HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-28 PACKET 06.2. (COMP PLAN AMENDMENT-MINOR)STAFF REPORT CASE: CP2022-065
ITEM: 6.2
PUBLIC MEETING DATE: 11/28/22 TENTATIVE COUNCIL REVIEW DATE: 12/7/22
APPLICATION
APPLICANT: City of Cottage Grove
REQUEST: A comprehensive plan amendment for minor mapping corrections
and a text amendment to allow for density bonuses to assist in the
development of affordable housing in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
SITE DATA
LOCATION: N/A
ZONING: N/A
GUIDED LAND USE: N/A
LAND USE OF ADJACENT PROPERTIES: CURRENT GUIDED
NORTH:
EAST:
SOUTH: N/A
WEST:
SIZE: N/A
DENSITY: N/A
RECOMMENDATION
Approval.
Cottage
Grove COTTAGE GROVE PLANNING DIVISION
�
here Pride and,Ospellty Meet
Planning Staff Contact: Mike Mrosla, Senior Planner; 651-458-2825; mmrosla(c-)_cottagegrovemn.gov
Application Accepted:. N/A 60-Day Review Deadline: N/A
City of Cottage Grove Planning Division • 12800 Ravine Parkway South • Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Planning Staff Report
2040 Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Planning Case No. CP2022-065
November 28, 2022
Proposal
The City of Cottage Grove is proposing a minor mapping correction to re -guide 6850 and 6999
East Point Douglas Road South to Mixed Use and a text amendment to allow for density
bonuses to be used as a tool to assist in the development of affordable housing in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
Background
Over the last year plus, planning staff has been working on a Zoning Code rewrite. The Zoning
Code was written in the 1970's and hasn't seen a major rewrite since then. During this process
staff has also been reviewing 2040 Comprehensive Plan to ensure consistency between the two
documents. Minnesota State Statute requires that any official controls in conflict with the
Comprehensive Plan be amended.
Minnesota State law requires that all communities within the seven -county Minneapolis -St. Paul
metropolitan area update their Comprehensive Plans every 10 years. The purpose of the Com-
prehensive Plan is to establish the policies that guide the future physical and community devel-
opment of Cottage Grove. All land use decisions, including zoning, subdivision review, and
development controls, must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan is also a reference document for the Planning Commission and City
Council when evaluating private development projects. The Comprehensive Plan and all its
amendments must reflect the adopted regional policies in the Metropolitan Council's system and
policy plans. Local planning efforts are linked to the larger regional infrastructure of parks and
trails, road networks, and wastewater infrastructure, and the City's Comprehensive Plan shall
conform to the regional vision. An amendment to the Comprehensive Plan requires a recom-
mendation from the Planning Commission following a public hearing, and adoption of a resolu-
tion by the City Council. Adjacent communities and impacted governmental agencies normally
have a 60-day review, but this requirement has been waived by our Metropolitan Council Sector
Representative due to no impacts.
Text Amendment
The existing Zoning Code (Title 11-9E-6) and the proposed Zoning Code rewrite (Special Zon-
ing Provisions) includes language that permits the use of density bonuses for residential devel-
opments. Density bonus is a tool that grants the City Council the authority to allow a housing
developer to increase the maximum allowable density above the district standard in exchange
in -kind support for specified public policy goal of affordable housing. The Zoning Code limits the
maximum allowable total density increase to no more than 20 percent.
Planning Commission Staff Report — 2040 Comprehensive Plan Map and Text Amendment
Planning Case No. CP2022-065
November 28, 2022
Page 2 of 4
However, density bonuses are not currently mentioned in the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Since density bonuses are not included in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the Metropolitan
Council does not permit the use of them to increase density above the maximum permitted den-
sity. Staff is proposing to add language to the Housing and Implementation Chapters of the
Comprehensive Plan to authorize the use of density bonuses. In the Housing Chapter, staff
identifies that the use of non -financial tools such as density bonuses may be used to assist in
the development of affordable housing. The proposed language can be found on page 47 of
Attachment A and below.
"The City will continue to use non -financial tools such as official controls and land use
regulations to assist in the development of affordable housing units. These tools may
include density bonuses, planned unit developments, other controls and regulations that
can be used to simplify the process of expanding local housing options."
In the Implementation Chapter staff authorizes the use of density bonuses to increase density
above the maximum permitted density when a project is meeting the specific affordable housing
public policy objective. On page 144 of Attachment B staff added language describing what a
density bonus is and the maximum permitted increase above the density standard. The pro-
posed language can be found on page 47 of Attachment A and below.
"Utilization of non -financial tools such as official controls. These tools may include density
bonuses and planned unit developments. A density bonus is a tool that grants the City
Council the authority to allow a housing developer to increase the maximum allowable
density above the district standard in exchange for meeting affordable housing public
policy objectives. The maximum allowable total density increase shall not exceed twenty
percent (20%) as permitted by the Zoning Code."
Staff also updated the Housing Implementation Plan, Table 10-1 in the Comprehensive Plan to
allow for the use of density bonuses as an available tool to achieve affordable housing with
average medium incomes (AMI) ranging from 30 to 80 percent (Attachment B, page 146).
Identified Need
Available Tools
Potential Partners
Circumstances and Sequence of Use
333 new housing units affordable
TIF assistance to developer,
Washington County CDA,
The City will work with developers to accommodate the
for 30%AMI
tax abatement,
MN Housing, Metropolitan
development of affordable housing
Consolidated RFP, LCDA,
Council, Affordable housing
LHIA, tax credits, TBRA,
developers, non-profit
density bonus
organizations
221 new housing units affordable
TIF assistance to developer,
Washington County CDA,
The City will workwith developers to accommodate the
for 31 to 50%AMI
tax abatement,
MN Housing, Metropolitan
development of affordable housing
Consolidated RFP, LCDA,
Council, Affordable housing
LHIA, tax credits, density
developers, non-profit
bonus
organizations
14 new housing units affordable for
TIF assistance to developer,
Washington County CDA,
The City will work with developers to accommodate the
51 to 80%AMI
tax abatement,
MN Housing, Metropolitan
development of affordable housing
Consolidated RFP, LCDA,
Council, Affordable housing
LHIA, tax credits, density
developers, non-profit
bonus
organizations
Housing Implementation Plan, table 10-1 in the Comprehensive Plan
Map Amendment
As planning staff has been working on the Zoning Code rewrite, it was discovered that certain
land uses identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan are not consistent with underlaying zoning
Planning Commission Staff Report — 2040 Comprehensive Plan Map and Text Amendment
Planning Case No. CP2022-065
November 28, 2022
Page 3 of 4
district or vice versa. The area that is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan is located at
6850 and 6999 East Point Douglas Road South. The existing Legends of Cottage Grove site is
guided High Density Residential in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. High Density Residential al-
lows for densities of 14 to 30 units per acre. However, the density of 6999 East Point Douglas
Road South (Legends of Cottage Grove) is 37 units per acre and because of this the subject
property should be re -guided to Mixed Use as this district allows for densities of 20-40 units per
acre. It is recommended that the subject property should be re -guiding to Mixed Use so it is in
conformance with the permitted densities.
Lanu use anu coning %.ompanson
In addition, it is proposed that the property located at 6850 East Point Douglas Road South be
re -guided to Mixed Use. The subject site has been vacant since 2007 and is highly encumbered
by a gas line easement that runs through the middle of the site. Upon review, the subject site
was previously guided Mixed Use when the City Council approved the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan at their January 16, 2019, meeting. However, the subject site was re -guided High Density
Residential for consistency with the surrounding land uses by the City during the Metropolitan
Council review process.
uny uouncii Hpprovea zuiy uomprenensive Tian Lana use
Planning Commission Staff Report — 2040 Comprehensive Plan Map and Text Amendment
Planning Case No. CP2022-065
November 28, 2022
Page 4 of 4
The intent of the re -guiding the subject site back to Mixed Use is to facilitate development of the
site by allowing for increased densities. Staff has previously been approached by multi -family
users interested in developing the site, but they could not obtain the densities needed to finance
a project, thus the site has remained undeveloped.
Notice and Public Comments
Notice was published in the Pioneer Press on November 16, 2022. At the time of writing this re-
port, City staff has not received any comment letters, e-mails, or telephone calls from property
owners or residents in regard to this planning case.
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council approval of the 2040 Compre-
hensive Plan map and text Amendment subject to text modifications as requested by the
Metropolitan Council.
Prepared by:
Mike Mrosla
Senior Planner
Attarhmantc-
A. Comprehensive Plan Housing Chapter
B. Comprehensive Plan Implementation Chapter— Housing Section
C. 2019 City Council Approved 2040 Future Land Use Map
D. Proposed Land Use Map
HOUSING
The health and character of a community may best be measured in its housing stock. Livable cities
provide a variety of housing choices and work to ensure that existing housing is well maintained. The
City must also ensure that new housing meets the changing needs of the community.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 35
INTRODUCTION
The health and character of a community may best be measured in its housing stock. Livable cities provide a variety of housing choices and work to ensure that
existing housing is well maintained. The City must also ensure that new housing meets the changing needs of the community. Existing and future residents are
looking for more services and amenities near where they choose to live, including convenient shopping options and easily -accessible walking and biking trails.
Housing has evolved into more than a place to live, but a community in which to thrive.
While Cottage Grove expects to grow, it wants that growth to support livable and healthy communities. Where people live is important. For many Americans, a
high -quality environment, walkable neighborhoods and diversity make a neighborhood a great place to live. Not only does Cottage Grove need to provide housing
options for current residents to stay in the city if their family size or income changes, but the city should be welcoming to those who desire to live in Cottage Grove.
More housing options means accommodating empty nesters and seniors in their own single-family homes or apartments, while also promoting move -up housing
opportunities for younger families.
As part of the established Community Vision, the City of Cottage Grove strives to address these key themes related to housing:
• Housing Options — strive to provide a diverse mix of housing types that are needed to serve all income levels and stages in the life cycle.
• Great Schools — work with the school district to support strong schools to attract and retain families.
• Serving All Generations — continue to create diverse and vibrant neighborhoods with equal access to services and amenities for all citizens.
• Defining Our Character — preserve and enhance the variety of neighborhood experiences in the city.
HOUSING ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN COTTAGE GROVE
On February 26, 2018, the City of Cottage Grove hosted a Housing Forum, identifying key issues and opportunities for housing in the city. The forum was attended
by a variety of stakeholders including members of the Housing Task Force, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, and Planning Commission. The forum began
with an open house, educating attendees on existing housing stock in Cottage Grove and affordable housing issues. Participants believe that there is a need for
multi -family and townhome properties that have access to transit, additional senior housing facilities, and housing at a range of price points. Some challenges the
city faces include negative perspectives on new development and the cost of construction for new homes.
Next, participants were able to participate in real-time voting. Generally, participants feel that the quality of life in Cottage Grove is very high (92 percent responded
good or excellent) and have chosen to stay in the city because of this high quality of life. However, participants also agree that the city has too few rental units (86
percent) and too few senior units (79 percent). However, participants in the forum also believe that the city should prioritize low density development at one to four
units per acre over other types of development (64 percent).
This process was replicated in an online survey. Twenty members of the public completed the survey. Like housing forum participants, survey participants were
generally satisfied with the quality of life in Cottage Grove (75 percent responded good or excellent). Participants agreed that there should be more senior single-
family housing (70 percent) but that there was disagreement about the need for other types of senior units. The main challenges inhibiting the development of
affordable housing are the cost of land and construction.
The in -person polling and online survey revealed some misconceptions about the cost of rental units. Specifically, in -person participants voted that they would pay
$1,000 to $1,200 per month for a two -bedroom apartment in Cottage Grove. Online participants voted that they would pay $800 to $1,000 per month for the same
unit. In 2018, two -bedroom units in Cottage Grove rent for $1,200 to $1,500, depending on the unit and amenities. There should be additional education about
housing costs and affordability as development occurs.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1: Preserve and improve existing neighborhoods and housing units
• POLICY 3.1 Continue to enforce housing maintenance and zoning codes.
• POLICY 3.2 Add flexibility to the Zoning Code in areas such as building setbacks which allow expansion and reinvestment in existing houses.
• POLICY 3.3 Partner with the Washington County Community Development Agency and other agencies that provide housing rehabilitation programs and
services.
• POLICY 3.4 Encourage the safety of the general public by requiring owners to repair substandard housing or as a last resort, abate and demolish dangerous
housing.
• POLICY 3.5 Develop housing maintenance program that promotes and requires safe neighborhoods.
Goal 2: Meet future needs with a variety of housing products
• POLICY 3.6 Encourage life -cycle housing opportunities in Cottage Grove that allow residents to remain in the community throughout their lives. This
includes:
• Maintenance of existing entry level housing.
• Construction of move -up single family housing.
• Construction of various types of senior housing, including senior ownership units, senior rental units, memory care and assisted living units.
• POLICY 3.7 The 2040 Housing Policy Plan prepared on December 10, 2014 will continue to be used as an implementation tool in accomplishing the City's
Livable Communities Act housing goals.
• POLICY 3.8 The City will strive to encourage environmentally sustainable housing development and construction practices.
• POLICY 3.9 Provide for housing development that maintains the attractiveness and distinct neighborhood characteristics in the community.
• POLICY 3.10 Support the maintenance and rehabilitation of the community's existing housing stock.
• POLICY 3.11 Periodically assess the housing needs of current and prospective residents, including the elderly, disabled, active retirees, and other groups
with special housing needs to determine development priorities and to formulate specific strategies and activities to meet those needs and maintain an
adequate and quality housing supply.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
Goal 3: Encourage the development of sustainable housing options that have access to amenities, use land efficiently,
conserve natural resources, utilize resource -efficient design and constructions, and incorporate the use of renewable energy
generation.
• POLICY 3.12 Support the design of residential neighborhoods with mixed land use at a scale appropriate to residential development and with convenient
access to neighborhood shopping or larger commercial areas.
• POLICY 3.13 Encourage a mix of residential housing to be near pedestrian, bicycle, and transit or high capacity transportation routes, community facilities
and services, and employment to ensure that the benefits of public investment in those facilities are available to as many households as possible.
• POLICY 3.14 Provide opportunities for alternative housing types and patterns, such as planned unit developments, mixed -uses, and other techniques that
reduce development costs, increase density, and achieve projects that are flexible and responsive to the site and surroundings, including the conservation
and enhancement of areas having special, historic, architectural, or cultural value.
• POLICY 3.15 Encourage the infilling of housing in urban areas that make more efficient use of existing infrastructure.
• POLICY 3.16 Encourage the use of resource efficient technologies and materials in housing construction that meet adopted codes and increase the useful
life of new and existing housing. 0
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Prior to the late 1950's, all housing in Cottage Grove was on scattered rural parcels served by private wells and on -site septic systems. In 1958 the
suburbanization of the community began with the development by Orrin Thompson Homes of the Thompson Grove subdivision located south of TH 61. This
development was followed by other single family subdivisions in the 1960's, most also built by Orrin Thompson Homes. The most common housing style of this
era was the single -story rambler, typically with a detached single car garage. By the 1970's, housing subdivisions began to include the split-level design in addition
to earlier rambler and Cape Cod style houses. In the 1990's, and continuing to the present, larger two-story houses became the most common form of new
construction.
Figure 3-1 illustrates the residential housing age throughout the city, with the oldest neighborhoods located near St. Paul Park and the newest neighborhoods in
the northeast part of the City.
As discussed in the demographics section of this Plan, Cottage Grove has seen an increase in population since the 1970s, with an associated increase in housing
needs. Single family residential development has continued steadily in the community, even in the wake of the economic downturn. However, there has been
minimal multifamily or senior housing development since 2010.
Table 3-1 describes residential unit types for permits issued in each year between 2007 and 2015.
38 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
Figure 3-1: Residential Housing Age
Cottage
Residential Housing Age
City Boundary
Open Water
Building Year
Pre-1950
1951 - 1960
�1961-1970
1971 - 1980
1981 - 1990
1991 - 2000
2001 - 2010
2011 - 2015
�T
�••�•• •• •� ••�••�•• 190th-StS
�6:1
..... Mississippi River
September 19, 2018`•.� /' '�.
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N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Housing Age.mxd •�, „/'
FBI
]I
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 39
Table 3-1: New Residential Units Permitted
Year
Number of Units Permitted
Single Family
Detached
Single Family
Attached
Multifamily or
Senior
Total
2007
65
2
187
254
2008
87
2
-
89
2009
54
12
-
66
2010
45
-
44
89
2011
50
-
-
50
2012
53
-
-
53
2013
46
10
-
56
2014
73
4
-
77
2015
59
6
-
65
2016
98
-
1
99
2017
111
4
2
117
Total
741
40
234
1,015
Source: City of Cottage Grove
HOUSING STOCK
Cottage Grove's demographic mix is heavily shaped by the residential development patterns of the community. The vast majority of residential development is in
single family detached homes and townhomes, which were built in the 1950s and later. As a result, households tend to be families with an income that supports
home ownership. The predominance of owner occupied homes is one of the reasons there are relatively few older residents. And it is consistent with the low
rates of unemployment and poverty.
Single family homes comprise 81 percent of 12,521 units in the community. This is much higher than the average in Washington County (68 percent) or the
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (61 percent). The next most common unit type in Cottage Grove is the single-family attached home, also known as townhomes.
Townhomes make up about nine percent of Cottage Grove's housing stock. Other housing types in Cottage Grove include small apartments (two to nine units),
medium or large apartment buildings (ten or more units) and mobile homes.
The Metropolitan Council defines home ownership affordability as $85,500 for households making less than 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI), $153,000 for
households making 31-50 percent AMI, and $240,500 for households making 51-80 percent AMI. In Cottage Grove, the median home value is $204,600, indicating
that much of the City's housing stock is affordable at 80 percent AMI. Housing affordability is discussed further later in this chapter.
These housing characteristics are summarized in Table 3-2 on the following page.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
Table 3-2: Housing Stock Characteristics
Total Number of
Units
12,407
Number of
Affordable Units
At or below 30% AMI
31-50% AMI
51-80% AMI
146
11,441
7,314
Number of Units
Owner Occupied
Rental
10,792
1,615
Number of Units
Single Family
Multi -family
11,316
989
Number of
Publicly
Subsidized Units
Senior Housing
People with
Disabilities
All other publicly
subsidized units
0
0
1388
Source: Metropolitan Council
The neighboring community of Woodbury provides an interesting comparison to Cottage Grove. Fifty-five percent of Woodbury's housing stock is single family
homes, much lower than Cottage Grove. This is due in part to the large number of townhomes in Woodbury. Twenty-seven percent of Woodbury's housing stock is
townhomes, one of the highest percentages in the Twin Cities region. These housing stock characteristics are illustrated in Figure 3-2 on the following page.
HOUSING TENURE
About 88 percent of residents in Cottage Grove own their home. This is a much higher number than either Washington County (approximately 80 percent) or the
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (approximately 70 percent). In Cottage Grove, renters live in an array of housing types, though about 40 percent live in medium to
large apartment buildings (10 or more units). Because of the high percentage of single family homes in the City, many renters also rent single family homes and
townhouses (43 percent of renters).
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 41
Figure 3-2: Housing Unit Types in and around Cottage Grove
1007
9,V .T
80
r70 i0
60T.
5 0 0
40%
C=Qge
Grotie
YVacdbu,
Hashings
Inver Grove
Heights
Lolcev a
Rosenwunt
Nevdperl
St. Pau Fcaa :
Afton
Washingion
County
Twin C71es
F&-tdo
■AAGbifehome
1.3%
0.1%
6.07.
6.5%
4.30%
250%
0.07.
5.4%
0.07.
1.4%
1.7%
DApartmentBuldsngs, 10+ Unit
4.8%
10.6%
13.1%
19.7%
2.90%
6.00%
20.1%
0-8%
0.0%
9.1%
19.3%
®ApartmentBuldings,2-9Umt
3.1%
62%
3.3%
3.9%
3,80%
2-20%
9.09T,
9.9%
0.0%
5.1%
7.1%
■ 1-unit. attached
9.0%
27.3%
21.6%
21.9%
17.30%
22.60%
5.1%
6.8%
0.9%
15.8%
10.8%
■ 1-und. detached
51.7%
55.3%
51.0%
47.9%
71.70%
66.60%
65.7%
76.5%
99.1%
63.SP
612%
Source: American Community Survey, 2014
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
HOUSING VALUE AND RENT
The median home value in Cottage Grove is $204,600, which is lower than the Washington County median value of $240,200 and slightly lower than the Twin
Cities Metropolitan Area median of $212,600. Compared to other communities in the region, Cottage Grove's housing values are fairly average. Afton is the only
nearby community with significantly higher housing values (median value of $409,700). Table 3-3 includes median housing values in nearby communities. Housing
values in Cottage Grove are mapped in Figure 3-3.
Table 3-3: Median Housing Values in and around Cottage Grove
Community
Median Housing Value
Cottage Grove
$204,600
Woodbury
$267,500
Hastings
$175,200
Newport
$168,400
St. Paul Park
$157,500
Afton
$409,700
Washington County
$240,200
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
$212,600
Source: American Community Survey, 2014
Median Housing Valt
$450,000
$400,000
$350 000
$300,000
$250,0D0 —
$200, 000
$150 000
$0,000
0 $5- '
$50,0�-
Az
4 4�����
G
The median rent in Cottage Grove is $1,098 per month, which is higher than the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area ($916) but lower than Washington County ($1,125).
Compared to other communities in the area, Cottage Grove's median rent is slightly higher. This may be attributed to the large number of single family homes that
are rented in the City, which tend to be more expensive to rent than apartments. This may also be the case in Afton, the neighboring community with the highest
median monthly rent ($1,479). Table 3-4 includes median monthly rents in nearby communities.
Table 3-4: Median Rent in and around Cottage Grove
Community
Median Monthly Rent
Cottage Grove
$1,098
Woodbury
$1,344
Hastings
$825
Newport
$722
St. Paul Park
$758
Afton
$1,479
Washington County
$1,125
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
$916
Source: American Community Survey, 2014
S1,600
S1,400
$1,200
$1,000
$800
$600
$400
$200
$0
Median Monthly Rent
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 43
Figure 3-3: Owner Occupied Single Family Residential Housing Values
">,�.. ..�..�a�.•���a.
Cottage ,,, ' .'
Grove w� ED �>• - a
y w ■
Owner Occupied Single Family c ;
Residential Housing Values
City Boundary
v
.Open Water q�P fo r
Estimated Total Market Value: I
Up to $148,000*
80Th-ST-S ` i
$148,000 to $180,500*
$180,500 to $235,000* $235,000 to $500,000
° ° a
Above $500,000
1 RW f � of
von, St S E�
1 x
* Metropolitan Council Affordable Housing Guideline: g, wsTn srs
`F
2016 Home Ownership �L ,. �p%4o
Household Income Affordable Home Price
80%AMI ($65,700) $235,000 x° aSRas
60% AMI ($51,480) $180,500 I r -=•, i!
50% AMI ($42,900) $148,000 loan sTl s a I loan s' T s�
30% AMI ($25,750) $85,500 `! -
`o_
O
c
1
L._.._..I k-
k
.��..�Mississippi River
�.
op
September 19, 2018••.,„_,.op
0 4,500 9,000 Feet ��'•�,
N V\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Housing Value.mxd
E
44 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
COST BURDENED HOUSEHOLDS
Many residents in communities across the Twin Cities experience challenges affording their housing costs. The Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) defines housing to be affordable if the residents do not pay more than 30 percent of their income towards housing costs. Housing costs can include rent
or mortgage payments, utility bills, HOA fees or other fees associated with living in the home. Residents who pay more than 30 percent are considered "Cost -
burdened". In Cottage Grove, over two thousand households (16.9 percent of households) are considered to be cost-burdend. Table 3-5 describes the cost
burdened households by median income level.
Table 3-5: Housing Cost Burdened Households
Household Income Level
Number of Cost -burdened Households
At or below 30% AMI
698
31 to 50%AMI
663
51 to 80%AMI
648
Total Households
2,009
Source: Metropolitan Council
HOUSING PROJECTIONS AND NEED
With a growing population, Cottage Grove will need to accommodate for new residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The Community Vision, Goals and
Policy Consistent with Metropolitan Council requirements, Cottage Grove must supply 568 new units of affordable housing (at or below 80 percent AMI) by 2040.
The units must be affordable at different levels, described below in Table 3-6.
Table 3-6: Affordable Unit Allocations for Cottage Grove
Household Income Level
Number of Units
At or below 30% AMI
333
31 to 50%AMI
221
51 to 80%AMI
14
Total Units
568
Source: Metropolitan Council
In the decade 2021-2030 the City estimates about 65 acres of High Density Residential and Mixed Use development, as follows:
• High Density: 15 acres x 14 units/acre: 210 units
• Mixed Use: 50 acres x 20 units/acre: 1,000 units
• Total: 1,210 units
All of this land is within the City's current service area, not in the future Staging Areas. The Mixed Use land is currently developed, but is expected to redevelop
with a housing component, so all 50 acres in the estimate above would develop with residential uses at the density noted.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
Housing Need
The housing needs in Cottage Grove include
• Multi -family units accessible to transit, especially near the future BRT stations at 80th Street and Jamaica Avenue
• Senior housing for the aging population who wish to age in place with lower maintenance units or the full spectrum of assisted living
• More affordable housing of many kinds
• Maintenance of existing housing stock through enforcement and partnering with agencies who can assist homeowners
LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Cottage Grove has placed an emphasis on not only increasing housing supply and options but on creating communities that are healthy and livable. The City
received a grant from Washington County in 2016 as part of the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) that evaluated key indicators of community health
and surveyed residents on their desires for where they live. The survey found that residents in Cottage Grove believe that their parks and trails system is one of
the most valuable assets in their community and 35% of residents bike or walk daily. However, safety and accessibility remain major concerns for residents.
The healthy and active living survey, as well as associated goals and policies, are discussed further in Chapter 9: Resiliency.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING
Cottage Grove currently has one manufactured home park called Cottage Grove Estates located north of 100th St and east of Hadley Ave S. Manufactured home
parks are an important source of naturally occurring affordable housing and create opportunities and access to homeownership. The City has a strong relationship
with the manufactured home park and will explore opportunities to preserve this valuable source of affordable housing. Options that the City may explore include
the use of available homeownership resources for residents of manufactured housing, including first time homebuyer and rehabilitation resources. The City may
also explore including manufactured housing as an allowable use in land use and zoning districts assigned to the existing home community. Finally, the City may
consider supporting a local notice of sale or first look provisions to provide residents time to consider cooperative ownership if/when the community becomes
available for sale.
STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE A DIVERSE HOUSING STOCK
In order for Cottage Grove to meet its goals and policies pertaining to housing, and especially to accommodate the projected needs of affordable housing units,
the City can rely on a number of existing programs and policies to promote housing stock diversity. Numerous efforts are available for Cottage Grove to employ in
order to facilitate the construction of affordable housing and to expand local housing options including regional, state, and national programs, fiscal devices, official
controls, and land use regulation.
Livable Communities Act
In 1995, Minnesota Legislature created the Livable Communities Act (LCA) as defined by MN State Statute 473.25. The LCA is a voluntary, incentive -based
approach to help the Metro Area communities address affordable and lifecycle housing needs. The LCA provides funds to communities to assist them in carrying
out their development plans for affordable housing and creation of new jobs.
Participation in the Local Housing Incentives Program portion of the LCA requires communities to negotiate housing goals with the Metropolitan Council and
prepare a Housing Action Plan.
46 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
Livable Communities Demonstration Accounts (LCDA)
LCDA funds support regional growth strategies promoting development and redevelopment that make efficient and cost-effective use of urban lands and
infrastructure; improve jobs, housing, transportation, and service connections; and expand affordable and lifecycle housing choices in the region. The funds are
available to municipalities that participate in the Local Housing Incentives Program of the Livable Communities Act (LCA). The LCDA is open to local housing and
redevelopment authorities, economic development authorities or port authorities in LCA-participating cities, or to counties on behalf of projects located in LCA-
participating cities.
As the name of the account suggests, LCDA funds are intended to be used for projects that demonstrate innovative and new ways to achieve and implement the
statutory objectives, not merely to fill project funding needs.
Local Housing Incentive Account (LHIA)
LHIA grants help to produce new and rehabilitated affordable rental and homeownership, promote the Council's policy to expand and preserve lifecycle and
affordable housing options to meet changing demographic trends and market preferences, and support the region's economic competitiveness.
Tax Base Revitalization Account (TBRA)
The TBRA provides funds to clean up polluted land to make it available for economic redevelopment, job retention, and job growth, or the production of affordable
housing to enhance the tax base of the recipient municipality. TBRA funds are raised by a legislatively authorized levy capped at $5 million annually.
If the TBRA project includes a housing component, a portion of the housing is required to be affordable. Ownership units are considered affordable if they can be
purchased by buyers earning 80% of the area median income (AMI). Affordable rental units are those renting at the Low -Income Housing Tax Credit rent limits
based on 50% of the AMI.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
The CDBG Program is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CDBG program is a flexible program that provides
communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing,
to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses.
Fiscal Devices
Fiscal devices, such as revenue bonds, tax increment financing, or tax abatement can be used to help ease the construction and availability of affordable housing
in the City of Cottage Grove.
Official Controls
The City will continue to use non -financial tools such as oOfficial controls and land use regulations Gan be to assist in the GGIRStIFUefiee development of
affordable housing units. These tools may include density bonuses, planned unit developments and other cGontrols and regulations that can a4se be used to
simplify the process of expanding local housing options alse.
The following is a list of official controls that the City of Cottage Grove can use to implement its housing goals and policies: Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision
Ordinance, Building Codes, Design Requirements, and the actual approval process itself. These regulatory tools impact the type and cost of new housing.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
CONCLUSION
Cottage Grove will continue to focus short-term and long-term efforts on improving housing options for all residents. This will be accomplished through
maintenance of the existing housing stock, working with developers who want to provide varied housing models, and partnering with Washington County,
Metropolitan Council, and Minnesota Housing to accommodate people who are cost -burdened.
48 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING
Other Implementation Steps
• Future Land Use Map — implement the future land use plan by updating the existing zoning map to reflect new land use changes
• Future Land Use Categories
• Implement the mixed -use category by adding a new mixed -use district to the zoning code
• Complete master plans for areas identified as Transitional Planning Areas
• Land Use Staging — work with developers and property owners to encourage contiguous development in appropriate staging area
Action Plan
Item/Action
Goal and Policy
Implementing Body
Timeframe
Priority Level
Make zoning decisions consistent with the land use
Goal 1, policy 2.1
City Staff, Planning
Ongoing
Medium
plan
Commission
Update zoning code to emphasize high -quality
Goal 2, policy 2.7
City Staff, Planning
Short-term (1 year)
Medium
design standards in new subdivisions
Commission
Update zoning code to require high -quality design
Goal 2, policy 2.8
City Staff, Planning
Short-term (1 year)
Medium
standards for public buildings and facilities
Commission
Complete character district studies, identifying and
developing strategies to enhance neighborhood
Goal 2, policy 2.9
City Staff, new task force
Medium -term (5 years)
Medium
character in Old Cottage Grove
Develop a plan for access to the Mississippi River
Goal 2, policy 2.10
City Staff, new task force
Medium -term (5 years)
Medium
Develop a plan for the future of Lower Grey Cloud
Goal 2, policy 2.11
City Staff, new task force
Long-term (10+ years)
Low
Island and supporting infrastructure
Update zoning code to emphasize energy efficiency
Goal 4, policies 2.13, 2.15
City Staff, Planning
Short-term (1 year)
Medium
and stormwater management in new construction
Commission
Implement the future land use plan by updating the
N/A
City Staff, Planning
Long-term (10+ years)
Medium
existing zoning map to reflect new land use changes
Commission
Implement the mixed -use category by adding a new
N/A
City Staff, Planning
Short-term (1 year)
High
mixed -use district to the zoning code
Commission
Complete master plans for areas identified as
N/A
City Staff, new task force
Long-term (10+ years)
Low
transitional planning areas
Work with developers and property owners to
encourage contiguous development in appropriate
N/A
City Staff
Ongoing
Medium
staging areas
CHAPTER 3: HOUSING
Summary
The housing chapter of the Comprehensive Plan addresses existing and future housing needs for residents of Cottage Grove. In addition to goals and policies
developed by the community, the Metropolitan Council has placed affordable housing requirements on the City which will need to be met by 2040. Housing needs
and opportunities were especially important topics in the comprehensive planning process, leading to the development of a housing task force for interested
stakeholders.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 143
Goals and Policies to be Implemented
• Enforce existing zoning and building standards for residential properties (Goal 1, policy 3.1)
• Update zoning code to allow for flexibility to reinvest in existing housing stock (Goal 1, policy 3.2)
• Partner with Washington County and other agencies to implement housing rehabilitation programs in the region (Goal 1, policy 3.3)
• Develop a city-wide housing maintenance program (Goal 1, policy 3.5)
• Conduct a housing needs assessment for different population groups in Cottage Grove including the elderly, disabled, and residents with special needs
(Goal 2, policy 3.11)
Other Implementation Steps
• Provide 568 affordable housing units by 2040, as per requirements from the Metropolitan Council.
• Seek funding opportunities to develop an affordable and diverse housing stock including funds from the CDA's GROW program, the US Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grants, HOME programs administered by the CDA, Low Income Housing Tax
Credits, Livable Communities Act, Local Housing Initiative Account, or Tax Base Revitalization Account.
• Utilization of non -financial tools such as official controls. These tools may include density bonuses and planned unit developments. A density bonus is
a tool that grants the City Council the authority to allow a housing developer to increase the maximum allowable density above the district standard in
exchange for meeting an affordable housing public policy objectives. The maximum allowable total density increase shall not exceed twenty percent
(20%) as permitted by the Zoning Code.
Action Plan
Item/Action
Goal and Policy
Implementing Body
Timeframe
Priority Level
Enforce existing zoning and building standards for
Goal 1, policy 3.1
City Staff
Ongoing
High
residential properties
Update zoning code to allow for flexibility to reinvest
Goal 1, policy 3.2
City Staff
Short-term (1 year)
High
in existing housing stock
Partner with Washington County and other agencies
to implement housing rehabilitation programs in the
Goal 1, policy 3.3
City Staff
Ongoing
Medium
region
Develop a city-wide housing maintenance program
Goal 1, policy 3.5
City Staff
Complete
Conduct a housing needs assessment for different
City Staff, CDA, new task
population groups in Cottage Grove including the
Goal 2, policy 3.11
force
Medium -term (5 years)
High
elderly, disabled, and residents with special needs
Provide 568 affordable housing units by 2040, as per
N/A
City Staff, partner agencies
Ongoing, long-term (10+
Medium
requirements from the Metropolitan Council
years)
Seek funding opportunities to develop an affordable
and diverse housing stock including funds from the
N/A
City Staff
Ongoing
Low
Livable Communities Act, Local Housing Initiative
Account, or Tax Base Revitalization Account.
144 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation Plan
Table 10-1: Housing Implementation Plan
Identified Need
Available Tools
Potential Partners
Circumstances and Sequence of Use
Rehabilitation and maintenance of
HOME
Washington County CDA,
The City will provide information on potential resources
existing housing units
Minnesota Housing
CDBG
Washington County CDA
The City will consider using a portion of the city's total CDBG allocation
to provide for rehabilitation and maintenance of existing housing units
Rental Licensing and
The City intends to continue the existing Rental Licensing and
Inspection Program
Inspection Program
Effective Referrals
Washington County CDA,
The City will provide referrals to partner organizations that address
Minnesota Housing,
rehabilitation and maintenance of housing units
Non-profit organizations
Multi -family units with access
Consolidated RFP, LCDA,
Minnesota Housing
Upon request by a qualified developer, the City would consider
to transit, especially near the
LHIA, TBRA,
sponsoring an application to LCDA, LHIA, TBRA, Consolidated RFP, and/
future BRT stations at 80th
CDBG/HOME
or CDBG/HOME programs for multi -family units with access to transit
Street and Jamaica Avenue
GROW (Gap Financing
Washington County CDA
Upon request by a qualified developer, the City will consider support
for Redevelopment and
for gap financing funds for multi -family projects near transit
Rental and Owner -
Occupied Housing)
Various types of housing for
Start -Up Loan Program
Minnesota Housing
The City will work to provide information on potential resources to the
multi -generational community
best of its ability
Home Improvement
Washington County CDA,
The City will work to provide information on potential
living, including senior housing
Loans
Minnesota Housing
resources to the best of its ability
Home Buyer Education
Washington County CDA
The City will consider partnering with the CDA and other agencies to
offer resources to homeowners pre- and post -purchase.
Affordable Mortgage
Minnesota Housing
The City will provide information on this potential resource
Products/MCPP
to the best of its ability.
(Minnesota Cities
Participation Program)
Fair Housing Policy
The City will consider developing a Fair Housing
Policy and understands such a policy will be
required to apply for LCA grants starting in 2019.
Site Assembly
It is unlikely the City will consider using site
assembly for this purpose.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 145
Implementation Plan Cont'd.
Identified Need
Available Tools
Potential Partners
Circumstances and Sequence of Use
333 new housing units affordable
TIF assistance to developer,
Washington County CDA,
The City will work with developers to accommodate the
for 30% AMI
tax abatement,
MN Housing, Metropolitan
development of affordable housing
Consolidated RFP, LCDA,
Council, Affordable housing
LHIA, tax credits, TBRA,
developers, non-profit
organizations
221 new housing units affordable
TIF assistance to developer,
Washington County CDA,
The City will work with developers to accommodate the
for 31 to 50% AMI
tax abatement,
MN Housing, Metropolitan
development of affordable housing
Consolidated RFP, LCDA,
Council, Affordable housing
LHIA, tax credits,
developers, non-profit
bonus
organizations
14 new housing units affordable for
TIF assistance to developer,
Washington County CDA,
The City will work with developers to accommodate the
51 to 80% AMI
tax abatement,
MN Housing, Metropolitan
development of affordable housing
Consolidated RFP, LCDA,
Council, Affordable housing
LHIA, tax credits
developers, non-profit
e.
organizations
Tools to address multiple housing
Use of local HRA/EDA
The City would consider this tool as needed
needs
powers
Participation in housing-
The City would consider this tool as needed
related organizations and
partnerships
Preservation of existing
Washington County CDA
The City would consider partnering with Washington County CDA
LIHTC properties
to preserve existing LIHTC properties as needed
Specific tools that preserve
MN Housing, Greater
The City will explore use of these tools and partnerships as
naturally occurring
Minnesota Housing Fund
needed
affordable housing: Housing
Improvement Areas,
partnerships with sources of
preservation financing, local
program utilizing 4(d) tax
incentives
Partnership with
Two Rivers Community
The City would consider assisting CLT's working in the area as
Community Land Trust (CLT)
Land Trust
requested
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
CHAPTER 4: HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Summary
The historic sites of Cottage Grove contribute to the character of the community. Chapter 4 of the Comprehensive Plan addresses historic preservation and
identifies goals and policies to balance new development with these historic features. As the City of Cottage Grove continues to grow, it will be important that the
City work proactively with property owners to preserve and enhance heritage resources in their community.
Goals and Policies to be Implemented
• Partner with Washington County, SHPO and other relevant organizations to implement the City Historic Preservation Program (Goal 1, policy 4.1)
• Maintain a historic resources inventory on the City's website (Goal 2, policy 4.5)
• Monitor historic resources in the community and determine eligibility of resources using existing city processes (Goal 2, policy 4.8)
• List properties deemed significant by the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation on the City and National Registers of historic places on an ongoing
basis (Goal 3)
• Follow established processes in the review and permitting of properties with established or potential historic resources (Goal 4, policies 4.11, 4.12, 4.13)
• Develop and provide owners of historic property with educational resources and guidelines for the rehabilitation and restoration of their properties (Goal 5,
policy 4.14)
Other Implementation Steps
• Develop an education program for residents to help empower them to realize the community vision for historic preservation in the future.
• Complete a character district study, identifying and developing strategies to preserve and enhance the neighborhood character of old Cottage Grove.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 147
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COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE
29
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Rural Residential
Low Density Residential
Med Dens1y Residential
Hi h Density Residential
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Industrial
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Propose Rezoning Propose 2040 Land Use Plan
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I3 — Commercial Excavation
I I B1 - Limited Business
M 132 — Retail Business
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