Clayton County, Iowa - Comprehensive Plan

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Clayton County

Comprehensive Plan

Draft Update of Goals and Policies

September 2002

(PDF Version)

Introduction

The Planning Process

Since the last Comprehensive Plan that was written in the 1970’s, a great deal of change has taken place in rural Iowa. The County leaders recognize the need to make fundamental changes to how land use decisions are considered. This recognition began a process of gathering community input on how land use should be approached in today’s world.

The following Goals and policies were drafted based upon the public input from a series of meetings held throughout the county during November and December of 2001. From those meetings it was revealed that residents wish to support economic growth of the county, but are concerned about how the impacts of increased commercial and residential development will change the rural nature of the county and impact the environment.

The Goals and Policies listed below, after adoption by the Board of Supervisors, will replace all Goals and guidelines as described in the 1970 Clayton County Comprehensive Plan.

Historical Change in the County

Clayton County has seen changes in demographics with a reduction in overall population during the last thirty years. The County has also seen land use patterns shifting away from agricultural production to increases in housing, commercial and recreational uses. In order to grow in a planned and thoughtful manner, the County Supervisors have recommended this update of the comprehensive plan as the best means for establishing guidance for land use decisions in the county. The County has also seen land use patterns shifting away from agriculture production to increases in CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) housing, commercial and recreational uses.

Clayton County has been historically driven by agricultural practices. However, the County has evolved beyond agricultural production as the sole economic engine for the area. As a scenic part of the state, Clayton County has the opportunity to build upon its resources as a tourism and retirement destination. The County wishes to build on this potential in a planned fashion in order to blend congruously with the existing rural nature of the county.

In the 1970 Comprehensive Plan there was an emphasis on preserving agriculture by limiting development in the unincorporated areas of the county. Since 1970’s, the county now recognizes that some development can occur outside the city limits without adversely impacting agriculture. Clayton County acknowledges that there are places in the unincorporated portion of the county that are suitable for non-agricultural uses, including commercial, housing, and recreation-oriented development.

Other changes in recent years involve how local governments approach growth. A community may, from time to time, provide incentives to developers in order to encourage the type of planned development that is desirable. Clayton County identifies partnership with private developers as an important method for building desirable growth in the county.

Clayton County is built on an agricultural heritage and recognizes agriculture remains a major component of the economic vitality of the area. The County wants to create an environment that provides continued support for agriculture, renewed support for value-added agricultural production, and at the same time supports progressive development of the county. The County intends to create an environment that serves the overall health, welfare, and prosperity of its residents.

Tourism Goals & Policies

Goal 1. Promote tourism that utilizes the natural resources available throughout the County.

Utilize local resources and access other funding resources such as grants to promote the planned growth of tourism in the county.
Provide incentives for tourism related industries that are developed harmoniously with the adjacent land uses.

Visual Goals & Policies

Goal 1. Protect the property values in the County by improving the appearance of the rural county areas.

Enforce nuisance laws requiring clean up of yards where allowed by ordinance (garbage, clutter, junk cars, etc.).
Encourage new telecommunication towers to be located and designed to minimize visual and land use impacts.
Protect the natural, historic, and visual quality of bluffs, remote areas, and other sensitive location.
Utilize programs that would enable open lands to remain in a natural state to maintain scenic beauty and aesthetic qualities.
Assure that lot coverage, height and setback regulations are appropriate to the purpose and intent of the zoning district.
Include landscaping; Corn Suitability Rating, signage and other aesthetic standards in the commercial and industrial site plan review process.

Land Use Goals & Policies

Goal 1. Allow highway commercial zoning to serve the needs of the traveling public at selected locations if they satisfy the following:

The uses do not conflict with adjacent properties;
Adjacent non-commercial land uses are buffered from the commercial areas

Goal 2. Control scattered development in the County. Development should be controlled and permitted with consideration to provision of such central services as water, sewer, and police and fire protection.

Goal 3. Minimize public expenditures by coordinating land use patterns with public infrastructure investment.

Goal 4. Encourage development of neighborhoods that support a high quality of life.

Goal 5. Reserve land for industrial and commercial development. Land to be reserved should be suitable in all respects for industrial and commercial use. Site determination should depend on availability of sewer, water, power, and transportation access.

Goal 6. Reserve land for open space and recreation. The unspoiled nature of much of the county should be preserved. Some areas may be retained as open space that could then be improved for active recreation pursuits in the future.

Economic Development Goals & Policies

Goal 1. Promote economic growth while maintaining environmental quality.

Encourage economic opportunities that strengthen and diversify the County’s economy while maintaining the integrity of the natural environment.
Provide incentives for industrial and commercial development to preserve open space, and natural areas and to provide for active recreation facilities.
Support the development of industrial recruitment programs which enhance economic diversification and generate family wage jobs.

Goal 2. Encourage economic growth within the capacity of the County’s public services and public facilities.

Through planning, zoning and infrastructure investments encourage commercial and industrial development to locate in concentrations to promote the most efficient use of land, utilities, and transportation facilities in the concentrated area.
Sites to be designated for industrial and commercial development should be capable of being served by required utilities and other services on a cost-effective basis and at a level appropriate to the uses of the area.

Goal 3. Preserve and enhance the County’s resource-based and agricultural economy.

Encourage resource-based industries which are consistent with resource lands Goals and policies.

Goal 4. Expand the County’s tourism and recreation-related economy.

Support the development of programs, activities and facilities, which increase tourism and recreation opportunities in Clayton County.
Conserve and expand recreational facilities and public access for parks and other recreational uses.
Develop tourist commercial zoning to promote and enhance the recreation and tourism industries and prevent intrusion of incompatible uses, which would disrupt or directly compete with shopping areas or nearby communities.
Allow highway commercial zoning to serve the needs of the traveling public at selected limited access highway interchange areas if they satisfy the following criteria:
1. The uses do not conflict with adjacent areas;
2. Adjacent non-commercial land uses are buffered from the commercial area;
Encourage the preservation and appropriate development of historic sites with significant tourism potential.

Goal 5. Retain and expand existing Clayton County businesses.

Support the efforts of countywide business expansion and job retention programs.
Use public investments in infrastructure to stimulate and generate private investments for economic development and redevelopment activities. Such public investments normally should be limited to situations where the public cost will be recovered through increased tax revenues are derived from new development and profits.
Encourage and support the startup of a Main Street Program within the County.

Goal 6. Provide a nurturing low cost environment for start-up businesses/entrepreneurs

Support business assistance programs on a Countywide and regional basis, such as the Revolving Loan Fund program through Upper Explorerland.
Support home occupations that do not change the character of the neighborhood or area.

Goal 7. Increase employment opportunities for residents of Clayton County.

Provide incentives for industrial and commercial developments to locate in Clayton County.
Continue to work with local regional and state organizations to establish methods to promote economic development.
Attract venture capital into the County.

Goal 8. Ensure an adequate supply of commercial and industrial sites to provide opportunity for new and expanding firms wishing to locate or remain in Clayton County.

Support public and private sector efforts to develop ready-to-build marketable industrial property, and work to create or enhance public infrastructure that is integral to the Clayton County economy.
Encourage economic growth and redevelopment in existing downtown and neighborhood centers.
Support the maintenance and improvement of existing commercial facilities when economically feasible in preference to creation of new commercial areas.
Encourage well-planned clustered employment centers in and adjacent to cities and towns.
Utilize the following criteria in evaluating the appropriateness of industrial sites:
- Availability for industrial sites;
- Corn Suitability Rating;
- Accessibility to utilities;
- Not flood prone;
- Low ecological impact;
- Any drainage or water table concerns;
- Visibility from highways and/or major arterial;
- Access to State Highways;
- Access to property;
- Compatibility with surrounding land use;
- Site concerns for improvements; and
Establish buffer zones (including green belts and bike paths) to separate industrial and commercial areas from residential areas, thus minimizing negative impacts of growth.

Goal 9. Support the development of transportation and public utility systems, which enhance economic growth

Access federal, state and local programs to make transportation and public facility improvements.

Goal 10. Improve Clayton County’s economy by supporting efforts to improve the education and training of its work force.

Expand job training and educational opportunities that support economic development.
Support efforts to link employment and training activities with economic development programs.
Participate in cooperative efforts to improve the education system.
Explore various methods for supporting construction of educational facilities.

HOUSING GoalS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES

Goal 1. Encourage diversity in the type, density and location of housing within the County and its cities while protecting public health, safety, and quality of life.

In the siting of housing, consider the vocational needs (proximity to employment, access to transportation and services) of the various types of housing.
Encourage the public and private sectors to develop and maintain an adequate supply of housing for all segments of the population.
Encourage infill as a redevelopment concept within the cities for future housing.
Work closely with local jurisdictions and the private sector to extend infrastructure and provide other services to accommodate residential growth around the existing communities in the County.
Encourage affordable housing for persons with low-income.
Encourage development of a range of housing to meet the growing need from seniors.

Goal 2. Plan for adequate housing opportunities for households with special needs.

Develop or amend and support codes and ordinances that allow for a continuum of care and housing opportunities for special needs populations.

Goal 3. Preserve and rehabilitate the County’s existing housing stock, including abandoned farmsteads.

Encourage housing and other programs to improve deteriorating older neighborhoods that address structural, demographic, preservation, aesthetic, and economic issues.
Encourage rehabilitation that provides safe and sanitary housing.
Provide sponsorship for agencies and nonprofit organizations applying for state or federal housing funds, consistent with other needs and priorities.
Implement a housing rehabilitation and demolition program.
Develop a tax abatement program for abandoned farmsteads.

Goal 4. Encourage the preservation and protection of existing neighborhoods and design and/or plan future development in a manner,

which promotes neighborhood settings and environments.

Minimize business and/or industrial development, which encroach on existing neighborhoods.
Provide substantial land use buffers between residential neighborhoods and incompatible land uses.
Design subdivisions, planned residential developments, multi-family units or other residential projects in a manner that encourages neighborhood environments, open space, recreation, and involves consideration of the Corn Suitability Rating.
Minimize disruption of neighborhood when siting and constructing utilities and public facilities (e.g., major arterials, schools, power lines, towers, public buildings, etc.).

Goal 5. Require lot sizes of sufficient size to meet standards for private sewer systems. Encourage the use of group septic and water systems for rural subdivisions.

Recreation and Open Space Goals & Policies

Goal 1. Encourage the retention of open space and development for recreational opportunities.

The County may consider providing incentive programs to protect open space.
The County may consider purchase of public access easements, or purchase of development rights to protect or to give public access to open space that the County considers to be of exceptional value.
The County may wish to preserve or protect such open spaces as may include:

Areas for active and passive recreation.
Areas promoting direct health and safety benefits.
Important critical areas and natural systems to protect wildlife diversity and habitat.
Boundaries between incompatible uses and breaks from continuous development, to shape land use patterns to promote more compact, efficient-to-service development.
Areas with economic benefits including increased property value and increased tourism business.
Cultural and historic sites.
Areas with educational and cultural benefits (community centers, cultural and historic sites, environmental education centers)

Goal 2. Provide and facilitate development of a range of parks services to effectively meet the needs and interests of Clayton County residents.

Coordinate the provisions of park and facility services between city, town, state, federal and private recreation providers in Clayton County to ensure area leisure needs are met.
Coordinate with school districts to provide community use of school facilities.
Encourage and assist local communities in their development of park and recreation services to meet incorporated populations’ needs and facilitate connections with nearby recreation opportunities.
Encourage joint ventures with private groups or individuals in developing recreational opportunities.
Provide adequate staff to meet park and facility needs of residents including youth and senior populations.
Provide recreational areas for trails in Clayton County.

County Facilities and Services Goals, Objectives & Policies

Goal 1. Protect the quality of groundwater used for domestic water supplies.

Enforce regulations regarding well construction and abandonment.
Eliminate well-septic tank conflicts.
Minimize impacts of development and agricultural practices on groundwater supplies.

Goal 2. Encourage and support intergovernmental coordination among various jurisdictions within Clayton County and adjoining counties.

Combine county and local government services where practical and acceptable.
Cooperate with adjacent county governments. Consideration should be given to consolidation of services with adjacent county governments where economy of scale would result from a larger service area.

Goal 3. Manage the solid waste system in a manner that preserves the environment and protects the public health.

Goal 4. Improve existing waste reduction/recycling programs.

Goal 5. Promote reliable and cost-effective telecommunication systems to facilitate communication among members of the public, public institutions, and business.

A. The County’s development regulations should be flexible and receptive to innovations and advances in telecommunications technology.

Transportation Goals & Policies

Goal 1. Improve and maintain the capacity and condition of the County transportation system.

Goal 2. Encourage alternative transportation modes.

Promote and encourage the development of natural trails, paths, etc. in the County to attract existing residents and visitors to the area.
Provide public access to public shorelines in Clayton County that may accommodate intensified use for recreational, educational, or other purposes without significantly impacting fragile natural areas intolerant of human use, and without infringing on rights of private ownership.
Consider the needs of future transit service when planning transportation projects.
Support land use strategies and site design methods that improve and encourage alternative transportation modes.

Agricultural Goal & Policies

Goal 1. Preserve and promote agriculture production and open space throughout the county.

Goal 2. Encourage development that minimizes adverse affects on agricultural production and allows higher density residential development in rural areas that encourages group wastewater treatment facilities and wells in order to preserve agricultural land and reduce impact on the natural environment.

Goal 3. Encourage farmers to adopt and maintain soil erosion control processes such as contour farming, strip cropping, and no-till farming practices.

Goal 4. Maintain necessary roadways and bridges in agricultural areas to meet the transportation needs for agricultural uses.

Goal 5. Encourage development on Agricultural land that has already been taken out of row crop

Last Modified: 1/3/2008