The Planning Company LLC Hakanson Anderson Associates

The Planning Company LLC Hakanson Anderson Associates

INTRODUCTION

2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan Page 1

The City of Nowthen has initiated an update of its Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Minnesota Statues 473.864, Subd. 2. The 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan is an opportunity to review the community’s established development related goals and policies to ensure continued orderly, managed growth through the year 2040. The 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan must also respond to the regional system statements affecting Nowthen outlined as part of the Metropolitan Council’s 2040 Regional Development Framework. Although the emphasis is on land use, the Comprehensive Plan is comprised of several interrelated elements addressing the natural environment, land use, transportation and community facilities and infrastructure. To this end, the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan is comprised of the following separate documents:

▪ 2019 (2040) Comprehensive Land Use Plan ▪ 2011 Parks and Trails System Plan ▪ 2009 Water Management Plan ▪ 2013 Viking Blvd. Frontage Road Plan (7 quadrants)

To ensure the integration of these various components, the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan identifies current issues to be considered as part of the planning process and establishes broadly defined development related goals and policies of the community in response to continued rural residential growth and business expansion. The specific Land Use Plan chapter of this document addresses not only existing and future land use, but also provides direction as to the interrelated management of natural resources, housing, economic development, transportation and community facilities in anticipation of forecasted growth. The other documents of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan are derived from and support the policy foundations and plans outlined herein. The documents of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan are to be used collectively by City officials, residents, business owners and developers as a guide for the continued growth that is to occur in Nowthen to the year 2030 and beyond.

BASIS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The primary function of municipal government is the provision of an orderly, safe and enhanced living and working environment. While this encompasses social, physical and economic opportunities and issues, the City of Nowthen primarily influences the quality of life for its residents through the physical environment. Nowthen has been progressive in planning for the development that has occurred over time. A comprehensive plan was first adopted in 1980 when the community was a rural township, followed by preparation of comprehensive plans in 1993 and most recently in 1999. Reference to these past planning efforts is critical to understanding the direction and evolution of many of Nowthen’s established goals and policies

INTRODUCTION


REGIONAL PLANNING DESIGNATION The Metropolitan Council has adopted the 2040 Regional Development Framework to ensure orderly, economical development of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area in relation to regional infrastructure for transportation, water resources (including waste water collection and treatment) and regional parks and open space. The 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan must address not only local issues and opportunities but is also required by Minnesota Statutes 473.175 to be consistent with benchmarks included as part of the 2040 Regional Development Framework for population, household and employment growth, land use, transportation, housing and natural resources. The 2040 Regional Development Framework designates the City of Nowthen as a Rural Residential and Diversified Rural community, however, based on the recent legislation passed (see Historic Regional Issues section which follows) Nowthen has removed the Diversified Rural Designation from its 2040 Land Use Plan. The community has been removed from the Long-Term Service Area of the Regional Wastewater System.

INTRODUCTION


INTRODUCTION


PLANNING PROCESS The City initiated significant work on the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan update in 2017. The intent of the planning process for the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan is to update the existing planning documents as needed to address current community circumstances and comply with the Regional Development Framework. As this effort follows the City’s successful petition for incorporation earlier in 2008, there has been much study of the community already completed which will be updated and included herein. The City has held numerous meetings with residents, property owners, businesses and interested persons to discuss current opportunities and issues in Nowthen. Metropolitan Council staff and officials also made presentations at multiple community meetings since 2017 to provide information regarding the policies of the 2040 Regional Development Framework that would affect the directives of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan, particularly with regards to land use. Following these public meetings, the Nowthen Planning Commission and City Council reviewed draft elements of the Comprehensive Plan in preparation for another community meeting on January 22, 2019 to receive input prior to moving to adopt the 2019 Draft Nowthen Comprehensive Plan on January 24, 2019. Additional community-wide open houses will be held over the next six months while surrounding and affected government agencies are reviewing the Draft Plan. On _________, the Nowthen Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider adoption of the comprehensive plan update and recommended approval to the City Council. Nowthen received notice of Metropolitan Council approval on _______________and the City Council formally adopted the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan on ________________.


INTRODUCTION

HISTORIC REGIONAL ISSUES In September 2005, the Metropolitan Council issued System Statements to Nowthen (then Burns Township) outlining the regional requirements for the 2009 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan consistent with the 2030 Regional Development Framework. Most significant of these was designation of Nowthen as a Diversified Rural community in anticipation of regional sanitary sewer being potentially available after 2030. This development policy is/was in conflict with the past allowances in Nowthen of residential development densities of one dwelling unit per five gross acres with zoning requirements for minimum net density of one dwelling unit per 2.5 acres having at least one acre of contiguous developable land for building sites.

Fearful of the rural residential character of Nowthen being compromised, the City reluctantly

complied with the 2030 Regional Development Framework by setting aside 1,260 acres along Highway 47 and the City’s eastern border as a Long Range Urban Service Area which limited residential development density to one dwelling unit per 10 acres. Under this scenario, the 2009 Comprehensive Plan was adopted and the Diversified Rural Designation remained in effect until after system statements were released by Metropolitan Council in 2015.

On September 16, 2014 the City of Nowthen was notified by the Metropolitan Council that they would be revising their Long Term Wastewater Service Area Plan and eliminating the urban service area from within the Nowthen City limits. Because of less regional growth than originally anticipated, the interceptors would not be extended to include (provide future service to) Nowthen.

Even though Nowthen’s Diversified Rural Designation was a stand-alone island, not adjacent to any other planned urban service areas or land designated as Emerging Suburban Edge, the Metropolitan Council required the land to remain at the one dwelling unit per 10 acres density. Convinced that the land area did not stand out as an area with different land use characteristics than the remainder of Nowthen and without definitive plans from Metropolitan Council for extension of future urban services, Nowthen reached out to local government representatives. Thereafter, in May of 2018 the Minnesota Legislature passed a special law specifically governing the Nowthen Comprehensive Plan (Laws of Minnesota 2018, Legislative Session 90 (2017-2018), Chapter 214, House File 4425, the Omnibus Bonding Bill, Section 46, Lines 100.6 to 110.16 entitled “Nowthen; Comprehensive Plan”). The special legislation states in relevant part as follows:


INTRODUCTION

Sec. 46. NOWTHEN; COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. Notwithstanding any law, metropolitan system plan, or the 2015 system statement for the city of Nowthen, the Metropolitan Council shall conform its metropolitan development guide, system plans, and the system statement for the city of Nowthen to implement any changes requested by the city of Nowthen relating to the council's designation of part or all of the city for purposes of the metropolitan development guide, systems plans and statements, and the city's comprehensive plan.

Pursuant to the authority granted by the special legislation, the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan reflects Nowthen’s decision to eliminate the Diversified Rural Designation from its 2040 Land Use Plan and the Long Range Urban Service Area from its zoning district map.

LOCAL ISSUES The general feedback from the community meetings was positive with regard to continuing the City's past planning efforts. The majority of the concerns identified during the public meetings focused on maintaining the City’s rural character and promoting new businesses in the vicinity of existing business nodes by expanding lands available for commercial or industrial development. The current planning effort focused on refinement and expansion of the goals, policies and plans previously adopted.


COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES

Community perspectives play a large part in setting a unified vision of the residents and governing body which guide land development through 2040. The Comprehensive Plan contains goals for growth and land development that will guide how and where growth will occur over the next ten years. The document reflects the changes happening in Nowthen as they relate to housing, land use, economic development, transportation, community facilities, and environmental/natural resources. The Comprehensive plan is a method of translating the community's values and unified vision into specific actions.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The natural setting of Nowthen is an important amenity and a significant attraction for the community making protection of these resources a priority:

▪ Soils. Development is limited in Nowthen by the suitability of soils to accommodate building sites, on-site sewage treatment and infrastructure.

▪ Wetlands. Nowthen has extensive wetlands and areas susceptible to wetland formation

during years with above normal precipitation. Protection of these areas is required by Federal law and is a priority for their value in stormwater management, flood management, wildlife habitat and rural aesthetics.

▪ Shorelands. There are 12 lakes within Nowthen subject to protection from encroachment

by intensive development. As a city, Nowthen is required to adopt local shoreland management ordinances consistent with Minnesota Rules regulating land use in these sensitive areas.

▪ Erosion. Loss of topsoil from wind or water erosion within Nowthen is an issue related to

continued agricultural uses as well as rural development within the community. ▪ Stormwater Management. Nowthen utilizes a natural system of drainageways for

stormwater treatment and management within the City. These natural systems must be preserved and supplemented by construction of facilities accompanying continued rural development to provide for necessary treatment, storage and rate control consistent with Upper Rum River Watershed District requirements.

▪ Land Filling/Excavation. Nowthen has very little aggregate resources. However, low areas

have been proposed to be excavated to provide fill for development within the site or transported to other project. This activity creates potential impacts to protected natural resources, compatibility issues with surrounding land uses and unanticipated wear of City streets.



▪ Vegetation. Due to the natural characteristics and agricultural history of Nowthen, there are few significant tree massings within the community. Those that do exist should be preserved as a natural resource amenity that enhances Nowthen’s rural character.

▪ Pollution. With development comes potential for increased levels of noise, air and light

pollution especially related to commercial and industrial uses and increasing traffic on area roadways.

▪ Groundwater contamination. Development in Nowthen is served entirely by on-site

sewage treatment systems. It is critical for the City to regulate the installation and monitor maintenance these systems to prevent risks to public health and safety.

LAND USE Nowthen is evolving from an agricultural area to a rural residential community. This on-going pattern of development puts pressures on the natural environment and creates demands for government services and facilities. Nowthen must give increased attention to planning for a continuation of community growth to identify and address potential issues related to this change.

▪ Rural Character. Preservation of Nowthen’s established rural character is a primary environmental, land use and social-economic issue for the community. The natural resources, land use activities and development pattern that make Nowthen a desirable community must receive special consideration as part of the planning process to maintain this quality of life.

▪ Residential Development. Within the context of preserving rural character there are options available to the City to consider in allowing continued rural residential development. The City’s established policy is allowance of residential development at densities of one dwelling unit per five acres with minimum requirements for net buildable land imposed as part of the Zoning Ordinance. The City has also considered options in the past for allowing residential cluster development to provide for preservation of permanent open space and an alternative land use pattern. The City will continue to evaluate various options for defining and controlling residential growth.

▪ Commercial Development. Nowthen has developed basic retail and service businesses within the City which will continue to expand as the population within the City and within surrounding communities grows. The City seeks to continue development of commercial uses in high visibility locations, in accordance with the land use studies completed in 2007 identifying commercial centers at Viking Boulevard (CSAH 22) / Nowthen Boulevard (CSAH 5) and Viking Boulevard (CSAH 22) / St. Francis Boulevard (TH 47). Issues related to commercial development include the range of allowed uses and



performance standards applicable to building and site design. Development of a City Center or Central Business District will be the focus over the next ten years, to give Nowthen an identity, enhance streetscape elements and improve pedestrian access.

▪ Industrial Development. Industrial uses in Nowthen are limited given the lack of public utilities, although the City provides a niche for smaller, start-up businesses. The City is looking to expand the industrial park, which has reached capacity in recent years. Areas for limited manufacturing uses were identified as part of a 2007 land use study at Viking Boulevard (CSAH 22) / Nowthen Boulevard (CSAH 5) and Viking Boulevard (CSAH 22) / St. Francis Boulevard (TH 47). Issues related to industrial development include the need for additional development sites, larger lots and the establishment of frontage roads to ensure long-term, convenient access to/from collector and arterial corridors. r

▪ Home Extended Occupations. Business uses located on residential properties five acres or greater within rural residential areas are allowed within Nowthen through approval of an Interim Use Permit. Home extended occupations have potential to create compatibility issues with surrounding properties, especially those involving outdoor storage and/or other industrial type businesses with regular on-site activity. While home extended occupations are attractive to residents for cost and convenience reasons, they create unfair competition with planned locations zoned for industrial uses and benefit from residential versus industrial tax rates. The issuance of Interim Use Permits serves to establish specific parameters/conditions for operation and state the terms for termination due to non-compliance or sale of the property.

TRANSPORTATION The transportation system in Nowthen is comprised primarily of City streets and Anoka County roads. Without significant local commercial and industrial development, most residents must travel outside the City for employment connecting the community to regional transportation issues.

▪ Classification. County Roads and Trunk Highway 47 are the backbone of the City’s collector and arterial street system and means of access within the community. Within this existing system, there is a need to provide for connections between individual developments to facilitate traffic movement and ensure access for public safety. Establishment of a functional classification system will define the necessary components of the future City street system related to function and design in advance of development.



▪ Design and Construction Standards. The City should review its Subdivision Ordinance to provide for design and construction standards for new City streets consistent with the functional classifications system. The City has also initiated work on a street maintenance plan to identify maintenance and capacity issues within the existing street system allowing for a long-term improvement plan to be prepared.

▪ Assessment Policy. A component of the street maintenance plan is a review of City

assessment policy for the costs of planned improvements. The goal of the policy is to establish an equitable means of funding planned improvements to benefiting properties. The City should also continue to require that new development pay all costs related to construction of new streets or upgrades of existing streets needed to serve these projects.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES Cities provide facilities and services for the purpose of protecting public health and safety and enhancing the quality of life within the community. It is through these facilities and services that City government has its most direct contact with constituents and most impact on the character of the community. Community facilities and services in Nowthen have been limited in the past due to the township form of government and rural character of the community. However, as development continues into the future, Nowthen will experience growing demand for expanded facilities and levels of service.

▪ Parks and Trails. The City adopted a Parks and Trails System Plan in 2004 and updated it in 2011 to address local recreation needs as Nowthen grows. This plan will continue to be implemented as part of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan. Updated maps contained herein replace those in the 2011 Parks and Trails Plan.

▪ Government Buildings. The City will need to monitor the adequacy of current office and

meeting facilities, storage and other spatial needs as development within the community continues over time and plan for expansion of existing buildings or construction of new facilities as part of a capital improvement plan.

▪ Public Safety. The City Council will need to continually evaluate the level of police and fire

protection as development occurs within the City. This issue is especially significant as it relates to commercial and industrial businesses, which may have unique demands or issues for public safety services.

▪ Administration. Continued development creates demands for additional office and maintenance personnel to carry out the functions of City government. The primary issue related to adding staff is the costs for salaries and benefits. To the extent possible, the



City should adopt policies and mechanisms to pass through the costs for services to benefiting users. A fundamental· "users pay" policy will be critical in the future for maintaining cost effective government in Nowthen.

▪ Development Regulations. Nowthen must review its zoning and subdivision ordinances regularly to ensure that they adequately regulate land uses and land development consistent with community goals. As development occurs and the range of land uses within the community expands, the Zoning Ordinance must be updated to provide necessary definitions, administrative procedures, current performance standards and distinct zoning districts consistent with existing land uses and the land use plan.

▪ Communication. On-going communication by City officials with residents, property owners, businesses, developers and other interested agencies or stakeholders is critical for effective governance of the City. Providing opportunities for input as part of the City Council's decision-making processes directly or through the various advisory committees is a positive way to gain support for City initiatives and actions.

GOALS & POLICIES


The goals and policies section of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan provides a statement as to the City’s objectives for its developed environment and the means to achieve desired outcomes. This section identifies general community goals and supporting policies that provide a decision-making framework for all public and private actions and development within the City. The goals and policies statements outlined herein are the basis of and complement the City’s maps, ordinances, and codes that are more rigid documents. The flexibility and adaptability of the City’s goals and policies is useful in addressing current development activity guided by subsequent elements of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan, but also emerging development trends not anticipated at the time this document was prepared. This flexibility will give the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan continuity for future City Councils, Planning Commissions, property owners, residents and developers. To this end, the goals and policy section does not provide information on the timelines and priorities for needed community improvements. Instead, it provides a series of criteria that can be used to direct actions undertaken by public and private groups in response to community needs and priorities. In some cases, a single policy may outline a course of action. More frequently a group of policies will be applicable to a given situation. In the sections that follow, the terms “goals” and “policies” are used in context of the following definitions:

Goals: The generalized outcomes that will ultimately result in achieving the kinds of living, working and recreational environment that is desired.

Policies: Definite courses of action that lead to general achievement. They serve as guides to help make present and future decisions consistent with the stated goals.

COMMUNITY PLANNING PRINCIPLES The primary function of local municipal government is the provision of an orderly, safe, productive and enhanced living and working environment. While this encompasses social, physical and economic opportunities and issues, the City of Nowthen primarily influences the quality of life for its residents through the physical environment. Within this context of the City’s capabilities, the following are a list of fundamental principles that guide the planning process to develop the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan:

▪ Foster a strong sense of identify and quality of character for Nowthen and its individual neighborhoods and business districts.

▪ Enhance the character of Nowthen by blending rural development with natural amenities and minimizing impacts to environmental resources.

GOALS & POLICIES


▪ Expand the existing system of public parks, trails and open space within Nowthen to

provide for recreational opportunities, preserve and use wisely natural resources, preserve scenic, aesthetic and historical community character and development of facilities that contribute to a high quality of life.

▪ Promote the economic vitality of Nowthen businesses and industries to provide for needed services, employment opportunities and a diversified tax base in support of the growth that is to occur.

▪ Coordinate with State and regional government to develop a functional transportation system integrating local and regional facilities to accommodate long range growth that is to occur.

▪ Provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public by ensuring managed growth occurs within a framework of local and regional infrastructure and services of sufficient capacity to meet community needs and expectations.

▪ All land development costs shall be borne by the benefiting properties including, but not limited to, street construction, parks and trails, stormwater management facilities and administrative fees.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The importance of continued community growth in context with existing natural resources is recognized in Nowthen. The proper preservation, protection and utilization of the natural environment as a valuable amenity or as a constraint for development are guided by the following goals and policies. Natural Environment Goals

▪ Protect all environmentally sensitive areas and unique physical features.

▪ Ensure that development is compatible with features of the natural environment.

▪ Protect areas against wetland, lake or ground water contamination due to failing septic systems.

GOALS & POLICIES


▪ Promote the City’s wetlands, lakes and river corridor as valuable amenities for residential and recreational development.

▪ Preserve wetlands and natural drainageways and minimize flooding and erosion by managing stormwater drainage

▪ Minimize noise, air and light pollution. Natural Environment Policies - General

1. All activities in naturally or environmentally sensitive areas shall conform to local, county, state and federal regulations.

2. Adopt and enforce regulations to ensure the proper protection of identified natural

environmental resources. 3. Acquire where appropriate environmentally sensitive areas. 4. Utilize design approaches to mitigate potential compatibility issues in areas of where

generation of noise, air or light pollution may occur. 5. Coordinate with the Anoka County Soil and Water Conservation District and Upper

Rum River Water Management Organization on environmental matters. 6. Utilize the services of the City Engineer to ensure adequate protection measures of the

environment during development projects. Natural Environment Policies - Development

1. Consider environmental amenities and constraints in the formulation of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan and establish compatible land use patterns that relate to environmental features.

2. Regulate new development and the expansion of existing activities to prevent impacts

to environmentally sensitive areas.

GOALS & POLICIES


3. Restrict development on drainageways, wetlands, shoreland, floodplains, and other natural features that perform important environmental functions in their natural state.

4. Require at least one acre of contiguous buildable land per building site for new parcels

and for existing lots that do not have one acre of building site require, whenever practical, consolidation, fill, or enlargement of the lot in compliance with all environmental regulations.

5. Encourage cluster development for subdivision design to protect natural features.

Natural Environment Policies - Soils

1. Encourage farming practices through Anoka County Extension Services that will minimize erosion issues.

2. Perform soil testing to identify correction measures necessary to insure safe and

quality construction in areas of with identified soils limitations for development. 3. Require drain tile around building foundations and streets in areas with soils

characterized by moisture retention, high water tables, or perched water tables. 4. Require erosion control plans for all site grading to prevent erosion, dust, and soil

sedimentation. 5. Require building sites to maintain an average slope of 12 percent or less to be

considered buildable; Lots with an average slope of greater than 12 percent shall be subject to review by the City Engineer.

Natural Environment Policies - Water Quality

1. Prepare and implement a Water Resources Plan for Nowthen. 2. Install and monitor individual on-site septic systems in accordance with State

regulations and the City Code. 3. Establish pollution control programs to monitor potential contaminants in order to

protect soil and ground water resources.

GOALS & POLICIES


4. Utilize holding tanks for sewage waste where necessary on existing parcels with

substandard soils that are to be pumped by a State licensed agency or firm established for that purpose.

Natural Environment Policies - Wetlands/Lakes/Streams

1. Preserve unique water features (wetlands, lakes, and streams) having historic or aesthetic value as perpetual community assets through purchase, dedication, protective or scenic easements, and/or the clustering of development to avoid encroachment and destruction of such features.

2. Develop and implement zoning regulations for shoreland areas to preserve the natural

character of Nowthen’s lakes and streams. 3. Implement performance standards for regulation of uses in floodplain areas to protect

public safety and avoid property damage due to flooding. 4. Prepare wetland protection regulations in conformance with the Wetland Protection

Act. Natural Environment Policies - Storm Water Management

1. Prepare and implement a Stormwater Management Plan for Nowthen. 2. Prohibit alteration of natural drainage system components where storm water can be

adequately managed without construction of storm sewer structures. 3. Protect and preserve soil types associated with drainageways in order to channel flows

and control erosion. 4. Establish a storm water drainage policy that utilizes natural ponding areas and

provides City procedures for the acquisition or dedication of natural areas. 5. Require all new development to manage all on-site storm water generation to ensure

that no negative impact will occur with regard to downstream flooding or water quality.

GOALS & POLICIES


6. Require grading and drainage plans as part of any new residential, commercial or

industrial development illustrating proposed drainage patterns, plans for on-site storm water retention, and erosion control.

7. Allow gravel extraction only as an interim use within rural areas subject to regulations

regarding operation and rehabilitation under the established Mining Ordinance. 8. Minimize the effects of land filling and excavation on drainage patterns, water bodies,

wetlands and areas susceptible to erosion through continued regulation under the established Mining Ordinance.

9. Implement Natural Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards for the design of new

storm water ponds and the MPCA’s urban best management practices titled Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas.

10. Coordinate stormwater management efforts with the Upper Rum River Water

Management Organization and Anoka County. Natural Resources Policies - Vegetation

1. Promote preservation of natural vegetation including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands as a design consideration for new site developments and subdivisions in Nowthen.

2. Promote programs designed to protect oak, elm, and other hard wood trees through

disease control measures and reforestation. 3. Identify the location, type, and condition of existing vegetation in all development

requests and preservation of existing trees shall be accomplished where feasible. 4. Promote the use of native grasses, forbes, shrubs and trees in development site

restoration and require new development to add trees and other such amenities to the landscape.

GOALS & POLICIES


Natural Resources Policies - Waste/Recycling

1. Promote recycling programs that conserve natural resources and encourage waste reduction and separation practices to improve solid waste management.

2. Solid waste that may damage the environment shall be treated to make it harmless

before land disposal. 3. Encourage residential and commercial generators of solid waste to voluntarily to

evaluate the use of energy and raw materials and to reduce consumption where technically and economically feasible.

4. Prohibit the location of waste disposal facilities within Nowthen unless it can be

adequately determined that no negative environmental impacts will occur.

LAND USE The land use goals and policies create a foundation for defining the character and intensity of land use in Nowthen. The land use related goals and policies apply both to existing land use patterns and future development. The following goals and policies serve as a reference for land use planning decisions. Land Use Policies - Goals

▪ Preserve and enhance Nowthen’s established rural character as part of the community’s identity.

▪ Adopt a development strategy that ensures efficient use of land and economizes on City

investments in public facilities and services. ▪ Implement a Land Use Plan and development regulations that provide development

opportunities for all land owners and ensures compatibility and functional relationships among activities to protect property values.

▪ Prohibit development that is not accompanied by a sufficient level of supportive

services and facilities while maintaining an advantageous property tax situation and pursuing a strengthened tax base.

GOALS & POLICIES


▪ Provide safe, healthy and attractive rural residential environments. ▪ Provide safe, convenient, attractive, and accessible commercial development within

Nowthen that is responsive to the needs of the community. ▪ Create the opportunity for industrial development within Nowthen and segregate them

into harmonious use types that will be compatible with adjacent land uses. Land Use Policies - General

1. Relate land use development in Nowthen to community priorities, transportation capacities and ability to provide high quality City services such as parks, trails, police and fire protection, etc.

2. Encourage cluster development subdivision design to preserve open space and the

rural character of the City. 3. Accomplish transitions between distinctly differing types of land uses to minimize

negative impacts on adjoining developments and, wherever possible, ensure that changes in types of land use occur at borders of areas separated by major man-made or natural barriers.

4. Renewal, replacement, and redevelopment of substandard, incompatible or non-

conforming development shall be accomplished through public action and private means.

5. 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. 6. Amend established land use designations and related zoning classifications only when

it is demonstrated that the modifications are in the best interest of the community based on long range goals and that the changes will promote the policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

7. Immediate, short range market potential and demands for activities that are not

guided for a site or area by the Comprehensive Plan or allowed by the Zoning Ordinance shall not be the sole justification for a change in activity.

GOALS & POLICIES


8. Consider allowance of interim uses for properties where land use designations are

established in compliance with long term planning objectives provided that these activities can exist in harmony with existing and proposed uses and that these uses will not serve as obstructions to anticipated future development.

9. Analyze all development proposals on an individual basis from a physical, economic

and social standpoint to determine the most appropriate uses within the context of the community as a whole.

10. Require adequate lot sizes and soundly constructed buildings of sufficient size. 11. Establish standards for development quality for all land uses to insure an enhancement

of community character. 12. All development shall be accessed by public streets and land use development shall be

planned so as not to isolate or create land-locked parcels. 13. Preserve those areas, places, buildings, structures and other features having significant

architectural, historical, or aesthetic interests and values to the community to the extent possible.

Land Use Policies - Agricultural

1. Confine the keeping of farm animals to farming operations and rural areas of

Nowthen. 2. Preservation of operating farms within the permanent rural area of Nowthen shall be a

community priority; Agricultural activities shall not be limited or curtailed due to impacts upon non-agricultural uses that have or are proposing to encroach into rural areas unless there is a threat to public health or safety.

GOALS & POLICIES


Land Use Policies - Rural Residential

1. Provide sufficient life cycle housing options to meet the needs of all segments of Nowthen’s population, including the physically disabled, elderly and persons of low or moderate incomes while pursuing housing that contributes positively to Nowthen’s tax base.

2. Ensure that all new housing, including rental housing and housing for persons of low

and moderate income, adheres to the highest possible standards of planning, design and construction to ensure livable, sustainable housing choices within Nowthen.

3. Encourage innovation in subdivision design and housing development through the use

of techniques such as cluster development to conserve land and increase efficiency. 4. Require developers of new subdivisions to demonstrate compliance with the

requirements outlined in the Zoning Ordinance, On-Site Sewage Disposal Ordinance and Minnesota Rules 7080 regarding Individual On-Site Septic Systems.

5. Rehabilitate substandard housing units whenever possible and as a last resort shall

remove these structures when it is judged not economically feasible to correct deficiencies.

6. Protect Residential areas from encroachment or intrusion of incompatible use types

through adequate buffering and separation. 7. Restrict commercial and industrial uses from locating within residential neighborhoods

and such non-residential activities, if they exist in the form of home occupations, are not to be evident.

8. Minimize outside storage within residential areas and in those instances when it is

acceptable, it shall be orderly, confined and limited. 9. Preserve residential neighborhood character by requiring accessory buildings to be of a

compatible design and size and limited to uses related to residential activities. 10. Maintain and improve the existing housing stock through inspection, code

enforcement and other efforts.

GOALS & POLICIES


11. Cooperate with the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority in providing housing for low and moderate income families and individuals and senior citizens.

Land Use Policies - Commercial

1. Limit commercial uses to areas specifically designated for these activities by the land use plan with adequate area to meet expected long-range development needs in areas with good accessibility appropriate for private sewer systems.

2. Develop commercial centers as cohesive, highly inter-related units with architectural

performance standards that assure the creation of attractive, functional and durable structures, sites that appropriately landscaped and adequately screened or buffered from any adjacent residential development, with provisions for safe vehicle access and adequate off-street parking as well as safe and convenient pedestrian movement.

3. Promote high quality development through the enactment, administration and

enforcement of and property maintenance standards. 4. Regulate signing of commercial properties to facilitate business identification but

prevent over-intensification of signs within Nowthen.

GOALS & POLICIES


Land Use Policies - Industrial

1. Encourage industrial development to create new job opportunities and expand the local tax base.

2. Limit industrial uses to areas specifically designated for these activities by the land use

plan and provide for phasing of development as demand increases. 3. Allow only industrial development that can be adequately and safely served through

individual on-site sewer systems. 4. Encourage existing industrial type activities within residential areas to relocate to

appropriate location guided for industrial use by the land use plan. 5. Promote high quality development through the enactment and enforcement of

performance standards within the Zoning Ordinance that address parking, loading, outdoor storage, screening and landscaping.

6. Screen outside storage of equipment and materials to eliminate negative visual

impacts. 7. Require industrial development to have convenient access to public streets of

sufficient capacity to accommodate anticipated traffic generation. 8. Regulate signing of commercial properties to facilitate business identification and but

prevent over-intensification of signs within Nowthen.

GOALS & POLICIES


TRANSPORTATION Transportation issues will be of increasing importance with continued development in Nowthen and the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The transportation system and City’s 2030 Land Use Plan must be coordinated to identify and address areas where improvements may be required as a prerequisite for development. Within the context of these considerations, the following goals and policies are provided. Transportation Goals

▪ Approach transportation in a comprehensive manner, giving attention to all modes and related facilities to provide for safe and convenient movement.

▪ Plan transportation facilities to function in a manner compatible with adjacent land use

and in those instances where the function of a transportation facility has changed over time to become incompatible with adjacent land use, establish a program to eliminate this incompatibility.

▪ Develop a street system and necessary traffic control devices for the efficient

movement of people and goods that is sensitive to homogeneous neighborhoods and activity areas.

▪ Establish priorities for construction and maintenance of local streets to be incorporated

as part of the Transportation Plan. ▪ Support the development of public transit, para-transit systems, car pooling and other

such measures that will minimize the need for individual automobile travel. Transportation Policies - General

1. Cooperate with State, Regional and County jurisdictions to outline both local and regional measures to reduce traffic congestion and safety concerns on regional transportation corridors within Nowthen.

2. Adopt a Capital Improvement Plan addressing street maintenance and improvements. 3. Consider the mobility needs of all persons in the planning and development of the

transportation system.

GOALS & POLICIES


4. Provide for early and continuing citizen involvement in transportation planning and

construction projects. 5. Minimize the effects of gravel/soil extraction on local roadways by establishing

standards for hauling and providing protection for residents impacted by the activity. Transportation Policies – Streets

1. Establish a functional classification system for the street system in Nowthen to provide a comprehensive and efficient street network.

2. Restrict vehicular access onto all collector or arterial streets ensuring adequate

distance between intersections and utilization of appropriate control methods and devices.

3. Plan and construct all streets to the highest standards, giving due consideration to

both land use and overall transportation goals and policies; The Subdivision Ordinance shall be updated to reflect the highest standards of planning and design for transportation systems.

4. Require proper visibility, design and control of all intersections to promote safety; A

phased program to improve hazardous and poorly designed intersections and access points shall be established so as to increase the safety to both motorized and non-motorized traffic.

5. Eliminate on street parking that conflicts with moving traffic or creates hazards. 6. Include provisions for other transportation modes, i.e., bicycles, snowmobiles, park

and ride, etc., as part of street improvement plans where feasible. 7. Develop an extended street system in those areas where incomplete street facilities

exist that reflects desired travel corridors and relates land use to Nowthen’s future transportation needs and policies.

8. Adopt an assessment policy for equitable funding of construction and maintenance of

local streets.

GOALS & POLICIES


9. Develop a uniform system regarding public signing to eliminate unnecessary signs and replace outdated, inappropriate and confusing public signs.

Transportation Policies – Off-Street Parking

1. Provide for adequate off-street parking for any new development or expansion of existing development; Parking requirements established by the Zoning Ordinance shall reviewed as needed to ensure supply is reflective of demand.

2. Develop parking facilities so as to conserve land, promote joint use and minimize

conflicts with vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Transportation Policies - Mass Transit

1. Promote para-transit services and facilities to meet the basic transportation needs of

persons who cannot use automobile transportation. 2. Cooperate with Federal, State, Regional and other local governmental jurisdictions in

efforts to create markets and expand para-transit service. 3. Support development of heavy-rail commuter train service along the US Highway 10

corridor as a means of improving access to employment for residents and reducing traffic congestion on existing arterial roadways.

Transportation Policies – Aviation

1. Regulate land uses in Nowthen to prevent potential hazards to air navigation, including electronic interference.

2. Notify the Federal Aviation Administration of any proposed construction of structures

200 feet or taller or other construction subject to Code of Federal Regulations Part 77.

GOALS & POLICIES


COMMUNITY FACILITIES Community facilities include those lands, buildings, services and systems that are provided on a public or quasi-public basis in the interest of, or benefit to, the residents and property owners of Nowthen. Their importance should not be underestimated in defining the established quality of life in Nowthen. The following goals and policies are to serve as guides for the planning, implementation, and maintenance of community facilities. Community Facilities Goals

▪ Design community facilities to support Nowthen’s community identity and provide for safe, easy access to all facilities and services.

▪ Maintain, improve and develop new community facilities and services to meet the

needs and interests of Nowthen. ▪ Be proactive in the implementation of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan, as may

be amended, for public systems such as transportation, storm water management, water supply, and parks and trails.

▪ Minimize costs for public facilities and services by encouraging full utilization of existing

system elements and coordinate facilities and services on a joint use basis between various governmental units to avoid duplication.

Community Facilities Policies - Utilities

1. Anticipate that construction and installation of public sanitary sewer and water systems shall not occur in Nowthen until after 2030.

2. Continue administration of the On-Site Sewage Disposal Ordinance ensuring that all

private sewer and water utility systems are constantly monitored and maintained to assure a safe and high quality standard of service on an ongoing basis.

3. Require easements for utility systems be located according to uniform standards,

providing for ease of access for maintenance and repair and minimal disruption of other activities.

4. Minimize the impact of required utility facilities and services on surrounding uses.

GOALS & POLICIES


5. Require underground installation of all new utility services and when economically

feasible, the conversion of existing overhead systems to underground is to be encouraged.

6. Require coordination among all utility facilities. 7. Locate any non-local utility lines and essential service facilities that are routed through

the community so as to minimize impact upon existing as well as future development. Community Facilities Policies - Governmental, Buildings

1. Ensure that Nowthen’s governmental buildings and services are located so as to offer ease of access and minimal response time.

2. Hold Nowthen’s governmental buildings and other public buildings to high

architectural and site design standards to create a sense of community identity, ensure land use compatibility, promote conservation and to serve as examples for private development.

3. Promote the full utilization of existing investments in public facilities and encourage

cooperation and coordination between governmental units in the provision of public facilities and services.

4. Design and maintain all public buildings to be resistant to person and property crime

opportunity, while maximizing public utilization. 5. Develop public facilities on sites that offer ample land area for potential future

expansion. Park and Trail System Policies

1. Implement the planning strategies and policies of the Nowthen Park and Trails Plan, as may be amended.

2. Evaluate periodically Nowthen’s park dedication requirements to ensure they are

reflective of actual costs associated with system implementation.

GOALS & POLICIES


ADMINISTRATION Implementation aspects of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan dictate that administrative goals and policies are of a prime concern. All stakeholders with an interest in the community must have a clear understanding of how development and redevelopment in the City will be achieved. To this end, the following text provides statements of the administrative goals and policies. Administration Goals

▪ Maintain high standards for proactive communication with residents and businesses on City issues and services.

▪ Ensure that all development and/or redevelopment that occurs in the community is in

accordance with the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan. ▪ Maintain a strong working relationship between the City Council and the City Council’s

advisory committees. ▪ Continue to operate the city within a fiscally sound philosophy.

Administration Policies

1. Review the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan periodically and amend as necessary to reflect evolving community needs and priorities.

2. Update the Zoning Ordinance to reflect the needs of the Comprehensive Plan and

review other development policies and regulations on a periodic basis to ensure the most advanced standards and full compliance with Federal and State legislative requirements.

3. Monitor Federal, State and regional programs for assisting Nowthen with

implementing the Comprehensive Plan and meeting the needs of the community. 4 Require land use dedications, easements and other such requirements at time of

subdivision and/or development to insure the physical capability for necessary public/quasi-public utilities and improvements.

GOALS & POLICIES


5. Adopt a Capital Improvement Plan annually for the management, programming and

budgeting of capital needs. 6. Promote and maintain open communication between the City and neighboring and

related governmental jurisdictions. 7. Pursue cooperative arrangements to share facilities and services with the School

District, adjoining communities and the County to avoid duplication and to economize on limited financial resources.

8. Address planning issues, code enforcement, and nuisance complaints raised by the

citizens and local businesses. 9. Provide continuing education opportunities for the City Council and advisory

committee members through seminars and presentations. 10. Require that all analysis and basis for decision-making on development proposals be

thoroughly substantiated and documented.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan

Page 31

Natural environment areas are of prime importance in Nowthen. Besides serving as aesthetic amenities that enhance the quality of life in the area, they perform important ecological roles. Natural areas often act as buffers or barriers in determining the extent and direction of development. Therefore, it is necessary that special consideration be given to these areas in formulating the 2018 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan. Environmentally sensitive areas include those areas characterized by prime soils for agriculture, soil limitations for structures or septic systems, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and flooding.

WETLANDS/SHORELANDS The protection of Nowthen's wetland and shoreland areas is becoming an increasingly important issue. Community representatives recognize the valuable role of wetlands with regard to flood water retention, ground water recharge, nutrient assimilation, wildlife habitat and aesthetics. Lakes (shoreland areas) within Nowthen also provide areas of natural beauty and vegetation. To a large extent, the City's lake areas have become a focal point for development interests and may be threatened if left unprotected necessitating that the following precautions be upheld:

▪ Compliance with the shoreland regulations developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. These regulations increase lot sizes and setbacks and decrease densities on environmentally sensitive lakes and streams.

▪ Compliance with Federal, State and local regulations with regards to the protection

and alteration of lakes, wetlands, and watercourses. This will require permits and reviews by these governmental agencies before any action which impacts a lake, wetland, or watercourse begins.

▪ Recognition and compliance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards

regarding feedlots and other agricultural practices. These regulations preserve water quality through control of point-source pollution.

▪ Adoption and enforcement of the 1991 Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act which

requires a "no net loss" of wetlands.

While the above referenced precautions will not preclude development around Nowthen lakes and wetland areas, compliance will ensure a degree of protection of these environmentally sensitive amenities. In addition to the preservation of water quality in Nowthen's waters, wetlands and watercourses, the utilization of these features as recreational and aesthetic amenities is also an important consideration. In the future

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT


Page 32

development of Nowthen's park system, the City should consider these areas as prime park and trail locations.


Page 33

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

FLOODPLAINS The 100-year and 500-year flood areas are shown on the Wetland and Flood Map and are fairly limited within Nowthen. The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued new Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Anoka County effective December 16, 2015. The Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. In 1968, the National Flood Insurance Act created the Federal Insurance Administration and made flood insurance available for the first time to homeowners. The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 made the purchase of flood insurance mandatory for the protection of property located in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Nowthen utilizes natural drainage systems to manage stormwater runoff; a series of streams, ditches and ponds carry stormwater away from roads and structures into lakes and other holding areas. These areas collect and store runoff water during periods of heavy rainfall or melting snow and utilize 100-year floodplains to prevent flooding of areas downstream. In recognition of the valuable role the drainageways perform for Nowthen and surrounding communities, the City must take measures to define and protect this natural amenity, including:

▪ With each new request for development alteration in the natural drainage system, the developer or agency responsible shall define stormwater volumes, drainageway capacity, and upstream stormwater storage needs. This type of study is necessary to help the City identify and preserve natural storm water holding areas and drainageways so they are not disrupted.

▪ Prohibit development of lots that may obstruct or interfere with the stormwater

flow and/or storage of the natural drainageways.

▪ Implement subdivision regulations that require the acquisition and establishment of

stormwater drainage easements in areas of natural ponding, wetlands and drainage.

▪ Require stormwater management plans with all development proposals. Review of the plans by the City Engineer is to be provided at the expense of the developer.

▪ Implementation of floodplain regulations in areas designated as a 100-year floodplain.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan 34

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan 35

Ongoing growth in Nowthen will continue to increase stormwater flows in the future. Through the aforementioned actions, the City will maintain and utilize the natural wetlands and drainageways for stormwater management. This effort will maintain attractive natural environmental areas and eliminate the necessity for constructed storm sewer systems.

UPPER RUM RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION The Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization (URRWMO) is a joint powers organization including the Cities of St. Francis, Oak Grove, Nowthen, Bethel, and portions of East Bethel. A small comer of Ham Lake also falls within the URRWMO. The WMO Board is made up of representatives from each of these cities.

This organization seeks to maintain the quality of area lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater, and other water resources across municipal boundaries. Resources of particular importance to the URRWMO include the Rum River, Seelye Brook, Ford Brook, Cedar Creek, and numerous ditches that drain to the Rum River. This stretch of the Rum River is designated as a state Scenic and Recreational Waterway. Lake George and East Twin Lakes, the primary recreation lakes in the watershed, are also of high priority, in addition to many smaller lakes and wetlands.

Nowthen is comprised of five minor watershed districts as shown on the following map: Seelye Brook, Rum River, Ford Brook, Trott Brook and County Ditch 51.


Page 36

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT


Page 37

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

GROUNDWATER LEVEL MONITORING WELLS Minnesota’s environmental and economic future depends on a continued and available supply of groundwater that is managed sustainably. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is responsible for managing the quantity of groundwater use through appropriation permits and monitoring water levels. The DNR’s Minnesota Groundwater Level Monitoring Network (GWLM) is an early warning system designed to detect contamination as it enters the ground water system. This allows us to identify the sources of the contamination and possibly design and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent contamination. Groundwater level data obtained from network wells provides an essential portion of the information needed to understand groundwater system change over time and effectively manage the resource. There are currently about 750 wells used for this purpose but as many as 7,000 wells are needed to adequately monitor all parts of the State. A more complete and integrated network of groundwater level monitoring wells will provide stakeholders, local government officials, and groundwater resource managers with the information needed to better understand the status of groundwater quantity throughout the state and formulate management responses to changing water. (Source: Dept. of Natural Resources)


Page 38

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT


Page 39

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

SOILS

Suitability for Development Nowthen has a number of areas where soil conditions raise suitability concerns for urban development. Both the northwest corner of the City and areas adjacent to Ford Brook hold soil types which limit building and septic system construction. Any development in these areas will require specialized construction measures. To avoid extensive financial and environmental costs associated with development in these areas, the City shall impose provisions that will restrict development in areas with severely limiting soils. These provisions include:

It must be demonstrated that all sites proposed for development have soils with physical properties and percolation rates suitable for on-site sewage disposal and structural capacity to support building.

▪ On each newly created lot in the City, there must be area set aside for two septic

system drainfields. The provision for a second drainfield site allows for the installation of a second septic system in the event the first system fails.

▪ Building sites within Nowthen must have an average slope of 12 percent or less to

be considered buildable. Lots with an average slope of greater than 12 percent must be subject to review of the City Engineer.

▪ All septic systems must meet state standards and the Nowthen Septic Ordinance.

Erosion A major concern with regard to agricultural and urban development is that of topsoil loss (via both wind and water erosion). To address this concern, the following actions will be pursued:

▪ Encouragement of farming practices that minimize erosion.

▪ Require, via ordinance provision, proper grading, drainage and erosion control

measures for urban development.


Page 40

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT


Page 41

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Filling/Excavation The filling/excavation of land to accommodate development has created past concerns within Nowthen. Specifically, low areas have been excavated to create wetlands and ponds while the excavated soil is used for on-site fill or transported to other developments. The environmental impact of this type of activity must be considered, as well as the potential impacts of hauling excavated material upon City streets. The City will continue to regulate gravel mining through the Extraction and Mining Ordinance included within the City Code. The City utilizes this ordinance to evaluate gravel mining plans and operations in issuing an annual license. These regulations allow the City to proactively mitigate potential land use compatibility issues and negative impacts during the operation. A plan for reclamation of the gravel mine and future land use is also required for approval of a license to ensure that the ultimate plan for the parcel is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT


VEGETATION Nowthen does have some concentrations of vegetation, but only to a limited degree in relation to agriculture production and development. The majority of tree massings within Nowthen are along Ford Brook and adjacent to wetlands. These valued aesthetic and ecologically important assets should be protected. The Subdivision Ordinance stipulates .that subdivisions must be designed and constructed so that existing healthy trees are preserved to the extent possible although adoption of more detailed tree preservation guidelines. These guidelines would require developers and builders to incorporate a tree preservation plan with the required grading plan submission. Tree preservation may also be considered as part of a rural cluster development requirement intended to preserve massings of mature trees as a development amenity.

NOISE Development is accompanied by increasing noise levels from corresponding increases in traffic and general activity that can impact the community. These potential impacts must be anticipated during the development process to avoid future issues by providing proper transition between noise generators and uses sensitive to noise impacts. Nowthen will consider requiring the use of landscaping and site design to aesthetically and physically separate different types of land uses and to provide protection from noise along major roadways.

LIGHT POLLUTION On-going development within Nowthen is accompanied by additional light sources intended to illuminate streets, intersections, yards, parks, parking lots, business signs, etc. The growing number of light sources within the City results in increased levels of light being directed or reflected skyward that can obscure the dark skyline characteristic of rural areas. To minimize the effects of light pollution, the City has adopted lighting standards as part of the Zoning Ordinance. These standards address basic lighting issues such as glare cast to a public right-of way or adjacent residential properties. To ensure appropriate levels of night time illumination that are controlled in intensity and direction to preserve the dark sky, the City may consider implementing additional requirements for new developments and redevelopment of existing uses within the community as part of future Zoning Ordinance updates.


Page 43

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT


Page 44

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

WIND ENERGY Use of wind for generating electricity is gaining attention as a way to better conserve energy resources. State law mandates a minimum amount of future energy must be generated from renewable resources, such as wind, leading businesses to explore opportunities for large scale facilities. Agricultural uses and residential uses like those in Nowthen can also utilize wind as an energy source for individual properties. The rural character of Nowthen creates opportunities to access wind energy, but offers challenges as well to land use compatibility, solar and wind access protection and aesthetics. The City will consider adoption of performance standards as part of the Zoning Ordinance for wind energy systems ensuring that those systems allowed to be constructed within the City are consistent with community objectives.

SOLAR ACCESS Adequate access to sunlight for all properties in Nowthen is a priority not only for

potential solar energy systems, but for aesthetic reasons as well. The Metropolitan

Land Planning Act requires that the Comprehensive Plan contain "an element for the

protection and development of access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems".

Met Council has calculated each community's solar resource, explained below, and

provided the Solar Suitability Analysis Map.

The gross solar potential and gross solar rooftop potential are expressed in megawatt

hours per year (Mwh/yr), and these estimates are based on the solar map for

Nowthen. These values represent gross totals; in other words, they are not intended

to demonstrate the amount of solar likely to develop within your community.

Instead, the calculations estimate the total potential resource before removing areas

unsuitable for solar development or factors related to solar energy efficiency.

The gross solar generation potential and the gross solar rooftop generation potential

for your community are estimates of how much electricity could be generated using

existing technology and assumptions on the efficiency of conversion. The conversion

efficiency of 10% is based on benchmarking analyses for converting the Solar

Suitability Map data to actual production, and solar industry standards used for site

level solar assessment.


Page 45

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Solar access protection is provided for in Nowthen by the uniform implementation of

lot and building performance standards adopted as part of the 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.

AGGREGATE RESOURCES Nowthen’s aggregate resources have been shown on the 2040 Land Use Map. The Aggregate

Resource Mapping Program (ARMP) began in 1984 when the Minnesota Legislature passed a

law (Minnnesota Statutes, section 84.94) to provide aggregate resource information to local

units of government and others for making comprehensive land-use and zoning plans. The

mapping, which is performed by the DNR, helps to introduce aggregate resource protection

and promote orderly and environmentally sound development of the resource.

Community1

Gross Potential (Mwh/yr)

Rooftop Potential (Mwh/yr)

Gross Generation Potential (Mwh/yr)2

Rooftop Generation Potential (Mwh/yr)2

Nowthen

61,057,736

424,370

6,105,773

42,437

1 There are a few communities where generation potential calculations could not be produced. There are areas within some maps where data was unusable. These areas were masked and excluded from gross rooftop potential alld generating potential calculations.

2 In general, a conservative assumption for panel generation is to use 10% efficiency for conversion of total insolation into electric generation. These solar resource calculations provide an approximation of each community's solar resource. This baseline information can provide the opportunity for a more extensive, community-specific analysis of solar development potential for both solar gardens and rooftop or accessory use installations. For most communities, the rooftop generation potential is equivalent to between 30% and 60% of the community's total electric energy consumption.


Page 46

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

ROGERS

LAKE

ECKSTROM

LAKE

PICKERAL LAKE

MUD LAKE

BASS LAKE

NORRIS LAKE

BURNSLAKE

GOOSELAKE

EAST TWIN LAKE

PINNAKERLAKE

BENJAMIN LAKE

BEARLAKE

AGGREGATE RESOURCES

CITY OF NOWTHEN2019 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

0 0.5 10.25

Miles

±K:\cad_eng\PROJECTS\GIS\TPC\Nowthen\2017CompPlan

SOURCES: CITY OF NOWTHEN, ANOKA COUNTY,

MN DNR, HAA, TPC

MAP DATE: 23 JAN, 2019

45675

456722

456724

456766

!(47

456724

456766

45675

456722

Rural Residential (Permanent) 8/40 (19997.5 acres / 94.24%)

Commercial / Light Manufacturing (590.74 acres / 2.78%)

Public and Quasi Public (364.71 acres / 1.72%)

Parks and Open Space (265.77 acres / 1.25%)

Aggregate Resources

Wetlands

(WITH 2040 LAND USE)


Page 47

LAND USE

The Land Use chapter of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan provides a framework to guide future growth and development with supporting infrastructure improvements in Nowthen. Outlined herein is a narrative and graphic description of anticipated development to occur in Nowthen through 2040. The text of the Land Use chapter provides the background and rationale for land use designations shown on the 2040 Land Use Plan map to serve both as a community education tool, as well as a basis for decision making by City officials, to improve the understanding of how continued growth in Nowthen will occur. The primary emphasis of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan is new development of rural residential, commercial and industrial uses. This emphasis is consistent with Nowthen's designation as a Rural Residential community without sanitary sewer (or water) utilities until after 2040 under the Metropolitan Council's Water Resources Policy Plan and anticipated population, household and employment growth that is to occur. However, the 2040 Land Use Plan must be reviewed in consideration of the infrastructure and facilities needed to support the community both now and in the future.

POPULATION, HOUSEHOLD AND EMPLOYMENT FORECASTS Metropolitan Council has developed projections of population, household and employment growth for Nowthen based on anticipated regional growth as part of the Thrive MSP 2040 Plan. The rate of population and household growth anticipated for Nowthen is generally consistent with past trends and will continue, but at a slower rate. The average household size for Nowthen is about 3.04 persons per household, which has declined consistently since 1990, but remains higher than the State average of 2.48 persons per household.

City of Nowthen

1990-2040 Population, Household and Employment

Actual Estimate Projection

1990 2000 2010 2016 2020 2030 2040

Households 754 1,123 1425 1,497 1,600 1,860 2,100 Population 2,401 3,557 4443 4,548 4,590 5,100 5,500 Household Size 3.18 3.17 3.12 3.04 2.87 2.74 2.62 Employment 259 294 318 465 500 590 680

Source: US Census, Metropolitan Council and City of Nowthen

EXISTING LAND USE The pattern of existing land uses in Nowthen is generally reflective of the community's rural character and comprised primarily of agricultural fields and wetland areas, farms and scattered rural single-family dwellings. The City has seen limited development of retail/service commercial uses and industrial uses in areas focused at the intersection of Nowthen Boulevard (CSAH 5) and Viking Boulevard (CSAH 22).


Page 48

LAND USE


Page 49

LAND USE

City of Nowthen

2018 Existing Land Uses

Acres Percent

Agricultural/Undeveloped 10,380 46.1% Rural Residential 9824 43.6% Commercial 28 .1% Industrial 104 .5% Public and Quasi Public 516 2.3% Parks and Open Space 181 .8% Water/Wetlands 1,062 4.7% Right-of-Wav 434 1.9%

Total 22,529 100% Source: Citv of Nowthen, HAA, TPC (10/1/2018)

City of Nowthen

Comparison of 2030 and 2040 Land Use Plans

2030 Land Use Plan 2016

Comp Plan

Amendment

2040 Land Use Plan

Category Acres Percent Acres Percent

Rural Residential -

Permanent

18,500 82.1% +74.0 acres 18,574 82.4%

Rural Residential - Interim 1,260 5.6% 1,260 5.6% Commercial / Industrial 795 3.5% -74.0 acres 721 3.2% Public/ Quasi Public 335 1.5% 335 1.5% Parks 142 0.6% 142 0.6% Water/Wetlands 1,062 4.7% 1,062 54.7% Right-of-way 434 1.9% 434 1.9%

TOTAL 22,529 100.0% 22,529 100.0% Source: The Planning Company LLC

URBAN SERVICE AREA REMOVED

The Diversified Rural designation was removed from the 2040 Land Use Map and replaced with a Permanent Rural Residential designation. A portion of what was previously limited to a 1/10 density is planned for 2.0 acre lots to help increase population and bolster the development of commercial and industrial uses at the Highway 47/Viking Boulevard intersection.


Page 50

LAND USE

LAND USE


2040 LAND USE The 2040 Land Use chapter of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan provides a guide for future community growth and improvements. The Land Use Plan is a narrative and graphic description for future land uses within the City, as well as the background and rationale for how these designations are established. Rural Character. An important environmental and land use priority for Nowthen is preservation of open space and the City's existing rural character. Directly related to the preservation of open space is the need to maintain agricultural activities within Nowthen. As a means of accomplishing its objective of preserving open space, the following strategies have been implemented: Agricultural Zoning. Areas essential to farming will be zoned agricultural in order to restrict suburban development and preserve them for farming purposes. Residential development densities in long term agricultural areas (LTA Zoning District) will be restricted to one dwelling unit per quarter-quarter section. This will preserve large amounts of open space/farmland for agricultural purposes. Rezoning requests to LTA zoning designations will, however, only occur upon initiation by individual property owners. Cluster Subdivision Design. When residential development does occur in agricultural areas these lots shall be concentrated into clusters to provide for protection of either large tracts for continued agricultural use or protection of natural areas as an amenity within the development. The City’s Zoning Ordinance does not currently contain provisions for cluster subdivisions, but such language could be incorporated if desired by the City Council. Acquisition of Parks and Greenways. The 2011 Park and Trail Plan anticipates acquisition of additional land within the City for parks and greenway corridors. Parks and greenways, which are essentially linear parks, provide opportunities for passive open space and interaction with nature in addition to active recreation. Agriculture. Active farming operations exist throughout Nowthen. Continuation of these agricultural activities represents an important land use within the City consistent with the heritage and desired character of the community. Agricultural uses are allowed as permitted uses within the LTA and RRA zoning districts adopted as part of the Zoning Ordinance. An

LAND USE


issue related to maintaining agricultural uses as viable land uses in Nowthen is allowing new or existing farm operations that qualify as an animal feedlot to continue and opportunities for expansion. Commercial agriculture operations qualifying as a feedlot are limited as an allowed use only in the LTA Zoning District. In planning for continued agricultural land uses in Nowthen, there is a need to anticipate the inherent conflict between contemporary agricultural operations and residential land uses and minimize it to the extent possible. Performance standards should be developed as part of the Zoning Ordinance to respond to this compatibility issue by establishing standards for:

▪ Limitations on the maximum number of animal units allowed.

▪ Compliance with all current MPCA regulations related to the storage and

disposal of manure.

▪ Setbacks for construction of new buildings or expansion of existing buildings

from adjacent residential uses.

▪ Requiring reciprocal setbacks for construction of any new residential dwelling

adjacent to an established feedlot.

Hobby farms have been a compatible part of land uses within the RRA Zoning District which requires a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres, although to accommodate farm animals a minimum of three acres is required. As the City continues to grow and infill development brings neighborhoods closer together, consideration may need to be given to establishing standards and accepted locations for hobby farms within Nowthen. Typically, a hobby farm is defined as a tract of land consisting of ten or less acres in size with a house and accessory buildings on which crops and often livestock_ are raised, but not as a principal source of income. In determining proper hobby farm locations, Nowthen must establish standards for the keeping of animals on non-farm, rural residential properties less than 20 acres which don't meet the definition of agricultural uses/agricultural production. The table below illustrates anticipated future land uses based on the 2040 Land Use Plan map. The 2040 Land Use Plan map is a generalized guide for future development in Nowthen that may be anticipated to be refined and amended over time as community priorities evolve.

LAND USE


City of Nowthen 2040 Land Use Plan

Category Acres Percent Rural Residential - Permanent 18,500 82.1% Commercial / Industrial 795 3.5% Public / Quasi Public 335 1.5% Parks 142 0.6% Water/Wetlands 1,062 54.7% Right-of-way 434 1.9% TOTAL 22,529 100.0% Source: The Planning Company LLC

LAND USE


LAND USE


RESIDENTIAL Residential land uses consisting of single family homes are the primary developed land

use in Nowthen:

City of Nowthen 2010 Housing Units by Type

Type 2010 Percent

Single family detached 1,412 99.1%

Twin homes and townhomes 7 0.5%

Multiple family 0 0.0% Manufactured housing 6 .4%

Other 0 0.0%

TOTAL 1,425 100.0% Source: 2010 US Census, Citv of Nowthen

Housing options in Nowthen are limited in terms of type because public sanitary sewer and water utilities are not available to serve medium and high density residential dwellings. This situation is not likely to change until after 2040 when regional sanitary sewer may be made available to lands within the City. The MUSA Reserve, part of the 2030 Land Use Plan, was removed by Metropolitan Council as the extension of utilities is no longer expected to extend from the south through the City of Ramsey until post 2040. In the interim, Nowthen will encourage construction of a variety of single family housing values, sizes and styles to provide housing options to the extent possible. Without medium and high density residential alternatives, the majority of housing in Nowthen is owner occupied with the median housing value being $334,800 (2010 US Census).

4 3 47 6

11 10

24

1012 11

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Number of Single Family Building Permits Issued Annually

LAND USE


LAND USE


City of Nowthen

2010 Housing Units by Tenure

Tenure Number Percent

Owner occupied 1,339 94.0% Renter occupied 86 6.0%

TOTAL 1,425 100.0% Source: 2010 US Census

More than half the housing in Nowthen has been constructed since 1990. Maintenance of Nowthen's existing housing units is increasing in importance as these homes continue to age. Maintenance of existing housing is also a key strategy for the community in terms of providing affordable housing options. Older neighborhoods of moderately sized houses often tend to be more affordably valued in comparison to new construction. At some point, however, older homes reach a point where maintenance costs exceed the value added or are irreparable. Numerous old farm houses and original homesteads have been removed in the last decade and replaced with new housing stock. Homes built before 1950 represented 8.9% of the total housing stock in the year 2000 and fell to 4.8% of the housing stock in 2010, after numerous original homesteads and farm houses were demolished. The map showing Plats by Decade is another good indicator of housing stock age.

City of Nowthen

Year Housing Structure Built

Year Number Percent

1949 or earlier 68 4.8% 1950 to 1959 55 3.9%

1960 to 1969 96 6.7%

1970 to 1979 245 17.2%

1980 to 1989 209 14.7%

1990 to 1999 408 22.9%

2000 to 2009 344 24.1%

2010 to present 82 5.7%

TOTAL 1,425 100.0% Source: 2010 US Census, City of Nowthen

Development of single family dwellings in a rural context, as the only form of residential

use in the City, is anticipated to continue through 2040. The present City Council, like

those before it, desire to preserve large rural lots and hobby farms which rely on the

need to utilize individual sewage treatment systems. The City will continue to promote

property maintenance through on going code enforcement efforts and administration of

LAND USE


the septic ordinance. In evaluating new residential subdivision .proposals, the following

performance standards will continue to be upheld:

▪ Development densities shall be consistent with the allowances described as part

of the Concept Plan for Permanent Rural with permanent rural residential uses

at 1 dwelling unit per 5 gross acres (8/40) and Diversified Rural areas of

Nowthen where rural residential uses will be an interim use at 1 dwelling unit per

10 gross acres (4/40).

▪ The City shall require minimum lot area and width requirements with sufficient

net buildable area and contiguous space for adequate building sites.

▪ Each lot shall be required to demonstrate area to accommodate two individual

sewage treatment systems.

▪ The City will consider the use of Flexible Residential Development options that

preserve open space and protect natural resources as part of subdivisions within

the Permanent Rural area or that reserves land for future subdivision at urban

densities within the Diversified Rural area.

SPECIAL USE PERMITS AND HOME OCCUPATIONS Nowthen contains more than one hundred home extended businesses or home occupations located on residential property in the City for which Conditional or Interim Use Permits have been issued. While the location of secondary commercial or industrial type uses on rural residential parcels creates potential for compatibility conflicts with surrounding properties, CUP and IUP applications are reviewed in detail by the City Council prior to issuance to identify and address any potential issues up front. If the business operations are viewed as too intense in terms of potential impacts to City streets, character of the site changing due to the number of employees involved, noise, higher traffic generation, commercial vehicle parking, or nature of the outdoor storage, the application may be denied and the property owner guided toward land appropriate to the business operations. Allowance of home occupations or home extended businesses in rural residential areas creates competition for planned commercial and industrial zoned land in the City, but it is also a highly sought after means of accommodating smaller and start-up businesses. Nowthen has undertaken an update of home occupation and home extended business-related performance standards in recent years to minimize potential compatibility issues and has implemented an Administrative Citation process as part of routine code enforcement updates and actions which are discussed monthly at the City Council workshop.

LAND USE


LAND USE


COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL Existing commercial and industrial development in Nowthen is limited primarily due to trade area potential, larger completive locations in adjacent communities and unavailability of municipal sanitary sewer and water utilities. Nowthen completed a land use study approved on August 14, 2007 designating areas at the intersections of Nowthen Boulevard (CSAH 5) / Viking Boulevard (CSAH 22) and St. Francis Boulevard (TH 47) / Viking Boulevard (CSAH 22) for commercial and light industrial uses. The recommendations of the commercial and industrial land use study have been incorporated as part of the 2040 Land Use Plan. Given the existing rural character of Nowthen and limited additional growth anticipated to occur in the future, expansion of commercial and industrial businesses in Nowthen will likely be occasional development of retail or service related uses serving the convenience needs of the immediate area and light manufacturing, contractor's operations or other industries without need for sanitary sewer and water utilities.

A significant factor influencing the amount and rate of commercial and industrial development in Nowthen will be the development standards imposed by the Zoning Ordinance. Requirements for the use of higher quality building materials, landscaping, extensive screening and other site improvements will serve to somewhat limit demand. This limitation will need to be considered, however, in relationship to community benefits in terms of aesthetics, land use compatibility and tax base.


Page 61

LAND USE

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The following is a list of performance standards that Nowthen implemented following the 2009 Comprehensive Plan Amendment to update the Zoning Ordinance and encourage development of cohesive, integrated commercial and industrial developments within the areas so designated on the 2040 Land Use Plan:

▪ Define the range of allowed commercial and industrial uses that can be accommodated by individual sewage treatment systems, on site wells, the existing or planned capacity of transportation facilities and other infrastructure.

▪ Development is to minimize impacts to and be integrated with natural environmental

features of a site. ▪ All buildings will use exterior face materials consistent with community standards for

quality development in Nowthen.

▪ Outside storage is to be fully screened from view of public rights-of-way and adjacent

rural residential properties.

▪ Commercial and industrial developments will provide for adequate access and off-

street parking of passenger vehicles for patrons and employees.

▪ Landscaping is to be required in areas of a site not occupied by buildings, parking or

outside storage.

▪ Exterior lighting is to be regulated to prevent glare cast onto public rights-of-way or

adjacent rural residential properties and minimize light pollution. ▪ Signage will be regulated to allow adequate opportunity for business identification

while preventing driver distraction and compromising aesthetics.


Page 62

LAND USE

PUBLIC AND QUASI-PUBLIC USES This land use category includes various facilities ancillary to community development accessible to the public, government buildings, schools, churches, etc. There may be a need for additional public and quasi-public land uses as Nowthen continues to develop to serve the growing population. While the need for these types of uses is recognized, it is not practical to identify sites where future public and quasi-public uses may be appropriate. Public and quasi-public facilities other than those of the City of Nowthen will be allowed as conditional uses as part of any underlying zoning district. This approach will allow the City to establish performance standards specific to a given use to ensure development at appropriate locations in a manner compatible with surrounding uses and that needed City infrastructure can be provided in a cost effective manner. Public and Quasi-Public land uses are encouraged to reflect the highest level of quality site and building design, as an example for the private sector to follow. Furthermore, promotion of consistent architectural themes or other elements that provide site character is also to be encouraged to strengthen overall community identity.

PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACE Parks and trails are an amenity within Nowthen that contribute positively to quality of life and

rural character. The park land uses designated on the 2040 Land Use Plan correspond to the

existing areas developed in accordance with the 2011 Park and Trail Plan. The 2011 Park and Trail

Plan establishes a vision for a fully developed parks, trails and open space system based on the

existing facilities and future needs of Nowthen. Continued implementation of the 2011 Park and

Trail Plan will result in additional lands within Nowthen being acquired for park purposes.

There are no regional parks within Nowthen. The 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan identifies two

proposed regional trails within Nowthen, including the North Anoka County Regional Trail and the

Northwest Anoka County Regional Trail Search Corridor, which Anoka County has identified as the

Sugar Hills Regional Trail. The 2011 Parks and Trails Plan map included herein has been updated to

include these regional trail corridors and the City supports Anoka County for their development.


Page 63

LAND USE


Page 64

LAND USE

City of Nowthen

Parks, Public Lands & Open Spaces Privately Owned Public Land, Quasi-Public

Land & Conservation Areas

Lions Park 13.03 ac Pickerel Lake Boat Launch 1.13 ac Twin Lakes Park 72.65 ac Goose Lake Open Space 40.22 ac Morton Farm Preserve 40.96 ac Rustic Acres Park/Ponds on 184th Ave and 185th Lane

16.44 ac

Arcadian Acres Park/Pond

on Roanoke Street

19.66 ac Gorham Oak Savanna Restoration

(17.5 acres replanted/habitat

mgmt)

65.79 ac

Sparre Road Pond 3.69 ac Kern Conservation Area 52.09 ac Dolomite Street Open Space .61 ac

Volunteers of America/Bar None 249.04 ac City Hall/Council Chambers .18 ac City Offices/Public Works 5.0 ac Lakeview Cemetery 29.15 ac Vacant Parcel on 199th Ave 5.71 ac Nowthen Alliance Church 9.28 ac Industrial Lot (for sale) 2.75 ac Laestadian Lutheran Church 12.73 ac

St John's Catholic Church 10.34 ac The Bridge Church 3.24 ac Buddhist Temple 4.87 ac Total 180.68 ac Total 477.88 ac


Page 65

LAND USE

HISTORIC PRESERVATION Historic preservation aids significantly in supporting a community's identity and is to be encouraged whenever feasible. Preservation of historic sites in Nowthen is accomplished primarily through private means. The City may aid in historic preservation efforts by helping to identify potentially significant historical sites within Nowthen, providing information resources for property owners and developers interested in historic preservation and communicating information about Nowthen's history and historic places to residents and businesses. The City of Nowthen has an annual Heritage Days Celebration in the fall, which includes activities and information about Nowthen's history, and the Nowthen Historic Power Association sponsors a Threshing Show as well as other activities throughout the summer.


Page 66

LAND USE

This page was intentionally left blank.

TRANSPORTATION


The purpose of the Transportation Plan is to provide a thorough yet easily understandable document to guide transportation decision making. Those decisions will ultimately provide an infrastructure that is in conformance with the metropolitan system plan and serves the needs of the community. The Transportation Plan is not intended to be a detail-oriented document. It is intended to identify deficiencies and future improvements without determining the actual design and to establish transportation policies. The plan lists policies and goals that Nowthen officials will use for transportation decisions over the next 20 years.

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

The 2040 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP) is the Metropolitan system plan for highways, transit, and aviation to which local comprehensive plans must conform. This system statement summarizes significant changes to these three systems, as well as other changes made to the Transportation Policy Plan since the last 2030 TPP was adopted in 2010. The TPP incorporates the policy direction and the new 2040 social economic forecasts adopted by the Metropolitan Council in the Thrive MSP 2040, and extends the planning horizon from 2030 to 2040.

FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

The TPP must respond to requirements outlined in state statute, as well as federal law, such as some new requirements included in the federal law known as the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. Federal law requires the long-range plan to identify regionally significant transportation investments expected to be made over the next two decades, and to demonstrate that these planned investments can be afforded under the plan’s financial assumptions.

TRANSPORTATION


METROPOLITAN HIGHWAY SYSTEM The Metropolitan Highway System is made up of principal arterials that are shown in Metropolitan Council figure below. No new highways have been added to this system in the 2040 TPP.

The TPP does not identify any principal arterials or any specific regional mobility improvements within Nowthen.

TRANSPORTATION


LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The overriding goal of this Transportation Plan is to provide guidance for a safe, efficient, coordinated, and convenient multi-modal transportation system that is integrated with anticipated land use and development plans, and that protects and enhances natural resources.

The objectives of this plan are:

▪ Provide an understanding of the transportation issues facing the community as it grows. ▪ Recognize the important relationship between land use and transportation and develop

appropriate policies that promote a sustainable transportation system. ▪ Recognize the importance and value of the environmental resources in the region and

minimize negative impacts to such areas. ▪ Develop a network and functional hierarchy of streets that balance the needs of access

with safety and mobility. ▪ Encourage planning and development of a safe, interconnected pedestrian and bicycle

system. ▪ Coordinate the local transportation system with the regional needs and support other

agencies in developing infrastructure decisions in the area. ▪ Investigate reasonable funding strategies and develop an implementation plan that

recognizes funding limitations and realities.

LOCAL ROADWAY SYSTEM The network of all public roadways makes up the Roadway System. Within the City of Nowthen, these public roadways consist of State Trunk Highways, County State-Aid Highways (CSAH), County Roads (CR) and local streets. Relationship to Land Use There is an interrelationship between land use and transportation. The type, intensity and extent of development impacts growth in population and employment, which influences travel demand. Likewise, the level of service provided by the transportation system can influence population and employment location. Therefore, transportation facilities should be planned and designed to support and compliment the existing and planned land use. Intensive urban development is not anticipated to occur in Nowthen. The existing roadway system is adequate to accommodate the level of development anticipated without significant expansion or improvements. Design Standards Street design standards should be related to the functional classification of the roadway as well as the traffic volumes on the roadway. Design standards for roadways on the State Aide system are defined by Minnesota Rules Chapter 8820. As Nowthen grows and reaches the threshold

TRANSPORTATION


for State Aid streets, it should consider updating its current street design requirements to meet the State Aid standards. Functional Classification System A roadway network typically consists of a hierarchy of streets and highways that are defined through functional classification. The Metropolitan Council has defined a Functional Classification System and the Nowthen system is consistent with those criteria. The features and characteristics of each classification are briefly described below.

Schematic Relationship Between Access and Mobility

Source: FHWA.dot.gov

Principal Arterials

Generally, principal arterials serve long distance travel between major communities. They are characterized by an emphasis on mobility with strictly controlled access allowed only at designated interchanges or intersections. There are no existing principal arterial roadways located in Nowthen.

Minor Arterials

Minor arterials primarily carry traffic flows between small urban areas, rural growth centers and other significant activity centers. These roadways place a higher emphasis on mobility than access, with direct access to abutting properties being discouraged. Collectors Collectors typically serve short to medium distance trips, providing intercity and intercommunity traffic movement. They link local streets to the arterial system. Mobility and land access have equal precedence on these facilities.

TRANSPORTATION


Local Collectors Local collectors typically serve short trips and provide connectivity from local street to Collectors and Minor Arterials. Local Streets Local streets are characterized by a total emphasis on land access. They usually connect to other local streets and collectors and carry relatively low traffic volumes at low speeds. ACCESS MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Access guidelines are important because they define a starting point for balancing property access, safety, and mobility concerns. Transportation agencies regularly receive requests for additional access (e.g., new public streets, commercial driveways, residential and field accesses), which then must be evaluated. Because of the number of individuals and agencies involved, it is easy to have inconsistent application of access policies. This can result in confusion between agencies, developers, and property owners, as well as long-term safety and mobility problems. Standard access guidelines can be used to improve communication, enhance safety, and maintain the capacity and mobility of important transportation corridors. In addition, access guidelines may be used to respond to access requests and to promote good access practices such as:

▪ Aligning access with other existing access points. ▪ Providing adequate spacing to separate and reduce conflicts. ▪ Encouraging indirect access rather than direct access on high-speed, high volume

arterial routes. Providing access management in some form, whether it is through grade-separated crossings, frontage roads, or right-in/right-out access, reduces the number of conflicts resulting in improved safety. A number of studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between the number of full access points and the rate of crashes. The Figure shown below illustrates this relationship.

TRANSPORTATION


Land use authorities may exercise authority in limiting access through their development rules and regulations. Land use authorities can require:

▪ Dedication of public rights-of-way. ▪ Construction of public roadways. ▪ Mitigation measures of traffic and/or other impacts. ▪ Changes in and/or development of new access points.

These types of access controls are processed through local elected officials. Since stronger land use and access controls are available at the county and City level, and these units of government are usually involved at the planning stages, access guidelines and corridor management practices should be focused at this level.

COORDINATION OF JURISDICTIONAL ACCESS MANAGEMENT POLICIES The road network exhibits an interjurisdictional network of state, county and local roadways. Since Anoka County retains access management authority over their particular roadway system, it is important that the existing access policies of the county be considered prior to the preparation of new access guidelines. Anoka County has adopted minimum access spacing guidelines. The county’s access spacing guidelines are presented in Table below. These access management guidelines are meant to promote coordination between land use and transportation strategies, the same issues that affect decisions on the local and county level. Establishing the appropriate spacing between public streets and private driveways is an important step toward maintaining the safety and mobility of the traveling public without sacrificing the accessibility needs of local residents. The access guidelines are based on functional classification rather than traffic volumes. Having access recommendations based on future functional classification enables agencies to protect access on roadways based on their intended long-term function. Anoka County requires an access permit be approved prior to any new driveway connection to county roads. The county also requires shared driveways, where possible, to reduce the number of direct accesses to county roads. The county reviews access during the platting process to assure appropriate mobility and safety levels. Anoka County has a unique opportunity to properly plan for access along future collector and arterials before development occurs. Because the county does not have planning authority within the Nowthen, interagency support of access management strategies is crucial.

TRANSPORTATION


Table: Anoka County Access Spacing Requirements

Roadway Type

Route Speed (MPH)

Intersection Spacing

(Nominal(4))

Signal Spacing

Private Access (1)

Full

Movement

Intersection

Conditional

Secondary

Intersection (2)

Principal Arterial

50 - 55 1 mi. 1/2 mi. 1 mi.

Subject to conditions for all roadway types and speeds

40 - 45 1/2 mi. 1/4 mi. 1/2 mi. < 40 1/8 mi. 300 - 660

feet(3) 1/4 mi.

Arterial Expressway

50 - 55 1 mi. 1/2 mi. 1 mi.

Minor Arterial 50 - 55 1/2 mi. 1/4 mi. 1/2 mi. 40 - 45 1/4 mi. 1/8 mi. 1/4 mi. <40 1/8 mi. 300 - 660

feet(3) 1/4 mi.

Collector and Local

50 - 55 1/2 mi. 1/4 mi. 1/2 mi.

40 - 45 1/8 mi. N/A 1/4 mi. <40 1/8 mi. 300 - 660

feet(3) 1/8 mi.

Specific Access Plan By adopted plan/agreement/covenant on

land

(1) Private access refers to residential, commercial, industrial and institutional driveways. Reference Anoka

County’s Development Review Manual for specifics on private access. (2) Conditional secondary access is defined as right-in/out. (3) Access spacing may be determined by planning documents approved by the county (e.g., Lino Lakes I-

35E AUAR) (4) Any spacing deviations shall have a detailed traffic study completed by the requesting agency, AND

approved by the County Engineer.

TRANSPORTATION


TRAFFIC FORECASTS For modeling purposes, the Metropolitan Council forecasts regional traffic by dividing the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area into geographical districts known as traffic analysis zones (TAZ). Nowthen is divided into TAZs. Metropolitan Council has made the following estimates as to the distribution of growth by TAZ:

TAZ

2020 2030 2040

POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS EMPLOYMENT POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS EMPLOYMENT POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS EMPLOYMENT

28 310 110 10 340 130 20 360 140 30

29 50 20 10 60 20 10 60 20 20

30 550 180 120 600 200 140 620 220 150

31 360 130 20 390 140 20 400 160 20

32 220 80 0 260 100 0 300 110 10

33 400 140 170 470 170 190 550 210 210

34 850 300 50 950 350 60 1030 400 60

35 970 350 60 1090 400 90 1180 460 130

36 430 150 0 460 170 0 470 180 0

37 440 150 50 480 180 50 520 200 60

TRANSPORTATION


NEEDS AND RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS As Nowthen continues to develop, a well thought out network of connected local and minor collector streets needs to be provided to avoid future traffic issues. One of the more common complaints about local streets is the perception of too much traffic traveling too fast. The solution to this situation is to promote curvilinear subdivision designs that have shorter segments of local residential streets with connecting access to restricted local collectors The needs of the regional County system are addressed in the Anoka County Transportation Plan. While the County system is not under the control of the City, Nowthen should support the County’s efforts to provide safe and efficient regional travel. The existing street network within Nowthen currently operates well with little delay. Future issues during the 2040 planning period for streets within Nowthen will be maintenance related. The City should develop a pavement management plan to assure effective and timely maintenance. The City should also consider paving some of the existing gravel roads that are identified as having frequent maintenance issues. Within the next several years, Nowthen will likely reach the population threshold of 5,000 persons. Cities with a population of 5,000 persons or more are eligible for Municipal State Aid funding for street improvements needed to accommodate growing traffic generation from within Nowthen and the surrounding region. The existing street and roadway network within Nowthen provide sufficient transportation service to the City. All City streets, county roads and State Trunk Highway 47 within the City are currently two-lane facilities. At some point it is anticipated that Viking Boulevard (CSAH 22) will need to be expanded to a four-lane facility within the City. This project will be the responsibility of Anoka County.

TRANSPORTATION


TRANSPORTATION


PEDESTRIAN / BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION

The 2040 TPP encourages the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation. The TPP establishes for the first time a Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN). The Metropolitan Council Figure below shows the RBTN. Nowthen does not have any identified routes on the RBTN. The goal of the RBTN is to establish an integrated seamless network of on-street bikeways and off-road trails that complement each other to most effectively improve conditions for bicycle transportation at the regional level. Cities, counties, and park agencies are encouraged to plan for and implement future bikeways within and along these designated corridors and alignments to support the RBTN vision. The RBTN corridors and alignments make up the “trunk arterials” of the overall system of bikeways that connect to regional employment and activity centers. These are not intended to be the only bicycle facilities in the region, and local units should also consider planning for any additional bike facilities desired by their communities.

TRANSPORTATION


TRANSIT The transit system plan provides an overview of the basic components of transit planning, including demographic factors, transit route and network design factors and urban design factors that support transit usage. Local governments have the primary responsibility for planning transit-supportive land use through their comprehensive planning and subdivision and zoning ordinances. The TPP includes updated Transit Market Areas, which are shown in the figure below, which reflect 2010 Census information and an updated methodology that better aligns types and levels of transit service to expected demand. These market areas identify the types of transit services that are provided within each area. Nowthen is designated a Transit Marked Area V. Transit Market Area V is defined as an area that “has very low population and employment densities” and tends to be primarily rural communities and agricultural uses. General public dial-a ride service may be appropriate here, but due to the very low intensity land uses these areas are not well-suited for fixed-route transit service. The TPP’s Transit Investment Plan does not show any transit investments planned for Nowthen in the Current Revenue Scenario. Transit consists of all forms of ride sharing. The service may be formal or informal and be provided by a private or public operator. Because Nowthen lies outside the Metropolitan Transit Taxing District, there is no regular route transit service existing or planned in the City. Rural dial-a-ride service is provided by Anoka County Traveler and the Anoka County Volunteer Transportation Program. The Northstar Commuter Rail Line, operated by Metro Transit, offers service from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis for residents along the U.S. Highway 10 corridor. Commuter stations are located in the nearby Cities of Elk River and Anoka providing convenient access to the commuter service for Nowthen residents as an alternative to passenger vehicle travel.

TRANSPORTATION


TRANSPORTATION


AVIATION There are no airports located in Nowthen and the City is not located in the defined influence area of any airport. Pickerel Lake is a permitted seaplane use area under Minnesota Department of Transportation rules. There are no structures that exceed 500 feet in height located in Nowthen. Due the potential conflicts with navigable airspace, any project that proposes a structure exceeding 200 feet in height must notify the Federal Aviation Administration and the Minnesota Department of Transportation as required by law.

TRANSPORTATION


FREIGHT As shown in the figure below, there are no significant Freight systems located in the City of Nowthen. Therefore, there are no known local roadway issues of problem areas for the movement of goods.

TRANSPORTATION


This page was intentionally left blank.

IMPLEMENTATION


A last element of the comprehensive planning process is establishment of official controls and other devices needed to implement the policies and plans set forth by the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan.

ADMINISTRATION The 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan is adopted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 462.355. In implementing the Comprehensive Plan, new development proposals or unanticipated situations may arise that require consideration of amendments. The City Council, Planning Commission or any person owning real estate within the City may initiate a request to amend the Comprehensive Plan. The processing of a request to amend the Comprehensive Plan shall follow the procedures set forth by the Zoning Ordinance for amendments and the requirements of Minnesota Statues 462.355. Approval of an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan shall be approved by resolution of the City Council requiring a vote of four-fifths of its members. Consideration of a proposed amendment is to be based upon, but not limited to, the following criteria:

1. The proposed action has been considered in relation to the specific policies and provisions of and has been found to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

2. The proposed use is or will be compatible with present and future land uses of the

area. 3. The proposed use conforms to all performance standards contained in the City Code. 4. The proposed use can be accommodated with existing public services and will not

overburden the City's service capacity. 5. Traffic generation by the proposed use is within capabilities of streets serving the

property.

OFFICIAL CONTROLS The Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance are the primary regulations governing land use and development in Nowthen. The following is a description of the zoning districts established in the Zoning Ordinance:

▪ RRA, Rural Residential Agriculture. This district is intended for application in those areas of the City where large sections of land have become subject to increased amounts of single family residential development and hobby farms. Marginal soils, rough topography, and insufficient irrigation may make these lands uneconomical for long term agricultural purposes. Allowed uses include agriculture, forestry, nurseries

IMPLEMENTATION


and green houses, parks and open spaces, government and essential service facilities, home extended occupations and single family dwellings with a minimum lot area of five gross acres and 2.5 net acres with at least one contiguous acre of buildable land.

▪ ROS, Residential Open Space. The intent of this district is to permit rural residential

development with 2.0 acre lot sizes and open spaces to be planned in a pattern which provides a more efficient use of the land while maintaining contiguous blocks of trees, mature woodlands, open space or agricultural land; and preserving historical features, scenic views, natural drainage systems and other desirable features of the natural environment. Focus is on creating cohesive neighborhoods with local identity and promoting community interaction and emphasizing quality homes with upgraded architectural features with parks and neighborhood amenities to compliment the smaller lot sizes and provide opportunity for further subdivision if public services should become available. Physical integration of neighborhoods is just as important as preserving the community’s rural character by minimizing views of new development from existing roads.

▪ LTA, Long Term Agriculture. The intent of this district is to include those areas of

Nowthen where, because of the land capability, and the capital investment in farming operations, it is necessary to preserve, promote, maintain, and enhance the use of land for long term agricultural purposes and to protect such land from encroachment by non-agricultural uses, structures, or activities. The uses allowed in the LTA District the same general uses as the RRA District except that single family dwellings are allowed at a density of one dwelling unit per quarter-quarter section (40 acres) and the minimum lot size is 40 acres.

▪ C-1 Commercial. The C-1 District commercial, retail or business uses in the vicinity of

major street or highway intersections where significant traffic currently exists.

▪ I-1, Industrial District. This district is intended is to provide specifically for the regulation of light manufacturing, and warehousing uses located within areas guided for industrial land uses by the Comprehensive Plan.

▪ PUD, Planned Unit Development District. The purpose of the PUD District is to allow

for clustered residential development only in the RRA District where such development will not result in a service burden to local government units, will not create land use conflicts, and will not have an adverse impact on the environment. It is not the intent of this Section to circumvent the density provisions of the RAA District, which requires a minimum lot density of one lot per five acres and a minimum platted lot size of 2.5 acres. Rather, the intent is to allow a higher density in those instances where homes are clustered together in order to provide, in part, more dedicated open space than would

IMPLEMENTATION


be found in a development that subdivided all land within a project site into standardized platted lots.

▪ CON, Conservancy District. The CON District is intended primarily to include those

areas reserved for public recreation activities. Uses within the CON District are limited to protect natural resources allowing only agriculture, parks and open spaces, government and essential service facilities.

The Zoning Ordinance establishes an official Zoning Map for Nowthen to define the location and boundaries of the various districts established therein. The proposed Zoning Map is shown on the following page which will be adopted following final approval of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan by the Metropolitan Council.

!(47

EBON

Y ST N

W

DOUGLAS CIR NW

N.S.P. EASEMENT

MINNESOTA PIPE LINE CO.

VIKING BLVD NW

CLEARY RD NW

NORRIS LAKE RD NW

NOW

THEN

BLV

D NW

SAIN

T FRA

NCIS

BLVD

NW

BAUG

H ST

NW

OLD VIKING BLVD NW

XENO

N ST

NW

185TH AVE NW

BURN

S PKW

Y NW

JASP

AR ST

NW

BASA

LT S

T NWTIG

ER S

T NW

201ST AVE NW

ENGE

N BLV

D NW

211TH AVE NW

229TH AVE NW

190TH AVE NW

VERDE VALLEY RD NW

205TH AVE NW

213TH AVE NW

207TH AVE NW

PINNAKER RD NW

HILLE NDALE R D NW

223RD AVE NW

TWIN

PKW

Y NW

188TH LN N W

POST RD NW

SUGAR BUSH RD NW

VARI

OLIT

E ST N

W

GAR N

E TST

NW

189TH LN NW

WFORD BR OO K D R

SUGA

RBUS

H RD

NW

1 87T

H AVE NW

IGUA

NA ST

NW

191ST LN NW

184TH AVE NW

ZEOL

ITE S

T NW

190TH LN NW

GYP SY VALLEY RDN W

SODI

UM S

T NW

181ST AVE NW

RHIN

ESTO

NE S

T NW

210TH LN NW

215TH AVE NW

188TH AVE NW

PERI D

OTST

N W

225TH AVE NW

185TH LN NW

YTTR

IUM

ST N

W

E BONY

S TNW

203RD AVE NW

194TH LN NW

224TH AVE NW

IMANS T NW

HALAS ST NW 195TH AVE NW

191ST AVE NW

183RD AVE NW

222ND AVE NW

YAK IMA ST NW

MARB LES T NW

182ND LN NW

WACO

STNW

XENOLITHST NW

RABB

IT ST

NW

183RD L N NW

POTA

SSIU

MST NW

HILLSIDE TRL NW

ERKIU

MST

NW

218TH AVE NW

VICUNAST

NW

KRYPTO N ST NW

FERR

ET S

T NW

COBA

LTST

NW

LIT H IUM

STNW

SPAR RE RDNW

210TH AVE NW

WOLF

RAM

ST N

W

204TH AVE NW

189TH AVE NW

SPRI NG HILL RD N W

204TH LN NW

199TH AVE NW

WOLV

ERIN

E ST

NW

198TH LN NW

C LI FT

ONRD

NW

BISON

ST NW

EATONS

T NW

BRID

GEST

ONE R

D NW

222ND CIR NW

URANIUMST

NW

226TH AVE NW

IGUA

N AC

IR NW

MERLES LN

HEDGEHOG ST NW

DOLO

MITE

ST

TUNG

STEN

ST N

W

MARMO SET S T NW

212TH AVE NW

BIRCHWOOD

KANG

AROO

ST N

W

OLIV

INE

ST N

W

ALPA

CA S

T NW

LITHI

UM S

T NW

TIGER

ST N

W

BAUG

H ST

NW

PERI

D OTS

TNW

229TH AVE NW

225TH AVE NW

199TH AVE NW

DOLOMITE ST NW

I MAN

STNW

BAUG

H ST

NW

WACO

ST N

W

185TH AVE NW

205TH AVE NW

195TH AVE NW

URANIUM ST NW

184TH AVE NW

225 TH AV E NW

JARV

IS ST

NW

GA R NET ST NW

223RD AVE NW

224TH AVE NW

203RD AVE NW

189TH LN NW

W FO

RD B

ROOK

DR

TIGER ST NW

203RD AVE NW

KRYP

TON

S TNW

187TH AVE NW

191ST LN NW

194TH LN NW

ZEOLITE ST NW

215TH AVE NW

WACO

STN W

WACO

ST N

W

DRISCOLL ST NW

214TH AVE NW

224TH CT NW

VENTRE ST

ARGO

N ST

NW

VEGA

DR

NW

225TH

CIR N

W

WATERCREST BLVD NW

215TH CT

214TH CT

SALIS

H CIR

NW

EATO

N ST

NW

POTA

SSIU

M ST

NW

YTTR

IUM ST

NW

8214

19949

21500

6700

7726

7311

5259

8600

7500

9435

7780

9531

6633

7799

7998

7012

4870

7415

7300

8400

8301

4989

9105

7703

6475

6938

8153

19112

22510

7552

7726

21299

20751

21101

8812

21235

22101

20701

21217 21102

20167

7030

19420

18466

1881218861

18509

20465

19256

22100

19024

19387

18632

22022

6151

20550

20843

21917

22243

21647

6760

9146

8970

19570

6400

22176

18601

8480

6651

9518

6933

20970

22511

5790

19255

8563

21269

21413

4980

5255

7944

5606

19370

6701

6304

6167

22851

20203

86038393

21204

7466

20298

22150

21945

6080

7560

8506

7459

20633

7447

9044

7581

6070

8833

9465

5633

7233

6020

21202

20930

7163

5800

8945

18970

21133

5326

22171

7460

19330

20490

20507

22144

9144

22630

21121

8565

5880

7680

6615

18111

20255

21669

21830

20360

20466

19370

18590

20840

8766

22120

19410

22301

19147

5300

21670

19223

6433

20863

21206

18960

19420

19066

19243

21640

19077

19641

21637

20731

7017

6023

22365

6087

6963

20035

21766

20523

7540

22517

21433

21035

21018

18288

19056

22540

7293

8335

18659

22760

6650

6451

7411

8711

6824

8595

6187

6111

6255

18465

18130

576322880

5737

6330

19111

6608

6811

19545

6625

18287

22770

19333

20743

21968

6511

6612

6636

20058

19533

6843

20853

7677

8283

22760

9060

8440

20633

18825

7141

6740

9357

5683

5250

21887

20145

6635

9231

6830

21690

20280

9277

7430

5763

9565

20560

6560

73207423

7533

5550

8803

7233

7230

19345

5796

6730

5197

7343

7716

20421

6439

6557

6450

5833

6730

20299

8136

6459

6130

5440

6160

8715

6538

6745

9349

7747

6275

8752

7335

18828

6290

7323

21824

5811

6464

6660

6560

21210

7170

7468

5944

9334

6305

19644

21144

6225

7025

6263

9383

7219

18954

22766

6725

20633

20711

22447

19577

8833

7417

7564

6681

6370

18833

8716

2212586

33

8663

8747

22131

19233

21464

20833

6266

6220

8614

8759

22311

18815

18800

20339

21646

19002

22491

9336

8121

5971

19520

5877

5923

19455

19610

18730

18600

9525

8109

21133

20696

20380

9122

21929

6709

21030

2256

5

5460

19632

22735

21520

21360

22570

22315

21334

22308

22644

6350

1947019435

19009

9060

21229

19547

5550

7867

22740

7170

22679

8290

19423

21736

18960

5436

18781

6370

7447

21263

19402

7310

21367

19133

8067

8957

22575

20595

2233

3

21337

18865

6565

2123321235

22810

21155

18967

19441

7687

18630

8324

6510

7221

21318

22523

7360

22301

20602

5380

20407

19563

6460

18953

18933

20701

5970

2161

1

7263

7370

22840

20167

7361

7289

22790

2032

6

6860

6730

19305

18633

1994

6

18900

5318

19447

21118

20707

22870

18698

6060

9370

20880

5533

6660

8252

18223

21577

7230

7005

19625

8182

18151

22312

21841

20580

22780

5630

22271

5488

7819

20975

18167

19430

1855

3

22898

22044

9440

19460

9121

9368

9337

21970

9021

9049

7130

18630

9033

8570

5767

6059

6101

5260

9315

6730

6223

20226

21245

7643

8370

8632

7680

9304

18165

7740

22550

21920

18310

20903

7330

22822

19053

7230

9183

21743

5230

7555

19006

1883

1

5349

8640

6225

5494

22335

8586

21333

18333

6073

21377

21150

22730

22818

7633

7675

7735

21433

22150

18647

18744

6767

18315

22085

19600

6747

9119

19784

5453

7077

9285

19307

21167

21140

19175

20923

18830

20303

5520

22840

20231

8505

22033

7665

21355

22301

5483

18767

8204

20836

18783

19133

6360

4833

9422

2231

7

19800

7530

7307

6334

8287

21010

22245

9315

18750

9273

5934

8173

19025

21255

5499

6150

8699

8860

7041

5425

19740

21033

7010

18551

7967

20390

6900

18935

9450

6090

7855

6170

6750

6190

7533

6505

6215

19833 6177

6210

8704

8188

9020

8367

7723

8796

7763

7080

5270

5361

8783

8966

9317

8230

6933

1873

0

7450

6315

6630

22465

7479

7321

6760

6010

18330

8060

5533

6051

9115

7780

7001

21172

18775

19611

8930

7695

9300

9030

5055

18721

5450

6263

6950

5477

5430

5360

5430

9060

1880

1

6363

6230

8960

18650

6024

6058

19524

21430

7140

4810

6180

7921

8843

9023

8350

7067

8863

8933

9063

9133

8953

18760

18830

7160

8637

5045

7134

9130

7078

5870

5980 59

30

6950

4920

6640

8075

5833

7943

19833

8672

19320

6149

18763

20880

19533

77205380

7353

19550

18560

5320

9067

18660

8021

7056

6653

22780

19867

2198

3

20450

6063

9490

8965

9020

8636

18580

5233

22223

8944

8862

899155

308930

5460

1893

3

8822

7335

18066

21330

8767

9015

8665

7410

6038

5850

6069

19199

21447

8695

7166

5430

8150

8651

1904

1

9130

6354

19560

6350

8605

6030

18550

20920

8066

22900

8833

9120

7833

7873

1929

5

6280

7615

6633

8872

2265

0

6673

18281

22228

19335

22723

9248

6333

21070

22774

1943

3

18650

9133

9157

9067

18433

7674

9033

6139

9050

20071

6321

21411

1930

1

5340

21440

19230

21360

8955

19860

8955

5213

19093

19645

18312

8077

9053

2192

5

6650

19580

7840

7860

19767

5467

18737

9033

6911

20145

8975

22820

19423

21433

6330

19502

22675

21453

1853

3

21543

20895

9070

22430

19772

22257

19047

5840

7038

5464

21236

21446

20121

8603

1839

3

21107

18730

5173

21226

20033

18963

7933

6380

9171

19840

18290

22170

21455

18959

6377

6840

6360

19377

18466

22394

18460

18440

21155

20930

18606

18874

21420

2144

7

18292

19656

19823

21870

18964

19370

18775

18954

1944

4

5761

21061

18960

22665

18633

18767

18687

18845

21350

18959

18815

18270

21021

5933

18140

22348

18180

20067

18976

18988

19497

19560

18552

19760

19056

1899

6

19480

21961

21266

2008

0

19940

8966

6056

7267

18867

20313

7166

9070

5770

18282

20050

19955

9144

19239

9160

2113321130

9163

7744

18254

21160

19317

19650

18242

20843

8850

6098

22180

19260

21931

22385

20694

22184

7223

6230

22818

22378

22726

6672

9470

19677

21267

22101

189539062

18654

20400

19850

19010

18660

19175

20362

19987

6977

20123

18430

19234

4931

20714

1926619277

21235

19170

19857

20323

18160

21240

18156

18620

9301

18235

21330

19521

22260

19933

22480 6539

21290

8715

19987

18880

18110

2094

1

22625

19514

21347

19737

20010

18675

22367

5153

7700

22755

1933

7

18960

22521

19121

8147

19867

19767

9080

20795

20801

1996

0

6570

19620

20929

20333

20251

19535

1818

0

19070

20551

22150

9114

20213

1956

0

8595

8873

20160

2031

1

20130

6471

18845

18812

18735

9280

22193

19079

18767

19523

18585

2020

9

19013

20230

18350

9010

6603

19520

1962018

633

20910

1878

7

22259

19310

7303

1875

8

9228

18964

21655

22345

18343

6755

20990

21435

20699

8199

20707

18725

6518

18843

6430

6048

19933

20300

21317

9393

6488

21151

18130

9525

19155

20375

9560

22260

18545

6748

19655

20133

22837

6505

18265

20033

8110

19745

2012

0

18823

9280

6041

20331

9225

19223

1825

0

7927

20040

19064

5434

1976719733

18233

18720

5315

19020

1823

0

20050

6443

22470

22232

1863

3

19950

680821070

18537

6501

18681

7223

21414

9340

7984

22448

1856

0

20450

876919133

19833

2111

5

20002

18951

6423

22465

5470

19360

6820

9495

22767

19967

9135

5840

19766

20063

6257

9232

19750

18700

9245

5918

5874

20768

5952

20955

22185

4948

7679

6712

20966

20260

6373

22709

9530

19930

5101

2039

6

9370

20782

9230

20226

19301

18843

9285

21999

9310

8718

20015

2229987

60

22730

185638495

22470

6616

20142

5211

18240

19515

8457

8419

20190

19721

7670

18355

6560

6660

6161

2145

5

5449

18370

8040

2146

620232

6746

7832

6812

6817

21060

6621

1837

0

19545

9461

1862

4

18620

18550

6723

6607

21646

6807

4921

1823

3

20395

22420

18500

18170

4990

18655

18540

18887

22183

22175

5009

20349

19611

9180

6610

18760

7735

20617

18793

9500

6033

18210

9455

9437

9392

9393

5885

5910

6933

7205

6437

18826

18310

18711

6629

22224

1872

0

18830

18870

8724

18745

6895

6406

18733

22279

19735

7521

6110

6087

2052

3

19414

18730

6503

20672

6168

22711

22272

6249

7727

6320

7854

6254

6504

9167

18995

18140

186199260

19144

18868

18569

19643

4941

2133

9

22225

20031

9120

19155

7237

20279

19447

6525

18547

19316

20227

20088

6209

21633

6210

21252

18680

20475

2145

7

20189

6248

8209

18623

20170

2246

0

6171

4941

18640

21001

1850

0

19275

6232

18410

8860

20457

1980

6

18670

1862

318

667

18330

22025

18750

19480

22437

9155

2140

5

18790

20140

22340

18433

22121

18477

18531

18730

1905

2

490018333

18225

1878

8

2213018830

1874718772

1859

5

5154

1855

1

1874

0

1873

0

5723

18558

18678

18330

1885

0

18660

1879

0

21445

18870

1965

3

18450

20191

2121

3

20431

5050

4959

22656

20229

1904

6

18105

18941

18577

21606

18265

7858

1850

1

19666

19767

7742

19033

4961

22256

18500

21624

22237

19727

20228

5011

18517

19630

6038

18185

2012

3

20260

2036120341

1810918145

19030

1829

8

7803

18117

7823

19285

1926719247

18524

19580

22280

19454

21532

20259

22733

21556

6717 18963

2115

6

18139

20947

5043

7735

8359

21568

22432

18151

18914

19014

20370

22775

5021

6619

6747

5001

4940

5021

20090

21590

7816

19949

1816918179

5031

21107

18681

19665

22147

21141

7718

7736

18541

19992

2088

5

5020

18640

1994119977

4941

18952

5018

5041

7808

8141

8163

21860

20050

21516

20020

19998

6746

6652

6726

6757

68326831

68426841

68516852

68616902

69146917

6934

6737

6800

18520

19974

5110

6721

6407

18430

7745

9063

5030

8177

20066

18855

1891

5

19668

18540

5000

19960

1860118600

20465

21662

1965

4

6954

18321

21595

7103

20131

20151

7637

21583

19931

5617

21561

8809

18215

18526

21665

21545

1972

0

19974

22251

21673

6557

1850

1

20175

22150

21702

18450

20333

18600

21689

9010

18746

7427

20132

18554

19988

6213

20145

5929

18305

20129

18733

18612

18410

1862118641

18661

4960

20185

6716

4923

5010

49505040

21643

18530

21621

18510

18401

2168421732

21911

18107

19934

21036

21311

19505

19619

19540

2003020010

18733

19944

19918

19803

19508

20050

19954

18702

20735

18716

1873018722

19922

19912

21433

1872018726

19763

19842

19800

6290

PICKERAL LAKE

BURNS LAKE

BASS LAKE

MUD LAKE

GOOSE LAKE

EAST TWIN LAKE

PINNAKER LAKE

NORRIS LAKE

BENJAMIN LAKE

BEAR LAKE

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMEDUNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

UNNAMED

7500

N

0 0.5 1 1.5 20.25Mile

Sources: City of Nowthen, Anoka County,MN DNR, HAA & TPC

Ordinance #38, adpoted October 13, 2011Revised Shoreland Overlay District February 19, 2014

NOTICE: City files must be consultedto verify the zoning classification ofproperty in addition to this map.

K:\cad_eng\PROJECTS\GIS\NT901\2014\NT901-2014 Zoning Map

City of NowthenZoning Map

ZONING (PROPOSED)

TPCRRA - Rural Residential Agriculture (19,861 acres / 94.03%)

Shoreland Overlay DistrictROS - Residential Open Space (484 acres / 2.30%)

C-1 - Commercial District (371 acres / 1.76%)

CON - Conservancy District (156 acres / 0.74%)I-1 - Industrial District (251 acres / 1.19%)

IMPLEMENTATION


Nowthen’s official controls are required by State Statute 473.865 to be consistent with the 2040 Land Use Plan. Following adoption of the 2019 Nowthen Comprehensive Plan update, an update of the Zoning Ordinance and/or Subdivision Ordinance will be initiated to implement the following recommendations:

1. Develop standards for the planned ROS, Residential Open Space District which emphasizes quality homes with upgraded architectural features with parks and neighborhood amenities to compliment the smaller (2.0 acre) lot sizes and provide opportunity for further subdivision if public services should become available.

2. The City may consider establishment of a new zoning district to allow for rural cluster

development intended to provide for the permanent protection of open space, natural resources, encourage a more efficient land use pattern with a distinct land use pattern. If established, this zoning district would only be applied within the Permanent Rural area upon approval of a specific development application to allow the City the greatest discretion in reviewing proposed projects. The goal in establishing a new rural cluster zoning district would be to provide greater direction and standards for the development of cluster subdivisions

3. The City will review and update as it determines appropriate development standards

applicable within the C-1 and I-1 Districts including, but not limited to, allowed uses, minimum building and site improvement requirements, screening requirements, signs allowances, etc.

4. The City will review and update as it determines appropriate current allowances for

home occupations and extended home occupations to ensure protection of land use compatibility.

5. The City is required to administer shoreland, wetland and floodplain protection

standards as part of the Zoning Ordinance.

6. Adopt standards regulating allowance of Wind Energy Conservation Systems (WECS).

INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS Development in Nowthen relies exclusively on individual and community sewage treatment for wastewater disposal and there are currently 1,500+ systems within the City. Individual sewage treatment is anticipated to be permanent within most of the City. There is one common system serving Morton Farm Preserve with 20 single family dwellings, which is monitored and maintained by Connexus.

IMPLEMENTATION


Individual sewage treatment system permitting, inspection, and maintenance administration in Nowthen is a City responsibility. All individuals performing site evaluation, installation, inspection, and pumping/cleaning of individual sewage treatment systems must be licensed and maintain certification by the MPCA to perform such work. The owner of each individual sewage treatment system is responsible for properly maintaining their system. The City maintains a septic tank pumping tracking system, issuing permits to State licensed pumpers and notifying system owners when it has been three years since their septic tanks were last inspected or pumped. If a property owner fails to properly maintain their septic system, the City continues to remind them. The City maintains a record of septic tank maintenance and uses this information to decide if a compliance inspection is needed if and when the property owner applies for certain types of permits. Maintenance records are also available at the County for review by prospective buyers of properties. Failure to properly maintain a septic tank can lead to system discharge or backup. The County requires failing systems to be corrected within ten months in accordance with State laws.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Capital improvement planning is the process of identifying prioritizing and scheduling capital needs as a long-range spending plan related to an ability to fund improvements. This program is a critical tool for cities to anticipate its needs before issues arise. Nowthen has an adopted Capital Improvement Plan for streets through the year 2017. Development of an expanded capital improvement program as part of the City’s annual budgeting process is a priority. Other finance and budget related programs to be implemented include:

1. Maintain public facilities proactively to avoid eventual disrepair or breakdown. 2. Pursue intergovernmental cooperation for sharing public services and facilities, to

avoid duplication and economize on City investments. 3. Pursue available county, state and/or federal grants and aids to facilitate City

improvements and programs. 4. Require all needed infrastructure costs be borne by the development creating the

demand.

APPENDIX A


2009 LOCAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN The Local Water Plan is an integral part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The City will replace it with an updated version after the URRWMO adopts a plan and the City updates their plan to conform with the watershed plan. THIS STUDY IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM THE CITY OFFICES

APPENDIX B


2011 NOWTHEN PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN This plans aims to provide park and recreation opportunities for residents of all ages and to all areas of Nowthen and link all parts of the City internally as well as to neighboring communities by a safe and convenient multi-use trail system.

THIS STUDY IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM THE CITY OFFICES

APPENDIX C


2013 VIKING BOULEVARD TRANSPORTATION (FRONTAGE ROAD) PLAN Viking Boulevard (C.S.A.H. 22) is a major transportation corridor in the City of Nowthen and moderate development has occurred adjacent to the Viking Boulevard corridor. In June of 2012, Anoka County completed the Northern Anoka County Rum River Crossing Study (“the study”). Although the primary focus of “the study” was to determine whether or not an additional Rum River crossing is needed in the northern portion of Anoka County, the study process included traffic forecasting and an access management vision for the CSAH 22 corridor. Per “the study” CSAH 22 is currently classified as an A-Minor Arterial Connector whose function is to connect major trip generators and rural growth centers. The current traffic volumes on Viking Boulevard are approximately 6,000 to 8,500 vehicles per day. Although the roadway operates at acceptable levels currently, traffic volumes are predicted to increase to 10,000 to 14,500 vehicles per day by the year 2030. The planning capacity for CSAH 22 is approximately 15,000 vehicles per day, therefore the roadway is anticipated to be nearing congestion by the year 2030. Without proper planning, development will restrict future access to properties and the viability of commercial and industrial areas when traffic volumes increase and Viking Boulevard expands into a divided highway. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the land use patterns, identify the issues and opportunities, and to develop a plan that provides for an integrated transportation system that is related to the land use patterns within the corridor. Focus of the study revolved around the two main intersections with Viking Boulevard at Highway 47 and Nowthen Boulevard. The Comprehensive Plan shows existing and future commercial and industrial land uses at these intersections to which the establishment of frontage roads was the foremost intent. THIS STUDY IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM THE CITY OFFICES.

Documents

The Planning Company LLC Hakanson Anderson Associates