities for these efforts. This includes further pursuing state funding,
assessment policies, impact fees and the like.
Of particular issue in terms of programmed upgrades are capacity and safety concerns
associated with 85th Street and Odean Avenue. Also of issue are shared ownership of
border roads (i.e., 70th Street) and appropriate maintenance responsibilities.
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Kadler Avenue Vacation
In conjunction with recent development proposals within the City of Albertville, the issue
of the vacation of Kadler Avenue (south of County Road 37) has been discussed. Prior
to the consideration of such vacation, an evaluation of area traffic movement and
alternative access to dependant properties must be resolved.
MacIver Avenue Realignment
Also of issue in the Otsego/Albertville border area is an expressed desire by the City of
Albertville to realign MacIver Avenue. Unless there is a demonstrated safety issue,
however, it is envisioned that such realignment would be addressed in conjunction with
future development proposals in the area.
Specialized Services/Needs
As no scheduled mass transit service is directly available to Otsego, the transportation
needs of senior citizens, and the handicapped are of special concern. The improvement
of access opportunities for these individuals has been initiated and should continue to be
pursued with Wright County Human Services and possible other such systems serving Elk
River as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Another area of attention should be park and
ride/car pooling operations which aid local residents in reducing commuting costs plus
work to minimize traffic volumes and related congestion.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES/SERVICES ISSUES
The services and facilities provided by the public are a broad and encompassing number
of items which serve to protect the health and welfare of residents plus enhance the quality
of their living environment. These are also matters in which the City may have a direct
and immediate impact as it relates to community character and development. As a
consequence, these are very important matters to consider as part of the Comprehensive
Plan.
Public Sanitary Sewer Collection/Treatment
The factor which will play the most significant role and influence in Otsego's future is the
threat of ground water pollution due to concentrations of development on private individual
sewer systems. To prevent such a crisis from occurring and at the same time taking steps
to enhance the community's tax base, the City is aggressively pursuing the design,
phasing and installation of a public sanitary sewer system.
While potentially outside the scope of Comprehensive Plan, such service availability will
necessitate attention to assessment policies, joint powers agreements, service petitions,
etc. So as not to promote the premature extension of such service into development
residential areas of the City, the City should continue to impose stringent private septic
system maintenance requirements and continue to monitor the quality of the community's
ground water supply.
Public Water
In conjunction with the City's sanitary sewer service planning, efforts have also taken
place to provide public water service to the community. Like sanitary sewer service, public
water service is viewed as desirable in enticing commercial/industrial development to the
City (due to fire code/water usage requirements). So as to ensure the success of the
system as planned, the City should pursue the acquisition of a site (or sites) for future
water tower construction. The City's water system plan is considered a valued resource
in identifying desired main and well locations as well as assisting in the long term transition
from private wells to a public water system.
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Private Sewer and Water Systems
As mentioned previously, a determination needs to be made in regard to the future
allowance of unsewered development within the City. Recognizing the density of existing
private sewer systems in the northeast portion of the City and history of failures, all steps
possible should be taken to prevent premature extension of public sewer into the long
range urban service area. Such steps should include, but not be limited to, mandatory
septic system pumping, monitoring of the City's ground water supply and continued
enforcement of the point of sale ordinance. If unsewered development is to allowed in the
long range urban service area, a specific set of criteria should be established (through a
possible ordinance amendment) to determine situations in which such development would
be allowed.
Parks and Trails
The formulation of a Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, the preparation of a city
parks and trails plan, and park dedication requirements imposed through the City's
subdivision regulations are all viewed as positive steps in ensuring that the recreational
needs of the community have been or will be satisfied.
With continuing development potential, as well as increased density possibilities, however,
the demand for more localized park and recreational facilities is likely to grow. Moreover,
a community trail system is a feature which will be gaining demand as the City's population
ages. Otsego is again in an advantageous position to plan and provide for such
community facilities in advance of the actual need. In this regard, the City's Park and Trail
System Plan should be periodically reviewed and updated as determined necessary to
adequate respond to the City's recreational needs.
Public Buildings
Of primary issue in regard to public buildings is the planned sanitary sewer treatment
facility to be located in the southeastern area of the community. As part of such site and
facility planning, due attention should be given to such issues as accessibility,
compatibility, soils, flexibility/expansion potential, site preparation costs, etc.
While not a pressing need, some attention should be given to future service needs which
will develop as the City's population increases. These may include but may not be limited
to a fire station substation, police department, library, and improved public works facilities.
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The City of Otsego lies within three School Districts: St. Michael -Albertville 885, Elk River
728, and Monticello 882. While the Elk River School District constructed an elementary
school in Otsego in 1994, the district continues to report major problems of school
overcrowding. Provided the district can receive monetary approval, Otsego will likely be
considered as a possible location for future school construction.
Historic Preservation
Presently, the City's Historic Preservation Committee, in collaboration with the State
Historical Society, is undertaking a survey to identify historic sites and features within the
City. Once determined, these sites and features should be identified and established as
"historic sites" for protection as well as possible development influence purposes. To the
extent possible, historic sites and/or features within areas planned for urban development
should be embraced in a design sense (as a potential focal point) rather than be treated
as a remnant or unusable tract of land.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Growth Management
As in the case of the 1991 Comprehensive Plan, an expansion of the City's tax base
(particularly along the 1-94 and Highway 101 corridors) is viewed as a primary community
objective.
Related to such expansion is an ability to provide businesses (and residents) with
necessary public services in the most financially responsible manner possible. Directly
related to this objective is the need to ensure the financially viability of the proposed
sanitary sewer and water system in the southeast area of the City. Thus, community
growth should be managed and staged such that the financial success of such investment
is not compromised.
Home Occupations
As noted previously, a significant number of home occupations within the City have
outgrown their residential properties and could otherwise be contributing to the
community's tax base. To accommodate the relocation of such uses, the former
commercial/industrial area of Frankfort Township (now within the City's jurisdiction) could
be established as an area where lesser performance standards may be imposed (to
reduce costs) and home business relocations could be accommodated.
CONCLUSION
The foregoing statements have focused upon the problems and needs of Otsego and the
subjects which must be addressed as part of the Comprehensive Plan. While the
problems have captured the primary spotlight of this discussion, the positive opportunities
and assets of the community are not to be overlooked.
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POLICY PLAN
P O L I C Y P LAN
INTRODUCTION
The intent of the Policy Plan portion of a comprehensive planning process is to outline in
written form what the community desires to be produced or accomplished relative to the
physical environment. Secondly, the Policy Plan is intended to set forth guidelines as to
how these desires are to be achieved. Proceeding in a logical fashion, this chapter
identifies general goals and supporting policies. These elements comprise a review and
decision-making process and the basis upon which plans, programs and actions can be
formulated and initiated.
It is emphasized that these goals and policies are the basic and fundamental plan for the
development of Otsego. In this regard, their purpose is to provide a decision-making
framework to guide all public and private actions and development within the City. In
addition to the active function of guiding response and action, the goals and policies also
serve the more passive function of establishing evaluation criteria for the development and
change which subsequently occurs.
The Policy Plan should not, however, be interpreted as an implementation programming
of actions and responses. No time framework or priority of action is intended or stated.
The Policy Plan is a guide which directs action on the part of the public and private sectors
of the community when responding to needs, problems and opportunities.
In utilizing this element of the plan, it must be cautioned that the policies are to be
considered and utilized collectively. While in some instances a single policy may define
and outline a course of action or decision, it is more commonly the case, however, that
several policies apply to a given situation. Reactions to individual policies should
therefore be tempered pending consideration of all applicable statements.
Additional note should be made that Policy Plans are utilized as the basis of graphic plans
and decision-making due to their flexibility and adaptability. Lacking a "hard line"
delineation, policies can be applied and used for the basis of decision-making when
unanticipated situations emerge. Such is not the case with a map plan in that it is static
and fixed. There will, however, be instances where the policies do not reflect what may
be a change in policy direction or respond sufficiently to questions which arise. In such
cases, the Policy Plan should be updated and amended by modifying the policy statements
to reflect what is in fact the new direction which is desired or by adding new policy
statements which deal with new, unanticipated issues. Operating in such a fashion, the
Comprehensive Plan will retain a current and effective status and will not become
outdated.
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The Policy Plan portion of the Comprehensive Plan is based upon technical analysis
resulting from the Comprehensive Plan Inventory (January 1997) and the Planning Tactics
(January 1997), as summarized in the preceding chapter. Moreover, the Policy Plan has
been subjected to detailed and thorough review on the part of the City's Planning
Commission, City Council, and City staff. It is therefore reflective of the local community
and the ends which are to be achieved and the means whereby this is to be accomplished.
To ensure a proper understanding and clarification, the terms utilized are defined as
follows:
Goals: The generalized end products which will ultimately result in achieving
the kinds of living, working and play areas that are desired.
Policies: Definite courses of action which lead toward goal achievement.
Guides for helping to make present and future decisions consistent
with goals.
To be noted is that many goal and policy statements are generalized in nature and
directed simply toward community health and welfare. In this regard, many of the policies
of the City's 1991 Comprehensive Plan remain valid and will be reiterated. On the other
hand, certain Comprehensive Plan policies are more specific in nature and may direct
different courses of action than those contained in the 1991 plan and reflect a change in
the "community vision". Still other policies have been added simply because a particular
issue was not relevant at the time of the initial Comprehensive Plan's preparation.
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COMMUNITY GOALS
The role and function of local government is the improvement and maintenance of the
community for an orderly, safe, productive and enhanced living and working environment
for the individual. While this basic goal encompasses social, economic and physical
concerns, the City of Otsego is basically limited to addressing and influencing the quality
of life through the physical environment. As a result, the Comprehensive Plan is physically
oriented. Within this context of the City's capabilities, the following are a list of basic
fundamental goals which Otsego is organized to achieve.
■ Encourage growth in an orderly and fiscally responsible manner through
careful management of the development process.
Explanation: In order to establish a strong economic and social base for Otsego,
growth is viewed as positive. A need exists to balance and diversify development
and related opportunities. This growth and diversification, however, needs to be
accomplished in an orderly, organized and fiscally responsible fashion.
■ Establish and maintain a strong sense of neighborhood and community
identity.
Explanation: While strides have been made since its incorporation, Otsego still
lacks the focus of identity typical of municipal governments. Local services lack
concentration due to a mixing with County jurisdiction. Furthermore, as a bedroom
community, work, social activities, schools, shopping an other such daily activities
occur in other jurisdictions. As a consequence of these factors, Otsego is not
readily identifiable as an organized political or social community.
■ Maintain and enhance desirable activities and community character by
ensuring that the community is well managed and a framework for control,
directed change is established.
Explanation: Otsego is a diverse community, with a blend of agricultural and
suburban activities. Each element of the City must be recognized and property
managed so that the results of development are positive and anticipated. To
accomplish this end, a framework guiding change is required and it must be
enforced.
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■ Maintain desirable community character, public health and safety, and
economic vitality by ensuring that development which takes place in Otsego
is of premium quality and blends well with the natural, rural, and suburban
atmosphere of the community.
Explanation: In developing its Comprehensive Plan, Otsego should pay special
attention to a variety of development types and relationships, and base its plans for
supportive systems and services upon those uses which attain optimal land use and
harmony. Related ordinance controls should reflect and enforce the characteristics
of development as specified in the plan.
■ Maintain and improve a safe, viable, orderly, productive and enhanced
environment for all residents of the community.
Explanation: The community should provide for the development and maintenance
of functional land use and structural patterns and the establishment of an orderly
and functional transportation system to serve and connect, but not disrupt, various
use concentrations. Moreover, the community should provide and properly
maintain those resources, facilities and services essential for the protection of the
health, safety, and general welfare of the individual and community (water, sewer,
police and fire protection, schools, parks).
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NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Goals
1. Recognize and preserve prime agricultural lands on a staged basis consistent with
community growth strategies.
2. Protect all environmentally sensitive areas and unique physical features.
3. Ensure that urban development and farming operations are compatible with
features of the natural environment and can be accommodated without destroying
environmental features and natural amenities.
4. Develop controls that regulate agricultural operations and urban land use intensity
which respect the capacity of the natural environmental features to support such
activity.
5. Protect soils, forested areas, floodplains, river areas, shoreland, wetlands, water
tables, storm drainage systems, and natural habitats to insure against loss.
6. Maintain and, where feasible, improve the natural and aesthetic quality of the City's
water resources, including its ground water supply.
7. Maintain and, where feasible, strengthen the aesthetic quality of Otsego's river
environment.
8. Encourage creative subdivision design to insure the protection and enhancement
of those portions of the community containing irregular physical features such as
floodplains, lakes, wetlands, vegetation, and poor soils.
9. Utilize special planning, design and construction techniques where necessary to
overcome both immediate and long term environmental obstacles associated with
development.
10. Provide protection for wooded areas and natural wildlife habitats to insure against
loss of a significant community amenity.
11. Provide adequate protection through land use development policy, to maintain the
environmental balance between natural and man-made physical features, and
insure against property loss or deterioration of property values.
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12. Preserve and protect the quality of Otsego's natural vegetation against disease and
unnecessary destruction.
13. Require screening and landscaping plantings in association with all new projects
or improvements to existing property which complements the architectural character
of built features, blends the structural and natural environments, and protects
adjacent properties from adverse effects of the proposed development.
14. Ensure that land uses near Highway 101 and Interstate 94 are compatible with the
expected noise levels in the area.
15. Ensure that Otsego residents continue to have safe, reliable energy services which
meet their needs.
16. Provide for a logical land use system consistent with community goals and
objectives which contributes positively to the overall energy conservation efforts in
the area.
17. Encourage development in areas where energy savings may be realized through
proportionate reduction in services and maintenance costs.
18. Encourage community residents to undertake a program of personal energy savings
habits in their homes.
19. Establish a program which results in more efficient use of municipal facilities.
20. Eliminate and prevent flooding problems associated with river, lake, wetland, and/or
drainage areas in the City by keeping facilities in rural/agricultural areas free of
excess debris/silt and through proper design and management of infrastructure in
urban areas.
Policies
1. Areas where urban type development is to occur shall be delineated and non -
farming activities shall not be allowed to encroach into agricultural areas.
2. Regulations shall be developed which manage growth and minimize the impacts of
urban development upon agricultural and rural uses.
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3. All activities in naturally or environmentally sensitive areas shall conform to local,
county and state regulations.
4. Regulations shall be formulated and/or updated, and enforced in a fair and
consistent manner to ensure the proper protection of identified natural
environmental resources within the community.
5. The use of concentrated and cluster development concepts shall be encouraged
where protection of natural features is important to the community, and vital to
development desirability.
6. New development and the expansion of existing activities shall be restricted and
regulated where environmental damage may result.
7. Development on drainageways, wetlands, shoreland, floodplains and other natural
features which perform important environmental functions in their natural state shall
be restricted or prohibited.
8. Where appropriate, environmentally sensitive areas shall be acquired or publicly
controlled.
9. Soil suitability for building sites, as well as ground water tables, shall be a basis for
determining the kind of development to be permitted.
10. Ground water quality within concentrated unsewered development areas of the
community shall be monitored by the City.
11. Soil types associated with drainageways shall be protected and preserved in order
to channel flowage, control erosion, and prevent flooding.
12. Development on slopes identified as potential problem areas due to erosion or
slippage characteristics shall be restricted or prohibited. Methods of controlling
erosion or soil slippage shall be indicated on all development requests.
13. Programs designed to protect oak and elm trees through disease control measures
and reforestation shall be pursued.
14. The location, type and condition of existing vegetation shall be indicated in all
development requests and preservation of existing trees shall be accomplished
where feasible.
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15. New development shall be responsible for adding trees and other such amenities
to the landscape.
16. Natural drainage patterns shall be preserved wherever feasible.
17. Development on or alteration of natural drainage system components shall be
prohibited where possible so that storm water can be adequately managed without
construction of storm sewer pipe.
18. Waterbodies and watercourses shall be classified and zoned for specific uses
giving full consideration to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations.
19. Programs shall be initiated, promoted and supported which are aimed at reducing
water, air and noise pollution.
20. State and federal pollution regulations shall be incorporated into local policy when
appropriate.
21. The City shall work with the City of St. Michael to resolve flooding problems within
bordering areas of the two communities.
22. The City shall continue to work with the City of Albertville to ensure proper
management of the Otsego Creek.
23. All development near Highway 101 and Interstate 94 shall consider and give
attention to noise levels along the corridors. This is to ensure that there will not be
an expectation in the future of sound walls or other noise abatement measures by
proximate property owners.
24. The location of non -local governmental waste disposal facilities within the City shall
be discouraged.
25. Recycling programs which conserve natural resources shall be established and
promoted.
26. The City shall encourage waste reduction/separation practices to improve solid
waste management.
27. The City shall consider a proposed project's waste generation potential and
methods of waste reduction and material/energy conservation.
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28. Solid waste that may damage the environment shall be treated to make it harmless
before land disposal.
29. Residential and commercial generators of solid waste shall be encouraged to act
voluntarily to evaluate their use of energy and raw materials and to reduce
consumption where technically and economically feasible.
30. Where determined appropriate by the City, all lands lying within the Mississippi
River's Wild and Scenic District shall be regulated in accordance with applicable
standards so as to preserve and protect the outstanding scenic, recreational,
natural, historical and scientific values of the river.
31. When determined necessary to maintain ground water quality and safeguard the
health of Otsego's residents, hook up to municipal sanitary sewer service shall be
considered.
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LAND USE
Goals
1. Protect and preserve agricultural uses and the economic viability of farming
operations on a staged basis and in a manner consistent with community growth
strategies.
2. Develop and implement a cohesive land use pattern which ensures compatibility
and functional relationships among activities.
3. Prevent overcrowding and over -utilization of land use.
4. Ensure efficient utilization and conservation of land on both a community and sub-
area basis.
5. Maintain and, where necessary, upgrade land uses and environmental quality.
6. Ensure that land use and development is to be compatible with features of the
natural environment and is to be accommodated without destroying environmental
features and natural amenities.
7. Maintain and protect and, where necessary, upgrade the character of individual
residential neighborhoods which includes elimination of non -conforming and
incompatible uses.
8. To the extent possible, provide a variety of dwelling unit types and balanced
housing stock to satisfy the needs, desires, and income levels of all people.
9. Preserve and protect property values.
10. Balance land use allocations with economic market demands and service
availability.
11. Permit growth on a phased basis, providing for a logical extension of urban growth
and related community services in a fiscally responsible manner.
12. Prevent over -intensification of land use development, that is, development which
is not accompanied by a sufficient level of supportive services and facilities
(utilities, parking, access, etc.).
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13. Ensure that safe, convenient, attractive and accessible commercial development
is available to Otsego's residents.
14. Maintain and promote balanced commercial development and activity which is
viable and responsive to the needs of the community, Highway 101 travelers and
surrounding market area.
15. Continue to promote commercial/industrial development in order to create an
expanded employment base and opportunity within Otsego.
16. Promote the infill of development in existing industrially zoned areas of the City.
17. Create the opportunity for varied levels of industrial development and uses within
the community and segregate them into harmonious and compatible use types.
18. Establish and maintain an advantageous property tax situation and pursue a
strengthened and sound tax base.
19. Plan for and encourage development on a City-wide and project basis, which
facilitates energy resource conservation, yet maintains compatibility and desired
relationships of uses.
20. Actively promote the economic growth and development of the community as a
partner and in cooperation with the private sector.
21. Promote the continued development of high quality, high value industries that
enhance the City's economy through an improved tax base and expanded
employment base within Otsego.
22. Plan for coordinated, orderly growth and development of extra territorial areas.
23. Ensure that existing floodplain development is protected from flood waters and that
strict adherence and enforcement be paid to all floodplain ordinances and federal
floodplain insurance regulations.
24. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, or property in times
of flood or which cause increases in flood heights or velocities.
25. Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including public facilities which service such
uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction.
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26. Protect shorelands and river corridors and prevent development misuse.
27. Maintain the jurisdictional integrity of the community.
Policies
General
1. Boundary limits for urban expansion shall be clearly delineated in a staged manner
and non -farming type uses shall be prohibited from prematurely encroaching into
agricultural areas.
2. The spread of small scale, non-farm subdivisions in the rural service area shall be
prohibited.
3. All development proposals shall be analyzed on an individual basis from a physical,
economic and social standpoint to determine the most appropriate uses within the
context of the community as a whole.
4. To the maximum extent possible, development policies and regulations shall be
applied consistently and uniformly.
5. To the extent possible, the provision and maintenance of a balanced variety of
development types and areas to satisfy the needs, desires and income levels of all
people shall be encouraged. An over supply of one type or variety of development
shall be avoided to the extent possible.
6. Land use development shall be related to and reflect transportation needs, desired
development and community priorities.
7. Property values shall be protected through the harmonious relationship of land
uses, streets and natural features and the maintenance of properties.
8. Compatible uses and activities shall be concentrated and clustered into functionally
related sub -units of the community.
9. Transitions between distinctly differing types of land uses shall be accomplished in
an orderly fashion which does not create a negative (economic, social or physical)
impact on adjoining developments.
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10. Incompatible land uses shall be properly regulated and related so that conflicts are
minimized through the use of natural and man-made physical barriers (i.e.,
topography, drainageways, transportation routes, etc.), distances, screens, and/or
proper physical orientation of lots and buildings.
11. Wherever possible, changes in types of land use shall occur either at center or
rear, mid -block points so that similar uses front on the same street, or at borders of
areas separated by major man-made or natural barriers.
12. Whenever possible, the impact of physical barriers shall be reduced to increase
relationships between segregated areas and reinforce continuity and a sense of
community.
13. Where practical, conflicting and non -complementary uses shall be eliminated
through removal and relocation.
14. The removal of land from the tax rolls shall be considered only when it can be
clearly demonstrated that such removal is in the public interest.
15. Land adjacent to the river corridor and shorelands shall be protected from over -
intensification of use and development.
16. Once established, geographic land use designations and related zoning
classifications shall be changed only when it can be demonstrated that such
modifications are in the best interest of the community on a long range perspective
and such changes will promote land use compatibility and pre -determined goals
and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
17. Immediate, short range market potential and demands for activities which are not
suggested for a site or area by the Comprehensive Plan or allowed by the Zoning
Ordinance shall not be the sole justification for a change in activity.
18. Where land use allocations are provided for long term market needs and
absorption, interim uses shall be considered for such properties provided that such
activities can exist in harmony with existing and proposed uses and that such uses
will not serve as obstructions to planned activities and development.
19. Otsego's plans for future growth and expansion shall be coordinated with
neighboring communities.
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20. The character of individual neighborhoods shall be reinforced, maintained and
upgraded.
21. A creative approach (as opposed to "traditional" subdivision design) to the use of
land and related development is to be encouraged.
22. Adequate lot sizes and soundly constructed buildings of sufficient size shall be
required.
23. Standards for development quality shall be established for all land uses to insure
an enhancement of community character. All such standards shall be strictly
adhered to and enforced.
24. Land use development shall be planned so as not to isolate or create land -locked
parcels.
25. All development shall be accessed by public streets.
26. Programs and incentives for continuing privately initiated property maintenance,
improvements for energy conservation, and redevelopment of questionable land
use shall be created and implemented.
27. Development on both a community -wide and project basis which facilitates energy
resource conservation, yet maintains compatibility and relationships of uses is to
be planned and encouraged.
28. Renewal, replacement, and redevelopment of substandard and grossly
incompatible development shall be accomplished through public action and private
means.
29. An aesthetically pleasing environment free from excessive outdoor storage shall
guide the physical development of the community.
30. The preservation, restoration, and enhancement of shoreland and wetland
environments in their natural state shall be encouraged. Where desirable and
practical, development which complements these features and that which is in
conformance with federal, state, and local regulations shall be promoted.
31. "Leaf frog" or premature urban development in Otsego shall be discouraged by
requiring all new development to comply with the City's growth management
policies.
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32. When new or expected development necessitates, impact studies and cost analysis
for public service improvements such as utility extensions or upgrading, fire and
police protection, waste water treatment plant expansion, roadway network
connections/improvements, recreation system elements, and schools shall be
initiated.
33. The attractiveness of the community shall be enhanced through a continuing
program of civic beautification, tree planting, maintenance of homes and streets,
and other measures which will promote an aesthetically pleasing environment.
34. The community shall be planned and developed on a unit (neighborhood) basis as
determined by physical barriers and/or homogeneous land use characteristics and
urban/rural development area boundaries.
35. Otsego shall cooperate with other units of government such as the County, School
Districts, state and federal governments to coordinate the provision of facilities and
insure all necessary services are readily available.
36. Proper growth and development control shall be accomplished by means of
properly administered zoning, subdivision and building/property maintenance
ordinances and follow up inspection and enforcement.
37. Detachment of property from Otsego shall be strongly opposed unless it can be
demonstrated that the property is an integral part of a unified development involving
a common owner or developer which overlaps jurisdictions, that the property and
proposed use cannot be accommodated by the City, that the annexing jurisdiction
is in need of developable space, and/or the annexing jurisdiction can and will
provide urban service.
38. Prior to any properties being detached from the community, assurances shall be
obtained that will guarantee the proposed use and development of such properties
will be in harmony with lands remaining in the City and will not necessitate further
properties being detached from the community.
Agricultural
1. The preservation of agricultural uses and operating farms within the Rural Service
Area shall be a priority in all community planning and development decisions.
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2. Any possible division of land in agricultural areas shall be prohibited if such action
will infringe upon or threaten the maintenance of farming within the rural service
area.
3. Agricultural land use shall observe conservation practices which prevent erosion
and preserve natural resources.
4. The keeping of the present levels of farm animals shall be confined to the rural
designated areas of the community or farming operations already established.
5. The establishment of new animal feedlots within the City shall be prohibited.
Existing animal feedlots which were legally established may continue operating at
their present level, but only reasonable and limited expansion of these operations
shall be allowed. It is not in the best interest of the City to allow large,
concentrated, and intensive animal facilities within the municipal limits, especially
in light of the community's present rate of urbanization.
6. Hobby farms shall be allowed at property division sizes which will not create service
problems or pollution concerns nor infringe upon the City's urban growth areas.
7. The subdivision of farmsteads and small parcels for farm family housing uses shall
be strictly regulated so as not to create future problems.
8. Unless there is a threat to public health or safety, the present level of agricultural
activity within the Rural Service Area shall not be unreasonably limited or curtailed
due to the impacts upon non-agricultural uses which have or are proposing to
encroach into such area.
9. Those types of high intensity agricultural uses, not presently undertaken within the
community, which have the potential for significant adverse effect on adjoining non-
agricultural uses, shall be discouraged.
Residential - General
1. Residential neighborhoods shall be planned and developed according to
determined planning/development district boundaries.
2. All new housing, including rental housing and housing for persons of low and
moderate income, shall adhere to the highest possible standards of planning,
design and construction.
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3. Residential neighborhoods shall be protected from penetration by through traffic on
local streets.
4. Major streets are to border and not penetrate residential neighborhoods.
5. High density development shall be provided with reasonable, but not necessarily
direct, access to major thoroughfares.
6. The low density character of existing residential neighborhoods shall be preserved
and maintained.
7. A balance in the types and quantities of housing units available throughout the City
shall be maintained, emphasizing higher value, single family units/lots, medium/high
density multiple family and elderly housing developments to balance with existing
residential development.
8. A high quality "life cycle" residential environment shall be maintained throughout
the community which emphasizes physically coordinated neighborhoods which
incorporate all types, sizes and styles of dwellings.
9. Residential development shall be protected from adverse environmental impacts,
including noise, air, and visual pollution. New residential development shall be
prohibited in areas where noise and/or pollution exceed accepted standards and
the negative impacts are not correctable by construction, site planning or other
techniques.
10. Low density residential neighborhoods shall be protected from encroachment or
intrusion of incompatible higher use or density types and by adequate buffering and
separation from other residential as well as non-residential use categories.
11. Sufficient housing options to meet the needs of all segments of the population,
including the handicapped and elderly through "life cycle" housing shall be
provided.
12. Adequate living space and fully utilized housing shall be encouraged and promoted
through the provision of a range of choices among housing types and options.
13. Owner occupancy of homes shall be encouraged.
14. An over -balanced supply of one type of housing or level of housing cost shall be
avoided.
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15. Housing for low and moderate income families and individuals shall avoid being
concentrated within a single project or area.
Residential - Development
1. Except in unique cases, all new residential urban growth shall be confined to the
immediate urban service area and shall hook up to municipal sanitary sewer and
water service.
2. Based upon available information and demand projections, a maximum five year
supply for urban residential development shall be provided in the sanitary sewer
service district.
3. Amendments to the sanitary sewer service district boundary (necessary to
accommodate new development) shall be evaluated and allowed only in compliance
with established City evaluation criteria.
4. Within the sanitary sewer service district, only residential land which is final platted
shall be allocated sewer capacity.
5. Preliminary plat approval by the City shall not guarantee access to sanitary sewer
service. The City shall only guarantee such service to approved final plats with
signed contracts which assure the City of timely development.
6. The City shall require financial securities to insure performances on plats to provide
an incentive for timely development.
7. Final plats shall be limited to development which will take place within two years of
City approval.
8. Unsewered residential development within the long range urban service area shall
be allowed only when such development will result in the following:
a. Completion of an unfinished street network.
b. Such development shall have the result of the correction or improvement of
a demonstrated area drainage problem.
C. The dedication of lands to a legitimate public purpose (i.e., desired parks,
public facility structures, right-of-way dedication, etc.).
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9. Single family residential land shall be developed in a manner responsive to
determined market needs and compatible with surrounding development.
10. All new housing, including housing affordable to low and moderate income families
and individuals, shall adhere to the highest community design, planning and
construction standards.
11. Design and planning innovations in housing units and land development shall be
encouraged.
12. Innovation in subdivision design and housing development through the use of
devices such as the cluster unit development concept shall be encouraged.
13. The development of patio homes, apartments, townhouses, quadraminiums and
condominiums to supplement existing conventional single family homes shall be
recognized, giving due consideration to local market demands.
14. A balanced proportion of mid -density and high density residential development shall
be encouraged and shall specifically include provisions for traffic circulation that
would mitigate any adverse effects on existing single family residential
neighborhoods.
15. Residential development in wetland areas and near other natural features that
perform important protection functions in their natural state shall be prohibited.
16. Multiple family housing shall be located in areas not inferior to those generally used
for conventional single family housing.
17. All new housing shall comply with established zoning and building performance
standards.
18. Housing styles and development techniques which conserve land and increase
efficiency are to be encouraged, provided desired densities can be maintained.
19. New housing construction shall reflect modern and emerging construction
techniques and styles.
20. The City shall provide housing opportunities which attract persons of all ages and
income levels and which allows them the ability to maintain residence within Otsego
throughout the various stages of their lives.
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21. Rental housing shall provide adequate sound proofing, energy conservation
measures, and provisions for social and recreational facilities.
22. High density housing is not to be utilized specifically as a buffer or viewed as being
capable of absorbing negative impacts.
23. Residential development shall be promoted proximate to areas targeted for
economic development to provide ancillary and market support.
24. A balance in the availability of quality housing choices throughout the City shall be
maintained.
25. A mix of housing types in a manner consistent with the City's Land Use Plan shall
be developed.
26. The mixing of various housing types or densities shall not be permitted unless
specifically planned and approved as part of large scale projects.
Residential - Preservation
1. A high quality residential environment shall be maintained through rehabilitation or
where necessary, redevelopment of substandard units via private means and/or
public action, when feasible.
2. Substandard housing shall be removed, when it is judged not economically feasible
to correct deficiencies.
3. The uniform application of rental housing standards which require adequate
landscaping and building and grounds maintenance shall be applied and reviewed
in order to ensure that they are effectively meeting their intended purpose.
4. Residential amenities required through zoning and subdivision regulations shall be
maintained.
5. Neighborhood preservation efforts shall be coordinated with and channeled through
individually defined neighborhoods.
6. Where appropriate, the existing housing stock is to be preserved and improved
through aggressive inspection and code enforcement efforts.
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P O L I C Y P LAN
7. Home occupations and commercial/industrial uses shall be minimized within
residential neighborhoods and such non-residential activities, if they exist, are not
to be evident.
8. Within urban residential areas, outside storage is to be minimized and in those
instances when it is acceptable, shall be conducted in an orderly, confined and
limited fashion.
9. Accessory buildings within urban areas shall be of a compatible design and size to
maintain a residential neighborhood character. Such buildings shall be limited to
residential use related activities.
10. Accessory building area allowances shall reflect the size and scale of the lot
(sewered versus unsewered) on which the building is to be constructed.
11. Expansion of the sanitary sewer service district boundaries shall only be permitted
when:
a. Land to be included in the sanitary sewer service district is not "green acred"
or enrolled in an agricultural preservation program.
b. The land lies within one-quarter mile of the sanitary sewer service district
boundary or presents environmental problems that can be alleviated by
delivery of City water and sewer service.
C. The land is located within the designated urban service area reserve.
d. The potential sewer discharge of the land area to be included is within
available capacity limits.
e. The developer shall hold the City harmless should limitations on sewer hook
ups be imposed.
f. The developer and/or benefitting property owners assume the significant
majority of improvement/service costs.
g. The land does not qualify as a premature development or subdivision as
regulated by the City's Subdivision Ordinance.
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h. Inclusion of the land in the sanitary sewer service district is necessary to
achieve a five year supply and respond to a shortage of land to which
service is available.
Commercial
1. Commercial land areas adequate to meet expected long range development needs
shall be designated and a phasing program for utilization shall be defined.
2. Commercial development shall be located in areas of high accessibility.
3. Commercial and service centers shall be developed as cohesive, highly interrelated
and coordinated units with adequate off-street parking and appropriate regulated
points of access.
4. Spot or premature commercial development shall be prohibited.
5. All service and commercial uses shall be adequately screened or buffered from any
adjacent residential development.
6. Spot or uncoordinated linear commercial development shall be discouraged in favor
of a unified development pattern.
7. Development of any scattered open parcels along existing roads and highways
shall be accomplished in a fashion which helps to establish more functional
development patterns (for example, utilizing shared access and parking, etc.).
8. The Highway 101 corridor shall be promoted as the primary focus for commercial
development and operations.
9. The intrusion of commercial land uses in residential districts shall be discouraged.
10. Within the Highway 101 corridor, high quality commercial development shall be
encouraged which takes advantage of the visibility and access provided along the
corridor.
11. Pre -determined development standards shall be established to ensure the quality
of development desired by the community.
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P O L I C Y PLAN
12. A commercial/industrial maintenance code shall be enacted and enforced to help
ensure that commercial and industrial development maintains community character
on an ongoing basis.
13. Safe and convenient pedestrian movement shall be accomplished within service
and commercial districts.
14. When possible or when opportunities arise, major street access to service and
commercial districts shall be at the periphery of the districts.
15. Commercial development shall be limited at street intersections. Development of
one quadrant shall not indicate or dictate commercial use of the remaining
quadrants.
16. Efforts to achieve existing commercial upgrading shall be encouraged and
promoted.
17. Outdoor storage associated with -commercial uses and environmental quality
maintenance shall be strictly regulated and enforced.
18. Signing of commercial properties shall facilitate identification and business
promotion but shall be restricted to prevent over -intensification.
19. Fragmented and uncoordinated commercial development shall be discouraged in
favor of a unified and pre -planned development pattern.
20. The City shall encourage the elimination (through removal and relocation) of
conflicting non -complementary uses in areas of the City targeted for immediate
commercial development.
21. The City shall encourage private efforts to achieve commercial development.
22. A minimum of 30 percent of waste water treatment plant capacity shall be reserved
for commercial (or industrial) development with a maximum of 60,000 gallons per
day capacity reserved for the forthcoming 20 year planning period (based on initial
plant capacity).
23. An orderly transition between the highway commercial areas and low density
residential neighborhoods shall be established through the introduction of higher
density residential uses.
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PO L I C Y P LAN
24. Existing commercial uses shall be encouraged to hook up to municipal sanitary
sewer and water service when available.
25. The City of Otsego shall support the designation of commecial land use in the
northeast quadrant of the Highway 101/County Road 42 intersection and directly
east of the Highway 101/County Road 39 intersection.
Industrial
1. The Highway 101, Interstate 94 corridors, and 70th Street corridor (between Kadler
Avenue and County Road 19) shall be promoted as the primary focus for industrial
development and operations.
2. A minimum of 30 percent of waste water treatment plant capacity shall be reserved
for industrial (or commercial) development with a maximum of 60,000 gallons per
day capacity reserved for the forthcoming 20 year planning period (based on initial
plant capacity).
3. Existing industrial uses shall be encouraged to hook up to municipal sanitary sewer
and water service when available.
4. Home occupation/home business relocation opportunities shall be provided in the
former Frankfort Township commercial/industrial area through the application of
less stringent industrial use performance standards to the area.
5. Areas designated for industrial development shall provide for phasing of
development as demand increases. Distinct areas for varying types of industrial
activities shall be defined.
6. Industrial uses and activities shall be strictly limited to areas which are so
designated. Such areas shall be in locations with high accessibility.
7. Existing industrial type activities within residential areas of the community shall be
encouraged to relocate to appropriate use type areas.
8. Standards governing industrial development quality shall be established and
enforced.
9. Outside storage of equipment and materials associated with industrial uses shall
be screened and landscaped to eliminate negative visual impact.
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P O L I C Y PLAN
10. Industrial development shall have convenient access and shall be located near
major streets and highways. Direct, uncoordinated access to such facilities shall,
however, be prohibited.
11. Signing of industrial properties shall facilitate identification and business promotion
but shall be restricted to prevent over -utilization.
12. Industrial (and commercial) development shall be strongly encouraged to create
new job opportunities and expand the local tax base to assist in paying for needed
services and reduce tax impacts on housing costs.
13. Ongoing maintenance and improvement of existing industrial uses shall be
encouraged.
14. Infill of development in the existing industrially zoned areas of the City shall be
encouraged including the Otsego Industrial Park.
15. Alternative fiscal incentives to attract new desired types of industries to Otsego
shall be investigated.
16. Industrial development which maximizes the return on City investments in public
facilities and services shall be promoted.
17. Due consideration shall be given to all potential physical implications and services
and facility demands (i.e., traffic generation, sewer and water demands, etc.) of any
proposed industrial development.
18. Within economic capabilities, public services and facilities shall be provided to
Otsego's industries to help ensure their satisfaction with locating in the community.
19. The City shall encourage site upkeep and maintenance through code enforcement
to promote a positive industrial (and commercial) image.
20. Site designs that integrate industrial facilities with natural features of the land and
provide an aesthetically attractive appearance shall be encouraged.
Annexation
1. The City will continue to work with neighboring communities and jurisdictions for
sharing of necessary utilities and services.
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PO L I C Y PLAN
2. The City shall plan its utility service and street extensions to accommodate long
term growth and expansion in the community.
3. The City will work to achieve cooperation in annexation requests by developing and
adhering to orderly annexation agreements with neighboring communities of
Albertville, St. Michael, and Monticello Township which are mutually beneficial to
all jurisdictions.
4. The orderly annexation agreements will identify boundaries and target years for
areas eligible for orderly annexation.
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TRANSPORTATION
Goals
1. Develop a system of priorities for improving the various elements of the
transportation system.
2. Approach transportation in a comprehensive manner, giving attention to all modes
and related facilities.
3. Provide for safe and convenient movement by all transportation modes.
4. Define street system routings and connections in the undeveloped urban areas of
the community.
5. Establish and develop a street system and necessary traffic control devices for the
efficient movement of people and goods.
6. Establish and develop a street system which is sensitive to homogeneous
neighborhoods and activity areas.
7. Establish and develop a City street and traffic control system which conforms with
existing laws, optimizes service provided to Otsego residents and minimizes
adverse impacts.
8. Install necessary traffic control devices to provide for the safety and well being of
users and neighbors of street systems in Otsego.
9. Provide sufficient off-street parking to meet the demands of all types of land uses.
10. Support the development of public transit, para -transit systems (i.e., dial -a -ride), car
pooling and other such measures which will minimize the need for individual
automobile travel.
11. Ensure the provision of pedestrian and bicycle facilities which are consistent with
the safe and convenient circulation needs of the pedestrian and the bicyclist.
12. Upgrade existing substandard streets and roads.
13. Develop a City trail system that minimizes potential conflicts between trail users and
motor vehicles and ensures the safety of trail users.
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Policies
General
1. All modes of transportation and related facilities should be treated as one system
to be coordinated and related on a comprehensive basis.
2. Transportation facilities shall be planned to function in a manner compatible with
adjacent land use. In those instances where the function of a transportation facility
has changed over time to become incompatible with adjacent land uses, programs
shall be established to eliminate this incompatibility.
3. Transportation facilities shall be designed to conserve natural resources and
minimize the total need for ongoing public investment.
4. A Capital Improvement Program shall be prepared and annually updated for
transportation facilities.
5. Transportation planning and implementation shall be coordinated with neighboring
and affected jurisdictions.
6. The City shall work with Wright County to identify the ways and means by which
long term transportation planning goals can be met to satisfy both regional and
local needs.
7. The transportation system shall focus on activity centers within the community and
in neighboring communities.
8. The mobility needs of all persons shall be considered in the planning and
development of the transportation system.
9. Early and continuing citizen involvement shall be provided in transportation
planning and implementation projects.
10. The highway system shall complement and facilitate local movements provided by
local streets, bicycle trails and pedestrian facilities. A line of communication shall
be maintained with County and State highway officials in order to ensure that
planned improvements are consistent with the goals and objectives of the
community.
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P O L I C Y PLAN
11. The Highway 101 and Interstate 94 corridors shall be promoted for the
establishment of highway oriented commercial and industrial businesses which
benefit from the high traffic volumes and visibility along these roadways.
12. New development of any kind which is not capable of accommodating the
associated traffic increases due to factors such as construction, alignment,
orientation, surfacing, width, site lines, state of repair, or joint jurisdiction shall be
discouraged.
13. The continued usage of and need for the Burlington Northern Rail Line which
traverses the southwest corner of the community shall be evaluated.
Streets
1. The functional classification systems contained below shall be followed in the
planning and design of the Otsego street/road system.
FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF STREETS
Class
Function
Provided Access To
Principal Arterial
Service to major centers of activity, provides
Principal arterials
continuity to rural arterial system
Minor arterials
Minor Arterial
Service of an intra -community nature, urban
Principal arterials
concentrations to rural collector roads
Collector streets
Land
Collector Street
Local collection and distribution between
Land
collector streets and arterials, land access to
Minor arterials
minor generators
Local streets
Local Streets
Service to abutting land
Land
Higher systems
elements
Source: Minnesota Department of Transportation
2. New streets shall be constructed and existing streets upgraded in compliance with
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) standard specifications for
construction.
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P O L ICY P LAN
3. Minor collectors shall be considered in major subdivisions to channel traffic out of
the subdivision onto the City's major collector or arterial street system.
4. Vehicular access onto all types of arterials shall be minimized and limited ensuring
adequate distance between intersections and utilization of appropriate traffic control
methods and devices.
5. Wherever possible, access to property shall be prohibited from major streets.
Detached frontage roads are to provide property access for properties "fronting"
such streets and roads.
6. Where feasible and practical, parking on arterial streets shall be prohibited.
7. Any on -street parking which conflicts with moving traffic or creates hazards shall be
prevented and eliminated.
8. All street system facilities shall be planned, designed and developed according to
the highest standards, giving due consideration to both land use and overall
transportation goals and policies.
9. Street improvements shall relate to area land development in order to avoid
interrupted or inadequate access.
10. All residential streets shall be categorized per function and those serving as low
volume carriers shall be designed to prevent penetration by through traffic and
properly direct traffic to collector or arterial streets.
11. Street improvement shall be related to area land development in order to avoid
interrupted or inadequate access.
12. Proper visibility, design and control of all intersections shall be required to promote
safety.
13. A phased program to improve hazardous and poorly designed intersections and
access points shall be established so as to increase the safety to both motorized
and non -motorized traffic.
14. Street safety shall be through the appropriate use of street lighting and sign
controls.
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PO L I C Y PLAN
15. A uniform system and policy regarding public signing shall be developed which
eliminates unnecessary signs and replaces outdated, inappropriate and confusing
public signs.
16. Private signing shall relate to the overall system of street function and control and
shall be minimized to the extent possible in order to maintain safe traffic movement.
17. Standards and controls for business signing and lighting shall be established and
enforced in order to prevent driver distraction and potential hazards.
18. The amount of land devoted to streets and the number of street miles within the
community shall be minimized to the extent possible.
19. Where feasible and practical, provisions for other transportation modes, i.e.,
bicycles, snowmobiles, park and ride, etc., shall be included in street and highway
improvement plans.
20. The existing primary access points (County Roads 39, 42, 37, and 36) to Highway
101 are viewed as vital to the community and are to be maintained in the future.
21. The City shall plan for anticipated increases in traffic volumes and corresponding
roadway improvements by analyzing existing right-of-way widths, accessibility,
speed, surfacing, sizing, and maintenance requirements of existing roadways and
those in areas of new development.
22. The City shall work to phase out existing gravel roadways in urbanized areas of the
community by evaluating their function in relation to the long term transportation
system and continually work to upgrade or eliminate them as necessary.
23. Where feasible and practical, the City shall establish pedestrian and bicycle trails
in conjunction with street and highway improvements.
24. Through traffic is to border and not penetrate residential areas.
25. In those areas where incomplete street facilities exist, action shall be taken to plan,
design, and develop a street system which reflects the highest standards and
relates land use to transportation needs and policies.
26. All traffic safety hazards within the community are to be identified and a program
for corrective action is to be formulated and implemented.
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P O L I C Y P LAN
27. The City shall monitor and respond, as determined necessary, to tentative plans to
construct a full interchange at County Road 19 and Interstate 94 in Albertville.
Parkin4
1. Any new development or expansion of existing development shall include adequate
off-street parking.
2. Parking requirements imposed shall be constantly reviewed and studied to ensure
supply is reflective of demand.
3. Parking facilities shall be developed so as to conserve land, promote joint use and
minimize conflicts with vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
4. Parking lot access to public streets shall be limited to the functional minimum.
5. Parking shall be designed in functional clusters avoiding irregular and inefficient
lots.
6. Park and ride facilities shall be pursued along Highway 101 as need dictates.
7. Landscaping techniques shall be utilized to eliminate large continuous expanses
of pavement and enhance the aesthetics of parking areas.
8. Provisions for handicapped parking in compliance with state law are to be made in
all parking lots.
Pedestrian/Bicycle
1. Pedestrians and bicyclists shall be afforded rights-of-way separated from motorized
traffic at a minimum along arterial and higher classified streets. When physically
and/or economically feasible and in compliance with state law, pedestrian and
bicycle traffic shall be separated.
2. Adequate lighting shall be provided in all urbanized areas of heavy pedestrian
movement.
3. Pedestrian street crossings on heavily traveled streets shall be clearly marked and
illuminated.
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4. Priority shall be given to the establishment of pedestrian and bicycle facilities in
areas in and surrounding churches, schools, parks, isolated neighborhoods, and
commercial development.
5. Streets designated as major arterials shall be designed to prevent unregulated
pedestrian and bicycle crossings and protect pedestrian and bicycle movement
paralleling traffic.
6. When financially feasible, facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists shall be provided
in conjunction with street improvement projects.
7. When possible, bicyclists shall be provided a right-of-way separated from both
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
8. New development shall be encouraged to respect the pedestrian/bicycle system
and where possible to contribute to the rights-of-way and development costs.
9. Trail development priority shall be given to trails along major streets that have the
most direct access to trail destinations and with existing and proposed parks and
play fields.
10. The City shall cooperate with state, regional and county agencies in the formulation
of a comprehensive trail system and elimination or duplication of facilities.
11. The City shall cooperate with adjacent communities to coordinate trail system
connections between the communities.
12. Trail dedication fees from newly platted parcels shall be utilized for trail right-of-way
acquisition or trail development.
13. Trails shall be developed in conjunction with roadway improvements.
14. Supportive facilities (i.e., bike parking areas, rest rooms, water, rest area, benches,
etc.) shall be provided in conjunction with trail development as need dictates.
15. Trails shall be routed to minimize stop signs, cross traffic, and mixing with other
modes of transportation.
16. The duplication of pedestrian and bicycle ways shall be avoided by designating the
appropriate mode in each segment of the system (sidewalk -trail -street).
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P O L I C Y P LAN
17. All pedestrian pathways are to include design features which provide access to the
handicapped.
18. Trail use is to be promoted as an alternative mode of transportation, as well as for
recreational purposes.
19. Trails are to be designed and constructed according to the standards established
by the State Department of Transportation and State Planning Agency.
20. The private sector shall be encouraged to provide bicycle parking facilities.
21. Bicycle safety education courses shall be promoted in the City's schools.
22. The utilization of bike and pedestrian corridors for alternative activities in Winter
months shall be encouraged when determined to be safe and proper.
23. All trails are to be maintained in good repair.
24. Trails within one mile of schools shall be kept open and clear of snow throughout
the year.
25. The City shall periodically review and update the City's Park and Trails Plan to
ensure it responds to community priorities.
26. Whenever feasible, the construction of bikeways or sidewalks shall occur in
conjunction with the improvement of streets designated for trail development.
27. Horseback riding on trails designated for other uses shall be prohibited.
28. In areas experiencing urban growth, snowmobile route alignments shall be
promoted which maintain a degree of physical separation between the developed
areas and trial routes.
29. The use of motorized all terrain vehicles shall be prohibited on the City's trail
system.
30. The development of trails in association with residential and commercial uses shall
be promoted to provide both functional and recreational access between these
environments.
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Mass Transit
1. There shall be cooperative efforts with other governmental jurisdictions to create
markets and introduce transit or para -transit service on the local scale.
2. Where economically feasible, transit and para -transit services and facilities are to
be promoted to meet the basic transportation needs of persons who cannot use
automobile transportation.
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POLICY PLAN
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Goals
1. To the extent possible, establish and implement physical features which will help
create a sense of community identity and recognition.
2. Ensure the provision and maintenance of facilities and services necessary to meet
the needs and interests of the community.
3. Plan and provide public facilities and services in a coordinated and economic
manner on a basis that is consistent with the nature of development and possible
pending problems within the community.
4. Minimize costs and undue further investment for public facilities and services by
encouraging full utilization of existing and available service system elements.
5. Ensure adequate distribution and provide for safe, easy access to all facilities and
services within the community.
6. Coordinate facilities and services on a joint use basis between governmental units.
7. Minimize the impact of non -local facilities which cross or are located in the
community.
8. Public systems such as storm drainage, water supply and sanitary sewer along with
their private extensions should be designed in a comprehensive manner to utilize
fully the natural environment conditions minimizing development cost.
9. Ensure that Otsego residents continue to have safe, reliable energy services to
meet their needs.
10. Provide for a logical land use system consistent with community goals and
objectives which contributes positively to the overall energy conservation efforts in
the area.
11. Through establishment of a Capital Improvement Program, plan and budget for
public service improvements such as utility extensions or upgrading, fire and police
protection, waste water treatment plant expansion, roadway network connections/
improvements, recreation system elements, and schools as dictated by new or
anticipated development.
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P O L I C Y PLAN
Policies
Public/Semi-Public Utilities
1. Anticipated and to the extent possible, controlled demand for urban services shall
be regulated to facilitate possible future orderly, fiscally responsible extension of
service systems.
2. Urban and rural service areas shall be clearly designated with appropriate density
and use controls, to facilitate staged and substantially utilized service systems.
3. Easements for utility systems shall be required and located according to uniform
standards, providing for ease of access for maintenance and repair and minimal
disruption of other activities or areas.
4. A program and regulations assuring that all public as well as private sewer and
water utility systems are constantly monitored and maintained to assure a safe and
high quality standard of service on an ongoing basis shall be established.
5. The impact of required utility facilities and services shall be minimized on
surrounding uses.
6. Underground installation of all new utility services shall be required and when
economically feasible.
7. The conversion of existing overhead systems to underground is to be encouraged
and promoted.
8. Coordination among all utility improvement programs shall be required.
9. Runoff shall be managed to protect the ground water recharge areas in accordance
with the City's approved drainage plan.
10. Soil types associated with drainageways shall be protected and preserved in order
to channel flowage, and control erosion.
11. Natural drainage shall be preserved to the extent possible in order to minimize
storm sewer costs.
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12. A Capital Improvement Program for all public facilities shall be prepared and
annually updated.
13. Any non -local utility lines and essential service facilities which are located in or
which are routed through and bisect the community shall be located in such a
fashion as to minimize impact upon existing as well as future development.
14. Municipal sanitary sewer and water service shall be provided only to lands within
the immediate urban service area.
15. Based upon available information and demand projections, the sanitary sewer
service district shall provide a maximum five year supply for urban development.
16. The City shall periodically define the amount, type and rate of growth which must
be absorbed to accommodate sanitary sewer demands.
17. The City shall establish a land bank system whereby actual sanitary sewer service
allocations shall be held in reserve and not applied to lands within the sanitary
sewer service district until such time as the developer has:
a. Received final plat approval from the City.
c
b. Entered into a subdivision development agreement with the City and posted
all the necessary securities required by it.
18. Sanitary sewer allocations will be provided on a "first come, first serve" basis.
19. Preliminary plat approval by the City shall not guarantee access to sanitary sewer
service. The City shall only guarantee such service to approved final plats with
signed contracts which assure the City of timely development.
20. Sanitary sewer shall be financed by those who receive such service.
21. Risk of payment for non-users of sanitary sewer shall be reduced through utility
phasing, the identification of potential water revenue sources, and the
establishment of realistic growth expectations.
22. Developers shall be responsible for costs associated with the extension of
municipal utilities to new developments.
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23. Assessments associated with sanitary sewer service shall be imposed in
accordance with the assessment rules of the City which establish financing methods
for various City improvements, including, but not limited to, trunk mains and laterals
for sanitary sewer and water.
24. Utility lines installed to serve a particular parcel of land shall be extended at the
developer's expense through the parcel to provide future hook up opportunity to
adjacent property.
25. The boundaries of the sanitary sewer service district shall only be expanded when:
a. Land to be included in the sanitary sewer service district is not "green acred"
or enrolled in an agricultural preservation program.
b. The land lies within one-quarter mile of the existing sanitary sewer service
district boundary or presents environmental problems that can be alleviated
by the delivery of City water and sewer service.
C. The land is located within the designated urban service area reserve.
d. The potential sewer discharge of the land area to be included is within
available capacity limits.
e. The developer shall hold the City harmless should limitations on sewer
hookups be imposed.
f. The developer and/or benefitting property owners assume the significant
majority of improvement/service costs.
g. The land does not quality as a premature development or subdivision as
regulated by the City's Subdivision Ordinance.
h. Inclusion of the land in the sanitary sewer service district is necessary to
achieve a five year supply and respond to a shortage of land to which
service is available.
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Commercial/industrial development and requests for service to existing,
unsewered residential areas shall be given priority over new residential
development for service district expansion requests.
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26. An urban service area reserve shall be established which graphically identifies
lands within the City which will be considered for sanitary sewer service district
expansion.
27. The City shall investigate the financial possibility of providing urban services to the
following areas:
a. The County Road 39/County Road 19 area where such service would
resolve environmental concerns associated with on-site private septic
systems.
b. The Albertville/Otsego border areas.
Private Utilities - (Darkenwald Treatment System)
1. All uses shall comply with applicable provisions of the City's Zoning and
Subdivision Ordinances and Comprehensive Plan (Policies and Development
Framework).
2. All uses and development shall comply with applicable state laws and regulations
including those related to sewer service.
3. Consideration of possible private sanitary sewer delivery to lands other than the
Riverbend Mobile Home Park (the 250 acre area in the vicinity of the Highway
101/County Road 42 intersection) shall be deferred until such time as the capacity
and potential service area of the private package treatment plant is more clearly
defined and documented by the owner.
4. Any expansion of the facility's existing service area (Riverbend Mobile Home Park)
shall be subject to City approval.
5. Any sale of private plant capacity to lands not within the existing service area
(Riverbend Mobile Home Park), or to lands west of Highway 101 under the same
ownership as the Riverbend Mobile Home Park, shall be prohibited without a
specific franchise agreement approved by the City.
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Governmental Buildings Facilities and Services
1. Cooperation and coordination between governmental units shall be promoted and
encouraged in the provision of public facilities and services.
2. The full utilization of investments in public facilities and services shall be achieved
prior to making new public investments.
3. Public facilities and services shall be located and centralized so as to offer ease of
access and minimal response time. The facilities shall be readily accessible to both
the existing and planned street system. These facilities shall also be designed to
enhance community identity and recognition.
4. All public facilities shall be developed, improved and maintained according to the
highest adopted standards of design and performance to serve as examples for
private development. Public facilities shall present a positive aesthetic expression
and strive to create a source of community pride.
5. Public buildings shall be designed and maintained to be resistant to personal and
property crime opportunity while maximizing public and City usability.
6. Those areas, places, buildings, structures and other features having significant
architectural, historical, community or aesthetic interests and values shall be
preserved to the extent possible.
7. All public facilities shall be located where the proposed use is compatible with the
existing and proposed land use of the area.
8. Public facilities shall be developed upon sites which offer ample land area for any
necessary expansion.
9. Potential public facility sites shall be evaluated for their compatibility to the City's
sanitary sewer plan.
10. The displacement and relocation of residents resulting from the development of
governmental service facilities shall be discouraged.
11. Public facilities shall be adequately screened, landscaped, and buffered in order
to minimize their impact on surrounding uses and enhance the community and area
in which they are located.
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12. The water tower (or towers) associated with the City's municipal water system shall
be located such to both fulfill its intended function and promote Otsego's identity.
13. The City shall examine the feasibility of providing a fire substation within the
community which will adequately protect citizens within the existing and potentially
expanding fire service area.
14. The City consider coordination and participation with immediately abutting
communities in the possible establishment of a multi -jurisdictional or shared police
and fire service basis.
Parks and Open Space
1. The City promote the implementation of the Otsego Park and Trail System Plan to
address the recreational issues and opportunities within the community.
2. The City classify and make'any improvements to the park and open space system
utilizing the following types of parks where encouraged by the Park and Trail
System Plan-
a. Community Parks: These parks would provide facilities for more intensive
recreational activities, such as tennis courts, ballfields, swimming pools, and
ice skating rinks.
b. Neighborhood Parks: These parks could be much smaller in size than the
community parks, and only provide limited recreational offers for children
such as tot lots with small climbing apparatus; or walking trails with park
benches and picnic areas oriented towards adult -type recreation.
C. Passive/Preservation Parks: These parks would be set in natural areas of
the community where preservation of the natural environment would be the
primary emphasis. Hiking trails, wildlife sanctuaries and picnic facilities
would be among the primary uses of such a park facility, which in turn would
benefit the natural wildlife of the area and natural enthusiasts.
3. The City gauge capital improvements made to individual park facilities on the basis
of relative need for developed park facilities.
4. Recreational open space improvements shall be programmed in accordance with
a Capital Improvement Program and updated on an annual basis.
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5. New recreation sites shall be pursued in association with new residential
subdivisions which serve a broad range of age groups and activities.
6. Parks shall be designed and maintained with proper lighting, landscaping, shelter
design, etc., to ensure a high degree of public and property safety.
7. The City shall encourage continued citizen participation in the planning,
development and operation of recreational open space.
8. An appropriate balance between active, passive, and cultural recreational areas
and activities, tailored to the needs of the total population throughout the community
shall be provided.
9. Recreational facilities and a year-round program of activities shall be provided
which are suited to the varied recreational needs of all age groups within the
community.
10. On a periodic basis, the City shall undertake studies to analyze the effectiveness
and comprehensiveness of the community recreation program.
11. Safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to recreational facilities shall
be provided.
12. Trail systems shall be created which provide for separation of motorized and non -
motorized recreational activities.
13. The use of motorized recreational vehicles shall be limited to designated areas.
14. The City shall acquire and reserve sufficient park and open space land to fulfill the
needs of the present and projected future population of the community.
15. Parks and open space shall be developed and improved to take maximum
advantage of natural community features.
16. Where necessary, park and open space areas shall be screened, fenced or
buffered for the safety and protection of the user.
17. Neighborhood and community scale recreational facilities shall be located within
safe and easy access of users.
18. Adequate parking shall be provided to serve major park and recreational facilities.
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19. Cooperative agreements with the School Districts shall be established for provision
of recreational open space areas, athletic programs and services.
20. Park and open space facilities shall be planned and developed in coordination with
similar services of surrounding communities.
Energy
1. The use of alternative energy forms in new construction shall be encouraged.
2. A set of municipal procurement policies shall be established which promotes energy
efficiency.
3. Where practical, overall energy conservation in the community development
process shall be promoted by encouraging concentration of structures and facilities.
4. Energy source capacities and distribution policies shall be monitored to insure their
consideration in the community development process.
5. Where possible, minimal automobile gasoline consumption shall be encouraged
through use of car pooling for work and group social events.
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ADMINISTRATION
Goals
1. Ensure that all development and/or redevelopment that occurs in the community is
in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, however, amend the Comprehensive
Plan and related ordinances as necessary to reflect changing community needs and
priorities.
2. Pursue means and measures to provide more local control and a direct response
to development proposals and ongoing community needs and problems.
3. To the extent possible, allocate administrative and improvement costs to those
generating the demand or utilizing the service.
Policies
1. The Otsego Comprehensive Plan shall be evaluated on an annual basis. The plan
shall be expanded and updated when such action is deemed appropriate and
approved by the City.
2. Codes addressing zoning, subdivision, building, and building/property maintenance
shall be locally established and enforced.
3. A program for the transition of local responsibility of duties from the County to the
community shall be formulated and implemented in cooperation with Wright County.
4. The City's application, fee, and processing procedure and system shall be
monitored to ensure that the financial costs associated with related project
consideration is borne by the applicant.
5. An impact fee system covering all possible concerns shall be established and
required of new development projects.
6. Special assessments and/or special taxing districts shall be concepts utilized in
assigning costs for public improvements to benefitting parties.
7. Land dedication requirements, easements and other such requirements shall be
required at time of subdivision and/or development to insure the physical capability
for necessary public/semi-public utilities and improvements.
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8. The community's financial position and debt service shall be annually reviewed and
analyzed to ensure proper fiscal programming and management.
9. Federal and state programs shall be monitored for the possibility of assisting the
community with implementing the Comprehensive Plan and meeting the needs of
its citizens.
10. Constant legislative changes and new requirements in Ordinance and community
control responsibilities shall be monitored, notably in the area of environmental
protection and development management authority.
11. A Capital Improvement Program shall be prepared and annually updated for the
management, programming, and budgeting of capital needs.
12. All development proposals shall be adequately considered to determine all
economic, physical, social and service demand implications and sufficient time shall
be provided for thorough analysis and decision-making.
13. All analysis and basis for decision-making on development proposals shall be
thoroughly substantiated and documented.
14. Communication and continued coordination is to be maintained and promoted
between the City and neighboring and related governmental jurisdictions.
15. The general citizenry shall be kept informed of and involved in planning and
development programs of the community.
16. A structure and program for the direct involvement and input of area residents,
business persons, and property owners shall be established in the planning and
implementation of any development or redevelopment projects in the City.
17. The City shall utilize existing business and civic organizations as a means of
communicating and informing land owners and tenants, and the general citizenry
of area/projected plans and accomplishments.
18. Prior to public hearings, the City shall encourage developers to hold informal
meetings with project area residents, business persons, and property owners on a
neighborhood or sub -unit basis to inform them of area plans.
19. Formal public hearings on area plans and projects shall be held with adequate prior
notice to all citizens in the community.
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20. The City shall make use of all public media, notably area newspapers, as a means
to keep citizens informed of all redevelopment projects.
21. Specialized expertise shall be enlisted which can contribute to the area plans from
individuals of the community at large.
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