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I I I Council Meeting Minutes November 30, 1998 Page 3 Council Business. continued This district is intended for certain sections of the Highway 8 Corridor, primarily north of 1-694 along Old Hwy 8. It allows for flexibility in the development of high intensity mixed uses and proposes standards prohibiting activities such as outside storage. Over the last few months, staff, Planning Commission, Council, and City Attorney Charlie LeFevere drafted the ordinance to reflect the goals outlined in the Hwy 8 Corridor Study and Vision. Two uses which would become non-conforming under the new ordinance would be; Rauenhorst Trucking and the Farm Bureau Co-op. Benke asked if there could be conflicts with smaller sites. Teague confirmed the minimal site size for industrial uses is five acres, and sites under that amount would become non- conforming uses. The MX District is intended to be a place where buildings and the street have a relationship with dedicated, safe walking paths. Uses are integrated and buildings have the appearance of being related or connected. The intent is to provide reasonable usage of existing properties while creating incentives for high intensity mixed uses consistent with the Vision. This amendment creates the MX District, but does not specifically rezone properties. Single family detached housing, retail uses other than neighborhood retail, and automotive services are not allowable in this district. Retail for neighborhood needs are limited to a maximum of 5,000 sq. ft. with the exception of hardware, grocery, video and variety stores. There is no minimum lot size for permitted uses. The district allows for residential and mixed uses at a higher density, and allows for large scale industrial and business as Special Uses. Industrial uses shall have a minimal of 5 acres, and the building shall not occupy more than 10% of the total site. Commercial uses shall have a minimal of 5 acres which the floor area does not exceed 10% of the total site area or 50,000 sq. ft. Residential uses must be high density with a minimal of 5 acres and up to 100 units. A mixture of uses would be allowed and increased densities serve as an incentive. The special use process gives the City more control over residential developments. Benke asked the basis for the requirement of a maximum 5,000 sq. ft. for retail business. Teague said the intent is to allow for smaller scale commercial uses similar to those currently in Olde Downtown. Hoffman asked if there are other communities with a MX District, and have they been successful. LeFevere said Richfield, Edina, and Brooklyn Center currently have similar districts. This district is designed to go beyond the typical planned unit development and provides flexibility and creates incentives for a denser utilization of the land. Benke added that ordinances created years ago reflect the trend for separated uses with larger lot requirements. The MX District provides for urban style planning with mixed and more intense uses. Across the country there is a movement to more intense land usage, and the I-35W Corridor Coalition is addressing this. One question is how such developments impact adjacent facilities, infrastructures, and traffic. Teague feels those issues would need to be reviewed on an individual basis when proposals are presented. Council Business MX Zoning District Report 98-223 Ordinance 648