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Comprehensive Plan Update 20090 0 In" r O x z C r;. , '. . "�` "4� ..� r,�^ O, �1: �y l`.. J �� -: �i ?��' ''fit �ti:, `•� r. �' r _ �..•• Nl,... �i" .« ��r ;� ..:� �t 4y � „mow: i, , . t ,� t .� t .��Y .� `� A� ..y ;� 1 r ,i a�,�}_ _. E.. ` � `•��. '3. �' -4 .�� iL� �.!a.�'. Natural Resources - Chapter Outline Introduction.................................................................................. ............................... NR -1 Goaland Objectives ......................................................................... ...........................NR -3 Issues................................................................................................. ...........................NR -5 Policies........................................................................................... ............................... NR -7 NaturalResources Plan ................................................................... ...........................NR -9 Soils....................................................................................... ...........................NR -9 Slopes..................................................................................... ...........................NR -9 Tree Preservation / Reforestation ............................................ ..........................NR -10 Wetlands............................................................................... ..........................NR -11 SurfaceWater Quality ........................................................... ..........................NR -12 Shorelands and Flood Plains ................................................. ..........................NR -15 Airand Noise Pollution ........................................................ ..........................NR -16 ChapterSummary ........................................................................... ..........................NR -17 5 -09 Introduction Perhaps above all other characteristics of the community, Shorewood residents value the natural setting in which it is located. Lakes, wetlands and woods all combine to make Shorewood a very attractive place to live. Ironically, this attraction creates pressure for new development which can threaten natural amenities. Shorewood is committed to all efforts at maintaining the high quality of its natural environment. Substantial progress has been made in recent years to reduce environmental problems related to Lake Minnetonka. Problems the area is to face in the future are far more difficult to resolve. Reducing the amount of pollution caused by storm water runoff, for example, will be a difficult problem. Shorewood has gone far in preserving its wetlands, having adopted protective regulations in the early 1970's. These rules have been updated to include the provisions of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). The City has also adopted regulations protecting natural buffers adjacent to wetlands and establishing building setbacks from these buffers. Proper attention to sensitive features such as wetlands, shorelands, flood plains and wooded areas is recognized as having aesthetic, economic, health and even psychological benefits to the community as a whole. 5 -09 NR -1 Natural Resources Goal and Objectives Natural Resources Goal The City will establish guidelines and adopt regulations to ensure preservation and protection of the natural environment. Natural Resources Objectives Development which occurs is to be compatible with features of the natural environment and preserve environmental features and natural amenities. 2. The natural and aesthetic quality of Shorewood's lakeshore is to be maintained and where feasible improved. 3. Creative development design to ensure the protection and enhancement of those portions of the community containing unique physical features (e.g. topography, woodlands, etc.) is to be encouraged. 4. Natural wildlife habitats are to be provided protection to ensure against loss. The environmental balance between natural and man -made physical features is to be maintained through proper land use development policy. 6. Shorewood's trees and vegetation are valuable assets and consideration is to be given to their preservation and protection. 7. All environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. wetlands, shorelands and floodplains) are to be protected. 8. Area lakes' ecological systems are to be conserved and protected for future generations. 9. Where feasible, control over natural open space areas shall be obtained through conservation easements, acquisition or development regulation. 5 -09 NR -3 Natural Resources Issues Soils Many of the soils in Shorewood are characterized by high water tables and excessive moisture content. This can have a variety of effects, including frost heaving, poor filtration of on -site sewer systems, and slow drainage following peak storm periods. There is an ongoing concern that vacant land on poor soils will be developed with inadequate restrictions on appropriate uses. Slopes There are several areas with slopes in excess of 12 percent. Of special concern is development on slopes adjacent to water bodies. When vegetation is not replaced following grading, clearing and construction activities, sedimentation may occur in lakes and streams. City policies establishing a maximum slope of 3:1 for disturbed slopes in new development will be formalized. Tree Preservation/Reforestation Virtually any development, regardless of size, can result in the destruction of natural vegetation. Shorewood recognizes the scenic, environmental and even economic value of preserving its wooded areas. While some loss of vegetation may be unavoidable as undeveloped land is converted to its ultimate use, efforts will be made to preserve existing trees where possible and to replace trees where necessary. Certain types of vegetation (e.g. buckthorn) have proven to be undesirable, often times choking out trees and other native vegetation. The City has begun an educational program to identify sources of undesirable plants, advising property owners of ways to eradicate invasives, and even providing tools that can be borrowed from the City by homeowners. Wetlands A substantial portion of Shorewood consists of marshes, wet basins and wet flats. These marsh areas must be 5 -09 NR -5 protected because they play an important role in the storm drainage system, as well as providing habitat for wildlife. Shorewood has made substantial progress in the protection of wetlands, as it passed its first Wetlands Ordinance in 1970. These rules have been updated to address the requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act of 1991. Shorewood lies within two different watershed districts. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) has jurisdiction over the majority of land within the community, while the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District ( RPBCWD) extends over the southeast corner of the city. Recently, RPBCWD has chosen not to administer the Wetland Conservation Act for its portion of Shorewood. Consequently, the City has entered into an agreement with the MCWD to administer WCA permitting throughout the City. Water Resources Inasmuch as Shorewood borders on the southern shore of Lake Minnetonka and contains six other lakes within its boundaries, surface water management is a critical issue. Although in the past, the discharge of sewage effluent into Lake Minnetonka was the primary contributor to poor water quality, this practice has been curtailed and storm drainage is the largest source of water pollution. Where past storm water control efforts concentrated on the quantity of water, there is increasing concern over the quality of water which finds its way into wetlands and lakes. The adoption of National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards is viewed as one measure to improve surface water quality. The City has recently updated its Surface Water Management Plan. The goals and policies of that plan shall be integrated into Shorewood's Comprehensive Plan and its development review process. Non - native aquatic species such as Eurasian Water Milfoil, Purple Loostrife and Zebra Mussels are increasingly choking out lakes and wetlands, raising concerns over the effectiveness of current control efforts. Air and Noise Pollution Due to the lack of industrial operations or heavy vehicular traffic, air and noise pollution have not been identified as a problem in Shorewood. Although traffic volumes have been increasing on Highway 7, part of which runs through Shorewood, noise levels are still within State guidelines. The lack of significant air and noise pollution is a positive environmental factor in Shorewood. Efforts will be made to maintain this quality. Wildlife Over the years, Shorewood has prided itself on its protection of natural resources, one of the results of which is the preservation of natural habitat for wildlife. Approaching full development, the City now finds itself in a position of managing wildlife in order to avoid conflicts with human activities and minimize property damage by animals that are not subject to natural predation. A deer management program was initiated for 2007 and 2008. The effectiveness of the program will be analyzed upon receipt of updated deer counts in 2010. 5 -09 NR -6 Natural Resources Policies All development in naturally or environmentally sensitive areas shall conform to local, metropolitan and state regulations. 2. Environmental regulations shall be formulated, updated and enforced to ensure the proper protection of natural environmental resources. Environmental assessment worksheets and, when required, environmental impact statements, shall be prepared for developments of the type described in Minnesota Environmental Quality Board's Environmental Review Program, as may be amended. 4. The location, condition and species of existing vegetation shall be indicated in all development requests. The use of planned unit development cluster concepts shall be considered where protection of natural features is important to the community. 6. New development and the expansion of existing activities shall be restricted and regulated where environmental damage may result. 7. Development on or near shorelands, wetlands, flood plains and other natural features which perform important environmental functions in their natural state shall be restricted or prohibited. Natural drainage patterns shall be preserved whenever feasible. 9. Development on, or alteration of, natural drainage system components shall be restricted so that the need for construction of storm sewer will be minimized. 5 -09 NR -7 10. Any adverse impact from increased surface water runoff to adjoining properties shall be prohibited. 11. A drainage plan shall be established which utilizes intermediate ponding areas and provides municipal procedures for the acquisition, dedication, or control of areas so designated. 12. Environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and wooded areas are to be acquired or publicly controlled, when necessary to preserve their integrity. 13. Conservation easements and similar methods of preserving open space shall be pursued to ensure that such areas remain in open space indefinitely. 14. The natural and aesthetic quality of Shorewood's lakeshore environment is to be maintained and where possible improved. 15. Support shall be given to efforts aimed at reducing lake pollution. 16. Water bodies and watercourses shall be classified and zoned for specific uses giving due consideration to DNR and LMCD recommended regulations. 17. State and federal environmental regulations shall be incorporated into local policy. 18. All reasonable measures shall be taken to mitigate adverse impacts resulting from development on natural wildlife habitats. 19. Programs designed to protect Shorewood's trees through disease control measures and reforestation shall be encouraged. 20. Protect surface and ground water quality by establishing programs to educate the public and regulate the use of chemical lawn fertilizers. 21. Preserve existing wooded areas and develop programs and regulations to replace lost tree cover. 22. Incorporate the goals and policies of the Shorewood Surface Water Management Plan into the development review process. 23. Prepare and maintain a natural resources inventory for the City of Shorewood, including a listing of sources for environmental data. 5 -09 NR -8 Natural Resources Plan Soils Shorewood has numerous areas where soil conditions impose limitations on development. As prime land becomes developed, there is increasing pressure to develop on more marginal parcels. Most of the on -site sewer systems which pose environmental problems due to poor soil conditions have been connected to the public sanitary sewer system. Only a few such systems remain out of reach of city sewer, and all new development is required to connect to the city system. Bearing capacity for construction has been, and continues to be, an area of concern. The City will not hesitate to require testing in areas known for poor soil conditions or where poor soils are discovered during construction. Areas found to have questionable soils will be subject to the recommendations of qualified soils engineers, as well as the requirements of the State Building Code. In addition to reevaluating the threshold at which filling or excavating require special approvals, standards will be adopted for the control of erosion and sedimentation. In this regard the Hennepin Conservation District has prepared an Erosion and Sediment Control Manual which will serve as a guide for the development of Shorewood's own local controls. Slopes The type of slopes, along with surficial soil types, should be taken into consideration in the review of all development requests. Each site should be examined for problems of this nature, and in identified problem areas, the City Engineer should test soils to determine if soil types are a problem on lesser slopes. The Metropolitan Council has established two policies relative to development on erodible slopes: 5 -09 NR -9 • Slopes which because of their surficial soil type are susceptible to severe erosion should be maintained in a natural state. Counties and municipalities should adopt regulations to maintain or replace vegetative cover of these slopes to reduce erosion and slippage. • Slopes subject to moderate erosion should be managed to minimize erosion and slippage; management may include special design and construction methods for development or appropriated vegetative or other cover. In light of the amount of sloping land in Shorewood, 12 percent grade will be considered a "warning flag ". While development may be allowed on slopes greater than 12 percent, such development shall be subjected to special scrutiny and examined for any potential environmental impact which might occur as a result of the proposed development. The City shall evaluate grading activities based on the following criteria: • Development on slopes greater than 12 percent must be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. • On large projects development activities shall be conducted and staged to minimize soil erosion. The smallest practical increment of land shall be developed at any one time; that increment shall be subjected to erosion for the shortest period of time, not to exceed a single construction season. • Sufficient control measures and retention facilities shall be put in place prior to commencement of each development increment to limit soil loss. • During construction, wetlands and other water bodies shall not be used as sediment traps. • Except in extraordinary situations, development which results in disturbed slopes exceeding 3:1 (three horizontal to one vertical) shall not be allowed. Where unavoidable, steeper slopes must be designed by qualified professionals and will be subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. Tree Preservation and Reforestation Shorewood's zoning regulations contain provisions for limiting the removal of vegetation in shoreland areas and requirements for landscaping of certain new developments. The City has adopted a tree preservation and reforestation policy which establishes a three -part program: Preservation • identifies which developments require tree preservation • identifies size and species of trees to be saved • adopts construction protection measures • considers residential clustering to preserve trees 5 -09 NR -10 2. Replacement • requires replacement of those trees identified for preservation which must be removed for road and buildings • establishes a required ratio between removed and replacement trees 3. Landscaping • increases the types of development where landscaping is required • increases size specifications for required landscaping • establishes minimum quantity requirements • amend subdivision regulations to require tree planting for all developments During the development process developers are required to submit tree inventories, from which tree preservation and replacement plans are prepared. In certain instances where it is impractical or undesirable to replace trees on site, an alternative should be provided that would allow developers and builders to contribute to a City fund. This fund would be used for placing trees on public property (e.g. City parks). Wetlands Shorewood adopted wetland protection regulations in the early 1970's. As illustrated on the map on page NR -13, nearly 10 percent (312 acres) of Shorewood's total land area exists as designated wetlands. Also, the City has begun enforcing the no- net -loss requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 (WCA91). In 2007, the Riley- Purgatory -Bluff Creek Watershed District elected not to be the LGU (local governing unit) for purposes of administering the WCA91. Subsequently, Shorewood entered into a cooperative agreement with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to provide permitting services for the entire city. Numerous steps have been taken to enhance Shorewood's wetland protection program: 1. Adoption of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wetland classification system. 2. Requirement that all development proposals locate, identify and classify both City - designated wetlands and WCA91 wetlands. 3. Wetland delineations must be prepared by qualified professionals approved by the Watershed Districts. 4. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed Districts will be the Local Governing Unit (LGU) for administering the standards of the WCA91. 5 -09 NR -11 The City will continue to work with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the Department of Natural Resources to enforce wetland protection laws. 6. The City has established minimum setbacks for construction adjacent to wetlands. Shorewood's wetland regulations have been revised to include a 35 -foot natural buffer adjacent to wetlands in new development, plus a 15 -foot building setback from the natural buffer area. 7. Requirement of retention ponds upstream of wetlands to collect and filter pollutants in storm water runoff before it reaches the wetlands. Surface Water Quality No point sources of water pollution have been identified in Shorewood. A more generalized problem is surface runoff and runoff from storm drainage systems, which have resulted in high levels of phosphorus in some small lakes. Phosphorus is one of the major plant nutrients required for plant growth and the eutrophication process, which is the process by which a lake ages and fills with algae and weeds. The major sources of phosphorus are surface runoff and effluent from tile liners. In Shorewood, Silver Lake, Galpin Lake and Lake William have all been affected by high levels of phosphorus. This is because these lakes capture a major portion of storm drainage waters. Christmas Lake, on the other hand, has excellent water quality and low phosphorus levels. One reason for this is that Silver Lake catches most of the storm water runoff and therefore serves as a settling basin for pollutants. Phosphorus levels in Lake Minnetonka are also a cause for concern, although a number of methods are being considered by DNR and the Minnehaha Creels Watershed District (MCWD) to reduce this form of pollution at its source. Within its jurisdiction, the MCWD reviews all development proposals for more than one single - family dwelling for their impact on the storm water drainage system and water quality. A number of measures are now required in order to reduce the pollution from storm waters: Install catch basins and oil skimmers in storm drainage systems. 2. Control the rate of storm water runoff. 3. Place rock rip -rap (a material used to prevent shore erosion) at storm water outlets, subject to the following restrictions: • The rip -rap shore protection shall consist of natural rock only • The rip -rap shore protection shall conform to the natural alignment of the shore • The minimum finished slope shall be no steeper than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical (3: 1) • No materials shall be placed more than five feet waterward of the ordinary high water level 5 -09 NR -12 CITY OF MINNETRISTA .._.._.._.._m .. CITY OF SHOREWOOD ---------\ m m � 10 z i m D i p C/) O 03 I �O , o D o C0 •` c O M p g r- !- D s.G p0 A ER mo O$ LA Z NDN y0'Q�O J oos � m N 0 < In v© x aD z ys - -y m 100 �. 0 O 0 z ! m a p. D z < eo o A m p ;z 80 i (D zzT v D o c d OyVMON GyrRO �� / / D C7 G b P. TI O T O p D 03fV0 _ -D A Did , C m .a Z r . 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O aD . �� .9 m o l_ O r --------------------- y i d RoFR A I a o GF m �� Ou h s `\ RO D O '�O•',,c�c— O / 9 1 ��1 BRAN��j'�\ CIR \ \ i...n • O r O \ O HRISTMAS LAKE RD '• D O \\ S ` DO m �\ D z T NKA B uj _ D 9 O-o A o m a i o I CHRI 09 S a o c z _ \ r, 1 tiyO SUBURBA Ro �O ST LA 1 O a O a .� 2 O r12 y � I k. OlONlaatlB 2 r dm a m D Z 0 m _.._.. R /�F O 2 M4 A,D <RR Mi O y9N ANTHO TER Ol0 L N k 1 \ F �g O I.. may. SIR O O O x�m��3m /LC ,Ul Z Z y Z A 2 N m FR VINE L m q \IL < -Oi n VHS _ T S �` A ~y r ,.0 q MD - CIR S Zc . —••— k CITY O HORE a =O Ca IIIH 3NIn CITY OF MINNETONKA Numerous goals and detailed policies relative to stormwater runoff have been set forth in Shorewood's Surface Water Management Plan and in the Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP) recently adopted by the City. These plans are hereby adopted by reference into this Comprehensive Plan and will be an integral element in the review of development proposals. Whereas wetlands have been used as filtering basins in the past, all new developments shall be required to construct sedimentation ponds designed to National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards, or contribute toward the construction of subregional NURP facilities. Due to the number of wetland and shoreland areas in Shorewood, the City has adopted impervious surface requirements for all lots. Previously, shoreland lots were limited to a maximum of 25 percent impervious surface. Shorewood now limits the amount of hardcover on all non - shoreland residential properties to 33 percent with nonresidential properties limited to 66 percent. Where stormwater treatment facilities are provided, nonresidential properties can go up to 75 percent, subject to a conditional use process. The City will continue to work with the Watershed Districts and the Department of Natural Resources to address the spread of Eurasion Water Milfoil, Purple Loostrife and other invasives that choke out lakes and wetlands. While these problems are best handled on a regional level, the City can contribute by continued educational efforts aimed at preventing the spread of these nuisances. As the "green movement" has increasingly gained momentum across the country, local efforts have also benefited from the national attention. As part of the SWPPP, Shorewood has committed to conducting educational programs relative to stormwater runoff. Recent seminars sponsored by the City, including such topics as natural landscaping and the use of rain gardens, have been well received by residents. These local educational programs should be continued, expanded and publicized. Shorelands and Flood Plains Shorewood first adopted shoreland regulations consistent with Department of Natural Resources standards in 1985. In 1992 the Shoreland Zoning District was amended to reflect recent changes in state guidelines. Land within 1000 feet of lakes or 300 feet from Purgatory Creek (see the map on page NR -13) have been included in a shoreland overlay zoning district which imposes shoreland requirements in addition to the underlying zoning requirements. These water bodies have been classified by the Department of Natural Resources as Natural Environment (NE), Recreational Development (RD), or General Development (GD), based upon their development characteristics. Lake Minnetonka, Lake William, Galpin Lake, and Purgatory Creek are all classified GD. The remaining lakes are classified RD with the exception of Silver Lake which has a NE classification. Having been among the first of the Lake Minnetonka communities to adopt shoreland regulations, Shorewood is committed to keeping the shoreland areas as natural as possible. Development in the "S" District is closely monitored for compliance with site alteration requirements, hard cover restrictions and building setbacks. 5 -09 NR4 5 Shorewood's flood plain regulations date back to 1979. These rules are intended to protect life as well as property in areas which are subject to periodic flooding. Shorewood's code has been updated to reflect recent changes in federal requirements. In the event the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes a flood insurance restudy, the City should ask that Christmas Lake be included on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Air and Noise Pollution The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency sets the standards for permissible levels of noise and air pollution. The only source of noise or air quality problems in Shorewood is vehicular traffic. Recorded levels have not exceeded state or federal standards. Air quality standards as set by the State of Minnesota are more restrictive in several cases than federal standards. Two sets of standards have been adopted. The "primary standards" are those ambient air quality levels necessary to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety. Secondary standards refer to those ambient air quality levels necessary to protect public welfare, such as prevention of air pollution damage to crops, natural vegetation, materials and structures. State standards for noise levels suggest that decibel measures of 65 dBA are the point at which action may be taken to reduce noise. No permit system has been established to control noise resulting from existing or future sources. While the State has in the past installed noise berms on Interstate highways with high noise levels, a moratorium has been placed on further construction of such items. Noise berms have not been used to control levels on State or County roads. Although the sources of noise and air pollution in Shorewood are limited, the City does regulate these pollutants through adoption of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards by reference in the zoning ordinance. 5 -09 NR -16 Chapter Summary Shorewood is committed to all efforts at maintaining the high quality of its natural environment. The City's goal in this regard is: The City will establish guidelines and adopt regulations to ensure preservation and protection of the natural environment. Although Shorewood has in the past made considerable progress in natural resource protection, certain elements are in need of attention. This chapter contains objectives and policies which are incorporated into the following summary of recommendations: 1. Soil conditions will be taken into consideration in all types of development proposals. 2. Ordinances incorporating Hennepin Conservation District standards related to filling, grading and excavating will be enforced. The City has adopted standards regulating development on steep slopes. For example, grading or construction which results in disturbed slopes of 3:1 (three horizontal to one vertical) shall be restricted. 4. In order to limit the loss of vegetation the City will require tree preservation and replacement and site landscaping for all developments. The requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act will continue to be actively enforced. 6. A 35 -foot buffer shall be required adjacent to all wetlands in new developments. A 15 -foot building setback from the natural buffer shall be required. 7. New developments will be required to construct sedimentation ponds designed to National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards. 5 -09 NR -17 8. Shorewood will continue and expand its environmental educational programs, such as buckthorn removal, raingardening and recycling. 9. Shorewood's shoreland regulations will continue to be enforced in order to preserve and restore the natural character of area lakes. 10. Shorewood's flood plain regulations will be updated to reflect changes in federal requirements. 5 -09 NR -18 Land Use Plan - Chanter Outline Introduction.................................................................................. ............................... LU -1 Goalsand Objectives ....................................................................... ...........................LU -3 Issues............................................................................................. ............................... LU -5 Policies........................................................................................... ............................... LU -7 ConceptPlan ............................................................................... ............................... LU -11 LandUse Plan ............................................................................ ............................... LU -19 Land Use Classifications .................................................. ............................... LU -19 Undeveloped Open Space Low Density Residential Low to Medium Density Residential Medium Density Residential High Density Residential Semipublic Public Commercial Land Use /Zoning Changes ............................................... ............................... LU -26 LandSubdivision ............................................................. ............................... LU -27 Housing Variety /Affordability ......................................... ............................... LU -27 LakeAccess ..................................................................... ............................... LU -28 Historic Preservation .............................................................. ..........................LU -28 Solar Access Protection ..................................... ..........................LU -29 Population and Household Projections Based Upon Land Use Plan .............. LU -29 ChapterSummary ...................................................................... ............................... LU -33 11/09 Introduction Based upon the Existing Land Use - 2008 map shown on page LU -21 of this Chapter approximately nine percent of the land in the community is undeveloped at this time. This includes land that exists as residential estate property capable of further subdivision and development. There still remain limited tracts of buildable land on which development can be expected to occur. As this vacant land develops, the City must have a guide for how it will be used. The Land Use Plan is formulated to show logical relationships between a variety of major land use types, including residential, public, semipublic, commercial, and undeveloped open space. Location of various land uses is a result of applying the general planning concepts and the specific policies contained in the Policy Plan. For the most part, land use patterns have been well established, and it is the City's intention to use the existing Zoning Districts map as a guide for future development. In deciding the amount which is desired of each land use type, several factors have been considered: Community Function. The primary role of Shorewood in the metropolitan area has been identified as provision of housing. As such, planning must be geared toward providing a quality living environment with adequate supportive services (i.e. park and recreational facilities, neighborhood convenience commercial areas, etc.). 2. Community Character. Shorewood's current character is primarily single family residential. Shorewood will strive to maintain its character. 3. Housing. Current residential development in Shorewood consists mainly of single family units. Few new housing units are available to young singles, newly married couples or the elderly. As land becomes increasingly scarce, market forces often conflict with what would be considered affordable housing by metropolitan area standards. Given Shorewood's desire to maintain its low 11/09 LU -1 density residential character, the Land Use Plan attempts to preserve the community's present variety of housing stock. 4. Preservation of Open Space. Past planning has tended to assume that any land that is not set aside for wetland protection or parks will ultimately be developed. This need not be the case. This section of the Comprehensive Plan explores means of establishing permanent green space areas such as the use of zoning tools, assisting neighborhoods in purchasing land, obtaining conservation easements, or outright land acquisition by the City. 11/09 LU -2 Land Use Goals and Objectives Land Use Goals The City shall establish a pattern of land uses which is consistent with the residential and recreational functions of the community. The land use plan shall promote harmonious relationships between various land uses (e.g. homes, commercial outlets, churches, parks, schools, etc.) through proper development and locational planning. Through land use planning discourage land uses which are inconsistent with the residential and natural character of the community. The City shall promote safe, healthy and affordable housing options. Land Use Objectives 1. A cohesive land use pattern that ensures compatibility and functional relationships among activities is to be formulated and implemented. 2. Community planning and development is to consider the surrounding neighbors, neighborhoods and cities. Development that is not accompanied by a sufficient level of supportive services and facilities (utilities, parking, access, etc.) is to be prevented. 4. Land uses and environmental quality are to be maintained and where necessary upgraded. 5. Property values are to be protected. 6. Community development is to be compatible with features of the natural environment and is to be accommodated without destroying environmental features and natural amenities. 11/09 LU -3 7. Individual neighborhoods are to be maintained and where necessary, strengthened in character, while at the same time improving and reinforcing community identity. 8. A creative approach to the use of land and related residential development is to be encouraged. 9. Commercial development shall be safe, convenient, attractive, and compatible with the residential character of the community. 10. Establish and maintain a consistent approach to the development of fragmented land parcels (i.e. larger lots having the potential to be subdivided) which encourages cooperation between landowners and provides for access and utility service which complies with City standards. 11. Identify parcels of land with the potential to be set aside as permanent open space and explore means of obtaining conservation easements or financing the acquisition of such parcels. 11/09 LU -4 Land Use Issues Undeveloped/Underdeveloped Land A limited number of vacant parcels remain to be developed in Shorewood. Despite land use patterns having been relatively well established, issues will undoubtedly arise concerning intensity, compatibility and environmental impact. It is not necessary for all land to be developed. More challenging than developing the remaining large parcels is coordinating the development of small parcels to avoid the adverse effects of piece -meal subdivision. Discrepancies Between Land Use Plan and Existing Zoning The Comprehensive Plan prepared in 1981 resulted in the rezoning of several areas within the community, primarily to make zoning consistent with existing development. Other areas have been rezoned over the years to be consistent with the previous Land Use Plan. Today, the Proposed Land Use Plan and the Shorewood Zoning Districts map are in synch. Housing Variety /Affordability Shorewood has served, over a long period of time, as a residential community with the tradition of single - family homes. While some variety of cost and lot sizes has been achieved over the past several years, the limited amount of land remaining in the community, combined with high land values, presents little opportunity for the development of housing that is affordable by metropolitan area standards. As such, it is important that the City explore ways to preserve its present stock of affordable housing. In the 1990's Shorewood updated its zoning regulations relative to senior housing, allowing higher densities for projects specifically designed and occupied by seniors. Two housing projects, Shorewood Ponds and The Seasons, were able to take advantage of the revised regulations and were successful in providing 86 independent living units for seniors. The City's efforts to date have focused on 11/09 LU -5 independent living for seniors, but do not address later phases of the life cycle of housing — assisted living and care facilities. Lake Access As a result of the 1981 Comprehensive Plan, two lake access issues were addressed. The City conducted a study relative to the use of existing fire lanes, which concluded with a decision to keep, but regulate, fire lanes for neighborhood use. Secondly, the City adopted regulations pertaining to existing marinas. Several years ago, the LMCD and the DNR agreed upon a goal of locating 750 parking spaces associated with lake access to Lake Minnetonka. With the exception of the parking at Crescent Beach, there are no fee free parking spaces associated with public access to Lake Minnetonka in Shorewood. Shorewood has provided a minimum number of parking spaces on Christmas Lake. Redevelopment As undeveloped land becomes scarce in Shorewood, the City is increasingly confronted with proposals to redevelop existing properties. In some cases, property owners have joined together to combine existing home sites which are then resubdivided by a developer. More often, smaller, older homes are being replaced by larger, more expensive homes. In both cases, concern has been raised for maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods. Four areas of particular concern have been identified: 1) the Minnetonka Country Club; 2) Howard's Point Marina; 3) the commercial areas abutting County Road 19; and 4) the nonresidential uses that currently exist in the east end of Planning District 6. The City has attempted to maintain a dialog with the golf course ownership with respect to the long -term viability of the course. Despite updates to Shorewood's zoning regulations favoring improvements to the marina, land speculators continue to inquire about its redevelopment. It is worth noting that both of these properties are zoned for large lot, single- family residential use. The commercial properties abutting County Road 19 appear prime for redevelopment and the City has begun to be approached by prospective developers. 11/09 LU -6 Land Use Policies General The community shall be planned and developed in units as determined by either physical barriers and /or homogeneous land use characteristics. 2. Whenever possible, the impact of physical barriers shall be reduced in order to increase relationships between isolated areas and reinforce continuity and a sense of community. Major streets are to border, not penetrate, neighborhoods. 4. Land use development shall be planned to prevent competition of a detrimental type. 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 planning district in which it is located and within the community as a whole. 6. Land use development shall be related to and reflect transportation needs, desired development and community priorities. 7. Land use development shall be planned so as not to isolate or create landlocked parcels. 8. The use of easements for the purpose of access is to be discouraged. 9. 'Back lot" development shall not be permitted. Adequate access must be established and provided to avoid creating nonconforming property. 10. Intensification of land use activity and development will only be allowed if accompanied by sufficient corresponding increases in related supportive and service facilities such as parks, off - street parking, fire and police protection, etc. 11/09 LU -7 11. 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. 12. Wherever possible, changes in types of land use shall occur either at center, mid -block points so that similar uses front on the same street, or at borders of areas separated by major manmade or natural barriers. 13. 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 (e.g. the preservation of greenspace). 14. Programs and incentives for continuing privately initiated maintenance, improvements for energy conservation, and redevelopment of existing land use development shall be created and implemented. 15. Where practical, problems with conflicting and non - complementary uses shall be resolved through removal and relocation. 16. Sufficient setback requirements for new development along major streets shall be established to prevent future problems of street upgrading (e.g. widening). 17. To the maximum extent possible, development policies and regulations shall be applied consistently and uniformly. 18. Shorewood's land planning and development shall be on a cooperative basis with neighboring communities, when consistent with Shorewood's adopted goals. 19. Shorewood's lakeshore shall be protected from over - intensification of use and development. Residential Residential neighborhoods shall be planned and developed according to established planning district boundaries. 2. Low density residential neighborhoods shall be protected from encroachment or intrusion of high use types and by adequate buffering and separation from other residential as well as non - residential use categories. Residential neighborhoods shall be protected from penetration by through traffic. 4. Access to major streets shall be provided on the periphery of residential neighborhoods. 5. Owner occupied housing shall be encouraged. 11/09 LU -8 6. Residential development shall be protected from adverse environmental impacts, including noise, air and visual pollution. 7. A variety of housing shall be maintained. 8. Housing styles and development techniques that conserve land and increase energy efficiency shall be encouraged. 9. Overall density shall be a primary consideration in planning for the community. 10. Density and lot size shall be the primary considerations in the review of development requests. 11. All new housing shall adhere to the highest community design, planning and construction standards. 12. Innovation in subdivision design and housing development shall be considered through the use of devices such as the cluster and planned unit development concepts. 13. Residential development shall be prohibited on flood plains and other natural features that perform important protection functions in their natural state. 14. New residential development shall maintain the natural environmental character of Shorewood. 15. Integration of housing types or styles within a development shall be allowed when applicable as long as the total number of units conforms to the prescribed density for the total development. 16. Medium density housing shall be concentrated and allowed in those portions of the community where adequate supportive facilities (high capacity streets, utilities, etc.) are existing, service needs are minimized, and where work and leisure time activities are directly accessible. 17. Medium density housing shall not be utilized specifically as a buffer or viewed as being capable of absorbing negative impacts. 18. Medium density housing shall be developed only in relation to and support of major commercial and service centers. 19. Shorewood's housing planning and development shall be in cooperation with neighboring south shore communities. Commercial The City of Shorewood's commercial development shall be oriented towards "convenience" type of shopping geared toward neighborhood or community scale markets. 11/09 LU -9 2. Commercial and service centers shall be developed as cohesive, highly interrelated units with adequate off - street parking. 3. Existing and proposed service and commercial uses shall be adequately and appropriately landscaped according to community requirements as may be amended. 4. All existing and proposed service and commercial uses shall be adequately screened or buffered from any adjacent residential development. 5. Orderly transitions between commercial and residential areas shall be established and maintained. 6. Uncoordinated linear commercial development shall be strongly discouraged in favor of a unified development pattern. 7. Joint utilization of parking, access, and other related supportive services shall be promoted in service and commercial districts and individual developments. Safe and convenient pedestrian movement shall be provided within service and commercial developments. When possible or when opportunities arise, major street access for service and commercial development shall be at the periphery of the area. 10. Locate neighborhood convenience centers along minor arterial or major collector streets. 11. Commercial development at street intersections shall be limited and restricted. Development of one quadrant does not indicate or dictate commercial use of the remaining quadrants. 12. Ensure that neighborhood convenience centers are provided with safe and convenient accessibility for both motorists and pedestrians. 13. It shall be the responsibility of existing commercial developments to assume the burden of making necessary improvements to insure compatibility with surrounding residential uses. Commercial Service The existing commercial service development in Shorewood shall be upgraded and improved to the highest possible standards of operation. 2. It shall be the responsibility of existing commercial service developments to assume the burden of making necessary improvements to ensure compatibility with surrounding residential uses. 11/09 LU -10 Concept Plan These adopted principles therefore serve as an initial reference guiding community or neighborhood district planning and improvement. The next reference point is the Concept Plan. The Concept Plan forms the basis from which categorical elements of the Comprehensive Plan are developed. In other words, the plans for environmental protection, land use, transportation and community facilities will grow out of the concepts set forth in this section of the document. The physical development and design concepts are derived from the established goals, objectives and policies and an assessment of the community's function within the context of the Metropolitan Area. The primary function of Shorewood is the provision of housing and a leisure time environment. The function of most adjacent lakeshore communities is similar, making it somewhat difficult to differentiate between one community and another. In addition to the similarity in basic function, irregular boundaries and geographic configuration compound the difficulty of identifying each individual community. The absence of a "traditional downtown" in Shorewood contributes to a lack of identity. Shorewood has adopted as one of its goals establishing an identity and sense of community. For the purpose of this report, a community is defined as an entity possessing a common likeness or character. Since the basic character of Shorewood is that of a residential community, it is essential that each residential neighborhood be maintained as a unit with a sense of continuity and focus. Moreover, as certain supportive services and facilities are required in order for a residential community to function properly and adequately, nonresidential uses should be likewise maintained. In other words, proper attention to each constituent part of the community is essential to the establishment of an identity or sense of community. Relative to the function and goals of the community, the overall plan concept for the City of Shorewood is the development of the community on a district or neighborhood basis. While a neighborhood can be 11/09 LU -11 considered as much a social entity as a physical area, for planning purposes these neighborhoods or planning districts have been determined based upon natural divisions and /or physical barriers. So, for the purpose of this report, neighborhood and planning district may be used interchangeably. The map on the following page shows Shorewood divided, for planning purposes, into twelve districts. The District Area Plans are located in the Appendix. In order to enhance or reinforce the sense of community identity in Shorewood, it is essential that constituent planning districts within the City are provided with a sense of continuity and focus. An internal continuity within each district is desirable as each neighborhood should relate well within itself as well as to adjoining neighborhoods and the entire community. Within residential districts, it is proposed that neighborhood parks ranging in size depending on the circumstance serve as the focus or unifying element. This concept is illustrated in Concept Sketch Number One on page LU -16. Furthermore, in terms of overall circulation within each neighborhood district, it is essential that major traffic flow border, not penetrate, the district. This is necessary from the standpoint of increasing the safety to pedestrians and bicyclists as well as maintaining the environmental quality of the neighborhood. Within the concept of developing the entire community on a unit or district basis, it is important that individual districts not only have an internal continuity, but also that they relate to one another. In order to relate neighborhood districts on a community scale, it is recommended that community focal points be developed (see Concept Sketch Number Two). Typically, a community would have one central activity center to serve this purpose. However, given the elongated shape of Shorewood, a multiple nuclei concept is proposed. These focal points already exist to a certain extent, but planning for the community should recognize and attempt to enhance these activity centers. The primary commercial focus for the City has been the shopping center at Lake Linden and Highway 7. The commercial center should remain easily accessible to all residential districts. The center should also project a unified image with individual components of the center arranged so as to create functional and complementary use relationships. Circulation within the core should be, to the extent possible, largely pedestrian oriented. In order to increase the continuity of the center, while at the same time increasing pedestrian safety, major traffic flow should be routed around the periphery of the center, penetrating it as little as possible. Finally, commercial property maintenance should represent and reflect the vitality and stability of the entire community. More recently, the commercial areas abutting County Road 19 have come to the forefront. The County Road 19 Corridor Study, adopted by the City, emphasizes the issue of identity, going so far as to identify the corner of Smithtown Road and County Road 19 as "Smithtown Crossing ". Smithtown Crossing is viewed as a significant entry point into the city and efforts to enhance that identity continue. The Vine Hill Road /Highway 7 /Waterford commercial area should be considered as another commercial focal point. Neighborhood and /or convenience type commercial uses should continue to be encouraged for this area. 11/09 LU -12 U H U U m Pa II!ti auT � " a n e l J "I A U o _ids � mm RIM- PEP N09 _M4. cc s: \ uoi i0 PSI AeJjS\ W oo O � l D � 4aldipar O T DoD° _t M rtey -C, O �G' u!dje'J o ,Am. \ `J 10 \ 6� A Na 0 �V a am al'J 2 r /� Li e o ra %1 a i t0 d � � to nK✓'. spun V'�+� , IFS` 1 w _ -� — q, �_ ,• O 1 a U' AJOyg _ .g i� el � Na� T'A m rtal!exa ^�� g Jeydo�r4 d � a el 9 O ¢ - V I p1Pe CC v N 3 elneYS a+ [7 `poll Ct C O_ Mel \�\ gM�a 5 2g1Ga. d e \ Y as Lee Cir I U • -a._��l�a. � p2i �� a,� n � � � y oiW S` � ®® -soar Pad/ zua,ol tJe J . Ag rn x +J \ C m Id O BO el UI lliGMVa'75``� S `\ •v ov A y cc 3 si €yV U eaWeO LL °z o ��• Pip .g O � N ttd pas A C1 u 5 V CD t=- Nt= T� 7 Z o c c cu \,i✓'I "�< sA�sPooM \m col - Q CD 0 �r^^ r vJ 0 U �q The City Hall and surrounding City property will be considered another community focal point and serve as the civic center for Shorewood. Development of this area should be representative of community attributes and set an example for private development in the community. Renovation of the Shorewood City Hall is currently underway and demonstrates this commitment. Community parks have been developed within the community to serve the recreational needs of the City. Additionally, trails developed as a result of the trail planning process can serve to unify or tie the community together. To the extent feasible, attention should be given to the implementation of this process. The City should be proactive to ensure that the right -of -way currently owned by Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) remains available for public recreational use. Planned unit development is a concept that has been incorporated into Shorewood's existing zoning ordinance and utilized to a certain extent in the past. Advantages of planned unit development are several: 1) the contractual agreement between the developer and the City gives the City more total control than traditional subdivision; 2) more efficient circulation patterns can be achieved for a large area than piecemeal development might allow; 3) land use transitions can occur within the site; and 4) natural features can be preserved by functional clustering of units and /or uses. Applicants for P.U.D. must provide clear and convincing evidence demonstrating that the use of P.U.D. meets the City's criteria, and that the use of P.U.D. would provide benefit to the City over traditional zoning requirements. The primary advantage of this zoning tool, and the reason it may be suitable for Shorewood, is that it encourages preservation of natural features, such as wooded areas and wetlands, while still allowing efficient and economically advantageous use of land. 11/09 LU -15 Concept 2 Community Focus Points Concept 1 off_ The Park... neighborhood f ocus LU-16 - --V,_ Neighborhood Focus Low density residential. Medium density residential Commercial activity centers Neighborhood Focus Focus point Major traffic carriers Itz, Community Focus Points Concept 1 off_ The Park... neighborhood f ocus LU-16 - --V,_ Neighborhood Focus Community /neighborhood focus Neighborhood Focus 4'Community focus Community Focus Points Concept 1 off_ The Park... neighborhood f ocus LU-16 - --V,_ Neighborhood Focus Concept 3 Natural buffer � 's'•' ill ,,,�- '•'..;:•:•:::-'-:::•'•::. X. Commercial activity center - �:_' = Maior traffic carriers Medium density :. - -,: ;:_::- ::c:•r:::::::: ' residential r •� 'ice - �. < pen space „ -r Low density residential Land use transition LU -17 Land Use Plan Land Use Classifications The maps pages LU -21 and LU -23 show Existing Land Use in Shorewood and the Land Use Plan for the community. The Land Use Plan map shows the proposed juxtaposition of a variety of land use types and densities. These land uses are described in general below. More detailed information and justification are included in the Area Plans chapter that follows the Housing chapter. Undeveloped Open Space. Based upon the assumption that all buildable land in Shorewood will eventually be developed in one fashion or another, this category consists primarily of wetlands. These areas are indicated on the Land Use Plan map as designated wetlands, and are taken from the official Shorewood wetlands map. These areas are scattered throughout the community and range in size from small potholes to the very large tracts of land found near Howard's Point Road and east of Christmas Lake. Protection of these natural areas is considered important, both in terms of Shorewood's natural drainage system and retention of community aesthetics. As undeveloped land in Shorewood becomes more scarce, there is increasing interest in preserving at least some of it as permanent open space. Metro Greenprint, a publication sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, provides an overview of programs available to communities interested in the preservation of open space. With these and other programs in mind, the City established the Land Conservation and Enviromnent Committee (LCEC) in 1999 to prepare a conservation plan for the community. The results of the committee's work are found in the Conservation Open Space Plan for the City of Shorewood, dated March 2003. The study concluded that, given the high cost of remaining land in Shorewood, the focus of the City's efforts should be acquisition of conservation easements versus outright purchase of land. 11/09 LU49 Minimum Density Residential. While the City has recognized a need for providing areas that allow a somewhat higher density than one -acre lots, there is still a market for large lots. The areas indicated on the Land Use Plan map consist of land where such development is already prevalent. Overall density is proposed at. l to 1 unit per acre. Most of the areas proposed as minimum density are adjacent to natural areas such as lakes or wetlands. In this regard, the City must ensure that any changes in density to surrounding areas have a minimum of impact on the lower intensity use. Low Density Residential. This land use basically consists of single family residential at a density of 1 to 2 units per acre. Most of the area designated as low density residential is already zoned for this type of development. Low to Medium Density Residential. This category of land use is provided to allow residential development at a density of 2 to 3 units per acre. This density begins to allow a greater variety of housing types. Small lot single family residential, double bungalows, and medium density townhouse development may be permitted in these areas. Residential development at this density is viewed as serving two purposes: 1) proper location creates a transitional area between lower density residential uses and higher intensity uses such as commercial (see concept plan), and 2) applies the concept of locating a greater density of population nearer to activity centers and major traffic carriers. Medium Density Residential. At 3 to 6 units per acre, this is the highest density residential use proposed for the City of Shorewood. Types of housing allowed in these areas would include medium density townhouse development and potentially small -scale apartment or condominium units. The areas proposed for medium density residential are relatively limited in area and number so as to have a minimum effect on the overall density of the community. These areas include primarily the properties immediately adjacent to the existing commercial uses. Once again the concepts of land use transition and higher density near activity centers have been applied. Semipublic. This land use type includes churches, cemeteries, the Xcel property on County Road 19, and the largest area designated semipublic - the country club and golf course located near the center of the community. All areas so designated on the Land Use Plan map are already in existence. No new areas are proposed for semipublic use nor are any existing semipublic uses proposed to be eliminated. Public. This classification includes all existing public buildings, schools, parks and recreational facilities in the community. It should be noted that the Chicago and Northwestern rail right -of- way has been acquired by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority for possible extension of light rail transit. Since light rail is not anticipated in the foreseeable future, the right -of -way will continue to be used for trail purposes. 11/09 LU -20 V U F U U r T 00 Pa il!H aUn U N e N 0 O � e •' � � N b�A � R N x E u U I z _ E � z n D ,t� o� a oa p a, A = y O � � O � Muff Doo O aoo I Vo U W R sl p a CO U s - 1 U) U) a � l9nl� r Q — sass R O (B l.L. v > L o = �(1)6 s - o o e D U) It 3 o� Y p J V — L L C � c , ew A L O L1.. U___ z CD " 0 0 °- 0 CO CD — 0 IL `p O T a c m U W a n n P21 II!H auy� Owl III T �• •. r a e s aB 0� M va m` E p q a •� CO -0 o a a oa a A L e �b W V aO .Q ci O aO OO — (D (E O� U E o E C) Q a � v o q M �M1Y � al e (, u 1 � 7 ) � c a� U N O N �N/ tU6 E p Q Q Q Q Q Qi ..y. N E" Y Y Y E D 3 2 3 �N CO d O e n 5Q v ' d Q v ° n s J� � a 1 Y 3 O y ' e ,Y as a �1 d it d d O O .�' •. O LL � C a .ya O a J ___ 9 •• •� /� C < N � O O O — O CO c- e Alegi i Commercial. It is recommended that commercial uses in Shorewood be confined to cohesive, compact activity centers. The only commercial uses shown in the western portion of the community are an existing marina on Howards Point Road, an auto repair operation on Smithtown Road near Eureka Road, and a nonconforming yacht club on Enchanted Island. The marina is a nonconforming use within a residential zoning district. Although the City amended its L -R, Lakeshore Recreational zoning district to encourage the marina to obtain a conforming use status, the owners have not taken advantage of the relaxed regulations to date. Recently it appears there may be some interest in redeveloping the marina property. If this does occur, it is anticipated that any change in use would reflect the minimum density residential designation shown on the Proposed Land Use Plan. The auto repair business on Smithtown Road has been rezoned for residential use at such time as the business ceases to exist. Although the yacht club on Enchanted Island applied for L -R zoning several years ago, the City determined that it was unable to comply with enough of the standards to warrant rezoning. While this represents a considerable amount of land without neighborhood facilities, from a planning perspective neither the existing nor the proposed density in western Shorewood is considered great enough to warrant designation of an area for commercial use. Most of the commercial land use in Shorewood is located near the center of the community and on the east end between Vine Hill Road and Old Market Road. The area near the intersection of Smithtown Road and County Road 19 has been mainly auto - oriented commercial. The shopping center in that area is part of Tonka Bay, but serves as a general commercial area for Shorewood residents as well. Commercial development along the County Road 19 corridor through Shorewood has been noted as being prime for redevelopment. The City has expressed a strong preference to see the northwest quadrant of Smithtown Road and County Road 19 developed in a unified manner. This will require the assembly of various parcels and is well suited for planned unit development. The City should be open to a possible mix of residential and commercial uses in order to facilitate a coordinated redevelopment of the area. Tax increment financing has been suggested as a tool to encourage the necessary land assembly. The auto - oriented strip of commercial uses on the south side of County Road 19, adjacent to Smithtown Crossing, should be redeveloped with more retail activities or office uses. Several commercial properties exist at the east end of the County Road 19 corridor as it approaches Excelsior. Although current land owners have indicated their long -term intent to remain in their locations, the City has been approached at various times with proposals for alternative uses outside of the existing zoning or land use designations. This area is designated as an area of further study on the Proposed Land Use Plan. Shorewood's primary shopping district is located on Highway 7 east of Lake Linden Drive. It is recommended that if commercial development is proposed, it should be located in the shopping center or its immediate vicinity. The area surrounding the shopping center has been designated for low to medium density residential use on the Land Use Plan map, however, the City should remain open to proposals for commercial expansion there as well. Less than one mile east of the shopping center is an existing restaurant. It should be noted that Excelsior surrounds this site on three sides and Highway 7 separates the property from the rest of Shorewood. As such, its orientation is more toward the highway and downtown Excelsior. 11/09 LU -25 The area fronting on the south side of Highway 7, between Vine Hill Road and Old Market Road is primarily neighborhood and convenience type commercial. No change in use or expansion of the commercial zoning is proposed for this area. Land Use /Zoning Changes Subsequent to adoption of the 1981 Comprehensive Plan, the City adopted zoning regulations to implement the Land Use Plan. A variety of residential zoning districts were established, a commercial service district was created, regulations for existing nonconforming marinas were adopted, and planned unit development provisions were improved and expanded. The actual zoning of property was limited to changes that made the zoning consistent with existing land use patterns. For example the Shady Hills area had been zoned for one -acre lots despite having developed as half -acre lots. Undeveloped parcels planned for a higher use than their zoning were not rezoned at the time. Rather, the intent was to rezone property in conjunction with development requests, using the Land Use Plan as a guide. Given recent changes in legislation, it is important that the Proposed Land Use Plan map and the City's Zoning Districts map be consistent. Shorewood's Proposed Land Use Plan (shown on LU -23) has been adjusted to reflect existing zoning patterns. Shorewood's zoning regulations should be reviewed and updated periodically. Recent updates to the City's Zoning Code have included the establishment of maximum impervious surface requirements for properties outside of the Shoreland zoning district. This is viewed as an important tool in maintaining the scale of new buildings in residential areas. Similar to communities throughout the country, Shorewood has become concerned about the construction of very large homes on existing lots in existing neighborhoods. While the City can not do much about the seemingly increasing market for large homes, it can, through its zoning regulations, attempt to maintain the scale of existing neighborhoods. In this regard, the City should consider incorporating FAR (floor area ratio) into its zoning code. This establishes a maximum amount of building area relative to lot area, further addressing the issue of residential scale. Over the past few years the City has examined its commercial zoning districts, paring them down from five districts to three. It has been suggested that the C -2, Service Commercial district be phased out upon redevelopment of properties in Planning District 6. Parking requirements for both nonresidential and residential development has been noted as an area of future study. The Metropolitan Council's Regional Development Framework policy standard for sewered residential development density in an overall average minimum of three units per acre for new development and five or more units per acre for redevelopment and infill in "Developed" communities — with higher densities expected in locations with convenient access to transportation corridors and adequate sewer capacity. Given the extent and pattern of existing development in Shorewood very little opportunity exists to achieve higher densities. This is compounded by the fact that only half of the city has municipal water service and existing streets are not designed for higher traffic volumes that would accompany higher density housing. Nor does the area have adequate mass transit to support higher density. There are, however, a couple of potential redevelopment locations that could support some sort of higher density housing. The site currently occupied by Xcel Energy on County Road 19, if redeveloped, may be suitable for 11/09 LU -26 higher density housing or some sort of mixed use development, combining residential and nonresidential activities. This site could yield as many as 29 to 49 residential units. Similarly, and likely sooner, the northwest quadrant of Smithtown Crossing is viewed as being an excellent redevelopment project. Again, a mixed use approach to that area could yield as many as 24 to 40 units, depending on the type of housing proposed. These two sites have the potential to attain the average minimum sought by the Metropolitan Council when combined with lower density infill development over the next several years. Land Subdivision Controlling the way land is subdivided goes hand in hand with zoning regulations in ensuring the quality of urban development. As Shorewood's larger tracts become developed, increasing pressure will occur to resubdivide smaller parcels and land once considered to be marginal. The City's subdivision regulations should periodically be reviewed and updated to better address these situations. Further, all subdivisions of land should be examined for opportunities to preserve open space. The current Subdivision Code provides for developers to extend streets and utilities as necessary to accommodate the development of adjacent properties. Also the Transportation Chapter of this Plan sets forth policies for the use of private streets. With these rules in mind the review of all subdivision requests should consider how nearby land might develop in the future. Area planning should be done to demonstrate how specific subdivision requests fit with existing and future development. More often than not when one landowner is ready to subdivide its property, the adjoining landowner is not. Timing then becomes an obstacle to avoiding detrimental piece -meal development. The City can, in certain instances, overcome such obstacles by carefully crafting development agreements and restrictive covenants that provide for future development. For example, public right -of -way can be required for future streets with provisions that further development will result in street and utility assessments. Planned unit development can be used as a tool to accommodate the different timing of various landowners' development requests. Where it is not possible to facilitate coordination between landowners, subdivision should be deemed premature. As smaller pieces of land are resubdivided, lot configurations become a problem. Backlot divisions, flag lots and gerrymandered property lines undermine the benefits of building setbacks and disrupt continuity of open spaces. All subdivisions, regardless of size, should adhere to good planning and design principles. To this end, the use of formal platting procedures will be encouraged, while metes and bounds subdivisions will be approved only in the very simplest of cases. Housing Variety /Affordability Shorewood's attempts to provide affordable housing have been thwarted in the past by market forces. The desirability of the area, coupled with scarcity of available land make it very difficult to achieve housing that is considered affordable by metropolitan area standards. The City's efforts have been focused on preserving the existing housing stock. For example, limitations have been imposed relative to combining small buildable parcels of land into larger lots. With respect to housing variety, the City may consider updating its current zoning regulations to 11/09 LU -27 accommodate and encourage senior housing that includes dependent living such as assisted living and dependent care facilities. The Metropolitan Council has forecast affordable housing needs for all cities and townships within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area for the period from 2011 -2020. The housing plan element of local comprehensive plans is required to reflect the allocated portion of the forecasted demand for affordable housing. Shorewood's share of this allocation is 53 units. While the areas shown as "vacant" on the Existing Land Use 2008 map (page LU -21) are available currently, their development is entirely dependent on the housing market. The areas having the greatest potential to provide affordable housing are the redevelopment sites referenced on page LU -26. Of the two sites mentioned, redevelopment of the northwest quadrant of Smithtown Crossing is the most imminent, although, in light of the current economy, this redevelopment could be a few years into the future. Programs, initiatives and actions relative to housing are included in Appendix A of this plan. Lake Access In 1988, after considerable study, the City adopted zoning controls that addressed the use of old existing fire lanes within the community. Originally platted as public rights -of -way leading to Lake Minnetonka and Lake William, these lanes have been classified and regulated based upon their historic use. This effort concluded that the fire lanes should not be vacated, but should be preserved for public use. Access to Shorewood's lakes is also provided by three existing marinas and yacht clubs. It has been determined that the yacht club located on Enchanted Island should continue to function as it has in the past and not be expanded due to its residential location and poor access. The City has revised its L -R, Lakeshore Recreational District regulations in order to encourage the marina on Howards Point Road and the yacht club north of County Road 19 to comply with City standards. To date, owners of the Howard's Point Marina have not taken advantage of the relaxed L -R district provisions. Further, the City has been approached by developers interested in redeveloping the property. It is worth noting that this property has limited land that actually abuts Lake Minnetonka. It is expected that any plans for redevelopment of this property will respect the current zoning pattern in the area as well as the physical restraints associated with the property. The City recently relaxed a restriction on the mooring of power boats at the Shorewood Yacht Club, located on the north side of County Road 19, east of Timber Lane. Over the next three years, the City will monitor activity at the Yacht Club to determine whether the rule changes are compatible with surrounding residential uses. At the same time, Yacht Club owners will determine the future viability of the club under the revised rules. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the LMCD continue to search for lake access parking spaces adjacent to Lake Minnetonka. The City should cooperate with these agencies to provide small, scattered facilities compatible with nearby land uses. Historic Preservation Historic assets help to promote community pride and create a sense of community. The City of Shorewood will create an inventory of historically significant features, landmarks and buildings and evaluate tools for preserving these areas and structures. Where feasible, the City will assist 11/09 LU -28 with the acquisition of historically significant sites or structures, in order to provide educational or recreational opportunities. Solar Access Protection The Metropolitan Land Planning Act (Minnesota Statutes 473.859, Subd. 2) requires that local comprehensive plans include an element for the protection and development of access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. The City will protect such access by requiring minimum standards for lot sizes, amounts of open space, yard setbacks and maximum height of buildings in the community. Land uses should not preclude the possible use of solar energy systems. The City will review and revise, as necessary, the Zoning and Subdivision Codes to ensure protection of solar access. Population and Household Projections Based Upon Land Use Plan The following table shows the acreages of various categories of land use based upon the Existing Land Use map on page LU -21 and the Proposed Land Use Plan 2030 shown on page LU -23. Existing and Proposed Land Uses in Acres* Acres* (Percent of Total) Land Use 2008) 2020 2030 Wetlands 337(10) 337(10) 337(10) Undeveloped 85( 2) 0( 0) 0( 0) Single- Family Res. 2173(62) 2255(65) 2255(65) Two - Family Res. 117( 3) 117( 3) 117( 3) Multiple - Family Res. 34( 1) 34( 1) 34( 1) Public 172( 5) 172( 5) 172( 5) Semi - Public 170( 5) 170( 5) 170( 5) Commercial 63( 2) 64( 2) 64( 2) Transportation 341 10 343 10 343 10 Total 3492(100) 3492(100) 3492(100) *With the exception of the wetland and transportation classifications, all acreages shown are net acres (i.e. exclusive of wetlands, public right -of -way and public open space. Open water bodies amount to 1886 acres 11/09 LU -29 The amount of land shown as undeveloped is somewhat deceiving in that there is a considerable amount of land included in developed categories that has potential for additional development. For example, an existing home on a three -acre lot could eventually, and often likely will be, resubdivided into three residential lots. Therefore, the best way to project future land use, and ultimately population, is by comparing the map on page LU -31 with the Proposed Land Use Plan on page LU -23. This map illustrates not only undeveloped land, but also "underdeveloped" land, that is, land already accounted for in a land use category, but which has potential for further development. Vacant land alone is capable of producing between 65 and 70 additional residential housing units in Shorewood. Underdeveloped land has even more potential — between 155 -170 units. Combined, this amounts to 220 -240 additional units upon development saturation. Added to the 2730 units that exist today, Shorewood has the potential for 2950 -2970 residential units at full development. This figure could be even higher depending on the redevelopment of the northwest quadrant of the Smithtown Crossing area (see page LU -27). Based upon the 2000 Census, the average household size for Shorewood was 2.9 persons per household. The Metropolitan Council projects declines in household size in the region down to 2.6 in 2010 and 2.4 in 2020. While this may be true for the region as a whole, the decline in Shorewood may not be as great, since Shorewood is predominantly single - family residential, with very few multiple - family units. The Metropolitan Council provides forecasts for households, population and employment. These forecasts are shown on the table below. The forecasts suggest that Shorewood would add 12 units per year between 2010 and 2020. Between 2020 and 2030 ninety additional units would be added. Household, Population and Employment Projections *Metropolitan Council Forecasts It should be noted that the calculations above do not account for redevelopment where several existing lots are combined then resubdivided to create additional lots. While this requires extraordinary cooperation between property owners, it will increasingly occur as land prices continue to outstrip the value of some of the older housing stock. 11/09 LU -30 1990 2000 2008 2010* 2020* 2030* Households 2026 2529 2730 2750 2870 2960 Population 5917 7400 7917 7850 8000 8100 Employment 990 1160 1180 *Metropolitan Council Forecasts It should be noted that the calculations above do not account for redevelopment where several existing lots are combined then resubdivided to create additional lots. While this requires extraordinary cooperation between property owners, it will increasingly occur as land prices continue to outstrip the value of some of the older housing stock. 11/09 LU -30 U a f U V Pa IWHa�y� w o N n sm T L d• O 68 •� 1 cy3 a �� ® emm ® t 9p e m R a s d E u D R -0 D Qp a o 0 a a R •G X p R Oo aoo 0 0000 a ao o M�e �a i i LL - O ql r O — O O _ a r °r E' ° 0 - fn C � U n � t7 3 U N C O U H u SQ C. Y Y Po e® y IL ro m a C E d LL I� Y _ o � `u R Mz u � O O LL O N ° o 0 0 c° o 0 O V/ r � p1e � R Chapter Summary The Land Use Chapter sets forth goals, objectives and policies which serve as a guide for how land within the City is to be developed and used. Shorewood has established itself as a predominantly residential community. Any nonresidential activities which are allowed should be located and designed to support a quality living environment. The City's land use goals are as follows: The City shall establish a pattern of land uses which is consistent with the residential and recreational functions of the community. The land use plan shall promote harmonious relationships between various land uses (e.g. homes, commercial outlets, churches, parks, schools, etc.) through proper development and locational planning. Through land use planning discourage land uses which are inconsistent with the residential and natural character of the community. The City shall promote safe, healthy and affordable housing options. The following summary of recommendations is reflective of the City's goals, objectives and policies: Establish planning districts based upon natural divisions and physical barriers. 2. Create and enhance focal points within each planning district or neighborhood. Commercial development should be consistent with the residential character of the community and concentrated to three primary locations: 1) Country Club Road /County Road 19; 2) Lake Linden/ Highway 7; and 3) Vine Hill Road/Highway 7. 4. Promote the use of sound planning and design principles, including planned unit development. 11/09 LU -33 5. Coordinate the development of small land parcels to ensure that access and utility service comply with City standards. 6. Maintain a Land Use Plan to illustrate the relationship of various densities of residential development and nonresidential uses. 7. Keep the City's land use controls (e.g. zoning and subdivision ordinances) up to date to implement the Land Use Plan. Identify areas which are best suited for planned unit development. 9. Require formal platting procedures for the subdivision of land, allowing metes and bounds divisions only in the simplest of cases. 10. Prepare a separate housing plan describing Shorewood's existing housing stock and identify measures to encourage the preservation of the existing diversity of housing types. 11. Recognizing certain existing nonconformities, seek ways to bring Howard's Point Marina into substantial compliance with the revised Lakeshore Recreational (L -R) zoning district. 12. Promote and implement programs for the preservation of open space. 11/09 LU -34 Transportation Plan - Chanter Outline Introduction.................................................................................. ............................... TR -1 Goalsand Objectives ................................................................... ............................... TR -3 Issues............................................................................................. ............................... TR -5 Policies........................................................................................... ............................... TR -7 TransportationPlan ................................................................... ............................... TR -11 Streets - Functional Classification System ....................... ............................... TR -11 Local streets Collector streets Minor expanders Intermediate arterials Streets - Municipal State Aid System (MSA) .................. ............................... TR -22 MassTransit ..................................................................... ............................... TR -22 Bicycle /Pedestrian Trails ................................................. ............................... TR -25 Snowmobiles............................................ ............................... TR -26 Airports............................................................................ ............................... TR -26 Traffic Volumes and Traffic Forecasts .................... ..........................TR -29 ChapterSummary ...................................................................... ............................... TR -35 5/09 Introduction Transportation planning, especially in urbanized areas, should place emphasis on the total transportation system rather than just one or more isolated facilities. It should encompass all modes of transport which are economically feasible to the community. The City must provide or ensure that there is provided a safe, efficient and convenient transportation system, which limits negative impact on the environment at the lowest cost consistent with the health, safety and welfare of the public. The Shorewood Transportation Plan describes Shorewood's existing transportation system by functional classification, identifies problem areas within the system and recommends improvements to resolve those problem areas. The plan also recommends right -of -way and roadway widths, which would provide continuity within the street system. Although emphasis in this element of Shorewood's Comprehensive Plan is placed on the street circulation plan, there are a number of other transportation related components that deserve consideration. They include mass transit, pedestrian/bicycle circulation, railroads and aviation. 11/09 TR -1 Transportation Goals and Objectives Transportation Goals The City shall provide and maintain a safe and efficient system of transportation, sensitive to the needs of residents and the environment of the community. The City should establish a plan for an interconnected system of trails, enhancing the safe movement of pedestrians, bicyclists and other modes of non - motorized travel. Transportation Objectives 1. Reduce the need for transportation facilities by combining or concentrating various land use activities, when and where feasible. 2. Promote regional transportation facilities that are safe, direct, convenient and environmentally sound and coordinate plans with other jurisdictions. Design safe, efficient and economical local transportation facilities based upon the needs of neighborhoods, integrating these facilities into the community and regional systems. 4. Utilize a comprehensive system and approach to transportation, giving due attention to all modes and related facilities. Assign priorities to various travel routes, modes and programs, then formulate and implement a corresponding action and development effort. 6. Provide safe trail connections to points of interest in the community and link to trails provided by Hennepin County and adjacent municipalities. 7. Implement trail segments on an incremental basis consistent with an overall plan. 8. Explore all outside funding resources to implement local transportation plans. 11/09 TR -3 Transportation Issues Highway 7 In 1986 Shorewood participated with several area communities, MNDOT and the Metropolitan Council in the preparation of a Corridor Study for State Highway 7. Most of the recommendations of the 1986 Study have been implemented, and many of the recommendations of a subsequent 1995 Study have been programmed. There is, however, one area that should be considered for further study — the intersection of Vine Hill Road and State Highway 7. Street Maintenance and Reconstruction Many of Shorewood's streets were constructed in the early 1970's at the time the sanitary sewer system was built. Nearly 40 years later the useful life of many of these streets is near an end. Street maintenance and reconstruction are viewed as key topics of discussion for years to come. The City has initiated a long -term pavement inventory and management plan to identify and prioritize maintenance and reconstruction projects in the future. In addition to physically analyzing Shorewood's roadway conditions, the plan must address two significant issues. First, the public improvement process needs to be refined to better examine project feasibility early in the process. Secondly, the plan should examine all possible methods of financing improvement projects. Municipal State Aid System In 1989 Shorewood's population exceeded 5000, malting the city eligible for MSA funding. The MSA routes currently designated require review as well as the design standards for construction. Fire Protection Due to the narrow surface widths of certain streets in Shorewood, a serious question exists over the adequacy of road access for emergency vehicles. As the availability of municipal water is quite limited, fire fighting efforts are 11/09 TR -5 generally dependent upon the use of tank trucks. However, on narrow roads there often is not sufficient room for tank trucks and pumpers to pass each other, and thus fire protection efforts may be critically jeopardized. Mass Transit Shorewood, not unlike many outlying communities within the metropolitan area, desires, but does not have the benefit of readily available public transit services. Given Shorewood's low density character, traditional transit services do not appear to be economically feasible at this time. However, alternative methods of providing transit service (e.g. park and ride sites) have been explored and, in the case of the park and ride at Vine Hill Road and Highway 7, successfully implemented. Bikeways /Trails Although viewed primarily as recreational these facilities relate closely to other transportation modes. It is important that planning for streets take into account the safe movement of bicyclists and pedestrians. 11/09 TR -6 Transportation Policies General Transportation facilities shall be planned and improved to function in a manner compatible with adjacent land use; in those instances where the function of a transportation facility has changed overtime to become incompatible with adjacent land use, a program to eliminate this incompatibility shall be established. 2. All means of transportation and related facilities shall be considered as one system and therefore coordinated and related comprehensively. 3. Transportation facilities shall be planned and designed to conserve natural resources and minimize the total need for ongoing public investment. 4. The transportation system shall be developed to focus on activity centers of Shorewood and neighboring south shore communities, and to promote safe and efficient movement of traffic through and out of the city to the Metro Area. Transportation planning and implementation shall be coordinated with neighboring and affected jurisdictions. 6. Special consideration and attention shall be given to persons who must rely on means other than the automobile for transportation. 7. Dependency upon automobile- oriented transportation shall be reduced where feasible, and where possible higher priorities shall be assigned to pedestrian/bicycle and mass transit travel. The state and county 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 11/09 TR -7 officials in order to ensure that planned improvements are consistent with the goals and objectives of the community. 9. Early and continuing citizen involvement shall be provided for and encouraged in transportation planning and implementation projects. Streets A functional classification system for the street system in Shorewood has been established and shall be maintained, giving due consideration to the Metropolitan Council's Functional Classification System for streets and highways, as may be amended. 2. All local or residential streets shall be designed to limit penetration of through traffic and shall direct traffic to collector or arterial streets. 3. Land access onto expander and arterial streets shall be limited or prevented wherever possible. 4. Vehicular access onto all types of arterials shall be minimized and limited to points of adequate distances between intersections with proper signalization and /or merging. Street parking shall be prohibited or limited on arterial streets. 6. All intersections shall have proper visibility, design, and control to prevent accidents and violations. 7. Service roads paralleling major arterials shall be controlled to reduce traffic conflicts, hazards and resulting accidents. Single - loaded frontage roads shall be discouraged in the future. 9. The amount and diversity of traffic signing shall be reduced. An updated and improved traffic signing system is to be maintained. 10. Street improvement shall be related to, and phased with, area land development in order to avoid interrupted or inadequate access. 11. Curb and gutter shall be required in new development and reconstruction of existing streets. Where drainage is not a problem, other drainage solutions shall be considered where more economical and practical. 12. In those areas where incomplete street facilities exist, action shall be taken to plan, design and develop a street system that reflects the highest standards and relates land use to transportation needs and policies. Action shall be taken immediately to reserve required rights -of -way to prevent redundant additional cost and difficulties. 13. Where feasible and practical, provisions for other transportation modes (i.e. pedestrian, bicycles, etc.) shall be included in street and highway improvement plans. 11/09 TR -8 14. The City shall strive to minimize damage to city streets through measures such as organized trash collection and enforcement of seasonal weight restrictions. Parking No development or expansion of activities and uses shall be permitted unless adequate off - street parking is provided. 2. Parking requirements imposed by the City shall be periodically reviewed and studied to ensure supply is reflective of demand. 3. Parking shall be developed in a fashion that conserves land, allows joint utilization and minimizes conflicts with moving vehicular traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. 4. Parking lot access to public streets shall be limited to the functional minimums. 5. The City shall enforce standards for parking lot landscaping. 6. The City shall seek reduction in the demand and resulting space requirements for parking through improved pedestrian and transit facilities and land use development coordination. Mass Transit Increased service and the use of mass transit shall be encouraged by the City of Shorewood. 2. Attempts shall be made to have transit service available with rider conveniences, such as shelters, in the activity centers of the community. Strive to develop transit service for those who do not have other transportation alternatives. 4. Transit service, through related improvements and land use policies, shall be encouraged by the City during non -peak, non -rush hour periods in addition to peak and rush hour periods. Shorewood business districts shall be encouraged to establish themselves as transit "stations" or suburban collection points through provisions for park and ride, transfer routes and direct express service to other commercial and employment activity centers of the metropolitan area and southwestern subregion. 6. Availability of transit service, notably during rush hours, to activity areas and regional centers in other communities shall be encouraged. 7. All potential means and methods of providing and improving transit service (school buses, taxis, etc.) shall be explored. 11/09 TR -9 Pedestrian/Bicycle Where possible and economically feasible, a separated traveled surface shall be provided for pedestrians and cyclists. 2. Special attention shall be directed and facilities provided for pedestrian movement and access in areas in and surrounding schools, churches, parks, commercial and service centers. Pedestrian street crossings on heavily traveled streets shall be clearly marked and lighted. 4. All street improvement programs and projects shall take into consideration facilities for pedestrians and bicycles as identified in the Trail Concept Plan, shown on Page TR -27. Non -local streets in Shorewood shall be designed to protect pedestrian and bicycle movement paralleling traffic. 6. New development shall be encouraged to respect the pedestrian/bicycle system, shown on Page TR -27, and where possible to contribute to the City right -of -way and development costs. 7. Construction and maintenance of trails shall be based on established standards and specifications to ensure safe conditions. 8. Shorewood will establish development standards for the construction of trails, as well as maintenance standards and programs, to ensure safe conditions. 9. Trail segments shall be established within parks to provide connections between various facilities and to accommodate recreational usage. 10. Priorities for the funding of the construction of trails shall be established on the basis of safety concerns, funding conditions and neighborhood acceptance. 11. Shorewood will explore all funding sources, including outside grant funds for the construction of trails, provided that such funding sources accommodate local needs and design criteria. 12. Shorewood will cooperate with other jurisdictions, including the School Districts and Hennepin County, in providing a trail system that meets local and regional needs. 13. Shorewood will work with other area communities to investigate the establishment of a trail network that could provide connections to points of interest and environmental features, including continuous access around Lake Minnetonka. 14. Shorewood will work with other area communities to investigate the establishment of bicycle and mass transit linkages that would serve bicycle commuters. 11/09 TR -10 Transportation Plan Streets - Functional Classification System The Metropolitan Council's Functional Classification System Criteria for Roadways should continue to be used as a basis for classifying and developing Shorewood's street system. The following two pages define the various components of the system and illustrate their typical spatial relationships. It should be realized that this system should be tailored to fit Shorewood's specific development character and needs. Cross sections of various roadway types can be modified to City specifications. These specifications should be incorporated into the improvement section of the subdivision regulations. In general, Shorewood's streets can be classified according to use as local, collector, minor expander and principal arterial streets. A local street is designed to discourage through traffic, primarily providing access to immediate adjacent land. Moving traffic is a secondary function. The collector street intercepts traffic from residential areas, etc., and carries it to or from the arterial system and community activity centers. Minor expanders move traffic between subregions with direct land access being limited. Principal arterials also connect subregions, carrying higher traffic volumes and providing access to major traffic generators. Page TR -14 illustrates the functional classification plan for the south Lake Minnetonka area and shows how Shorewood relates to the regional system. Page TR -15 provides a more detailed overview of the proposed transportation plan for the community. The following is a discussion of each functional classification as it pertains to the City of Shorewood. Local Streets. The Transportation Plan map does not attempt to show other than existing local streets. Location of new local streets is left to the developer to decide. However, in reviewing development requests, the City should carefully consider the following recommendations: In new subdivisions, as opposed to simple resubdivisions, all lots should abut on a publicly dedicated street. While it is the City's policy to 11/09 TR -11 Metropolitan Council Functional Classification Criteria Functional classification involves determining what function each roadway should perform before determining street widths, speed limits, intersection control or other design features. Functional classification ensures that nontransportation factors, such as land use and development, are taken into account in planning and design of street and highways. A major purpose of functional classification is to determine which routes should be on the metropolitan highway system. Functional classification is also used to decide which roads to use for transit service. Once the function is established, appropriate or desirable design and operational characteristics can be used as further guidelines for implementation. The criteria of the functional classification system are presented in Table 1; Table 2; lists typical characteristics for roadways. The criteria are intended to be the primary tool for determining the function of a roadway. The characteristics are intended to be guidelines when plans are developed for a given classified route. However, if the guidelines are significantly different for a given highway, they may be used to supplement the criteria in making final decision on the function of that highway. The functional classification system consists of four classes of roadways within the seven - county metropolitan area: principal arterials (which include interstate freeways) minor arterials, collector streets and local streets. The roadways are the publicly provided elements of a land transportation system. Metropolitan Highways Principal Arterials - Interstate freeways - Other principal arterials Local Highways and Roads - Minor arterials - Collector streets - Local streets Principal Arterials The metropolitan highway system is made up of the principal arterials in the region. Principal arterials include all interstate freeways. Interstate freeways connect the region with other areas in the state and other states. They also connect the metro centers to regional business concentrations (see Figure 1). The emphasis is on mobility as opposed to land access. They only connect with other interstate freeways, other principal arterials and select minor arterials and collectors. The interstate freeways provide for the longest trips in the region and express bus service. Spacing will vary from two to three miles in the fully developed area, to six to 12 miles in the rural area, where only radials into the urban service area will exist. Other principal arterials are very similar to the interstate freeways but they are less likely to connect the region to other states. They will provide land access somewhat more frequently than interstate freeways. Minor Arterials The minor arterial system connects the urban service area to cities and towns inside and outside the region. They interconnect the rural growth centers in the region to one another as well as to similar places just outside the region. They provide supplementary connections between the two metro centers and the regional business concentrations. They connect major generators within the central business districts (CBDS) and the regional business concentrations. TR -12 The emphasis of minor arterials is on mobility as opposed to access in the urban area; only concentration of commercial or industrial land uses should have direct access to them. The minor arterial should connect to principal arterials, other minor arterials and collectors. Connection to some local streets is acceptable. Minor artenats SWUM service medium to short trips. Both local and limited stop transit will use minor arterials. The spacing of minor arterials in the metro centers and regional business concentrations will vary from one - fourth to three - fourths mile. Typically, in the fully developed area, spacing would range from 1/2 mile to one mile. In developing area, one to two mile space is adequate. (The region has subdivided minor arterials into two classes for administrative purposes. "A" minor arterials are eligible to compete for federal funding.) Collector Streets The collector system provides connection between neighborhoods and from neighborhoods to minor business concentrations. It also provides supplementary interconnections of major traffic generators within the metro centers and regional business concentrations. Mobility and land access are equally important. Direct land access should predominately be to development concentrations. Collector connections are predominately to minor arterials. Typically, collectors serve short trips of one to four miles. Local transit service uses these streets. Spacing in the metro centers and regional business concentrations may vary between one -eighth to one -half mile. In the fully developed area, collectors are needed one - fourth to three - fourths mile apart. In the developing area, spacing may range from one -half to one mile. Local Streets Local streets connect blocks and land parcels. The primary emphasis is on land access. In most cases, local streets will connect to other local streets and collectors. In some cases, they will connect to minor arterials. Local streets serve short trips at low speeds. In the urban area, local streets will occur every. block. In the rural area one mile spacing may be adequate. TR -13 City of Shorewood Roadway Functional Classification --J z- d Oro Mf / 9 ,c C t` ho ITH�N Q- 1 J V Coda o c� n- Functional Class Roads IV Principal Arterial N A Minor Augmentor NA Minor Reliever N A Minor Expander NA Minor Connector B Minor Major Collector Minor Collector Local Roadways Future Roadways Functional Classification �••�. Principal Arterial .'`� : A Minor Augmentor ,�s A Minor Reliever A Minor Expander .-A Minor Connector e h e B Minor Major Colletor Minor Collector 2 0 2 4 Miles January 2003 County Boundary Metropolitan Council Building communities that work o• L7 � ` �na`frl a• � 7 m 6Q• ° � ? CD C/) CD _ r, o - N O CD 0 CD m S N G 8 • 0.J0 , O/ � N N N o m a a �a — _ •.' ••� oar ds �oi "nit R - � fD .•C`G -II CD m \ Mntsb 4 2 iz 1R8 ;o '• y � m s v�noov r, A m m m G art or nz Ro m °a Maple �,r Leaf CIr 31 � � ±moo Meadow mr°< --�g. • m Eureka WI E m y v �•❑ Dee O O O n 1PV SO=.n Dr r rH_`� \ -O• m 1 Hard g. O O _0 avy 0 0 7 O 510." ee fitaaLa O O O � S� m c a r t Ph a _ N Rtl Oob Valley m D D v R viola La � ~ O O O orr \ootl 7 (D (D (D L O n ('J (D CD • m � �y IU1C7 1_ Q ♦ A 3, to cir . Wad[Lpuck- �r? Glenco R I,II G \ ew u �g ,aiA�O c/ h� D k 0x00 000 y �O O �GI U1 m � � x 7 ,C ti c � pr 0 U � �9 I DI Islon St Cbdstm s Lake Rd � w nb � aa DI. m t stm 6hdas•Lake a •. a `�0 r M� o S m re � ��ta s�curo • �/F¢ wezLla � `� �I Rke �3 0 ii O� \AnthoJny� �:'Be •� [� � �gU�M7 � Tar � �j''W/�► Pa _ I VI9e � N d �OYelalo d — i LU p pr Vne Hill Rd discourage private streets, in certain limited cases of lot resubdivision, the City has adopted the policy that as many as three lots may be allowed access by private easement, subject to the following criteria: a. The land to be subdivided is not capable of being divided into more than three lots. b. Consideration is given to surrounding undeveloped property. C. A 50 -foot easement and adequate turn - around must be provided. d. Legal provisions are made for the use and maintenance of the road. e. Where private roads are approved, protective covenants will be required stating that the City will not take over or maintain them. f. The minimum width of the paved surface for private streets shall be 20 feet where adequate off - street parking is provided. Where the potential exists for on- street parking the minimum shall be 24 feet. 2. Subdivision circulation patterns should be examined from a broader perspective than just the individual site. In this regard, consideration must be given to surrounding undeveloped property as well as existing street patterns to ensure that the most efficient transportation network is achieved. All streets should meet the minimum design standards established by the City. Existing standards such as minimum road width and length of cul -de -sac streets have been re- evaluated in terms of safety (emergency vehicles access) and street maintenance (snowplowing). It is recommended that the minimum right -of -way width for local streets be maintained at 50 feet and that the maximum length for cul -de -sac streets should be 700 feet. 4. In areas where existing streets have substandard right -of -way widths, the City shall acquire, to the extent possible, additional right -of -way through the subdivision process. For local streets the following criteria should be used to evaluate appropriate pavement widths: 24 -foot street • use in areas where zoning requires lots to be 20,000 square feet in area or larger • on- street parking restricted to one side • consider additional parking restrictions for through streets 28 -foot street • use in areas where zoning allows lots smaller than 20,000 square feet in area • on- street parking restricted to one side 11/09 TR -17 32 -foot street • use in areas where abutting properties are occupied or zoned for two - family or multiple - family dwellings or on through streets where on- street bicycle /pedestrian traffic is a factor • if on- street parking is allowed on both sides of street, consider separated bicycle /pedestrian facilities It should be noted that streets currently exist which are less than 24 feet in width. While substandard streets may be maintained at their current design, in no case shall streets be reconstructed at a width less than 20 feet. Substandard streets shall be evaluated based on their use characteristics (i.e. land use intensity, on- street parking, bicycle /pedestrian traffic, etc.). The City recognizes that it may not be feasible to reconstruct existing streets to the preceding standards. Specifically, existing streets may be rebuilt to their existing width (but not less than 20 feet). Curb and gutter will be installed where necessary for drainage purposes or where traffic dictates. The City has completed a long -term pavement inventory and a long -term management plan that should be completed by the end of this year. The intent of the plan is to quantify well into the future how much work will need to be done in coming years, prioritize improvements and propose a long -term strategy for financing those improvements. From the plan, a new process for evaluating reconstruction projects should be developed, including early identification of project obstacles (i.e. lack of right -of -way) and early neighborhood involvement. In this regard, the City's standard Planning Process of strategy, inventory, policy planning, project planning, and implementation should be employed. Shorewood has a number of "paper streets ", that is, dedicated rights -of -way that were once platted but never built. These rights -of -way should be inventoried and analyzed as to their potential for future use. Where it can be clearly demonstrated that no public purpose exists, the rights -of way should be approved for vacation and returned to the tax rolls. In the mid 1980's Shorewood adopted seasonal weight restrictions in an effort to reduce wear and tear on City streets. These restrictions, however, were not extended to garbage trucks. The City currently licenses six refuse haulers to operate within the community. Aside from having to obtain a license, refuse haulers are basically unregulated. Since garbage trucks have been identified as the single most damaging vehicle to city streets, serious consideration must be given to establishing regulations that limit the extent of the damage. This topic is discussed in greater detail in the Community Facilities /Services chapter of this Plan. Collector Streets. Streets in Shorewood that are currently classified as collectors include Minnetonka Boulevard in the Northeast corner of the City; Old Market Road /Covington Road and the south end of Vine Hill Road in the southeast corner of the City; Galpin Lake Road south of Highway 7; Eureka Road between Smithtown Road and Highway 7; and Smithtown Road. In planning for its circulation network Shorewood has classified two additional routes as collectors: 1) Country Club Road /Yellowstone Trail /Lake Linden Drive; and 2) Vine Hill Road north of Covington Road. 11/09 TR -18 Traffic levels on Country Club /Yellowstone /Lake Linden greatly exceed those that are recommended for a local street. While it is not intended to encourage traffic to shortcut between County Road 19 and Highway 7, it is important that the street be designed to safely carry the existing traffic. The Metropolitan Council has revised its Functional Classification system from previous years. While to some extent it has become more complex (i.e. increased number of roadway classifications), in Shorewood's case the system has been simplified. Currently, only Smithtown Road and Galpin Lake Road are listed as major collectors. The collector designation has been dropped for Eureka Road, Country Club Road/Yellowstone Trail /Lake Linden Drive, Minnetonka Boulevard, Vine Hill Road and Old Market Road. Based on the volumes of traffic on these streets and the way they function, they have been shown on Shorewood's Transportation Plan as "minor collectors" Traffic studies prepared for the development of Shorewood's southeast area suggest that the collector function for that area be split by Old Market Road and Vine Hill Road, resulting in two "minor" collectors. To maintain a balance of traffic between the two streets, the intersection of Covington Road and Vine Hill Road should remain in its current "T" configuration. If future traffic patterns warrant it consideration should be given to other intersection designs which would maintain balance of traffic flow. Although Vine Hill Road may be expensive to upgrade, it should be incorporated into the City's Municipal State Aid (MSA) system. The City should work with the City of Minnetonka to upgrade it to a "minor" collector status, that is, a street designed to function somewhere between a local and collector street designation. Capacity issues have arisen at the intersection of Vine Hill Road and State Highway 7, mostly associated with traffic to and from the Minnetonka High School. It is recommended that the City work with adjoining communities to commission a traffic study for this intersection. Minor Expanders. Within the community, there are two roads designated as minor expanders - County Road 19 north of Highway 7 and Mill Street (County Road 82) to the south of Highway 7. There are no current plans by Hennepin County to upgrade any of the county roads in Shorewood. A significant improvement to the intersection of County Road 19 /Smithtown Road /Country Club Road was completed in 2005. This project resolved intersection geometrics as well as individual site access issues, consolidating property access points where it was feasible. Principal Arterials. The largest traffic carrier in Shorewood is State Highway 7, which is classified as a principal arterial. In 1986 Shorewood participated with the Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Council and several communities abutting Highway 7 in the preparation of the T.H. 7 Corridor Study, dated November, 1986. The study recommended improvements for the segment of Highway 7 between State Highway 101 to the east and Minnewashta Parkway to the west. A second Corridor Study was conducted in 1995 that recommends improvements for Highway 7 between State Highway 41 and the City of Hutchinson to the west. 11/09 TR -19 In brief summary, the 1986 Corridor Study suggests confining access points in the study area to five signalized intersections, spaced approximately one mile apart; construction of a grade - separated interchange at St. Alban's Bay Road /Covington Road; realignment of Galpin Lake Road to intersect with Water Street (nonsignalized); and upgrading between T.H. 41 and Minnewashta Parkway to a five -lane divided roadway with a continuous center left -turn lane. Along the entire corridor, existing access points will be consolidated to minimize direct access to the highway. In adopting the 1986 Corridor Study, Shorewood qualified its approval by taking issue with certain recommendations in the study. Following are the City's positions: St. Alban's Bay Road /Covington Road. The proposed overpass /interchange is expected to require nearly half of the estimated $10.1 million necessary to fund improvements for the entire corridor. Shorewood is on record as questioning the cost versus benefit of this design. The City's position is that the intersections at Old Market Road and at Vine Hill Road will prove to be adequate to handle future traffic. 2. Service Road - Old Market Road to Christmas Lake Road. Construction of this segment of service road on the south side of Highway 7 would require substantial cutting of the large hill west of Radisson Entrance and filling the wetland to the east. Both efforts would require expensive retaining walls. Traffic levels on the north end of Christmas Lake do not warrant the expense, financially or environmentally. Radisson Road east of the existing service road has been noted as being narrow, winding and potentially hazardous. Proximity of homes to the roadway makes upgrading of the street very difficult and expensive. Traffic in this area will continue to be monitored and if volumes warrant it, further consideration should be given to directional or other regulatory controls. Excelsior West. Page TR -21 illustrates the proposed realignment of Galpin Lake Road to intersect with Water Street, and the connection of Chaska Road to Galpin Lake Road. Initially, the City objected to this recommendation due to expense and impact on residential property. Upon further review, the redesign may be feasible, but expensive. Unless MNDOT will assist in necessary right -of -way acquisition, the improvement is considered to be a long range project. In the meantime the City should study alternatives to the proposed design. 4. Trunk Highway 41 Area. In cooperation with MNDOT, Shorewood reconstructed the intersection at State Highway 41 and Chaska Road in 2002. The right -on, right -off intersection at Lake Linden Drive was closed and the geometrics of the signalized intersection were improved. Private property development was required to minimize access points near the intersection, fulfilling the recommendations of the Corridor Studies relative to this area. Communities involved in the 1995 Corridor Study were advised early on that funding would not be available for the construction of a four -lane, divided highway from Highway 41 west to the City of Hutchinson. Nevertheless, a four -lane roadway was viewed as a long -term goal. In the 11/09 TR -20 kz._ ca GROVE SST. e�� I . e 1 •f I �- \� \ ❑ j \ o Z J \ � V O 952.1 PI EASANT 5T. Ir _ ° a� y j6 � ��;, ��" ,� � \° •�' � �� : \ \,�� - ^x-94 !��; Wate /) \ \ \1 \\�\ X930__ \�, \ \•\ \ R ° - -ate_._ - `�� All �vc � �� I F\� �- •,a,.� ,Q_.` � .�.,f�_�,�f . r ,0 .,. �\�� 4 � F} o- ',��u =_1 f 'r � y�, � \ ,. '�s, \ \\ = _- ,� . r-+ � _ _.-_ - ,,,,�: • ��a lr� .,'I• _ � 990 t-7 - rq jr _� � SHLMOV 1IFf� ^` \,"'iY /tip I � E JI� -��'•� ;'� �•m� �'� \� 1 .- .. r ,): '' o\ ,o\ 3, •,Y'..' .�. CD meantime consolidation of access points, enhanced turn lanes, widened shoulders and access control were cited as feasible ways to improve traffic on the westerly segment of Highway 7. Shorewood conducted neighborhood meetings in 1997 to consider the consolidation and closure of several access points on Highway 7. It has been determined that direct access to the highway at Lake Linden Drive, Wood Drive, Pleasant Avenue, and Seamans Drive /Yellowstone Trail will be closed. Upon development of the land east of Freeman Park, a frontage road between Eureka Road and the park will be constructed to replace the existing southerly access to the park. A potential frontage road between Seamans Drive and Eureka Road was identified as an area of further study. As evidenced by Shorewood's implementation of the two corridor studies for Highway 7, the City has worked closely with MNDOT in the management of access to the highway. MNDOT's access management guidelines will continue to be considered for all development abutting Highway 7. Similarly, all development access to county roads is referred to the Hennepin County Department of Transportation for permit approval. Streets - Minnesota State Aid System In 1989, upon reaching a population of 5000, Shorewood became eligible for participation in the Municipal State Aid System. This program contributes approximately $244,000 annually to the City's street construction fund. Shorewood's allocation for MSA funds is based on nine miles of its total 50 miles of streets. Proposed MSA routes are shown on the Transportation Plan map on page TR -15. The Transportation Plan coordinates the proposed street classification system with MSA route designations. With the exception of Galpin Lake Road and Minnetonka Boulevard, collector streets are proposed as MSA routes. Three local streets on the west end of the city, north of Smithtown Road, are also designated as MSA routes. Cathcart Drive and Excelsior Boulevard are designated as future MSA routes as mileage becomes available. Although the MSA system is primarily a funding resource, there are certain design implications, particularly with respect to local streets. For example, the minimum width required for an MSA route is 26 feet. MSA standards also require curb and gutter, whereas the City's current policy for reconstruction of existing streets requires curb and gutter only where drainage or traffic necessitate. As MSA streets are planned, their use characteristics must be examined to ensure that adequate width is provided to accommodate area land uses, (e.g. need for on- street parking). It must be realized that only limited mileage can be constructed annually. Mass Transit Shorewood is within the Metropolitan Transit Taxing District — Market Area III. Service options for Market Area III include peak -only express, small vehicle circulators, midday circulators, special needs paratransit (ADA, seniors) and ridesharing. The map on the following page shows the two transit routes that currently serve Shorewood, as well as park and ride locations in Excelsior and at the intersection of Vine Hill Road and State Highway 7. A park and ride location previously located at the Shorewood City Hall property was discontinued, presumably for lack of use. 11/09 TR -22 CO �• �amaq• � .`p I ITO O � O OO qy 9 C v CL •U O w N C) D' O — y (C) qµa d [yo 0 _ .01. GalaQ •OO . - O CD (D O Caihpd Dr �.a � r P m Ch 1u � R $ A r 3 S g r R 9 G nt oro Rd 5 �1y7aPle m� Le CI 3 4 �Buri c _ S p Dr rr�� Meatlgw Smlfhtq � F , ` � Buraka.Bd _ if re• � Nardl p,la A a f�eY ape'W C A 41 14 Ej O . ry IFS\ sucu m m CA G. Q >J R v Ua, o epZ1.00 Ceumy.Club.Rd Y X Q =' RWIe X CD CD 0 ^d 0 1 Clr yp Duck Rd fi. \.w'4. .0 IR dh � ) D IJ R�imyy x,00 m ye — m � n Dn t9 9 m n C r / A O swros IN a a � D elo Ba tl S r lr o tz S Adsl a.Leke.Rd C � e Minnetonka I � � JfXllaPwaJ � y 'L m y.y A WC. � ChdstmgSL ka B ,rr � Y. ry d• 1�. Re � r v Suburb y m W 1V " e 0m0 e 1ao B wpm ®. cf) 00 ® alt O�k,2m m pl. • dr ulac�, 6 � �„ McYlu(ei 9a e ilZ Mn. MITI Rd 0 Mass transit to Shorewood is currently limited due to the community's low density. Concentrations of population in Shorewood are not considered enough to justify increased regular service. The City should, however, attempt to promote service in any way possible (e.g. providing park and ride locations within the community) in order to equalize the level of service with the current rate of taxation. Four options for improving service have been studied in the past: 1. Lobby the state legislature to provide new opportunities to opt out of the Metropolitan Council Transit System. Then join with other communities to establish an autonomous "subregional" system. 2. Work with the Metropolitan Council to enhance the current Dial -a -Ride program. If successful, this type of program should be renewed annually. 3. Convince the Metropolitan Council that the south Lake Minnetonka communities (i.e. Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Excelsior and Greenwood) be designated as a transit hub and connected to other outer -ring suburban hub areas. 4. Consider joining another transit system, such as Southwest Metro Transit. Upon completion of an opt -out study, Shorewood has decided to remain in the Metropolitan Council Transit System. The City should work with area communities and the Metropolitan Council to maintain the level of service of the Metro Mobility program. Services such as this will become increasingly important as the population continues to age. The Metropolitan Council continues to study and analyze ridership levels in the area. Shorewood should seek citizen input to determine the level of service desired by the community. Bicycle/Pedestrian Trails As noted in the Concept Plan section of the Land Use Chapter, trails are viewed as an effective way to connect neighborhoods, thereby enhancing a sense of community in Shorewood. Trails are primarily considered as an element of parks and recreation, but due to their interrelationship with other transportation elements, they will also be discussed in the Transportation chapter. In 1998, after a series of community meetings and a survey of Shorewood residents, the Park Commission developed a planning process that places an emphasis on early and continuing neighborhood involvement in the establishment of an overall network of trails within the community. The Trail Concept Plan, shown on page TR -27, identifies a potential system of trails within Shorewood that concentrates on the connection of neighborhoods to one another and to various points of interest within the community. The trail planning process continues with the following steps: 1. Periodically the Park Commission identifies potential segments of trails to be considered in the coming years. 2. Trail walks, including area residents, are scheduled to identify issues specific to various segments of trails. 11/09 TR -25 3. Trail segments are incorporated into the City's Capital Improvement Program.* 4. Meetings are conducted with affected neighborhoods to determine the best trail design for the various segments of trails. Trail segments are constructed based upon the availability of funding. *It should be noted that not all trail segments will be incorporated into the Capital Improvement Program. Due to limited funding resources, trails will be constructed in areas where resident demand is highest, as opposed to areas where it is demonstrated that resident desire for trails is low. It is recommended that the Trail Concept Plan, as may be amended, be consulted for all development proposals and street construction projects. Where trails are designated on or adjacent to roadways, right -of -way should be required as part of the subdivision approval process. Construction of trails on or along roadways should be incorporated into street improvement planning. Although the right -of -way currently owned by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) has been identified for future light rail transit, it has become an important recreational feature in the South Lake Area. The Three Rivers Park District currently operates the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail on this corridor. The City should be proactive to ensure that the right -of -way remains open for recreational use if light rail transit does not materialize. Snowmobiles Snowmobiles have been a continued source of controversy in recent years, despite increased efforts to enforce City codes regulating their use. Private property trespass and damage have been raised as issues relative to snowmobiling. Shorewood has adopted rules intended to address issues of compatibility between snowmobiles, pedestrians and motor vehicles. These rules will be periodically monitored to evaluate their effectiveness. Airports There are no existing or proposed airports, search areas or other facilities located in the Shorewood area. Seaplane and ultra -light operations are, however, allowed on the surface water of Lake Minnetonka. Seaplane traffic in Shorewood has not been identified as a problem at the present time. However, as use of Lake Minnetonka increases, the potential for problems to arise also increases. This use of the lake should be monitored and at such time it is determined to be a problem, a regional study on the topic should be conducted to determine if there is a need for a specialized area of the lake to handle seaplane operations. This study should be a joint effort between all lake communities and may best be handled by the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District. Structures that are 200 feet or higher above ground level may pose hazards to air navigation. Shorewood has no existing structures of this height. The City's zoning requirements do not allow structures this tall, nor does the City plan to permit such structures in the future. Any party who proposes to construct such a structure shall notify the City and the Federal Aviation Agency 11/09 TR -26 N Q o d __ .'• a (D 0 G - 7 O O N �. °— ad . d1` � .c Q O rtCD as U v N = y O � 0 ' �aK o )PIP _ _ a l;aRNN L 0 (D (D Ca]eALa O . 'f1 O m ' (D (� K Ud 4yA,Pa. N Cathcart or ,o N � �•, Z Y Rd na, m� A <bgps� � BPII`P� •� C S$a1YA4m' (n Oo • arp A w n 7 m G ant orenz R m �.StAPie _ 3 m Msetlow . 1 ,t View N � a/ en/ od t y 'EOYbK �E�u!reka� Rd � - o • � N�Naod Dr_1� [-� Sea an Dr to jiai Rattling Le X01 A \ F�nV@Y r • \ \eW p 10 IIIH ao N A Santa - O Er 5 Club 1 A ,n m E Cdr sioPhar � Rd o� 1 V 0 (M O m ' °�yge C— 6 Rd I cn T. R v2 La "T1 - ((DD -i Z �u 1 al A N Q 'Unde �Mti ei - -w - o Oc') 7 (D p _ •r, m Ir W04d_Quck Cl( U• G Glencoe R cy — s- e°s\� D co �OO _cn 0 1n o CD cn o0 ¢�y O m_ m a. � Divhian t cO� CD � h ztm sLake 7 (D \� Ctyou aj Im � � � EhdatrnarLaka Pt Qa j� � 3 � Suhurba � $✓ � N!esl� .c9 ® nlq� -� rm21 c • . �� m � �� °nom \ - l,'ius"m�''�� IImo- ?.9 \ R�' Ry p'e Nd� � \hJ •.� ^ W E3 p ', o °ja •• � pie 'm o � s CD N a p ni y.. Circe _ -M \(Ipe ` •,N 4Ratar - .t. • � LL�� to R/ -\ �� '•• P�.3 oY Hllls Ir �'a JIMshady Vine HIII Rd E7 Er m Er 5. (FAA) as defined under the provisions of Federal Regulation Title 14 Part 77, using the FAA Form 7460 -1 "Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration" (see http://forms.faa.gov/forms/faa7460j.pdf). These forms must be submitted 30 days before alteration/construction begins or the construction permit is filed, whichever is earlier. MnDOT must also be notified (see MnDOT Rules Chapter 8800). The Minneapolis -St. Paul (MSP) airport/community zoning board's land use safety zoning ordinance should also be considered when reviewing construction in the city that raises potential aviation conflicts. Traffic Volumes and Travel Forecasts The 2000 Traffic Volumes map shown on page TR -30 provides average annual daily traffic (A.A.D.T.) counts for state, county and local roads. It should be noted that the volumes shown for local streets are from 1999. The map on TR -31 illustrates the Metropolitan Council's Traffic Assignment Zones (TAZ's), followed by traffic forecasts by TAZ. The map on page TR -33 contains the 2030 Forecasted Traffic — Shorewood Vicinity, prepared by the Metropolitan Council. 11/09 TR -29 O ol W F p7 Ga � o z v� vi � `tea 6 a F 1 q 6q Fa Fa F W E G � o N C, WU N F UP E] z U F U z o E o o� Ez w O ° O b O ® � yyQg ° O 1"�I N i�oOZ. o AF W° Tn C)w Aw V1 U r� O I A® b W I VANO.LgNNIw l 1 WOO NId31 P. L- - -- 00 kLNnoc) UT g� O C �\ \ �a a u I �\ pG Utl3� yp3 \\ `o \ 0 0 \\ cc , u � .. I m I I I I� / I I \_� I w z ¢m DIU 3 01 $ E b Z W Z Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZ)* Shorewood SP RING P R - - - - - -\ ' / M`ItJ�N E T O N K A B E 4-d 'H 634 627 626 -- 1 ORONO _ —M O u N o 630 6.06_- --- - - - - -- `ti D E E P H AV <N _ ? r 1 - - - -r r "r - - - -- -- - - - - -- \ \ -- 632 i i - -- -- -- ~ - - --j T O N K A B A Y 62$ �! _ 664 r 628 OO GREENWD r` Q - . •4 � – ti�l , w ~ S H O R E W ®O--0 , i622E.XCELS , r I �- _ 602_. Lu- _135 VICTORIA f�,F - 118. -�- 140 �- r,*/ 136 c H A 14 -4-A— s E'-N— : ,_L -r- 139 56 a_ - -137 Z — - - to w SOURCE: The geography for the TAZ's are based on the Twin Cities Regional Travel Demand Forecast Model. Local Roads are from The Lawrence Group's Street Centerline data. Community Boundary, Stream, and Open Water are from DataFinder.org * Some users describe TAZ's as Traffic Analysis Zones ors 0 me other closely related words. In principle, they refer to similar transportation planning areas. Metropolitan Council Miles 0.3 0.15 0 0.3 0.6 1148 TAZ Identification Number - - --- Community Boundary TAZ Boundary Stream Local Roads _ Open Water Community Development October 23, 2007 N �N U d (L V O 3 O CO O(00L0000 O c0<r�0 0 0 0 v m n LO co OOLOMOOO o m ;1- r O O O N IT N O LO r Cl) LO: 000000(0Oti F' u 'O M V'0000N NNNNNNM :O �{� �N N (00(DWWW(0 _ (N0 (NO (N0 (N0 (ND (NO (MO 0 0 0 0 0 C. 0 O —T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O r N(^0 O ., U') CF) O v0T '� f �� - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 M 3333333 0 E d �aidaim� 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O U ��fplp� 0 0 0 0 0 0 Co O Cl) 0 r � r 0 V r W 0. CO V' c ' U N . TR -32 N N - N = _ w 0 N 0 ONp (0 t- N O M p cl) r .O O r _N i�= N '- 00000000 N 00 O N 000(n(O00 0 r (�O m. V N O O -__ O o 00 O0 N M I - O 0 0 0 0 0 O r _O a LO CO CO 0 00 CO co 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O - CO O 0 0 0 0 O rO0 (oO IO - OOO W r (0', (0 0 M N ^ G �+ —. N 10 m00 �O 5 O 0000000 :O OOO 0 I- CO r (� N sY L O: r I- h h 0 r (0 0 0 r M UJ = O OO CD O CO (M (N O M u M V'0000N NNNNNNM :O �{� �N N (00(DWWW(0 _ (N0 (NO (N0 (N0 (ND (NO (MO -` _ i - C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 '� �� - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3333333 0 E d �aidaim� I°-. U ��fplp� V U W U) CO CO U) fLC U TR -32 2030 Forecasted Traffic - Shorewood & Vicinity Source: Twin Cities Metropolitan Council m F �-J F2030 39,000 ADT 2030 16,000 AD 2030 28,000 ADT IMF- T- Chapter Summary The Transportation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan contains goals, objectives and policies related to all aspects of moving people and goods within the City of Shorewood. The essential goals of this element of the plan are worth repeating here: The City shall provide and maintain a safe and efficient system of transportation, sensitive to the needs of residents and the environment of the community. The City should establish a plan for an interconnected system of trails, enhancing the safe movement of pedestrians, bicyclists and other non - motorized modes of travel. Based upon these goals, objectives and policies, several recommendations are offered herein and can be summarized as follows: Develop streets based upon the Metropolitan Council's Functional Classification System Criteria for Roadways. • Designate Country Club Road /Yellowstone Trail/Lake Linden Drive as a minor collector route Designate Minnetonka Boulevard as a minor collector street Recognize Vine Hill Road north of Covington Road as a minor collector 2. Maintain criteria for when and how private streets may be constructed. 3. Enforce design criteria (width, length of cul -de -sacs, curbing, etc.) for new city streets. 4. Reconstruct existing streets to current widths but not less than 20 feet. 5. Continue regulations that limit the extent of damage done to city streets by garbage trucks. 11/09 TR -35 6. Implement the recommendations of the 1986 and 1995 T.H. 7 Corridor Studies with particular attention being given to: • Prepare alternative designs to the Galpin Lake Road intersection realignment • Study further the concept of a frontage road between Seamans Drive and Eureka Road. 7. Coordinate the MSA system with the Functional Classification System: • Remove Yellowstone Trail west of Country Club Road and east of Lake Linden Drive from the existing MSA system • Add Vine Hill Road, north of Covington Road to the MSA system. • Add Cathcart Drive, and Excelsior Boulevard as future routes to the MSA system. 8. Continue to look for ways to improve local mass transit service. 9. Incorporate the Shorewood Trail Concept Plan recommendations into the review of all development proposals and plans for street construction. 10. Continue working with neighborhoods to implement the trail planning process established by the Park Commission. 11. Monitor the effectiveness of current snowmobile regulations. 11/09 TR -36 l 1 0 El Community Facilities /Services Plan - Chapter Outline Introduction.................................................................................. ............................... CF -1 Goalsand Objectives ................................................................... ............................... CF -3 Issues............................................................................................. ............................... CF -5 Policies........................................................................................... ............................... CF -9 Community Facilities /Services Plan ......................................... ............................... CF -15 SanitarySewer ................................................................. ............................... CF -15 Capacity Inflow/Infiltration Televise Sewers Sump Pumps - Connection to Sanitary Sewer Existing On -Site Systems WaterSystem ................................................................... ............................... CF -16 Background - Existing System Reference Comprehensive Water Study - 1990 Reference Water Survey Future Extensions Policy Re: New Development StormSewer ..................................................................... ............................... CF -21 Reference Comprehensive Storm Water Study - 1975 Special Taxing Districts Storm Water Utility Water Quality - Design of Detention Ponds Coordination With Watershed Districts Parks and Recreation ........................................................ ............................... CF -25 Classification of Parks Trails (See Transportation Plan) Park Master Plans Implementation Strategy 11/09 PublicSafety .................................................................... ............................... CF -34 Police Fire Emergency Response Services SolidWaste ...................................................................... ............................... CF -34 Recycling Refuse Handling Street Lights, Natural Gas, Electrical, and Cable Television Services ........... CF -34 MunicipalBuildings ......................................................... ............................... CF -36 City Offices Public Works Garage Senior Center Schools............................................................................. ............................... CF -36 ChapterSummary ...................................................................... ............................... CF -37 11/09 Introduction Community facilities and services include lands, buildings, services and systems which are provided on a public or semipublic basis. While the general condition of a city's residential areas tends to characterize the city as a "good town" or a "progressive" community, so too does the condition and availability of community facilities and services characterize a city's quality. Public and semipublic facilities should be well planned and developed to serve as a good example for private development and for the general enjoyment of the public. Proper community facilities and services at a reasonable per capita cost are essential to the physical, social, economic and cultural well being of the community. It is necessary that adequate plans and provisions be made for the various community facilities which will be demanded by the citizens of Shorewood in the future. Of particular importance is the procurement of necessary land before values become higher resulting in a greater public expense; land must also be secured before it is usurped for homes or other private uses not in conformance with the City's comprehensive development plan. The purpose of this chapter is to identify existing needs and the foreseeable future needs of the City. This chapter also presents a plan for the type, location and proper relationship and compatibility with general community development. The community facilities plan is not concerned with detailed schemes of development, operation, or programs of the various uses, rather, this plan is offered as a general framework within which detailed plans and specific decisions regarding community facilities can be made. Because of the size, location, and proposed density of Shorewood, the City will not need such a diversity of community facilities required by a more isolated community. An array of social, cultural, and recreational facilities of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area are available for use by the residents of Shorewood. It would not be feasible, practical, or even desirable for the City to attempt provision of facilities such as a convention hall, elaborate community service park, zoo, public auditorium, or similar facilities. It will, however, be necessary to provide certain uses for local residents that cannot and will not be offered 11/09 CF- I by other governmental or private agencies. It should be realized that, due to the interrelationships between all of the south shore communities, many community facilities and services are most efficiently and economically provided on a joint basis. The following section of the report contains proposals for a comprehensive system of community facilities consistent with proposals for population density, land use, transportation systems, and the City's own desire to create a high service level of such facilities. 11/09 CF -2 Community Facilities /Services Goals and Objectives Community Facilities /Services Goals The City shall provide those basic facilities and services that ensure the health, safety and general welfare of the public, the cost of which facilities and services are most efficiently shared by the general public. The efforts of varying government agencies shall be coordinated to avoid duplication of efforts, unnecessary expense and improper location of public facilities. Maintain a sound financial planning program for capital improvements, relating such improvements to actual need, proper location and timing. Community Facilities/ Services Objectives 1. Existing services are to be maintained and improved where needed. 2. New community facilities and services are to be developed to meet the needs and interests of the Shorewood community. Public facilities and services are to be planned and provided in a comprehensive coordinated and economic fashion. 4. Full utilization of existing facilities and services is to be accomplished prior to additional investment. 5. Implement policies to provide city water service where financially feasible and where demand can be demonstrated. 6. Facilities and services on a joint -use basis between units of government is to be promoted and increased. 11/09 CF -3 7. Each individual in the community is to be assured safe, equitable and easy access to public facilities and services. 8. Shorewood residents are to continue to have safe, reliable energy services to meet their needs. 9. Energy service conservation is to be constantly promoted and facilitated. 11/09 CF -4 Community Facilities /Services Issues Sanitary Sewer Virtually the entire community is served by the municipal sewer system, or has sanitary sewer availability. With minor exceptions future extensions to the system will be paid for by private development. Capacity issues raised in the past have been resolved. Rate increases by the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission reinforce the need to control inflow and infiltration into the existing system. Consequently, repair and routine maintenance of the system will be a priority in coming years. Water System Despite an increased interest in the last several years, the majority of residents do not feel that a city -wide water system is desirable or economically feasible at this time. As a result, future planning must focus on determining where demand exists for city water and finding ways to provide it as inexpensively as possible. Major physical deficiencies in the overall system have been resolved with the interconnection of the Amesbury and Southeast Area components. Also, the Woodhaven well has been decommissioned, with residents previously served by that system now being connected to the Chanhassen water system. Shorewood's current system includes basic treatment (e.g. fluoride and chlorine). While drinking water quality standards are currently being met in the system, there will likely come a time when additional treatment becomes necessary to satisfy increasingly demanding health regulations. This would necessitate construction of one or more treatment plants. Future planning should explore this issue further, including potential siting for such facilities. Nearly one -half of the community still relies on private wells for water service. Occasionally, the City becomes 11/09 CF -5 aware of issues with these privates systems. Methods should be identified for educating and communicating with residents when these problems arise. Stormwater Management While new development in recent years has been required to address stormwater runoff, many older parts of the community experience drainage problems. The City has adopted a program for funding stormwater management projects. Having completed its Surface Water Management Plan, the City's focus now turns to implementation of the Plan. In the past attention has been paid primarily to the quantity of stormwater runoff. Environmental concerns dictate that future stormwater management also address the quality of stormwater runoff. Finally, stormwater volume will become an issue in the future. Parks and Recreation Having acquired most of the land identified as being needed for a park system, considerable planning has gone into the development of various parks. Master plans exist for all of the parks in Shorewood and the City has adopted a trail planning process for the community. The City has commissioned an update of the master plans, which should be completed later this year. The challenge for the future is to finance proposed park improvements and projects resulting from the trail planning process. Public Safety Sharing police and fire services with other South Lake Minnetonka communities and the City of Mound has proven to be effective and economical, and Shorewood remains committed to these joint use efforts. Previous concerns related to volunteer staffing have been resolved due, at least in part, to vastly improved public safety facilities and effective recruitment measures. Solid Waste Shorewood began its recycling efforts in 1990 and has experienced a relatively high rate of participation from residents. In addition to increased collection, future efforts should be made to use recycled products. Refuse collection has been identified as contributing to the deterioration of City streets. Garbage trucks, while providing an essential service, are among the heaviest vehicles on the road. In response to increasing street repair costs, the City has established organized collection as a way to reduce the number of trips made by haulers. Natural Gas, Electrical and Cable Television Services These semipublic utility services are available throughout most of Shorewood. Shorewood's participation in the "Gopher State One -Call" program has enhanced communication between the City, private contractors and the utility companies relative to construction projects. Refinement of permitting procedures and a program to bury existing overhead utilities are viewed as future issues to be addressed. 11/09 CF -6 Municipal Buildings Shorewood's City Hall has been expanded in the last several years and a new public works facility was constructed in 1992. With a current renovation and expansion of City Hall, these facilities are viewed as adequate to meet the future needs of Shorewood. Schools The recent addition to and remodeling of the Minnewashta Elementary School and the acquisition by the School District of adjoining land should be adequate to serve area needs in the future. The School District has not identified future additional facilities within the City. 11/09 CF -7 Community Facilities /Services Policies Parks and Recreational Open Space 1. Shorewood's park and recreational open space system shall be classified in accordance with standards established by the Metropolitan Council. 2. The allocation of funds for park improvements for specific facilities will be made on the basis of balancing overall community park needs with the specific needs of each facility. 3. The community shall provide for an appropriate balance among active, passive, and cultural recreational areas and activities, tailored to the needs of the total population. 4. Recreational facilities and a year -round program of activities suited to the varied recreational needs of all age groups within the community shall be provided. 5. Parks and recreational facilities shall be distributed throughout the community, based upon neighborhood needs and characteristics of each planning and development district. 6. Sufficient park land to fulfill the needs of the present and projected future population of the community shall be acquired and reserved. Park development shall be undertaken as residential development demands and as funds are available. 7. Recreational open space improvements shall be programmed in accordance with a capital improvement program, updated on an annual basis. Parks shall be designed and maintained with proper lighting, landscaping, shelter design, etc., to ensure a high degree of public safety and protection of public property. 11/09 CF -9 W U Q a N z W IL O z O H Q W CL U W Q J a z O 0 W cr- v O Fm- Q J a U O J O LL 2 W Cl) N Z O Q U_ LL N N r \r�� CF -10 O C O O O O � O C •a L m o` o E 2-0 _ E O) O) C > Q c m m z z m m m 5 C U U E U O C m m m L U) O m p m U m O �m p p_ p C O T _ m U m y m E o E o o E m m C p r O LL O L •? U U) d O_ N d w 3 . �m O O m y m c > v c v c S m m CD m 3 E CD m D E !O m 2 c O) m o m m Q) �n a O T— Na O T— <0 U U c o CD L L m 0_ m m- L m 0. 0 m 'D = L (6 AD O_ m R 0? L ' C to N .0 m m E c m 5 O. m Q O a o) •O > O t6 0 3 L m L m L (0 m N' m N a � a5 ¢ 3 Q Z E� m•p c CD m C6 c O U m � to m en U; . m m W w R 6 m a 0 m N N pp )A 9 y m m N J O2 N N R J `o O N cn CD E m o o W ` O ENp t C . p � _0 v p L C > mE L C > mE i0 d oL v �y o rnftl$ L Z 'n> p= OViO) cE cE �c L N U E U 1n cc V O L C m N m m N 0 N m 7 7 O m m p N C C m U m N $ °o0 m m O_ N N O N U �` > m U O) m C O m L) S t m -mm c rN m OFE s U) icoMmrn 3 m m m: m C U U) U= m m m c) L) 0 a Q( y m C `o Z o a 3 p) m 0 •` f6 U O m m 3> m Z w m m V ro (0 N E m _ to O O m L C E 7 CD R L E U m U N m Y p p is E oio mrn E CD 70 m o ENU o t �Mm E ycc m p m d U E U L m` P U 9) O m` v L O m m 7 N m p m L - N 'U m 'U U O a y 0 C m 0 c U m C m L O O tm L_ O "O O C N F O_ O m m C C N C y C D 'm m U m N m w m RS C m N m a C E y r= C (0 U C a lE0 o C E C E Ea m m 0 O cm N O U ) O O O m Q O p O E' aENM> m�� m m mm� m L U mv0O'j m mv> >> m 7 N o RO Q Q O U U N m CD 70 V y A! •O m Y C L) 0 > O p O d d T C c m L` s o > > Z CL . c E E m E u •E a) E E c U p .i Z U U U CF -10 O C O O O O � O C •a L m o` o E 2-0 _ E O) O) C > Q c m m c O S�. N a F- C O U O J °: N N m 7 d Q m N w Q m U N m c m C O CL E O U CF -11 1 m O C C m -6-0 C 0 � L O Q O Ql 7 O L O 0).m Q m c C 7 m N C m ` 7 � U m U J 7 m m -- v E V CD CD •' N m m CC m ° �j„� O (CO y N m 7 j O Y L l6 l0 c C2 N E 7 n N j N O 7 Y co C °� m C J O p N U za E -w m N .Nm. m C N N `m m N a b U m O E m a m C N N L V R t m` O L U E U L U L E m U L> m m O 3 O U m O ..m- N U 3: m N O 0) m n1 � T 1 ° m 3 N m 0 N U m N 7 m N tlj m N; f!f m m m O C m a 3 mm m ^O m gC =sL ` m 7 E o L f1 o 7 N 'O PD 7 C j 3 N f7 m O Uj L E w 01 M E 7 N ; m C m m m j N a �, ` L C V 0) m C 2 w E m m `m 0 7' O (au) C N° O C C ai m U p p 0 L > N a 7 N = C N O N N 25 m U 'O C a 4 m Q N m CD D V C m p 0 0 7 0 m g •U N m a c E E m N m v N j m C �( O V 9 O N CD N E N (D -2 L 2 7 .•O � m > pe o a 0. C O U mE m o m m m� 3 C m L c E (D m N.0 > E E o + °Sm m 7 U E �_�_E:3 m m gC S m N m °mma c0 N m U cnnE2zf"o E cnc� f N C m ' � C m c m m `o j° Q E c m N c m O>. U U C: C V O_ U N j := 7 M C C O .— 3 07 3 Oy m ci 0 U E p, _j 7 0)'lC C d N p C N _ l0 ^�2- C) E m Eol7 c m `mafD U N m C o m m U cn s_ U c a N > C m m o 0 o a pl " N m co U) w of O c C a' O Y m cL i0 m E N 7_ U C m .a cm m, C U N m Ol > C U m c V i6 m L O `o Qo E 7 m 3 _a m m Y of O L C m m c c 9 3° f0 N U fp co '> .r E N D m Cl N C m fD p 0 .� O L C C) _ C O L U Y U j C 2.0- 2. 2 m E m E �L) c U) a° E CL .2 o � o U o m N m f/) a C cm ° m frail C !q ° Z C U 0 Z co 3 ° b o m m C N/ U) o 0 Q) fo m C •p .-. L OI m N m O fp N C 7 7 m 7 V Vl m y m °- m d W O) m o o C o N L U C L am `o f0 p C C m C f71 7 tT c— _ e m > m O U N O m U l0 2 N N N C `o m N `o° E' _ E of m m c w ' m m'� fri m M-0 E" 7 v m m 3o c m N m.m > �'2 mm Q 6.0 7 Q O 41 N m r- Q O N N Q N m E rT WE N N til _ C O fn m :� z Se U ca U. Y a Y d Q as Y a 3 m m C C c m O m N a 0 LL (o m m f�0 U m CL) (1) m U C o m CL Q cr Q 2 J J U (n CF -11 1 m O C C m -6-0 C 0 � L O Q O Ql 7 O L O 0).m Q m c C 7 9. Where necessary parks shall be screened, fenced and /or buffered for the safety and protection of the user as well as adjacent property owners. 10. Parks shall be improved and developed to take maximum advantage of natural features of the Shorewood. 11. Safe and convenient pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access and adequate parking to serve recreational facilities shall be provided. 12. The use of motorized recreational vehicles shall be limited to designated areas. 13. Park and open space facilities and programming shall be planned and developed in cooperation and coordinated with similar services of surrounding communities, the school district, private organizations and the metropolitan area as a whole. 14. Studies on a periodic basis shall be undertaken to analyze the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the community recreation program. These studies should serve as the basis for recreation open space planning and programming. 15. Continual citizen participation in the planning, development and operation of recreational open space shall be maintained. Lakeshore Use 1. Lake Minnetonka shall be considered a community recreational facility and appropriate actions shall be taken to permit utilization of the lake by all City residents. 2. Regulations shall be enforced to ensure accessibility to area lakes while at the same time minimizing any potential impact on surrounding uses and adjacent property owners. 3. In order to protect and preserve the amenity provided by area lakes, the City shall encourage uniform land use regulation and enforcement of lakeshore use. Governmental Buildings and Facilities Cooperation and coordination shall be promoted and actively pursued between governmental units 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 to the greatest extent possible so as to offer ease of access and minimal response time. 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. 11/09 CF -12 5. All public buildings shall be designed and maintained to be safe, secure and resistant to vandalism while maximizing public and city usability. 6. Those areas, places, buildings, structures and other objects such as Indian mounds having significant architectural, historical, community or aesthetic interests and values shall be restored and preserved, as defined under the Minnesota Historic Sites Act of 1965, as may be amended. 7. Adequate screening, landscaping, and buffering of facilities shall be accomplished in order to minimize their impact on surrounding uses and enhance the community and areas in which they are located. Public and Semipublic Utilities City public utilities will be reviewed at the same time that the Capital Improvement Program is reviewed each year. 2. Demand for urban services shall be anticipated, with emphasis to conserving existing facilities, in order to facilitate orderly, fiscally responsible extension of service systems. 3. Easements for utility systems shall be located according to uniform standards, providing for ease of access for maintenance and repair and minimal disruption of other activities or areas. 4. All utility systems and possible utility and service needs shall be periodically monitored and all existing systems shall be maintained to assure a safe and high quality standard of service on an ongoing basis. The impact of required utility facilities and services shall be minimized upon surrounding uses. 6. Underground installation of all new utility services shall be required and when economically feasible, existing overhead systems shall be converted to underground. 7. Coordination among all utility improvement programs shall be constantly pursued. Telecommunication facilities shall utilize existing tower structures where feasible. 9. On -site disposal and treatment systems shall be phased out where possible and the installation of new systems shall be prohibited. Gravity sewer systems are to be encouraged, and sewer lift stations should only be allowed when it is technically infeasible to achieve gravity flow. W. Separate sanitary and storm sewer systems shall be maintained. 11. Run -off shall be managed to protect the groundwater recharge areas. 11/09 CF -13 12. Benefiting property owners shall assume the burden of improvements made by the City in their behalf. 13. Natural drainage shall be preserved to the extent possible in order to minimize storm sewer costs. 14. Commercial development shall provide adequate water systems to insure proper fire protection. Energy Encourage use of alternative energy forms in new construction. 2. Continue to disseminate information on governmental energy conservation programs and helpful ideas on personal energy conservation methods. Where practical, promote overall energy conservation in the community development process. 11/09 CF -14 Community Facilities /Services Plan Sanitary Sewer Shorewood's sanitary sewer system was initially constructed in the early 1970's. Prior to installation of the sewer system, it was necessary to develop property with lot sizes large enough to support on -site sewer systems. Due to wet soils many areas were not suitable for development at all. Whereas the lack of sanitary sewer influenced development in the past, the existence of sewer also influences development. Areas previously unsuitable for development became developable. Although limitations on the metropolitan sewer system resulted in brief sewer capacity problems for Shorewood in the mid 1980's, those issues have since been resolved, primarily through expansion of the regional interceptor system. Consequently, Shorewood's sewer system is considered to be adequate to handle all future development as projected in the Land Use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Given the availability of sewer in Shorewood, and the fact that any remaining extensions to the system will be installed through private land development, the City's focus has turned to maintenance and upgrading of the existing system. Control of inflow and infiltration (111) of clear water into the sanitary sewer remains an ongoing problem. M occurs when ground water leaks into the system through broken seals in joints, or when stormwater is diverted to the sanitary sewer system from building sumps and rain gutter leads. Aside from environmental concerns, sewage treatment of clear water on a regional level is costly and has resulted in inordinate charges to Shorewood by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). Shorewood has committed itself to reducing I/1. A three - year program was initiated in 1989 to reduce 1/1 in suspected problem areas of the City. Older sections of the system located in wet soils were televised, sealed and 11/09 CF -15 repaired with noticeable results in decreased flows through lift stations. The City also initiated an aggressive sump pump inspection program to identify and correct properties that previously pumped or drained stormwater into the sanitary sewer. The City should continue to monitor and analyze data from its lift stations and from MCES to identify problem sections of the system. These sections should be televised, sealed and repaired. In addition to reducing I /I, the City has established a routine sewer maintenance program. Manholes are inspected on a periodic basis and sewers are cleaned at minimum once every five years. The City requires that all new development connect to the sanitary sewer system. Although new on -site septic systems are prohibited, a small number of systems remain in existence. These systems have been identified and, where feasible, given notice to connect. With the exception of homes on Gale Island and Spray Island, all riparian lots in Shorewood have now been connected to city sewer. Regulations to this effect already exist within the City Code. Remaining new segments of the municipal system will be constructed and paid for as part of private development projects. Gravity sewer is to be encouraged, while lift stations are to be allowed only when gravity service is technically and economically not feasible. The map on the following page shows the Shorewood Sanitary sewer system and the network of Met Council interceptor lines. The table on page LU -30 shows the Metropolitan Council's forecasts for households, population and employment. Based on the those forecasts, estimated wastewater flows, by interceptor, are shown in five -year increments through 2030 in the following table. Future Wastewater Flows by Met Council Interceptor Interceptor Existing 2010 Avg. 2015 Avg. 2020 Avg. 2025 Avg. 2030 Avg. Avg. Flow Flow (MGD Flow (MGD) Flow (MGD) Flow (MGD) Flow MGD). MGD 7017 .475 .479 .495 .509 .522 .534 7017 -1 .061 .061 .061 .061 .061 .061 7017 -2 .023 .023 .023 .024 .024 .024 7017 -3 .053 .054 .054 .055 .055 .055 7017 -4 .008 .008 .008 .008 .008 .008 6 -DH -645 .046 .046 .046 .046 .046 .046 6- DH -645A .038 .039 .039 .039 .039 .039 6 -G W -649 .023 .023 .023 .023 .023 .023 6 -MT -647 .031 .031 .031 .031 .031 .031 6 -TB -661 .008 .008 .008 .008 .008 .008 Total .766 .772 .788 .804 .817 .829 Municipal Water Shorewood's municipal water system consists of two separate systems, including six wells, as shown on page CF -19. Approximately 52 percent of the households in Shorewood are connected to the system. In 1984 the City prepared a Comprehensive Water Study to serve as a guide for the development of an overall system. The Study was updated in 1990 and again in 1996 after which the City initiated a plan for extending water throughout the community over a ten to twenty -year period. 11/09 CF -16 W pepan l n- m� cn o - - N O j o O� d �s CD irg z a CD (Q 0 (D (D — rt d O O O 0 rt u° Ca c n, a r s f � v n 6P le Leaf Clr y) e /s = C eado• e e � . ne ur ,y m •r n r� F v1S9 ewoo —4 v —4 O O O O O W N Sta L 0� a A n 1w, > vO C C i E-- E --+L r e I GUfj�V Ile cnwn. CI O O) O O O Riviera La o- — ' re ak c� DInd w m 0 ' @ Cir \)ilR II,� ✓ � z Ienco c � kt o < r ka D �(D� S�eL 000D D v D o �e — 'm o -c sir ' Apps• a Ry S .�. FL I �> r H w' e �0O p m Cl) 0 ) I dar S O O c (D O 0 qd oW O 'I• S 4 n on Q' (D (.. U. ar CD 0 O Q p sr n � • a t/-f � •L U n m r v a� � cki atl � Q � � Vine Hill Rd CD ?" N N�ET��s o `G � �J � • Qe'. � m n O O O 0- O C) � Fr a us R aPA ' C d -Q —j O (D O (D g e h a R Ma � d r r�l a .Al b n � 1D () m 4 9 F R - s gamy (^ : • °� m A Gant or nz R Maple ea Clr ul •�'yQy � o n n i 6 �eBy �n •' View c M o a wa ew' � � ,• uraka ,R � 4 ur ka d rj c wed 14De°� y � eaman Dr � yarding. e � vwe D e Q p D 111H ex siar.La re Q, Cly a i CD • v m �� RA ITIdub Vailey' County_Club_Rd I >S A ie m Riviera Le S�ror, r+ R o d La urd n, 0 Ch ffion "a a. 0y Y lento Rd� pod �N U m 99 9 � tlew yy� en D� d 000D Eeun � �D � O rGle'a,�� Z •re a \ \ Ry U Q D on and c Christmas L ka_Rd y � Q 6hrlslmas' ke t A 0 • `�' •0 c Sub d\ 3 N(eel�e i9 n $ 0 w Nnl' R _e v4sJW�� Ra 4�0 �6 �4 Ter i r < o •�a r 's eW S � 2 �' \I 5\ m• y u i III y ; C G, m Yd C VI e D N n m N w� ady ilia I � a t prick /nl a ` S a w <n a r, - Vine HIII Rtl m n a - Since then the City Council has determined that the majority of Shorewood residents did not support such an aggressive approach to the construction of a city -wide system. Consequently, the direction at this time is to concentrate on making the existing system as reliable and financially viable as possible, and to serve residents where demand can be demonstrated. The City's water policies and codes have been updated based upon the following guidelines: • The overall water system is to remain financially self - supporting. • Any future extensions of city water must be consistent with the overall plan for city water (i.e. pipe sizes). • With the exception of commercial and multiple - family residential, no one is required to physically connect to the system. Further, existing wells can be maintained and new wells can be drilled. • New development of more than three lots shall provide city water where it is technically and financially feasible. • Allow water main extensions to provide water to residents where technically and financially feasible and where demand can be demonstrated. Consider a super - majority of residents as being demand for water extensions. The City will continue to examine ways to provide water as economically as possible. Future planning should include the preparation of engineering estimates for various logical extensions of water main. These estimates should be updated annually to advise residents of approximate water costs. Feasibility studies will be prepared based upon interest. Water main extension should be considered in all projects, providing adequate right -of -way, if nothing else. Finally, the City should explore the demand for water in conjunction with all street reconstruction projects. Storm Sewer In 1975 the City prepared a Comprehensive Storm Water Study which identified 16 subwatershed districts within the community (see page CF -23). The Purgatory Creek drainage district and part of the Carson Bay district is located in the Riley- Purgatory -Bluff Creek Watershed. The remaining 15 drainage districts are located within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed. While the study proposed substantial reliance on natural drainage systems, particularly the preservation and use of wetlands, a number of areas were proposed to be served by storm sewer. New development has, for the most part, been required to install storm water drainage facilities consistent with the 1975 study. The 1975 Study has been completely updated with the adoption of the Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP), adopted earlier this year. The SWMP has been developed to meet local watershed management planning requirements of the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act and Board of Water and Soil Resources. It has been developed to be in conformance with the requirements of the local Watershed Districts, Metropolitan Council requirements, and applicable State and Federal laws. Its intent is to provide the City with direction concerning the administration and implementation of water resource activities within the community. This study is based upon more detailed topographic information acquired by the 11/09 CF -21 City. The plan analyzes some of Shorewood's more significant drainage problems and recommends management policies consistent with local Watershed District guidelines. The SWMP serves as a basis for the City's preparation of its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) which is necessary to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Certain areas which developed prior to storm water management planning have experienced drainage problems which have been difficult and expensive to correct. The City relies on a two - part program to address drainage problems: A stormwater management utility has been established, funds from which are used in two ways. A portion of the annual revenue from the utility is set aside for large drainage projects. The remaining funds are used on an annual basis for maintenance or small drainage projects. Projects will be prioritized and programmed based on the following criteria: a. Public Safety and Health. Primary attention will be paid to those projects that impact the public health or safety. These projects include ice problems on the road, erosion that is causing a hazardous structural problem (i.e. undermining a road), or storm water that is causing a significant health problem (such as flooding the sanitary system). b. Substantial Financial Impact to the City. This category includes those projects that, while not endangering the public health, will still have a negative impact on the residents as a whole. Projects in this category include minor infrastructure replacement that cannot be funded cost effectively by other means. Other potential projects include erosion causing property damage and minor structure replacement. C. Public Nuisance. This category includes those projects that cannot be considered a substantial hazard, are not likely to cause a financial loss to the City, but are a public nuisance. These projects include standing water in the roadway, unwanted flooding in public parks, and minor erosion proj ects. d. Private Nuisance. Finally, those projects that are a nuisance to a single residence or small group of residences that the City Council deems that the City has some responsibility to help correct. These projects include those instances where a large drainage area is causing a problem to a small area, and the homeowners are willing to grant a right of entry to City crews without cost. 2. Special taxing districts have been identified based upon the 16 subwatersheds. Stormwater improvement projects within those districts are financed as follows: • 70 percent from an ad valorem tax on properties within the district • 30 percent from the stormwater management utility 11/09 CF -22 "I DI, if of MINNETRISTA Ott,R On 71- Ah I; iyi; NnP �, O it yo 1ju It. PnPo [Pej fl IT LCR�W7_ �W7 \' ! ? -FADM 11. EUREKA HDI ""M --.— -- Eli A I ir OWIl ufi DT 21i 00 —1 d1 LA � W �zo t8: Fo— :3, CD C-D > CD un td tz CD CD I t1i I I � � � M�i W tv C) It fill C) CD .0, D 11-01� I I -- CA (( 1 ,? �f C �3 41 NIIAU en 01, IT \I 1A Lo 5 u -2-p G \ ` _ I �1 � J_ 1� _j B.. NY r-/ Dl I - IIDGI "0 EASTWO 10 � 1 0 Y -A -- U-1 CN `\ m /-n �yf =llllill i� f��RJ � ._. -.._�_ �a 1 14 1A m 1c, poi P�5 N.- IAL AYE il T lrj c ING - - R AD 7,7. New development will continue to be required to manage its stormwater runoff based upon the principle that the rate of runoff leaving a site after development will not exceed the rate prior to development. While Shorewood has addressed the issue of water quantity in recent years, the quality of stormwater runoff has become a topic of concern. This issue is addressed in the Natural Resources chapter of this Plan. Parks and Recreation At present the park system contains approximately 100 acres of what is considered usable land. A large amount of land that has been dedicated as park property is not considered to be suitable for park development. The unusable land is comprised of wetlands which because of location or size offer little possibility at present, other than open space. Shorewood's park system is shown on the page CF -27: Seven sites constitute the core of the present system. These are: Cathcart Park (in Chanhassen, but owned by Shorewood) 4.8 acres Freeman Park 67.8 acres Badger Park (including City Hall) 10.2 acres Crescent Beach (joint -use with Tonka Bay) .4 acres Manor Park 4.5 acres Silverwood Park 8.1 acres Merry Lane Access .5 acres South Shore Community Park (Skate Park) 3.4 acres In addition to these parks, other recreational facilities exist, including a playground at the Minnewashta Elementary School and a semipublic golf course on the south side of Smithtown Road, west of Country Club Road. Several old fire lanes which have been held by the City also provide limited recreational opportunities to various neighborhoods. As mentioned in the Transportation Chapter, the City has also adopted a Trails Planning process. These existing sites are considered adequate to meet the future needs of Shorewood. With the exception of the islands and a small pocket south of Galpin Lake, most areas are within a one- half to one -mile radius of neighborhood park facilities. As such, the focus of future park planning will be on developing the parks, as opposed to acquiring more land. One exception to this is Freeman Park. Some of the local athletic organizations have expressed interest in possibly expanding facilities in Freeman Park. The City should remain open to organization- supported expansion on the south end of the park as well as at other existing sites as need dictates and funding will allow. Also, as land becomes available, through tax forfeiture or vacation of public right -of -way for example, it should be examined for recreational opportunities. Two such sites are the old wayside rests located on the north and south sides of Highway 7 west of Old Market Road. 11/09 CF -25 Considerable planning has gone into Shorewood's park system. A Parks Master Plan was adopted in 2002 that provided direction for each of the City's parks (see pages CF -29 through 33). This plan took into consideration the Classification System for Local and Regional Recreation Open Space, provided on pages CF -10 and 11. Shorewood's parks and open spaces fall into the following categories: Neighborhood Park. Four of Shorewood's existing parks - Cathcart, Badger, Manor and Silverwood - fall into this category. In addition, facilities at Freeman Park also serve the nearby neighborhoods, as do the facilities at Minnewashta Elementary School. Community Playfield. The Minnetonka School District has historically been heavily involved in providing playfields for local recreation. Specifically in Shorewood, Minnewashta Elementary School functions in part as a community playfield. Freeman Park is viewed as satisfying the majority of need for community playfields. Community Park. Besides its neighborhood and playfield functions, Freeman Park is the only community park in the Shorewood park system. Given the proximity of various regional parks, the need for an additional community park in Shorewood is not anticipated. Conservancy Lands. Shorewood's wetland system, while not suitable for active recreation, is preserved for its aesthetic value, as well as its environmental benefit. Special Use. South Shore Community Park, Crescent Beach and the Christmas Lake access on Merry Lane are essentially single purpose recreational facilities — a skate park, access to Lake Minnetonka and Christmas Lake, respectively. Crescent Beach is used exclusively for swimming, while the Christmas Lake access is used for fishing and boat launching. Both sites provide winter access to the lakes. The City has commissioned a master plan update for the park system. The Plan should be done this year and will include an analysis of the existing parks and recommendations for updating them. The City should continue to work with adjacent communities and the School District to maintain a clear understanding of the total recreational needs of the area. The south shore area has a highly cooperative recreational and transportation system which requires constant coordination (playfields, parks and trails). The Park Commission and City Council should continue to monitor the needs of area residents in implementing its parks and recreation plan. For example, considerable interest in trails has been generated in the last several years. 11/09 CF -26 l I 1 4 4 i r tip 11 -93 WE6T 6tN0 \ STNEET CF -29 N NIIIE: .nuns ryr...� u..iui mn is u..I6vrL�+lnl ov+.un.�e•y �zK nrrnoveo ur rain a nearennuu uu.¢ussiau nniE 6. I66z Masler Plan II IIORTH Cathcart Park i� i3• i e, N NIIIE: .nuns ryr...� u..iui mn is u..I6vrL�+lnl ov+.un.�e•y �zK nrrnoveo ur rain a nearennuu uu.¢ussiau nniE 6. I66z Masler Plan II IIORTH Cathcart Park 11-93 r ou. . T CF-30 — — — — — — — — — --- `t o ii � �� I I — — — — — — — — — —1— � Vp Ii im 21 hr . T CF-30 — — — — — — — — — --- `t o ii � �� I I — — — — — — — — — —1— � Vp Ii im 0 a 0 a R z o 0 m 11 -93 / 19 go. BASE MAP O—H BY VAR OOREH HAZARD STALLOIGS. DIG. I. 111..+e I CF -31 PII11,11,11HI 1 -1I AIIILHI.IIIIH I 5 I,— Master Plan IIORTH M I / , • W. 10, 70 11-93 CF-32 Masler Plan IDIL: NORTH Manor Park I N D � 11 -93 1, • � 1 iii r CF -33 q MATCX'LIIIE/ tb r, III I I �� III it i Silverwood Park Public Safety Provision of municipal services is one area in which South Lake Minnetonka communities have come to realize that benefits are to be had by combining resources. Shorewood receives police service from the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department which consists of four communities - Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Excelsior and Greenwood. Cost sharing has gone from a formula based on assessed valuation, population, road miles and density for each participating community, to a totally demand -based formula. The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department is considered to be far superior to anything that could be feasibly provided by any one of the participating communities on an individual basis and is considered to be a model of intergovernmental cooperation. It is recommended that Shorewood continue its joint powers agreement with the three above - mentioned communities in providing police protection to city residents. Both Police and Fire are housed in a public safety building, constructed in 2003. Fire Protection for Shorewood is contracted from the Excelsior Fire District. The location of the Excelsior Fire District is considered suitable for Shorewood's needs. The entire city (except for the islands) is within a four -mile radius from the fire department. Four miles is the suggested standard for rural homes and low density suburban areas with densities of less than three units per acre. Enchanted Island and Shady Island are provided fire protection through a contract with the City of Mound. Fire fighting on the islands poses a problem due to lack of city water and the narrow, circuitous access to them. To enhance protection a system of dry hydrants has been installed which utilizes lake water and pumper trucks. Placement of three hydrants, as shown on page CF- 35, is intended to reduce the need to backtrack to Mound to fill tank trucks. Solid Waste As mentioned in the Transportation Chapter, garbage trucks have been identified as inflicting more damage to city streets than any other type of vehicle. In response to this issue the City examined several alternatives, ranging from simply requiring the use of smaller satellite trucks, to municipal refuse collection. It was determined that the most cost - effective solution is to license refuse haulers, limiting pickups to one specified day of the week, eliminating the presence of curbside refuse on the remaining days. Natural Gas, Electrical Service, Cable Television and Street Lighting All areas of the community are currently serviced by natural gas, electricity and cable television service, or have them available. As such, provision of these services will not influence development in Shorewood. The thrust of these efforts should be concentrated toward elimination of overhead wiring. It is recommended that in reviewing development requests the City should require, where practical, the underground placement of all utilities. In previously developed areas, plans for placement of underground utilities should be incorporated with future roadway improvements. The City may also want to initiate a more aggressive program for systematically eliminating overhead wiring within the next 10 to 15 years. 11/09 CF -34 W, It t.!O Uh � j o CL Residents appear to be split on the issue of street lighting. Consequently, no comprehensive program of installing street lights is suggested. The City has adopted the following policies in response to neighborhood demands for street lighting: 1. Location. The City recognizes that street lighting in certain locations is necessary to promote safe travel for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. However, it is not the intent of the City to install street lights for the purpose of deterring criminal activity. Based on this the City will consider the authorization of placing street lights on city streets only at: 1) intersections; 2) the ends of cul -de -sacs; 3) sharp turns; and 4) steep grades. 2. Requests for street lighting. While requests will be considered from any resident, it is recommended that a petition of neighboring residents be submitted with the request. 3. Cost of street lighting. The City agrees to pay the cost of monthly electric service for an authorized street light. It will not pay for the installation of the light or for extending power to the proposed location of the light, or for any light other than a standard street light. Municipal Buildings First built in 1981, then expanded in 1988, the City Administrative Offices are currently undergoing renovation and expansion. Plans for the project include accessibility upgrades, increased office space and a new Council Chambers. The City completed construction of a new public works facility in 1992. In addition to a new garage, a long- awaited salt/sand storage building was added. The facility has more and better space for outdoor storage which has been screened from view of nearby residential property. Although the garage was designed to be expanded, the facility is considered to be adequate to serve the City's needs for years into the future. Recognizing the needs of an increasing elderly population in the south shore communities, the cities of Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Excelsior, Greenwood and Deephaven joined forces to construct the Southshore Senior Community Center in the northeast corner of the Badger Field site. Not only does this facility provide for the day to day activities of area seniors, but it also provides much needed community meeting space. Schools With the exception of the islands, which are located in the Mound School District, the entire City of Shorewood is located within the Minnetonka School District (276). Population growth in the last several years has resulted in the need for expanded facilities throughout the District. In Shorewood, the School District has acquired additional land to increase the size of the Minnewashta Elementary School site. The building was also expanded to meet the needs of future growth. The School District has not identified any additional land or locations for new facilities in Shorewood. Given the low density of the remaining land in the community, the need for additional facilities in Shorewood is considered unlikely. 11/09 CF-36 Chapter Summary Community facilities and services include lands, buildings, services and systems which are provided on a public or semipublic basis. The City's goals in this regard are as follows: The City shall provide those basic facilities and services which ensure the health, safety and general welfare of the public, the cost of which facilities and services are most efficiently shared by the general public. The efforts of varying government agencies shall be coordinated to avoid duplication of efforts, unnecessary expense and improper location of public facilities. Maintain a sound financial planning program for capital improvements, relating such improvements to actual need, proper location and timing. Following is a summary of recommendations intended to achieve these goals. 1. Administer policies to provide city water service where demand can be demonstrated and where technically and financially feasible. 2. Promote and increase the provision of facilities and services on a joint -use basis between units of government. Continue to identify problem areas of the sanitary sewer system for televising, sealing and repair. 4. Continue the sewer maintenance program including manhole inspection and sewer flushing on a five year cycle. 5. Allow sanitary sewer lift stations only when gravity service is not technically and economically feasible. 6. Water extensions must be consistent with Shorewood's Implementation Plan for Water Distribution System Improvements, dated January 1996 and the "Ten States Standards ". 11/09 CF -37 7. Prioritize small drainage projects based on: 1) public safety and health; 2) substantial financial impact to the City; 3) public nuisance; and 4) private nuisance. 8. Finance large drainage projects through special taxing districts based on established subwatersheds. 9. Stormwater runoff shall be managed consistent with the Surface Water Management Plan, and based upon the principle that the rate of runoff leaving a site after development shall not exceed the rate of runoff prior to development. 10. Focus future park planning on the development of existing sites rather than on acquisition of land, but examine land which becomes available to the City for recreational opportunities. 11. Consider enhancement of existing parks as funding allows. 12. Continue to coordinate recreational programs with other communities through the Minnetonka School District. 13. Continue to provide police protection through the existing four -city joint powers agreement. 14. Continue to provide fire protection services in cooperation with other Lake Minnetonka communities. 15. License refuse haulers and limit days of collection to minimize damage to roads. 16. Require all new development to place all utilities underground and consider establishing a program to eliminate overhead wiring over the next 10 to 15 years. 17. Provide street lighting only where consistent with adopted City policy. 11/09 CF-38 Housing - Chapter Outline Introduction................................................................................. ............................... HO -1 Goalsand Objectives .................................................................. ............................... HO -3 Issues............................................................................................ ............................... HO -5 Policies.......................................................................................... ............................... HO -7 HousingPlan ............................................................................. ............................... HO -11 Housing Condition and Maintenance .............................. ............................... HO -11 Variety of Housing Options ......................... .................................................. HO -12 SeniorHousing ................................................................ ............................... HO -12 HousingPrograms ........................................................... ............................... HO -14 Sub- regional Cooperation ............................................... ............................... HO -14 ChapterSummary ..................................................................... ............................... HO -15 12 -99 Introduction Shorewood has chosen to develop as a "bedroom community". The Land Use Plan points out that less than one percent of the city will be devoted to commercial use in the future, and industrial uses are not planned at all. As a predominantly residential community, housing is an important aspect of the Shorewood Comprehensive Plan. Past planning efforts in Shorewood have focused on housing quality and maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods. Residential densities have historically been kept low to minimize the demand for public utilities and services. This has also resulted in low traffic volumes relative to other suburban communities in the metropolitan area. Over the past several years attention has been given to the lack of housing options for an increasing elderly population. The City's zoning regulations have been amended to address senior housing and two senior housing projects have since been approved. More recently Shorewood has joined with other Lake Minnetonka cities to address housing issues from a sub - regional perspective. This Chapter draws heavily from a report prepared in August, 1998, prepared by the Lake Minnetonka Area Cooperating Cities (LMACC). As in the previous chapters of the Comprehensive Plan, this chapter first establishes goals and objectives relative to housing. Housing issues have been identified and policies formulated. The goals, objectives and policies are directed at the housing issues in the Housing Plan section of this Chapter. Background data relative to housing appears in the Appendix of the Comprehensive Plan. 12 -99 HO -1 Housing Goals and Objectives Housing Goals Provide safe, healthy and quality housing that respects the natural environment of the community. Maintain the present variety of housing options and provide sufficient housing types, sizes and values to meet the needs of varying segments of the population. Maintain and strengthen, where necessary, the character of individual neighborhoods within the community. Address local and sub - regional housing issues through cooperative efforts with neighboring communities through organizations such as the Lake Minnetonka Area Cooperating Cities. Housing Objectives 1. Review local development regulations, and amend as necessary, to promote a balanced housing supply. 2. Make available to residents and property owners educational programs on such topics as renter /landlord rights, home buying, home maintenance, etc. 3. Continue the City's rental housing license program to maintain current standards for rental housing. 4. Promote private sector maintenance, rehabilitation and redevelopment of existing properties through improved communication of available community services and financial assistance programs. Develop a senior housing program that: a. Allows seniors to remain in their single - family homes. b. Provides a range of housing types, including step -down housing, senior apartments and assisted living housing, with initial emphasis being placed on step -down housing. 12 -99 HO -3 c. Establishes regulations that permit the construction of affordable senior housing while ensuring compatibility with existing residential neighborhoods. d. Identifies suitable sites for senior housing. e. Identifies and participates in support services for the elderly, e.g. transportation, social and recreational facilities, home maintenance and repair. 12 -99 HO -4 Housing Issues Housing Condition and Maintenance The City of Shorewood commissioned a Housing Condition Inventory in 1996 that concluded that the "vast majority of the houses surveyed were rated as being in average condition or better ". Nevertheless, the study indicated that a number of homes in the community exhibited maintenance problems. While the City offers rehabilitation assistance in conjunction with Hennepin County, problem properties are increasingly being improved through private owner initiative. In 1993 the City adopted a rental housing code that established an inspection and maintenance program for the city's rental housing stock. Character of Existing Neighborhoods As mentioned in the Land Use Chapter, the preservation and enhancement of existing neighborhoods is an important element in establishing a sense of "community ". In the past the greatest concern expressed by residents was splitting large properties into small lots. More recently the concern has shifted to the redevelopment of older neighborhoods where modest homes on smaller lots are being replaced by very large homes that may be out of scale with the neighborhood. The challenge for the City is to balance the character of existing neighborhoods with the desire of residents to improve their properties. Variety of Housing Types Like other Lake Minnetonka communities, Shorewood has historically been dominated by single - family residential development. Since the mid- 1980's the City has created areas where a variety of lot sizes exist. Other than a limited number of twinhomes and townhouses, the number of multiple - family residential units in Shorewood is extremely limited. This concern is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the south lake area as a whole exhibits a fairly substantial variety in housing types. While there may be future opportunities to 12 -99 HO -5 broaden the variety of housing types in Shorewood, they are quite limited due to existing land use patterns and a rapidly diminishing amount of undeveloped land remaining. Senior Housing Based upon a Senior Housing Needs Study, prepared in 1991, Shorewood has actively attempted to encourage the development of senior housing projects in the city over the past several years. Concerns have been expressed by some area residents that current regulations relative to senior housing need to be revised to better address the suitability of various sites for senior housing. It has also been suggested that the 1991 study should be updated. Affordable Housing/Livable Communities Participation Although the City of Shorewood has elected to participate in the Livable Communities program, numerous factors, most notably high land prices, serve as barriers to the creation of affordable housing. Minimal job opportunities and lack of transit service complicate this issue. Shorewood has chosen to focus its efforts on affordable senior housing. 12 -99 HO -6 Housing Policies Maintenance, Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Programs for housing structural condition maintenance shall be pursued to protect the health and safety of residents and ensure stability of neighborhoods within the community. 2. The City shall provide information on educational programs for homeowners to encourage maintenance and improvement of residential properties. 3. Maintenance problems and code violations shall be addressed to improve and strengthen the character of neighborhoods and avoid spreading the impact of deterioration. 4. Substandard housing units shall be rehabilitated whenever possible. 5. Financial assistance for the rehabilitation of substandard housing units within the community shall be provided as funding sources and market conditions permit. 6. Residential redevelopment of substandard housing within the community shall be encouraged whenever compatible with adjacent land uses and economically feasible. Compatibility Low density residential neighborhoods within the community shall be protected from encroachment or intrusion of incompatible higher density residential land uses, as well as nonresidential use categories, through adequate buffering and separation. 2. The character of individual residential neighborhoods shall be respected and maintained. Residential developments shall be protected from and located away from sources of adverse environmental impacts including noise, air and visual pollution. 12 -99 HO -7 4. Home occupations, commercial and other nonresidential activities shall be minimized and are not to be evident within residential neighborhoods. 5. Accessory buildings within the community shall be of a compatible design and size to maintain a residential character. These buildings shall be limited to residential use related activities. 6. Outdoor storage is to be minimized and in those instances when it is acceptable, it shall be conducted in an orderly, confined and limited fashion. 7. Violations of property maintenance standards that infringe upon residential neighborhood quality, pose public health and safety problems and threaten neighboring property values shall be aggressively eliminated. Variety of Housing Shorewood's housing needs, as well as the needs of the overall Lake Minnetonka sub- region, shall be addressed by providing and maintaining a variety of housing types, styles and values. 2. The emergence of a polarizing age distribution within the Lake Minnetonka sub - region is to be prevented through the provision of diverse housing that reflects life -cycle stages and economic considerations. 3. A range of property values and rent rates within the Lake Minnetonka sub - regional housing stock shall be encouraged as a means of diversifying the population and sustaining individual communities in the area. 4. Adequate living space and fully utilized housing are to be encouraged and promoted through the provision of a range of choices among housing types and values throughout the Lake Minnetonka sub - region. Financial assistance programs for first time home buyers shall be utilized, as market conditions and funding sources allow, to diversify the population of the Lake Minnetonka sub - region. 6. The development of housing for special needs populations (e.g., elderly, physically challenged) within the Lake Minnetonka sub - region shall be supported by financial assistance programs that may be available as funding sources and market conditions allow. New Development New residential development within the Lake Minnetonka sub - region will be guided with attention to addressing the future needs of the area's population with regard to life -cycle housing. 12 -99 HO -8 2. The development of alternative housing types (e.g., twinhomes, townhouses, multiple - family) shall be encouraged within the Lake Minnetonka sub - region communities to supplement single- family homes and diversify the housing options in the area, giving consideration to local market demands. 3. Housing types and development techniques that conserve land and increase efficiency are to be encouraged throughout the Lake Minnetonka sub - region. 4. To the degree possible, integration of housing types or styles within a development shall be allowed when applicable as long as the total number of units conforms to the prescribed density for the total development. 5. All new housing within the city shall adhere to the highest community design, planning and construction standards. 6. Design and planning innovations shall be encouraged for the development of housing units within the community. 7. Innovation in subdivision design and housing development shall be encouraged within the Lake Minnetonka sub - region through the use of devices such as cluster and planned unit development concepts. Residential development shall be restricted or prohibited on floodplains, shorelands, wetlands, and other natural features that perform important protection functions in their natural state. 12 -99 HO -9 Housing Plan Housing Condition and Maintenance The LMACC Sub - Regional Housing Study, prepared in 1998 for the Lake Minnetonka Area Cooperating Cities, suggests the possibility of a uniform housing maintenance code for the participating communities as a means to protect the existing housing stock. Shorewood's housing condition survey suggests that housing maintenance problems may not be prevalent enough to warrant such action at this time. Nevertheless, the City may want to consider some type of passive "truth in housing" approach in the future. This type of regulation attempts to identify certain deficiencies in housing at the time of sale, putting buyers on notice of problems. The objective is to create an incentive for property sellers to improve maintenance conditions prior to the sale. Often more noticeable than the condition of structures is the outside maintenance of property. Shorewood has historically addressed problem sites on a complaint basis. Although this "neighborhood standard" method has worked reasonably well, it is recommended that local nuisance ordinances be reviewed and periodically updated. The City's spring cleanup event is also viewed as an effective tool for encouraging residents to maintain their property. In 1993 the City adopted a rental housing code that affected approximately 100 rental units in the city. This code establishes standards and a licensing procedure for all types of rental dwellings. The program has been successful in that a number of rental units were improved. The City has received no tenant complaints since the adoption of the code. Continuation of this effort is recommended. For many years Shorewood has allocated a portion of its Community Development Block Grant funds for rehabilitation of substandard housing. Hennepin County administers this program. In 1995 and 1996 the City budgeted $8270 and $7031, respectively, to provide grants and low interest loans to people in need of assistance. In recent years the City has pooled its CDBG funds with other Hennepin County communities to more effectively address housing rehabilitation. Not only is it suggested that the program be continued, it is recommended that it and other assistance programs be better publicized through the City newsletter and information kiosks in the City offices. 12 -99 HO -11 Variety of Housing Options Shorewood's housing stock consists primarily of large lot, single - family homes. While the City's development regulations have historically encouraged this type of housing, a very strong market for larger single - family homes has had an even greater influence on housing in Shorewood. The City has attempted to introduce some variety in lot size, housing type and value over the past twenty years. For example, in the mid 1980's the Near Mountain development in the southeast area of the city was approved for a mixture of single - family homes on lots ranging from one quarter to three quarters of an acre in size. The project also included quadraminiums and townhouses in the original plan. Citing a very strong market for single - family homes, the developer ultimately requested that the quads and townhouses be eliminated from the project, resulting in 70 fewer units by the time it was completed. Similarly, houses in the Covington Vine Ridge neighborhood were built larger and more expensive than originally suggested by the developer, this despite quarter acre lot sizes. Some variety of housing types was achieved in the 1990's. A number of two- family dwellings were built in the Waterford area and on Lawtonka Drive, west of Timber Lane. The Seasons senior housing project offers low maintenance twinhomes for residents who qualify under Federal Fair Housing Act guidelines. Shorewood Ponds, currently under construction, provides "step down" single - family, attached cottages in four -unit buildings as an option to seniors 62 years of age and older. Although these projects have increased the variety of housing types in Shorewood to some degree, housing values remain high relative to metropolitan area standards, even though higher densities have been allowed. As illustrated in the Appendix Chapter, housing values in Shorewood have risen steadily over the years. Conservatively, the average construction value (not including the lot) in Shorewood was $272,000 in 1998. To date that average has increased to $308,000 in 1999. Given the limited amount of land remaining for development in the city, the relatively high cost of utilities and often soil correction, the high value of land in the Lake Minnetonka area, and a seemingly insatiable market for upper end housing, this trend is anticipated to continue. Future opportunities for increasing housing variety in Shorewood are viewed as limited. Consequently, maintenance of the existing mixture of housing will be important. In this regard the City's policy of keeping house sizes proportionate to lot size should continue to be implemented. This simply means that smaller lots will accommodate smaller houses. Even though Shorewood by itself may not be consistent with regional goals relative to housing, when viewed as part of a larger South Lake Minnetonka community a relatively traditional model town emerges. Excelsior serves as the downtown core, with multiple - family housing and small, urban lots. Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Deephaven exist as surrounding suburbs with larger lots and lower densities. Senior Housing In the early 1990's the City recognized that there was shortage of housing options in Shorewood for senior citizens that could not, or chose not to, remain in their single- 12 -99 HO -12 family homes. A study prepared for the City in 1991 demonstrated that a market exists for senior housing in the Lake Minnetonka area. In response to an increasing elderly population, and recognizing the importance of keeping senior citizens in the community, the City set a goal to promote the development of safe, healthy and affordable housing options for seniors. In conjunction with that study Shorewood updated its zoning regulations to address senior housing. It was determined that the impact of senior housing on streets, parks and utility services was less than that of other types of residential development. Consequently, senior housing is now allowed to be built at somewhat higher densities than otherwise provided by existing zoning. The City also reduced the park dedication fees and sewer connection charges for senior housing in order to minimize development costs. The City then actively sought developers of senior housing to build in Shorewood. Response was limited, however, due to several factors: 1) limited funding resources; 2) relatively high land costs in the area; 3) unavailability of city water; and 4) conflict with many residents' desire to retain a low density character throughout the City. Nevertheless, two senior housing projects, the Seasons and Shorewood Ponds, have resulted in 24 units and 62 units of senior housing respectively. In administering the current zoning regulations a number of issues have arisen. For example, there is some question, given land and development costs, as to the feasibility of developing senior housing on land zoned for one -acre lots (R -lA zoning district). Also, the densities allowed in the R -1C district are higher than what is practical to accommodate the "step- down ", single -level housing that seems to be favored by local seniors. Finally, the site analysis used to identify sites suitable for senior housing is considerably outdated. Some land previously considered as suitable has since been developed, and recent utility extensions may suggest new sites that should be examined. While the number of sites remaining may be quite limited, there may still be some opportunities to provide additional senior housing. In this regard the City should: • Update its zoning regulations, addressing the issue of reduced densities and focusing on the most suitable sites • Update the site analysis study to identify the remaining sites that may be suitable for senior housing • Involve neighborhoods early on in the site analysis process • Review the 1991 Senior Housing Needs Study and consider revisiting the issue of senior housing using current and Census 2000 information Many seniors wish to stay in their homes as long as possible. Their ability to do so is enhanced by services provided within the community. For example, meal programs are administered through the South Shore Senior Community Center. Transit services such as Metro Mobility and Dial -a -Ride have been improved in the last couple of years. The City will continue to work with surrounding communities and various agencies to ensure that these services remain available to seniors. 12 -99 HO -13 Housing Programs The Sub - Regional Housing Study prepared for the Lake Minnetonka Area Cooperating Cities (LMACC) in August 1998 lists numerous housing programs that are either in use or available in the Lake Minnetonka area. Descriptions and information on these programs should be made available through the City offices. The City will serve as a resource in connecting people interested in these programs with the agencies that administer them. Sub - regional Cooperation Just as Shorewood pools its Community Development Block Grant funds into the Hennepin County program for housing rehabilitation assistance, the most effective way to address other housing issues is through cooperative efforts with other Lake Minnetonka communities. In this regard the City should commit to active participation in the Lake Minnetonka Area Cooperating Cities. Staffing and future funding resources should be allocated to furthering the work of the LMACC in the following areas: • Identification and resolution of housing issues within a sub - regional context • Coordination of efforts to address the supply and demand for housing diversity in the Lake Minnetonka area • Expansion of local housing initiatives to a sub - regional level • Establishment of legal joint powers cooperative agreements to pursue mutual goals in housing Specific areas where a group effort may be most effective inlcude: 1. Continue to work with the Metropolitan Council Transit Organization (MCTO) to improve transit in the Lake Minnetonka area 2. Provide education programs for residents and property owners on renter /landlord rights, homebuyer education, how -to seminars for home maintenance, etc. 3. Coordinate support services available through community religious organizations such as day care, family mentoring, food shelves, donation programs, etc. with those households in the LMACC sub - region most in need of assistance. One of the initiatives suggested in the LMACC Study is the consideration of a sub - regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) as a means of creating a coordinated effort in the implementation of housing plans. Such an entity could also oversee the creation of or rehabilitation of affordable housing in the Lake Minnetonka area. If housing is to be addressed on a sub - regional level the idea of one lead agency has merit. It is recommended that this approach be one of the first studies done by the LMACC. 12 -99 HO -14 Chapter Summary As a predominantly residential community, housing and issues related to housing are an important aspect of Shorewood's Comprehensive Plan. Following are the City's goals relative to housing: Provide safe, healthy and quality housing that respects the natural environment of the community. Maintain the present variety of housing options and provide sufficient housing types, sizes and values to meet the needs of varying segments of the population. Maintain and strengthen, where necessary, the character of individual neighborhoods within the community. Address local and sub - regional housing issues through cooperative efforts with neighboring communities through organizations such as the Lake Minnetonka Area Cooperating Cities. Following are recommendations intended to achieve these goals: In the future consider adopting truth in housing standards to create an incentive for property sellers to improve maintenance conditions prior to sale. 2. Continue to address nuisances on a neighborhood complaint basis. 3. Continue the City's annual spring cleanup event to encourage residents to maintain their property. 4. Enforce the City's rental housing licensing program for all types of rental dwellings. Publicize housing grant and assistance programs through the City newsletter and information kiosks in the City offices. 6. Maintain the existing mixture of housing types and values. 12 -99 HO -15 7. Update the City's zoning regulations, addressing the issue of reduced densities and focusing on the most suitable sites for such housing. Prepare an updated senior housing needs study and site suitability analysis using current and Census 2000 information. 9, Explore ways to improve transit and other support services that allow seniors to remain in their single - family homes. 10. Continue to participate with other Lake Minnetonka communities to address housing issues from a sub - regional perspective. 11. Explore the pros and cons of a sub - regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority as a means to more effectively implement housing programs. 12 -99 HO -16 0 f P Appendix A Housing Programs /Initiatives /Actions While it remains the City's intention that housing is best provided by the private sector, there are a number of programs, initiatives and actions available to promote and stimulate the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing affordable housing, as well as the development of new affordable housing — particularly for seniors. Following is a list of activities and programs that will be considered for Shorewood. Senior Housing • Community Development Block Grant (CDGB). A federal program that provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, principally for low and moderate income persons. • Met Council Local Housing Incentives Account. As part of the Livable Communities Act (LCA), the Met Council makes money available for the creation of affordable and life -cycle housing. The funds require a local match and priority is given by statute to cities that greatly contribute to fiscal disparities. • Section 202. A federal program that provides capital advances to private, nonprofit sponsors for financing the development of elderly housing that offers supportive services. • Tax Increment Financing (TIF). A local initiative whereby the City captures the tax revenues of a project to pay off bonds for the project. TIF can be used to offset infrastructure costs, write down land acquisition or stabilize rents. • Essential Function Bonds. A category of municipal bonds that is exempt from federal income taxes as long as the bonds issued provide no more than ten percent benefit to private parties. Essential function bonds are issued by an HRA for public purposes (i.e. HRA owned senior housing developments). Housing Assistance, Development, Maintenance and Rehabilitation Programs • Department of Energy (DOE) Programs. Fuel assistance and weatherization programs available to assist qualified homeowners with fuel payments and weatherization improvements of dwelling units. • Entry Cost Homeownership Program (ECHO), Through a partnership between the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) and Fannie Mae, funds are available for down- payment assistance. A borrower must contribute a minimum of three percent. The ECHO assistance may be used for the remaining two percent of the required five percent down - payment. • MHFA Fix Up Fund (FUF). The Fix -up Fund provides below- market interest rates, fully- amortizing home improvement loans -to- assist low -to- moderate - income homeowners in improving the livability and energy efficiency of their homes. • MHFA Home Energy Loans. Available to qualified homeowners to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. App A -1 • Housing Tax Credit (HTC) Program. The HTC offers a ten year reduction in tax liability to owners and investors in eligible affordable rental housing units produced as a result of new construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition with rehabilitation. • Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The NSP funds targeted emergency assistance to states and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight. • Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program. The Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program provides property improvement loans to residential rental property owners. This line item has two components: 1) a loan at 6% interest, fully amortizing up to 15 years component and 2) a deferred loan component. • Rehabilitation Loan Program. The Rehabilitation Loan Program provides interest -free, deferred loans to low- income homeowners to finance home improvements directly affecting the safety, habitability, energy efficiency and accessibility of their homes. The program is administered by local agencies that contract to deliver the program in accordance with statute and program requirements. • The Homeownership Opportunity Program (HOP). The Homeownership Opportunity Program provides short-term, temporary financing for the acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant properties in, or in imminent danger of foreclosure, and for properties in a foreclosure - impacted area. • Homeowner Entry Loan Program (HOME HELP). The Homeowner Entry Loan Program provides down - payment and closing cost assistance to qualifying low and moderate income homebuyers purchasing their first home. • Habitat for Humanity Initiative. The Habitat for Humanity Initiative is a loan to provide a secondary market for interest -free loans originated by Habitat for Humanity Minnesota affiliates for households participating in the Habitat for Humanity Program throughout Minnesota. Local Controls The City will review its current development controls (i.e. zoning and subdivision codes) for their affects on affordable housing, particularly as they relate to senior housing. Cooperative Housing Program Due to the relative small size of the south Lake Minnetonka communities and the limited amount of developable land which remains, Shorewood advocates a more subregional approach to housing issues. It is expected that if two or more of the area communities pool their allocated resources (e.g. CDBG, Local Housing Incentives, etc.), more meaningful progress can be made toward affordable housing goals. App A -2 - U) O =r O p CD O O Q M 0 1�- 0 O 0 O N O 'O O lJ O 7I O ((D O It d T�. T o w a m p I z ��T i Zz-y1 T m z m y �• Qyyr�� CITY OF MINNETRISTA lilll Vr IVIIIVIVCI VIV f�H n y �C O x 0 x 0 0 d District 1 1.9WDY I5L" PT 2.9WDY ISL" 7R 3.9 PDY SLAM aR I AWL£LA Planning District 1 Planning District 1 consists of the east half of Enchanted Island, Shady Island, Spray Island and Goose Island. Enchanted Island and Shady Island are currently zoned R -1C /S, Single- Family Residential /Shoreland. The smaller islands are zoned R -lA/S, also single - family residential. The islands have developed almost exclusively with single - family dwellings. Exceptions to that are the property at the end of Enchanted Point that is used by the Upper Lake Minnetonka Yacht Club and Goose Island, which is vacant and W, owned by Hennepin County. Enchanted Island contains a considerable amount of area that has been designated as wetland. Lot sizes vary in size, with some as small as 15,000 square feet. Due to a rezoning in the late 80's, most of the lots are consistent with the R -1C /S zoning requirements. The islands are totally separated from the rest of Shorewood and orient strongly toward the Spring Park -Mound area, with sole access and egress from that direction. Fire protection to the area is provided by contract with the Mound Fire Department, while the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department provides police protection. Street maintenance and snowplowing are provided by the City of Shorewood. The area is served by sanitary sewer. Although municipal water is not available on the islands, a dry fire hydrant system has been installed to enhance fire protection. The islands are, as a practical matter, fully developed. Any future development activity will be limited to remodeling and expansion of existing homes. Redevelopment of existing seasonal cabins is likely to continue. The yacht club facility on Enchanted Island is a nonconforming use in this residential area. It is not a good candidate for rezoning to the L -R, Lakeshore Recreational District, and ultimately should be phased out in favor of residential use. Due to the significant amount of lakeshore associated with the islands, the City should adhere closely to the State Shoreland Regulations that have been incorporated into the City's "S ", Shoreland overlay district. Note: There are no properties that could be used for telecommunications facilities in this planning district under current zoning restrictions, nor do any appear to be suitable for such use. VIRGINIA CIIY Uh CHANHASatN Planning District 2 This District is bounded by the Shorewood/Chanhassen border and Smithtown Road on the south, Lake Minnetonka on the west and north, and the large wetland area just east of Howard's Point Road on the east. Land use and zoning for this area is predominantly one -acre lots. The exception to this is the area between Howard's Point Road and the wetland area, just south of Pine Bend. This area is zoned and developed for half -acre lots. A commercial marina is operated in the northern portion of the District. Nearly the entire east edge of the District consists of one of Shorewood's largest wetland areas. Almost no vacant land remains in this District. There are, however, some larger properties to the south of Boulder Circle and to the south of the marina property that have potential to be subdivided. Proposed land use for this District is mainly minimum density residential west of Howard's Point Road. The area between Howard's Point Road and the wetland is designated and has developed as low density residential. While Howard's Point Marina currently exists as a nonconforming use, the Land Use chapter of the Plan recommends rezoning of the marina to L- R, Lakeshore Recreational District. The area is served by Smithtown Road, a collector street. Although Howard's Point Road experiences seasonally higher traffic levels associated with the marina property, there are no plans to change this street. Sanitary sewer is available throughout District 2. Municipal water is available in Boulder Bridge, Brentridge, Brynmaur, along Smithtown Road and along Howard's Point Road. The nearest recreational facilities are at Minnewashta Elementary School to the east and Cathcart Park to the south and east. Planning District 3 Lake Minnetonka and the Shorewood/Tonka Bay border form the northerly boundary of District 3. County Road 19 and the Shorewood/Tonka Bay border form the easterly boundary. The District is bounded by Smithtown Road on the south, and Shorewood's largest wetland system on the west. The existing land use pattern in this planning district is widely varied, particularly on the east end adjacent to County Road 19. Large lot, single - family residential dominates the westerly half of the District, while lots along Birch Bluff Road and east of the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (H.C.R.R.A.) right -of -way are predominately half acre in size. Two - family dwellings have been developed in the vicinities of Wild Rose Lane and Eureka Road, on Mallard Lane, and on County Road 19, just north of Glen Road. Shorewood's only apartment buildings are located at the east end of this district. An eighteen -unit complex sits in the southwest corner of Glen Road and County Road 19. A smaller, older apartment building on Smithtown Road exists as a nonconforming use of commercially zoned property. The southeast corner of the District contains older commercial development and the Northern States Power offices and maintenance yard are located on the east side of County Road 19. District 3 has two small churches, one on Glen Road and one on Smithtown Road at Smithtown Circle. The Minnewashta Elementary School serves as one of the focal points for the westerly half of the community and provides recreational space for District 3 residents. The H.C.R.R.A. right -of- way, originally set aside for light rail transit, has become an increasingly important recreational trail facility, not only serving to link Shorewood neighborhoods, but providing access to larger recreational areas in Carver County. Existing zoning in District 3 is, for the most part, reflective of the current land use pattern. Exceptions to this are the two- family homes located near Eureka Road, which are zoned single - family residential, and the small apartment building on Smithtown Road. So as to prevent "spot zoning ", the City does not intend to change the existing zoning in either of these cases. Proposed land use for District 3 will essentially reflect the zoning district configurations that are now in place. Although no significant change in the existing land use pattern is proposed, there are land use issues that need to be addressed in the future. A number of undeveloped parcels exist within this district. For the most part these will simply fill in consistent with adjacent development. There are two landlocked parcels to the west of Maple View Court that will require some future attention. Besides being difficult to access these parcels are characterized by dramatic topography, heavy vegetation and pockets of protected wetlands. Given the potential environmental sensitivity of these sites, some consideration should be given to some sort of land conservation effort. Land conservation has already begun within District 3. A neighborhood group has donated to the City approximately 10 acres of wetland area on the east side of Eureka Road. An additional six -acre parcel (Gideon Glen) has been purchased on County Road 19 through a cooperative effort with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Plans are under way to preserve the old maple/basswood forest on this site, restore degraded wetlands and enhance drainage for its surrounding area. The Gideon Glen project is just one of several planning elements for the County Road 19 /Smithtown Road area. The American Legion has indicated its desire to redevelop the commercial property in the northwest quadrant of the County Road 19 /Smithtown Road /Country Club Road intersection. In addition to the Legion Post, this would likely include the nonconforming motor fuel station and billboard that exist on that corner today. The City should not only encourage this redevelopment but should play an active role in how it occurs. Although it is located in the City of Tonka Bay, the existing shopping center on the east side of County Road 19 should be of interest to the City of Shorewood. Since redevelopment of this site is likely to occur in the next several years, Shorewood should work with Tonka Bay to influence what may occur at this "gateway" to both communities. Redevelopment of the County Road 19 area will be enhanced by the proposed realignment of County Road 19 /Smithtown Road/Country Club intersection. Construction of this improvement is currently planned for 2002. Plans for this intersection should include significant landscaping to create a northerly entry to the community. In conjunction with the intersection reconstruction and the redevelopment of the area, pedestrian circulation must still be addressed. This includes the H.C.R.R.A. trail crossing at County Road 19. While it may not be feasible to achieve a grade separated crossing there, safety improvements should continue to be explored. It is recommended that a separate detailed area plan be developed for the County Road 19 Smithtown Road area. This plan should address commercial redevelopment, vehicular traffic, pedestrian circulation and the preservation and restoration of the Gideon Glen site. VJHUJN,N CITY OF CHANHASSEN "" " Planning District 4 Planning District 4 is bounded on the south by Shorewood's border with the Cities of Victoria and Chanhassen. Smithtown Road forms the westerly and northerly boundaries of the district, and Eureka Road bounds the district on the east. The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority right -of -way extends diagonally through the district and is currently used as a regional trail facility. The area west of the H.C.R.R.A trail is zoned R -lA, Single - Family Residential. Land east of the trail is mostly zoned R -1 C, Single- Family Residential, except for one tier of lots on the west side of Eureka Road, which is zoned R -lA. There is also a small triangular- shaped area to the west of Strawberry Lane that is zoned R -1D; Single - Family Residential. Finally, a small parcel of land located on the south side of Smithtown Road, east of Smithtown Way, is zoned C -2, Auto - Oriented Commercial. As with much of Shorewood, this district is nearly fully developed. Existing land uses are consistent with the current zoning pattern. Large -lot residential occurs to the west of the regional trail right -of -way. The area to the east of the trail is dominated by Freeman Park, with half -acre lots to the south of the park and older, smaller lots to the west of Strawberry Lane. A senior housing development occupies the northwest quadrant of State Highway 7 and Eureka Road. A small auto repair garage is located in the southeast quadrant of Smithtown Road and Smithtown Way. Semi - public uses in this district include a small cemetery at Smithtown Road and Cajed Lane, and a church located on West 62nd, just east of the trail right -of -way. There are a few scattered undeveloped parcels, one of which is the largest remaining vacant parcel (nearly 20 acres) remaining in Shorewood. There are also a few parcels of land that have the potential of being subdivided in the future. With one exception, future development in this district should be consistent with current zoning. Any land use decisions relative to the small C -2 property should favor redevelopment to low density residential (one to two units per acre). The City should be open to some sort of planned unit development for the large parcel on the west end of the district. Development of this parcel must also address the smaller vacant parcel of land to the north of it. Smithtown Road is the main east/west collector street on the west end of the community. Eureka Road is also designated as a collector street, but is not designed or built to collector street standards. The H.C.R.R.A. trail provides excellent pedestrian and bike circulation to Freeman Park and south to regional park facilities in Carver County. Freeman Park is Shorewood's largest park and is designated as a Community Park. The State Highway 7 Corridor Study recommends closing off direct access to the south end of Freeman Park. Park Lane will provide access from Eureka Road to the south end of the park. The City also owns and maintains Cathcart Park on the south side of West 62nd Street as a neighborhood park. Municipal water lines are available along Smithtown Road, Afton Road, Beverly Drive and throughout Shorewood Oaks. Although the Park Commission has been reluctant to recommend telecommunication facilities on park property, Freeman Park would qualify for such a use under the category of public property. Planning District 5 Planning District 5 is bounded on three sides by collector streets — Eureka Road to the west, Smithtown Road to the north, and Country Club /Yellowstone Trail/Lake Linden Drive to the east. State Highway 7, a minor arterial, and the Shorewood/Chanhassen municipal border, form the southerly boundary of this district. Zoning in District 5 is primarily residential with one -acre lots west of Pleasant Avenue and north of Yellowstone Trail. East of Pleasant Avenue and south of Yellowstone is zoned for half -acre lots. A small area on the west side of Lake Linden Drive is zoned for single and two- family dwellings, and the southeast corner of the district is zoned R -C, establishing a transition between the shopping center area to the east and the homes in this district. As can be seen on the Existing Land Use map, the Minnetonka Country Club Golf Course is classified as semi - public. Not only is it the predominant land use in District 5, it is also the largest single use property in Shorewood. Similar to parks and natural open spaces, the golf course is considered to be a community asset. As such, every attempt should be made to encourage its continued existence. It is suggested that the City work with the owner to develop a master plan for the property upon which future land use approvals can be based. The conditional use process for the property should be streamlined so that minor improvements to the facilities can be subject to a simple site plan review. For the remainder of District 5 the overall land use pattern is consistent with the existing zoning within the district. The only deviation from single - family residential development is a two - family dwelling on the west side of Lake Linden Drive and two office buildings located in the southeast corner of the district. There are scattered vacant parcels throughout District 5, most of which are platted as lots. The exception is a seven -acre parcel located on the north side of Highway 7, between Eureka Road and Seamans Drive. Also, there are approximately eleven acres of land in the northwest corner of the golf course property that could be put to residential use. Some consideration should be given to allowing additional density for this property in conjunction with a commitment to preserving the golf course use. Development of all remaining parcels in this district should be consistent with the current zoning of those properties. Development of the property in the southwest corner of the district must be sensitive to site and area drainage. The vacant land on the west side of Lake Linden Drive that is zoned R -C should be considered for office or two - family residential use. The three collector streets that form the west, north, and east boundaries of this district have been addressed in the narratives for Planning Districts 3, 4 and 7. Consistent with the recommendations of the State Highway 7 Corridor Study, direct access to Highway 7 has been closed off at Seamans Drive, Pleasant Avenue, and Wood Drive. Access to the highway from Lake Linden is scheduled for closing in 2001 as part of the Highway 7/41 intersection project. Club Lane is a substandard residential street serving seven lots. While inadequate right -of -way exists to upgrade it, consideration should be given to providing some sort of turn- around on its south end. Consideration should be given to requiring a pedestrian/bicycle trail through the vacant land in the southwest corner of the district to connect Seamans Drive and Eureka Road. Although there are no parks within Planning District 5, reasonable access exists to Freeman Park, west of Eureka Road. This access would be enhanced by the pedestrian/bicycle trail mentioned above. City water is available on Smithtown Road and along the south half of Eureka Road. Planning District 6 Planning District 6 is bounded by the Shorewood/Tonka Bay border to the west, Lake Minnetonka to the north, the Shorewood/Excelsior border to the east and Smithtown Road (County Road 19) S to the south. Residential lots on Timber W'4 Lane are separated from the larger portion LA LO of the district by the Hennepin County Regional Railway Authority (H.C.R.R.A.) trail. The land north of the trail is zoned R -1B, Single- Family Residential and C -4, Commercial Service. The yacht club located in the northeast corner of the district has recently been approved for rezoning to the L -R, Lakeshore Recreational zoning district. Properties south of the trail right -of -way are zoned R- 2A, Single and Two - Family Residential, with the exception of the twinhomes on Lawtonka Drive, which are zoned P.U.D., Planned Unit Development. Land uses in this planning district are generally consistent with the existing zoning configurations. Large lot single - family homes exist on Timber Lane. Although zoned for two - family dwellings, several lots along Smithtown Road are used for single - family homes. Two - family dwellings are located on Shorewood Lane, Lawtonka Drive and on the north side of Smithtown Road near Timber Lane. Nonresidential uses in this district include the City's Public Works facility, on the west end of the district, immediately east of a shopping center in Tonka Bay, a dredging company and a yacht club, both located in the northeast corner of the district. While little or no vacant land exists within this district, a large parcel located to the east of the Public Works property is capable of additional development. This site is under consideration as a possible location for a future fire department, or even a public safety campus that could include the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department There are no parks in this planning district, however, the H.C.R.R.A. trail provides excellent pedestrian and bicycle access to the east and west. Badger Park is located on the south side of Smithtown Road, across from the Public Works site. Planning District 7 Located in the center of Shorewood, this district is bounded by Smithtown Road (County Road 19) on the north, Country Club Road/Yellowstone Trail /Lake Linden Drive on the west, State Highway 7 on the south and the Shorewood/Excelsior municipal boundary on the east. This district displays a somewhat complex zoning pattern, including a mix of residential and commercial zoning. While most of the residential property in this district is zoned for half -acre lots, the area between Mary Lake and Country Club Road is zoned for large lot, single- family homes. Two - family zoning, R -2B and R -2A, exists on Wood Duck Circle and along Lake Linden Drive, respectively. Similarly, there is a mix of commercial zoning in this district. The northwest and southwest corners of the district are zoned C -3, General Commercial. The northeast corner of the district is zoned C -4, Service Commercial, with transitional Residential - Commercial zoning to the west of it. The pattern of land uses in District 7 is reflective of the varied zoning. The Badger Field/City Hall/South Shore Senior Center property serves as a buffer between the auto - oriented commercial development in the northwest corner of the district and residential neighborhoods to the south and east. Two garden nursery businesses and a small dock manufacturing business occupy the northeast corner of the district, which abuts commercial development to the east in Excelsior. Shorewood's main shopping center is located in the southwest corner of the district. Vacant land exists on both sides of the existing shopping center site. Also, land to the north of the shopping center has capacity for additional lots. The easterly end of the planning district has smaller single - family residential lots, characteristic of those to the east in Excelsior. The land that is shown on the Existing Land Use map as semipublic, between State Highway 7 and Park Street, is occupied by a church and church school facility. Future development in District 7 should be consistent with the existing zoning for the area. The Proposed Land Use Plan for this area suggests giving some consideration to commercial expansion near the shopping center. Any such consideration should take into consideration traffic concerns on Country Club Road, Yellowstone Trail and Lake Linden Drive. It is anticipated that the vacant land to the west of the shopping center will be used either for expansion of the existing center or for some independent commercial activity. Given access constraints and existing terrain, vacant land to the east of the shopping center should be limited to the density that is allowed under its current R -1 C, Single - family Residential zoning. This site may lend itself best to some sort of planned unit development. Questions have arisen recently about the adequacy of the existing City Hall, both in terms of office space and meeting room size. If changed in the future, consideration has to be given to the possible reuse of the existing building. Since it carries more than 3000 average daily trips (ADT), the route formed by Country Club Road, Yellowstone Trail and Lake Linden Drive is classified as a collector street. It has neither been designed nor constructed to carry this level of traffic. Reconstruction and realignment of the County Road 19 /Country Club Road intersection, scheduled for summer of 2002, is intended in part to discourage non -local traffic from cutting through from County Road 19 to Highway 7. Future planning for this route should include pedestrian circulation and traffic calming measures. After years of discussion, the intersection at State Highway 7 and 41 is scheduled for construction in 2001. In addition to correcting intersection geometrics, turning movements between 7 and 41 will be enhanced. Drainage improvements planned for the project will reduce flooding problems downstream to the east. Only the north portion of this district is served by City water. There are no current plans to extend the existing system in this area. Recreational opportunities, including football fields, ice - skating and tennis courts are provided at Badger Field. CITY OF CHANHA SSE N Planning District 8 District 11 is bounded by Highway 7 to the west, Galpin Lake and the Shorewood/Excelsior border to the north, Mill Street (County Road 82) to the east and the Shorewood/Chanhassen border to the south. The district is characterized in certain areas by steep terrain (e.g. the vicinity of Murray Hill Road and Summit Avenue, and between Apple Road and Lilac Lane), dropping into wetland basins on the north side of Mayflower Avenue, on the south side of Brackett's Road, and on the east side of Mill Street. Zoning in this district is primarily residential, ranging from large lot requirements in the eastern portion of the district to two- family residential between Chaska Road and Highway 7. A small area in the southwest quadrant of Chaska Road and Highway 7 is zoned R -C, Residential Commercial. A considerable portion of this district is within the 1000 -foot shoreland area of Galpin Lake. The existing land use pattern is predominantly single - family residential, except for a small office building on the north end of Chaska Road. Proposed land use for this area is a continuation of the existing land use pattern. The district will likely experience some redevelopment, with some of the larger lots between Chaska Road and Highway 7 being converted over time to two- family residential. Subdivision of larger parcels along Murray Street will depend upon cooperation of landowners and access to the backs of existing lots. The intersection at State Highways 7 and 41 has recently been reconstructed. The City should consider some sort of entry to Shorewood identification in this vicinity. Galpin Lane is a private road serving lots on the south side of Galpin Lake. It is intended that this street remain private. Murray Street currently dead ends at its easterly terminus. Some sort of turn- around should be considered with any redevelopment of the properties at the end of the road. Sanitary sewer is available throughout the district. The Chanhassen water system provides water to scattered parcels near the municipal border. The Woodhaven well serves homes along Stratford Place and Brackett's Road. This system is inefficient and the City is working with Excelsior to connect to the Excelsior water system. There are no parks in this planning district, existing or planned. .puriA CITY OFCHANHAS9 =N Planning District 9 This district primarily consists of Christmas Lake and the surrounding area. Mill Street and the Shorewood Excelsior border form the westerly boundary of the district while Highway 7 forms the northern, Silver Lake and Old Market Road form the eastern, and the Shorewood/Chanhassen border forms the southern boundary. Topography around Christmas Lake is quite dramatic with the most significant land form in the area being the ridge between Christmas Lake and Silver Lake. The entire area is relatively heavily wooded. Numerous wetland basins surround Christmas Lake, including the entire west side of Silver Lake. With the exception of some smaller lots and a townhome project on the north end of Christmas Lake, existing development in District 9 is almost entirely large lot, single - family residential. St. John's cemetery occupies much of the area between Covington Road and Old Market Road. Land on the north end of the district that was formerly used as a wayside rest for State Highway 7 now sits vacant, except where the City has located its southeast area water tower. The Minnesota Department of Transportation currently owns the old wayside rest property. A small boat launch site, owned by Shorewood and operated by the City and the Department of Natural Resources, exists on Merry Lane on the west side of Christmas Lake. Existing zoning in District 9 is mostly R -lA, Single - Family. The older lots on the north end of the lake are zoned R -1C. The majority of the district is subject to Shoreland Management Regulations. Planned unit development was approved for the clustered homes on Carrie Lane and the townhome development located between Radisson Road and the highway. The southwest quadrant of the Christmas Lake Road/Highway 7 intersection is zoned C -1, Neighborhood Convenience Commercial. The few scattered undeveloped parcels in District 9 should be developed consistent with the current zoning pattern. Representatives of St. John's cemetery are formulating a master plan for the completion of the cemetery. The wayside rest property to the north of the cemetery should be acquired from the Department of Transportation for conservation open space with attention to some sort of pedestrian access and circulation. Since the City has acquired the property in the northwest corner of the district for drainage and road improvements, its C -1 zoning should be changed to residential as a housekeeping measure. Major transportation improvements affecting this district have been completed with the construction of the Old Market Road and Christmas Lake Road intersections with Highway 7. While no additional changes to the circulation system around the lake are proposed, the City will monitor traffic along Radisson Road. This route is quite substandard, with homes very close to the traveled surface in certain locations. Physically, there is inadequate room to improve the street, but traffic control measures should be considered to reduce the volume of non - neighborhood trips along the north side of the lake. Although the City's southeast area water tower is located in the northeast corner of the district, municipal water service is only available to a limited number of homes along Old Market Road and Covington Road. There are no plans to extend additional water lines at this time. Park land in this district consists of the Merry Lane access to Christmas Lake. Silverwood Park, located on the west side of District 11, serves the east side of this district. Planning District 10 and south of Silver Lake Trail. A tributary to Purgatory Creek flows easterly from the northeast corner of Silver Lake. The entire area has been developed as part of the Near Mountain planned unit development and is zoned as a P.U.D. district. This planning district is fully developed as single - family residential. Per the Near Mountain P.U.D. agreement, lots along Sweetwater Curve are larger, respecting the wooded west side of Silver Lake, which is classified as a natural environment lake. Lots become progressively smaller moving eastward, with lot sizes as small as 10,000 square feet. Given the fully developed nature of this district, the proposed land use plan recommends maintaining the current pattern of development. Vine Hill Road and Covington Road serve as a split collector route distributing traffic to Highway 7 on the north side of the district and to Townline Road to the south. Based upon neighborhood demand, a pedestrian/bike trail has been constructed along the west side of Vine Hill Road. Although there is no public park land in this district, Silverwood Park is located immediately north of Covington Road. Located in the southeast corner of the city, Planning District 10 is bounded by Silver Lake on the west, Covington Road on the north, Vine Hill Road on the east, and the 1. CHESTNUT TER. Shorewood/Chanhassen 2. WHITNEY CIR. municipal border on the 3. 0.6ERT PT. south. Silver Lake is the 4. NWKINLEY PL, 5. dominant physical feature in CHESTNUT CT. 6. WKINLEY CT. this district. There are 7. WKINLEY CIR. wetlands located to the north and south of Silver Lake Trail. A tributary to Purgatory Creek flows easterly from the northeast corner of Silver Lake. The entire area has been developed as part of the Near Mountain planned unit development and is zoned as a P.U.D. district. This planning district is fully developed as single - family residential. Per the Near Mountain P.U.D. agreement, lots along Sweetwater Curve are larger, respecting the wooded west side of Silver Lake, which is classified as a natural environment lake. Lots become progressively smaller moving eastward, with lot sizes as small as 10,000 square feet. Given the fully developed nature of this district, the proposed land use plan recommends maintaining the current pattern of development. Vine Hill Road and Covington Road serve as a split collector route distributing traffic to Highway 7 on the north side of the district and to Townline Road to the south. Based upon neighborhood demand, a pedestrian/bike trail has been constructed along the west side of Vine Hill Road. Although there is no public park land in this district, Silverwood Park is located immediately north of Covington Road. Planning District 11 o This District is bounded on the north by State w Highway 7, on the east by Vine Hill Road - z which is also the Shorewood/Minnetonka U_ municipal border, and the west and south by ° Old Market Road and Covington Road, respectively. The terrain here is rolling and fairly wooded. Two large wetland basins tributary to Purgatory Creek are located in the east half of the District. Zoning is the area is predominantly single - family planned unit development (Waterford and Covington Vine Ridge). Silverwood Park and one parcel on Covington Road remain zoned for large lots. A range of commercial zoning exists along the south side of Highway 7, with general commercial in the northeast corner of the District, and neighborhood and neighborhood convenience commercial extending to the west along the highway service road. Shady Hills and approximately 20 acres to the south of it are zoned for half -acre lots. A mixture of residential lot sizes exists in this area, ranging in size from quarter acre in Covington Vine Ridge to half acre in Shady Hills and three quarters acre in Waterford. Two - family dwellings occupy the upper tier of the Waterford development. Future development should maintain the current pattern of land use and zoning. Undeveloped land should remain single- family residential. State Highway 7, the northerly boundary of the District is classified as a minor arterial. Collector street functions in this area are split between Old Market Road and Vine Hill Road. Pedestrian circulation has been accommodated along both of the those streets and ties into the Minnetonka trail system to the east. It is worth noting that the City still owns property extending north from Silverwood Park to Highway 7 that was once programmed as a trail system. Planning District 11 is entirely served with sanitary sewer and water service. Silverwood Park serves this district as well as District 10 and the east side of District 9. Planning District 12 This Planning District is bounded by Greenwood on the west, Deephaven on the north and east, and State Highway 7 on the south. This District contains a variety of residential zoning districts, ranging from smaller lots in the northwest corner ( "the Manor ") to large lots in the center which is split between acre and half -acre lots. The northeast corner of the District is zoned Planned Unit Development (Amesbury and Amesbury West). Much of the land abutting Highway 7 is zoned for single and two- family residential. The Kuemple Chime Clock property is zoned Residential/Commercial. The easterly edge of the District falls within the S, Shoreland District for Lakes Minnetonka and William. The land use pattern for this area generally reflects the current zoning. The lots around Lake William are older and smaller. The areas bordering the two Amesbury developments contain larger, single- family residential lots. Amesbury and Amesbury West contain two- family homes and townhouses. A mix of single and two- family residential exists along Highway 7, including the Seasons senior housing development. Excelsior Covenant Church is located in the southeast corner of the District. The most significant nonconforming use in the District (and possibly in the City) is the auto salvage yard located in the southwest corner of the District. Shown on the Existing Land Use map as commercial, it is actually more industrial in nature. Land Use in this planning district should reflect the current zoning in the area. If the Kuemple Chime property on Minnetonka Boulevard is to remain zoned as residential /commercial, attention must be paid to maintaining very low intensity uses that do not adversely impact the surrounding residential area. Off - street parking for this site remains an issue. The auto salvage yard is highlighted as an area of further study, from a land use as wells as environmental perspective. Once designated for a somewhat higher residential density in hopes of encouraging redevelopment, the current Land Use Plan suggests minimum density, as a result of neighborhood input. Although the owner of the property may be complying with state pollution regulations, this has not always been the case and the City may wish to conduct a Phase I Environmental Assessment as part of the further study. No changes are proposed to the current circulation pattern, although residents along Excelsior Boulevard complain of excessive speed and volume of traffic. Some consideration should be given to traffic calming measures and pedestrian circulation there. City water is available in the Amesbury developments. The Seasons senior housing project is served from the southeast area water system. Although likely to be expensive, efforts should continue to interconnect the Amesbury and southeast area systems to enhance reliability of the former. Sanitary sewer is available to the entire district. Manor Park lies in the center of the District and a skate park facility was recently constructed in the South Lake Community Park — the former State Highway 7 wayside rest area. A master plan is currently being developed for the remainder of the park.