IEDC Agenda 12-06-2011Land Use | 3-12008 Comprehensive Plan
3Land Use
The future vision for Monticello provides the foundation for the Compre-
hensive Plan (the vision statement appears in Chapter 1). The Land Use
Plan, in turn, provides the framework for how land will be used to help
achieve the future vision for Monticello. The Land Use Plan seeks to rein-
force desirable land use patterns, identify places where change is needed
and guide the form and location of future growth.
The Land Use Plan for Monticello was shaped by a variety of factors,
including:
Community input gathered through public workshops and Task Force f
discussions.
The existing built and natural environment in Monticello. f
The vision for Monticello’s future. f
Factors described in the Community Context chapter of the Plan. f
Systems plans for transportation, sanitary sewer and water supply. f
This represents a departure in form from the 1996 Comprehensive Plan.
The 1996 Plan included the land use plan as part of a broader Develop-
ment Framework section. The 1996 Plan described Monticello’s land use
plan by general district of the community as a means of attending to the
unique issues in each district. The 2008 Update of the Comprehensive
Plan establishes a separate land use chapter consisting of the following
components:
A section on f Future Growth describes the implications of future resi-
dent growth and the amount of growth anticipated by the Plan.
The f Land Use Plan Map (see Figure 3-2) shows the land uses assigned
to each parcel of land.
Land Use Categories f further explain the Land Use Plan by describing
the land uses depicted in the Map. This section includes land use poli-
cies describe the objectives that Monticello seeks to achieve through
the implementation of the Land Use Plan and the supporting elements
of the Comprehensive Plan.
Focus Areas f provide a more detailed discussion of characteristics,
goals and policies for key areas of the community.
Chapter Contents
Future Growth ............................3-2
Growth Policies ........................3-2
Land Use Plan Map ....................3-3
Land Use Categories .................3-3
Places to Live .............................3-5
Places to Work .......................3-10
Places to Shop ........................3-13
Downtown ..............................3-13
Mixed Use ...............................3-14
Places to Recreate .................3-15
Places for Community ..........3-15
Urban Reserve .......................3-15
Interchange Planning Area .3-16
Private Infrastructure ...........3-16
Greenway ...............................3-16
Focus Areas ..............................3-16
Northwest Monticello ..........3-16
Downtown Focus Area ........3-19
South Central Focus Area ...3-22
East Focus Area .....................3-23
3-2 | Land Use City of Monticello
Future Growth
In looking to the future, Monticello must not just con-
sider the qualities of the future community, but also
the nature of growth. Assumptions about the amount
and pace of future growth are important parts of the
foundation for the Comprehensive Plan. Growth has
several important implications for the Comprehensive
Plan:
Growth projections are used to plan for the capacity f
of municipal utility systems.
Growth projections are used to create and manage f
finance plans for capital improvements.
The school system uses growth projections to f
forecast enrollments and to plan for programs and
facilities.
Market studies use growth projections to analyze f
the potential for locating or expanding businesses
in Monticello.
The characteristics of growth influence the amount f
of land needed to support this development.
Growth adds trips to the local street system. f
Assumptions about growth influence the policies f
and actions needed to implement the Compre-
hensive Plan.
For these reasons, it is essential that the Comprehensive
Plan state assumptions of the nature of future growth.
A challenge in forecasting future residential develop-
ment is that the Comprehensive Plan influences, but
does not control, the factors that determine where
people live. These factors include:
Quality of life. f
Access to employment. f
Availability of desired housing and neighborhood f
options.
Affordability. f
Competition from other places in the region. f
Given these uncertainties, the Comprehensive Plan
seeks a balance between optimism and prudence.
For many reasons, the Plan should not significantly
understate the growth potential of Monticello. The
balancing force lies with the implications of assuming
more growth than is reasonable. The chart in Figure
3-1 shows the projection of future residential growth
assumed in the Comprehensive Plan.
The projections assumes that the rate of growth slowly
rises over the next five years and continues at a level of
190 units per year from 2012 to 2020. This amount falls
below the 229 units/year average for 2001 through 2005.
This rate of growth is intended to reflect several factors.
Monticello will remain a desirable place to live, attract-
ing both builders and residents. Housing market condi-
tions will improve from the weaknesses experienced in
2006 and 2007. A combination of market conditions,
local policy objectives, and changing demographics
may reduce the potential for achieving and sustain-
ing higher rates of residential growth. Slower future
growth reflects the belief that achieving the objectives
of the Comprehensive Plan, in particular seeking more
move up housing, will result in less development than
in previous years.
Growth Policies
1. The City will consistently review recent develop-
ment trends and update growth projections to serve
as a basis for public and private planning.
2. Over the life of this Comprehensive Plan, growth
will occur within the boundaries of the current
municipal boundaries and the Orderly Annexation
Area.
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Projected
Figure 3-1: Growth Trends and Projections
Land Use | 3-32008 Comprehensive Plan
3. Future development should be guided to locations
that utilize existing infrastructure and locations
that facilitate the construction of street and utility
systems that meet the objectives of the Compre-
hensive Plan.
4. The Comprehensive Plan does not anticipate action
by Monticello to annex or extend utility systems to
property immediately north of the Mississippi Riv-
er. Development in this area will place additional
traffic on STH 25 (particularly in the Downtown
area) and channel investment away from other
parts of the City, especially the Downtown.
Land Use Plan Map
The Land Use Plan Map (shown in Figure 3-2) shows
the desired land use for all property in Monticello and
the Orderly Annexation Area The land use plan de-
picted in this map builds on the previous community
planning in Monticello.
The Comprehensive Plan uses the Land Use Plan to
define the broad land use patterns in Monticello. The
Land Use Plan seeks to:
Organize the community in a sustainable man- f
ner.
Make efficient use of municipal utility systems and f
facilitate the orderly and financially feasible expan-
sion of these systems.
Provide the capacity for the type of growth desired f
by the community.
The Land Use Plan Map is only one piece of the land
use plan for Monticello. The other parts of the Land
Use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan work with this
map to explain the intent and objectives for future land
use. Further, this map lays the foundation for land use
controls that are used by the City to implement the
Comprehensive Plan.
Land Use Categories
The Land Use Plan Map uses a set of specific categories
to guide land use in Monticello. One element missing
from the 1996 Comprehensive Plan was a description
of the land use categories shown in the Land Use Plan.
The ability to use the Comprehensive Plan as an effec-
tive land use management tool requires a definition of
each land use. These definitions provide a common
understanding of the basic characteristics of each cat-
egory used in the Land Use Plan.
The 1996 Plan relies on three basic categories of private
land use: residential, commercial and industrial. Each
of these categories is further divided into subcategories
that distinguish between the character, type and inten-
sity of development desired in different locations.
The 2008 update of the Comprehensive Plan uses a dif-
ferent approach to achieve similar land use patterns.
The Land Use Plan map depicts series of “places” for
private development: Places to Live, Places to Shop,
Places to Work, and Downtown. This approach is based
on the following rationale:
These broad categories more clearly illustrate the f
pattern of development and the plan for future
growth.
Although residential land uses vary by type and f
density, they share many public objectives.
This approach makes a more enduring compre- f
hensive plan. The Plan can guide an area for the
appropriate land use without the need to predict
future community needs and market forces.
The Plan relies on policies, land use regulations, f
performance standards and public actions to pro-
vide a more detailed guide for land use and devel-
opment. This approach conveys more flexibility
and control to the City Council and the Planning
Commission.
Role of Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations play a critical role in implementing land use plans in
Monticello. State Law gives zoning regulations priority over the Comprehensive
Plan. If land uses are different, zoning regulations control the use of land.
Zoning regulations are particularly important in the application of the land
use categories in the Monticello Comprehensive Plan. The “places to” land
use categories set forth a broad and flexible land use pattern for Monticello.
Zoning regulations (and other land use controls) will be used to determine the
appropriate location for each form of development and other regulations on
the use of land, consistent with policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
3-4 | Land Use City of Monticello
Figure 3-2: Land Use Plan Map
10
10
2
5
14
11
43
50
68
5
81
94
25
75
18
117
39
106
37
1
3
1
0
0.5
1
0.25
Miles
March 13, 2008
Data Source: MnDNR, Sherburne County, Wright
County, and WSB & Associates.
Land Use Plan
Leg
end
Places to Live
Places to Shop
Places to Work
Places to Recreate
Places for Community
Downtown
Mixed Use
Interchange Planning Area
Urban Reserve
Infrastructure
Rivers and Streams
Public Water
s Inventory
Wetl
ands (National & Public Waters Inventories)
Potenti
al Greenway
Potenti
al Interchange
Future Bridge
Existing Arterial or Collector Road
Proposed Arterial or Collector Road
Powerline
Monticello City Boundary
Orderly Annexation Area
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10
2
5
14
11
43
50
68
5
81
94
25
75
18
117
39
106
37
1
3
1
0
0.5
1
0.25
Miles
March 13, 2008
Data Source: MnDNR, Sherburne County, Wright
County, and WSB & Associates.
Land Use Plan
Leg
end
Places to Live
Places to Shop
Places to Work
Places to Recreate
Places for Community
Downtown
Mixed Use
Interchange Planning Area
Urban Reserve
Infrastructure
Rivers and Streams
Public Waters Inventory
Wetl
ands (National & Public Waters Inventories)
Potential Greenway
Potential Interchange
Future Bridge
Existing Arterial or Collector Road
Proposed Arterial or Collector Road
Powerline
Monticello City Boundary
Orderly Annexation Area
Land Use | 3-52008 Comprehensive Plan
The remainder of this section describes the categories
used in the Comprehensive Plan in greater detail.
Places to Live
The Comprehensive Plan seeks to create and sustain
quality places for people to live in Monticello (see Figure
3-3). This category designates areas where housing is
the primary use of land. The emphasis behind Places to
Live is to help ensure that Monticello offers a full range
of housing choices, while preserving and enhancing the
quality of neighborhoods. Although a single land use
category, Places to Live does not suggest housing is a
homogenous commodity or that any type of housing
is desirable or allowed in any location.
When someone says “house” the most common image
is a single family detached dwelling. This housing style
is characterized by several features. There is a one-to-
one relationship between house and parcel of land - the
housing unit is located on a single parcel. The house is
not physically attached to another housing unit. The
housing is designed for occupancy by a single family
unit. The typical neighborhood in Monticello is made
up exclusively of single family detached homes.
The primary variables become the design of the sub-
division, the size of the lot and the size and style of the
dwelling. Many older neighborhoods in Monticello
(north of Interstate 94) were built on a traditional grid
street system. Over the past thirty years, development
patterns have moved to a new suburban curvilinear
Figure 3-3: Land Use Plan - Places to Live
3-6 | Land Use City of Monticello
pattern, characterized by curvilinear street layout with
the use of cul-de-sacs.
A variety of factors, including consumer preference
and housing cost, have increased the construction of
attached housing in recent years. Duplexes, twin homes
quads and townhomes are common examples of this
housing style. Although the specific form changes,
there are several common characteristics. Each hous-
ing unit is designed for occupancy by a single family.
The housing units are physically attached to each other
in a horizontal orientation.
Places to Live will include some neighborhoods de-
signed to offer a mixture of housing types and densities.
Mixed residential neighborhoods create a pattern of
that combines single-family detached housing with a
mixture of attached housing types. Using good design
and planning, these mixed residential neighborhoods
can achieve a higher density without compromising
the overall integrity of the low-density residential pat-
tern.
This integration strengthens neighborhoods by increas-
ing housing choice and affordability beyond what is
possible by today’s rules and regulations. It also avoids
large and separate concentrations of attached housing.
It enhances opportunities to organize development in
a manner that preserves natural features.
A complete housing stock includes higher density
residential areas that consist of multi-family housing
types such as apartments and condominiums. In the
near term, the Comprehensive Plan does not anticipate
expanding the existing supply of higher density hous-
ing. It is likely that Monticello will need additional
higher density housing to:
Provide housing suited to the needs of an aging f
population.
Facilitate redevelopment in the Downtown or in f
other appropriate locations of the community.
Provide housing needed to attract the work force f
required to achieve economic development goals
of the City.
Higher density residential land uses should be located
where the setting can accommodate the taller buildings
and additional traffic.
Policies – Places to Live
The Comprehensive Plan seeks to achieve the following
objectives for residential land use in Monticello:
Provide a range of housing choices that fit all stages 1.
of a person’s life-cycle (see below).
Support development in areas that best matches the 2.
overall objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
Develop quality neighborhoods that create a sense 3.
of connection to the community and inspire sus-
tained investment. The Comprehensive Plan seeks
to maintain the quality and integrity of existing
neighborhoods by encouraging the maintenance of
property and reinvestment into the existing housing
stock. Changes in housing type should be allowed
only to facilitate necessary redevelopment.
Create neighborhoods that allow residents to 4.
maintain a connection to the natural environment
and open spaces.
Seek quality over quantity in residential growth. 5.
Achieving the objectives for quality housing and
neighborhoods may reduce the overall rate of
growth.
Reserve areas with high amenities for “move up” 6.
housing as desired in the vision statement. These
amenities may include forested areas, wetland
complexes, adjacency to parks and greenways.
Some of the City’s policy objectives require further
explanation.
Life Cycle Housing
Housing is not a simple “one size fits all” commodity.
Monticello’s housing stock varies by type, age, style
and price. The Community Context chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan describes the characteristics of
the housing stock based on the 2000 Census and recent
building permit trends.
The concept of life cycle housing recognizes that hous-
ing needs change over the course of a person’s life (see
Figure 3-4). Young adults may not have the income
capacity to own the typical single family home. This
Land Use | 3-72008 Comprehensive Plan
segment of the population often seeks rental housing.
Families move through different sizes, styles and prices
of housing as family size and income changes over time.
With aging, people may desire smaller homes with less
maintenance. Eventually, the elderly transition to hous-
ing associated with options for direct care. As noted
in the Vision Statement, Monticello’s population will
continue to become more diverse. This diversity will
be seen in age, race, culture and wealth. These factors
will influence the housing needs of Monticello.
The Comprehensive Plan recognizes these differences
and seeks to create a balanced housing supply that
encourages people to move to and stay in Monticello.
This balance may not be achieved solely by market
forces guided by this Land Use Plan. Actions by the
City may be needed to promote the creation of housing
in underserved segments of the market.
Neighborhood Design
A priority for the community is diversification of the
housing stock by providing more “move up” housing.
In this context, the term “move up” housing refers to
larger homes with more amenities in structure and
setting. This type of housing may not be exclusively
single-family detached or low density. Attached forms
of housing with medium or high densities may meet the
objectives for move up housing in the appropriate loca-
tions. In this way, the objectives for move up housing
and life cycle housing are compatible and supportive.
While every community wants a high quality housing
stock, this issue has particular importance in Mon-
ticello. It is a key to retaining population. Without
a broader variety of housing options, families may
encouraged to leave Monticello to meet their need for
a larger home. It is a factor in economic development.
One facet of attracting and retaining professional jobs
is to provide desirable housing alternatives.
It must be recognized that creating move up housing
requires more than policies in the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan provides a guide for achiev-
ing the desired results. The desired outcomes require
private investment. This investment occurs when
demand exists or the City can provide an incentive to
attract investment.
Figure 3-4: Life Cycle of Housing Supply
3-8 | Land Use City of Monticello
Part of attracting move up housing comes from cre-
ating great neighborhoods – places that will attract
and sustain the housing options sought by the City.
Neighborhoods are the building block of Places to Live
in Monticello. The goal of the Comprehensive Plan is
to create and maintain attractive, safe and functional
neighborhoods. The following policies help to achieve
this objective:
1. Neighborhoods should incorporate the natural
characteristics of the setting. Trees, terrain,
drainageways, and other natural features provide
character to neighborhoods.
2. Housing should be oriented to the local street,
minimizing access and noise conflicts with collec-
tor streets.
3. The City will use public improvements to enhance
the appearance and character of a neighborhood.
Some examples of improvements that define an
area include streets with curb and gutter, trees in
the public boulevard, street lighting systems, and
storm water ponding.
4. Sidewalks, trails, and bikeways will connect the
neighborhood to other parts of the community.
5. Every neighborhood should have reasonable access
to a public park as a place for residents to gather
and play.
All of these elements work together to create a desirable
and sustainable place to live.
Balancing the Built and Natural Environments
The natural amenities of the growth areas (west and
south) in Monticello should serve as a catalyst for
residential development. The proposed regional park
(YMCA property) offers the dual assets of natural fea-
tures and recreational opportunities. Lakes, wetlands
and other natural amenities exist throughout the or-
derly annexation area.
Studies have shown that parks and open space have a
positive economic effect on adjacent development. An
article published by the National Park and Recreation
Association states that “recent analyses suggest that
open spaces may have substantial positive impacts on
surrounding property values and hence, the property
tax base, providing open space advocates with con-
vincing arguments in favor of open space designation
and preservation.” Balancing the built and natural
environments should provide a catalyst to the types of
development desired by the City and in the expansion
of the property tax base.
In attempting to meet residential development objec-
tives, the City should not lose sight of long-term public
benefit from access to these same natural areas. The
original development of Monticello provides an ex-
cellent illustration. The majority of the riverfront in
Monticello is controlled by private property. Public
access to the River comes at points provided by public
parks.
Figure 3-5: Relationship Between Development and
Natural Features - Parkway
Figure 3-6: Relationship Between Development and
Natural Features - Trail Corridor
Land Use | 3-92008 Comprehensive Plan
A well known example of balancing public use with
private development is the Minneapolis chain of lakes
and Minnehaha Creek. Public streets (parkways) and
trails separate neighborhoods from the natural features,
preserving public use and access. These neighbor-
hoods are some of the most desirable in the region,
demonstrating that public use and private benefit are
not mutually exclusive.
The figures below show two options for integrating
housing, natural features and public use. Figure 3-5
is the parkway concept. An attractive street forms the
edge between the park (or natural area) and the hous-
ing. A multi-use trail follows the street while homes
face the street and draw on the attractiveness of both
the parkway and the natural amenities.
The alternative is to use a trail corridor to provide public
access to these areas (see Figure 3-6). The trail follows
the edge of the natural area. Access to the trail between
lots should come at reasonable intervals.
There are a variety of real world examples of how Min-
nesota cities have used conservation design strategies
to promote high quality development and preserve the
natural environment. The illustrations in Figure 3-7
shows elements of the Chevalle development in Chaska.
Using open space design and rural residential cluster
development techniques, HKGi’s concept plan provides
for a variety of housing options while preserving a ma-
jority of the area as permanent open space, including
public and common open spaces. Amenities would
include access to protected open spaces (lakeshore,
woods, meadows, pastures, wetlands), walking/biking
trails, equestrian trails and facilities, common outdoor
structures and an environmental learning center. The
experience of other cities and developments can guide
future planning and decision making in Monticello.
Figure 3-7: Example of Conservation Design Development
OPEN SPACE DESIGN
-Pastures
-Equestrian Facility
-Wetlands Enhancements
-Conservation Easements
-Central Park
-27 Acre Park South of Lake
NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD
Total Housing Units:66
Custom, Luxury Twin Homes
Lot Width:45’x 90’Twinhome
Lot Size:4,050 Sq. Ft.
House Sq. Ft.:2,800 to 3,800 Sq. Ft.
Price Point Packages:$475,000 to
$750,000
NORTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD
Total Housing Units:98
Semi-Custom, Single-Family Homes
Lot Width:82’Minimum
Lot Size:9,900 to 16,000 Sq. Ft.
House Sq. Ft.:2,400 to 4,800 Sq. Ft.
Price Point Packages:$450,000 to
$650,000
NEIGHBORHOOD FEATURES
-Central Park
-Northeast Neighborhood Green
-South Neighborhood Green
-Association Dock and Park
3-10 | Land Use City of Monticello
Attractive Places
Attractive physical appearance is one of the most
common attributes of Places to Live in Monticello.
Attractiveness is a combination of design, construc-
tion and maintenance. These characteristics apply to
buildings and sites. Attractiveness is relevant for both
private and public property. Attractiveness reflects
individual pride in property as well as an overall sense
of community quality.
The City may use a variety of regulatory tools to influ-
ence the potential for attractive neighborhoods:
Building codes and additional regulations to pro- f
mote quality construction.
Subdivision regulations control the initial configu- f
ration of lots.
Zoning regulations establish limitations on the size f
of lots, placement of the house on a lot, relationship
of structure size to lot area, and building height.
Nuisance ordinances enable the City to prevent and f
correct undesirable uses of property.
Other City regulations control other ancillary uses f
of residential property.
Maintenance of property is a factor in sustaining quality
neighborhoods. The tenure (form of ownership) influ-
ences the responsibility for housing maintenance. The
owner-occupant of a single family detached home is
solely responsible for the maintenance of building and
grounds. If this same home is rented, maintenance
responsibilities are often shared between tenant and
owner. This relationship may include a third party
property manager retained by the owner to perform
maintenance duties. Owners of attached housing may
act collectively through a homeowner’s association.
In multiple family rental housing, the tenants have no
direct responsibility for property maintenance. This
discussion does not imply a preference, but is intended
solely to highlight the differences. This understanding
becomes relevant when public action is needed to ad-
dress a failure of the private maintenance approach.
Nuisance ordinances are one tool used by the City
to address failures in private maintenance and use of
property.
Economics also influences property maintenance. The
greater the portion of income devoted to basic housing
costs (mortgage/rent, taxes, utilities), the less money
available for maintenance activities. Maintenance
can be deferred, but not avoided. If left unchecked,
this cycle of avoided maintenance produces negative
effects.
Safe Places
Safety is frequently identified as the most desired
characteristic of Places to Live. Several aspects of the
Comprehensive Plan and city government influence
safe neighborhoods.
The City will encourage existing neighborhoods 1.
and develop new neighborhoods where people
are involved in the community, interact with their
neighbors and support each other.
The City will design, build and maintain a system 2.
of streets that collects traffic from neighborhoods,
allows movement within Monticello to jobs, shop-
ping and other destinations and minimizes traffic
that “cuts through” neighborhoods on local streets
seeking other destinations.
The City will provide, directly or by contract, ser-3.
vices needed to protect people and property.
The City will support the Land Use Plan with a 4.
water supply that provides clean water at pressures
needed to support fire suppression.
The City will protect the natural environment 5.
by requiring new development to connect to the
sanitary sewer system and by adequately treating
all municipal wastewater.
The City will provide water that is safe to drink by 6.
protecting water supply sources.
Places to Work
This land use is primarily intended for industrial de-
velopment. Places to Work seeks to provide locations
for the retention, expansion and creation of businesses
that provide jobs for Monticello residents and expan-
sion and diversification of the property tax base. In
order to be a center of employment with a wide range
of job opportunities, it is critical that Monticello
preserve sufficient land for Places to Work over the
next twenty-five years. These land uses can be one of
Land Use | 3-112008 Comprehensive Plan
the most challenging to locate because of its need for
convenient transportation access and influence on
surrounding land uses. In planning for future Places to
Work, the Comprehensive Plan considers the goals of
the community; what type of industrial development
is sought; and what factors should be considered when
locating an industrial land use.
In planning for sustaining existing businesses and at-
tracting new development, it is necessary to understand
why Places to Work are important to Monticello. The
objectives for this land use include:
Expanding and diversifying the property tax base. f
Providing jobs with an increasing opportunity for f
people to work and live in Monticello.
Promoting wage levels that provide incomes need- f
ed to purchase decent housing, support local busi-
nesses and support local government services.
Take advantage of opportunities to attract corpo- f
rate headquarters/campuses and businesses that
specialize in biosciences and technology.
Encouraging the retention and expansion of exist- f
ing businesses in Monticello.
Figure 3-8: Land Use Plan - Places to Work
3-12 | Land Use City of Monticello
Policies – Places to Work
The City will use the Comprehensive Plan to des-1.
ignate and preserve a supply of land for Places to
Work that meets current and future needs.
Consistent with the vision for the future of Mon-2.
ticello, the Land Use Plan promotes the establish-
ment of business campus settings that provide a
high level of amenities, including architectural
controls, landscaping, preservation of natural
features, storage enclosed within buildings, and
other features. The zoning ordinance, subdivision
regulations and other land use controls will also be
used to create and maintain the desired business
campus settings.
Places to Work supports the City’s desire to attract 3.
businesses oriented to bioscience, technology, re-
search and development, corporate headquarters,
business office, wholesale showrooms, and related
uses.
The Comprehensive Plan also recognizes that 4.
Places to Work should provide locations for other
general industrial development in the areas of
manufacturing, processing, warehousing, distribu-
tion and related businesses.
Places to Work may include non-industrial busi-5.
nesses that provide necessary support to the un-
derlying development objectives of this land use.
Examples of supporting land uses include lodging,
office supplies and repair services.
Figure 3-9: Land Use Plan - Places to Shop
Land Use | 3-132008 Comprehensive Plan
Additional public objectives and strategies for Places
to Work can be found in the Economic Development
chapter.
Places to Shop
Places to Shop designate locations that are or can be
developed with businesses involved with the sale of
goods and services. Places to Shop may include offices
for service businesses. Places to Shop guides land uses
that are both local and regional in nature.
Policies - Places to Shop
In guiding land uses for Places to Shop, the Compre-
hensive Plan seeks to:
1. The Comprehensive Plan seeks to attract and retain
businesses that provide goods and services needed
by Monticello residents.
2. The Comprehensive Plan seeks to capture the op-
portunity for commercial development that serves
a broader region. Places to Shop with a regional
orientation should be located where the traffic does
not disadvantage travel within Monticello.
3. Commercial development will be used to expand
and diversify the local property tax base and as an
element of a diverse supply of local jobs.
4. Places to Shop will be located on property with ac-
cess to the street capacity needed to support traffic
from these businesses.
5. Each parcel should supply an adequate supply of
parking that makes it convenient to obtain the
goods and services.
6. Building materials, facades and signage should
combine with public improvements to create an
attractive setting.
7. Site design must give consideration to defining edg-
es and providing buffering or separation between
the commercial parcel and adjacent residential
uses.
These policies help to create sustainable locations for
Places to Shop in a manner that enhances Monticello.
Downtown
Downtown is a unique commercial district that is part
of Monticello’s heritage and identity. It is, however, no
longer possible for downtown to be Monticello’s cen-
tral business district. The mass of current and future
commercial development south of Interstate 94 along
TH 25 and in east Monticello along interstate 94 have
replaced the downtown area as primary shopping dis-
tricts. The future success of downtown requires it to
be a place unlike any other in Monticello.
The Comprehensive Plan seeks to achieve the vision
and objectives described in the 1997 Downtown and
Riverfront Plan. Downtown is intended to be a mix
of inter-related and mutually supportive land uses.
Businesses involved with the sale of goods and services
should be the focus of Downtown land use. Residential
development facilities reinvestment and places poten-
tial customers in the Downtown area. Civic uses draw
in people from across the community.
During the planning process, the potential for allowing
commercial activity to extend easterly out of the Down-
town along Broadway was discussed. The Compre-
hensive Plan consciously defines – as the eastern edge
of Downtown for two basic reasons: (1) Downtown
should be successful and sustainable before new areas
of competition are created; and (2) The Comprehensive
Plan seeks to maintain and enhance the integrity of
residential neighborhoods east of Downtown.
The Comprehensive Plan describes issues, plans and policies related to the Downtown in several sections
of the Plan.
3-14 | Land Use City of Monticello
More than any other land use category, Downtown has
strong connections to other parts of the Comprehen-
sive Plan. The following parts of the Comprehensive
Plan also address community desires and plans for the
Downtown area:
The Land Use chapter contains a specific focus f
area on Downtown. The focus area contains a
more detailed discussion of the issues facing the
Downtown and potential public actions needed to
address these issues.
The operation of the street system is a critical fac- f
tor for the future of Downtown. The Transporta-
tion chapter of the Comprehensive Plan (and the
related Transportation Plan) influence the ability
of residents to travel to Downtown and the options
for mitigating the impacts of traffic on Highway 25
and other Downtown streets.
The Parks chapter of the Comprehensive Plan f
provides for parks in the Downtown and the trail
systems that allow people to reach Downtown on
foot or bicycle.
The Economic Development chapter lays the foun- f
dation for public actions and investments that will
be needed to achieve the desired outcomes.
Policies – Downtown
Downtown is a special and unique part of Mon-1.
ticello. It merits particular attention in the Com-
prehensive Plan and in future efforts to achieve
community plans and objectives.
Downtown is intended to be an inter-connected 2.
and supportive collection of land uses. The primary
function of Downtown is as a commercial district.
Other land uses should support and enhance the
overall objectives for Downtown.
Wherever possible, street fronts should be reserved 3.
for businesses.
Housing in the downtown can facilitate necessary 4.
redevelopment and bring potential customers di-
rectly into the area. Housing may be free-standing
or in shared buildings with street level commercial
uses.
Downtown is the civic center of Monticello. To 5.
the degree possible, unique public facilities (such
as the Community Center, the Library and the Post
Office) should be located in the Downtown area as
a means to bring people into the Downtown.
Downtown should emphasize connections with 6.
the Mississippi River that are accessible by the
public.
Downtown should be a pedestrian-oriented place 7.
in a manner that cannot be matched by other com-
mercial districts.
Downtown should have an adequate supply of free 8.
parking for customers distributed throughout the
area.
The City will facilitate private investment in 9.
Downtown and, if necessary, use its redevelop-
ment powers to remove barriers to desired private
investment.
All of these policies work together to attract people to
Downtown and to enhance the potential for a successful
business environment.
Amendment to Comprehensive Plan/1997 Downtown
Revitalization Plan
Resolution 2010-049, adopted 7/12/10:
At the intersection of Broadway and Pine Streets,
parking lots may be constructed only when all of the
following conditions exist:
Applicable traffic safety and access requirements f
limit the ability to comply with building location
standards of this Plan.
At least fifty (50) percent of either the Broadway f
or Pine Street frontage is occupied by a building
(non-parking area).
An alternative vertical element is located at the f
street corner which, as determined by City Of-
ficials, establishes an architecturally compatible
corner presence. Such elements may include, but
not be limited to public art, interpretive signage,
architectural business signs and architecturally
appropriate lighting.
Mixed Use
The Mixed Use is a transition area between the Down-
town and the hopsital campus. It has been createdin
recogonition of the unique nature of this area. The area
serves two functions. It is the edge between long-term
Land Use | 3-152008 Comprehensive Plan
residential neighborhoods and a major tranportation
corridor (Broadway Street). It is also a link between
the Downtown, the hospital campus and the east in-
terchange retail area.
The primary goal of this land use is to preserve and
enhance housing in this part of Monticello. Any
non-residential development should be designed to
minimize the impacts on and conflicts with adjacent
neighborhoods.
Policies - Mixed Use.
Development should not have direct access to 1.
Broadway street. Access should come from side
street.
Non-residential development should be limited to 2.
small retail, service and office businesses. The scale,
character and site design should be compatible with
the adjacent residential neighborhoods.
All non-residential development will be oriented 3.
to Broadway Street and not to 3rd Street or River
Street.
Commercial development compatible with the 4.
Downtown should be encouraged to locate there.
More intense housing and commercial uses may be 5.
allowed if directly related to the hospital.
Places to Recreate
Places to Recreate consist of public parks and private
recreation facilities. The land uses are essential ele-
ments of the quality of life in Monticello. The Parks
and Trails chapter of the Comprehensive describes the
current park and trail system and the future plan to
maintain and enhance this system.
The Comprehensive Plan is only one aspect of manag-
ing the land use for public parks and private recreation
facilities. The City’s zoning regulations place these
locations into a zoning district. Often, the purpose of
the zoning district is to guide private development, such
as housing. Under current State Law, zoning regula-
tions “trump” the Land Use Plan and govern the use of
land. With the potential for the redevelopment of golf
courses, it is important the Comprehensive Plan and
other land use controls work in concert to achieve the
desired outcomes.
The City’s plans and policies for parks, trails and open
space can be found in the Parks chapter of the Com-
prehensive Plan
Places for Community
Places for Community consist of public and semi-public
land uses. Public uses include all governmental facili-
ties (city, county, state and federal) and schools. This
category also applies to churches, cemeteries, hospitals,
and other institutional uses.
It is important to note that these land uses relate only
to existing land uses. The Comprehensive Plan does
not guide the location of new churches, schools, public
buildings and other institutional land uses. Places for
Community will be needed in the Northwest area as
it develops.
These uses are typically allowed in residential areas and
governed by zoning regulations. These institutional
uses (such as schools and churches) are important parts
of the fabric of the community, but require guidance to
ensure a proper fit with its residential surroundings.
New institutional use should be allowed in residential
areas under certain conditions. These conditions
should address the aspects of the use that conflict with
desired characteristics of residential neighborhood.
Criteria for locating an institutional use in a residential
land use area include:
1. Size. Large buildings and site areas can disrupt
neighborhood cohesiveness. Use in lower density
residential areas should not be more than [to be
determined] square feet in lot area.
2. Parking. Parking may spill on to neighborhood
streets without adequate on-site facilities. The
parking needs will vary with the use of the facility.
Each facility should provide adequate on-site or
reasonable off-site shared parking based on the use
of the facility.
3. Traffic. Institutional uses should be oriented to
designated collector or arterial streets.
4. Lighting and signage. Site lighting and signage
needs may resemble commercial uses. These site
factors should be managed to fit the character of
the surrounding residential development.
3-16 | Land Use City of Monticello
Urban Reserve
The Urban Reserve contains all property in the Orderly
Annexation Area that it not shown for development in
the near term in this Plan. The objective is to encourage
rural and agricultural uses, preventing barriers to future
development opportunities. It is anticipated that the
City will grow into portions of the Urban Reserve as
planned land use areas become fully developed and ca-
pacity for future growth in needed. The Urban Reserve
is not simply a holding area for future development.
Parts of the Urban Reserve are likely to be preserved
as natural resource areas or for agricultural purposes.
Future planning will consider the locations in the Urban
Reserve best suited for development.
Interchange Planning Area
The Interchange Planning Area encompasses undevel-
oped land in the northwest part of Monticello around
the site of a potential west interchange with Interstate
94. The purpose of this land use is to preserve the area
for future development and prevent the creation of
development barriers.
If built, the area should be planned to support a mix-
ture of commercial, employment and residential land
uses. The interchange location and the routes of future
connecting roads are solely for illustration. Future land
use issues in this area are discussed in the Focus Area
for Northwest Monticello.
Private Infrastructure
This category applies to Xcel Energy’s power plant and
railroad right-of-way. This category recognizes the
unique role of the power plant in Monticello.
Greenway
The Land Use Plan Map shows a “potential greenway”
ringing the western and southern edges of Monticello.
The Greenway is intended to provide an environmental
corridor that connects large community parks and open
spaces to neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas and
places to work. They serve to protect environmentally
sensitive areas such as natural habitat, wetlands, tree
canopy, and drainage ways. Land within this corridor
could be comprised of a combination of public and pri-
vate open space. Development would not be prohibited
within the greenway but would be reasonably restricted
to ensure that development is carefully integrated with
the natural environment.
The Greenway is intended to shape development pat-
terns in a manner that is sensitive to the existing en-
vironment and harmonious with the landscape. The
Greenway creates opportunities for a continuous trail
corridor connecting neighborhoods with large parks
and open spaces. A trail within this corridor is intended
to be fully accessible to the general public.
The following are the City’s goals for the Greenway:
To provide (where possible) a continuous green 1.
corridor connecting large community parks and
open spaces to neighborhoods, shopping areas,
schools and places to work.
To connect people to significant places.2.
To protect the community’s natural resources 3.
(trees, ponds, wetlands, slopes, etc).
To create environmentally sensitive development 4.
and design.
To provide opportunities for corridors for wildlife 5.
movement and ecological connections between
natural areas.
Focus Areas
For certain parts of Monticello, the intentions of the
Comprehensive Plan cannot be adequately described
solely with the land use map and the related category
descriptions. The following Focus Areas provide a more
detailed examination of the plans and issues in key loca-
tions that will shape the future of Monticello.
Northwest Monticello
This focus area includes the entire northwest corner
of the community. The land use objectives in this area
include:
Encourage development in this part of the com-1.
munity to utilize infrastructure investments and
to provide the capacity to develop in high amenity
areas.
Land Use | 3-172008 Comprehensive Plan
10 10
2 5
14
11
43
50
68
581
9
4
25
75
18
117
39
106
37
1 3 1
0 0.5 10.25
Miles
March 13, 2008
Data Source: MnDNR, Sherburne County, Wright
County, and WSB & Associates. Land Use Plan
Legend
Places to Live
Places to Shop
Places to Work
Places to Recreate
Places for Community
Downtown
Mixed Use
Interchange Planning Area
Urban Reserve
Infrastructure
Rivers and Streams
Public Waters Inventory
Wetlands (National & Public Waters I nventories)
Potential Greenway
Potential Interchange
Future Bridge
Existing Arterial or Collector Road
Proposed Arterial or Collector Road
Powerline
Monticello City Boundary
Orderly Annexation Area
Figure 3-10: Land Use Plan - Northwest Monticello
street system, including plans for the construction of a
highway interchange.
The remainder of this section describes the land use
issues and objectives for northwest Monticello in
greater detail.
West Interchange
A new interchange with Interstate 94 is a critical vari-
able in the future development of this area. While
the Comprehensive Plan recognizes the potential for
a future interchange, in 2008 it is only a concept. It is
not part of the State’s plans for future highway improve-
ments for this district.
This interchange could be a valuable part of the long-
term transportation plan for Monticello if it is part of
a new river crossing that removes traffic from Highway
25. Without the bridge, the primary benefit is to pro-
vide access to this area and expand the development
opportunities.
The Land Use Plan assumes that the interchange is a
future possibility. For this reason, property adjacent
to the interstate has been placed into a combination
of Places to Live, Work and Shop. The Plan seeks to
prevent development from limiting the location of
the interchange (or block it) and to preserve the area
around the interchange for future commercial, indus-
trial and residential development. Without the access
provided by the interchange, commercial, industrial
and residential development should not be anticipated
in this area.
Ideally, the City will pursue additional investigations
following the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan.
These investigations should be designed to resolve some
of the unanswered questions related to the interchange.
These questions include:
Where should the interchange be located? f
What is the potential for a new river bridge con- f
nection?
How would the interchange be funded and what f
are the financial and land use implications for the
City?
What time frame should be used in planning for f
the improvements?
Provide for a variety of housing alternatives based 2.
on the natural features and the surrounding land
uses. Areas with high natural amenities or proxim-
ity to the planned regional park should be reserved
for move up housing.
Expansion of existing Places to Work in a manner 3.
that creates more “head of household” jobs.
Preserve and promote public use of natural areas, 4.
including the establishment of greenway corri-
dors.
Identify and preserve key street corridors.5.
Preserve areas for future Places to Shop and Places 6.
to Work around a future highway interchange, if
such an interchange proves viable.
The Comprehensive Plan envisions that growth will ex-
tend westward from existing development. The initial
high amenity residential development is expected to
occur along the eastern perimeter of the new regional
park (YMCA Camp Manitou). No Places to Live are
planned with the boundaries of this park. Future
development will be influenced by the capacity of the
3-18 | Land Use City of Monticello
The answers to these questions provide invaluable guid-
ance to future land use and transportation in Monti-
cello. The area included in future planning should not
be limited to the property in the Interchange Planning
Area land use category. An interchange and the sup-
porting street system has future land use implications
for a broader area.
Regional Park
Another critical factor in the future of the Northwest
Area is the future of the YMCA camp. The City and
Wright County are in negotiations with the Minneapo-
lis YMCA to acquire the 1,200-acre Camp Manitou.
The Comprehensive Plan anticipates that the Camp
will be converted into a regional park.
The area around this park is guided for future Places
to Live. No residential development should be al-
lowed within the park. The amenity of this land and
the regional park provide an excellent setting (around
the perimeter of the park) for some of the “upscale”
neighborhoods and housing desired by the City.
In planning for this park, it is important to look be-
yond the boundaries of the park and to its context in
the broader community. The illustration in Figure
3-11 highlights several key community development
opportunities:
The City must create connections between the park f
and other sections of Monticello.
YMCA
Regional
Park
Existing
Natural
Land
Existing
Natural
Land
Potential Parkways
Potential
Greenway
Corridor
Potential
Greenway
Corridor
Existing
Green
Corridor
To Mississippi River
To Mississippi River
25
39
Z35W
Z394
Z94
Figure 3-11: Community Connections to Regional Park
Land Use | 3-192008 Comprehensive Plan
Building streets in a “parkway” design emphasizes f
the desired qualities of a regional park and of the
surrounding Places to Live and Work.
The park is a critical piece in creating a “greenway” f
system that links to the Mississippi River and may,
over time, ring the community.
Industrial Growth
The Northwest area is a critical location for current and
future industrial development. The Monticello Busi-
ness Center, located south of Chelsea Road and west
of 90th Street, has already started to be developed as a
high amenity environment with protective covenants
that address building materials, loading docks, outdoor
storage, and landscaping. In order to provide sufficient
land for Business Campus uses over the next 25 years,
the Comprehensive Plan extends this land use south to
the planned expansion of School Boulevard.
It is important to recognize that activity generated by
business development can create conflicts with resi-
dential development. The Comprehensive Plan seeks
to create both high quality business parks and residen-
tial neighborhoods in this area. Careful site planning
and development management will be needed to meet
these objectives.
School Boulevard Extension
The Northwest Area serves as a good example of the
need to coordination land use and transportation plan-
ning. An extension of School Boulevard is needed to
provide access to the area and to connect development
to the rest of the community. The route of this roadway
should be identified and preserved as development
occurs.
School Boulevard has several other Comprehensive
Plan implications:
This major collector street will influence the nature f
of adjacent land use.
Streetscape improvements would help to define f
the high quality character desired by the City as a
gateway to the regional park and to new neighbor-
hoods.
The street is a means for bringing trail connections f
to the park.
Golf Course
In 2006, the Silver Springs Golf Course was part of a
development proposal (Jefferson at Monticello) that
would have redeveloped this property mixing golf and
housing. The development did not proceed beyond the
environmental review.
The Comprehensive Plan shows the area as Places to
Recreate based on the continued use as a golf course.
This designation does not preclude a future proposal
and Comprehensive Plan amendment for residential
development. It is likely, however, that this scale of new
development will require the access provided by a new
highway interchange. The Comprehensive Plan seeks to
fill in other development areas and make effective use
of other infrastructure investments before extending
utilities for redevelopment of the golf course.
Downtown Focus Area
Downtown Monticello needs special attention in the
Comprehensive Plan. Following the last Comprehen-
sive Plan update, the community undertook a separate
downtown planning process. This process resulted in
the 1997 Downtown and Riverfront Plan. This Plan
emphasizes the importance that the community places
on Downtown. The 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update
The Comprehensive Plan seeks to enhance the existing commercial core along Broadway by building
strong connections with the riverfront and the civic/retail district on the south end of Walnut Street.
3-20 | Land Use City of Monticello
The 1997 Downtown Plan envisioned land use in eleven districts, each with varying targets for use and
character:
Riverfront - Specialty retail, eating establishments, lodging, entertainment, multifamily residential,
office; upper level residential or office; two or three story buildings; river orientation; emphasis on
public areas surrounding buildings (rather than parking lots).
Broadway: Downtown - Small and mid-sized retail, specialty retail, personal and business services,
eating establishments, lodging, entertainment and office; upper level residential or office; two story
buildings; orientation to Broadway.
Broadway: East and West - Singe family residential, strong emphasis on restoration of existing older
homes.
Walnut - Small and mid-sized retail, personal and business services, eating establishments and office,
upper level residential or office; two story buildings encouraged; orientation to Walnut Street.
Pine - Mid-sized retail and office; two story buildings encouraged; orientation to Pine Street.
Seventh Street - Larger scale retail and service, auto-oriented retail and service, drive through
restaurants, lodging; orientation of Seventh Street.
Transitional - Mix of small office, personal and business services, multi-family residential and single
family homes.
Neighborhood – Predominantly single family horns following existing neighborhood patterns.
Industrial – Cargill Kitchen Solutions operations only; transition to Civic/Institutional, Walnut or
Transitional if Cargill Kitchen Solutions ceases operation.
Parks and Open Space – Parks, cemeteries, outdoor public spaces and gathering spaces. Civic/
Institutional - Municipal and county facilities (except maintenance operations), public meeting spaces,
community activity spaces, educational facilities, churches, outdoor gathering spaces.
Civic/institutional - Municipal and county facilities (except maintenance operations), public meeting
spaces, community activity spaces. educational facilities, churches, outdoor gathering spaces.
Figure 3-12: 1997 Downtown Plan - Land Use
Land Use | 3-212008 Comprehensive Plan
“Big box” and retail development continue to oc- f
cur in other parts of Monticello. These businesses
directly compete with the Downtown and attract
smaller businesses (that might otherwise consider
a Downtown location) to adjacent parcels.
These challenges influenced the recommendations f
in the 1997 Downtown Plan. Neither Broadway
Street nor Highway 25 can serve as an effective
“main street” or Downtown focal point for Mon-
ticello. For this reason, the Plan recommended
flipping the orientation of future development to
Walnut Street. Walnut had the capacity to create
more the qualities found on a downtown main
street. More importantly, Walnut Street provides
a “bridge” between the traditional downtown/
riverfront and the highway oriented commercial
uses to the south.
Some actions have taken place in accordance with the
1997 Plan. The Community Center complex stayed
in Downtown and anchors the south end of Walnut
Street. Combined with the Library, the area has civic
destination that attract people from all areas of the
community. The commercial development east of the
Community Center shows how new buildings can bring
storefronts to the street.
There are also examples of missed opportunities. The
old library was replaced with a bank. This site seeks
visibility from Highway 25. The parking lot and not the
building is oriented to Walnut Street. Such sites cre-
ate gaps and impair the ability to connect the existing
Downtown core with the south end.
Downtown Strategies
Given current plans and conditions, the Comprehen-
sive Plan recommends the following strategies for
Downtown.
1. The Downtown land use area should be an area
running from the River to 7th Street. It is bound on
the east by Cedar Street and on the west by Locust
Street.
2. Land use in the Downtown should be a mix of retail,
service, office, civic and residential development.
Although an industrial land use, Cargill Kitchen
Solutions is an important and ongoing part of
Downtown. Change in land use should only occur
The current end of Walnut Street is a barrier to improving connections between Downtown and the
riverfront.
continues to rely on the 1997 Downtown and Riverfront
Plan as a guide for public and private actions in the
Downtown area.
The 1997 Plan shows that a vision and a plan are not
enough to create the type of Downtown desired by
the community. While some actions have occurred
pursuant to the 1997 Plan, much of its vision remains
unfulfilled. The Comprehensive Plan will not, however,
create any actions that will immediately transform
the Downtown environment and achieve community
objectives. Revitalizing and sustaining Downtown
Monticello requires a collaborative effort of the City,
businesses, property owners and other stakeholders.
Planning for the future of the Downtown must recog-
nize the practical realities facing commercial develop-
ment in Downtown:
The configuration and traffic volumes of Highway f
25 significantly reduce opportunities for direct ac-
cess from the Highway to adjacent properties.
Traffic volumes on Highway 25 will continue to f
increase. Greater volumes and congestion act as an
impediment for people living south of I-94 coming
to Downtown.
There is no controlled intersection on Highway f
25 between Broadway and 7th Street. The lack
of a controlled intersection combined with traffic
volumes make pedestrian connections between
Downtown and residential areas to the east very
difficult.
3-22 | Land Use City of Monticello
if Cargill Kitchen Solutions decides to leave this
location. At such time, it would be desired not to
perpetuate industrial use at this location.
3. With continued traffic along Highway 25, it is essen-
tial to work to establish a strong link along Walnut
Street between the Community Center, businesses
on Broadway and the River. The objective is to
establish strong connections between all of the
factors that attract people to the Downtown.
4. To help move towards the creation of a new “main
street” all new development on Walnut Street
should have storefronts oriented to Walnut Street.
This development may be single story commercial
or multi-level mixed use.
5. Orienting storefronts to Walnut Street is only one
element of making the street more attractive for
pedestrians. The City should also explore other
ways to improve the pedestrian and bicycle experi-
ence along Walnut Street.
6. It is essential not to allow Walnut Street to become
a bypass route for Highway 25. As congestion
increases on Highway 25, there is an impetus to
seek other routes. Walnut Street is an attractive
cut-through option. The orientation of buildings,
on-street parking, boulevard trees, and curb “bump
outs” are examples of means to calm traffic and
discourage cut-through movements.
7. Housing is intended to supplement and support,
but not replace, commercial development in the
Downtown. All housing in the Downtown area
(as identified in the Comprehensive Plan) should
be multiple family housing. Land is a limited
commodity in the Downtown and should not be
consumed by single-story housing. Housing should
only be allowed above street level on Broadway and
Walnut Street. Housing should be encouraged on
the edges of the Downtown, in locations needing
redevelopment and not viable for commercial
uses.
8. The Downtown benefits from strong connections
with adjacent neighborhoods. These neighbor-
hoods provide an important customer base for
Downtown businesses. A vibrant Downtown en-
hances these areas as places to live. Improved pe-
destrian connections, particularly across Highway
25, are needed to strengthen and maintain these
connections. Existing crossing points Broadway
and 7th Street should be enhanced.
9. Downtown would benefit from stronger connec-
tions with the riverfront. Downtown is one of the
few locations in Monticello that allows meaning-
ful public access to the Mississippi River. This
asset should be enhanced as a means of attracting
people to Downtown. West Bridge Park lies in the
Downtown area, but does not feel like an active
part of Downtown. One possible improvement
is a connection with Walnut Street. Currently,
Walnut Street terminates south of River Street and
is separated by a grade change. The potential for
trail and/or street connection should be evaluated.
Community events and activities in West Bridge
Park also build the connection between the com-
munity, Downtown and the River.
10. Access to the Downtown would be improved by
making trail and/or bike lane improvements along
River Street to provide another means of reaching
Downtown and take advantage of the controlled
intersection with Highway 25.
South Central Focus Area
Continued residential growth to the south is an impor-
tant element of the Comprehensive Plan. This growth
achieves several objectives:
It helps to facilitate the expansion of the sanitary f
sewer system in conjunction with the reconstruc-
tion of Fallon Avenue. This sanitary sewer capacity
is needed to support future industrial growth area
along Highway 25.
10 1025
14
11 43506858194
25
75
18
117
39
106
37
1 3 1
0 0.5 10.25
Miles
March 13, 2008
Data Source: MnDNR, Sherburne County, Wright
County, and WSB & Associates. Land Use Plan
LegendPlaces to LivePlaces to ShopPlaces to WorkPlaces to RecreatePlaces for CommunityDowntownMixed UseInterchange Planning AreaUrban ReserveInfrastructureRivers and StreamsPublic Waters InventoryWetlands (National & Public Waters Inventories)Potential GreenwayPotential InterchangeFuture BridgeExisting Arterial or Collector RoadProposed Arterial or Collector Road
Powerline
Monticello City Boundary
Orderly Annexation Area
Figure 3-13: Land Use Plan - South Central
Land Use | 3-232008 Comprehensive Plan
These areas encourage growth in areas that could f
use the new eastern interchange with I-94 rather
than Highway 25.
These areas provide appropriate locations for con- f
tinued growth in entry-level single family homes
and medium density housing types. These Places
to Live are important elements of maintaining an
adequately diverse housing stock.
Orderly expansion to the south moves development f
towards area of higher natural amenity. Areas along
the southern edge of the Orderly Annexation Area
provide another location for potential “move up”
housing.
A key to development in this focus area is the construc-
tion of the Fallon Avenue bridge. The bridge leads to
the reconstruction of Fallon Avenue and the related ex-
pansion of municipal sanitary sewer and water systems.
Future development will be limited without additional
utility capacity.
East Focus Area
The Comprehensive Plan places greater priority on
growth to the west and south. Development should
be directed to areas that most effectively achieve the
objectives of this Plan.
Several factors could cause the City to encourage future
residential development in the East Focus Area:
Increased overall housing demand that exceeds the f
capacity to support growth in other areas.
Figure 3-14: Land Use Plan - East Focus Area
10 10
2 5
14
11
43
50
68
58194
25
75
18
117
39
106
37
131
00.510.25
Miles
March 13, 2008
Data Source: MnDNR, Sherburne County, Wright
County, and WSB & Associates. Land Use Plan
LegendPlaces to LivePlaces to ShopPlaces to WorkPlaces to RecreatePlaces for CommunityDowntownMixed UseInterchange Planning AreaUrban ReserveInfrastructure
Rivers and Streams
Public Waters Inventory
Wetlands (National & Public Waters Inventories)
Potential Greenway
Potential Interchange
Future Bridge
Existing Arterial or Collector Road
Proposed Arterial or Collector Road
Powerline
Monticello City Boundary
Orderly Annexation Area
Traffic congestion on Highway 25 that increases the f
need to channel use to the east interchange.
The need to solve stormwater and drainage man- f
agement issues (Ditch 33) in this area. Solving
drainage issues allows eastward expansion along
County Road 18.
Future growth in the east should continue to fill in the
development area within the Orderly Annexation Area
on the east side of Monticello. The natural features in
these areas allow for higher amenity neighborhoods.
This growth can occur with new collector/arterial
street corridors.