HomeMy WebLinkAbout3E - Agricultural Preserve Regulations
"CP03C1"
CONSENT AGENDA:
PREPARED BY:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
INTRODUCTION:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN IMPACT:
(e)
DEB GARROSS, ASSISTANT CITY PLANNER
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 93-32 AND
ORDINANCE 93-12 ADOPTING AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE
REGULATIONS.
MAY 17, 1993
On May 6, 1993 the Planning commission held a
public hearing to consider a minor amendment
to the Year 2000 Comprehensive Plan and an
amendment to Prior Lake zoning Ordinance 83-6.
The purpose of the public hearing was to
incorporate an Agricultural Preserve policy
and land use designations into the
Comprehensive Plan and to subsequently amend
the zoning Ordinance to add minor changes to
implement the Agricultural Preserve Policy.
The city of Prior Lake was notified by the
Metropolitan Council that existing regulations
pertaining to Agricultural Preserve Districts
did not adequately address provisions of MS
Chapter 473H, Metropolitan Agricultural
Preserves Act. The Metropolitan Council
suggested that the City update its
Comprehensive Plan and Zonlng Ordinance to
bring them into compliance with the
Metropolitan Agricultural Preserve Program.
Please see attached Planning Report dated May
6, 1993 for details related to this issue.
The Planning Commission recommends that the
City Council adopt attached Resolution 93-32
establishing a specific policy statement and
map designation for Agricultural Preserve
Districts within Prior Lake. In order to
implement the minor Comprehensive Plan
amendment, the Council should consider
adoption of Ordinance 93-12 which outlines
minor changes to the existing Agricultural
Preserve regulations found in the Zoning
Ordinance.
Adoption of Resolution 93-32 and Ordinance
93-12 will bring the Land Use chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan into compliance with the
4629 Dakota S1. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 I Ph. (612) 447-4230 I Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLDYER
ALTERNATIVES:
RECOMMENDATION:
ACTION REQUIRED:
Metro~olitan Agricultural Preserve Act.
Compl1ance is necessary in order to facilitate
future plan amendments related to the new
river crossing. The policy statement and
zoning Code amendment will specifically
designate A9ricultural Preserve districts as
land areas 1ntended for long-term agricultural
use.
Approve attached Resolution 93-32 and
Ordinance 93-12 amending the
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance
to incorporate Agricultural Preserve
regulations.
2. continue discussion of this item for
further information or study.
1.
3. Deny the amendments. This alternative
may result in delay or denial of future
Comprehensive Plan amendments.
the
the
Plan
upon
Alternative #1, subject to any changes to
Resolution or Ordinance if directed by
Council and approval of the Comprehensive
minor amendment. is contingent
Metropolitan Council approval.
A motion as part of the consent agenda to
approve Resolution 93-22 and Ordinance 93-12.
"RS9332"
RESOLUTION 93-32
RESOLUTION OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A MINOR
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT TO INCORPORATE AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE
POLICY AND LAND USE DESIGNATIONS.
MOTION BY:
SECONDED BY
WHEREAS,
the City of Prior Lake was notified by the
Council that a minor amendment adoptlng a
Agricultural Preserve regulations and
designated as Agricultural Preserve must be
the Land Use Map and;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to
consider an amendment to the Prior Lake Comprehensive
Plan on Thursday, May 6, 1993 and;
Metropolitan
policy for
that lands
indicated on
WHEREAS,
the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council
amend the Year 2000, Comprehensive Land Use Plan to
indicate the location of Agricultural Preserve Districts
and to add Policy 3 as follows:
Policy 3:
To provide protection for long term agricultural
land uses, the City of Prior Lake will implement
the Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Act to
protect and support farming operations. The
Comprehensive Land Use Plan designates lands set
aside for long-term agricultural production as
"Agricultural Preserve." The purpose of the
district is to preserve agriculture as a continuing
land use; to protect prime agricultural lands from
incompatible forms of development such as large-lot
SUbdivisions, which threaten the viability of
commercial farming operations and, to promote
proper environmental and land management practices
that will maintain prime agricultural lands.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR
LAKE, MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does approve the minor
Comprehensive Plan amendment to incorporate the Agricultural
Preserve Policy and Land Use Designations, as described herein,
into the Year 2000 Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447.4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTC;\iITY E.'-IPlDYER
Passed and adopted this 17th day of May, 1993.
Yes
No
Andren
Fitzgerald
Kedrowski
Scott
White
Andren
Fitzgerald
Kedrowski
Scott
White
Frank Boyles
City Manager
City of Prior Lake
{Seal}
"OD9312"
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
ORDINANCE NO. 93-12
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE AND PRIOR LAKE ZONING
ORDINANCE NO. 83-6.
The Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain:
section 5-1-7 Definitions; 5-3-1 Permitted Uses; 5-4-1(N) General
Requirements, of the Prior Lake City Code is hereby amended as
follows:
5-1-7 Definitions:
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE: Land area Created and restricted
according to Minnesota statutes Chapter 473H.05 to
remain in agricultural use. Agricultural use means the
production for sale of livestock, dairy animals, dairy
products, poultry or poultry products, fur bearing
animals, horticultural or nursery stock, fruit,
vegetables, forage, grains, or bees and apiary products.
Wetlands, pasture and woodlands accompanying land in
agricultural use shall be deemed to be in agricultural
use.
5-3-1 Permitted Uses:
PERMITTED USE - A-1, AGRICULTURAL: 12. Agricultural Preserve.
PERMITTED USE - C-1, CONSERVATION: 13. Agricultural Preserve.
5-4-1(N):
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVES: Upon certification by the City Council
that certain lands in the City are planned for long term
agricultural use in the comprehensive Plan, and zoned
A-1 Agricultural and/or C-1 Conservation on the Zoning
Map, owners of said lands may make application for
agricultural preserve status requiring a maximum
residential density at one unit per quarter/quarter
section (average of one dwelling per 40 acres).
Application may be initiated on a form provided by the
city.
A. Minimum Acreage: The minimum acreage is forty (40) acres,
but smaller parcels will be considered eligible under the
following conditions:
1. Noncontiguous parcels at least ten (10) acres in size
and aggregating forty (40) or more acres may be eligible
if they are farmed together as a unit.
2. The minimum acreage requirement may be reduced to
thirty-five (35) acres if the land is located within a
single quarter/quarter section and the amount less than
forty (40) acres is due to a public right-of-way or a
disturbance in the rectangular survey system leaving a
quarter/quarter of less than forty (40) acres.
3. The minimum acreage can be reduced to twenty (20) acres
if it is adjacent to eli9ible land on not less than two
(2) sides and the followlng conditions are met:
a)
The land area predominantly comprises Class I,
III, or irrigated Class IV land according to
Land Capability Classification Systems of the
Conservation Service and the Scott County
Survey; and
II,
the
Soil
Soil
b)
The city Council considers the land to be
essential part of the agricultural region; and
c) The parcel was a parcel of record prior to January
1, 1980; or the land was an agricultural preserve
prior to becoming a separate parcel of at least
twenty (20) acres.
an
4. Contiguous municipally-certified land meeting the total
acreage requirements, but located in an adjoining
munic1pality as well as in Prior Lake so that the
minimum acreage requirement is not met in one or more
jurisdictions, is eligible through joint resolution of
the affected local governments.
B. Duration: An agricultural preserve continues indefinitely
until either the owner or the City initiates expiration,
after which the duration is eight (8) years. A land owner
may initiate expiration by notifyin9 the City on a form
provided. The city may initiate explration by changing the
planning and zoning so that the land is no longer planned for
long-term agricultural use or is rezoned to another use.
(Ord. 84-02)
C. Where there are two or more contiguous quarter/quarter
sections under single ownership, the owner may, by
Conditional Use Permit, cluster the permitted number of
dwelling units in one quarter/quarter section. All lots
created under this provision must meet all of the other
district requirements, including those for setbacks, driveway
spacing and lot area. One of the conditions of approval
shall be the filing and recording of an agreement signed by
all of the affected property owners, relinquishing any right
to a residential buildin9 site on the quarter/quarter section
from which the buildlng site eligibility has been
transferred. (Ord. 90-05)
section 8.1 Definitions; 3.1 Permitted Uses; 4.3 Agricultural
Preserves, of Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance 83-6 is hereby amended
as follows:
8.1 DEFINITIONS:
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE: Land area created and restricted
according to Minnesota statutes Chapter 473H.05 to
remain in agricultural use. Agricultural use means the
production for sale of livestock, dairy animals, dairy
products, poultry or poultry products, fur bearing
animals, horticultural or nursery stock, fruit,
vegetables, forage, grains, or bees and apiary products.
Wetlands, pasture and woodlands accompanying land in
agricultural use shall be deemed to be in agricultural
use.
3.1 PERMITTED USES:
A-1, AGRICULTURAL: 12. Agricultural Preserve.
C-1, CONSERVATION: 13. Agricultural Preserve.
4.3 AGRICULTURAL PRESERVES:
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVES: Upon certification by the City council
that certain lands in the City are planned for long term
agricultural use in the Comprehensive Plan, and zoned
A-1 Agricultural and/or C-1 Conservation on the Zoning
Map, owners of said lands may make application for
agricultural preserve status requiring a maximum
residential density at one unit per quarter/quarter
section (average of one dwelling per 40 acres).
A~plication may be initiated on a form provided by the
Clty.
A. Minimum Acreage: The minimum acreage is forty (40) acres,
but smaller parcels will be considered eligible under the
following conditions:
1. Noncontiguous parcels at least ten (10) acres in size
and aggregating forty (40) or more acres may be eligible
if they are farmed together as a unit.
2. The mlnlmum acreage requirement may be reduced to
thirty-five (35) acres if the land is located within a
single quarter/quarter section and the amount less than
forty (40) acres is due to a public right-of-way or a
disturbance in the rectangular survey system leaving a
quarter/quarter of less than forty (40) acres.
3. The minimum acreage can be reduced to twenty (20) acres
if it is adjacent to eli9ible land on not less than two
(2) sides and the followlng conditions are met:
a)
The land area predominantly comprises Class I,
III, or irri9ated Class IV land according to
Land Capabillty Classification Systems of the
Conservation Service and the Scott County
Survey; and
The City Council considers the land to be
essential part of the agricultural region; and
II,
the
Soil
Soil
b)
an
The parcel was a parcel of record prior to
1, 1980; or the land was an agricultural
prior to becoming a separate parcel of
twenty (20) acres.
4. Contiguous municipally-certified land meeting the total
acreage requirements, but located in an adjoining
municlpality as well as in Prior Lake so that the
minimum acreage requirement is not met in one or more
jurisdictions, is eligible through joint resolution of
the affected local governments.
c)
January
preserve
at least
B. Duration: An agricultural preserve continues indefinitely
until either the owner or the City initiates expiration,
after which the duration is eight (8) years. A land owner
may initiate expiration by notifyin~ the City on a form
provided. The city may initiate explration by changing the
planning and zoning so that the land is no longer planned for
long-term agricultural use or is rezoned to another use.
(Ord. 84-02)
C. Where there are two or more contiguous quarter/quarter
sections under single ownership, the owner may, by
Conditional Use Permit, cluster the permitted number of
dwelling units in one quarter/quarter section. All lots
created under this provision must meet all of the other
district requirements, including those for setbacks, driveway
spacing and lot area. One of the conditions of approval
shall be the filing and recording of an agreement signed by
all of the affected property owners, relinquishing any ri9ht
to a residential buildin9 site on the quarter/quarter sectlon
from which the buildlng site eligibility has been
transferred. (Ord. 90-05)
This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage
and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this
17th day of May, 1993.
ATTEST:
City Manager
Mayor
Published in the Prior Lake American on the
, 19
day of
Drafted By:
Lommen, Nelson, Cole & Stageberg, P.A.
1800 IDS Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402
"CP03PC"
PLANNING REPORT
AGENDA ITEM:
SUBJECT:
PRESENTER:
PUBLIC HEARING:
DATE:
3
CONSIDER PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS TO INCORPORATE
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE REGULATIONS.
DEB GARROSS, ASSISTANT CITY PLANNER
X YES NO
MAY 6, 1993
INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this public hearing is to consider an amendment to
the Land Use Component of the Comprehensive Plan and an amendment
to Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance 83-6 to incor~orate Agricultural
Preserve regulations required by the Metropolltan Council. There
are two distinct public hearings however, because of their
interrelatedness, the hearings have been scheduled
contemporaneously. The specific lan9uage proposed is outlined
in the public notice for Comprehenslve Plan and Zoning Ordinance
amendment, attached to the agenda report.
BACKGROUND:
Attached to the agenda report find an excerpt from a 1989 report
"Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Program;" MS Chapter 473H
Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves and brochure "Protecting the
Region's Farmland. These materials provide information relative
to the Agricultural Preserves Act and background information for
this agenda item.
DISCUSSION:
In January of 1993, staff was contacted by the Metropolitan
Council and advised that the City'S Comprehensive Plan did not
contain proper reference to Agricultural Preserve policies nor
were existing Agricultural Preserves indicated on the Land Use
Map. See letter dated February 16, 1993 and April 5, 1993 from
victoria Flood and Dottie Reitow for reference. The
Metropolitan Council staff recommended that the city submit a
minor comprehensive plan amendment to correct the discrepancy.
The zoning Ordinance currently contains regulations setting forth
conditions under which lands may qualify for the Agricultural
Preserve program. However, the Ordinance regulations are
insufficient to implement the program. Metropolitan Council
staff recommend that the Comprehensive Plan as well as the Zoning
Ordinance be amended to clarify the City's policies.
staff drafted the attached language and Land Use Map in response
to the request by the Metropolitan Council. Council staff has
informally reviewed the draft language and believes that it is
4629 Dakota S1. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
acceptable. The process to incorporate the language and map
changes into the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance is for
the Plannin9 Commission to hold a public hearing and submit its
recommendatlon to the City Council. The City Council will review
the proposed amendments and may approve the Comprehensive Plan
amendment subject to approval of the Metropolitan Council. The
zoning Ordinance amendment can be approved by the City Council
without review by the Metropolitan Council. Once approved, the
Metropolitan Council will have approximately 60 days to review
and approve the minor plan amendment. The staff of the
Metropolitan Council will advise the City of Prior Lake when the
amendment has been approved and/or under what conditions approval
will be granted.
ALTERNATIVES:
l. Approve the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning
Ordinance as submitted.
2. Table or continue this item for specific reasons.
3. Deny the amendments based upon specific facts and findings.
RECOMMENDATION:
Alternative #1.
A separate motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan amendment and
Zoning Ordinance is requested.
I
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"CP03PN"
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRIOR LAKE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
TO ADD A POLICY STATEMENT AND MAP CHANGES RELATIVE
TO DESIGNATED AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE LANDS
You are hereby notified that the Planning Commission will hold a
Public Hearing in the Prior Lake City Council Chambers at 4629
Dakota Street S.E., on Thursday, May 6, 1993 at 10:00 p.m.
The purpose of the hearing is to consider a proposed minor
amendment to the Prior Lake Comprehensive Plan. The following
language is proposed to be added to the Land Use Plan:
LAND USE PLAN
PROPOSED POLICY 3:
Policy 3 -
To provide protection for long term agricultural
land uses, the City of Prior Lake will implement
the Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Act to
protect and support farming operations. The
Comprehensive Land Use Plan designates lands set
aside for long-term agricultural production as
"Agricultural Preserve." The purpose of the
district is to preserve agriculture as a continuing
land use; to protect prime agricultural lands from
incompatible forms of development such as
large-lot SUbdivisions, which threaten the
viability of commercial farming operations and, to
promote proper environmental and land management
practices that will maintain prime agricultural
lands.
An agricultural preserve is a established to maintain, protect,
and enhance commercial farming and food production as predominant
land use activities. An agricultural preserve district may be
established according to the provisions of the Metropolitan
Agricultural Preserves Act.
within Agricultural Preserve Districts, untimely expansion of
urban facilities which would make agriculture economically
impractical will be avoided. Residential SUbdivision, commercial
or industrial uses except for agri-business facilities normally
associated with a farm enterprise are prohibited. Residential
densities will be limited to one non-farm unit per
quarter/quarter section (average of one dwelling per 40 acres).
4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY E.,\.1PLDYER
The Land Use Plan Map is proposed to be amended to indicate the
locations of existing Agricultural Preserve Districts within the
city of Prior Lake.
If you desire to be heard in reference to this matter, you should
attend this hearing. The Planning Commission will acce~t oral
and or written comments. If you have questions regardlng this
matter, contact the Prior Lake Planning Department at 447-4230.
;Q/lfJllu./1 x!JUIO[04/}
Deborah Garross
Assistant City Planner
To be published in the Prior Lake American on Monday April 26,
and May 3, 1993.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
AN AMENDMENT TO PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE AND ZONING ORDINANCE
TO CHANGE AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE REGULATIONS
You are hereby notified that the Planning Commission will hold a
Public Hearing in the Prior Lake city Council Chambers at 4629
Dakota Street S.E., on Thursday, May 6, 1993 at 10:00 p.m.
The purpose of the hearing is to consider
City Code section 5-1-7 Definitions;
5-4-1(N) Agricultural Preserves, AND
Sections 8.1 Definitions; 3.1 Permitted
Preserves to change the language to read
a proposed amendment to
5-3-1 Permitted Uses;
Zoning Ordinance 83-6
Use; 4.3 Agricultural
as follows:
PROPOSED AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE AMENDMENT:
DEFINITIONS:
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE: Land area created and restricted
according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 473H.05 to
remain in agricultural use. Agricultural use means the
production for sale of livestock, dairy animals, dairy
products, poultry or poultry products, fur bearing
animals, horticultural or nursery stock, fruit,
vegetables, forage, grains, or bees and apiary products.
Wetlands, pasture and woodlands accompanying land in
agricultural use shall be deemed to be in agricultural
use.
PERMITTED USE - A-1, AGRICULTURAL: 12. Agricultural Preserve.
PERMITTED USE - C-1, CONSERVATION: 13. Agricultural Preserve.
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVES: Upon certification by the City Council
that certain lands in the City are planned for long term
agricultural use in the Comprehensive Plan, and zoned
A-1 Agricultural and/or C-1 Conservation on the Zoning
Map, owners of said lands may make application for
agricultural preserve status requiring a maximum
residential density at one unit per quarter/quarter
section (average of one dwelling per 40 acres) .
Application may be initiated on a form provided by the
City.
4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447.4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLDYER
A.
Minimum Acreage: The minimum acreage is
but smaller parcels will be considered
following conditions:
1. Noncontiguous parcels at least ten (10) acres in size
and aggregating forty (40) or more acres may be eligible
if they are farmed together as a unit.
forty (40) acres,
eligible under the
2. The minimum acreage requirement may be reduced to
thirty-five (35) acres if the land is located within a
single quarter/quarter section and the amount less than
forty (40) acres is due to a public right-of-way or a
disturbance in the rectangular survey system leaving a
quarter/quarter of less than forty (40) acres.
3. The minimum acreage can be reduced to twenty (20) acres
if it is adjacent to eligible land on not less than two
(2) sides and the following conditions are met:
a)
The land area predominantly comprises Class I,
III, or irri9ated Class IV land according to
Land Capabillty Classification Systems of the
Conservation Service and the Scott County
Survey; and
II,
the
Soil
Soil
b)
The City Council considers the land to be
essential part of the agricultural region; and
an
The parcel was a parcel of record prior to
1, 1980; or the land was an agricultural
prior to becoming a separate parcel of
twenty (20) acres.
4. Contiguous municipally-certified land meeting the total
acreage requirements, but located in an adjoining
municlpality as well as in Prior Lake so that the
minimum acreage requirement is not met in one or more
jurisdictions, is eligible through joint resolution of
the affected local governments.
c)
January
preserve
at least
B. Duration: An agricultural preserve continues indefinitely
until either the owner or the City initiates expiration,
after which the duration is eight (8) years. A land owner
may initiate expiration by notifyin9 the City on a form
provided. The city may initiate explration by changing the
planning and zoning so that the land is no longer planned for
long-term agricultural use or is rezoned to another use.
(Ord. 84-02)
c. Where there are two or more contiguous quarter/quarter
sections under single ownership, the owner may, by
Conditional Use Permit, cluster the permitted number of
dwelling units in one quarter/quarter section. All lots
created under this provision must meet all of the other
district requirements, including those for setbacks, driveway
spacing and lot area. One of the conditions of approval
shall be the filing and recording of an agreement signed by
all of the affected property owners, relinquishing any ri9ht
to a residential buildin9 site on the quarter/quarter sectlon
from which the buildlng site eligibility has been
transferred. (Ord. 90-05)
If you desire to be heard in reference to this matter, you should
attend this hearing. The Planning Commission will acce~t oral
and or written comments. If you have questions regardlng this
matter, contact the Prior Lake Planning Department at 447-4230.
j~)(oJ1 x!Ja/~
Deborah Garross
Assistant city Planner
To be published in the Prior Lake American on Monday April 26,
and May 3, 1993.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Mmn Park Cenlre, 230 &/S/ Fifih Sun'l, SI, Palll, M,\' 55101-1634
(if2 29/-6359
FAX 6/2 29/-6550
lTY 6/2 29/-0904
April 5, 1993
Horst Graser
Director of Planning
City of Prior Lake
4629 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714
Dear Mr. Graser:
The reason for my letter is two-fold. First, to ask that you review your local planning and zoning to determine
if areas certified for agricultural preserves are properly planned and zoned. Second, to remind you that recent
legislation increases the benefits to farmers participating in the Agricultural Preserves Program.
The Council's role in the program is to monitor local participation. As part of this effort, the Council has
recently learned of several instances where local governments have not properly certified land for agricultural
preserves. Since administration of the Agricultural Preserves Program is a local responsibility, I am asking
that you review your local planning and zoning to determine if areas certified as eligible for agricultural
preserves are planned and zoned at densities no greater than one unit per 40 acres. Under the Agricultural
Preserves Act, both comprehensive plan designation and zoning designation are essential. One or the other
alone is not sufficient.
If you determine that either your planning or zoning does not meet the required standard, your governing body
will need to take one of the following aClions:
1. If you want to allow for agricultural preserves, amend your comprehensive plan and/or zoning
ordinance to properly refiect the one unit per 40-acre density requirement and submit any
plan amendment to the Council for review. Submit zoning changes to the Council for
information purposes only.
2. If you want to reduce or end participation in agricultural preserves, begin the process of
decertifying the affected agricultural preserves land. This process will vary depending on local
circumstances. Refer to the language in the Agricultural Preserves Act attached to this letter
for how to proceed with decertification.
The Council supports planning for long term agricultural areas and hopes that local governments will choose
the first option.
Please return the attached form to the Council when you have completed the review of your local agricultural
preserves program. Please return the completed form by June 1, 1993.
I also want to remind your community that changes enacted by the Legislature in 1992 mean that farmers who
have land enrolled in Agricultural Preserves will soon begin to see a greater tangible benefit for their
participation. The change established a minimum tax credit of $1.50 per acre. This minimum tax credit
guarantees a financial benefit to participants and will affect taxes payable in 1993. You may wish to consider
notifying current and future participants in your area of the added program benefit.
If you have any questions about or need assistance with the local review of plans and ordinances, please
contact Tori Flood at 291-6621.
Sincerely, ~
~D'R"
attle letow
Chair
DR/tf
lDRQ.I01.PRJ
Attachments
* Recycled Paper
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Mcars Park COlIn'. 230 Easl Fifth Sln'cI. SI. Pal/I. MN 55/0/-/634
612 29/-0359
FAX 6/2 29/-0550
TIT 0/2 29/-()C){j4
February 16, 199.1
Ms. Deb Garross
Assistant Planner
City of Prior Lake
4629 Dakota Strcct SE
Prior Lake, MN 55.172-1714
lYSe
Ff 'E:1Vf2D
8 I J
~11y 1993
. "VA /IF
.....,k~
Dear Ms. Garross:
This is in rcsponse to your questions rcgarding a comprehensive plan amendment identifying the city's
agricultural preserve areas.
The proposed comprehensive plan amendment meets the requirements for a minor amendmcnt,
thcrefore the amendment may be submitted as such. The amendment will require a plan text change,
along with a map change.
In the September, 1992 amendment to its Water Resource Management Plan, the city indicated that
it would adopt the storm water management standards found in the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency's (MPCA) "Best Management Practices", and would adopt storm watcr pond dcsign standards
[rom the National Urban Runoff Program as stated in chapter 4 of the MPCA's "Best Management
Practices". As part of any amendment that the city would make at this time, the Council will expect
Prior Lake to either indicate that it has adopted these measures, or indicate the time frame in which
they will be adopted. Since five months have passed sincc the city made its commitmcnt to adopt
these measures, the Council will expect a timely response.
Attached arc text format cxamples rclating to agricultural preserves designation. If you havc further
qucstions, please call myself (291-6621) or Barb Senness (291-6419).
Sincerely,
0\~~
Victoria Flood
Associate Planner
cnc.