Land Use Issues

Existing conditions

  • Changes over the last 30 years:
    • Low-density residential properties comprise 46% of the land area.
    • Medium/high-density residential land uses underwent significant development since 1980.
    • Undeveloped land has decreased to approximately 272 acres.
    • Commercial and industrial land uses have nearly doubled since 1979.
    • New redevelopment projects with higher density housing, employment and shopping opportunities.

Implications

  • Limited opportunities for new development
  • Redevelopment will be the primary tool for new land use development
  • City will continue to be attractive to high-quality land uses due to:
    • Location in the region
    • The transportation system
    • Natural setting
    • Property values

Issues and opportunities

  • How best to protect and support of our established residential neighborhoods.
  • Investigate new land uses, types of development and appropriate intensities/residential densities for new land uses to meet changing demographics.
  • Locate higher densities of residential development near shopping and employment concentrations and access to existing/planned transportation systems including trails.
  • The proper balance of development and redevelopment to manage impacts on transportation, city services and natural resource protection.