HomeMy WebLinkAbout2040 Chapter 03 - Land Use
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 13
CHAPTER 3, LAND USE
3.1 Introduction
The purpose of the Land Use element is to define future development and redevelopment
opportunities in the City. The section begins with a discussion of population, existing land
use, and vacant land within the City, followed by a discussion of the growth projections
and planned future land use.
1.Maintain and improve physical community character and identity
a.Improve community appearance and promote a stronger tax base by maintenance,
enforcement and regular review of development and performance standards to accomplish
high aesthetics and ensure durable, quality development.
b.Achieve compatible relationships between different types of land uses by utilizing design
standards, appropriate buffers, land use transitions and high-quality design.
2.Maintain a choice of and encourage development of quality residential environments.
a.Maintain a variety of residential densities (dwelling units per acre).
b.Ensure that public services and on-site improvements are completed at the time of residential
development.
c.Create and enhance neighborhoods that provide parks and open spaces, public access to
natural amenities located on and adjacent to the site, and pedestrian linkages throughout and
among adjacent neighborhoods.
d.Allow higher density multiple dwelling housing in areas within close proximity of existing
support services and facilities, and where there is adequate access to collector and arterial
streets.
e.Link neighborhoods to each other, and to parks, schools and commercial centers via local
streets or pedestrian trails.
f.Promote innovative subdivision design and housing products through the use of the planned
unit development process and similar techniques.
3.Continue to actively pursue redevelopment.
a.Review zoning ordinances to evaluate infill development policies to incorporate compatibility
standards for new construction and redevelopment within existing neighborhoods.
4.Continue to enforce protection standards as required by state statutes for historic sites, solar
access protection, aggregate resources, earth sheltered buildings, and wind powered generators
through city ordinances and policies.
a.Development shall be conducted in a manner that is sensitive to the impact upon natural
features and to environmental constraints, including but not limited to surface water, wetlands,
slopes, woodlands, vegetation, drainage ways, shoreland, and flood plain areas.
5.Define the City's ultimate boundaries and develop a plan for establishing those boundaries.
a.Work with surrounding cities, townships and the County to collaboratively address urban
LAND USE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 14
A. Forecasts
The City of Prior Lake has seen large and steady growth for the past decades. Part of this
growth can be attributed to the available supply of land. The chart below indicates the
number of building permits issued for new housing units between 2000 and 2016.
Housing development was strong through 2000 and 2006, with permits for 2,961 housing
units. Most of the new construction in these years was single family detached dwellings,
although there were a significant number of attached single family and multifamily units
built. New construction stalled during the recession years but has begun to increase again
since 2013.
By 2016, the estimated population in Prior Lake was 25,520, with 9,291 households.
Historically, development in the City has been predominately residential, and this trend
will likely continue. This development pattern not only impacts the physical resources and
defines the character, but also directly contributes to the population.
Past and projected City population, households, and employment are:
Table 3.1 – Forecasted Population, Housing, & Employment1
2010
(US Census)
2016
(Estimate)
2020
(Forecast)
2030
(Forecast)
2040
(Forecast)
Population 22,796 25,520 27,500 32,500 37,600
Households 8,210 9,291 10,500 12,600 14,700
Employment 3,766 8,1332 5,000 7,000 8,100
Source: Metropolitan Council
1Population and household estimates and forecasts do not include SMSC property (fee and trust).
22016 employment estimate includes SMSC employees
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Building Permits by Type, 2000-2016
Single Detached Single Attached Multifamily
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 15
B. Existing Land Use
Table 3.2 below identifies the acreage designated to each of the existing land uses shown
in Figure 3.1.
Table 3.2 – Existing Land Use
Category Acres Percentage
Agricultural 1,623.85 13.05%
Commercial 150.88 1.21%
Industrial 100.96 0.81%
Institutional 21.49 0.17%
Multifamily 454.90 3.66%
Open Water 2,472.00 19.87%
Park, Recreational, or Preserve 1,230.58 9.89%
Public/Semi-Public 314.53 2.53%
PUD 6.64 0.05%
R-O-W 1,263.00 10.15%
Single Family Attached 23.07 0.19%
Single Family Detached 2,896.38 23.28%
SMSC 1,107.62 8.90%
Undeveloped 777.24 6.25%
Total 12,443.14 100.00%
The lakes and other open water, while not a land use, cover nearly 20% of the City’s area.
Residential uses are the most predominant land use in Prior Lake, encompassing more
than 27% of the land area.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) owns or controls more than
1,100 acres of land in the City limits. In previous Comprehensive Plans, the SMSC
property within Prior Lake was considered part of the City. This property is not included in
the analysis of the population, household, or employment forecasts, or density calculation.
In 2004, the City entered into an orderly annexation agreement (OAA) with Spring Lake
Township that will eventually add approximately 3,000 acres to the City. Much of this land
is vacant or agricultural land, however there are some existing single-family residential
lots. Other constraints within the area included wetlands and lakes.
The orderly annexation agreement between Spring Lake Township and the City of Prior
Lake has a termination date of December 31, 2025. The City of Prior Lake and Spring
Lake Township have engaged in good faith negotiations to update and extend the OAA
term beyond 2025 and the City of Prior Lake is confident the OAA will be extended with
similar terms to the current agreement. In the event the OAA cannot be extended, the
City of Prior Lake would consider Annexation by Ordinance for parcels within the current
OAA boundary. The City of Prior Lake would also review and update the 2040
comprehensive plan to reflect any decrease in land area or change in land use within the
annexation area.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 16
Figure 3.1: Existing Land Use Map
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 17
C. Future Land Use
The 2040 Land Use Map (Figure 3.2) shows the desired land use for all property in Prior
Lake. Not all land within the City can be developed. Constraints include wetlands, lakes
and other waterbodies. Additionally, many currently developed parcels are unlikely to be
redeveloped in the near future. However, this plan assumes all land within the Mixed Use
and Town Center designations may be redeveloped in the future. The net developable
land by future land use category is illustrated in Figure 3.3. Table 3.3 summarizes the
planned land uses by category shown on the map.
Table 3.3 - 2040 Future Land Use Characteristics
Category
Gross
Acres
Gross
%
Net
Acres Net %
Rural Density 49.25 0.45% 6.74 0.19%
Urban Low Density 6,748.82 61.56% 2,444.35 69.47%
Urban Medium Density 278.08 2.54% 226.13 6.43%
Urban High Density 221.54 2.02% 61.85 1.76%
Retail/General Business 358.09 3.27% 186.72 5.31%
Town Center 29.41 0.27% 29.41 0.84%
Mixed Use District 8.72 0.08% 8.72 0.25%
Business Office Park 229.68 2.09% 165.09 4.69%
Planned Industrial 554.56 5.06% 383.39 10.90%
Public/Semi-Public 35.9 0..33% 6.29 0.18%
Parks, Recreation and Open Space 900 8.21% 0.00 0.00%
SMSC 1,549.24 14.13% 0.00 0.00%
TOTAL 10,963.29 100.00% 3,518.69 100.00%
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 18
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 19
Figure 3.3: Developable Land by Future Land Use Category
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 20
D. Land Use Categories
1. Residential Development
There are four residential categories identified. The paragraphs below define each
category, along with typical uses, location criteria, density, development requirement,
utilities, and corresponding zoning.
Rural Density Residential (R-RD)
This is a special classification for all land where urban services are unavailable and
are not expected to be available within the planning period.
Typical Uses: Agriculture, single family detached dwellings, limited recreational open
space uses (golf courses, public parks, conservation areas, natural preserves, stables
and riding academies, and the like). Allowable uses for islands include seasonal cabins
and public parks and open space. Private recreational facilities such as a pavilion or
picnic facilities for a homeowner’s association may also be allowed.
Density: 1 unit per 40 acres
Location Criteria: Public sanitary sewer is unavailable, and will not be available within
the 25-year time frame of the Comprehensive Plan
Minimum Requirements for Development: 40 acres and frontage on a public street
Utilities: No public utilities available. The location and design of private waste facilities
will be evaluated by the City on a case-by-case basis. Applicable regulations such as
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Rule 7080 will be administered and enforced for
all on-site treatment systems. Any structure built on an island must contain an
enclosed septic system or incinerator toilet facilities approved by the City.
Corresponding Zoning:
• A (Agricultural)
• R-S (Rural Subdivision Residential) The R-S zoning is only used for preexisting
subdivisions currently served by private individual septic systems.
Urban Low Density Residential (R-LD)
This classification provides for a range of lower density housing opportunities. Single
family detached homes at the lowest of the urban densities are typical uses. Lower
densities are often required to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas.
Single family attached dwellings in cluster developments may be allowed as
conditional uses or as planned unit developments, subject to the same densities as
single family detached dwellings.
Typical Uses: Single family detached dwellings, other dwelling designs by conditional
use permit and Planned Unit Developments, schools, churches, recreational open
space, parks, and play grounds with public utilities, and public buildings.
Density: 2.5 to 3.9 units per acre. Mixed use developments with higher density and a
mix of housing styles may be realized in Planned Unit Developments.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 21
Location Criteria: Areas with variable terrain, environmentally sensitive areas, such as
the Shoreland District, bounded but not penetrated by major streets, buffered from
commercial, industrial and high activity areas, and served by neighborhood parks and
schools.
Minimum Requirements for Development:
• Public street frontage is required for all development. Alternate access may be
approved by the City for a Planned Unit Development or similar arrangement.
• Planned Unit Developments within this designation should be 10 acres in order
to provide for the open space and mix of housing styles at higher densities
Utilities: All City utilities required. Utilities must be adjacent to or under contract for
construction for land to be classified R-LD.
Corresponding Zoning:
• R-1 (Low Density Residential)
• Planned Unit Developments to implement the range of allowable densities
Urban Medium Density Residential (R-MD)
This classification provides for a broader range of medium density housing
opportunities. Single family detached homes on smaller lots, single family attached
homes, cluster developments and planned unit developments, are typical of this
category.
Typical Uses: Single family detached dwellings on smaller lots, single family attached
dwellings, other dwelling designs by conditional permit and Planned Unit
Developments, schools, churches, recreational open space, parks, and playgrounds
with public utilities, and public buildings.
Density: 4.0 to 7.9 units per acre. Mixed use developments with higher density and a
mix of housing styles may be realized in Planned Unit Development.
Location Criteria:
• Areas having level to rolling terrain
• Outside of environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Shoreland District
• Good access to collector or higher order streets
• Proximity to commercial and employment centers
• Access to transit centers
• Proximity to regional and community parks
• Provide a transitional area between low density and commercial, industrial and
high activity areas.
Minimum Requirements for Development:
• Public street frontage is required for all development. Alternate access may be
approved by the City for a Planned Unit Development or similar arrangement.
• Planned Unit Developments within this designation should be a minimum of 10
acres to provide for the open space and mix of housing styles at higher
densities
Utilities: All City utilities required. Utilities must be adjacent to or under contract for
construction for land to be classified R-MD.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 22
Corresponding Zoning:
• R-2 (Medium Density Residential)
• Planned Unit Developments to implement the range of allowable densities
Urban High Density Residential (R-HD)
This classification is characterized by dwellings other than single family detached
houses at higher residential densities. The dominant construction form is attached
homes and multifamily buildings; single family detached houses may be allowed in a
Planned Unit Development. This classification is intended to provide an opportunity to
create population centers and to accommodate the demand for affordable housing
located near community activity areas.
There are two levels of the R-HD classification: R-HDL and R-HDH. The difference
between the two classifications is the scale of development. R-HDL is intended for a
lower intensity style development, typically characterized by one- to two-story
multifamily buildings. R-HDH, on the other hand, is a higher intensity development
consisting of three-story or larger buildings. This classification provides for a broader
range of high-density housing opportunities.
The majority (80%) of the R-HD designation will be developed as R-HDL, while 20%
of the area will be developed as R-HDH.
Typical Uses:
• R-HDL - Townhouses, one- to two-story multifamily buildings. Other designs,
by conditional use permit and/or Planned Unit Development.
• R-HDH - Three or more story multifamily buildings
Density:
• R-HDL – 8.0 to 29.9 units per acre
• R-HDH – 30.0 to 50.0 units per acre or greater
• Developments with higher density and those with a mix of housing styles will
primarily be realized in Planned Unit Developments.
Location Criteria – R-HDL:
• Areas having level to rolling terrain
• Outside of environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Shoreland District
• Good access to collector or higher order streets
• Proximity to commercial and employment centers
• Access to transit centers
• Proximity to regional and community parks
• Provide a transitional area between low density and commercial, industrial and
high activity areas.
Location Criteria – R-HDH:
• Areas having level to rolling terrain
• Outside of environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Shoreland District
• Directly adjacent to principal arterial streets with access from collector or higher
order streets
• Proximity to commercial and employment centers
• Access to transit centers
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 23
• Proximity to regional and community parks
• Provide a transitional area between low density and commercial, industrial and
high activity areas.
Minimum Requirements for Development:
• Public street frontage is required for all development. Alternate access may be
approved by the City for a Planned Unit Development or similar arrangement.
• Planned Unit Developments within this designation should be a minimum of 10
acres to provide for the open space and mix of housing styles at higher
densities.
Utilities: All City utilities required. Utilities must be adjacent to or under contract for
construction for land to be classified R-HD.
Corresponding Zoning:
• R-3 (High Density Residential)
• Planned Unit Developments needed to implement the range of allowable
densities and to express the intent of the Comprehensive Plan for this
classification
2. Commercial Development
The Commercial classification provides for a variety of business uses to meet
shopping, professional and personal service, and entertainment needs; the
commercial enterprises also provide employment opportunities. The paragraphs
below define the typical uses, location criteria, density, development requirement,
utilities, and corresponding zoning.
The Scott County Commercial and Industrial Demand Analysis, completed in 2016,
identified a need for approximately 101 acres of retail and office land. This plan
accommodates that, plus more.
Retail General Business (C-RGB)
This classification is characterized by a wide range of commercial, recreation, and
entertainment uses whose trade area is the community and, under certain conditions,
the region. The category envisions both neighborhood centers and centers of a larger
scale serving a broader area. C-RGB areas may be proximate to residential
development, but through design and appropriate limitations on the type and intensity
of uses, feature effective transition to residential areas. Extra care must be exercised
in the evaluation of locational criteria, transition design, and the effectiveness of
buffering.
Typical Uses:
• Community and regional retail and service centers
• Sales of motor vehicles, marine craft, building supplies, lawn and garden
materials
• Theaters, clubs, and private recreation centers
• Hotels and motels
• Restaurants, including those with drive-through facilities
• Fuel dispensing and the sale of petroleum products;
• Accessory and related uses that are clearly incidental to the primary use.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 24
Intensity (Floor Area Ratio): 0.5
Location Criteria:
• Buffering and screening of activity areas from residences required
• Should be at the intersection of streets classified as at least collectors
• Higher intensity uses should be near arterial access points, especially
intersections of arterial and/or major collector streets
• High level of transition to all proximate residential land and development
• Adjoining or very near existing or planned commercial or industrial areas
• Regional center access limited to frontage roads or to internal common parking
and driving areas.
Minimum Requirements for Development:
• Public street frontage is required for all development. Alternate access may be
approved by the City for a Planned Unit Development or similar arrangement.
• Planned Unit Developments within this designation should be a minimum of 10
acres to provide for the open space and mix of housing styles at higher
densities
Utilities: All City utilities required. Utilities must be adjacent to or under contract for
construction for land to be classified C-RGB.
Corresponding Zoning:
• C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial)
• C-2 (General Business)
• Planned Unit Developments to implement the range of allowable densities
3. Downtown Development
The original village of Prior Lake was approximately one square mile. This area is now
historically recognized as downtown Prior Lake, and includes a mix of commercial,
residential and civic uses. There are two classifications providing for a mix of uses
typically found in a downtown area. The paragraphs below define each category, along
with typical uses, location criteria, density, development requirement, utilities, and
corresponding zoning.
Town Center (TC)
This classification is special designation for the historical and recognized Town Center
which has retained attributes of a “downtown”, despite relocation by some original
commercial uses. The classification strives to balance the civic center and
contemporary commercial features with new cultural-focused institutions and
enterprises, and redevelopment potential of retail and service uses.
The Town Center may be characterized as a service hub with limited retail shopping
convenience; pedestrian circulation within as well as to the area will be a distinguishing
feature. Suburban vehicular access can be supported by effectively integrating
peripheral and on-street parking. Limited residential uses can be integrated with the
commercial and service environment.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 25
Typical Uses:
• Uses intended to accommodate and promote the commercial, residential,
educational, cultural and governmental uses.
• The focus is on urban and civic design, pedestrian circulation and the creative
reuse of existing buildings.
Density:
• Approximately 33% of the redevelopment in the TC is expected to be
residential
• 30- 50 units per acre
Intensity (Floor Area Ratio): 0.5 minimum
Location Criteria: The TC designation has very distinct boundaries based on current
road alignments, geographical features and existing development. Generally, the TC
designation is bounded by TH 13 on the east, Lakefront Park on the north, Pleasant
Street in the south, and West Avenue and Duluth Avenue on the west. The specific
boundaries are identified on the Future Land Use map. Other characteristics include:
• The Town Center is the recognized civic, commercial, and cultural entity.
• Retail uses are expected to be relatively specialized and even unique and
should easily mix with services uses and cultural places, rather than serve as
the foundation of another shopping node.
Minimum Requirements for Development:
• Uses and structural designs shall reinforce the role of the Town Center as the
community focus of government, culture and social interaction. The specific
design requirements are defined in the Zoning Ordinance.
Utilities: All City utilities required.
Corresponding Zoning:
• TC (Town Center)
Mixed Use (MU)
This classification is a special designation for the fringe area of the historical and
recognized Town Center. The designation replaces the Transitional Town Center
designation in the previous plan. The Mixed-Use designation reflects the existing uses
in the area, while also providing flexibility for future redevelopment options.
The establishment of the Mixed-Use designation serves two purposes. It provides an
eclectic range of land uses, promoting both residential and commercial
redevelopment. Existing single-family homes in the area will continue to be permitted
uses, thus allowing property owners opportunities for reinvestment and maintenance
of their homes.
Typical Uses:
• Single family homes and other residential uses
• Commercial uses
• Existing uses may continue. Redevelopment within this area is intended to
accommodate and promote the commercial, residential, educational, cultural
and governmental uses.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 26
Density:
• Approximately 75% of the redevelopment in the MU is expected to be
residential
• 30-50 units per acre
Intensity (Floor Area Ratio): 0.5 minimum
Location Criteria: The MU designation has very distinct boundaries based on the
existing TC designation and the ultimate MU designation. Ultimately, the MU
designation is bounded by TH 13 on the east, Colorado Street on the north, Pleasant
Street on the south and Duluth Avenue on the west. The specific boundaries are
identified on the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map.
Minimum Requirements for Development:
• Uses and structural designs shall reinforce the role of the Mixed-Use District
as a center for residential, commercial and social interaction. The specific
design requirements are defined in the Zoning Ordinance.
Utilities: All City utilities required.
Corresponding Zoning:
• T-TC (Transitional Town Center)
• The current Zoning Ordinance will be updated to provide a specific district and
use regulations for this new category.
4. Industrial Development Classification
Planning for industrial development is best achieved through adoption of objectives,
design criteria, and use standards that are based upon performance. Factors such as
appearance, noise, smoke, fumes, fire hazard, and light are regulated at various levels
of government to the point where most industries can qualify in the same high
performance and compliance category. Some uses involve activities such as outdoor
production and storage of hazardous materials; these must be more rigorously
regulated or prohibited.
Diverse industries are needed in a complex metropolitan area to provide the products,
services, and employment necessary to sustain all types of development. The
Commercial – Business and Office Park and the Planned Industrial classifications are
designed to be responsive to the community and area needs.
The Industrial Development description includes the purpose; development location
criteria; maximum building coverage; minimum requirements for development; utility
availability; typical uses; and the corresponding zoning district.
Commercial – Business and Office Park (C-BO)
This classification is characterized by high-amenity developments with a low traffic
generation rate and a site utilization that is compatible with natural features. Office
parks can serve small professional services in a group setting whereas such uses
might otherwise be in retail centers or in scattered freestanding buildings. The high
design standard should ensure compatibility with high density housing and the
potential for shared parking, open space, convenient housing and service, and
reduction of traffic generation onto public streets.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 27
Primary uses are corporate headquarters; and professional and administrative offices;
and limited research, development and manufacturing facilities. Related secondary
uses such as restaurants where food is ordered and consumed on the premises,
hotels, and other businesses having limited contact with the general public and no
retail sale of products could be allowed as conditional uses.
Typical Uses:
• High amenity facilities for professional administrative, executive, medical,
research (exclusive of heavy manufacturing and distribution), and other offices
without merchandising.
• Retail should be allowed only as an accessory use when it is clearly incidental
to the primary use.
Intensity (Floor Area Ratio): 0.5
Location Criteria: The C-BO designation is generally located within areas meeting the
following criteria:
• High level of transition to residential land and development.
• Near arterial access points, such as intersections of arterial and/or major
collector streets.
• High amenity features which are very conducive to “gateway” recognition.
• Adjoining or very near existing or planned industrial or multi-residential areas.
• May develop in conjunction with major commercial centers.
Minimum Requirements for Development:
• C-BO developments are intended to provide a concentration of office and light
industrial uses.
• Although the minimum lot size is 1 acre, the total area designated for C-BO
uses should be at least 10 acres.
Utilities: All City utilities required.
Corresponding Zoning:
• C-3 (Business Park)
Planned Industrial (I-PI)
This classification is characterized by developments in Industrial Parks with high
standards for design and performance. Planned Industrial Parks allow uses such as
the indoor manufacturing production, processing, storage, and distribution of materials
and products. Development in planned centers or complexes in separate areas of the
community allows for the distribution of peak period traffic, efficient access, effective
distribution of public utilities, and sound use of land suited for industry. The character
of the Planned Industrial centers should be kept free of unrelated commercial uses
oriented to the public. Certain limited accessory and compatible commercial uses,
listed in the Zoning Ordinance, may be allowed by conditional use permit; these should
clearly serve persons who work in the district. Although closely related, it is not the
purpose of this category to duplicate or conflict with the Business and Office Park (C-
BO) classification.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 28
Typical Uses:
• Manufacturing production, processing, clearing, storage, assembly, servicing,
repair, testing, or distribution of materials, goods, or products that is wholly
contained within a building and which meets and maintains all applicable
environmental standards established by governmental authority.
• High amenity facilities for professional administrative, executive, medical,
research (exclusive of heavy manufacturing and distribution), and other offices
without merchandising.
Intensity (Floor Area Ratio): 1.0
Location Criteria: The I-PI designation will generally meet the following characteristics:
• Provide direct access to arterial streets via major collector streets or service
drives
• The land is appropriate and reasonably adaptable to site development without
severe earthwork or removal of stands of long-lived trees
• Near other intensive land uses (commercial centers and high density multi-
residential developments)
• Near existing or planned mass transit routes.
Minimum Requirements for Development:
• A minimum site area of 10 acres should be maintained; however, projects may
contain 1-acre sites.
Utilities: All City utilities required.
Corresponding Zoning:
• I-1 (General Industrial)
5. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (R-OS)
The Prior Lake Park and Trail System Plan is designed to provide a comprehensive
and interrelated network of parks, trails, and natural resource areas for public use. The
character of the community, personal conveniences, recreation opportunity, physical
environment, extent of open space, and personal living space are important to one’s
perception of the quality of life in a city. Parks and natural open spaces are intrinsically
tied to one’s perception of a quality living environment. The park and trail system plan
outlined here seeks to achieve this end.
This land use category is discussed in detail in the Parks and Trails Chapter.
6. Public/Semi-Public (P-SP)
The purpose of this district is to accommodate future or existing land uses dedicated
to permanent open space, large storm water management ponds, or other uses that
are not classified in other districts and are used to benefit the public. Other uses
include land owned by Scott County for right-of-way purposes and utility substations.
This district allows the city to identify lands intended for use to benefit the public not
guided for development.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 29
7. SMSC Trust Land
This category includes all lands owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux
Community. Although identified on the Future Land Use map, these areas are not
included as part of the analysis.
8. Lakes
The City of Prior Lake includes several water bodies classified as public lakes by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The lakes identified on the plan are:
• Prior Lake (Upper and Lower)
• Spring Lake
• Howard Lake
• Mystic Lake
• Haas Lake
• Jeffers Pond
• Pike Lake
• Markley Lake
• Blind Lake
• Crystal Lake
• Rice Lake
• Campbell Lake
• Spring Lake
E. Density Calculations
Based on the future land use plan and land use calculations, residential and commercial
land use requirements have been calculated to help Prior Lake plan for and meet
Metropolitan Council projections for population, households, and employment.
1. Residential
The 2040 population and household projections indicate an additional 5,409 housing
units by 2040. Based on previous development patterns and available land, it is
anticipated development will occur in the following percentages in each respective
land use district.
Table 3.4 – Planned Land Use Characteristics
Land Use Percent of Anticipated Housing Units
Urban Low Density Residential 70%
Urban Medium Density Residential 15%
Urban High Density Residential
R-HDL
R-HDL
5%
5%
Mixed Use 3%
Town Center 2%
The calculations in Table 3.5 show the number of acres needed to accommodate all
needed housing units in each land use category. These density calculations are based
on the net developable acres as illustrated in Figure 3.3. Residential development is
anticipated to take place in all residential zoning districts in an orderly manner
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 30
consistent with the staging plan. Actual acreage needed to accommodate future
households and their locations will be influenced by market forces.
Table 3.5 – Density Calculations
Land Use
Category
Density (units/acre) Desired
Distribution
Number of
Households
Acres
Needed
Net
Developable
Acres Minimum
Value
Maximum
Value
Rural
Residential 1 unit/40 acres 0% 0 0 6.54
Urban Low
Density
Residential
2.5 3.9 70% 3,786 1,515 2,444.35
Urban
Medium
Density
Residential
4.0 7.9 15% 811 203 226.13
Urban High
Density
Residential
R-HDL
R-HDR
8.0
30.0
29.9
50
5%
5%
270
270
34
9
49.48
12.37
Mixed Use 30.0 50 3% 162 5 6.54
Town Center 30.0 50 2% 108 4 9.71
TOTAL 100% 5,409 1,769 2,755.32
AVERAGE
NET
DENSITY
3.06 units/acre
The calculations above indicate the City has more than enough developable acres planned for
residential uses to accommodate the forecasted growth. The average net density of 3.06 units
per acre is consistent with the Emerging Suburban Edge community designation.
2. Commercial
To meet forecasted 2040 employment projections, the City of Prior Lake will need to
add 3,100 jobs by 2040. Table 3.6 identifies the potential number of new jobs, based
on developable acres in the commercial and industrial land use categories.
Table 3.6 – Commercial/Industrial Density Calculations
Land Use
Category FAR1
Developable
Acres (based on
FAR)
Developable
SF
Potential Number of Jobs
Minimum Maximum
Retail General
Business 0.28 52.28 2,277,387 911 4,096
Mixed Use 0.28 0.61 26,589 11 48
Town Center 0.28 5.52 240,334 96 432
Business
Office Park 0.28 46.23 2,013,570 805 3,622
Planning
Industrial 0.28 107.35 4,676,131 3,117 7,794
Total 0.28 211.99 9,234,011 4,940 15,992
1 Based on average Floor Area Ratio identified in the Scott County Commercial and Industrial Study
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 31
These calculations indicate the City has more than enough land planned for
commercial and industrial uses to accommodate the forecasted employment by 2040.
Actual acreage needed to accommodate jobs will greatly depend on the types of new
or expanding businesses. These calculations also do not include remote
telecommuting, home occupations, or other less traditional employment bases.
F. Staged Development or Redevelopment
The Metropolitan Council has designated Prior Lake as an Emerging Suburban Edge. The
Emerging Suburban Edge designation indicates the City of Prior Lake exists currently as
a connection between suburban and city amenities and the rural areas either beyond or
around the City. Development patterns within these areas are reflected within the City of
Prior Lake: low-density single-family neighborhoods with a downtown core service area.
Often municipalities with this designation have more than one designation either ranging
towards urban or rural. Prior Lake is designated entirely as Emerging Suburban Edge and
as such has more usable land developed than many areas that share this designation. As
an Emerging Suburban Edge community, Prior Lake has planned for development at
overall net densities of 3 to 5 dwelling units per acre. As seen above in Table 3.2,
approximately 21% of the Prior Lake is open water, 12% is under the jurisdiction of SMSC,
leaving approximately 67% of the gross acres for potential development. Approximately
6% of the land currently within the City limits remains undeveloped. The City does have
an orderly annexation agreement with an adjacent township to allow additional
development. The staging plan assumes the entire Town Center and Mixed Use land
designations are available for redevelopment. As noted in the Land Use designation
description, the 33% of the Town Center designation is expected to be residential, with
the remaining 66% commercial. Seventy-five percent of the Mixed Use designation is
expected to be residential, with the remaining 25% commercial.
The goal of the Staging Plan is to manage growth and guide the orderly and cost-effective
provision of infrastructure, at the same time responding appropriately to market conditions.
The plan indicates the sequence of growth and anticipated timing. Table 3.7 shows the
approximate number of existing housing units and developed acres in each future land
use category. Also shown are the number of planned housing units or jobs and the
maximum acreage needed to accommodate those units or jobs within each decade.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 32
Table 3.7 – Future Land Use Units/Jobs/Acres
Land Use Density (units/acre) Total
Developable
Acres
Area 1
2017-2020
Area 2
2021-2030
Area 3
2031-2040
Area 4
Post 2040
Residential Minimum Maximum Acres Units Acres Units Acres Units Acres Units
Rural Residential 0.025 (1/40) 6.74 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Urban Low
Density
Residential
2.5 3.9 2,444.35 365.55 914 620.79 1552 604.81 1512 853.20 2133
Urban Medium
Density
Residential
4 7.9 226.13 54.13 217 135.18 541 30.00 120 6.82 27
Urban High
Density
Residential
R-HDL 8 29.9 49.48 21.71 174 20.00 160 7.77 62 0.00 0
R-HDH 30 50 12.37 5.43 163 4.00 120 2.94 88 0.00 0
Mixed Use 30 50 6.54 0.00 0 6.54 196 0.00 0 0.00 0
Town Center 30 50 9.71 0.00 0 9.71 291 0.00 0 0.00 0
Non-Residential Employment/Acre Total
Developable
Acres
Acres Jobs Acres Jobs Acres Jobs Acres Jobs Minimum Maximum
Retail General
Business 5 22 186.72 33.04 443 136.57 1833 17.11 230 0.00 0
Mixed Use 5 22 2.18 1.00 13 1.18 16 0.00 0 0.00 0
Town Center 5 22 19.70 7.00 94 7.00 94 5.70 76 0.00 0
Business Office
Park 5 22 165.09 150.00 2013 10.00 134 5.09 68 0.00 0
Planned
Industrial 8 20 383.39 0.00 0 344.28 4903 0.13 2 38.98 555
The City will assess market conditions and land capacity to determine when the next
staging area will be opened for development. The staging plan cannot force development
to occur but can be used as a tool to guide development appropriately.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 33
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 34
G. Special Resource Protection
Natural resources are beneficial to the social, environmental, and economic vitality of a
community. To ensure their quality and benefits, it is essential to plan and manage natural
resources and areas as we do residential and commercial areas.
1. Tree Preservation
Goal 4a of the Land Use Goals and Objectives states “Development shall be
conducted in a manner that is sensitive to the impact upon natural features and to
environmental constraints, including but not limited to surface water, wetlands, slopes,
woodlands, vegetation, drainage ways, shorelands, and flood plain areas.” To
implement this goal the City has adopted tree preservation and replacement
requirements as part of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Prevention of Premature Development
The City has adopted language in the subdivision ordinance dealing with premature
subdivisions, consistent with the requirements for an undesignated MUSA reserve.
The adopted language defines the conditions that determine whether a subdivision is
premature.
3. Mineral Extraction
There are very few gravel deposits of significant commercial potential within the City;
however, the Zoning Ordinance allows mining and excavation as a temporary use with
approval of a conditional use permit.
4. Historic Natural Resource Areas
The natural resource areas of greatest historical significance are Prior Lake and Spring
Lake. Currently, the City enforces both Shoreland and Floodplain management
ordinances which regulate development not only near Prior Lake and Spring Lake, but
within 1,000 feet of any lake within the City. In addition, the water resources chapter
of this plan contains several policies and recommended actions that will act to
minimize adverse impacts on these two major water bodies, as well as smaller ponds
and wetlands within the City.
5. Solar Access
The Metropolitan Land Planning Act (Minnesota Statues 473.859, Subd. 2) requires
local comprehensive plans to include for the protection and development of access to
direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
According to the Metropolitan Council, Prior Lake has the solar potential:
Source: Metropolitan Council
These calculations assume a 10% conversion efficiency and current (2016/17) solar
technologies. The average home in Minnesota consumes between 9 and 10 Mwh/year
Solar Resource Calculations
Gross Potential
(Mwh/yr)
Rooftop Potential
(Mwh/yr)
Gross Generation
Potential (Mwh/yr)
Rooftop Generation
Potential (Mwh/yr)
23,926,238 1,257,582 2,392,623 125,758
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 35
(Solar Energy Industries Association; US Energy Information Administration). Using
only Prior Lake’s rooftop generation potential, between 12,575 and 13,973 homes
could be powered by solar energy annually.
These numbers should be interpreted as a baseline; on average, communities would
be able to expect between 30% and 60% of total energy used to be able to be
generated by solar rooftops. The rooftop potential estimated here does not consider
ownership, financial barriers, or building-specific structural limitations. Solar potential
in the City of Prior Lake is displayed in Figure 3.5.
The City of Prior Lake shall continue to consider the impacts on solar access for all
new development within the City.
City of Prior Lake Land Use
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 36
Figure 3.5: Gross Solar Potential