Chapter 10:
Introduction Once the Comprehensive Plan has been adopted by the City of Oakdale, the City can begin to implement the goals and strategies to make this vision a reality. This chapter will set forth the actions that the City will take to ensure that the plans, programs and policies set forth in the Plan will be carried out in the decisions that the City makes on a daily basis. This chapter provides guidance for policymakers and staff to determine priority for a wide range of strategies recommended to carry out the plan. This chapter is not intended to include all planning and policy efforts that the City will undertake to fulfill the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. It is intended to identify major initiatives needing time and resources devoted to them. Official Controls Zoning Official controls, such as zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, and official zoning map must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. These controls represent the rules and regulations that govern city decisions regarding growth and development. Updates to the official controls to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan are being conducted and include the following items: Review and update if necessary the existing residential zoning district requirements and subdivision regulations to ensure that the densities allowed in the Plan can be achieved. Develop or review as necessary design standards to ensure high quality residential, commercial and industrial development in the community. Review and update as necessary the park dedication requirements to ensure appropriate amount of dedication is required to develop future parks and trails based on the updated plans. Oakdale s current zoning ordinance establishes 13 zoning districts. Below is a description of distinguished zoning districts in the City. The existing Zoning Map is displayed in Figure 10-1. Residential R-1, Very Low-Density Housing District, is for very low density single-family detached dwelling uses on large lots. 15,000 SF minimum lot size for public sewer. R-2, Low-Density Housing, is for low density single-family detached dwelling units. 9,600 SF minimum lot size, R-3, Low Density Housing District is to provide for single-family and two-family detached dwelling units. 9,600 SF min. lot size for singe family and 12,000 SF min. lot size for two-family units. R-4, Mid-Density Housing District is to provide for moderate density residential. Min. lot size ranges from 4,400-5,400 SF. R-5,High Density Housing District is to provide for medium-to-high density housing in multiplefamily structures. Min. lot size ranges from 4,000-4,800 SF. R-6, Manufactured Home District is to provide for the creation of mediumdensity manufactured home communities. Commercial C-1, Neighborhood Commercial District is to provide for the establishment of local centers for convenient retail or service outlets which deal directly with the customer for whom the goods or services are furnished. These Executive Summary 10-2
Figure 10-1: Zoning Map 10-3
centers are to provide services and goods primarily for the surrounding neighborhoods and are not intended to draw customers from the entire community. C-2, Community Commercial District is to provide for retail and service outlets which deal directly with the customer for whom the goods or services are furnished. The uses allowed in this district are to provide goods and services on a community market scale and located in areas which are well served by collector or arterial street facilities. Industrial I/O, Industrial-Office District is to provide for light manufacturing, office, research and development, warehousing, and other permitted uses in a functional, attractive manner which does not unduly affect the development or use of nearby properties. G/I, The purpose of the General Industrial District is to provide for light and heavy manufacturing, largescale warehousing, truck terminals, and businesses which require large amounts of outdoor storage. PUD PUD, The Planned Unit Development District may include any developments having one or more principal uses or structures on a single parcel of ground or contiguous parcels provided that the total area is five (5) acres or larger. The PUD shall consist of a harmonious selection of uses and grouping of buildings, parking areas, circulation and open spaces, and shall be designed as an integrated unit, in such manner as to constitute a safe, efficient, and convenient urban area. Limited Business The purpose of the Limited Business District (LB) is to establish an area to accommodate high quality office and professional service uses in appropriate areas that are separate and distinct from the City s intensive retail and industrial areas. Limited support commercial uses shall also be allowed to provide service to the surrounding development and immediate neighborhood,provided that they are sufficiently limited and controlled by design to maintain the overall image and character of an office park. Gateway District The purpose of the Gateway District is to provide for landmark office, conference, medical, or hotel uses and supportive uses in a functional, appealing manner which does not unduly affect the development or use of adjacent properties. These uses will take advantage of high visibility from the adjacent interstates, serving the City as a recognizable gateway feature. Capital Improvement Plan State Law requires that the implementation plan chapter for the Comprehensive Plan contain a capital improvement program (CIP) for transportation, sewer, water, and park and trail facilities. The city s current CIP is provided in Appendix E. The CIP provides the city ability to prioritize and budget for projects and improvements on a yearly basis. By planning and budgeting into the future the city is better able to find funding sources where gaps may occur. Strategies The following section lists the implementation strategies for each chapter of the Plan. Executive Summary 10-4
Housing Chapter 3 1. Redevelop aging housing supply to meet diverse needs while still maintaining the integrity of existing structures. 2. Utilize scattered site clearance, new construction and remodeling programs to encourage and support rehabilitation and upgrading of all existing housing stock. 3. Support existing, attractive and stable neighborhoods through strong housing code enforcement, good public facilities and services, rehabilitation incentives and other alternative means. 4. Continue to seek housing funds from outside sources including the following: a. Metropolitan Livable Communities Act b. Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) c. Two Rivers Land Trust d. Washington County Deferred Loan Program e. Minnesota Housing Finance Association (MHFA) Rental Rehabilitation Loans f. MHFA Great Minnesota Fix-Up Fund g. MHFA Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program h. Tax Increment Financing 5. Continue to support rental licensing program 6. Continue to conduct large item junk pick ups in neighborhoods that show a need for rehabilitation and revitalization 7. Continue to support a Code Enforcement Inspector 8. Target coordinated investments in public infrastructure (road reconstruction, lighting, park improvements, etc.) to neighborhoods that need revitalization to serve as a catalyst for private investment 9. Use the land use and redevelopment plans as tools to provide a variety of residential land uses in a range of densities, concentrating higher density opportunities along major transportation and transit corridors and around job centers 10. Review the zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance to ensure there aren t any impediments to affordable housing 11. Periodically review land use regulations to determine the effectiveness of current ordinances in encouraging additional affordable units as well as encouraging modifications to keep the existing housing stock desirable and livable. 12. Ensure that all new housing, including high density, adheres to the highest possible standards of planning, design and construction. 13. Allow the creative use of site planning or PUDs that provide flexibility for development containing affordable housing such as a reduction in lot size, setbacks, street width, floor area and parking requirements 14. Promote development of mixed use neighborhood centers that incorporate housing in a range of densities and affordability limits in close proximity to shopping, services, daycare, and medical services. Safe access to parks and schools, and the ability to walk, bike or have access to transit should be part of the design. Economy - Chapter 4 1. Continue to use land use controls to allow for growth of existing businesses 2. Continue to promote the positive economic environment in the City of Oakdale 3. Take a lead role in the redevelopment of commercial and industrial structures that are functionally obsolete or to mitigate negative neighborhood impacts 10-5 Executive Summary
4. Ensure infrastructure is maintained and adequate to meet business needs 5. Review, utilize, and amend a Capital Improvements Program, implementing the most important public improvements on a priority system, while staying within budgetary constraints Parks & Trails Chapter 5 1. Investigate the appropriate level for park dedication fees and other park funding sources now that the City is almost fully developed and will have reduced development driven park revenue 2. Create an athletic facility needs assessment 3. Develop Park Master Plans for each park in the City 4. Continue to seek creative partnerships with school districts, athletic associations, institutions, and the private sector to provide a wide range of recreational opportunities in a cost effective manner 5. Give priority to building those segments of the bicyclist and pedestrian systems that have the best combination of the following: approval likelihood, cost/benefit ratio, outside financial support and engineering timeliness. 6. The City should give highest priority to purchasing any key parcels or easements that might otherwise be lost because of imminent private or other public development. 7. Special emphasis should be placed on creating safe crossings of I-694, 1-94, TH5, and Century Avenue. 8. All designated bicycle facilities, whether on or off-street, should be signed Natural Resources Chapter 6 1. A few of the areas identified such as Priory Nature Area and Oakdale Nature Preserve are in need of ecological management and restoration. These areas that the City takes pride in could deteriorate if not managed properly. The City should consider creating a management plan for priority areas and submitting these plans for funding in 2009-2010. Programs such as the Minnesota DNR Environmental & Conservation Partnerships Grant program provide grants to municipalities for habitat improvement. The grants are currently set at $20,000 and require a 50% municipal match that can take form of volunteer labor, cash, etc. 2. Continue to work with the Environmental Management Commission in identifying land acquisition priorities that can receive Washington County Land Water Legacy Grant funding. 3. Consider adding a LID ordinance to city code. 4. Conduct a parcel evaluation. Land Use & Redevelopment - Chapter 7 Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances 1. Review and update the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances to ensure they are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan 2. Update the zoning map to be consistent with the future land use map 3. Create redevelopment plans for each potential redevelopment area to create a common vision and to be prepared for future redevelopment opportunities 4. Review and update the Comprehensive Plan, as needed, to reflect local aspirations and changing conditions 5. Review the uses permitted in all districts 6. Review and update design and development guidelines for all residential, commercial and industrial districts. Executive Summary 10-6
7. Review development requirements, processes and dedication requirements to fulfill the goals of the Comprehensive Plan 8. Periodically assess the lifecycle housing needs in the community 9. Utilize the city s website, newsletter and other sources for promotion and advertising of housing programs 10. Study the feasibility of establishing a program to require a property inspection and disclosure report before residential property changes hands 11. Develop a list of available resources and providers of in-home services to older adults and those with special needs 12. Develop a system to monitor the conditions of each neighborhood over time and target the appropriate City actions to maintain and improve the health of Oakdale s neighborhoods. 13. Review street and parking lot standards to explore ways to reduce impervious surfaces. Consider changing minimum and maximum parking space requirements and require a portion of spaces to be built with pervious pavement. innovative methods of capturing and treating stormwater runoff. 3. Conduct ongoing water quality assessments. 4. Work with land owners of contaminated sites to implement a clean up plan. 5. Utilize the Surface Water Management Plan to improve water resources in Oakdale. Transportation - Chapter 8 1. Create priorities to meet plans for future roadway improvements. 2. Create plans for implementing transportation goals. 3. Work with planning and zoning to create standards that promote environmentally sensitive design for all new improvements and redevelopment projects. Water Resources - Chapter 9 1. Create plans for implementing water resources goals. 2. Work with City Staff to develop standards that reduce impervious surfaces and utilize 10-7 Executive Summary