S.9 Appropriate Location and Development Pattern

Intent
Direct development, where appropriate, to existing urban, suburban, or rural areas with in-place infrastructure to reduce development pressure on undeveloped land or greenfield sites; to conserve natural resources, reduce energy use and pollution contributions related to transportation requirements; and to promote a sense of increased community interaction. Develop the site to support existing patterns and goals for local density, open space, and land use.

Recommended Performance Criteria

Site Selection:

1. Select a site, considering the associated building concept, which presents the most comprehensively positive impact for environmental, economic, community, and human benefits.
   • o Urban and suburban locations: Select sites which reuse existing urban/suburban and industrial sites; are located near mass transit and public amenities to encourage walking to services instead of driving; and can utilize existing infrastructure such as utilities, roadways, services, etc. Select sites that support regional development strategies and local comprehensive plans. Favor sites on which the project will disrupt the least amount of ecologically preferable land uses.
   • o Rural locations: Avoid greenfield sites which might not meet the threshold for a potentially critical site under guideline S.1 , but which negatively impact green space and soil and water conditions. Favor sites on which the project will disrupt the least amount of ecologically preferable land uses.

Context and Planning Compatible Development:

2. Land Use Maintain or improve upon site land use type and condition from pre-project to post project.
3. Density: Urban and suburban locations: Maintain or increase localized density to conform to existing or desired density goals as listed in Minnesota's Community-Based Planning Act.
4. Open Space: Maintain or increase open space compared to local or prevailing standards for the site.
5. EGreen Corridors: Maintain or increase Green Corridors compared to local or prevailing standards for the site.

Compliance Tools and Resources

• Form P-3 Site and Water Documentation
• Minnesota Regional Development Organizations: www.mrdo.org (Regional Development Strategies)
• Minnesota Community Based Planning Act web addresses for:
  • Local Planning Laws in Mn: www.lpa.state.mn.us/laws/index.html
  • Resource Materials, Planning Guides, "Under Construction, Tools and Techniques for Local Planning:" server.admin.state.mn.us/resource.html?Id=2910
  • Green Corridors: Minnesota DNR Natural Resource Planning, which includes green corridors, webpage: www.dnr.state.mn.us/nrplanning/index.html