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02-26-18 CC WS AgendaCITY OF SHOREWOOD CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2018 AGENDA 1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION A. Roll Call B. Review Agenda 2. NAC Comprehensive Plan Update 3. ADJOURN 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5:00 P.M. Mayor Zerby Johnson Labadie Siakel Sundberg ATTACHMENTS Consultant's Memo NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4150 Ol�,n N._...orial Highw,,, ___. X20, Vallty, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.957.1100 Website: www.nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Shorewood Mayor and City Council Shorewood Planning Commission FROM: Bob Kirmis /Alan Brixius DATE: February 21, 2018 RE: Shorewood - 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update - Community Engagement, Policy Plan and Natural Environment Plan FILE: 227.03 BACKGROUND As previously conveyed, the general approach to Shorewood's 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update entails the following phases of work: 1. Planning Tactics (Issues Identification) 2. Inventory / Community Profile 3. Policy Plan 4. Development Framework (includes various plans) 5. Implementation At a joint City Council /Planning Commission Workshop meeting held on September 27, 2017, Planning Staff introduced draft versions of the two initial phases of the work effort. These included Planning Tactics and Inventory chapters of the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. The Inventory chapter is the first chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Update and provides documentation of existing conditions within the City. The purpose of the Planning Tactics chapter is to focus attention on the issues and objectives which the City desired to be addressed as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update. Attached for informal City Council and Planning Commission review and feedback at this time are the following materials: 1 A. Community Engagement (Open House and Survey) Comments B. Policy Plan (draft) C. Development Framework Introduction D. Natural Environment Plan (draft) ISSUES Community Engagement. To obtain feedback on the Comprehensive Plan Update, the following methods were deployed: Open Houses. Three open houses were held I the month of October. Specifically, open houses were held on October 25, 26 and 30 of 2017 Approximately 30 residents attended to open houses. 2. Issues Ranking Survey. For those unable to attend the open house, a community issues ranking worksheet was provided at City Hall and online. The ranking worksheet allowed residents to rank issues they felt were most important. Physical copies of the survey were available from October through December of 2017. A total of 12 community issue ranking surveys were completed. 3. Online Survey. An online survey was publicized and made available to the public from October 8. 2017 through December 11, 2017. For those unable to fill out an electronic survey, paper copies were made available at City Hall. In review of the outcomes of each of the various engagement strategies, the following appear to be priorities of Shorewood residents: • Protecting and improving the natural environment, including tree preservation and new parks • Promoting high quality redevelopment that fits within the context of the community • Creating a bikeable and walkable community through the introduction of new trails and connections throughout the community and key locations • Ensuring a livable community through stormwater management, proactive code enforcement, and building relationships with nearby communities Generally speaking, it is believed the preceding priorities are reflected within the draft Policy Plan chapter. The City Council and Planning Commission are encouraged to review the results of the community engagement efforts. While primarily informational, feedback regarding the results is welcome. 2 Policy Plan. This section of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update is a narrative statement of goals, objectives and policies which, in part, responds to the issues and opportunities that are presented in the Planning Tactics section of the Plan and existing conditions highlighted in the Inventory. Many of the community goals, objectives and policies included in the draft materials are reiterations of goals, objectives and policies included in the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Some changes have, however, been made to reflect comments and viewpoints received from City Officials and City Staff (as summarized in the Planning Tactics chapter) as well as input received as part of the referenced community engagement efforts. Further, policies which reflect current Metropolitan Council development directives (as outlined in the Thrive 2040 document) have also been included. For ease of reference, changes from the City current, 2030 Comprehensive Plan are highlighted (via strike through lines and underlines). The City Council and Planning Commission are being asked to provide feedback on the goals, objectives and policies outlined within the draft Policy Plan chapter. Development Framework Introduction. Attached is an introduction to the Development Framework section of the Plan. The Development Framework entails the preparation of the various physical plans and programs which lay out the City's proposed land use, transportation system, and other community facility plans. The scope of this section is to be determined, to an extent, by the issues which are identified in the early stages of the planning process (Planning Tactics and Policy Plan). Within the Development Framework, the City's plan for directing development will be established. Specific plans which comprise the Development Framework reflect the content directives of the Metropolitan Council and include the following: • Natural Environment • Land Use • Housing • Community Facilities o Transportation o Wastewater • Surface Water • Water Supply o Parks and Trails 9 To be noted is that plans related to transportation, wastewater, surface water, water supply and parks /trails are to be subsections of the Community Facilities chapter the Plan. Natural Environment Plan. The Natural Environment Plan represents the first of several categorical plans to be included in the Development Framework section of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Based on feedback received from community engagement efforts, Shorewood residents appear to value the natural setting in which the City is located and have found that protecting sensitive features such as wetlands, shorelands, floodplains and wooded areas has a benefit to the community as a whole. Recognizing the value of its natural resources, an assurance should be made that they are protected and enhanced and that future development in the City will not result in natural resource degradation. Therefore, as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update, specific attention is given to natural resource protection and enhancement. The City Council and Planning Commission are being asked to provide feedback on the content of draft Natural Environment Plan. RECOMMENDATION The results of the City's community engagement efforts are primarily informational. Feedback from the Planning Commission and City Council is however, certainly welcome. The City Council and Planning Commission are being asked to provide specific feedback on the draft Policy Plan and Natural Environment Plan chapters. This material will be discussed at the forthcoming February 26, 2018 workshop meeting. cc: Greg Lerud Marie Darling 0 9C SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OUTREACH SUMMARY To obtain public input on Shorewood's comprehensive plan update, the City held 3 open houses, on October 25, 26, and 30, 2017. Approximately 30 residents attended. For those unable to attend, a community issues ranking worksheet was provided at City Hall and online, allowing residents to rank issues they felt most important. 12 community issues ranking surveys were completed. An online survey was publicized and available to the public from October 8, 2017 to December 11, 2017. A total of 242 survey responses were gathered. For those unable to attend or fill out an electronic survey, paper copies of the online survey were available. ONLINE SURVEY SUMMARY 242 online surveys were completed by Shorewood residents. Rank the following in terms of importance. Continue encouraging tree preservation during the development/ redevelopment of properties Increase shared services with other area cities Promote commercial redevelopment in areas such as the Smithtown Road and County Road 19 area Encourage homeowners to install solar energy Encourage more housing options including multiple family and affordable homes *The lower the number, the higher the priority. Weighted Average* 1.39 1.88 1.99 2.19 2.40 Most survey respondents indicated that encouraging tree preservation in the City is the most important and that providing more housing options is the least important. What activities should be a financing priority in Shorewood? Street improvements (not including r Providing new trails Improving stormwater management Park improvements (not including re jular maintenance; iular maintenance; % of Responses 54% 46% 45% 38% Providing proactive code enforcement, requiring 30% maintenance of homes Expanding city water service to more residents 18% Improvements to Southshore Community Center 13% Other 20% *Survey respondents should choose several priorities. Most survey respondents indicated that street improvements, new trails, and stormwater management should be the top financing priorities. Other responses: Improve walkability & bike - ability with additional sidewalks & trails — 5 • Near schools • Pave LRT • More sidewalks • Increase safety of bike trails Improve safety of streets — 3 Provide better internet options — 2 • Traffic lights at needed intersections Bury electrical lines — 2 (Eureka, Riviera, etc.) Preserve & enhance natural resources — 2 • Safety near schools • Remove invasive species None of the above — 2 Reduce government -1 Continued support of standard city services Regulation, oversight of rental properties —1 (police, fire, etc.) —1 Enforce light & sound ordinances —1 Maintain, improve parks —1 • Natural resource areas • Playgrounds • Recreation center What recreational facilities or services would you like to have? # of Responses Additional Trails: 26 Paved walking trails, sidewalks on sides of roads (8) Off -road biking trails (5) Indoor trails (5) Pave LRT (2) Cross country ski trails (1) Sports complex/ Rec center 9 City docks, boat slips on Lake Minnetonka 6 More activities at Southshore 5 Hockey, skating rinks a 5 Public indoor swimming pool 5 Tennis court 5 Splash pad 5 Increase connectivity of trail system To schools (2) To parks (2) To other cities (2) 4 Off -leash dog park 4 Playgrounds Equipment rentals Bikes (2) Snowshoes (1) Skis (1) Nature play areas 1 Pickleball court 4 3 3 3 Disc golf 2 Bus transportation 1 Boat, kayak storage on Lake Minnetonka 1 Youth hockey for girls 1 Expand current system 1 Community gardens 1 Skateboard park 1 Curling club 1 Sand volleyball courts 1 What ublic facilities or services would you like to have? Sidewalks & Trails More sidewalks, especially near public schools Bigger, wider, longer bike lanes ;d ur) bike trails Trash & Rec e.p. along Highwav 19 to Brush /leaf /yard waste drop site Curbside hazardous material pick -u More frequent re Recvclinq center One trash hauler for the Organics recycling /compo1 Parks Updated park amenities • Playground equipment, potentially indoor (2) • Improve beaches • Grills, picnic shelter • Skating rink • Public boat launch • Kid - friendly facilities, splash pad • Hockey rinks /warming houses • Indoor walking track • Outdoor swimming pool • Replanting trees • Nature olav area Club like Williston 1 More green space and preserves More recreational opportunities at Community Center Encourage park volunteer opportunities Transportation Ensure safety on Country Club Rd after development, increased traffic Public transportation, increased metro transit times Police enforce speeding, especially in senior area Park and Ride for Twin Cities transit system Bus or taxi service for seniors, handicapped Commercial Amenities Convenient and less expensive restaurants Additional commercial options # of Responses 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3 2 1 t E E 0 0 Other City water 3 City - provided internet, fiber optic internet 2 Stormwater management 2 Better clean up and repair of roads, lawns damaged by construction 2 Restrictions on chemicals to protect lake quality 1 Weed inspections 1 Bury electrical lines 1 More street lights Community solar Library 1 1 1 Where do you live in Shorewood? West of Eureka Road (including Islands) 51% East of Mill Street 23% Between Mill Street and Eureka Road 26% What is your age? 65 and Above 37% 35-49 9% 50 -64 54% What do you love about Shorewood? Large Lots, Nice Homes 6% Small -Town Feel, People & Quiet and Safe Community 18% 14% Bikeable & Walkable g% Natural Resources, Lakes and Open Space Well- Managed City Location and 29% 3% Amenities 21% OPEN HOUSE SUMMARY Approximately 30 residents attended three open houses. What residential items should be a high priority? No. of Votes Proactive code enforcement _ 12 Development upon non - conformin lots 6 More housing options 5 Buildout of Minnetonka Country Club subdivision 2 Loss of historic character from teardowns of homes 2 Providing housing opportunities for seniors 1 *Denotes an issue identified by open house attendee, written on voting board by attendee. There were residents in attendance before issue was written on board. What natural resources items should be a high priority? Improve stormwater management Tree preservation Protecting water quality Water drainage, especially alor Water drainage, especially alor Invasive species management* Trail and park imps Park preservation* Protect wetlands* ents* Strawbe Strawbe Lane* Lane* No. of Votes 9 8 4 3 3 1 1 1 1 Tree preservation changed to tree management (include 1 diversity, active tree removal, and code enforcement, Emerald Ash Borer) Investment in alternative energy systems 1 *Denotes an issue identified by open house attendee, written on voting board by attendee. There were residents in attendance before issue was written on board. What transportation items should be a high priority? Increase pedestrian safety and trail connections No. of Votes 11 Increase bicycle safety and trail connections 7 Sidewalks, especially on Strawberry Lane* 7 Street condition improvement/maintenance 5 Traffic congestion 4 Improvement of Highway 7 /Vine Hill Rd intersection 2 Integrate and improve LRT trail* 2 Widen /have sidewalks on Eureka and Highway 7 to 2 Smithtown Road* Reclaim right -of -way* 2 Improve connections between Shorewood and Excelsior 1 Dangerous trail crossing where regional trail intersects with 1 Cathcart Drive* Continue County Club trail to Yellowstone trail* 1 Connect parks with the trails (specifically Cathcart and 1 Freeman)* Traffic, dangerous intersection at Highway 7 and Vine Hill* 1 Traffic speeds on Eureka* 1 Need permissive yellow at Christmas Lake Rd and 1 Highway 7* Traffic along Eureka and Cathcart* 1 Status of County Road 19 and Smithtown Intersection* 1 Coordinate with Minnetonka on pedestrian access for 1 Enchanted Lane* *Denotes an issue identified by open house attendee, written on voting board by attendee. There were residents in attendance before issue was written on board. What community facilities should be a high priority? No. of Votes Upgrade parks to respond to residents' recreational needs 9 Bury utilities, especially on Strawberry Lane* 8 Southshore Community Center improvements 6 Increase funding for park improvements 1 Continue County Club trail to Yellowstone trail* 1 Dangerous trail crossing where regional trail intersects with 1 Cathcart Drive* Connect parks with the trails (specifically Cathcart and 1 Freeman)* Need for pickleball court 1 *Denotes an issue identified by open house attendee, written on voting board by attendee. There were residents in attendance before issue was written on board. What commercial items should be a high priority? Promotion of commercial redevelopment consistent with the City's character and identity Assure new developments are hiah auali Lack of basic commercial services Need for more small office spaces *Denotes an issue identified by open house attendee, written on voting board by attendee. There were residents in attendance before issue was written on board. No. of Votes 9 What city-wide/other items should be a high priority? No. of Votes Bury utilities, especially on Strawberry Lane* 7 Upgrade aging water infrastructure 6 Improvement of relationships with nearby communities 4 Lack of community identity 3 Improve drinking water quality (hard)* 3 Expand city water service to all residents 2 Appropriate protections during buildouts to ensure water 2 quality and to lessen impact on neighbors* One garbage hauler* 1 Enforce leash laws on Freeman Park Trail* 1 *Denotes an issue identified by open house attendee, written on voting board by attendee. There were residents in attendance before issue was written on board. COMMUNITY ISSUES RANKING SUMMARY 12 surveys were completed. Rank the following transportation issues in terms of importance from 1 (most important) to 5 (least important) Increase pedestrian safety and trail connections Increase bicycle safety and trail connections Traffic congestion — need for collector streets to accommodate volumes, especially County Road Street condition improvement 19 Improvement of Highway Mine Hill Rd intersection Improve connections between Shorewood and Excelsior Increase funding for roadway maintenance On- street parking *The lower the number, the higher the priority. Most survey respondents indicated that increasing pedestrian safety and trail connections, as well as traffic congestion, should be top priorities for the City. Few survey respondents felt the City should focus on on- street parking. Weighted Average* 1.6 1.8 1.9 2.2 2.3 2.4 L4 3.7 Rank the following residential issues in terms of importance from 1 (most important) to 5 (least important) Buildout of Minnetonka Country Club subdivision Proactive code enforcement, maintenance of homes Providing housing opportunities for seniors Loss of historic character from teardowns of homes Provide more housing options, including multiple family housing and affordable housing Establish zoning regulations for development upon non- conforming lots and single family residential teardowns *The lower the number, the higher the priority. Most survey respondents indicated that the City should focus on ensuring the development of the Minnetonka Country Club subdivision, and establishing zoning regulations that allow development on non - conforming lots. Few residents felt the loss of historic character and providing additional housing options, such as affordable or multiple family housing, was as important. Weighted Average* 2.8 3.0 3.1 3.5 3.5 3.5 Rank the following community facilities issues in terms of importance from 1 (most important) to 5 (least important) Weighted Average* Increase funding for park improvements 2.0 Upgrade parks to respond to residents' recreational needs 2.3 Southshore Community Center improvements 2.4 Expand public works building; impounded vehicle parking 4.1 *The lower the number, the higher the priority. Most survey respondents felt that expanding the public works building and impounded vehicle parking space was the least important issue listed above. Rank the following commercial issues in terms of importance from 1 (most important) to 5 (least important) Weighted Average* Assure new developments are high quality 1.5 Promotion of commercial redevelopment consistent with 3.3 the community's character and City's identity, such as Smithtown Crossing Lack of basic commercial services 4.1 Need for more small office space 4.2 *The lower the number, the higher the priority. Most survey respondents felt it was most important for the City to ensure that new developments are high quality. Few felt the need for small office spaces or that the City needed to focus on the lack of basic commercial services. Rank the following natural resources issues in terms of importance from 1 (most important) to 5 (least important) Improve stormwater management Tree preservation Protecting water quality Invest in alternative energy systems *The lower the number, the higher the priority. Most survey respondents felt it most important that the City improve stormwater management and preserve trees. Weighted Average* 1.3 1.5 1.6 2.8 Rank the following city /other issues in terms of importance from 1 (most important) to 5 (least important) Weighted Average* Improvement of relationships with nearby communities and ' 1.9 handling of shared services Upgrade aging water infrastructure 2.4 Expand city water service to all residents 3.1 Lack of community identity 3.8 Haphazard municipal boundaries 4.2 *The lower the number, the higher the priority. Most survey respondents felt it most important that the City improve its relationships with its neighboring communities. Few felt it important to focus on the City's physical boundaries. Of the 31 issues listed on the ranking sheet, only 8 items received an average weighted score under 2. These items are considered the most important issues, as determined by survey respondents. They are: 1. Improve stormwater management (1.3) 2. Tree preservation (1.5) 3. Assure new developments are high quality (1.5) 4. Protecting water quality (1.6) 5. Increase pedestrian safety and trail connections (1.6) 6. Increase bicycle safety and trail connections (1.8) 7. Improvement of relationships with nearby communities and handling of shared responsibilities (1.9) 8. Traffic congestion — need for collector streets to accommodate volumes, especially County Road 19 (1.9) Of the 31 issues listed on the ranking sheet, only 4 items received an average weighted score above 4. These items are considered the least important issues, as determined by survey respondents. They are: 1. Haphazard municipal boundary (4.2) 2. Need for small office space (4.2) 3. Lack of basic commercial services (4.1) 4. Expand public works building; impounded vehicle parking (4.1) Policy Plan INTRODUCTION The intent of the Policy Plan portion of the comprehensive planning process is to outline in written form what the community desires to be produced or accomplished relative to the physical environment. Secondly, the Policy Plan is intended to set forth guidelines as to how these desires are to be achieved. Proceeding in a logical fashion, this chapter identifies general goals and supporting policies. These elements comprise a review and decision - making process and the basis upon which plans, programs and actions can be formulated and initiated. It is emphasized that these goals, objectives and policies are the basic and fundamental plan for the development of Shorewood. In this regard, their purpose is to provide a decision - making framework to guide all public and private actions and the development of the City. In addition to the active function of guiding response and action, the goals, objectives and policies also serve the more passive function of establishing evaluation criteria for the development and change which subsequently occurs. This Policy Plan should not, however, be interpreted as an implementation program of actions and /or responses as no time framework or priority of action is intended or stated. The Policy Plan is a guide which directs action of the part of the public and private sectors of the community when responding to needs, problems and opportunities. In utilizing this element of the Plan, it must be cautioned that the policies are to be considered and utilized collectively. While in some instances a single policy may define and outline a course of action or decision, it is more commonly the case however, that several policies apply to a given situation. Reactions to individual policies should therefore be tempered pending consideration of all applicable statements. Additional note should be made that policy plans are utilized as the basis of graphic plans and decision - making due to their flexibility and adaptability. Lacking a "hard line" delineation, policies can be applied and used for the basis of decision - making when unanticipated situations emerge. Such is not the case with a map plan in that it is static and fixed. Further, there may be instances when the policies contained in the Policy Plan do not reflect a change in policy direction or address an unanticipated issue. In such cases, the Plan should be amended to include policy statements which reflect the new direction or issue. Operating in such a fashion, the Comprehensive Plan will retain a current and effective status and will not become outdated. It should be noted that the use of the term "shall" within the framework of the Policy Plan is not to be considered an absolute regulation such as the case in the City's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 23 Policy Plan The Policy Plan portion of the Comprehensive Plan is based upon an analysis of the preceding Planning Tactics and Inventory Chapters. To ensure that the Policy Plan reflects the desired ends of the local community and that such ends are to be accomplished, the Plan has been subjected to detailed and thorough review by the Planning Commission, City Council and City Staff. To ensure a proper understanding and clarification, the terms utilized are defined as follows: Goals: The generalized end products which ultimately result in achieving the kinds of living, working and play areas that are desired. Objectives: Conditions which must be attained in order to accomplish a particular goal. Policies: Definite courses of action which lead toward goal achievement. To be noted is that many goal, objective and policy statements are generalized in nature and are directed simply toward community health and welfare. In this regard, many of the policies of the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan remain valid and have been reiterated in this 2040 Plan. On the other hand, certain Comprehensive Plan policies are more specific in nature and reflect different courses of action than those contained in the 2030 Plan. In this regard, certain policies have been added in response to new and /or higher priority issues raised as part of the community engagement process. NATURAL RESOURCES Goal: The City will establish ettidelines and update (amend) its guidelines and regulations and enforce existing standards to ensure preservation and protection of the natural environment. 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 through the protection of shoreland impact zones, landscaping and shoreland buffers. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 24 Policy Plan 3. Creative development design to ensure the protection and enhancement of those portions of the community containing unique physical features (e.g. topography, woodlands, wetlands, etc.) is to be encouraged. 4. Natural wildlife habitats are to be provided protection to ensure against loss. 5. 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 theme preservation and protection of significant trees. 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. Policies: 1. All development in naturally or environmentally sensitive areas shall conform to local; metr-epelita and State regulations. 2. State and federal environmental regulations shall be incorporated into local policy. 3. Environmental regulations shall be formulated, updated and enforced to ensure the proper protection of natural environmental resources. 4. 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. 5. 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 25 Policy Plan 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. 8. 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. 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. 44 ' „taine' an w -her° possible i °d. (duplicate of objective) 14. Support shall be given to efforts aimed at reducing lake pollution. 15. Protect surface and ground water quality by establishing programs to educate the public and regulate the use of chemical lawn fertilizers. 16. Water bodies and watercourses shall be classified and zoned for specific uses giving due consideration to DNR and LMCD recommended regulations. 17. All reasonable measures shall be taken to mitigate adverse impacts resulting from development on natural wildlife habitats. 18. The location, condition and species of existing significant vegetation shall be indicated in all development requests. 19. Programs designed to protect Shorewood's trees through disease control measures and reforestation shall be encouraged. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 26 Policy Plan 1 :: 20. Preserve existing wooded areas and develop programs and regulations to replace lost tree cover. 21. Incorporate the goals and policies of the Shorewood Surface Water Management Plan into the development review process. 22. Prepare and maintain a natural resources inventory for the City of Shorewood, including a listing of sources for environmental data. 23. Review existing tree preservation regulations to ensure that such ordinance Provisions adequately reflect desired preservation obiectives. 24. Consider increased funding for stormwater management efforts in the City. 25. Consider the adoption of regulations which protect bluffs which lie outside of the City's shoreland districts. 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. • 44we ig la*d tine r'.,,,,,:,,n Land use regulations shall discourage land uses which are inconsistent with the residential and natural character of the community. 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 27 Policy Plan MC 3. 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. 7. lndivi"a4 fiNeighborhoods 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. 12. As opportunities present themselves, attempts shall be made to satisfy the Metropolitan Council's minimum residential density directives for "suburban" communities (at least five units per acre for new development and redevelopment). Policies: General 1. The community shall be planned and developed in ffnits planning districts as determined by either physical barriers and /or homogeneous land use characteristics. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 28 Policy Plan 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. 3. Major streets are to border, not penetrate, neighborhoods. 4. 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. 5. Land use development shall be related to and reflect transportation needs, desired development and community priorities. 6. Land use development shall be planned so as not to isolate or create landlocked parcels. 7. The use of easements and private streets for the purpose of lot access is to be discouraged. 8. "Back lot" development shall not be permitted. Adequate access must be established and provided to avoid creating nonconforming property. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. 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). Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 29 Policy Plan 13. Programs and incentives for continuing privately initiated maintenance, improvements for energy conservation, and redevelopment of existing land use development shall be created and implemented. 14. Where practical, problems with conflicting and non - complementary uses shall be resolved through removal and relocation. 15. Sufficient setback requirements for new development along major streets shall be established to prevent future problems of street upgrading (e.g. widening). 16. To the maximum extent possible, development policies and regulations shall be applied consistently and uniformly. 17. Shorewood's land planning and development shall be on a cooperative basis with neighboring communities, when consistent with Shorewood's adopted goals. 18. Shorewood's lakeshore shall be protected from over - intensification of use and development. 19. Shorewood shall consistently enforce ordinances related to property (and structure) m s�intnns�nrn R aci I,." t; al 1. 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 higher density residential uses and non- residential development types and by °de "at° via the use of buffering and separation techniques f °m 4hef residen6a well „°„ 3. 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. Residential development shall be protected from adverse environmental impacts, including noise, air and visual pollution. 6. Housing styles and development techniques that conserve land and increase energy efficiency shall be encouraged. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 M Policy Plan 0 -=_ -7.- Over-all density shall be A --fisider-a4iefi ifi planfiifig f9r- t4e . (similar to policy below) 7. All new housing shall adhere to the highest community design, planning and construction standards. 8. Innovation in subdivision design and housing development shall be considered through the use of devices such as the cluster and planned unit development concepts. 9. Residential development shall be prohibited on floodplains, bluffs, wetlands and other natural features that perform important protection functions in their natural state. 10. New residential development shall maintain the natural environmental character of Shorewood through the preservation of significant trees, protection of bluffs and wetlands, and maintenance of shoreland impact zones. 11. 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. di -eetl , aeeessible. 4-9. eammer-eial aR'' set=viee eeiiter-s. (similar to #16 above) 12. Shorewood's housing planning and development shall be in cooperation with neighboring south shore communities. 13. City regulations related to "teardowns" and "rebuilds" of single family homes shall be examined, and modified if determined necessary, to ensure that adequate provisions are in place to ensure neighborhood compatibility. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 31 Policy Plan L5--- 14. In consideration of new or redeveloped housing proiects, the minimum density directives of the Metropolitan Council (five units per acre) shall be liven due attention. 15. To limit on- street parking and protect adioinin2 properties from nuisance conerns associated with construction proiects, staain2 plans shall be required for all infill development proiects. Minimally, such plans shall address contractor parking locations, construction material storage, and construction hours. Commercial 1. The City of Shorewood's commercial development shall be oriented towards "convenience" type of shopping geared toward neighborhood or community scale markets. 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. 8. Safe and convenient pedestrian movement shall be provided within service and commercial developments. 9. 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 32 Policy Plan 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 higher density residential and mar non- residential developments to assume the btff'°„ of w,.,' 4ag nee ° eats to buffer or provide transitions to protect — atibilit-y with s adi lower densi residential uses. 14. Redevelopment of the Smithtown Crossings commercial area shall occur in a manner which promotes Shorewood's community identity. 15. Future commercial development in the City shall take into account the character of the community and adhere to the highest possible standards of quality (in terms of both design and finish materials). Commercial Services I. 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. 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 33 Policy Plan MCI • 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. • The City shall promote safe, healthy and affordable housing options. Objectives: 1. Review local development regulations, and amend as necessary, to promote a balanced housing supply. 2. As opportunities present themselves, attempts shall be made to satisfy the Metropolitan Council's affordable housing directives (48 new units by the year 2040). 3. Identify locations for alternative residential housing types and densities. 4. Make available to residents and property owners educational programs on such topics as renter /landlord rights, home buying, home maintenance, etc. 5. Continue the City's rental housing license program to maintain current standards for rental housing. 6. Promote private sector maintenance, rehabilitation and redevelopment of existing properties through improved communication of available community services and financial assistance programs. 7 Develop i etisi g program *'' ^ *: Continue to allow accessory apartments to allow seniors to remain in their single family homes. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 CM Policy Plan 0 -=_ , seeial and o 4; ,, ,i t, „o mainteiianee and 0 8. Encourage housing types that are designed to appeal to senior citizens to allow existing residents to downsize and remain in the City of Shorewood. 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 pr-evide ioti eii edtie4 e Wirers —te 2. Maintenance problems and code violations shall be addressed to improve and strengthen the character of neighborhoods and avoid spreading the impact of deterioration. 3. Substandard housing units shall be rehabilitated whenever possible. 4. Work with Hennepin County to administer programs which provide Ffinancial assistance for the rehabilitation of substandard housing units within the community sh-A be pr-evide Jas funding sources and market conditions permitl. 5. Residential redevelopment of substandard housing within the community shall be encouraged whenever compatible with adjacent land uses and economically feasible. 6. Appropriate regulations shall be established for development upon lawful nonconforming lots. 7. Staging plans shall be required for all residential infill projects. Minimally, such plans shall address contractor parking locations, construction material storage and construction hours. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 35 Policy Plan C Ca Compatibility 1. 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. 3. Residential developments shall be protected from and located away from sources of adverse environmental impacts including noise, air and visual pollution. 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 exclusively 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 which is consistent with City Code requirements. 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 1. Owner occupied housing shall be encouraged. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 W Policy Plan 0 -=_ 5. 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. s 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. 7. In consideration of new or redeveloped housing proiects, the affordable housing directives of the Metropolitan Council (48 units by 2040) shall be liven due attention. . ......... !SLI:SR•J�l�lii!1RS� J��fli!Sll:i!Si:i� Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 37 . family homes diver-sif� hattsiiig iii �he stipplemeiit siiigle ffid the aptiaiis area, gi-, .47; . ......... !SLI:SR•J�l�lii!1RS� J��fli!Sll:i!Si:i� Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 37 Policy Plan 0 -=_ Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 W Policy Plan ®� 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. 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. 3. 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. 5. 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. 9. Address automobile traffic, pedestrian movements, on- street parking and stormwater management within local street right -of -way improvements, where feasible. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 W ■ Policy Plan 0 Policies: General 1. 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 over time 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 nee 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. 5. 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. 8. 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 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. Ctraatq 1. 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 .x Policy Plan 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 of arterials streets shall be minimized and limited to points of adequate distances between intersections with proper signalization and /or merging. 5. 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. 8. Single- loaded frontage roads shall be discouraged in the future. • Y.. .F.E!TrTr2= l'.!'3SSiS"imil.. 1�7�l 3M 9ff�.*ll �. F .@lR��il�llR�E�'�.E!!�!!!E!l1�4 IN 9. Street improvement shall be related to, and phased with, area land development in order to avoid interrupted or inadequate access. 10. Curb and gutter shall be required in new development and reconstruction of existing streets. WheFed °° „ °* ° ffob °m eOther drainage solutions dual may be considered where more economical and practical. 11. 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. 12. Where feasible and practical, provisions for other transportation modes (i.e. pedestrian, bicycles, etc.) shall be included in street and highway improvement plans. 13. The City shall strive to minimize damage to City streets and prevent premature street decay by enforcing seasonal weight restrictions and by considering options to reduce the number of regularly scheduled heavy vehicles on such streets, including, but not limited to. those utilized for organized trash collection. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 41 Policy Plan 14. The City shall work with State and /or County officials to explore possible solutions to on2oin2 traffic congestion issues at Hi2hwav 7 access points. 15. Maintain a system of evaluating street conditions and prioritizing street maintenance /improvement efforts. 16. Timeframes for street improvement /replacement efforts shall be identified within the City's capital improvement program (CIP). 17. A design template for local street right -of -way improvements shall be developed which addresses automobile traffic, pedestrian movements, on- street parking and stormwater management. 18. As opportunities present themselves, existing unpaved public streets shall be paved in compliance with City street standards. 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. 7. To address concerns over on- street parking along narrow streets, consideration shall be liven to limiting on- street parking to one side of the street in areas determined by the City to exhibit problematic conditions. Alternatively, stn$!ered parking on alternatin! sides of a street may also be considered. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 42 Policy Plan M Mass Transit 1. Increased service and the use of mass transit shall be encouraged by the City of Shorewood. 2. At4empts shall be made to have 4aasit sefviee wailable With FideF eonvenienees, stleh as shelt °rte- aetivity eeiiteffi -of the y The City shall work with adiacent City of Excelsior, as determined necessary, to ensure that Shorewood residents are provided reasonable access to transit services. 3. 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. 5. 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 sub - region. 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. Pedestrian /Bich 1. Where possible and economically feasible, a separated traveled surface shall be provided for pedestri ans and cyclists. 2. Special attention shall be directed toward and facilities provided for pedestrian movement and access in areas in and surrounding schools, churches, parks, commercial and service centers. 3. 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 City's Trail Concept Plan. 5. Non -local streets in Shorewood shall be designed to protect pedestrian and bicycle movement paralleling traffic. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 43 0 7 26 10 Policy Plan New development shall be encouraged to respect the pedestrian/bicycle system and, where possible, contribute to the City right -of -way and development costs. Construction and maintenance of trails shall be based on established standards and specifications to ensure safe conditions. Shorewood will establish development standards for the construction of trails, as well as maintenance standards and programs, to ensure safe conditions. Trail segments shall be established within parks to provide connections between various facilities and to accommodate recreational usage. 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. 15. As part of street improvement /reconstruction planning, due consideration shall be given to the construction of trails and /or sidewalks. 16. Shorewood will identify and prioritize incomplete trail links within the City and develop a plan to improve pedestrian trail connections. 17. Shorewood will collaborate with the adiacent City of Excelsior to improve inter -city vehicle and pedestrian connections. 18. As part of the development of the City's trail system, due consideration shall be given to pedestrian and bicyclist safety. 19. Shorewood will strive to implement sidewalk and trail directives of its Transportation Plan and Park and Recreation Plan. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 .. Policy Plan ®� Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 45 Policy Plan COMMUNITY FACILITIES 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. 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. 3. 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, improved, and increased. 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 M Policy Plan � :, 10. Efforts shall be made to improve the City's water supply and stormwater management systems. 11. When opportunities arise, efforts shall be made to promote Shorewood's community identity through public improvements. 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. Funding for park maintenance and necessary improvements (as determined by the City) shall be considered a community priority. 3. The allocation of funds for park improvements for specific facilities will be made on the basis of balancing overall community park needs of Shorewood residents with the specific needs of each facility. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. Parks and recreational facilities shall be distributed throughout the community, based upon neighborhood needs and characteristics of each planning and development district. 7. 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. 8. Recreational open space improvements shall be programmed in accordance with a capital improvement program, updated on an annual basis. 9. 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. 10. Where necessary parks shall be screened, fenced and /or buffered for the safety and protection of the user as well as adjacent property owners. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 47 Policy Plan 11. Parks shall be improved and developed to take maximum advantage of natural features of the Shorewood. 12. Safe and convenient pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access and adequate parking to serve recreational facilities shall be provided. 13. The use of motorized recreational vehicles shall be limited to designated areas. 14. 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. 15. 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. 16. Continual citizen participation in the planning, development and operation of recreational open space shall be maintained. 17. The City shall employ a pro- active approach to park development. 18. When opportunities arise, Shorewood shall consider the acquisition of parcels adiacent to the City's existing public beach (Crescent Beach) and conversion of such parcels to park land. 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 1. 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 Policy Plan 8 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. 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. 8. As part of future community facility improvement efforts, consideration shall be Oven to the creation or establishment of a visible and identifiable physical feature which distinguishes the City of Shorewood from the Cities of Excelsior and Tonka Bay. 9. Shorewood shall examine alternatives and develop a plan for the future use of the City's Southshore Community Center. 10. The City of Shorewood shall seek and implement creative ideas for its public spaces which pay homage to the community's history and identity. 11. The City shall strive to make efficient use of its various municipal buildings by evaluating, on a periodic basis, the space needs of various City functions (to ensure adequacy). Public and Semi - Public Utilities 1. City public utilities will be reviewed at the same time that the Capital Improvement Program is reviewed each year. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 Policy Plan C CI 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. 5. 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. 8. Telecommunication facilities shall utilize existing tower structures where feasible. 9. On site disposal and 4eatmeat systems shall be phased OtA W-heFe possible and the installation of new systems- shat be ffohibit Gravity sewer systems are to be encouraged, and sewer lift stations should only be allowed when it is technically infeasible to achieve gravity flow. 10. Separate sanitary and storm sewer systems shall be maintained. 11. Run -off shall be managed to protect the groundwater recharge areas. 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. 15. To improve stormwater management within the City, Shorewood shall consider installing curb alone problematic streets when opportunities arise. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 50 Policy Plan 16. Shorewood shall work toward the eventual connection of all properties to the City's municipal water system. 17. When opportunities present themselves, the City will consider the burying of existing and new power lines to reduce the frequency of power loss during storm events. 18. As part of the update of the City's Water Supply Plan and /or Wellhead Protection Plan, various requirements recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health to protect Shorewood's drinking water supply shall be incorporated. 19. Stormwater drainage facilities and underground utilities shall be considered integral elements of the City's street improvement projects. 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. 3. Where practical, promote overall energy conservation in the community development process. 4. The City of Shorewood will, by example, attempt to become a more energy efficient community via future investment in such systems. 5. Establish regulations to accommodate the installation of alternative energy systems (solar and geothermal) and clarify procedures. Collaboration 1. To the extent possible, the City of Shorewood shall collaborate with nearby lake communities in regard to the handling of shared services. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT February 21, 2018 51 aftum Natural Resources Plan Lai INTRODUCTION The Metropolitan Council requires that comprehensive plans for cities in the seven - county Metropolitan Area include a Natural Resources Plan. Such plan must address community goals, intentions and priorities concerning preservation, conservation or restoration of natural resources. Goals, objectives and policies related to the natural environment are provided in the Policy Plan chapter of this Plan. Perhaps above all other characteristics of the community, Shorewood residents value the natural setting in which it is located and have found that protecting sensitive features such as wetlands, shorelands, floodplains and wooded areas has an aesthetic, economic, health and even psychological benefit to the community as a whole. The natural setting makes Shorewood a very attractive place to live. Ironically, this attraction creates pressure for new development which can threaten natural amenities. Shorewood is committed to maintain its high quality natural environment. NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN Soils Shorewood has numerous areas where poor 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's system. Bearing capacity for construction has been, and continues to be, an area of concern. The City requires testing in areas known for poor soil conditions or where poor soils are discovered during construction. Areas found to have questionable soils are subject to the recommendations of qualified soils engineers, as well as the requirements of the State Building Code. The City of Shorewood has adopted standards for the control of erosion and sedimentation. In this regard, the following documents serve as a guide for the development of Shorewood's own local controls: • MPCA Construction Stormwater permit (Minnesota Stormwater Manual) • MCWDs Erosion Control Permit • MnDOT Erosion Control Handbook • MS4 SWPPP Program Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 52 aftum Natural Resources Plan Lai Going forward, an assurance should be made that the most up -to -date standards for erosion control and sedimentation are utilized by the City. Slopes The protection of the steep slopes and specifically bluffs which lie outside of the City's shoreland districts have been identified as an issue of community importance. 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 will require 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: • 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. Considering the amount of sloping land in Shorewood, 12 percent grades 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 shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. Any documentation needed to evaluate the development shall be provided by the developer. • 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 53 Natural Resources Plan ■ • 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 The City of Shorewood recognizes trees and vegetation as valuable assets and that preservation and protective measures are a necessary community standard. Shorewood's zoning regulations presently 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 the following three -part program: 1. 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 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 Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 54 aftum Natural Resources Plan Lai • provides protection against invasive plant species and species which are susceptible to disease During the development process, developers are required to submit tree inventories that become the basis for tree preservation and replacement plans. In certain instances where it is impractical or undesirable to replace trees on site, an alternative is 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). To ensure that existing Ordinance provisions adequately reflect desired preservation objectives, it is recommended that a review of existing tree preservation requirements be conducted. Wetlands The City of Shorewood has been a leader 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. As illustrated on the map on the following page, 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). 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. Riley Purgatory Creek may be taking over for Minnehaha Creek in their jurisdiction area. So maybe we should summarize this generally. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 55 Water Resources City of Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Goose Gale Island Bland a ke Williarn. . spray Shady Gideon Bay I5I$rKl Lake Minnetonka Upper Lake a y i St. Albans Enchanted \reha \its Roea Bay - Island e Ed­- 3-d Duck Island Frog .. A � AmleeRoatl o 3 o`� Island Lake . .:: ......::.: :.. .... Noble /ioao;:' ..,.;. - ::::........ ::.... ..:: ���'� _..... Glen Roatl �e� 0 Como , P Land Smlthtovm Road A Cp 'o r_ Galpin Rod � Lak° Park SYree Christmas Silver wn Ri Lake Lake B k ttsR Beverly Dr ve �j � � y �9ra� � n � oaa s Smithtown U Mu ay Street m Bay Lake Virginia RV If Legend Map created: February 2018 Data: NAC, MnDNR, Metropolitan Council Shorewood Boundary Watershed Boundaries „ 0 0.25 0.5 1 \ Miles N Wetlands (National Wetland Inventory) NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. Shoreland Protection Zone (1000' from Lakeshore) 4150 olson Memorial Highway, Ste. 320, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Lakes Telephone: 763.231.2555 We bsi te:www.nacplanning.com aftum Natural Resources Plan Lai 5. 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 The management of surface water in the City has been highlighted by community residents as a high priority issue. A generalized problem for surface waters in the City 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 main nutrients required for plant growth and the eutrophication process. Eutrophication is the process by which a lake fills with algae and other vegetation. The large amount of vegetation can create oxygen depletion, harming the aquatic life in the lake. The major sources of phosphorus in the City are surface runoff and effluent from tile liners. In Shorewood, Silver Lake and Lake Virginia are listed as impaired for nutrients and eutrophication by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This is because these lakes capture a large portion of stormwater in the City. 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 stormwater runoff and therefore serves as a settling basin for Christmas Lake. Phosphorus levels in Lake Minnetonka are also a cause for concern, although a number of methods are being considered by DNR and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) to reduce this form of pollution at its source. The City is working to improve the water quality of Lake Minnetonka by providing an annual reduction of 50 pounds for areas that drain to Lake Minnetonka from the City. The City is taking other steps to improve water quality throughout Shorewood including street sweeping, yearly cleanouts of ponds identified for maintenance needs and ensuring construction plans are in conformance with the City's stormwater management policies. Within its jurisdiction, the MCWD also reviews all development proposals for more than one single - family dwelling for their impact on the stormwater drainage system and water quality. A number of measures are required in order to reduce the pollution from stormwater: 1. Install catch basins sumps or another form of pretreatment for sediment removal and skimmers to deter floatables from leaving storm drainage systems. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 57 aftum Natural Resources Plan Lai 2. Control the rate of stormwater runoff. 3. Place rock rip -rap (a material used to prevent shore erosion) at stormwater 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 4. Establish vegetated shoreland impact zones. 5. Require new development to provide volume control measures. 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). These plans 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 are required to construct sedimentation ponds designed to National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards, or contribute toward the construction of sub - regional NURP facilities. Due to the number of wetland and shoreland areas in Shorewood, the City has adopted impervious surface requirements for all lots. Shorewood 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 permit 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 invasive species which "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. The City has been involved in the physical removal of aquatic invasive species from City water bodies. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 58 Natural Resources Plan MCI 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. As previously indicated, the management of surface water in the City has been highlighted by community residents as a high priority issue. Reflective of such priority, the Policy Plan chapter of this document specifically recommends that increased funding for stormwater management efforts be considered. Such projects would continue into the future as new problems are identified. Shorelands and Floodplains A primary objective of this Comprehensive Plan is the maintenance and, where feasible, improvement of Shorewood's lakeshore through the protection of shoreland impact zones, landscaping and shoreland buffers. Shorewood first adopted shoreland regulations consistent with Minnesota 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 Wetlands and Shorelands map) 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. Shorewood's floodplain regulations date back to 1979. These rules are intended to protect life as well as property in areas which are subject to periodic flooding. To be noted is that Shorewood's City Code has been updated to reflect recent changes in Federal requirements. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 59 aftum Natural Resources Plan Lai Air and Noise Pollution The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) establishes 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. In several cases, air quality standards as set by the State of Minnesota are more restrictive than Federal standards. In this regard, two sets of air quality 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. 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. 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. Within the City of Shorewood, State Highway 7 has been and continues to be a primary source of noise pollution. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has two programs under which the construction noise barriers along State highways are studied. Major Reconstruction Projects. The first program applies to major reconstruction projects in which roadways are expanded with additional lanes of traffic or are modified to have significantly changes to the vertical or horizontal alignment of the roadway. This type of project usually requires an in -depth environmental review process in which many issues are examined, one of which is noise and noise mitigation. Under this type of project, existing and future noise levels are modeled and if levels exceed Federal Standards then mitigation is analyzed. To have an area be eligible for mitigation, it must meet MnDOT criteria of a 5 dBA reduction with at least one home receiving at least a 7 dBA reduction in noise, and meet with our cost - effectiveness of $78,500/benefited home. As an example, if a barrier costs $700,000 and would reduce noise levels by 5 decibels for 10 homes, the total calculated cost - effectiveness would be $70,000, which would meet the cost effectiveness criteria and the barrier would be proposed as part of the project. It should be noted that even with a 20' high barrier, noticeable noise reductions are limited to usually 300 -400' away from the barrier. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 W aftum Natural Resources Plan Lai Retro -Fit Projects. The second program is commonly referred to retro -fit projects. It applies to stand -alone noise walls where major reconstruction is not planned in the near future. In this study, highway segments in the Metropolitan Area are ranked by existing noise levels, length of barrier, and number of homes adjacent to the highway. Typically funding for this program allows MnDOT to construct 1 -3 sites per year. The most recent priority ranking in the Metropolitan Area was conducted in 2016, the results of which are available on the following website: / /www. dot. state.mn.us/environment/noi se/metro.html Renewable Energy Systems It is the intent of the City of Shorewood to provide a sustainable quality of life for its residents, making careful and effective use of available natural, human and economic resources and ensuring that resources exist to maintain and enhance the quality of life for future residents. In accordance with this intent, the City has chosen to encourage and promote, rather than restrict, development of renewable energy sources which have a positive impact on energy production and conservation while not adversely impacting the community or where the economic and social impacts can be mitigated. While the City's Zoning Ordinance specifically recognizes solar, wind and geothermal (ground source heat pump) energy systems, only solar energy systems are currently permitted. Solar Resources As noted in the Policy Plan chapter of this document, the City of Shorewood promotes energy conservation and encourages the use of alternative energy systems in new construction. In this regard, it is important on both a regional and local scale that solar resources, and specifically the solar access be protected for the development of solar energy systems. The City of Shorewood is also committed to becoming a more efficient community via future investment in alternative energy systems. Recognizing the regional importance of solar energy, the Metropolitan Council requires comprehensive plans for Metropolitan Area communities to include the following information: A map which illustrates the City's gross solar potential. 2. A calculation of the City's solar resources. 3. A policy (or policies) which relate to the development of access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 61 Natural Resources Plan MCI 4. Strategies to be applied to implement established solar resource policies. Solar Potential. The map below, developed by the University of Minnesota and provided by the Metropolitan Council, illustrates annual sun energy dispersed throughout the City with "high end" potential areas shown in yellow and areas having "low end" energy potential illustrated in black. Such information can be used to predict the productivity of solar installations. According to the Metropolitan Council, the primary issue in the consideration of solar energy installations is intermittent shading due to nearby structures and trees. In this regard, areas which are shown to have "high end" potential in the City are those areas with very little tree cover. Solar Resource Calculations. The following table provides an approximation of Shorewood's solar potential expressed in megawatt hours per year (Mwh /yr). To be noted is that the calculations estimate the current potential resource of the City (prior to the removal of areas considered unsuitable for solar development or factors related to solar efficiency). Shorewood: Gross Solar Potential (Megawatt Hours per Year) Gross Rooftop Gross Rooftop Generation Potential Potential Generation Potential Potential (Mwh/ r) (Mwh / r (Mwh/ r) (Mwh/ r) 3,156,882 282,655 315,688 28,265 Metropolitan Council Notes: • In general, a conservative assumption for panel generation is to use 10 % efficiency for conversion of total insolation into electric generation. • The rooftop generation potential does not consider ownership, financial barriers or building - specific structural limitations. Source: Metropolitan Council, 2017 The estimated gross solar generation potential and gross solar rooftop potential are intended to convey how much electricity could be generated in the City of Shorewood using existing technology and assumptions on the efficiency of conversion. According to the Metropolitan Council, for most cities, the rooftop generation potential is equivalent to between 30 and 60 percent of a community's total electric energy consumption. There is no minimum amount of solar resource development required for cities in the Metropolitan Area. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 62 Natural Resources Plan Lai Gross Solar Potential City of Shorewood, Hennepin County 1/92017 0 0,5 1 2 Miles Gross Solar Potential (watt -hours per Year) - High : 1277688 � Low: 900001 - Solar Potential under 900,000 watt -hours per year County Boundaries l -_ -j City and Township Boundaries wetlands and open Water Features Source: University of Minnesota U- Spatial Statewide Solar Raster. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 63 Natural Resources Plan ■ Policy. The City of Shorewood recognizes that providing adequate solar (sunlight) access to properties is a priority not only for potential solar energy systems, but for the protection of property and aesthetic values as well. In this regard, the City will promote reasonable access to solar energy by controlling artificial blockage of solar radiation for optimum long -term economic and environmental benefits. Related to this issue, it should be recognized that tree preservation is also a considered a community priority. Implementation. Solar access protection is provided for by the uniform implementation of the City's land management tools. Specifically, such protections are provided via lot and building performance standards contained within Shorewood's Zoning Ordinance. Requirements such as maximum building height and yard setback standards are implemented for the purpose of creating separation between structures and allowing equal sunlight access such that a property is not in the shadow of an adjacent building. As noted, the City Shorewood has established specific regulations which accommodate solar energy systems. Such systems are a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts subject to various conditions which are intended to mitigate adverse impacts (limitations related to height, location, size, aesthetics etc.). NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN SUMMARY Shorewood is committed to all efforts at maintaining the high quality of its natural environment. The City's goal in this regard is as follows: The City will update (amend) its guidelines and regulations and enforce existing standards to ensure preservation and protection of the natural environment. Shorewood has made considerable progress in natural resource protection. As a supplement to the goals, objectives and policies included in the Policy Plan chapter of this document, the following practices would continue, as indicated below: Soil conditions will continue to be taken into consideration in all types of development proposals. 2. Ordinances incorporating Hennepin Conservation District standards related to filling, grading and excavating will continue to be enforced. 3. The City will continue to enforce 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. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 M Natural Resources Plan 1 4. The City will continue to require tree preservation and replacement and site landscaping for all developments. 5. The requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act will continue to be actively enforced. 6. A 35 -foot buffer will continue to 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 continue to be required to construct sedimentation ponds designed to National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards. 8. Shorewood will continue to expand its environmental educational programs, such as buckthorn removal, raingardens, organics collection, 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 floodplain regulations be updated as necessary to reflect any changes in State or Federal requirements. 11. Shorewood will consider the establishment of regulations pertaining to wind and geothermal energy systems. Shorewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, 2018 65