A. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to establish districts under which building height and structure placement are regulated to protect and enhance the Mississippi River's resources and features consistent with the natural and built character of each district.
B. MRCCA District Map. The locations and boundaries of the MRCCA districts established by this chapter are shown on the MRCCA Overlay District Map which is incorporated herein by reference. The district boundary lines are intended to follow the centerlines of rivers and streams, highways, streets, lot lines, and municipal boundaries, unless a boundary line is otherwise indicated on the map. Where district boundaries cross property that has not been subdivided, the district boundary line is determined by the use of dimensions or the scale appearing on the map. For purposes of determining the application of this chapter to any particular parcel of land, the above referenced map shall be on file in the office of the zoning administrator and shall be available for inspection and copying.
C. District Description and Management Purpose. The MRCCA within the City is divided into the following three (3) separate MRCCA Districts:
1. Rural and Open Space (ROS).
a. Description. The ROS District is characterized by rural and low-density development patterns and land uses, and includes land that is riparian or visible from the river, as well as large, undeveloped tracts of high ecological and scenic value, floodplain, and undeveloped islands. Many primary conservation areas exist in the district.
b. Management Purpose. The ROS District must be managed to sustain and restore the rural and natural character of the corridor and to protect and enhance habitat, parks and open space, public river corridor views, and scenic, natural, and historic areas.
2. River Neighborhood (RN).
a. Description. The RN district is characterized by primarily residential neighborhoods that are riparian or readily visible from the river or that abut riparian parkland. The district includes parks and open space, limited commercial development, marinas, and related land uses.
b. Management Purpose. The RN district must be managed to maintain the character of the river corridor within the context of existing residential and related neighborhood development, and to protect and enhance habitat, parks and open space, public river corridor views, and scenic, natural, and historic areas. Minimizing erosion and the flow of untreated storm water into the river and enhancing habitat and shoreline vegetation are priorities in the district.
3. Separated from River (SR).
a. Description. The SR district is characterized by its physical and visual distance from the Mississippi River. The district includes land separated from the river by distance, topography, development, or a transportation corridor. The land in this district is not readily visible from the Mississippi River.
b. Management Purpose. The SR district provides flexibility in managing development without negatively affecting the key resources and features of the river corridor. Minimizing negative impacts to primary conservation areas and minimizing erosion and the flow of untreated storm water into the river are priorities in the district. In addition, providing public access to and public views of the river, and restoring natural vegetation in riparian areas and tree canopy are also priorities in the district. (Ord. 568, 9-23-2021)