2018-10-15 Planning Comm Agenda Packet City Council Joint Workshop
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
JOINT CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION
WORKSHOP MEETING
October 15, 2018
6:00 PM - Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights MN 55118
[Please note this meeting will not be a public hearing and will not be televised]
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
2. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
a. Review draft chapters of the 2040 Plan
b. Provide direction to city staff on modifications or next steps
3. Adjourn Workshop Meeting
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less
than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids, however, this may
not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Hall at 651.452.1850 with requests.
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
September 25, 2018
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday,
September 25, 2018 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 P.M.
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Litton Field, Jr., Commissioners John
Mazzitello, Patrick Corbett, Michael Noonan, Mary Magnuson, Michael Toth, and Brian Petschel.
Those absent: None
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as submitted.
Approval of July 24, 2018 Minutes
COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAGNUSON TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2018, AS PRESENTED.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
A) DISCUSS THE LAND USE PLAN AND TRANSPORTATION PLAN ELEMENTS OF THE
PROPOSED 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Planning Consultant Phil Carlson from Stantec explained that city staff and Stantec have been
working for close to two years on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which is required to be updated
every 10 years. This plan is then submitted to the Metropolitan Council (Met Council), other
agencies, and surrounding communities. Mr. Carlson then provided a brief overview of purpose
of the Comprehensive Plan and the sections it covers:
• Introduction & Background
• Land Use
• Transportation
• Parks and Open Space
• Housing
• Economic Development
• Natural Resources
• Resilience
• Implementation
• Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor Plan
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Mr. Carlson then shared the Vision Statement:
“Mendota Heights will be recognized as a high quality, family-oriented residential
community, with a spacious, natural feel and the amenities of a city.”
and the Mission Statement:
“Our mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Mendota Heights by
providing quality public safety, infrastructure, and planning for orderly and
sustainable growth.”
LAND USE
Mr. Carlson explained that Land Use means what is actually happening on the ground, how are
the structures and land being used on the ground. Most of the City of Mendota Heights is
designated as ‘low density residential’. There are large areas of park and open space; a large
industrial park of 400+ acres, which is a well-functioning and well regarded business park; smaller
areas of commercial and mixed use; and smaller areas of medium and high density residential.
These land uses reflect generally what had been planned in the past and what is intended to be
planned in the future.
There are changes that are being proposed in the 2040 plan compared to the 2030 plan; some of
which are housekeeping type changes; however, there are two areas that are being guided in the
2040 plan with slightly different low density designations. These two areas are still single family,
low density residential; however, allowing for a smaller lot size. A lot size study was completed
and concluded that some lots were larger than the city’s 15,000 square foot minimum; however,
there were some that were smaller and did not conform to the 15,000 square foot minimum.
Therefore, new land use designations were created to allow these lots to meet the standards that
they are in.
An analysis of the age of the housing stock was also conducted; some parts of the city were
developed in the 1930’s and 1940’s; a large area was developed in the 1950’s; and then every
decade since there has been development.
Affordable housing is an issue every city and in every region. There are many, many people who
simply cannot afford a house at almost any price. Trying to look for ways to provide more
affordable housing is a challenge for every community. Housing is considered affordable if it costs
less than 2.5 times the salary of the homeowner. This can be a real challenge and a burden for
people at the very lowest end of the income scale. Many of these people work in the businesses
we patronize in the city, many times they are public employees; it is not just busloads of poor
people from the inner city. It is often times our friends and neighbors. Looking for ways to provide
affordable housing is a challenge for the entire region.
Goals and Policies
The Goals and Policies listed in the Land Use section of the Comprehensive Plan are:
GOAL 1: The land use plan will serve as the foundation for land use decisions in Mendota Heights.
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Policies:
• Develop in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan for land use, housing, transportation,
parks and other community facilities.
• Review and amend the Comprehensive Plan as necessary to ensure consistent development
policy in current and future development decisions.
• Zoning and rezoning decisions shall conform to the Land Use Plan.
• The Land Use Plan will be updated to reflect changing priorities and conditions or as
required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act.
• Balance land use designations to meet projected growth demand.
GOAL 2: Preserve, protect, and enrich the mature, fully developed residential environment and
character of the community.
Policies:
• Subdivision and zoning standards will emphasize high quality site and building design.
• Emphasize quality design, innovative solutions, and a high general aesthetic level in
community development and building.
• Parks, trails and open spaces will be planned within walking distance of all residential
areas.
• Encourage development and planning of land that provides for reasonable access to
surrounding properties.
• Public buildings and properties will be designed, constructed and maintained to be a source
of civic pride and to set a standard for private property owners to follow.
• Historic preservation will be considered in land use decisions.
GOAL 3: Support industrial and commercial development in designated areas.
Policies:
• The City will use available resources to meet redevelopment needs. This will include
cooperation with the Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council to achieve
redevelopment objectives.
• Encourage appropriate transitions and buffering between potentially incompatible land
uses.
GOAL 4: Reduce the impact of aircraft noise within the community.
Policies:
• Increase public participation and representation through the Noise Oversight Committee
(NOC) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC).
• Achieve noise reduction through advocating modified takeoff procedures and corridor
compliance.
• Advocate an equitable distribution of aircraft traffic and a more equitable runway use
system.
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• Monitor the continued implementation of the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) airport
Comprehensive Plan.
• Advocate for specific noise control measures through operational changes and advance
technology.
• Encourage establishment of a physical capacity for the Mendota Heights/Eagan corridor
and transfer of general aviation use to other reliever airports.
• Notify and work with MnDOT in the event that potential airspace obstructions are
encountered.
• Consider aircraft noise and safety issues as in applicable land use and zoning decisions.
TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Carlson explained that the transportation section looks at the roadway and highway system,
which consists of arterials (main roadways), collector streets (secondary), and local streets. In
Mendota Heights there are a combination of federal highways, state highways, county roadways,
and local streets. The city is well served by this major highway system, with 35E, Highway 110
(now known as Highway 62), I-494, and Highway 55. By the same token, these major highways
do divide the community and creates barriers to getting across the city and creating a community
that is knitted together.
An important piece of the transportation system is Dodd Road; many people are concerned about
that because it is the link to the new Viking Development just south of our border in Eagan. City
staff, the Planning Commission, and City Council are actively looking at what can be done to try
and make that manageable. Dodd Road is a state highway – not a city street; therefore, the city
does not have direct control over it.
The city is served by a transit bus system; not as robustly as some communities that are more
densely developed. This is a blessing and a curse of Mendota Heights. It is a spacious community
and with that comes a lower density of potential riders. The businesses in the Industrial Park
lamented that they wished there was better bus service to bring their employees to and from the
park. Other parts of the city are also looking for a better bus service.
The parks and trail systems are a combination of city and county parks and county trails, as well
as private open spaces. These provide a network within the city and is one of the real sources of
pride that makes the quality of life and character of Mendota Heights what it is.
Goals and Policies
The Goals and Policies listed in the Transportation section of the Comprehensive Plan are:
GOAL 1: Provide a safe, high quality, and cost effective multi-model transportation system
Policies:
• Transportation improvements will be coordinated with the plans of MnDOT, Dakota
County, Metropolitan Council, and adjoining communities.
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• The City will support regional improvements to major transportation facilities serving the
city when feasible.
• New construction techniques, technologies, and environmental sustainability will be
considered in planning new transportation facilities.
• A network of sidewalks and trails will be constructed in all new developments and
redevelopments, where practical and feasible.
• Developers will be required to provide the transportation facilities within and adjacent to
new subdivisions, including rights-of-way, roadways, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities
necessary to support their development.
• Existing transportation facilities will be maintained so as to preserve or improve service
levels and minimize life-cycle costs. This includes an ongoing pavement management
program for city streets.
• Where practical and feasible, planning for roadway improvements will include
landscaping, street lighting, and other aesthetic improvements.
GOAL 2: Expand transit options serving Mendota Heights
Policies:
• The City will continue to support and participate in efforts to implement improved transit
service in the City.
• The City will seek county, regional, state or federal funding to expand transit services in
and around the city.
Chair Field opened the public hearing on the Land Use and Transportation sections of the draft
2040 Comprehensive Plan Update.
Mr. Bernard Friel, 750 Mohican Lane, has lived in Mendota Heights for 61 years, served on the
Planning Commission for 12 years, and has been heavily involved in matters involving the city
planning and zoning since the early 1960’s. He referenced an article in a Minneapolis newspaper
written by Jack Davies, former legislature and court of appeals judge, where he said that “the battle
to end the scourge of multi-subject bills seems to be won”, where he was referring to the bills
containing legislation on many different subjects that inhibits the ability of both legislators and the
public to give appropriate attention and debate to the individual subjects. Mr. Friel felt that the
manner in which the Planning Commission was handling the proposed changes to the
Comprehensive Plan was subject to the same criticism. He suspected that many did not understand
what was really being proposed.
He stated that the Commission is actually proposing a half dozen Comprehensive Plan land use
amendments, further amendments to existing land use categories, several new land use categories,
and changing written policies and adding provisions. To have the public understand and back up
these proposals they should be considered separately.
The city was proposing two Comprehensive Plan land use changes, an LR-9 and an LR-5, and
were saying they were necessary to avoid variance requests to alter setbacks of yards, buildings,
and other structures on non-conforming grandfathered lots, particularly in Friendly Hills and the
north end, which were developed before there were zoning or Comprehensive Plans. He believed
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that the city could do all of that without changes in the Comprehensive Plan. The city already has
three different land use categories in single family residential; an R-1 at 15,000 square feet, an R-
1B at 30,000 square feet; and an R-1C with 20,000 square feet – each with its own individual set
of setbacks, building sizes, etc. He felt there was no reason why the city couldn’t an R-1D and an
R-1E. He believed that the proposed land use changes would open the city to requests to re-guide
properties other than those being proposed at this time. Even if this Council, or some future
Council, were to refuse said requests, they could be overturned just as the Council’s decision was
on the Olin property recently.
Mr. Friel could not understand the motivation for making such sweeping changes to the land use
plan; changes that could only have the effect of promoting significant increases in density and
traffic to the degradation of this city’s fine reputation; opening a door to providing for employment
for developers, planners, engineers, and lawyers.
Mr. Friel continued by noting that last week, in response to a suggestion he made at the Planning
Commission workshop, the outside planner suggested that he lacked the background to disagree
with him, certified that the outside planner’s 45 years of experience trumped the point Mr. Friel
was making. In response to this, Mr. Friel listed his qualifications:
• For approximately 10 years he served as City Attorney for two metropolitan area
communities
• Served as bond council for hundreds of municipal governments in the State of Minnesota
and elsewhere
• The Cities of Duluth and Cloquet hired him to draft the legislation which created the
Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
• He was called upon frequently by the Minnesota State Reviser of Statutes to draft bills for
the Minnesota Legislature
• He organized and chaired the Municipal Bond Department of his law firm that is now the
bond council for this city.
Mr. Friel pointed out that none of his qualifications were relevant in determining whether his
position was correct or trumped a different view; it was rather whether his position has factual
support. In that connection he might refer to something Mr. Carlson said earlier – the industrial
area of this community has not needed any fixing and has functioned very well. Frankly, that
remark applies to everything else in the City of Mendota Heights and its current Comprehensive
Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Brian Selg, 867 Bluebill Drive, has been a resident for 45 years and raised his family here. He
stated that his position was that the city could forget about everything they were planning on doing;
no further development in Mendota Heights. The tipping point has already been exceeded and any
existing open spaces should be converted to either forest land or prairie land.
Ms. Marina Mcmanus, 1026 Victoria Court, has been a resident since 1989 and has served as a
Planning Commissioner. She moved into this community because of its location, positive
reputation of being family focused, and open spaces. Her concern now for the community is that
the character and best features be maintained. Therefore, she does not support the proposals for
increasing density and all of the things that come along with it – traffic being one of them. The
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residents and the city cannot change the highway systems; however, they can change what was
being proposed to be done in the community that would create more traffic. She is not opposed to
growth or change and as a Planning Commissioner she supported commercial and residential
development; however, when discussing those particular developments it was to serve current and
future needs – not too big and not too little, but just right to maintain the character and the feel of
the community. The effects of large developments are already being felt; traffic noise, congestion,
and air quality do not improve once the natural and environmental character is lost; and would not
fit the mission statement.
She recently received notices of changes proposed along Victoria Curve and did not understand
the rationale or the need to change from low density residential to medium density as it is not in
keeping with the current character of the neighborhood and would seriously change it; she does
not support that and requested that the Planning Commission think about that in the final decision
making.
Ms. Christine Solberg, 1062 Chippewa Avenue, stated that she would be directly affected by the
northeast proposal (smaller lot sizes) as she has vacant lots on either side of her home; she was
very concerned about water flows should homes be built on these two lots as she is located at the
bottom of a hill. She was also concerned about the value of her home declining as these lots do not
allow for a very large homes and her home value would be based on the values of neighboring
homes. She and the other second generation people living in the area love the neighborhood the
way it is – the open space they have is in compliance with the vision statement. She felt that her
neighborhood was considered ‘the ugly stepchild’ because they border St. Paul and West St. Paul.
She would like to have their vacant 5,000 – 6,000 square foot lots left alone so they too can enjoy
some of that open space.
Ms. Nancy Gerber, 1081 Douglas Road, was present to talk about the change that is across the
driveway in her back yard at the corner of Sibley Memorial Highway and Lexington. Her driveway
is off the hill on Lexington and in the winter it is treacherous and is often closed by the Police. The
traffic on Lexington is slated to increase some and the new development in The Orchard will add
homes that would likely use Lexington. The speed limit on Lexington is 40 mph and until one gets
to Marie, after which it turns to 30 mph. Many of the motorists do not notice the change in speed
limit. She questioned the safety of putting all of those people on the hill behind her.
She requested that the commissioners read the comments that she provided to them and reiterated
that traffic is an issue as well as pedestrian / bike traffic as there are no sidewalks or trails, this
being a county road. Also her property is in a historic area and the property behind her probably is
as well. It does not look like it would be the most buildable kind of place – it would really change
the character of that corner.
The property on the other western side of the road is also a single family home that is not being
changed to a high density property and she questioned why one side and not the other.
Mr. John Maczko, 751 Cheyenne Lane, has lived in the community for over 58 years. He knew
when he purchased his lot that it was considered a non-conforming lot and went through all of the
necessary steps to obtain the variances needed to build. He expressed his concern that the proposed
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land use could easily morph into the unintended consequences as allowing other undeveloped areas
– like a 3 acre parcel – being developed as medium density. He questioned whether or not a current
15,000 square foot lot could be subdivided into three 5,000 square foot lots in keeping with the
character of the community, obtaining the necessary variances, etc.
Ms. Jill Smith, 625 Hampshire Drive, is a candidate for mayor of Mendota Heights, served for
eight years on the City Council, and has significant leadership and planning experience on other
county, regional, and university boards and with 3M. She spoke strongly against the proposed
provisions of adding land use designations to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. These are intended
for legal non-conforming areas of the city under the current zoning and arbitrary changes in others.
This action would open the door for greater density and could compromise the character and
integrity of existing neighborhoods. Adding new land use categories is a poor solution for well
thought out city planning. These changes would also require new zoning regulations that have not
yet been determined and would affect existing neighborhoods. This would also deprive many
residents the ability to consider the full impacts of these changes. Other solutions – like revisions
to the zoning code – would better serve to address this issue and not compromise the future
character of the city. She requested consideration be given to other more responsible solutions for
this matter.
Ms. Beth Pearlman 1773 Diane Road, asked what was driving this land use change. She understood
that part of it was to update the look of the city plan. She asked if there were developers or other
organizations who were asking for these changes or was it simply coming out of the city’s desire
to make it look cleaner and more organized. Chair Field replied that, as mentioned by Mr. Carlson,
it was to clean up some land use issues in the city and trying to make some of those properties,
which are currently legal non-conforming uses, into conforming land uses. Ms. Pearlman
suggested that maybe this was not worth opening up the hornet’s nest as it appears to be doing.
Mr. Steve Treichel, 2174 Lemay Lake Drive, echoed the comments made by everyone else before
him. He also noted that the dog park located on Acacia Drive is being changed to Industrial and
asked how the dog owners would be notified of that land use change.
He noted that everyone needs to live consequently. He was at a Planning Commission meeting
where a gentleman – Michael Swenson – stood in front of the commission and said there was not
going to be any stormwater draining into Lemay Lake. He requested that the commission live
consequently and do their homework – find out if that is true or not.
He continued by explaining that the city should have better control over the state highways within
the city. Who cares that they are state roads – do something and talk with the state regarding the
traffic.
Commissioner Noonan asked for clarification that the dog park was currently designated as
Industrial. Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that it is currently guided as
Industrial in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and also guided as Industrial in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan – there is no change proposed in that land use.
Mr. Maurice Lazarus, 1650 Mayfield Heights Road, in response to his friends and neighbors
comments regarding the Highway 13 and Lexington property – the one that would be changed
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from LR-15 into a medium density guidance in the current plan – reminded the commission of an
application received from the owner of that property approximately one year ago for the same
guidance in the plan. The major point that he took up in support of his application was the fact that
‘all of the properties around him were of much higher density’; however, they were located in the
City of Lilydale. The commission also heard how the 2030 Comprehensive Plan guided medium
density to zero by the end of the plan. The commission approved that guidance at the point in time,
but it was not adopted by the City Council. With that consideration in mind, he thought it would
be appropriate that this continue to be guided as LR-15 property with the two home that are on it.
He urged the commission to make that edit within the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
He also stated that he understands that this is a laborious process and expressed his appreciation
to the commission for all of their hard work. However, it is important to listen to the residents as
the paramount voice guiding these issues.
Mr. Keith Ostrosky, 1680 Lexington Avenue, lives on the corner of Lexington Avenue and
Highway 13 – the property referenced by Mr. Lazarus. According to this draft 2040
Comprehensive Plan, the idea to rezone would be to make it fit into the character of the
neighborhood; from a single family home that is surrounded by 408 units in multi-family homes.
He tried last year to rezone that property so it would fit into the character of the neighborhood. He
was not asking to build a condominium in the middle of single family homes, he was asking to put
condominiums in the middle of condominiums. To maintain the R-1 guidance would continue to
have his property be out of character of the surrounding neighborhood. He would be in support of
the re-guidance as proposed in the draft plan.
Mr. Ned Rukavina, 1704 Vicki Lane, expressed his appreciation to the commission for their
service to the community and to the residents for coming and being active in the process, being
informed in their voting, and their participation. His concern was that when smaller lot sizes are
introduced without having a zoning code that would follow with them and then the development
guidelines of character, look, and setbacks – it would not be in sync with the whole proposal. He
wished the commission to look at it in its entirety so the development guidelines, the zoning code,
and the enforcement of the zoning codes.
Ms. Tamara Will, 788 Hokah Avenue, have four comments to make:
• There is a disparity between the definition of ‘spacious’ and ‘low density’ between the
commission, the residents, and the planner; 5,000 and 9,000 square foot lots are not
‘spacious’
• The 2030 Comprehensive Plan map and the ‘what is existing’ map do not match. That tells
her that the city has not been following the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. She wondered aloud
what the point was. She was not the only one who has been taken by surprise by events
that affect her that were not in the plan.
• The ramifications of traffic on the different things being proposed – she lives just off of
Dodd Road, across from Mendakota Park. Traffic has been increasingly more congested as
time goes by. People are taking the I-494 / 35E interchange and they do not want to wait
in that traffic so they zoom down to Highway 110 and then take 35E. In addition to the
Viking Complex, the Mendota Apartment Building, Mendota Plaza, etc. they city has that
as well. There is a bigger picture here that needs to be considered. The crash study
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completed in 2015 showed that there were already significant issues at Highway 110 and
Dodd Road; at South Plaza Drive and Dodd Road, yet the heavy developments in Mendota
Plaza were still allowed. Dodd Road is a state highway, but to her it is her residential street
and she hoped the city would advocate on her behalf.
• The commission and staff have obviously worked very hard on this plan and 1.5 – 2 years
is a lot of time to put into something. She realized it was probably disappointing to have it
criticized and it would be hard to think about throwing it out; however, she suggested that
they do just that.
Mr. Thomas Smith, 625 Hampshire Drive, made the observation that the agenda for this meeting
was posted on the city website at 10:30 am yesterday; less than 36 hours from when this meeting
started. This struck him as unacceptable in terms of the service, which this commission is supposed
to provide. This was not adequate citizen notification of what the commission is about.
He also expressed his contradiction to Mr. Carlson’s statements in three major respects:
1. Mr. Carlson claimed that every 10 years the Met Council requires the Comprehensive Plan
of a municipality, including this one, to be updated. This is incorrect. It is perfectly
acceptable, since the Met Council has not notified this city that changes to the existing
Comprehensive Plan is required, for the city to submit the existing plan to the Met Council
without any need for further concern.
2. He noted that many residents had asked what was driving this plan update. He believed it
to be the Met Council, who have had for a long time an agenda of density development. In
fact, the Met Council wording of the THRIVE 2040 Plan, their plan for development in the
Twin Cities area, is replicated in a number of major respects in the city’s draft 2040
Comprehensive Plan. If the Comprehensive Plan is modified as proposed by this
commission, this opens the door for any residential property in the city to be downsized to
5,000 or 9,000 square feet. It would be inevitable. He theorized that one of the incentives
for this was the 400 acre Viking development just south of the city. He claimed that he had
it on good authority, from one of the region’s major developers, which clients are already
nosing around looking for development opportunities in Mendota Heights – like a plum
waiting to be plucked.
3. He also pointed out that there options, as Mr. Freil described, rather than changing the
Comprehensive Plan – that being to change the existing zoning ordinances – adding two –
which would take care of the problem without the threat of degrading the whole character
of the community. He disagreed with Mr. Carlson when he said that this change to the
Comprehensive Plan would support spacious development in the city. Mr. Carlson also
claimed that it would improve the quality of life in the city – Mr. Smith disagreed.
Mr. Smith concluded by stating that the changes to the Comprehensive Plan are unnecessary,
inappropriate, and should be categorically rejected by the commission.
Mr. Charles Mathison, 2294 Dodd Road, noted that there are three larger properties on the
southeast corner of Decorah and Dodd Road and asked if they were considered part of the Friendly
Hills Addition. Commissioner Mazzitello replied that they are not a part of the Friendly Hills
Addition.
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He also asked about the two houses on the corner of Keokuk and Apache – were they the ones
asking for the land to be subdivided. This seems like, if there are just two houses, they have an
option. It seems like a lot of work to go through just to be able to rezone it if there are only two
properties in the entire addition. Commissioner Mazzitello replied that no one has requested this.
He also noted that these two lots are large enough and have the frontage so under this proposal
they could potentially be split in the future. However, since both of those would split and create a
corner lots, which would have front yard setbacks on two sides of the new property, one of the two
lots on each of those corners would not be buildable. There would not be any economic advantage
to splitting them.
Mr. Mathison then asked if there were any lots in the Friendly Hills Addition that could be split.
Mr. Mazzitello replied in the negative. Mr. Mathison asked what the purpose of making the change
in the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Noonan replied that it was as Mr. Carlson said – to
recognize what was on the ground today, to guide it so it matches up with what the mini lots are
with the 90-foot frontages, and eliminating non-conforming uses.
Mr. Chadwick Vandarious, 1312 Wachtler Avenue, stated that doing the changes as mentioned by
Mr. Mathison – for conformity reasons and to clean up the guidance – seemed to him that the
Comprehensive Plan is way too important to be used for clean-up. He did not want to repeat a lot
of what has already been said, but wanted to express his discontent and say that he opposes the
draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The arguments he heard in defense were along the lines of ‘it’s
not really going to change anything’; ‘it’s not a big deal’; and rather stepping in the wrong direction
it’s not really stepping in any direction – so why do it. He then encouraged others, even if they did
not have anything new to add, to stand up and express their opposition.
Mr. Jim Losleben, 815 Hazel Court, has lived in Mendota Heights since 1962 and served on the
original Park Board. He too could repeat everything that was said; however, the thing that really
bothered him was that the commission did not appear to be listening to the people. He has not
heard one person tonight say that this was a good idea or a good plan. He questioned who was
working the commission and the Council over.
Ms. Kate Christensen, 2280 Ocala Court, echoed a lot of the comments already made. When she
came early enough to ask why the changes she was told that it was to eliminate people having to
apply for variances to, for example, put a shed on their lot. She proposed that the commission
look at facts and data and find out how many variances had to be applied for and talked through
in the last 10 years. If it was only a few, then she would propose that these changes are
unnecessary.
In regards to the information received, as she read it looked like density. The information is also
misleading and at times incorrect. For instance, it reads ‘typically they are less than 10,000
square feet’. She looked it up at the Dakota County website and found that it was only 15% - not
typical. Then it says ‘most are less than the minimum’ – 15% is not most either. When the public
notices are sent out they need to be correct. She also proposed that they include the ‘why’ in the
notice letter. She then pointed out what she considered to be errors in the draft 2040
Comprehensive Plan and suggested that they get the details right.
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She concluded by saying that it does not appear to be a reason to change and agreed with most
everyone in attendance by suggesting it not be done.
Mr. Jonathan Zagel, 2230 Copperfield Drive, expressed his appreciation for being given the
opportunity to speak and for all of the hard work the commission put into the plan and for all that
have done for the city. He stated that a group of citizens, along with some of the city employees,
have put a lot work also into a Natural Resources Plan and a Resiliency Plan is still being worked
on. One of the things concentrated on during these meetings was ‘what is the long-term strategy,
why are we doing the things we want to do’. He believed that the goals that were skimmed over
or skipped by Mr. Carlson may have been the most important part of the Comprehensive Plan.
This is what sets the tone and where the city wants to be in 20 years.
He agreed that the changing of zoning would be more appropriate to an ordinance discussion, not
when talking about a large strategic plan. He urged the Planning Commission to really concentrate
and think about where the city wants to be in 20 years and get on the same page, rather than getting
stuck on these tactical items.
Mr. Jeff Fischer, 989 William Court, noted on the 2030 map there is a rezone for three houses off
Highway 110 on Dakota Drive. He asked what the plan was there right now, because there are
only three small lots, with a bike shop next door, and a joke of a daycare. He was concerned
because it starts with three houses and then it can morph into larger lots, from medium density to
high density. Mr. Benetti replied that the lots are currently single family residential but the
guidance in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan is to have them guided as medium density residential.
They are next to commercially zoned properties.
Commissioner Mazzitello suggested that this be reviewed and a definite answer be provided to
Mr. Fischer.
Mr. Alton Duggan, 2331 Copperfield Drive, noted that many people in the Hiawatha area on the
north end of town have requested consideration of a change by the Commission, the city, or the
City Council. He asked how many people in the Friendly Hills area have asked for consideration
of a change in designation to their land to LR-5 or LR-9; and he was surprised to see a third
designation of LR-6. As a councilmember he had no idea of any of this; none of this has come
through the City Council. Chair Field replied that typically this is where the commission would
start to do that as part of the plan process.
Mr. Duggan noted that it is correct in that the city does not have to make a change. He suggested
that if the Commission is not hearing much from the Hiawatha area nor from the Friendly Hills
area, they should question why this is being pursued and wasting their valuable time.
Being a current Councilmember, Mr. Duggan confirmed that the City Council has decided that the
dog park shall remain as a dog park for at least another 4.5 to 5 years.
Ms. Ingrid Mattson, 2005 Victoria Road, said that she feels like she landed in the best place in the
State of Minnesota to live. She has wonderful neighbors and loves the feeling in the community.
She explained that the heart of the matter is that the residents love this community and they want
September 25, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 13 of 14
to protect it. It is not true that the residents are not open to change; they accepted curb being
installed in the neighborhood, they accepted The Village, and have accepted a lot of other changes.
The city has done a good job in trying to plan what is best for the future. However, she asked that
these changes from residential to medium density not take place; there is already too much traffic.
Ms. Leslie Pilgrim, 1704 Vicki Lane, has lived in the city since 1966. She attended various
meetings and listened to the exciting future of the Comprehensive Plan for the community and felt
really in sync with her neighbors. She encouraged the Commission to go back and review the notes
provided by the residents on what they would like to see – rural feel, open spaces, green spaces,
biking paths – the community that the people expressed; comments and feedback that was
requested by the Commission. Now there is a room full of very confused people wondering how
they got from those meetings to this today.
Ms. Rachel Quick, 554 Junction Lane, lives on the north end of town. She likes the idea of the
zoning change. As a homeowner it makes things easier for her and would improve her property.
She then noted that she is running for City Council because this is a community and resident
feedback is the most important part about serving in one of these roles. While she feels like the
Commission is trying to correct a wrong in trying to make conforming lots; it does not sound like
there is a strong need for the change. She believed there was more work to be done and if there
was not a strong need for this change, it could be tabled and other options could be reviewed.
Mr. Bob Klepperich, 1092 Vale Drive, noted that he received a notice of a public hearing for three
properties on Victoria Curve; the proposal being to change the zoning from single-family to
medium density residential district. He raised his concern about when these changes are made is
the water table. The creek running next to these properties, which eventually flows into an
underground creek bed; which runs through is front yard. He has had his share of water issues in
the past and would not like to see it get any worse as a result of this proposed construction. He
hoped that the master plan for this proposed construction would include project engineers and
contractors, as well as representatives from the city that would take into account the fragile water
table.
Mr. Chadwick Vandarious, 1312 Wachtler Avenue, returned and noted that in the draft 2040
Comprehensive Plan, medium residential would allow for up to 8 units per acre; however, LR-5
would allow for 8.8 units per acre. He then asked why the inconsistency. Mr. Carlson replied that
years ago, medium residential was guided as only allowing 8 units per acre; however, in the LR-5
district (5,000 square foot lots) dividing a one acre lot by 5,000 square feet would equal 8.8 units
per acre. He also noted that the medium density designation would allow for multi-family
structures, like townhouses. The single-family low density designation would not.
Ms. Joyce Selg, 867 Bluebill Drive, has lived in the community since 1973. She does not consider
Mendota Heights to be what it used to be; the changes made are not what the residents want but
what the commission and the council wants. The residents want parks, they want things to do; and
everything they try to do is being taken away; the land, the animals don’t have any place to go,
even daily walks to the park is dangerous, dangerous driving, and the parking is very limited. She
admonished the Commission for not providing better safety for the residents, appearing to only
want to take the residents money, and destroying the history and memories of the community.
September 25, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 14 of 14
Ms. Cindy Nelson, 1754 Victoria Road South, stated that she learned this evening that the lots on
Victoria Road would also be proposed for a medium density, and with the revelation of there being
an underground creek, she encouraged the Commission to not recommend the medium density
designation on those properties. She encouraged them to keep that a residential low density; like
it is now.
COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NOONAN,
TO EXTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING TO THE OCTOBER 23, 2018 MEETING TO HEAR
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE REMAINING CHAPTERS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
Adjournment
Chair Field noted that there would be one additional Planning Commission Meeting to be held on
Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to consider an application which
was presented to the City in time for this current meeting; however, in light of the importance of
receiving comments on the Comprehensive Plan, the Commission did not want to have that public
hearing run concurrent with the discussion on the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Mazzitello noted that there is another workshop regarding the Comprehensive Plan
on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. This is a joint workshop
between the Planning Commission and the City Council.
Mr. Carlson explained the process going forward for the Comprehensive Plan; when the Planning
Commission is comfortable with the plan, they would move it forward to the City Council. The
City Council would then consider the plan and, if passed, it would be submitted to the Metropolitan
Council (Met Council) and surrounding communities for their comments.
COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL,
TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:56 P.M.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
1-1
1
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
The City of Mendota Heights
has a long history and
commitment to planning,
resulting in unique residential
living environments and
business centers. The City’s
first Comprehensive Plan
was adopted in 1960, many
years before the Metropolitan
Land Planning Act went into
effect, which required
communities to incorporate
regional policies and
guidelines into their plans. The City has used its Comprehensive Plan to guide decisions
for these past 68 years. The community looks much like it was envisioned in 1960, with
an emphasis on high quality residential neighborhoods, open space and parks, and well-
planned commercial and industrial areas.
The community is almost fully developed and is enjoying the fruits of its long-range vision
and development policies. Infill properties will continue to be built out, following the
community’s successful development philosophy, and redevelopment is now happening
in select areas, also following the City’s commitment to provide a high quality of life for its
residents and businesses. The City understands its role as part of the greater
Metropolitan Region and will continue to plan accordingly. The City has adopted the
following Vision and Mission Statements to guide planning and development:
Vision Statement
Mendota Heights will be recognized as a high quality, family-
oriented residential community, with a spacious, natural feel and
the amenities of a city.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in
Mendota Heights by providing quality public safety, infrastructure,
and planning for orderly and sustainable growth.
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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Plan Organization
This 2040 Comprehensive Plan is organized in chapters similar to the previous 2030
Comprehensive Plan, but with new chapters on Economic Development and Resilience,
arranged as follows:
1 Introduction & Background
2 Land Use
3 Transportation
4 Parks & Open Space
5 Housing
6 Economic Development
7 Natural Resources
8 Resilience
9 Implementation
10 Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor Plan
Goals and policies for each chapter are included within that chapter and also as one combined set in
the Appendix. Surface Water Management Plan (July 2018) will also be appended.
Setting
Mendota Heights is located in
northern Dakota County,
bordering the Minnesota and
Mississippi Rivers. The City of
Lilydale and the City of
Mendota border the City on its
northwest side. Across the
rivers are the cities of St. Paul
and Minneapolis, Fort Snelling
and the Minneapolis-St. Paul
International Airport (MSP). The
east is bordered by Delaware
Avenue and the cities of West
St. Paul and Sunfish Lake.
Interstate 494 divides Mendota
Heights from Eagan to the
south. Interstate I-35E crosses
the City north to south.
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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Despite being near to these major business centers, much of the community maintains a
natural, open appearance. The river bluffs, rolling topography, and wooded areas have
provided an excellent setting for residential development. The topography has led to the
creation of a curvilinear local street system and allowed for intimate residential
neighborhoods to be nestled amongst mature wooded settings, lakes, wetlands, nature
preserves, and the Mississippi and Minnesota River bluffs. Mendota Heights is a premier
suburb, offering high-quality residential and business areas. Per capita income and
property values are among the highest in the area, but homes in more moderate price
brackets are also available.
The residents of Mendota Heights enjoy close proximity to an extensive system of
regional and local parks, and convenient access to the regional highway system,
international airport, and metropolitan employment centers. These factors have helped
make Mendota Heights an attractive place to live.
While it is centrally located in the metropolitan area, the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers
form a natural green belt around it, allowing the community to maintain a quiet, private
way of life, unique in the Twin Cities. Mendota Heights achieved its successful business
community and exceptional residential neighborhoods by following the comprehensive
plans set forth many decades ago. Innovative and forward thinking on the part of
community officials has resulted in a planned community, which affords a high-quality
lifestyle for its residents while providing a full array of services and employment
opportunities. The community has preserved an abundance of parks and open spaces,
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
1-4
encourages spacious residential development, and has planned for diversified, high
technology offices and business areas. Excellent schools and a well-educated populace
complement the traditional but progressive character of the City. Civic pride and aesthetic
excellence are high priorities in Mendota Heights.
The community set out early in its incorporated history to create attractive residential
neighborhoods by planning for aggressive protection and wise use of its abundant
environmental assets. The rich abundance of woods, wetlands, and open space areas
that provide the natural feel of the community today, are a testament to the forethought
and planning of Mendota Heights’ forefathers. As the Twin Cities metropolitan area has
grown up around it, Mendota Heights has actively pursued its objective of preserving
open spaces, which have made the community one of the region’s most attractive places
to live. Whether these efforts have been concentrated in active or passive uses, the
environment has played a central role in the City’s land use planning.
Mendota Heights has many spacious, green neighborhoods
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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Process
The process of updating the
Comprehensive Plan for Mendota
Heights was initiated in late 2016 when
Stantec, the City’s planning consultant,
began updating background information
and demographics for the Plan. They
also worked with Tangible Consulting
who prepared a report analyzing the
market and development context of the
City. A background report was shared
with the Planning Commission in early
2017.
In a series of meetings later that year, the Planning Commission reviewed and adopted
the draft Vision, Mission, and Goals & Policies for the Plan. This material was shared with
the Parks Commission and with the larger community in four community open house
meetings in the fall of 2017. There was also an online survey and an invitation for
comments on the City website and Facebook page.
Facebook was used to share information and
invite comments on the planning process
Discussion at a community open house
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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Key Planning Issues
The initial discussion with the Planning Commission, grounded in the background
information and analysis, was condensed into seven key planning issues:
• Character, Natural Feel, Design
Mendota Heights is open, spacious,
green, and natural. The character and
design of our community is important to
maintain our quality of life. The
environment and green space is
essential to this character.
• Commercial/Retail Options
Many people wish there were more
restaurant and shopping options in Mendota Heights.
• Development & Redevelopment Sites
The City is almost fully developed, but there are a few sites where new
development or redevelopment can occur and there is keen interest in how to
maximize their potential.
• Housing
Mendota Heights is mostly high-end single-family homes, but the City also needs
a range of housing choices to provide life-cycle opportunities for people of all
generations and stages of life, and work force housing to support people working
in a wide range of careers.
• Vikings Facility
The Vikings football team is building its new headquarters and practice facilities
nearby in Eagan, within a 200-acre mixed use development featuring offices,
retail, and housing. Many are concerned about traffic impacting Mendota
Heights. On the business side, the Vikings development could be competition for
City businesses or an opportunity for Mendota Heights businesses to support
activities there.
• Airport
The MSP Airport is conveniently located nearby across the river, but also poses
a nuisance with aircraft noise.
• Infrastructure
Like many communities, Mendota Heights’ roads, bridges and other
infrastructure is aging and in need of maintenance. The City must plan for this in
order to preserve quality of life and safety.
Community Input
The key planning issues are interrelated
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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There were over a hundred comments and stories offered in the various open house
meetings and the online survey at the beginning of the planning process. All of the
comments and survey results are summarized in the Appendix.
The comments have been grouped into eight topics as illustrated below in the blue
boxes: Character, Environment, etc. These topics relate strongly to the Key Planning
Issues identified above, as indicated by the arrows connecting similar ideas. Taken
together, these issues and topics represent the ideas that will be the guiding force
shaping the Comprehensive Plan Update. These issues are reflected in the Goals and
Policies in the Plan as well.
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
1-8
Regional Planning Designation
The following narrative and policies (gray type) are excerpted and paraphrased from the
Metropolitan Council’s Thrive MSP 2040 Plan:
The regional planning area designation and related policies identify the Metropolitan
Council’s expectations for the amount, location, and standards for development. A
community’s planning area designation is based on its location, amount of developable
land, existing development patterns, planned land uses and availability of infrastructure.
The Metropolitan Council’s Thrive MSP 2040 Plan designates Mendota Heights as
“suburban.” Suburban communities experienced continued growth and expansion during
the 1980s and early 1990s, and typically have automobile-oriented development patterns
at significantly lower densities than in previous eras.
Developed Communities
Figure 1-1: Community Designation Map for Mendota
Heights (Metropolitan Council)
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
1-9
Community designations are intended to guide regional growth and development to areas
that have urban infrastructure in place and the capacity to accommodate development
and redevelopment and establish land use
expectations including overall densities and
development patterns. The Metropolitan Council
forecasts that “Suburban” communities will
account for 22 percent of the region’s population
growth, 27 percent of its household growth, and
43 percent of employment growth over the next
three decades. The 2040 Thrive MSP policies for
Suburban communities are available on the
Metropolitan council website, and include the
following:
• Orderly and Efficient Land Use
o Plan for new growth at overall average densities of 5 units per acre 1
o Look for development and redevelopment opportunities that link jobs,
housing and transit
o Plan local infrastructure to accommodate future growth
• Natural Resources Protection
o Integrate natural resource conservation and restoration into the
comprehensive plan and ordinances
o Identify contaminated land for reclamation.
o Plan for restoration of natural features and functions
• Water Sustainability
o Implement BMPs to control and treat stormwater in redevelopment
1 The Met Council policy only applies to new residential development in the City and does not affect
existing development or neighborhoods. All new single-family, medium density and high density
residential development combined is expected to be 5 units/acre or more. Existing residential of all
kinds in the City is currently about 2.3 units/acre.
Metropolitan Council policies for
Suburban communities:
https://metrocouncil.org/Planning/
Publications-And-
Resources/Thrive-MSP-2040-
Plan-
(1)/7_ThriveMSP2040_LandUseP
oliciesbyCD.aspx
LeMay Lake
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
1-10
• Housing Affordability and Choice
o Support the community’s share of the region’s affordable housing need
o Plan for a mix of housing affordability
o Use various sources of funding and financing tools to facilitate the
development of lifecycle and affordable housing, including the needs of
multigenerational households
• Access, Mobility, and Transportation Choice
o Focus growth, if possible, around
regional transit
o Support improved pedestrian and bicycle
circulation
o Consider policies that reduce reliance on
single-occupancy vehicles
o Adopt Complete Streets policies
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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• Economic Competitiveness
o Identify appropriate areas for business and industrial expansion
o Support the cleanup and reuse of contaminated land
o Preserve the industrial base for higher-intensity employment and new
industries
o Protect sites for highway-, river-, and rail-dependent manufacturing and
freight transportation needs
o Plan for land uses that support the growth of businesses that export
goods and services outside the region
o Preserve locations for employment, manage growth, and minimize land
use conflicts
• Building Resilience
o Identify potential vulnerabilities in local infrastructure as a result of
severe weather
o Participate in programs that incentivize wind and solar power
o Consider a property-assessed clean energy (PACE) program for
conservation and renewable energy
o Promote community solar gardens
o Encourage travel demand management (TDM) policies and ordinance
o Consider development standards that increase vegetative cover and
increase the solar reflective quality of surfaces.
o Participate in urban forestry assistance programs
Mendota Office Center
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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Community History
Mendota Heights has a long and rich heritage,
which serves as a source of identity for the
community. Mendota Heights is located near the
confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota
Rivers. Native Americans view the area as an
important meeting place. Pilot Knob (now City-
owned property) overlooks the confluence of the
Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. It was
considered sacred by the Dakota who called it
Oȟéyawahe, “the hill much visited.” Pilot Knob
was named by riverboat pilots as the landmark
overlooking Fort Snelling, the first American fort.
The Europeans called the area St. Peter, or St.
Pierre, during the time that Fort Snelling was
constructed in the 1820s. However, the name of the area was later changed to Mendota,
which in Dakota means, “meeting of the waters.”
Fur traders established a trading post in the early 1830’s within what is now Mendota
Heights. The trading post, coupled with Fort Snelling located across the river, formed the
basis for one of the first settlement areas in Minnesota. During the period from 1837 to
1853, the Dakota ceded large tracts of land to the United States, which was then deeded
to settlers who tilled the land and operated dairy farms. Gradually, individual homes
began to appear along the St. Paul border in the north and in the hills above Mendota
Township in the west. Between them were farms, country schools, and estates. The
Pilot Knob, Mouth of the St. Peters River, painting by Seth Eastman ca. 1866
Taoyateduta, chief of the
Mdewakanton Dakota, ca. 1850
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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population of Mendota Township in 1860 was 454. The area grew slowly to 1,360 at the
start of World War II. St. Peter’s Church was built in 1853 atop the bluff overlooking the
rivers and is the oldest church in continuous use within Minnesota.
Several trails crossed the area, including the Mission Trail. It connected the river to the
Dakota Village at Kaposia, located at present-day South St. Paul. Dodd Road, the first
military road through the region, was completed in 1849 and connected the community to
St. Peter. Dodd Road currently bisects the City and continues to provide a north-south
travel artery throughout the community. The Old Mendota Road, which is now Highway
62 (formerly Highway 110), provided for east-west travel through the area.
The Minnesota
Central, the first
Dakota County
railroad, later the
Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul, ran
through Mendota
Township, crossing
the Minnesota River,
and carried supplies
to Fort Snelling. The
Chicago, St. Paul,
Minneapolis, and
Omaha Railway was
also an early railroad
in the area.
Following World War II, farmers began to sell lots for individual homes and acreage for
residential subdivisions. Home construction increased rapidly, particularly in the northern
section of the township and by 1950, the population totaled 2,107. The Township of
Mendota was established in 1858, and was eventually divided into two separate towns.
Mendota was chartered in 1887 and incorporated in 1936. The remainder of the township
was incorporated as Mendota Heights in 1956.
Interstate 494 comprises the southern border of Mendota Heights. Its intersection with
Interstate 35E acts as a primary “gateway” into the community, as does Highway 55 as it
crosses the Mendota Bridge, the Interstate 35E/Mississippi River crossing and Highway
62 (formerly Highway 110), as it enters the community from the east. Minnesota Highway
13 traverses the west and northwest edge of the City near the Mississippi and Minnesota
Rivers. Steep bluffs along those rivers include the natural open spaces of Fort Snelling
State Park, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and Lilydale Regional Park, and
together with the Dodge Nature Center provide a greenbelt that surrounds and infiltrates
Mendota Heights. The location of these features is illustrated on the Community Facilities
map.
Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad depot in Mendota, ca. 1890
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
1-14
The natural and open space areas, when
combined with the 290 acres of community
parks, three golf courses, Rogers, Augusta,
and LeMay Lakes, and with the naturally rolling
terrain and mature woodlands, create the
appealing “natural open” setting of the City.
These features and spaces are located
adjacent to the major roadways and as such,
create a unique, natural setting for intimate
neighborhoods. The views of the River Valleys
from adjacent bluffs and bridge crossings are
nothing less than spectacular. The
predominance of scenic, natural vistas and
corridors within a community located so close
to the core of the Twin Cities is truly unique
within the Metropolitan Region. This being the
case, the City of Mendota Heights considers it
paramount to protect and enhance the natural
living environment for its residents.
Rogers Lake in Mendota Heights
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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Development History
Early History
The river topography and landscape of bluffs, ravines, views, lakes, and wooded areas
have provided attractive settings for residential settlement. Mendota Heights was a part
of Mendota Township until the Village of Mendota Heights was incorporated in 1956.
1957 to 1977
The first Land Use Plan for Mendota Heights was adopted in 1959. Its purpose was to
guide public and private development to achieve balanced residential and
commercial/industrial growth, in order to assure the availability of tax funds for schools
and public services. At that time, 21% of the land (exclusive of golf courses and
cemeteries) was developed.
The City’s history of early land planning established a clear and well-defined pattern for
future land uses. The 1959 Plan identified the following needs:
• The need for additional east-west thoroughfares;
• The need for community connections across future I-35E;
• The designation of a business/industrial area in the southwest corner of the City;
• The desire to limit commercial “strip” development; and
• The decision to continue the semi-rural character of the residential areas.
Many of the major objectives of the 1959 Plan came to fruition as the Plan was largely
followed over the ensuing years. In the twenty-year period from the late 1950’s to the late
1970’s, St. Thomas and Visitation schools were established (1955-56); Fort Snelling
State Park was established (1961); the I-35 bridge into St. Paul was built (1965); Henry
Sibley High School was built (1971); and in 1974, Mendota Heights became a city.
Overall, an additional 40% of the land area was developed, most of it to establish new
residential areas.
1977 to 1997
The land use pattern initially laid out by early comprehensive plans was clearly
established along with several transportation improvements. Both I-35E and I-494 were
built during this period. I-35E was extended in both directions, into downtown St. Paul
and south into Burnsville. I-494 was constructed along the southern border of the City
and replaced Highway 110 (now Highway 62) as the primary east-west route.
In this period, United Properties began the development of the Mendota Heights
Business Park, and several areas designated as residential were developed throughout
the City.
The availability of the Interstate routes did relieve local roadways of some traffic,
particularly in the cases of Highway 110 and Highway 149. The accessibility of the
Interstate routes also more clearly established distinct neighborhoods in the community.
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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The 1959 Land Use Plan emphasized the importance of east-west routes and planned
crossings at Marie Avenue, Mendota Heights Road, and Wagon Wheel Trail, all of which
were built more than 20 years later.
Aircraft traffic noise from
flights over Mendota Heights
dramatically increased in this
period as well, due to the
growth and expansion of the
airline industry and the
Minneapolis-St. Paul
International Airport. The
increasing number of flights,
larger aircraft, and expanded
use of the runways over the
Mississippi River corridor,
continue to impact the land
use and living environment of
the southern part of the
community. The Metropolitan
Airports Commission (MAC)
actually bought out one
neighborhood and created a
flight path corridor, near
Acacia Cemetery, within Mendota Heights. Homes were removed and the area was re-
developed for industrial uses. Other residential areas were part of the Part 150 Sound
Insulation program, receiving funds to upgrade windows and insulation in existing homes.
New residential neighborhoods have been built with additional sound insulation and
modified building techniques.
Total operations at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) increased from
230,793 in 1972 to 483,013 in 1998, more than doubling. This increase in flights, along
with expansion of the flights over the new residential areas and outside of the flight
corridor, has adversely affected many neighborhoods of the City.
The City put forth considerable time and effort to reduce aircraft noise and operations
over the City, establishing an Airport Relations Commission (ARC), participating in the
Dakota County Airport Relations Commission (DCARC), and the Metropolitan Aircraft
Sound Abatement Council (MASAC) and adopting a Noise Attenuation Ordinance.
1998 – 2007
From 1998 to 2006, the City issued 436 residential building permits. Of those, 259 were
for single family homes. In 2003, the City saw the most development during this period,
with a total of 125 residential permits issued during that year.
MSP International Airport, located across the Minnesota River
west of Mendota Heights
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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A number of significant projects reshaped Mendota Heights during this time. The most
visible is the Village at Mendota Heights, a mixed-use development at the northeast
intersection of Highway 110 (now Highway 62) and Dodd Road. The City acquired the
property to create an urban town center that includes a senior residential facility,
townhomes, and an intensive commercial districts and open space plaza.
The second significant change is the Summit of Mendota Heights, a mixed residential
development consisting of townhomes and a multi-story condominium. This facility is
located on the former site of the Ecolab research building at Sibley Memorial Highway
and Wachtler Avenue. Another residential project is the Hidden Creek development, a
residential plat of generally one-acre lots on a portion of the “superblock”, an area of
larger acreage properties which have had minimal previous development activity.
Two other projects have involved the City’s activity in avoiding development, and
retaining existing open space. The Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course had operated as
a privately-owned facility for many years, until the owners proposed to close the 17-acre
facility and develop the property into approximately 30 single family lots. After some
struggle, ending with a successful referendum, the City purchased the golf course and is
now operating the facility as a municipal course.
Perhaps the most important project also involves the City’s decision to spend public
dollars to preserve the Pilot Knob area, just off the Mendota Bridge between Acacia
Cemetery and Highway 55. After a series of development proposals for this property
were turned away or withdrawn, the City joined with other public entities, including
Dakota County and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and purchased a
number of large parcels totaling 25.5 acres. The land will be retained as open space, and
is currently being restored to its pre-development environment. The property has
historical and cultural significance on many levels, including a sacred site for native
people, a nearby gathering area for the 1862 transfer of the Minnesota Territory lands to
The Village at Mendota Heights (Photo: Damon Farber)
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018
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the U.S. government, and the “pilot knob” landmark for steamboats approaching the
confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers.
2008-2018
Since the last Comprehensive Plan was prepared, a number of significant developments
have taken place in Mendota Heights. The economic recession from 2007 to 2012
impacted development cross the Twin Cities, including Mendota Heights and there was
little development activity during those years, but coming out of the recession there was
some significant activity.
The Mendota Plaza Shopping Center at Highway 62 and Dodd Road saw a major
renovation during this period, with a 15,000-square-foot Walgreen’s pharmacy added in
2012 and the 50-unit assisted living complex, White Pine Senior Living, in 2014.
Also at Mendota Plaza, a new 4-story 139-unit apartment project is being constructed in
2018 by Paster Properties and At Home Apartments. It is the first new market-rate project
in Mendota Heights in thirty years. The project will also include 11,000 square feet of
commercial space in two buildings sharing the site with the apartments.
A new 70-unit apartment project is being developed in 2018 by Michael Development on
the site of the former Mendota Motel and Larson Garden Center at Highway 13 and
Acacia Drive.
New apartments at Mendota Plaza (rendering courtesy of At Home Apartments)
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The Vikings football team’s new headquarters and surrounding development in nearby
Eagan has generated considerable discussion and may affect Mendota Heights with
traffic, noise and light, but also with potential increases in economic activity and property
values. Located just off the southeast edge of Mendota Heights, it will include the teams’
corporate offices, practice facilities, 6,500-seat stadium, athletic clinic, team Hall of Fame,
and ancillary offices, hotels, retail, restaurants and housing on the 200-acre site.
While no major roadway projects have been built recently, one of the major highways in
Mendota Heights has been renamed. In the summer of 2018, Highway 110 was renamed
Highway 62, acknowledging it as an extension of Highway 62 that now starts on the west
side of the Mendota Bridge and extends west through Minneapolis and other suburbs to
I-494 in Eden Prairie.
Vikings facility in Eagan under construction, 2017 (photo: Leila Navidi)
Map courtesy MnDOT
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Community Facilities
The City of Mendota Heights currently retains a full complement of administrative
services, including Administration, Engineering, Public Works, Parks & Recreation,
Police, Fire, Finance, and Code Enforcement. The City contracts with private consultants
for planning and legal services. City Hall provides administrative office space and public
meeting facilities. City Hall is located at 1101 Victoria Curve, northwest of the intersection
of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and Lexington Avenue.
Police and Fire
The City of Mendota Heights provides police protection for its residents. The police
station is located in the lower level of City Hall. Police are dispatched from Dakota
Communications Center, which is located in Empire Township. The City also provides
police services to the communities of Lilydale and Mendota. The Police Department
consists of 18 officers and 2.5 non-sworn civilian employees.
Fire protection is also provided by the City. The department is located on Dodd Road,
one-quarter mile south of Highway 62. Fire and Rescue Service consists of 36 volunteers
and has a fully equipped station consisting of a 2,000-gallon tanker, three pump trucks
(one with a 65’ ladder), a rescue vehicle, a brush truck, a boat, an ATV, and other
equipment and services. Renovations are planned for the Dodd Road facility with a $4.5
million upgrade to relieve overcrowding in the apparatus bay, administrative space and
storage areas, plus technology and HVAC upgrades.
The City also provides fire services for the cities of Sunfish Lake, Lilydale, and Mendota.
The average response time to fire calls ranges from six to eight minutes. The Fire and
Rescue Services was last rated as providing Class 4 services (1-best, 10-worst), as
defined by the Insurance Services Office. Specific residential fire ratings are determined
based upon a combination of factors, including the individual rating for the Fire
Department, availability of water services, and the level of communications (i.e., 911 call
system, fire alarms, pagers, and dispatch systems), available in the community.
Schools
Minnesota Independent School District #197 serves all or parts of the communities of
Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake and
West St. Paul. The District is comprised of five elementary schools (two neighborhood
schools and three magnet schools), two middle schools, and one high school. In addition,
the District serves birth-to-age five children with an Early Learning Program. Total
enrollment for District schools in the 2015-2016 school year was estimated at 4,343
students. This is down from 4,885 students in the 1998-1999 school year.
There are six public and private schools offering kindergarten through 12th grade located
within the City of Mendota Heights: Mendota Elementary School, Somerset Elementary
School, Friendly Hills Middle School, Henry Sibley High School, St. Thomas Academy,
and Visitation School.
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The following table provides a breakdown of enrollment of the K-12 public schools
located within the City at the start of the 2007 - 2008 school year compared with the
2015-2016 school year.
Table 1-1: Public School Enrollment for K-12 Schools within the City of
Mendota Heights: 2007-08 vs. 2015-16 School Years
School Grades
2007-08
Total
Enrollment
20015-16
Total
Enrollment
Percent
Change
2007-08 to
2015-16
Mendota
Elementary School K - 4th 360 388 8%
Somerset
Elementary School K - 4th 318 419 32%
Friendly Hills
Middle School 5th - 8th 597 727 22%
Henry Sibley High
School 9th - 12th 1,462 1,330 -9%
Source: ISD 197
The number of students enrolled in private schools within the City was 1,201 during the
2015-16 school year, down from the 2007-2008 school year, when 1,295 students were
enrolled in private schools.
Table 1-2: Private School Enrollment for K-12 Schools within the City of
Mendota Heights: 2007-08 vs. 2015-16 School Year
School Grades
2007-08
Total
Enrollment
20015-16
Total
Enrollment
Percent
Change
2007-08 to
2015-16
St. Thomas
Academy 7th - 12th 695 600 -14%
Visitation School Montessori
-12th 600 601 0%
Source: St. Thomas Academy and Visitation School websites
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Parks, Open Space, and Trails
The City of Mendota Heights boasts a variety of recreational opportunities, including
access to regional trails, riverside and lakeside parks, scenic bluffs and a nature
preserve. These facilities represent unique features in a park system that helps to shape
the character of Mendota Heights. The City has 295 acres of city-owned parks and open
spaces, which includes active and passive recreation areas, along with other state and
private parks and open spaces. These facilities are detailed in the Parks, Open Space
and Trails chapter of this plan.
Cemeteries
There are two cemeteries in Mendota Heights – Resurrection and Acacia – which occupy
a significant amount of land on the west side of the community.
Wastewater
The City's Public Works Department operates and maintains the City’s sanitary sewer
system . The responsibilities of the sanitary sewer system include maintenance of the
sanitary sewer lift stations, sanitary sewer main repair, and sanitary sewer hook-up
inspections. The City has a “Cleaning and Televising Program”, which it uses to identify
and repair infiltration and structural deficiencies through re-lining and replacement of
service lines as needed.
Water Supply
The St. Paul Regional Water Services provides water to Mendota Heights and owns the
water tower and distribution system. St. Paul maintains the water lines and hydrants and
bills its customers directly. A two-million-gallon water tower, located on Lexington
Avenue, next to the City's Public Works Facility, provides reserve water capacity.
The Community Features Map illustrates the location of the various public, semi-public,
institutional, and private uses within the City of Mendota Heights. While the Community
Facilities map illustrates specific locations of public buildings, schools, churches,
synagogues, golf courses, parks, and major employers.
Surface Water & Stormwater Management
Handling stormwater runoff, both to reduce flooding and to protect water quality, is an
important issue for Mendota Heights. The city completed a Surface Water Management
Plan (July 2018) which is made part of this Comprehensive Plan Update, detailing the
programs and policies for stormwater management in the City.
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Fig. 1-7 Community Facilities Map
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Socio-Economic Profile
The purpose of the social and economic inventory is to identify past trends, document
current conditions, and help identify issues to be addressed in planning policies. These
policies will help the community address a broad base of land use and development
issues. With the help of a solid information and policy base, decision makers can
evaluate and prioritize proposals for the community while fulfilling the City’s long-term
goals and objectives.
Growth Trends: Mendota Heights
The following graph illustrates the estimated and projected growth in the City of Mendota
Heights for population, household, and employment from 1970 through 2040. The table
on the following pages expands this information with comparisons to Dakota County.
Figure 1-9 Mendota Heights and Dakota County:
Population, Household, & Employment Estimates & Forecasts 1970-2040
Source: Metropolitan Council, US Census
After a significant increase between 1980 and 2000, City population decreased slightly
after 2000, but is expected to remain relatively stable in the decades to come. In the
meantime, the number of households is expected to grow at a slow pace, indicating a
further decline of household sizes. Employment, however, has continued to grow in the
past ten years despite the recent economic downturn, and is expected to continue, but at
a slightly slower pace in the next 20 years.
6,565 7,288
9,381
11,434
11,071 11,300 11,300 11,400
1,641 2,210 3,302
4,178 4,378 4,600 4,710 4,8001,140
2,998
5,805
8,549
11,550
12,600 13,400 13,700
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040
Population Household Employment
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Growth Trends: Mendota Heights vs. Dakota County Communities
The following table shows population, household, and employment estimates and
forecasts for the City of Mendota Heights and Dakota County, 1970 through 2040. The
table shows how the City has grown slower in all three measures than the County as a
whole over several decades, with the exception of employment between 1970 and 2000.
The City saw its largest population percent growth from 1980 to 1990. Dakota County
also experienced its highest percentage growth in population from 1980 to 1990. City
population is projected to remain more or less unchanged out to 2040, whereas the
County is projected to continue to grow steadily for the next three decades.
Table 1-3: Mendota Heights and Dakota County:
Population, Household, and Employment Estimates & Forecasts 1970 – 2040
Population/Percent Change
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040
Mendota Hts 6,565 7,288 9,381 11,434 11,071 11,300 11,300 11,400
Decade change - 11% 29% 22% -3% 2% 0% 1%
Dakota County 139,808 194,279 275,186 355,904 398,552 435,870 474,670 514,050
Decade change - 39% 42% 29% 12% 9% 9% 8%
Household/Percent Change
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040
Mendota Hts 1,641 2,210 3,302 4,178 4,378 4,600 4,710 4,800
Decade change - 35% 49% 27% 5% 5% 2% 2%
Dakota County 37,560 64,087 98,293 131,151 152,060 170,940 187,980 204,750
Decade change - 71% 53% 33% 16% 12% 10% 9%
Employment/Percent Change
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040
Mendota Hts 1,140 2,998 5,805 8,549 11,550 12,600 13,400 13,700
Decade change - 163% 94% 47% 35% 9% 6% 2%
Dakota County 31,100 62,134 106,029 154,242 170,192 203,330 219,860 236,500
Decade change - 100% 71% 45% 10% 19% 8% 8%
Source: Metropolitan Council, US Census
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Population
The following line graph illustrates the estimated and forecasted population for Mendota
Heights and four other communities within Dakota County – Eagan, Inver Grove Heights,
West St. Paul, and South St. Paul. Mendota Heights and its neighbors West St. Paul and
South St. Paul are mostly developed and will grow slowly; Eagan and Inver Grove
Heights, with room to grow, will see larger population increases.
Figure 1-10 Mendota Heights and Dakota County Communities:
Population Estimates & Forecasts 2000-2040
Household Growth Trends
The following graph illustrates the growth trend in the number of households, actual and
projected, in Mendota Heights and area communities within Dakota County, from 1970 to
2040. As the graph illustrates, households in West St. Paul and South St. Paul will
continue to steadily increase from 2010 until 2040. As with population, Eagan and Inver
Grove Heights will experience more dramatic increases between 2010 and 2040.
Mendota Heights is expected to experience a modest rise in the number of households,
similar to West St. Paul and South St. Paul.
11,434 11,071 11,300 11,300 11,400
63,557 64,206 67,400 69,800 72,300
29,751 33,880 37,300 42,000 46,700
19,405 19,540 20,800 21,900 23,100
20,167 20,160 21,500 21,500 21,800
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
2000 2010 2020 2030 2040Population
Mendota Heights Eagan Inver Grove Heights West St. Paul South St. Paul
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Figure 1-11 Mendota Heights and Dakota County Communities:
Household Estimates & Forecasts 2000-2040
Household Size
The graph below illustrates average household size in Mendota Heights compared to
Dakota County from 1970 to 2040. Household size has declined steadily since 1970 but
is expected to flatten out in the next couple decades.
Figure 1-12: Average Household Size Mendota Heights & Dakota County 1970-2040
4,178 4,378 4,600 4,710 4,800
23,773 25,249
27,400 28,700 30,000
11,257
13,476 15,400
17,600
19,800
8,645 8,529 9,200 9,600 10,100
8,123 8,186 8,900 9,200 9,400
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
2000 2010 2020 2030 2040Households
Year
Mendota Heights Eagan Inver Grove Heights West St. Paul South St. Paul
4.00
3.30
2.84 2.74
2.51 2.45 2.46 2.40 2.38
3.72
3.03
2.80 2.71
2.60 2.58 2.55 2.53 2.51
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 2020 2030 2040Persons per HouseholdYear
Mendota Heights Dakota County
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Household Type
Two types of householders are distinguished in the 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census: a family
and a non-family householder. A family householder is a householder living with one or
more people related to him or her by birth, marriage, or adoption. The householder and
all people in the household related to him or her are family members. A non-family
householder is a householder living alone or with non-relatives only.
The table below illustrates the demographic profile of the households in Mendota
Heights. The table separates households by information pertaining to family and non-
family households; households with or with or without children; and the number of
households in each category.
Table 1-4: Mendota Heights Household Types 2000 & 2010
Total households HHs with Children HHs without
Children
Household Type 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010
Married Couple Families 2,902 2,821 1,356 1,068 1,546 1,753
Female Householder 253 281 151 155 102 126
Male Householder 83 102 37 46 46 56
Total Family
Households
3,238 3,204 1,544 1,269 1,694 1,935
Percent 77.5% 73.2%
Total Non-Family
Households
940 1,174
Percent 22.5% 26.8%
Total Households 4,178 4,378
Source: 2000 and 2010 US Census
The number of households held fairly steady between 2000 and 2010 but the significant
changes is in households with and without children – the trend being fewer households
with children. This likely indicates a societal trend but also the presence of more retirees
in Mendota Heights.
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Age Distribution
The following bar graph compares the percentages of the age distribution in the City of
Mendota Heights in 2000 and 2010 and 2014. The median age of Mendota Heights’
residents in 2000 was 41 years old. By 2010, the median age climbed to 47.5 years old.
By 2014, the Census estimated it rose again to 49 years old.
Figure 1-13: Mendota Heights Age Distribution 2000, 2010, & 2014
Source: US Census 2000 & 2010, ACS 2014
The largest age cohort in Mendota Heights are 45-to-64-year-olds, rising from about 29%
in 2000 to over 37% in 2014. The share of children 14 and under has decreased from
about 22% in 2000 to under 15% in 2014.
5.8%
16.5%
11.1%
6.9%
15.8%
18.9%
10.6%
8.3%
6.2%
4.6%
13.0%11.4%
7.2%
9.8%
18.1%18.2%
9.1%8.7%3.9%
11.5%11.7%
6.4%
10.0%
17.0%
20.2%
9.2%10.0%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
12.0%
14.0%
16.0%
18.0%
20.0%
22.0%
Under 5
years
5 to 14
years
15 to 24
years
25 ot 34
years
35 to 44
years
45 to 54
years
55 to 64
years
65 to 74
years
75 years +
2000 2010 2014
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Age Distribution
The graphs to the right depict this aging
trend in Mendota Heights in a focused way.
In just 14 years, the share of the population
over and under 45 years of age has flipped
– from just under half to just over half.
Mendota Heights’ age trends have been
following the age composition trends of the
Twin Cities Metro Area. The greatest
population gains in the 1990s in the Seven-
County Metro Area were in the forty-five (45)
to fifty-four (54) year old age group, which is
the same as Mendota Heights’ largest
percentage category. This was a result of the Baby Boom generation moving into an age
category previously occupied by the smaller Depression and World War II generation.
The generation after the baby boom generation, also known as Generation X, 35-to-44-
year-old age group, also grew significantly in the 1990s, just as in Mendota Heights.
The continued aging of the population creates new challenges for the Seven-County
Metro Area, as well as for the City of Mendota Heights. It is expected to increase the
demand for a wider range of services and housing choices, such as townhomes, one-
level housing, assisted living, and so on, rather than traditional single-family homes.
The Metropolitan Council has estimated that between 2000 and 2030, the population
under the age of 55 is projected to increase by nineteen percent (19%) in the Twin Cities
Seven County Metro Area, while the number of people 55 and over is expected to more
than double, an increase of 111%. If the City of Mendota Heights continues to follow the
population trends of the greater Metropolitan Area, the needs of the aging population will
need to be recognized and addressed.
Education
The graph on the next page illustrates education levels for Mendota Heights residents
ages 25 and over in 2010, compared to Dakota County, the Twin Cities Metropolitan
Area, and the State of Minnesota. Compared to the County, State and Metro area,
Mendota Heights’ residents are very well educated. The City has more than 20 percent
more residents with Bachelor’s degrees than either Dakota County and the Metro Area,
and the highest percentage of high school graduates.
44%56%
2000
45 years and older
44 and younger
56%44%
2014
45 years and older
44 and younger
Figure 1-14: Mendota Heights Age 45+ 2000 & 2014
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Sources: ACS 2014, Metropolitan Council
Employment
Occupations
Information from the 2010 Census regarding employment demographics for Mendota
Heights is depicted in the table below. The statistics provided include employment
information for residents over the age of 16. The majority of those employed in the City in
2010 were in Management, employing 62 percent of the population. The second largest
employment category was Sales and Office, employing 23 percent of the population.
Table 1-5: Occupation of Residents in Mendota Heights
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 3,567
Service occupations 501
Sales and office occupations 1,342
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 110
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 259
Total Civilian employed population 16 years and over 5,779
Source: ACS 2014
97%95%92%92%
62%
40%41%33%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Mendota Heights Dakota County 7 County Metro Minnesota
High School Grad or higher Bachelor's Degree or higher
Figure 1-15: Educational Attainment – Mendota Heights, Dakota County, Metro
Area & Minnesota
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Income
The median household income for the City of Mendota Heights in 2000 was $81,155. The
City’s median household income has increased since then to $98,098 in 2014. The
median household income for the City is higher than that of Dakota County, the entire
Twin Cities Metro Area, and the State of Minnesota.
Figure 1-16: Median Household Income 2000 & 2014
Source: ACS 2014, Metropolitan Council
Poverty Rates
According to the 2000 Census and 2015 Census estimates, the City has a relatively low
percentage of individuals below the poverty level, compared to Dakota County and
Minnesota as a whole. Federal guidelines for 2015 considered the poverty level to be
$12,071 annually for a single person, $24,230 per year for a family of four. For 2018
these increased to $12,140 and $25,100, respectively. The number more than doubled
by 2015 to 431 Mendota Heights residents living below the poverty level.
Table 1-6: Mendota Heights Poverty Rates 2000 & 2015
Below Poverty Level
in 2000
Below Poverty Level
in 2015 Number Percent Number Percent
Individuals
Dakota County
Minnesota
212 1.9% 431 3.9%
5.4%
9.9%
Individuals 65 years and over 33 2.0% 86 3.9%
Families 43 1.3% 170 3.7%
Families with children under 18
years
28 0.9% 77 3.3%
Source: ACS 2015
$81,155
$61,863 $54,300 $47,111
$98,098
$74,995 $68,000 $60,828
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
Mendota Heights Dakota County 7 County Metro Minnesota
2000 2014
2-1
2
Land Use
Although Mendota Heights is almost completely developed, there are substantial
areas of public and private open space, wetlands, lakes, bluff and wooded areas
that give the feeling of very low density of development in much of the
community. The land use pattern is well established, with the strong residential
neighborhoods throughout the City, business and industrial development in the
southwest corner, several major institutional uses (cemeteries, schools, golf
courses), and protected natural areas (Dodge Nature Center, bluffs and ravines
along the river). The Community Facilities Map illustrates the specific location
and type of natural areas, open space, and recreation areas located within and
around Mendota Heights (see Figure 2-1).
This Plan identifies “focus” areas, or remaining parcels to be developed or
redeveloped (see attached Figure 2-2 Focus Areas). These areas range from
small isolated parcels to larger sections of the city which may be developed with
different lot sizes or land uses at some point.
Attention will also be given to protecting the high quality natural and built
environments which is addressed in many of the goals of this Plan. The intent is
to continue to protect the quiet, secluded feel of its mature neighborhoods by
preserving natural features and the environment, promoting high quality and well-
functioning developments, and continuing to work to decrease airplane noise
over the City.
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Figure 2-1 Community Facilities Map
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018
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Figure 2-2 Focus Areas Map
Goals and Policies
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GOAL 1: The land use plan will serve as the foundation for land use
decisions in Mendota Heights.
Policies:
• Develop in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan for land use,
housing, transportation, parks and other community facilities.
• Review and amend the Comprehensive Plan as necessary to ensure
consistent development policy in current and future development
decisions.
• Zoning and rezoning decisions shall conform to the Land Use Plan.
• The Land Use Plan will be updated to reflect changing priorities and
conditions or as required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act.
• Balance land use designations to meet projected growth demand.
GOAL 2: Preserve, protect, and enrich the mature, fully developed
residential environment and character of the community.
Policies:
• Subdivision and zoning standards will emphasize high quality site and
building design.
• Emphasize quality design, innovative solutions, and a high general
aesthetic level in community development and building.
• Parks, trails and open spaces will be planned within walking distance of
all residential areas.
• Encourage development and planning of land that provides for
reasonable access to surrounding properties.
• Public buildings and properties will be designed, constructed and
maintained to be a source of civic pride and to set a standard for private
property owners to follow.
• Historic preservation will be considered in land use decisions.
Goal 3: Support industrial and commercial development in designated
areas.
Policies:
• The City will use available resources to meet redevelopment needs. This
will include cooperation with Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council
to achieve redevelopment objectives.
• Encourage appropriate transitions and buffering between potentially
incompatible land uses.
Goal 4: Reduce the impact of aircraft noise within the community.
Policies:
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018
2-5
• Increase public participation and representation through the Noise
Oversight Committee (NOC) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission
(MAC).
• Achieve noise reduction through advocating modified takeoff procedures
and corridor compliance.
• Advocate an equitable distribution of aircraft traffic and a more equitable
runway use system.
• Monitor the continued implementation of the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)
airport Comprehensive Plan.
• Advocate for specific noise control measures through operational
changes and advance technology.
• Encourage establishment of a physical capacity for the Mendota
Heights/Eagan corridor and transfer of general aviation use to other
reliever airports.
• Notify and work with MnDOT in the event that potential airspace
obstructions are encountered.
• Consider aircraft noise and safety issues as in applicable land use and
zoning decisions.
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Existing Land Use
The following table illustrates how the existing land use is distributed within the
City of Mendota Heights, illustrated on the attached Existing Land Use map. Note
that these categories are not the same and do not correspond to the Future Land
Use categories further below:
Table 2-1 2017 Existing Land Use
2017 Existing Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres
Rural Residential 147.36 115.86
Low Density Residential 1,792.12 1,727.75
Medium Density Residential 63.79 59.80
Medium Density Residential - PUD 14.17 14.17
High Density Residential 127.19 126.52
High Density Residential - PUD 6.42 6.42
Business 21.78 21.78
Limited Business 98.38 96.71
Mixed Use - PUD 38.66 37.20
Industrial 386.17 384.76
City Facilities 37.79 31.99
Schools (Public Private) 288.06 282.21
Churches Synagogues 32.59 30.53
Cemetery 239.67 238.47
Parks/Open Space 1,032.68 526.46
Golf Course 292.47 281.95
Right-of-Way 1,222.47 1,202.42
Open Water 591.03 551.02
Wetland 0.00 696.80
Total 6,432.81 6,432.81
Future Land Use Categories
Residential
Single family housing is the predominant land use in the City, although in recent
years there has been an increase in the development of multi-family housing.
Eight percent (8%) of the residentially-designated land in the City is utilized for
multiple family homes or medium to high-density development, as opposed to
one percent (1%) in 1979 and five percent (5%) in 2002.
The Land Use Plan identifies six categories of residential uses: rural, low density
in three ranges, plus medium density and high density.
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2-7
Rural Residential
This land use is generally located in the east central part of the City. This
designation is intended for large lot single family residences with and without City
sewer. The Residential Estate areas are planned with a density not to exceed
1.45 units per acre. The corresponding zoning district classification is R-1A (One
Family Residential).
LR 15 – Low Density Residential
This land use is the most prevalent land use category in the City and provides for
single family development. This designation is intended for a density not to
exceed 2.9 units per acre, corresponding to the R-1 district minimum lot size of
15,000 square feet and lot width of 100 feet.
LR 9 – Low Density Residential
This land use designation is new to this update and applies to the Friendly Hills
neighborhood in southeastern Mendota Heights. These lots were developed
mostly before 1970, and are typically less than 10,000 square feet in size. This
designation is intended for single family development at a density not to exceed
4.5 units per acre, corresponding to a new zoning district to be created with a
minimum lot size of 9,000 square feet and lot width of 80 feet.
LR 5 – Low Density Residential
This land use designation is new to this update and applies to the northeastern
corner of Mendota Heights. These lots were developed mostly before 1970 and
many lots are less than 6,000 square feet in size. This designation is intended for
single family development at a density not to exceed 8.8 units per acre,
corresponding to a new zoning district to be created with a minimum lot size of
5,000 square feet and lot width of 50 feet.
MR – Medium Density Residential
This land use provides for townhome and attached housing development at
urban densities of up to 8 units per acre. New areas of Medium Density
Residential are added in this update to include existing townhouse and duplex
projects that were previously designated Low Density and zoned R-1. The
corresponding zoning district classifications are: R-2 (Medium Density
Residential District) and MR-PUD (Medium Density Residential Planned Unit
Development).
HR – High Density Residential
This land use provides for multi-family and apartment development at densities of
up to 25 units per acre, which might be allowed to increase within a planned unit
development (PUD). Most of this land use is in a few large apartment projects.
The corresponding zoning district classifications are: R-3 (High Density
Residential District) and HR-PUD (High Density Residential Planned Unit
Development).
MU – Mixed Use
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The intent of the district is to allow for mixed use developments that combine
residential, retail, and commercial uses into a coordinated, planned development
project. This land use designation is located both north and south of the
Highway 62 and Dodd Road intersection, the City’s only significant retail area.
The northeast quadrant of this intersection has been developed into a mixed use
center known as The Village at Mendota Heights. The southeast corner of this
includes the Mendota Plaza shopping center which has seen renovation and
redevelopment in recent years, including a new Walgreen’s pharmacy; White
Pine Senior Living, a 50-unit assisted living complex, and a 4-story 139-unit
apartment project developed by Paster Properties and At Home Apartments.
Commercial
Commercial land uses are typically divided into two general categories; (1) office
and (2) retail. The office category includes land uses generally considered to be
of a limited business nature, typically a daytime office use. The Land Use Map
identifies these areas as “LB - Limited Business”. The corresponding zoning
district classifications are B-1 (Limited Business), B-1A (Business Park) and B-2
(Neighborhood Business). The second category of commercial uses expands the
uses to include retail, restaurants, hotels and other commercial uses. This
includes neighborhood type convenience stores and shopping centers. The
Land Use Map identifies these areas as “B - Business”.
Limited Business
There are presently four locations where most Limited Business uses in Mendota
Heights are currently located or planned:
• In the southwest quadrant of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and
Lexington Avenue;
• Either side of Mendota Heights Road, between I-35E and Dodd Road;
• On the south side of South Plaza Drive, east of Dodd Road near the
Mendota Plaza area; and
• On the south side of Highway 13 (Sibley Memorial Highway) at the
northern city boundary, east of I-35E.
Business
There are two locations where most Business uses are planned:
• In the southeast quadrant of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and
Lexington Avenue;
• North of I-494 between Highway 55 and I-35E, although Commercial land
uses share much of this area with Industrial guided uses.
The largest concentration of commercial or business uses in the City is not
guided Business, but rather Mixed Use, at Highway 62 and Dodd Road, in the
Mendota Plaza and Village of Mendota Heights developments.
Industrial
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The Industrial land use category is concentrated in the City’s industrial and
business park in the southwest part of the City, north of I-494. The vast majority
of the 400-plus acres of Industrial land is west of Highway 55, with a portion east
of Highway 55 and west of I-35E. This land use includes manufacturing, office,
and warehousing uses, but also hotels, restaurants and other commercial uses.
Public/Semi-Public
The Public/Semi-Public land use designation includes various land uses that are
generally outside the commercial, industrial and residential categories. Among
these are city buildings, such as City Hall, public works and fire stations; schools,
both public and private; churches and synagogues; and cemeteries.
Park & Open Space
The Park and Open Space land use designation includes City parks, State parks,
golf courses and nature preserves.
Future Land Use
The following table summarizes future land use for the City of Mendota Heights:
Table 2-2 2040 Future Land Use
2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres
RR - Rural Residential 218.88 176.62
LR 15 - Low Density Residential 1,581.39 1,518.32
LR 9 - Low Density Residential 138.55 134.54
LR 5 - Low Density Residential 61.17 61.17
MR - Medium Density Residential 187.64 179.66
HR - High Density Residential 65.57 65.27
LB - Limited Business 143.86 142.09
B - Business 30.87 30.83
MU - Mixed Use 47.41 45.05
I - Industrial 401.01 399.33
P/S - Public/Semi-Public 515.51 502.56
P - Park & Open Space 1,227.47 727.13
Right-of-Way 1,222.47 1,202.42
Open Water 591.03 551.02
Wetland 0.00 696.80
Total 6,432.81 6,432.81
The City’s previous 2030 Land Use Plan map is attached on the following page,
followed by the 2040 Future Land Use Plan. Changes in land use between the
2030 Comprehensive Plan and this 2040 Comprehensive Plan are illustrated on
the attached Changes in Land Use map.
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Figure 2-3 Existing Land Use Map
Figure 2-4 2030 Land Use Plan Map
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Figure 2-5 2040 Future Land Use Map
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Figure 2-6 Land Use Changes Map
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Lot Size Study Areas
Two areas on the Focus Areas map are noted as Lot
Size Study Areas. These are areas of the City where
single family home lots are generally much smaller
than the rest of the City and smaller than the minimum
lot size of 15,000 square feet – the northeast corner of
the City and the Friendly Hills area in the southeast
part of the City. A map showing the size of residential
lots is attached on the following page.
The smaller lots were developed before the current
zoning standards were in place. When this happens,
these lots become legal non-conforming lots in terms
of size which can pose problems when homeowners
want to expand their homes and may run into setback
or lot coverage issues. Another concern is that in
many other neighborhoods of the City larger lots can
be split into two lots that conform to the prevailing size
in the neighborhood. In the smaller-lot neighborhoods,
a larger lot might be subdivided into two lots that would
be in keeping with the character of that neighborhood,
but the zoning ordinance minimum lot size prevents it.
For example, a 30,000-square-foot lot can be divided
into two 15,000-square-foot lots that meet the zoning
code. But a 15,000-square-foot lot in a small-lot
neighborhood of mostly 7,500-square-foot lots cannot
be further subdivided. This has the effect of inhibiting
investment in the neighborhood and preventing people
from more or less equal treatment compared to larger
lot neighborhoods.
The NE Corner and Friendly Hills areas are shown on
the Future Land Use Map as LR 5 and LR 9,
respectively, to indicate the proposed 5,000-square-
foot and 9,000-square-foot lot size minimums. An
implementation step coming out of this Plan will be
recommendations on new zoning districts and specific
standards in the zoning ordinance to address this
issue.
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Figure 2-7 Lot Size
3
Transportation
Mendota Heights is strategically located within the regional roadway system, with access to
major highways connecting to both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, MSP
Airport, and all parts of the region in all directions. The completion of Interstates 494 and 35E
in the late 1980s altered the physical environment of Mendota Heights. The highway systems
have connected the community to the region, and this improved access has contributed to
growth of the residential, commercial, and industrial base of the community. But these major
transportation systems have also increased air, noise, and water pollution in parts of the
community. This chapter of the plan addresses transportation in many forms – automobiles,
transit, bicycles and pedestrians, aviation, and freight.
Goals and Policies
GOAL 1: Provide a safe, high quality, and cost effective multi-modal transportation
system
Policies
• Transportation improvements will be coordinated with the plans of MnDOT,
Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, and adjoining communities.
• The City will support regional improvements to major transportation facilities
serving the city when feasible.
• New construction techniques, technologies, and environmental sustainability will
be considered in planning new transportation facilities.
• A network of sidewalks and trails will be constructed in all new developments and
redevelopments, where practical and feasible.
• Developers will be required to provide the transportation facilities within and
adjacent to new subdivisions, including rights-of-way, roadways, and bicycle and
pedestrian facilities necessary to support their development.
• Existing transportation facilities will be maintained so as to preserve or improve
service levels and minimize life-cycle costs. This includes an ongoing pavement
management program for city streets.
• Where practical and feasible, planning for roadway improvements will include
landscaping, street lighting, and other aesthetic improvements.
GOAL 2: Expand transit options serving Mendota Heights
Policies
• The City will continue to support and participate in efforts to implement improved
transit service in the City.
• The City will seek county, regional, state or federal funding to expand transit
services in and around the city.
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Transportation Analysis Zones
In order to develop forecasts and plan for regional roads and highways, the Metropolitan
Council needs to know the demographic forecasts for smaller geographic areas known as
Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ).
The Traffic Analysis Zones Map (Figure 3-1) illustrates the eighteen zones currently
located within the City of Mendota Heights. Within each zone the allocation of the
Metropolitan Council’s 2040 population, household, and employment forecasts are shown
for each TAZ. The distribution of future growth within these areas reflects the
communities overall land use planning efforts.
Functional Classification System
Mendota Heights’ street system consists of Principal Arterials, “A” Minor Arterials, “B”
Minor Arterials, and community collectors, and a series of local streets. The
Transportation System Map (Figure 3-2) illustrates the classification of the roads within
the City of Mendota Heights.
Principal Arterials
Interstates 494 and 35E, State Trunk Highway (TH) 55, and the western part of Highway
62 (formerly Highway 110) – from 35E to TH 55 – are all designated Principal Arterials.
Interstate 494 forms the southern boundary of the City, while Interstate 35E bisects the
City from east to west. Highway 62 bisects the community from north to south, with TH
55 further dividing the southwestern part of Mendota Heights.
Arterial Roadways
“A” Minor Arterials are further classified as minor augmenters, minor relievers, and minor
expander roads. The definitions of these classes are outlined in the Metropolitan
Council’s 2040 Transportation Policy Plan. The major function of an arterial road is to
move traffic from the smaller community collector roads to principal arterials as efficiently
as possible. The “A” Minor Arterials within the City of Mendota Heights are Highway 62,
(35E to Delaware Avenue), Dodd Road (Highway 149), Highway 13 (Highway 55 to
Interstate 494), and Pilot Knob Road or County Road 31 (Interstate 494 to Highway 13).
Wentworth Ave W est (Dodd Road to Delaware Avenue) is the only roadway currently
classified as a “B” Arterial Roadway.
Arterial roadways, except county roads, are maintained by the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT). Traffic on both principal and arterial roadways within the city
limits has increased steadily over the last ten years.
Community Collectors
Community collector streets are broken down by major collectors and minor collectors.
The City of Mendota Heights does not have any minor collectors. Delaware Avenue
functions as a major collector on the City’s eastern border. It is otherwise known as
County Road 63. Other roads within Mendota Heights that are designated as Collector
Streets are: Lexington Avenue or County Rd 43, Mendota Heights Road, Marie Avenue,
Sibley Memorial Highway, and Highway 13 (Highway 55 to Sibley Memorial Highway).
County Roads 8 (Wentworth Avenue and Wachtler Avenue), 63 Delaware Avenue), 43
(Lexington Avenue) and 31 (Pilot Knob Road) are all maintained by Dakota County.
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Figure 3-1 Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) Map
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Figure 3-2 Transportation System Map
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Traffic Volumes
The Transportation System Map illustrates the current daily traffic counts, the forecasted
2040 traffic volumes, both in average annual daily trips (AADT), and the existing number
of lanes for each roadway
Transportation Issues
Mendota Heights commissioned a North-South Mobility Traffic Study to compile data
from existing traffic studies into one complete study for the city to use in identifying
needed improvements.
Previous Studies
The need for this study was prompted in response to multiple major growth plans
surrounding the study area. Inver Grove Heights Northwest Expansion and the Minnesota
Vikings Headquarters and Mixed-Use Development Alternative Urban Area-Wide Review
(AUAR) planning documents identified traffic and impacts for each development
respectively, but neither document examined the combined impact of both developments.
The intersections for each study were also primarily south of I-494 along Dodd Road and
Argenta Trail and did not fully consider the impacts of traffic traveling to the north of the
study areas into the city of Mendota Heights.
In addition to the two AUARs, this study also incorporated two other Mendota Heights’
expected future developments. These impact studies and other past studies that were
used to provide a basis for this project included:
➢ Inver Grove Heights Northwest Expansion AUAR (Sept 2007)
➢ Regional Roadway System Visioning Study (Aug 2010)
➢ Minnesota Vikings Headquarters and Mixed-Use Development AUAR (April 2016)
➢ Mendota Plaza Expansion Traffic Impact Study (Aug 2016)
➢ Dodd Road Trail Feasibility Study (Nov 2017)
➢ Linden Street Senior Housing Traffic Impact Study (Dec 2017)
➢ Viking Lakes Event Travel Demand Management Plan (Jan 2018)
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Study Intersections
Key intersections in the study area were identified by Mendota Heights staff that could be
impacted by future development. These intersections included the following list on each
study corridor:
➢ Dodd Road at:
• I-494 South Ramps
• I-494 North Ramps
• Mendota Heights Road
• Lake Drive
• Wagon Wheel Trail/Decorah Lane
• South Plaza Drive
• TH 62 (Formerly Highway 110)
• Market Street
• Maple Street
• Marie Avenue
• Wentworth Avenue
➢ Delaware Avenue at:
• Oneill Drive
• Mendota Heights Road
• Huber Drive / Charlton Road
• TH 62 (Formerly Highway 110)
➢ Mendota Heights Road and Lake Drive
➢ Lake Drive and Swan Drive
Existing Traffic Operations
Existing traffic operations were analyzed to identify intersection delay and level of service
(LOS) based on HCM guidance. LOS grade values correspond to specific traffic
characteristics within a given system. At intersections, LOS is a function of average
vehicle delay. For two-way stop controlled intersections, minor approach delay is
reported in addition to intersection LOS results. LOS “E” or worse, according to MnDOT
standards, is considered deficient under normal traffic operations.
Results of the existing traffic operations analysis identified several intersections and
operational deficiencies in the study area. Noteworthy deficiencies include:
➢ Dodd Road at Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) has unacceptable operations
in the AM peak hour and approaching capacity in the PM peak hour. The queues
in the AM peak hour spill back to cause unacceptable conditions and block
movements at Market Street.
➢ Delaware Avenue and Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) is approaching
capacity.
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Existing Traffic Control
Warrant analysis results showed that signal warrants were met for all existing signalized
intersections. For the un-signalized intersections that were analyzed, existing all-way stop
intersections at Marie Avenue and Wentworth Avenue met Multi-Way Stop Application
(MWSA) and 70% signal warrants for four hour and peak hour conditions. The remaining
two way stop control intersections did not meet signal or MWSA warrants under their
current volume conditions.
Future Conditions
Traffic projections were developed for 2040 to evaluate operating conditions under both
existing and proposed roadway infrastructure. Multiple 2040 traffic scenarios were
developed to determine the impact from major developments that are under construction
or planned in the area.
2040 Base Scenario
➢ Based on traffic projections from 2030 Dakota County Comprehensive Plan
extrapolated to 2040.
➢ Includes planned Mendota Plaza development near Dodd Road and Highway 62
(formerly Highway 110).
➢ Does not include the new Viking Lakes development (Minnesota Vikings practice
facility and adjacent development) or the planned Inver Grove Heights Northwest
Expansion.
2040 Build AUAR (No Interchange) Scenario
➢ Includes 2040 base scenario traffic growth assumptions as well as traffic
generated by the Viking Lakes site and Inver Grove Heights Northwest
Expansion. Trip generation for the Viking Lakes and Inver Grove Heights
Northwest Expansion sites are based on information in the respective AUAR
documents for each site.
➢ Does not assume a future Argenta/I-494 Interchange.
➢ Assumes the most densely developed Viking Lakes scenario that was
considered in the AUAR.
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Viking Lakes Development Details
The Viking Lakes development is in the southeast quadrant of the I-494 and Dodd Road
interchange. The site will include the new Minnesota Vikings practice facility and
associated office space, other offices not affiliated with the Vikings, hotels, retail, and
apartments.
During typical operating conditions (i.e., no major events occurring at the Vikings
facilities), the following traffic volumes are expected to be added to the surrounding
roadway network compared to existing conditions:
➢ 40,000 daily trips
➢ 3,100 AM peak hour trips (74 percent entering/26 percent exiting)
➢ 3,800 PM peak hour trips (35 percent entering/65 percent exiting)
Viking Lakes Event Traffic
As part of a separate study, a Travel Demand Management Plan was developed for the
Viking Lakes site to best accommodate traffic during atypical event conditions such as
Vikings training camp, high school athletic events, concerts, etc. This event plan looked
at events between 500 and 7,200 attendees for existing events and up to 21,000
attendees for future events. However, vehicle traffic to and from the event site will be
much lower due to transit/walk/bike and vehicle occupancy which decreases the
maximum vehicles to 2,495 for existing events and 7,280 for future expanded capacity
events.
Many events will occur during off-peak time periods, during weekends, midday, or
evening, where total volume splits using Dodd Road or Delaware Avenue are expected to
be less than peak volumes. Therefore, the North-South Mobility Study will only evaluate
typical operating conditions in the area. Results from the ongoing Travel Demand
Management Plan will be considered in recommendations made in the North-South
Mobility Study to ensure consistency between analyses and recommendations across
studies.
Inver Grove Heights Northwest Expansion Development Details
The planned development covers a 3,140-acre area in Inver Grove Heights that is
generally bound by I-494, Argenta Trail, TH 55, and Babcock Trail. Land uses include
low, medium, and high density residential, commercial, office/industrial,
public/institutional, and open space.
The development is expected to add the following traffic volumes to the surrounding
roadway network:
➢ 102,200 daily trips
➢ 5,300 AM peak hour trips (49 percent entering/51 percent exiting)
➢ 8,400 PM peak hour trips (47 percent entering/53 percent exiting)
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Traffic Forecasts
Traffic projections for both 2040 Base Scenario and 2040 Build Scenario conditions were
developed based on trip generation assumptions that are described above. This included
the development of 2040 daily traffic projections as well as AM and PM peak hour turning
movement projections.
Origins and destinations of site generated trips were assumed after a review of prevailing
traffic patterns and previous documentation. Adjustments were made based on existing
regional travel patterns which differed slightly from the Viking Lakes AUAR. It is expected
that six percent of Vikings Lakes development traffic will use Dodd Road and nine
percent will use Delaware Avenue between I-494 and Highway 62 (formerly Highway
110). Six percent of Inver Grove Heights Northwest Expansion development traffic will
use Delaware Avenue to the north of I-494.
Future Traffic Operations
Increased traffic volumes through 2040 are expected to trigger many operational
deficiencies throughout the study area, especially in the 2040 Build Scenario with added
traffic from the Viking Lakes and Inver Grove Heights Northwest Expansion
developments. The 2040 Build Scenario is expected to trigger LOS F at all Dodd Road
study intersections north of Wagon Wheel Trail and at all Delaware Avenue/Argenta Trail
study intersections except at Huber Drive.
Future Traffic Control
Minnesota MUTCD traffic control warrants were evaluated with projected 2040 volumes
to identify potential traffic control revisions throughout the study area.
Intersections that were identified as being deficient in existing or 2040 conditions were
analyzed under several options to provide improvements to the intersection. Several
options per intersection were identified as possible improvements, with a recommended
option being identified for each intersection. To maintain a complete corridor vision,
intersections were grouped together based on their existing control and location. High
level cost estimates were included for comparison purposes only. They represent high-
level estimates and do not include right-of-way costs.
MN 110 Intersections
The MN 110 intersections with Dodd Road and Delaware Avenue are both high traffic
volume intersections. With 37,500 daily entering vehicles at Dodd Road and 35,000 daily
entering vehicles at Delaware Avenue, both intersections are approaching the capacity of
their existing 4-Lane highway footprint. With 2040 volumes identifying growth up to
50,000 daily entering vehicles for both intersections, an alternative corridor design or
interchange will likely be necessary in the future.
Market, Maple, and South Plaza Drive
The four intersections adjacent to the Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and Dodd Road
intersection were identified as having deficient 2040 intersection operations. Dakota
County recommends at least 1/4 mile spacing for signals along a major arterial roadway
precluding a signal at either Market Street or North Plaza Drive. The queueing from
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Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) would also impact closely spaced signals. If all four
access locations were unchanged, signal warrants for the four intersections are expected
to not be met. However, if access is reduced at Market Street and N Plaza Drive, the
resulting traffic shifts would warrant signals at Hilltop Road/Maple Street and South Plaza
Drive.
The results of the analysis showed that when queueing was minimized at Dodd Road and
Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) that operations were generally acceptable at South
Plaza Drive, Market Street, and Maple Street. By reconfiguring to a reduced access
design, delays at the study intersections were decreased from unacceptable to
acceptable conditions. Although right-in right-out access at N Plaza Drive was modeled
and preferred, the option of keeping southbound access into Mendota Plaza should be
considered in the future.
Marie and Wentworth
Dodd Road intersections with Marie Avenue and Wentworth Avenue are both slightly
skewed all-way stop controlled intersections. With volumes on Marie and Wentworth
expected to increase from 3,000-4,000 existing to 5,000-6,000 in 2040 cross street traffic
will drive the need for an alternative intersection that will benefit both safety and
operations.
Wagon Wheel Trail and Decorah Lane
With MnDOT’s 2018 TH 149 reconstruction project, Wagon Wheel Trail and Decorah
Lane will be reconstructed into a three-lane segment with a pedestrian crossing median
between the intersections. This improvement is a near-term solution to increase both
vehicle and pedestrian safety at the intersection. However, as volumes increase on Dodd
Road this intersection will have future unacceptable operations and long-term alternatives
will need to be considered.
Delaware Avenue
Delaware Avenue is expected to see the highest percentage increase in development
traffic in the study area. Volumes are expected to increase from 3,000 daily trips to more
than 13,000 daily trips in the full build scenarios. If these volumes are not mitigated,
Delaware Avenue will be at capacity with several intersections that have unacceptable
conditions. If the Argenta Interchange is constructed at the locally preferred location, this
will alleviate development volumes that were routed to Delaware Avenue. It is expected
that 90 percent of development traffic using Delaware Avenue will be shifted to using the
Argenta Interchange restoring the acceptable operations of the corridor in the 2040 Base
Conditions. The Argenta Interchange at the preferred location 1,500 feet east of the
existing overpass should be the preferred option to limit congestion on Delaware Avenue.
If the interchange is not built, Delaware Avenue will need to be expanded to a 3-lane or
4-lane option.
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Multimodal Considerations
Although this study was focused on identifying vehicular traffic due to regional
development, bike and pedestrian facilities are an important consideration for the final
corridor vision. In depth pedestrian and bike facilities were not analyzed as part of the
current study (as a previous trail study was finished in Nov 2017). Many of the alternative
recommendations will coincide with multimodal improvements and will be analyzed in
depth during preliminary design of the concepts.
The Dodd Road Trail Feasibility Study (Nov 2017) identified Dodd Road as a major N-S
regional trail facility. The existing facilities are mostly on-street trails (wide shoulders)
however north and south of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) there are existing
sections of off-street trails. A Ped/Bike tunnel was just recently constructed under
Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) connecting these two segments. Trail crossings were
also proposed at Wagon Wheel Trail / Decorah Lane as part of the TH 149 resurfacing
project in addition to existing crossings at Mendota Heights Road, South Plaza Drive, and
Marie Avenue. The recommendations of the study were to build seven additional sections
of off-street trail segments along Dodd Road with public support as construction would
require property owners to sell property or easements for the trail segments.
Due to the limited right-of-way along Delaware Avenue, pedestrian accommodations in
the study area between I-494 and Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) would be
constrained by roadway grade profiles and right-of-way needed from property owners.
Existing off-street trails on Huber Drive and Mendota Heights Road allow connections
from Delaware Avenue to the west and serve as alternative multimodal routes to the
narrow corridor.
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Access Management
Access management is the
planning, design, and
implementation of land use and
transportation strategies that
maintain a safe flow of traffic while
accommodating the access needs
of adjacent development.
The Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT) has set up
access management guidelines
which provide numerous benefits
such as, reduce congestion and
crashes, preserve road capacity
and postpone the need for roadway
widening, improve travel times for
the delivery of goods and services,
ease movement between
destinations, and support local
economic development.
To provide safe and convenient
travel within the City, access
management guidelines will be
applied when making development
decisions. MnDOT access
management guidelines will be
incorporated into this
Comprehensive Plan update.
MnDOT Access Management Guidelines
1. Think land use AND transportation.
Before approving a subdivision or rezoning, consider what road design and improvements
will be needed to support the development and link it to the surrounding area.
2. Identify and plan for growth areas.
Incremental and uncoordinated development will not lead to a livable community or a
healthy business climate. Support economic growth by planning and investing in a local
road network to support development.
3. Develop a complete hierarchy of roads.
A viable community requires a variety of roadways organized as an integrated system.
Highways and arterials are needed for longer, higher speed trips. Local streets and
collectors provide access to homes and businesses. Recognize that different roads serve
different purposes.
4. Link access regulations to roadway function.
Access requirements in zoning and subdivision regulations should fit each roadway’s
functional classification. Recognize that the greatest access control is needed for those
roads intended to serve longer, higher speed trips.
5. Avoid strip development. Promote commercial nodes.
Commercial development can be located adjacent to and visible from the highway, but
should be accessed via a system of parallel local roads and side streets that complement
the state highway system.
6. Connect local streets between subdivisions.
Give residents convenient options for travel from one neighborhood to another by
connecting local streets from one subdivision to the next.
7. Design subdivisions with access onto local streets.
Avoid lot designs with driveways that enter onto major state or county highways. Orient
business and residential driveways to local streets that feed onto the highway at a few
carefully designed and spaced intersections.
8. Practice good site planning principles.
Locate entrances away from intersection corners and turn lanes. Provide adequate space
on the site for trucks to maneuver and for vehicles to queue at drive-through windows
without backing or stacking on the roadway. Adjacent businesses should provide shared
driveways and cross access, so customers can make multiple stops without entering the
arterial.
9. Correct existing problems as opportunities arise.
Adopt a long range vision for improving access along older, developed corridors. Correct
unsafe accesses as individual parcels expand or redevelop. Work with affected property
owners to consolidate driveways and provide internal access between parcels. Fill in the
supporting roadway network with local access roads as part of the redevelopment process.
10. Coordinate local development plans with Mn/DOT and county road agencies.
Share plans for subdivisions, rezonings, and site plans with affected road authorities early
in the development process. Contact Mn/DOT and the County Highway Department to talk
about long range plans and development needs.
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Bicycles and Pedestrians
The Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN) consists of a series of prioritized
Tier 1 and Tier 2 corridors and routes (See Figure 3-3). The goal of the RBTN is to
establish an integrated network of on-street bikeways and off-road trails which move
bicyclists more efficiently and encourage the implementation of future bikeways. Mendota
Heights has approximately 6 roadways within Tier 1 RBTN alignments and 1 roadway
within Tier 2 RBTN alignments.
The bikeway inventory data for Mendota Heights was last updated in 2007. This inventory
identifies a section of the Fort Snelling Park Trail located east of the Minnesota River and
Cheyenne Lane located near Wagon Wheel Trail as planned for future improvements. As
of 2016 neither of these sections have been altered. Metropolitan Council polices identify
specific regional employment clusters” and “activity center nodes”. Mendota Heights does
not have either of these.
Transit Plan
Public Transit Service
Mendota Heights is within Market Area II and Market Area III of the Transit Market Area
classifications. Market Area II provides a network of local buses accommodating different
trip purposes as demand warrants. Limited stop services connect major destinations.
Market Area III emphasizes commuter express bus service with suburban local routes
providing basic coverage. General public dial-a-ride services supplement where regular-
route service is not available.
Regularly scheduled transit route service is provided by the Metropolitan Council Transit
Operations (MCTO). There are six (6) transit routes that operate within the City of
Mendota Heights. These bus routes provide service to downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul,
the University of Minnesota, the Mall of America, as well as other suburban areas,
including Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, and West St. Paul. Several express routes, as
well as local limited routes, are available for use by community residents. The City does
not have designated Park and Ride facilities or MnPASS lanes.
Metro Mobility, which serves people who need specially-equipped vehicles for
transportation, is offered throughout the Twin Cities and within the Metropolitan Urban
Service Area. Dial-a-ride service for seniors and persons with disabilities is provided by
Dakota Areas Resources and Transportation for Seniors.
Robert Street Corridor Transit Feasibility Study
(Prepared for Dakota County Regional Rail Authority by URS Corporation, CR Planning,
Connetics Transportation Group, 2008)
The Robert Street Corridor in Dakota County extends from Union Depot in St. Paul to
Rosemount. The corridor is bound by I-35E on the west and the Mississippi River on the
east. Existing and projected conditions such as population and employment growth,
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changing demographics, limited transit service coverage, increased roadway congestion,
and lack of planned roadway improvements drove the need to consider transportation
alternatives.
Short and medium term recommendations were formulated to correspond with the long
term vision for the Robert Street corridor. Short term recommendations focus on
enhancements to the existing bus service and commencing studies of land use and
parking policies. Medium term recommendations require additional sources of funding to
significantly expand bus services. The long term vision of the Robert Street Corridor is to
build a transit way from downtown St. Paul to Rosemount linking major destinations.
The proposed Robert Street transit way alignment is east of the City of Mendota Heights.
However, the long term vision would directly affect the roadways within city limits. The
plan presents a limited stop Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on Highway 62 and an express
bus route on TH 55 which would connect to the existing Light Rail Transit (LRT). The
citizens of Mendota Heights would also benefit from additional park and ride facilities
within nearby cities.
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FIGURE 3-3 Bicycle Facilities and Plan Map
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Figure 3-4 Existing Transit Map
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Aviation Plan
Mendota Heights benefits from its close proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul International
Airport (MSP) but is also directly affected by aircraft operations. Residents and
businesses have easy and quick access to a major international airport. However, aircraft
noise is a major issue for some in Mendota Heights because of the detrimental impacts of
increased operations on the quality of life in existing neighborhoods and the impact of
land use compatibility guidelines and noise contours on development options.
Since the opening of the “North-South” runway, previous issues with the distribution of air
traffic have been reduced. All residential areas in Mendota Heights were in conformance
with the original aviation guidelines and their previous projections of air noise and air
traffic. Mendota Heights was the only city that adopted the original Metropolitan Council
noise zones and guidelines and is the only city to adopt and enforce a Noise Attenuation
Ordinance.
The Runway Use System at MSP relies heavily on “land compatibility” as a guiding
principle for departure determination, thereby increasing the volume of traffic and the
percentage of exclusive use of the southeast corridor, which was zoned
commercial/industrial in cooperation with regional and local planning agencies. This
increased traffic has impacted existing compatible residential neighborhoods in Mendota
Heights.
The City of Mendota Heights has worked strenuously to address airport noise issues. A
citizen Airports Relations Commission has been established by Mendota Heights to
provide recommendations to the City Council on airport issues. This plan is a compilation
of the City’s work and history regarding the airport, a set of policies and actions to guide
future decisions on airport, a description of the conflicts with other agencies responsible
for airport impacts, and a discussion of the potential land use impacts from agency
requirements. In addition to these local efforts, the City has adopted a zoning ordinance
consistent with federal requirements for height control jurisdictions.
Airport-Related Goals and Policies
The overall goals in relation to airport related issues are as follows:
1. To reduce negative airport impacts in Mendota Heights.
2. To reduce aircraft noise through equitable distribution of flights among all
communities located adjacent to MSP.
3. To work diligently with all noise issues and agencies to decrease aircraft noise in
volume and to decrease the area of noise impacts.
Aircraft Noise Policies
To address the issues described herein and to pursue the goals of the City, the following
are the policies of the City of Mendota Heights:
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1. Increase public participation and representation through the Noise Oversight
Committee (NOC) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC).
2. Achieve noise reduction through advocating modified takeoff procedures and
corridor compliance.
3. Advocate an equitable distribution of aircraft traffic and a more equitable runway
use system.
4. Monitor the continued implementation of the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) airport
Comprehensive Plan.
5. Advocate for specific noise control measures through operational changes and
advanced technology.
6. Establish a physical capacity for the Mendota Heights/Eagan corridor and
transfer general aviation use to other reliever airports.
7. Notify and work with MnDOT in the event that potential airspace obstructions are
encountered.
History of Noise Reduction Efforts
The City of Mendota Heights has addressed aircraft noise issues in several ways,
including the following formal actions:
1. Membership in the NOC.
2. Modification of the Land Use Plan consistent with the established aircraft flight
corridor.
3. Adoption of the Aircraft Noise Attenuation Ordinance.
4. Establishment of the citizen Airports Relations Commission (ARC) to study
airport issues and make recommendations to the City Council.
5. Agreement to a contract with MAC prohibiting construction of a third parallel
runway.
The City has worked through the various agencies on issues including: modification of
aircraft landings and departures, supporting the installation of ANOMS, supporting the
prohibition of Stage II aircraft, and educating homeowners about the Part 150 program.
The City of Mendota Heights planned its land use according to the flight corridor, as
originally established, and adopted land use guidelines into an ordinance format in 1987.
Operations have strayed to existing residential areas outside of the planned corridor
however, significantly impacting several neighborhoods.
Impacts of Future Land Use Planning
Mendota Heights has planned its land uses in relation to the City’s experience with
aircraft noise and the airport’s aviation guidelines. New development and redevelopment
in the areas affected by air noise is closely scrutinized and has been accomplished with
success through strict adherence to site planning and building design regulations.
The City of Mendota Heights has adopted the Metropolitan Council’s model Sound
Attenuation Ordinance and has enforced the provisions of this ordinance for all building
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permits in the Noise Zones since 1986. Town home projects are considered to be
consistent with the Aviation Policy compatibility guidelines for Noise Zone 4, which allows
residential land uses, as a conditional use. The conditional use for residential land use in
Noise Zone 4 is satisfied through the enforcement of the City’s Sound Attenuation
Ordinance, thereby, allowing residential construction to meet the Aviation Guide Plan’s
land use compatibility guidelines. The City of Mendota Heights considers town home
development to be consistent with these guidelines for the following reasons:
The experience of the City of Mendota Heights with the Sound Attenuation Ordinance
has shown that single family homes and multiplex residential structures (in Noise Zone 4)
can be sound attenuated as successfully as larger buildings with shared entrances.
1. A continuing reduction in experienced air noise, as evidenced by the airport’s
planning documents, new runway construction, and enhancements in aircraft
technology, will result in the protection of current Mendota Heights residential
areas from the prospect of new negative air noise impacts.
2. The City of Mendota Heights will allow for the development of town home
projects, consistent with the policy direction associated with the City’s recent
housing developments around Lake Augusta, provided the project demonstrates
compliance with the following:
a. Future town home developments shall be required to limit the exterior use
on the site through unit design and the layout of the site plan.
b. Future town home developments shall be designed compliant with the
building requirements of the City’s Sound Attenuation Ordinance.
c. Future town home developers shall file notice against the property deeds
notifying all future property owners that the parcels exist within the
Metropolitan Council’s Air Noise Zones.
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Figure 3-5 MASP Air Safety Zones Map
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Freight Plan
Freight is an important aspect in supporting a community by providing residents and
business with the goods and materials they need. The Twin Cities area is a primary
freight hub for the upper Midwest region. Roadways, railroads, barges, and air are the
four modes of freight transportation within the Twin Cities Metro area. Mendota Heights
does not have any Air/Truck, Barge/Truck, or Rail/Truck freight terminals.
Truck freight primarily impacts the city with two US Interstates located within the city
limits. I-494 and -35E both carry large amounts of commercial commerce to and from the
downtown Minneapolis/St. Paul area (see Existing Roadway Functional Classification
Map for HCAADT volumes). No local roadways have been identified as creating
significant issues for the movement of goods within the city of Mendota Height
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4
Parks and Trails
The City of Mendota Heights boasts a variety of recreational and open space
opportunities. Few cities can claim access to regional trails, riverside and lakeside parks,
scenic bluffs and a nature preserve among their recreation facilities. These facilities
represent unique features in a park system that helps to shape the character of Mendota
Heights beyond the ordinary. They offer a visual identity to the city, in addition to
contributing to the quality of life for those who live here. Mendota Heights has 771 acres
of parks and open space, which includes City parks, active and passive recreation areas,
along with other state and private parks and open spaces.
The 33 miles of city trails and bicycle facilities located adjacent to roadways or
meandering through the bounty of open space in the community offer an excellent
opportunity for exercise and relaxation. Opportunities are available for walking, bicycling,
bird watching and nature hikes.
In addition to parks, the City is also home to three golf courses: Mendakota Golf Course,
Somerset Golf Course, and the Mendota Heights Par 3 golf course.
Goals and Policies
GOAL 1: Provide a park system that is safe, accessible, and equitable in its
offerings to all Mendota Heights residents and visitors.
Policies:
• Create and maintain a park system that provides the optimum amount of active
and passive open space for the enjoyment of all Mendota Heights residents.
• Provide facilities and programs that allow people of varying abilities to participate.
• Build, maintain and retrofit park facilities and equipment to be safe for all users.
• Plan and build safe connections for pedestrians and bicyclists within and
between park facilities and major destinations in the community.
• Strive to make all facilities and programs open and welcoming to people of all
ages and diverse backgrounds.
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GOAL 2: Provide a park system that assures high quality facilities, buildings,
grounds, trails, amenities, and natural settings.
Policies:
• Keep the park system up-to-date in terms of facilities, activities and programs
that are responsive to the community’s needs and wishes.
• Support the park system adequately for the facilities, activities and programs
offered.
• Provide bicycle amenities in parks and along trails.
• Provide a sustainable funding stream and operate the park system in a fiscally
sound manner, including taking advantage of available grants.
Goal 3: Use the park system as a means to enhance and sustain the environment
of each neighborhood and the city as a whole.
Policies:
• Provide facilities, programs and opportunities in the park system that bring
people together and create community.
• Protect and enhance the environment by promoting native species and pollinator
friendly plantings, preventing and removing invasive species, and reducing salt
on roads and sidewalks.
• Protect and enhance native wildlife by considering their needs and habits in our
stewardship of park property and facilities.
• Ensure that stormwater is managed in park facilities in a manner that protects
and preserves water quality and the ecology of the watershed.
• Strive to make all park facilities, equipment and construction projects and
materials environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Goal 4: Cooperate with Dakota County and surrounding communities in park and
recreation facilities and programming.
Policies:
• Support the Dakota County 2030 Greenway Corridors Plan/Vision.
• Continue to cooperate with South St. Paul, West. St. Paul and other neighboring
communities on park and recreation programs and facilities.
• Encourage the preservation of open space by private property owners and the
City.
• Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively with School District
#197, St. Thomas, Visitation, Fort Snelling State Park, and other entities to
provide maximum recreational opportunities and avoid duplication.
• Improve and expand safe bicycle and pedestrian connections to City parks and
other community destinations.
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Previous Development
Previous Comprehensive Plans and Park Plans have guided the City in the development
of its park system. As development has occurred, parkland has been dedicated to
provide residents with recreational opportunities. Since the adoption of the 1979
Comprehensive Plan, the City has made improvements to all parks and has developed
the following new parks: Copperfield Ponds, Hagstrom -King, Kensington, Mendakota,
Sibley, Valley View Heights, and Victoria Highlands. The location of these new parks
closely resembles Plan recommendations and reflect the City’s commitment to providing
park services to all residents as opportunities arise.
Not only has the City made improvements and developed new parks, it has also made
efforts to maintain and protect existing open space. The City purchased the 17-acre
Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course after the private owners proposed to develop the
property into approximately 30 single family lots. The City also joined with other public
entities and purchased the 25.5-acre Pilot Knob area, which will be retained as open
space. Protection of the Pilot Knob area as an important Dakota site has been identified
as a critical issue for many residents in the city.
Existing City Park Facilities and Types
Mendota Heights currently has 756.7 acres of City parks, golf courses, and open space.
The city also features part of the Fort Snelling State Park within their boundaries, totaling
an additional 771.2 acres. A brief discussion of the three types of parks that typically
comprise a local park system is provided below. The descriptions and standards should
serve as a guide. Other factors, such as proximity to regional or county parks, financing,
or major trends in recreation, will also influence the evolution of the City’s park system.
Regional and State parks are discussed later in this chapter.
1) Neighborhood Park
Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system and serve as the recreational
and social focus of the neighborhood. They accommodate a wide variety of age and user
groups, including children and adults. They create a sense of place by bringing together
the unique character of the site with that of the neighborhood. Mendota Heights should
seek to achieve a balance between active and passive neighborhood parks.
Neighborhood parks range from 5-30 acres and serve a ½ mile area. Communities often
will operate a joint neighborhood park with the school district and elementary schools.
The City’s neighborhood parks include Friendly Hills, Hagstrom-King, Ivy Hills, Marie,
Valley View Heights, Victoria Highland, and Wentworth.
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2) Community Park
Community parks are designed to meet the recreational needs of several neighborhoods
or larger segments of the community. They are intended for ballfields and larger athletic
facilities or community gatherings. They can also be designed to preserve unique
landscapes and open spaces. They serve a one-half mile to five mile radius. The City’s
community parks include Kensington, Valley, Roger’s Lake, Mendakota, and Sibley
Athletic Complex.
3) Natural Resource Area
Natural resource areas are areas set aside to preserve significant or unique landscapes.
They are often, but not always, properties unsuitable for development with steep slopes,
drainageways, and ravines or wetlands. In addition, there may be locations where local
tree protection, shoreland and critical area ordinances, or state and local wetland
ordinances restrict development in some way. Natural Resource areas include Friendly
Marsh, Copperfield Ponds, Valley Park, Pilot Knob Preservation, and Dodge Nature
Center.
City parks and natural resource areas are illustrated in Figure 4-1: Parks and Trails.
State, Regional, and Private Parks and Open Spaces
In addition to the City’s parks, there are numerous regional, county and private facilities
within or near the City’s borders.
Fort Snelling State Park
As noted earlier in this chapter, Fort Snelling State Park is the largest park in Mendota
Heights with 771 of its 2,642 acres located in the city. It provides outdoor recreation
opportunities and natural resource conservation for the public and is considered part of
the regional recreational open space system. Fort Snelling State Park is a recreational
state park offering swimming, large group and family picnic grounds, a boat launch,
interpretive center and historical areas, trails, and scenic overlooks. Most of the park’s
active facilities are located on the Bloomington side of the River, requiring most Mendota
Heights residents to drive or bike across the I-494, I-35E, and Mendota bridges to access
the park. The Mendota Heights portion of the park is left primarily as a natural area as it
contains extensive floodplain marsh habitat. Facilities located in Mendota Heights support
less intensive uses, such as biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and fishing. The Sibley
and Faribault historic sites are also located on the Mendota Heights side of the River.
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Trail Facilities
Trails for biking, walking, and roller blading are very popular. There are 28.5 miles of off-
road trails and 4.9 miles of wide shoulders and on-street bicycle facilities currently in
portions of the City’s neighborhoods. These trails are both off- and on-road and serve as
important connections for recreational opportunities and travel.
Improved trail connections are important in Mendota Heights because many residential
areas are divided by highways and arterial roads. Access to the Big Rivers Regional Trail
is difficult due to the significant elevation changes. As a result, many areas of the
community cannot be easily accessed on bikes, roller blades or foot from other areas of
the community. Additional or improved trail connections are needed to provide residents
access to City parks and other recreational opportunities in the region.
Regional Trails
Big Rivers Regional Trail: Developed in 1996 by Dakota County along the old Union
Pacific Railroad right-of-way, this trail enables residents to bike, walk, and roller blade
along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. This trail serves as an important link to other
communities and has greatly improved the awareness and accessibility of the River.
River-to-River Greenway: This trail serves as a link from Big Rivers Regional Trail
through Valley Park to West St. Paul and to South St. Paul.
Local Trails and On-street Facilities
Mendota Heights has a network of paved and on-street bicycle facilities connecting
different neighborhoods in the city. Most bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the city are
off-street six to eight-foot-wide bituminous trails. There are also a few on-street bicycle
facilities in the community, along Dodd Road, Delaware Avenue, and Decorah Lane.
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Future Park and Trail Needs
Future Park Needs
The City of Mendota Heights is committed to developing and enhancing their park and
open space system. City Park needs can be determined by evaluating the number, size,
and accessibility of parks. It is often recommended a park system contain 25 acres of
park for each 1,000 population, which is equal to 1,089 square feet per person. To meet
this standard, the City would need to provide 285 acres of parkland (based on the
projected year 2040 population of 11,400 persons when fully developed). The City
already meets these standards.
Future Trail Connections
As part of their 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan, the Metropolitan Council identified
future regional trail opportunities and priority trail corridors. Providing connections north-
south and east-west through Mendota Heights will be critical, as well as, a route along
the Minnesota River. There are three planned trail connections and improvements within
Mendota Heights. These trail segments are listed below and illustrated in Figure 3-3:
Bicycle Facilities and Plan.
Planned Paved Trail: Under the Mendota Bridge, along the Minnesota River connecting
to the Sibley Historic Site
Planned Bike Lane: Along Annapolis Street at the City’s northern border (now under
construction).
Regional and local park and trail facilities are illustrated in Figure 4-1: Parks and Trails
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Figure 4-1 Parks and Trails Map
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5
Housing
The health and character of a community may best be measured in its housing stock.
Vital cities provide a variety of housing choices and work to ensure that existing housing
is well maintained. The City of Mendota Heights 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.
Where people live is important. For many Americans, a high-quality environment,
walkable neighborhoods and diversity make a neighborhood a great place to live.
Mendota Heights needs to provide housing options for current residents to stay in the city
regardless of changes in family size, income, aging, or other issues. The City should also
be welcoming to others who wish to live in Mendota Heights.
This chapter includes goals and policies to promote housing opportunities in Mendota
Heights, followed by an assessment of existing housing stock, tenure, and affordability.
Goals and Policies
Goals, policies, and programs shall be identified to assist the City of Mendota Heights in
decision-making regarding the preservation of its current housing stock and the
development of new units. Goals and policies typically address development and
redevelopment expectations, housing maintenance and preservation, and density and
diversity of housing type.
GOAL 1: Preserve and improve existing neighborhoods and housing units.
Policies:
• Continue to enforce housing maintenance and zoning codes.
• Explore options for flexibility in Zoning Code standards to encourage and allow
expansion and reinvestment in existing houses.
• Partner with Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, the State of Minnesota and
other agencies that provide housing rehabilitation programs and services.
• Protect public safety by requiring owners to repair substandard housing or as a
last resort, abate and demolish dangerous housing.
• Develop a housing maintenance program that promotes and requires safe homes
and attractive neighborhoods.
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GOAL 2: Meet future needs with a variety of housing products.
Policies:
• Encourage life-cycle housing opportunities in Mendota Heights of various forms
and tenures that allow residents to remain in the community throughout their
lives. This includes:
o Maintenance of existing entry level housing.
o Construction of move-up single family housing.
o Construction of various types of senior housing, including senior
ownership units, senior rental units, memory care and assisted living
units.
o Providing a mix of affordable housing opportunities for all income levels,
age groups, and special housing needs.
• Encourage environmentally sustainable housing development and construction
practices.
• Provide for housing development that maintains the attractiveness and distinct
neighborhood characteristics in the community.
• Support the maintenance and rehabilitation of the community’s existing housing
stock.
• Periodically assess the housing needs in the community, including the elderly,
disabled, active retirees, and other groups with special housing needs to
determine development priorities and to formulate strategies to meet those needs
and maintain an adequate and quality housing supply.
Assessment of Housing Stock
The following includes an assessment of the current housing stock within the City of
Mendota Heights. It includes information on the tenure of occupants; the number, type,
and age of housing units; and housing costs. The remainder of the Housing Plan
addresses affordable housing needs, goals and policies of the City, and an
implementation section identifying ways to address the City’s housing needs.
Housing Types and Tenure
Table 5-1 illustrates the existing housing types by the units in the structure. According to
the 2016 American Community Survey, 98.5 percent of the total housing units in Mendota
Heights were occupied, while only 1.5 percent were vacant.
Out of the occupied housing units in the City, 88 percent are owner-occupied, while only
12 percent are renter-occupied. This is compared to the national average of 63.4 percent
of the occupied housing units in the United States being owner-occupied, while 36.4
percent are renter-occupied. (Source: American Community Survey, 2012-2016
estimates). Mendota Heights is well above the national average for owner-occupied
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housing units. The majority of housing units in the City are single-family, detached
structures, with multi-family properties and single-family attached homes being other
common unit types in the city.
Table 5-1: Housing Type by Units in Structure
Single Family Two
Unit
Three +
Unit
Mobile
Home
Total
Detached Attached
Number of Units 3,362 623 19 680 9 4,693
Percent of Stock 71.6% 13.3% 0.4% 14.5% 0.2% 100%
Source: Metropolitan Council, American Community Survey, 2016
Age of Housing
Mendota Heights experienced a rapid pace of housing construction, starting in the 1940s
and continuing through the 1950s. During this time period (1940 to 1959), 850 housing
units were constructed. This pace slowed in the 1960s, but starting picking up again in
the 1970s, when 662 housing units were constructed. Housing construction peaked in
the 1980s when 1,162 housing units were built. This number accounts for twenty-seven
percent (27%) of the total housing units that were constructed in 2000 and prior. Between
1990 and 1998, another 910 housing units were constructed within the City. The number
of housing units slowed in the 2000s, as the amount of vacant land available within the
City was minimal. Housing stock age is mapped in Figure 5-1.
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Figure 5-1 Housing Age Map
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Housing Value and Rent
The median home value in Mendota Heights is $351,100, which is much higher than the
Dakota County median value of $226,900 and much higher than the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area median of $212,600. Compared to other communities in the region,
Mendota Heights’ housing values are above average. Housing values in Mendota
Heights are mapped in Figure 5-2.
Table 5-2: Median Housing Values in and around Mendota Heights
Community Median Housing Value
Mendota Heights $351,100
Eagan $251,500
Inver Grove Heights $216,400
Dakota County $226,900
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area $212,600
Source: American Community Survey, 2016
The median rent in Mendota Heights is $1,097 per month, which is higher than the Twin
Cities Metropolitan Area ($916) and higher than Dakota County ($1,003). Compared to
other communities in the area, Mendota Heights’ median rent is slightly higher. This may
be attributed to the large number of single family homes that are rented in the City as well
as the development of new, market rate apartment units in the Village neighborhood.
Table 5-3 includes median monthly rents in nearby communities.
Table 5-3: Median Rent in and around Mendota Heights
Community Median Monthly Rent
Mendota Heights $1,097
Eagan $1,074
Inver Grove Heights $990
Dakota County $1,003
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area $916
Source: American Community Survey, 2016
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Housing Affordability
Affordable Housing Stock in Mendota Heights
The Metropolitan Council defines an “affordable” home as one costing $85,500, for
households making less than 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI), a home costing
$153,000 for households making 31-50 percent AMI, and a home costing $240,500 for
households making 51-80 percent AMI. In Mendota Heights, the median home value is
$351,100, indicating that much of the City’s housing stock is unaffordable at 80 percent
AMI or lower. Housing affordability is discussed later in this chapter. These
characteristics are summarized in Table 5-4 for homes in Mendota Heights.
Table 5-4: Affordable Housing Stock in Mendota Heights
Total Number of
All Housing Units
4,693
Number of
Affordable Units
At or below 30% AMI 31-50% AMI 51-80% AMI
50 311 1,053
Number of
Publicly
Subsidized Units
Senior Housing People with
Disabilities
All other publicly
subsidized units
110 0 24
Source: Metropolitan Council
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 Mendota Heights, over seven hundred
households (16.8 percent of households) are considered to be cost-burdened. Table 5-4
describes the cost burdened households by median income level.
Table 5-4: Housing Cost Burdened Households
Household Income Level Number of Cost-burdened Households
At or below 30% AMI 229
31 to 50% AMI 270
51 to 80% AMI 237
Total Households 736
Source: Metropolitan Council
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Housing Projections and Need
Although the City of Mendota Heights is relatively built out, it will still need to
accommodate for new residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The Metropolitan
Council encourages Mendota Heights to supply 23 new units of affordable housing (at or
below 80 percent AMI) by 2040. The units are to be affordable at different levels,
described below in Table 5-5.
Table 5-5: Affordable Unit Allocations for Mendota Heights
Household Income Level Number of Units
At or below 30% AMI 18
31 to 50% AMI 2
51 to 80% AMI 3
Total Households 23
Source: Metropolitan Council
Strategies to Promote a Diverse Housing Stock
In order for Mendota Heights to meets 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 Mendota Heights 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 Council and prepare a Housing Action
Plan.
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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.
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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
Mendota Heights.
Official Controls
Official controls and land use regulation can be used to assist in the construction of
affordable housing units. Controls and regulations can also be used to simplify the
process of expanding local housing options also.
The following is a list of official controls that the City of Mendota Heights can use to
implement its housing goals and policies: Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance,
Building Codes, Design Requirements, lot splits and new home construction, and the
actual approval process itself. These regulatory tools impact the type and cost of new
housing.
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6
Economic Development
A strong community is not simply about housing and parks but also economic vitality.
Mendota Heights seeks to support its community through a diverse mix of commercial
offerings, retention and expansion of job-generating businesses, and preserving land for
commercial and industrial activities that is adequately buffered from nearby residential
areas.
Regional Context
The Metropolitan Council recommends including an economic development element in
local comprehensive plans, to achieve regional goals for economic competitiveness.
Providing great locations for businesses to succeed, particularly industries that export
products or services beyond our region and bring revenue and jobs into the region, is a
significant need. The Metropolitan Council defines two key terms related to this element:
• Economic Competitiveness – Examining and strengthening the ability of the
region to compete effectively and prosper in the global economy.
• Economic Development – Activities that directly aim to retain, attract, and grow
businesses that bring wealth into a community or region.
While the City focuses its efforts on growing businesses within its own boundary, it is also
important to understand the context for that growth within the region and work with
regional partners to achieve shared success.
Part of the regional context for Mendota Heights is its excellent location within the
regional roadway network and its proximity and easy access to MSP International Airport.
Both are critical to the City’s within the regional economic environment.
Economic Development topics addressed in this chapter include:
• Economic Overview
• Redevelopment and Business Development
• Education and Workforce
• Economic Information, Monitoring, and Strategic Initiatives
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Goals and Policies
GOAL 1: PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS
THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO BUSINESS NEEDS.
Policies:
• Manage growth and land resources to ensure an appropriate mix of development
and, where possible, land to secure new business investments.
• Retain the present industrial and commercial base and assist companies with
their expansion needs where appropriate.
• Attract quality businesses consistent with the City’s target market to areas
available for development.
• Explore options for sites and buildings to meet the demand for commercial and
industrial development.
• Maintain an infrastructure system to meet the needs of current businesses and
facilitate future growth.
• Address unique development challenges including the reuse and redevelopment
of vacant buildings.
• Foster private investment and economic activity without compromising
community objectives to maintain and enhance Mendota Heights’ environment.
GOAL 2: PROMOTE BUSINESS ATTRACTION, RETENTION, AND EXPANSION IN
MENDOTA HEIGHTS.
Policies:
• Identify target markets and prepare and implement a marketing plan to attract
businesses that fit this market.
• Work with local businesses and industry to ensure needs for expansion and
development are adequately met and maintain an open line of communication
with the business sector through the Business Retention and Expansion
Program.
• Continue to actively market Mendota Heights to commercial brokers and retail
businesses to expand retail opportunities in the City.
• Work cooperatively with local business groups, the school district, and area
colleges and universities to provide training for workers with the skills needed for
existing and future Mendota Heights businesses.
GOAL 3: PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PUBLIC FINANCING
TOOLS.
Policies:
• Periodically review economic development opportunities, such as incentive
programs from the county, regional and state.
• Review new and innovative economic development incentives for application in
Mendota Heights.
• Pursue outside funding sources to develop or redevelop land for commercial and
industrial uses, such as Metropolitan Council Livable Communities
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Demonstration Account and Tax Base Revitalization Account, Dakota County
Community Development Agency (CDA), Minnesota Department of Employment
and Economic Development, and other applicable grants.
GOAL 4: CONTINUE TO DEVELOP COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AREAS THAT
SERVE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
Policies:
• Provide and support commercial areas to supply convenience goods and
services for residents of Mendota Heights.
• To mitigate conflicts between commercial and residential development, require
appropriate land use transitions at the edges of residential neighborhoods
through the use of setbacks, screening, buffering and fencing.
• Require sidewalk connections along major streets leading up to neighborhood
commercial centers and direct connections from the public sidewalk to the
storefronts.
GOAL 5: CONTINUE TO DEVELOP BUSINESS PARK AREAS THAT PROVIDE JOBS
AND SERVE THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL ECONOMY.
Policies:
• Provide opportunities for new industrial development and expanded employment
opportunities to create livable-wage positions in Mendota Heights and the
redevelopment of existing industrial uses to serve existing businesses in the
community.
• Provide attractive, planned environments as means to induce employers to
locate within the city.
• Continue to provide and enforce standards for industrial developments that
improve the appearance and character of industrial properties.
• Provide high quality public services and infrastructure in all commercial and
industrial districts.
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Economic Overview
A 2016 report by Tangible Consulting Services evaluated the market and development
conditions in preparation for the comprehensive plan update (see Appendix X). It
overviewed the unique demography and economic base that characterizes the city and
investigated the market and development factors that will shape future growth in housing,
retail, and industrial development.
Mendota Heights is a fully developed suburb. While that status limits opportunities for
new development, there is a need to stay viable and attractive as the demographics of
the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area shift. The population is growing, it is aging,
and more households will be renters. Choices about purchasing and employment will
also evolve. Decisions about housing redevelopment, retail support and location, and
office and employment opportunities will influence Mendota Heights’ character as a
desirable place to live.
Redevelopment and Business Development
Opportunities for business investment will likely include retail, business, office and
industrial uses. Retail areas in Mendota Heights benefit from their visibility from the
heavily traveled Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) corridor. They also benefit from
their distance from other retailers. Their distance from retail centers in the nearby
communities of Eagan and West St. Paul gives Mendota Heights retailers a corner on
neighborhood goods and services for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. These
locational characteristics are likely to keep the areas strong into the future. Mendota
Heights is more limited in its prospects for destination retail given its competition in this
category in surrounding
communities.
The Mendota Heights Industrial
District (MHID) is an important
contributor to the tax base
compared to nearby competing
areas. It is in the South Central
industrial submarket of the Twin
Cities which encompasses West St.
Paul, South St. Paul, Inver Grove
Heights, Eagan, Apple Valley, and
Burnsville. New industrial
development in the South Central
Submarket is coming online more
slowly than in the metro area
overall.
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
Land Value per acre Taxes per acreValue Compared to Mendota HeightsMendota Heights Industrial District
Burnsville Cliff Road
Eagan Dodd Road
Cottage Grove Business Park
Figure 6-1: Industrial Comparison Areas
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The Mendota Heights Industrial District is attractively positioned for continued business
occupancy due to its central location in the region, proximity to the airport, flat
topography, diversity of existing tenants, and available utilities. A major challenge is the
limited opportunity for on-site facility expansion and very few sites for new industrial
development.
The office buildings in the Mendota Heights Industrial District and the Centre Pointe
Business Park operate in a different competitive environment than the industrial facilities.
Vacancy rates tend to be higher in office properties. Office development clusters into
districts within the metropolitan area due to transit availability and proximity to amenities.
Office buildings in Mendota Heights’ two districts are 20 years old on average and
together offer around 1.4 million square feet of floor area. Market indicators are mixed for
office buildings in Mendota Heights – the 2016 vacancy rate is lower than the metro as a
whole but rents are also lower.
Retail Redevelopment Opportunities
While there are limited opportunities for additional retail in Mendota Heights, two exist:
• Expanding retail opportunities beyond what is already planned at Mendota Plaza
and The Village at Mendota Heights along Highway 62 at Dodd Road.
• Better capturing the daytime population at the Mendota Heights Industrial District.
Small footprint retail and restaurants could better serve these employees.
Industrial Redevelopment Opportunities
The Mendota Heights Industrial District Redevelopment Plan makes several
recommendations for actions to strengthen the area’s attractiveness to industrial users
and invite building renovation and improvement. These include:
• Explore ways to communicate, brand, and promote the Industrial District
• Consider city policies toward redevelopment incentives to potentially implement
on future projects
• Consider investments in broadband and other technology infrastructure as
necessary to ensure the area is competitive and serves the business needs.
Office Redevelopment Opportunities
To support continued viability of the office areas in Mendota Heights, consideration could
be given to actions such as:
• Strengthen the office identity and branding of the southern part of the Mendota
Heights Industrial District. Let the district be part of the broader Eagan/Mendota
Heights office district.
• Build the amenity base of the area with the addition of some retail and
restaurants, even if the opportunities to do so are limited.
Education and Workforce
A strong, educated workforce supports local businesses and gives Mendota Heights
residents an opportunity to work and go to school close to home. If a community has
daytime workers, it leads to more retail and restaurant offerings since those businesses
can now capture a daytime crowd in addition to evenings and weekends. Additionally,
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residents who can work close to home reduce transportation costs and gain more time in
their day that would have otherwise be spent on a long commute.
Education
Mendota Heights is in Independent School District 197 and served by public schools
Somerset Elementary, Mendota Heights Elementary, Friendly Hills Middle School and
Henry Sibley High School. The City is also home to St. Thomas Academy and Convent of
the Visitation School.
There are currently no post-secondary schools located in Mendota Heights, but the city’s
central location in the Twin Cities means there are many easily accessible post-
secondary options.
Workforce
Mendota Heights has a unique employment profile for a Twin Cities suburb. Businesses
in Mendota Heights offer a high number of good-paying jobs and there are almost two
jobs in Mendota Heights for every employed person who lives in the city. However, most
Mendota Heights workers commute to jobs outside of the city. Of the roughly 5,500
workers who live in Mendota Heights, almost 95% go to work at a location outside the city
limits. Only around 300 residents work at a business in Mendota Heights.
While some jobs are in
neighborhood serving retail
businesses and the community’s
educational institutions, the
great majority of jobs in Mendota
Heights are in the industrial
facilities and offices in the city’s
industrial and office areas.
The majority of employment in
Mendota Heights is focused in
two distinct areas – the Mendota
Heights Industrial District and
the Centre Point Business Park.
Figure 6-1: Office and Industrial Context
Source: Mendota Heights Assessor Data
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Businesses in the Mendota Heights Industrial District (MHID) offer over 7,000 principal
jobs. The MHID is home to a mix of industrial and office developments. The Centre
Pointe Business Park offers around 800 jobs. The business park was developed in the
1990s and 2000s and is comprised entirely of office buildings. Industrial and office jobs
tend to pay a living wage which are higher on average than jobs in some other sectors
such as retail stores and services.
Economic Information, Monitoring, and Strategic Initiatives
Through a partnership with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA)
and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), the City makes
available a certified “Open to Business” consultant to offer free services to local
businesses. The service is free to any Mendota Heights business or resident. Experts
help businesses plan by providing information of business start-up or acquisition, creating
a business plan, evaluating financials, and analyzing the viability of commercial sites.
The West St. Paul Work Force Center is a valuable tool for local job seekers and
businesses searching for employees in the surrounding communities. Part of a larger
initiative sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development (DEED), job seekers have access to job search coaching, information for
veterans and people who require special services, training programs for in-demand
occupations, and a free online job bank. Businesses can get help finding workers,
developing a workforce strategy, locating and expanding their business, and data
analysis on the local labor market.
The City also partners with the Dakota County CDA on strategic initiatives such as:
• Investing in transportation
• Coordinating strategic infrastructure and land development
• Linking workforce development and economic development
• Building the capacity to respond to business prospects
• Providing quality workforce housing
• Strengthening development-related research and policy capacity
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7
Natural Resources Plan
The City of Mendota Heights is fortunate to have a wide variety of numerous Natural Resources. These
natural resources are an important recreation, aesthetic, and ecological asset to the community of Mendota
Heights. During the City’s developing stages, a strong emphasis was placed on preserving high quality
open spaces and woodland areas. These natural areas provide tremendous benefits to the community and
its residents and are an important focal point of Mendota Heights. Residents enjoy numerous lakes,
streams, wetlands, open spaces, parks, trails, and the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.
Protect, Connect, Restore, and Manage Ecosystems, Plant
Communities and Species
The quality of life for the community of Mendota Heights highly depends on how it manages its natural
resources—the air, minerals, land, water, and biota that form the foundation to life in Mendota Heights. This
Chapter is a guide for managing the City’s natural resources in a sustainable way. It will help protect and
enhance residents’ quality of life for current and future generations by suggesting strategies to protect,
connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species.
Purpose
The environmental benefits provided by the community’s natural resources are essential for human life.
Protecting and preserving these natural resources require preventing, and providing treatment for, potential
harmful pollutants that can adversely affect the health of our air, water, and soil. Some of the strategies for
addressing pollutants include, but are not limited to: stormwater infiltration and treatment, providing flood
control, ground and surface water recharge, providing and preserving healthy soil for plants, and providing
and preserving habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Natural resources can also provide economic value,
recreation, spiritual rejuvenation, and aesthetic beauty. To many, they merit protection and care due to their
intrinsic value. Healthy natural resources help ensure that Mendota Heights has a high quality of life that
can be sustained far into the future.
[photo courtesy of Rachel Quick]
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Mendota Heights Natural History and Landscape
General Topography and Drainage
The City of Mendota Heights is located near the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in
northern Dakota County. The topography of the City of Mendota Heights varies greatly, from floodplains
of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers to the primary and secondary bluffs of these rivers. The
topography of Mendota Heights includes rolling to hilly terrain interspersed with poorly drained
depressions that form many ponds and small lakes. Steep slopes occur along the Minnesota and
Mississippi river bluffs on the western and northern borders of the City. These steep slopes are usually
wooded and are not well-suited for development. The majority of the City is dominated by relatively flat
terrain at an elevation approximately 200 feet above the river. Mississippi and Minnesota River floodplain
also exists on the City’s western border. Elevation in the City ranges from approximately 690 feet along
the Minnesota River to approximately 1,030 feet along the City’s northern border with West St. Paul. Refer
to Topography Map 7-1.
The surficial geology of Mendota Heights consists of glacial and alluvial (outwash) deposits which cover
most of the City. The City of Mendota Heights is within the Twin Cities Formation of the Eastern St. Croix
Moraine geomorphic area. This area was formed at the southern extent of the Superior and Rainey glacial
lobes as they flowed side by side as a single lobe and then terminated to form the St. Croix Moraine. As
the glacier retreated and melted, it left behind areas of outwash and till deposit formations. The area of
outwash formations that is located in the western portion of the City is comprised of silt, sand, and gravel
that were carried, sorted, and deposited by glacial melt-water. The area of till formations located in the
eastern two-thirds of the City is composed of unsorted clay, silt, sand, and boulders transported and
deposited by glacial ice. Silt and sand lenses are interspersed throughout this formation.
The original terrain and vegetation of the area were mainly altered for purposes of farming when the area
was first settled. Marshes and wetlands were left relatively undisturbed except for a few ditching projects.
More detailed information on the drainage system of the City can be found in the City’s 2018 Surface Water
Management Plan (SWMP).
Soils
The Soil Conservation Service has identified the following soil associations within the City of Mendota
Heights:
• Nearly Level Soils on the Floodplains. This area is on the floodplains of the Minnesota and
Mississippi Rivers, mostly located in the Fort Snelling State Park. Much of it is frequently flooded
and is generally too wet to be farmland. The area consists of mixed Alluvial sand and some Sawmill
soils. Colo soils, Riverwash, and Peat Muck are also present.
• Light Colored, Rolling to Hilly Soils. This general area is in the Morainic part of the County. It is
characterized by steep slopes and numerous poorly drained depressions. The soils are extremely
variable in depth, texture, and productivity. The medium height and textured soils are suitable for
some crops if slopes are not too strong. Sheet or gully erosions are hazards in cultivated fields.
The area is best-suited to woodlands. The major soils include Scandia Kingsley, Hayden, and
Burnsville series. Included are soils of the Freer and Adolph series.
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• Light Colored to Moderately Dark Colored, Rolling to Loose Hilly Soils on Till. In topography and
texture, this soil association is mostly the light colored rolling high soils described above. Most of
the soils develop from calcareous materials. The major soils in the area include the Hayden,
Burnsville, Lester series.
Floodplain
Although the City of Mendota Heights is located in close proximity to the Mississippi River and the
Minnesota River, there is no floodway within developed areas of the City. As the Floodplain map portrays,
there is floodway on both sides of the Mississippi River and Minnesota River, within the cities of St. Paul,
Lilydale, Mendota, and Eagan. This floodway makes up the majority of the northwest boundary of the City.
Rivers, Streams, Lakes, and Wetlands
The City of Mendota Heights has many water resources available for the use and enjoyment of its residents.
These include rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams that are important surface water resources within the
community. Many of these major water resources are State of Minnesota Public Waters and are protected
as such. Additional and more comprehensive information regarding the City’s surface water resources,
and surface water resources related issues; including impaired waters, and assessments and subsequent
action steps, can be found in the City’s 2018 Surface Water Management Plan (attached in the Appendix
of this plan).
Watersheds
Mendota Heights is part of two watersheds: The Lower Mississippi and Lower Minnesota River watersheds.
The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) encompasses 50 square
miles in Dakota and Ramsey Counties. Other surrounding communities include: Inver Grove Heights,
Lilydale, St. Paul, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. The LMRWMO was established by a
Joint Powers Agreement in 1985. The watershed contains well-drained soils with many small depressions
and steep slopes. Issues of concern include water quality, erosion control, wildlife habitat and water
recreation. Refer to Hydrography Map 7-2.
The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is located in the southwest part of the Twin Cities
metropolitan area along the Minnesota River. The district boundaries encompass an area of 64 square
miles of Carver, Hennepin, Dakota, Scott, and Ramsey counties, which includes the Minnesota River Valley
from Fort Snelling, at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, upstream to Carver,
Minnesota. The width of the district includes the bluffs on both sides of the Minnesota River within this reach
of the river. The City of Mendota Heights entered into an agreement with the Lower Minnesota River
Watershed District in 2005. Issues of concern include dredging, spoil site acquisition, and bank erosion
control.
Below is a list and brief summary of the major surface water resources in the City:
Lakes
Lake Augusta
Lake Augusta is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) public water, identified as Public
Water 81P. It is a land-locked lake, with a maximum depth of 33 feet, a median depth of approximately
18 feet, and an area of approximately 44 acres. The area of its watershed is approximately 410 acres,
giving a watershed to lake-ratio of 9.3 to 1. Lake Augusta is included in the State’s Impaired Waters
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List for Nutrients Impairment, and as a result has been approved for a Total Maximum Daily Load Study.
The City has partnered with the Lower Mississippi Water Management Organization to conduct a
feasibility study for Lake Augusta, to potentially address the issues of erosion, nutrients, and the
possibility of creating an outlet. The implementation section includes further discussion related to this
project.
LeMay Lake
LeMay Lake is a Minnesota DNR Public Water, identified as Public Water 82W, and is located in the
upper reaches of the Industrial Park drainage district. It is a shallow lake with a maximum depth of
approximately 13 feet. Shallow lakes are typically dominated by wetland habitat that provide critical
resources for fish and wildlife. It has a watershed of 98.5 acres with a surface area of 30 acres, giving
a watershed to lake-ratio of 3.3 to 1. LeMay Lake drains via an outlet that extends under Hwy 55.
Gun Club Lake
Gun Club Lake and the stream that serves as its outlet are DNR public waters, identified as Public Water
78P. The lake resides within the floodplain of the Minnesota River, and is located in the lower reaches of
the Gun Club Lake watershed. The lake discharges to an unnamed stream that flows to the Minnesota
River. Although Gun Club Lake resides within city limits, it is managed by Fort Snelling State Park.
Rogers Lake
Roger’s Lake is a DNR Public W ater (80P). It is a shallow lake, with a maximum depth of 8 feet. Its surface
area is approximately 114 acres, with a watershed of approximately 366 acres, giving it a watershed to
lake-ratio of 3.2 to 1. The lake discharges to the City’s storm sewer system along Wagon Wheel Trail.
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Friendly Marsh and Copperfield Ponds
This lake consists of three separate basins
referred to as the Copperfield Ponds, which
contain the two upper basins; and Friendly
Marsh, which is the lower basin, and has a
normal water level of approximately two feet
lower in elevation than the two upper basins.
The upper two basins are separated by a
narrow isthmus, and connected by a culvert.
These three basins are identified as
Minnesota DNR Public Water 103P. Given
the differences in normal water level
elevations for each of these three basins, the
hydrologic model considers these three
separate basins.
Streams and Rivers
Interstate Valley Creek
Interstate Valley Creek is an intermittent stream that begins near the
intersection of Highway 62 (formerly 110) and Highway 149 (Dodd
Road) at the outlet of Friendly Marsh. The creek flows northward, and
generally parallels Interstate 35E. A portion of the creek is identified
as a DNR Public Water, and is also on the State’s Impaired Waters
List for the pollutant E-coli. A Total Maximum Daily Load Study has
been approved for this creek as a result. Interstate Valley Creek has
the single largest watershed within the City of Mendota Heights. Its
watershed also includes areas within the cities of Inver Grove Heights,
Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul.
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Ivy Falls Creek
Ivy Falls Creek is an intermittent stream that begins within the Somerset Golf Course and flows northwest,
discharging to Pickerel Lake in the City of Lilydale. The gradient of the creek is steep; dropping 180 feet in
3000 feet from Dodd Road to Highway 13, and flows over a 50-foot waterfall before terminating in Pickerel
Lake. The steep gradient makes the creek susceptible to erosion.
Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers
The Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers are Minnesota Public Waters within the City of Mendota Heights, but
the shorelines of these rivers are under the jurisdiction of, and managed by, Fort Snelling State Park.
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Wetlands
Wetlands are an important surface water resource and significant asset to the City and its residents. They
provide a variety of benefits and functions including filtering stormwater pollutants, providing flood protection
and storage, and providing wildlife habitat and recreational enjoyment. The City contains many wetland
areas that vary in quality. Most are impacted by stormwater runoff, with some receiving direct input from
storm pipes. Wetland areas are protected under the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) and
Minnesota Rule 8420. The City Council is also the Local Government Unit for Mendota Heights, and is
responsible for administrating the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) within the City. In accordance with
State Rules and the Minnesota W CA, the City has adopted a Wetland Ordinance (City Code 14. 1-9) in
order to ensure the preservation and enhancement of the functions and values of its wetlands.
Significant Vegetation
The City of Mendota Heights contains a wide variety of forested areas including a large amount of floodplain
forest along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. There is a large area of altered, non-native deciduous
forest on the east side of Gun Club Lake.
A Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) search was performed for the areas below the
bluffs. The bluffs themselves are upland areas. The MLCCS Summary Table below (City of Mendota
Heights 2018 SWMP, Section 2.6) provides a list of the land cover types below the bluffs and the area of
each type that falls within the Mendota Heights City limits. Of special note is the presence of a calcareous
seepage fen prairie. The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District considers calcareous fens to be high
priority areas for wetland preservation and restoration.
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MLCCS Summary of Areas Below the Bluffs
City of Mendota Heights
Land Cover Description Total Area (acres)
Oak (forest or woodland) with 11-25% impervious cover 1.9
51% to 75% impervious cover with deciduous trees 18.0
Pavement with 91-100% impervious cover 2.5
Short grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils 10.2
Short grasses on upland soils 5.5
Oak forest 3.9
Floodplain forest 209.8
Lowland hardwood forest 6.1
Aspen forest - temporarily flooded 1.5
Mixed hardwood swamp - seasonally flooded 7.2
Altered/non-native deciduous woodland 2.8
Altered/non-native dominated temporarily flooded shrubland 0.8
Willow swamp 3.3
Medium-tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland 12.8
Temporarily flooded altered/non-native dominated grassland 2.0
Calcareous seepage fen prairie subtype 37.0
Mixed emergent marsh - seasonally flooded 62.5
Mixed emergent marsh 106.4
Mixed emergent marsh - intermittently exposed 57.2
Mixed emergent marsh - permanently flooded 22.1
Grassland with sparse deciduous trees
- altered/non-native dominated vegetation
3.4
River mud flats 3.6
Slow moving linear open water habitat 139.3
Limnetic open water 145.1
Palustrine open water 41.6
A variety of vegetation also surrounds Lake Augusta and LeMay Lake, including the following: altered/non-
native deciduous forest, altered/non-native deciduous woodland, oak forest, native dominated disturbed
upland shrubland, and aspen forest.
The east side of 35E within the City of Mendota Heights, just before entering Lilydale, contains a variety of
vegetation, from altered/non-native deciduous forest, altered/non-native deciduous woodland, altered/non-
native mixed woodland, oak forest, floodplain forest, and lowland hardwood forest. There are also pockets
of a variety of forests and woodlands between 35E and the boundary with West St. Paul and Sunfish Lake,
especially surrounding the water features. The Significant Vegetation map (Map 7-3, page 7-25) illustrates
the location of wooded and forested areas within the City of Mendota Heights.
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Site Classifications and Natural Resources Issues
Natural areas abound in Mendota Heights on public as well as on private lands. The City manages natural
resources at both the site level and by broad, City-wide natural resource issues, through City policies and
ordinances, collaboration with other agencies and citizen groups, and the use of adopted plans and
guidance documents.
Parks and Trails
Some of Mendota Heights’ Parks have areas of woodland or naturalized landscapes. Park natural areas
with high ecological quality should be prioritized and actively managed.
Open Spaces
There are many other City-owned natural areas that are not part of Mendota Heights’ Park System. Many
of these contain wetlands or steep slopes. Some have high quality oak woodlands. Open spaces provide
habitat, natural resource connections, stormwater management, and visual interest. Some open space
sites have moderate to high ecological quality and should be inventoried and identified on an ecological
overlay as part of the City GIS mapping and asset inventory. Active management is needed to sustain these
high quality resources.
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City-wide Natural Resources Issues and Natural Resources
Invasive Vegetation
Invasive vegetation is vegetation that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration; and
whose presence or introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to
human health. Controlling invasive vegetation before it becomes widespread is more effective and less
costly than managing it after widespread establishment. The City has a responsibility to control or eradicate
species on the State Noxious Weed list.
Trees and Urban Forest
Mendota Heights’ urban forest includes boulevard trees, park trees, woodlands, and trees on private
property. The City’s forestry program includes: Trimming and removal of trees on City land, Tree planting
on City-owned land, diseased tree inspection and management when feasible, and Education and outreach.
In 2017, Emerald Ash Borer was documented for the first time in Mendota Heights. The City began ash tree
removals on City property in December 2017, and will continue management into the future. We anticipate
we will lose most of our ash trees to this invasive insect.
Given the proximity of Mendota Heights to the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers and accompanying tree-
lined bluffs, the City has an opportunity and responsibility to protect and enhance native species of trees in
the City. The management, removal, and replacement of invasive trees and shrubs with native species
helps sustain the City’s natural resources, the river bluffs, critical areas, ecological communities, as well as
quality of life for the community.
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Urban Wildlife
Large areas of contiguous habitat are needed for healthy, diverse wildlife. The City’s wildlife program
focuses on providing habitat. While the City does not manage for particular species, it does manage, and
strives to manage, to increase native plant diversity in order to provide higher quality habitat for native
pollinators. The City became a Pollinator Friendly City in 2016 (see Pollinator Resolution 2016-01 dated
January 5, 2016, within the Appendix). In accordance with that policy, and best practices for protecting and
increasing native pollinators, the City will continue its efforts to protect native pollinators as well as other
beneficial insects.
Urban wildlife can sometimes become a nuisance by damaging gardens, congregating in yards, or creating
public safety issues. The City has a deer management program in Valley Park which monitors deer
population and uses annual bow-hunt removals. The City does not have removal programs for geese,
turkey, beaver or other wildlife.
Surface Water Quality
The City has a diverse collection of surface water resources within its boundaries including lakes, streams,
rivers, and wetlands. Protecting these resources requires ensuring that the storm water that enters these
surface waters does not degrade, or further degrade, the health of the City’s surface water resources and
the aesthetic, ecological, and recreational benefit they provide. The City utilizes a variety of strategies to
monitor and protect its surface water resources including:
• Collaboration with other government agencies, community groups, and citizens to help monitor and
protect these resources.
• The City uses the updated 2018 Surface W ater Management Plan (SWMP) as a guide to conserve,
protect, and manage the City’s surface water resources.
• The City of Mendota Heights holds a required National Pollution Detection and Elimination System
(NPDES Phase II) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit (see the LSWMP, within
the Appendix) with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, that includes an evaluation of the City’s
stormwater system, and a Surface Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), that identifies Best
Management Practices, goals, and actions for implementation.
• The City works in conjunction with Watershed Districts, Water Management Organizations, and
other government agencies to establish strategies for addressing its impaired waters. Surface
waters are designated as impaired if they do not meet State standards for their designated use due
to a specific pollutant or stressor. Impaired Waters within Mendota Heights include the Minnesota
River and Lake Augusta.
• The City also has adopted water resources management ordinances and policies that include Title
14, Chapter 1 of City Code: Stormwater Management, Iliicit Discharge, Soil Erosion, and
Sedimentation, which establishes standards and specifications for conservation practices and
planning activities to protect and enhance water quality.
Further information on the City’s surface water resources, their current condition in relation to water quality,
and corresponding water quality data, can be found in the City’s SWMP, within the appendix of this plan.
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Wetlands
Wetlands provide many benefits to the community as described above. The Wetland Management Plan
within the City’s 2018 SWMP addresses key management issues such as wetland protection, wetland
restoration and enhancement opportunities, and wetland stewardship. Wetland protection is addressed by
focusing on key issues such as the following:
• The relative susceptibility of a wetland to stormwater affects with respect to wetland type
• Wetland water quality and quantity
• Wetland buffer strip and setback protection.
It is anticipated that the Wetland Management Plan, through wetland inventorying, will provide a planning
tool for the City to use for future projects that may affect wetlands. The inventory of wetlands will allow the
City to identify restoration areas within public lands, enhance wetland value for wildlife, provide and
enhance recreational values of wetlands, designate wetland restoration or enhancement opportunities,
protect wetlands and adjacent resources that provide valuable ecological support, and provide stormwater
protection.
The City is also an active participant in the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP), which engages
citizens in evaluating and monitoring the health of wetland areas throughout the City.
The City’s Wetland Map (Figure 4 of the 2018 SWMP) and more information on the City’s wetlands can be
found in the 2018 SWMP.
Meadows and Prairies
Historically, Mendota Heights had several areas of native grassland prairie. Much of that has been lost to
development, although there may be some small fragmented areas that remain within the City. Prairies and
meadows are beneficial to native pollinators and other wildlife such as non-migratory and migratory birds,
as well as for stormwater infiltration, filtration, and interception. Reestablishing native meadows and prairies
throughout the City will not only help create contiguous pollinator corridors and further the Pollinator Friendly
City designation, but will also provide sustainable management practices and cost savings measures. For
example, difficult to mow slopes could be transformed into native vegetation given appropriate site
conditions.
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Private Property
Private, residential, commercial, industrial, and other land uses are an integral part of the City’s overall
ecosystem and play an important role in the health of birds, pollinators, wildlife, water quality, and more.
The City will engage in outreach activities, various collaborative opportunities for home and business
owners (e.g., curb-cut raingardens with road reconstruction projects), and educational forums, in order to
enhance knowledge, encourage environmentally sustainable behaviors, build community, and enhance the
overall health of the City’s ecosystem.
Issues and Opportunities
With so much that could be done, it’s critical to prioritize projects to protect and manage the most important
sites to make the best use of funding and staff time. The science of managing natural systems continues
to evolve. The City will continue to cultivate strong partnerships with other agencies, non-profits, and citizen
groups to seek expertise in the management of its natural resources. Additionally, the City will strive to
educate residents on environmental issues and foster stewardship and volunteerism. Grants for enhancing
natural areas that are available through State, County, and other agencies should be vetted on an ongoing
basis by City staff. The City should inventory and track natural resource assets such as open space sites,
public trees, and permanent stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). This will provide an
opportunity to better manage these resources. The City should also manage all of its surface water
resources using scientifically based, common sense approaches that meet or exceed regional, state, and
federal regulatory requirements.
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Implementation
The following goals, policies, and accompanying actions are meant to build on the accomplishments and
goals met from the 2030 Comprehensive Plan while looking forward to unmet goals as well as
environmental challenges that lie ahead. The goals, policies, and actions in the Natural Resources Chapter
all support an ethos of stewardship that protects wildlife, promotes sustainability, and enhances human
health and well-being.
Goals, Policies and Actions
GOAL 7.1: Protect, connect, and buffer ecosystems, such as: forests, savannas, prairies, lakes,
streams, wetlands, roadsides, and other natural resources. Work with other communities and
agencies as needed to ensure the best outcomes.
Policies:
7.1.1 Implement a formal Natural Resources and Sustainability Commission to aid in the execution
of the strategic Natural Resources Plan. This commission would be responsible for prioritizing,
evaluating, planning for, and implementing the goals and policies in the Natural Resources
Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
7.1.2 Collaborate with other agencies, such as Watersheds, Water Management Organizations, and
surrounding County and Metropolitan Cities to share information and ideas regarding natural
resources.
7.1.3 Explore an opportunity for a county-wide commission focused on shared natural resources.
7.1.4 Establish minimum thresholds for high ecosystem value coverage of trees, grasses, and ther
vegetation.
GOAL 7.2: Develop a professional, comprehensive, strategic Natural Resources Management Plan
for City-wide natural areas and natural resources. Develop site-specific management plans that
prioritize the highest quality areas. As part of this plan, identify and map opportunities to enhance
the City’s green infrastructure, roadsides, surface waters, and other natural areas. Develop
methodology for tracking management activities, measuring outcomes, assigning accountability,
reporting, and revising specific management plans. Strive to work with adjacent communities and
agencies, recognizing that we are an interconnected ecosystem.
Policies:
7.2.1 Develop capabilities to monitor and implement a strategic Natural Resources Plan through
City Staff expertise, as well as through partnerships with community groups and volunteers,
and collaboration with adjacent communities and agencies, thus recognizing the
interconnectedness of our communities and ecosystems.
7.2.2 Develop a plan for City-wide issues including wildlife management, tree diseases, pests, and
invasive species.
7.2.3 Develop and implement a Tree Planting Plan to cover strategic tree planting, boulevard trees,
park trees, wooded lots, and forests. Engage residents in the strategic planting of trees;
encouraging the planting of native, diverse populations of trees on private property.
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7.2.4 Develop a sustainable vegetation plan for City-owned properties and facilities. Explore turf
alternatives for roadsides such as native forbs and grasses, and resilient turf substitutes.
7.2.5 Establish priorities for sites and management activities and update these annually. Create
ecological overlays identifying City-owned areas within parks and open space that have high
ecological value.
7.2.6 Update tree inventory and begin tracking tree plantings and removals using frameworks such
as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to gather, manage, and analyze data.
7.2.7 Develop and implement City strategies to increase tree canopy. These strategies should
explore an expansion of funding, and incentives to plant, retain, and promote tree species
diversity.
7.2.8 Provide education and training on tree care for private landowners.
7.2.9 In new development and redevelopment, retain mature trees that have high ecological value,
replace lost trees, and plant additional trees if not present originally.
7.2.10 Implement a plan for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and other emerging threats including, but not
limited to: prevention, treatment, removal, re-planting and community education.
7.2.11 Develop a City-wide Soil Health Management Plan, including development of quantifiable
goals, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and key performance indicators.
GOAL 7.3: Restore and manage natural areas, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources, for high
ecological quality and diversity of plant and animal species.
Policies:
7.3.1 Prioritize the management of high-quality, high-value ecosystems and natural areas over ‘start-
from-scratch’ restorations.
7.3.2 Prioritize sites and projects annually to ensure highest quality sites do not lose their
ecological value and degraded sites are improved.
7.3.3 Monitor new developments in restoration and invasive plant management.
7.3.4 Monitor tree disease and pest outbreaks with the implementation of control programs for tree
diseases such as oak wilt and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Expand these programs to include
other species and related diseases and pests as they emerge.
7.3.5 Work with partners to monitor and control invasive species and noxious weeds.
7.3.6 Restore with pollinator-friendly or native species to protect and enhance habitat for native
pollinators and birds.
7.3.7 Encourage innovative and Integrated Pest-Management (IPM) strategies and biocontrol of
pests and weeds, following science-based BMPs. When applicable, follow the City’s Pollinator-
Friendly Policy as per the City’s Pollinator Resolution 2015-79, dated October 20, 2015.
7.3.8 Monitor wildlife populations and address over-population as needed.
7.3.9 Establish pollinator corridor connectivity in the City.
7.3.10 Work to reduce the amount of conventionally maintained turf on both public and private property
through education and programs to support the transition to ecologically valuable and diverse
vegetation.
7.3.11 Look for opportunities to reduce or minimize impervious cover City-wide and implement
reduction when feasible.
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GOAL 7.4: Protect and restore the natural ecological functions of the City’s water resources with
emphasis on the improvement of stormwater management. The City will seek to accomplish the
following policies and action steps to manage the City’s surface water, groundwater, stormwater,
and wastewater, while minimizing the adverse impacts of climate change.
Policies:
7.4.1 Sweep streets at a minimum rate of twice annually, on a well-timed schedule, using Best
Management Practices (BMPs), while looking to increase sweeping rates in sensitive areas.
7.4.2 Investigate, and implement when feasible, strategies to reduce the impact of de-icing on soil
and water.
7.4.3 Ensure that roadsides, post-reconstruction, can support turf alternatives or traditional turf
through the de-compaction of soil, as well as providing soil that contains sufficient organic
content to adequately support turf or turf alternatives, while avoiding soil compaction of open
areas.
7.4.4 Emphasize the use of native species, pollinator plants, or turf alternatives.
7.4.5 Educate homeowners, commercial property owners, institutional property owners, as well as
City Public Works Staff in BMPs for turf management, such as instilling a minimum mow-height,
avoidance of grass clippings and debris dispersal onto paved surfaces, and smart irrigation
practices. Recognize that the implementation of turf BMPs aides in the reduction of stormwater
runoff.
7.4.6 Identify areas in parks and public open space that could be restored to natural habitat or turf
alternatives.
7.4.7 Work with partners to implement projects that reduce stormwater pollution to waterbodies.
7.4.8 Develop and support programs that encourage natural infiltration of stormwater. Develop
educational outreach programs, promote available programs offered through Dakota County,
support and encourage involvement of volunteers and volunteer groups such as Master
Gardeners, Master Water Stewards, and Master Naturalists. Implement, encourage, and
sustain collaborative City programs such as residential curb-cut raingardens and green
infrastructure, during road reconstruction.
7.4.9 Work with partners to monitor Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Set realistic goals for AIS
removal and management, and reintroduction of native species. Educate lakeshore owners
and other residents about AIS.
7.4.10 Identify areas within the City, including public and private land that are lacking adequate
stormwater treatment, such as: buffers, stormwater infiltration and filtration features, and other
stormwater BMPs. Implement projects to establish functioning stormwater treatment in order
to protect and improve the City’s water resources. Implement additional proven methods to
protect and improve water quality that are appropriate given the type of water body and
impairment.
7.4.11 Aid the Department of Natural Resources in the management of fish populations, when
allowable, using the best available science, data, and expert advice, considering available
resources and expected fishing pressure.
7.4.12 Improve and implement the City’s Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP).
7.4.13 Carry out steps toward meeting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Swimmable,
Fishable, Fixable water quality standards.
7.4.14 Educate and motivate residents, businesses, and other organizations to reduce negative
impacts on water resources.
7.4.15 Analyze possible climate change implications for water resources and infrastructure.
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7.4.16 Manage public riparian areas to be resilient to flooding.
7.4.17 Revise site plan review standards to require improved soil conditions and native plantings on
projects.
7.4.18 Continue surface water monitoring activities with watershed management organizations and
other agencies.
GOAL 7.5: Fund natural resources programs to achieve the vision and goals of the City’s
Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Policies:
7.5.1 Seek partnerships and grants to help implement natural resources goals.
7.5.2 Work with Dakota County and other agencies to maintain and/or acquire, where feasible,
natural greenway corridors to foster ecosystem continuity.
7.5.3 Set up a Natural Resources fund account to provide a reserve for the matching funds that are
often required to access grant funding opportunities.
GOAL 7.6: Incorporate the vision and goals for natural resources in the City’s Comprehensive Plan,
as they pertain to ordinances, policies, development standards, and zoning.
Policies:
7.6.1 Encourage and promote use of conservation design.
7.6.2 Improve compliance and understanding of environmental regulations and requirements by
providing educational materials that explain issues.
7.6.3 Prior to approval of landscape and development plans, work with developers and private
property owners to encourage the preservation or addition of high ecosystem value vegetation
or reforestation.
7.6.4 Improve the process for review and inspection of native planting and permanent stormwater
Best Management Practices, such as rain gardens, on development projects to increase
successful establishment.
7.6.5 Update the City’s planning, development review, zoning, and ordinances to be consistent with
guidelines for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA).
7.6.6 Protect steep slopes, bluffs, and other sensitive areas from erosion and other threats whenever
possible, but specifically during and after the completion of development projects.
7.6.7 Explore the implementation of ordinances, policies, and development standards that support
the City’s 2018 Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP).
GOAL 7.7: Enhance public understanding of nature, natural systems, and environmental issues by
providing programs and information, and interpretive signage.
Policies:
7.7.1 Educate adults, families, schools, community groups, and staff on natural resources topics.
7.7.2 Use diverse methods of education and outreach including: programs, field trips, brochures,
exhibits, signage, articles, website, video, social media, service learning, and community
gatherings and events.
7.7.3 Provide learning opportunities through volunteer service, such as citizen science monitoring.
7.7.4 Review, update, or develop materials used for natural resources education.
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7.7.5 Develop a Natural Resources webpage on the City’s website that offers City resources,
community updates and activities, volunteer opportunities, links to useful resources, and other
topics as they relate to natural resources.
GOAL 7.8: Promote a culture of stewardship on public and private land through access to natural
areas, and education and volunteer opportunities in the restoration and management of these areas.
Policies:
7.8.1 Provide stewardship training and explore residential grant programs for residents.
7.8.2 Provide programs to support residents in their stewardship efforts. Explore innovative ideas
and opportunities to serve the community in stewardship efforts such as a curb-side buckthorn
pick-up program, City-sponsored tree sale, water-efficiency rebates for smart irrigation
controllers, etc.
7.8.3 Provide educational opportunities to teach residents about ecological lawn alternatives and
lawn care Best Management Practices.
7.8.4 Develop and implement forward-thinking, City-led initiatives to engage citizens in the
stewardship and care of natural areas and infrastructure through programs such as Adopt-a-
Park, Adopt-a-Roadside Pollinator Planting, Adopt-a-Boulevard, Adopt-a-Tree, and Adopt-a-
Storm Drain.
7.8.5 Encourage avenues for homeowners to take on ownership of, and responsibility for, boulevard
trees where the location of the tree is considered appropriate as well as an overall community
benefit.
7.8.6 Expand audiences via use of video and social media.
7.8.7 Develop material (print as well as electronic media) to teach property owners environmentally
friendly practices they can do on their property, including but not limited to: sustainable lawn
care, native plantings, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain gardens, proper disposal of yard and
animal waste, and composting.
7.8.8 Implement, evaluate, or enhance current citizen participation in monitoring programs such as
the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP), State and Metropolitan Council water
monitoring programs, as well as programs that monitor wildlife such as frogs, bluebirds, bees,
turtles, etc.
7.8.9 Provide staff training on natural resources management topics such as Emerald Ash Borer
(EAB), noxious weeds, and other emerging threats.
7.8.10 Improve maps and information regarding access to parks and natural areas.
7.8.11 Provide a timely, effective regulatory and management framework that responds to public
interest in protecting the environment and natural resources.
7.8.12 Encourage citizen engagement in the City’s annual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) Permit meeting and process, and use this as a forum to share concerns, discuss
proposed community initiatives, and offer suggestions concerning stormwater.
GOAL 7.9: Address issues that impact air quality in Mendota Heights, such as vehicle emissions,
traffic flow, air traffic, small engine use, and street design.
Policies:
7.9.1 Evaluate and implement traffic control measures to manage congestion and minimize vehicle
emissions.
7.9.2 Evaluate proactive solutions to air quality issues such as the installation of an electric vehicle
charge stations, and mass transit options.
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7.9.3 Establish an advocacy role to encourage the MPCA and the Minnesota Department of Health
to address air quality issues and improve air quality.
7.9.4 Implement the strategic planting of trees to avoid monoculture plantings, and choose tree
species identified as most resilient to changing climate and weather patterns.
GOAL 7.10: Address issues that can cause noise pollution within Mendota Heights. Noise and other
nuisances can cause stress, impact the health of residents and even wildlife. Common noise
pollutants in Mendota Heights include: inputs from automobile traffic, air traffic, and small engine
noise such as lawn maintenance equipment. The impacts of exposure to noise pollution can include
general nuisance, hearing impairment, mental stress, and loss of enjoyment of the use of one’s
property.
Policies:
7.10.1 Strive to monitor and limit community exposure to excessive noise levels.
7.10.2 Review and evaluate current City policies and ordinances regarding noise, for example,
community quiet hours and small engine use.
7.10.3 Develop ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with noise pollution and its impact on
all facets of the community, including human, ecological, safety, security, and energy.
7.10.4 Educate residents, developers, and others on the impact of noise pollution.
7.10.5 Provide community opportunities to interact with, and express concerns to, the Mendota
Heights Airport Relations Commission (ARC).
GOAL 7.11: Address causes, and potential causes, of light pollution. Scientific evidence points to
the detriment of exposure to artificial light at night to human health as well as negative impacts on
wildlife and vegetation. The visual effects of glare and light change (for example, from shadowing)
can create hazards for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and can compromise security.
Thoughtful City lighting policy can enhance the quality of life, safety, and security for residents,
help protect wildlife ecology, and reduce energy use.
Policies:
7.11.1 Encourage use of research-based systems, such as Backlight-Uplight-Glare (BUG) that
reduce light pollution and provide guidelines for effective control of unwanted or unhealthy
light for residents, as well as unhealthy light for wildlife.
7.11.2 Work with neighboring cities to coordinate lighting solutions to mitigate the far-reaching
impact of light pollution.
7.11.3 Develop ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with light pollution and its impact on
all facets of community: human, ecological, safety, security, and energy.
7.11.4 Create on-going review for updating ordinances as new lighting technology becomes available.
7.11.5 Increase efforts to provide healthier lighting solutions for residents and the preservation of the
City’s natural assets.
7.11.6 Educate residents, developers, and others on the impact of light pollution, glare, light trespass,
and sky-glow. Offer solutions and alternatives for providing light within the City.
7.11.7 Address lighting prior to development or redevelopment by ensuring compliance with lighting
ordinances.
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MAP 7-1
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MAP 7-2
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MAP 7-3
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8
Resilience
Mendota Height’s climate is changing, and the growing frequency and large-scale impact of
severe weather events demonstrates the importance of building a foundation of resilient
systems to meet ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. To build the foundation for a
prosperous, equitable, and thriving community, resilient system development includes
mitigation and adaptation approaches.
According to the Metropolitan Council:
Mitigation strategies focus on minimizing contributions to climate change. For
example reducing energy use to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Adaptation strategies focus on how to change policies and practices to adjust to the
effects of a changing climate. For example, opening cooling centers for residents
during extreme heat events.
Although Resilience is not a required element for the 2040 comprehensive plans in the region,
Mendota Heights is committed to investing in resilience. Supporting resilience strategies will
protect local and regional vitality for future generations by preserving our capacity to maintain
and support our region’s well-being and productivity. Considerations of vulnerabilities in
resilience strategies, and response to those vulnerabilities, will strengthen community
preparedness and response to climate impacts.
The Resilience update for Mendota Heights primarily focuses on goals and policies related to:
• Climate action,
• Resilient energy, and
• Resilient food systems.
Additional chapters within the Mendota Heights 2040 plan also contribute to building resilience
in Mendota Heights, which include Land Use; Natural Resources; Parks and Trails;
Transportation; and Economic Development.
8.01. Climate Action
Minnesota, Dakota County, and the City of Mendota Heights are already experiencing the
impacts of a changing climate. Climate trends suggest that in the next 50 years we will
experience increased precipitation, hotter summers, warmer and wetter winters, and more
severe weather events. These changes can damage infrastructure, disrupt essential services,
drain resources and impact a City’s capacity to respond to citizen’s needs.
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These climate changes are also expected to have substantial impacts on public health,
including increases in injuries and deaths attributed to extreme heat events, extreme weather
events (e.g., floods), air pollution, and vector-borne and other infectious diseases (see Figure
8-1 below). Climate resilient communities can prevent the worst public health and economic
impacts of climate change by effectively adapting the built environment to climate change and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Figure 8-1: Health Effects of Climate Change, 2016. Minnesota Department of Health.
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/climatechange/climate101.html
Many of the solutions to reducing impacts are already a part of our municipal government
expertise. In many instances, responding to climate change does not require large scale
changes to municipal operations, but simply requires adapting exiting plans and polices to
incorporate knowledge about changing levels of risk across key areas such as public health,
infrastructure planning and emergency management. Strategies which strengthen resilience
in time of emergency also help communities thrive even more during good times.
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Climate Action Efforts in Mendota Heights
In 2016, Dakota County developed an All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan incorporated
numerous cities and townships in Dakota County and was developed to identify and prepare
for a variety of hazards such as flooding or tornadoes before they occur. The purpose of the
plan is to reduce the loss of lives and property damage in the event of a hazard occurring in
the area. The All-Hazard Mitigation Plan includes a list of goals, objectives and strategies for
the county to better prepare and coordinate efforts for disasters. The goals of the plan include:
1. Reduce Hazard Risks and Impacts
2. Build on Existing Efforts
3. Share Information and Raise Awareness
This plan serves as a framework for managing public and private investment in the face of a
changing climate and more severe storm events.
2040 Climate Action Goals and Policies
GOAL 8.1: The City will protect and maintain constructed systems that provide critical
services.
8.1.1 Assess public buildings and sites for vulnerabilities to extreme weather and make
improvements to reduce or prevent damage and sustain function.
8.1.2 Improve the reliability of back-up energy for critical infrastructure.
8.1.3 Continue to explore and incorporate new and emerging technologies to construct,
rehabilitate, maintain and manage public assets and infrastructure in an efficient,
cost effective manner.
8.1.4 Support well-planned improvements to the private utility and communications
networks that provide efficiency, security and needed redundancy.
GOAL 8.2: The City will proactively maintain public health and safety during extreme
weather and climate-related events.
8.2.1 Secure funding to support the City’s climate adaptation efforts.
8.2.2 Conduct a Population Climate Vulnerability Assessment to outline priority
vulnerabilities and identify available resources to strengthen community capacity
to respond to climate change impacts.
8.2.3 Continue to work with Dakota County in updating the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan
and partner to ensure essential needs of all residents are met during an
emergency.
8.2.4 Designate appropriate facilities that will be made available to the public as
community safe shelters and arrange for adequate provisions and backup power.
8.2.5 Educate residents regarding actions they can take to reduce their risk to extreme
weather and climate-related events.
8.2.6 Coordinate with emergency dispatch and first responders to address the specific
concerns of residents who may be more vulnerable in each type of event.
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GOAL 8.3: The City will prepare infrastructure and services to respond to climate-
related public health impacts.
8.3.1 Make air conditioned public facilities available to citizens during poor air quality
days and high heat days. Communicate with residents and commercial property
owners on poor air quality days, highlighting steps for protecting health and
mitigating local contributions to poor air quality.
8.3.2 Review ordinances with respect to recreational fires and personal gas powered
equipment and update as needed to protect and maintain healthy air quality.
8.3.3 Increase tree canopy in areas with low coverage, areas with high heat vulnerability
and areas exposed to more vehicle exhaust. Actively work to decrease the urban
heat island effect, especially in areas with populations most vulnerable to heat.
8.3.4 Increase the resilience of natural and built environment to more intense rain events
and associated flooding.
GOAL 8.4: The City will promote social connectedness and build an engaged
community of climate resilience.
8.4.1 Strengthen working relationships with community organizations to support the
most at-risk residents.
8.4.2 Conduct education and outreach with the community on the health impacts of air
pollution, longer allergy seasons, extreme heat, water quality changes, and vector-
borne disease.
8.4.3 Promote and report on the City’s sustainability and resilience projects and
initiatives.
8.02. Resilient Energy
Local renewable energy resources are abundant and readily available for economic capture.
Renewable energy resources currently available in Mendota Heights include solar, with the
potential to incorporate wind, biomass, geothermal, and efficiency resources (e.g. building
improvements for energy efficiency). All of these resources should be evaluated for use at
residential, private and community scale. Mendota Heights must set goals and policies that
treat sustainable local energy resources as an economically valuable local resource.
Renewable Energy Efforts in Mendota Heights
The City of Mendota Heights is committed to a resilient future, including promoting renewable
energy where feasible. The City has existing code language supporting residential rooftop
and ground-mounted solar development throughout the community. Although solar energy
systems are allowed in all zoning districts, systems must be accessory to the primary land
use. Large-scale commercial solar farms or gardens are not currently allowed in Mendota
Heights. The ordinance also addresses building-integrated solar systems and passive solar
energy systems. As stated in the goals for this chapter and emphasized in their code of
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ordinances, Mendota Heights supports the development of solar energy systems that result
in a net gain in energy and do not have negative impacts on surrounding uses and surrounding
solar access. This Plan also includes information on gross solar resources to provide data
context to these recommendations.
Gross and Rooftop Solar Resources
The Metropolitan Council has calculated the gross and rooftop solar potential for the City of
Mendota Heights to identify how much electricity could be generated using existing
technology. The gross solar potential and gross solar rooftop potential are expressed in
megawatt hours per year (Mwh/yr), and these estimates are based on the solar map for
Mendota Heights.
Developed areas with low building heights and open space areas have the highest potential
for solar development in the City. Many of the developed neighborhoods and some natural
areas in Mendota Heights do not have high gross solar potential due to existing tree cover.
This gross development potential is included in Figure 8-2 below. Areas of high solar potential
are also illustrated in Map 8-1 for reference.
Figure 8-2
Vers. 10.15.18
MAP 8-1
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2040 Resilient Energy Goals and Policies
GOAL 8.5: The City will continue to support, plan for, and encourage the use of solar
energy as a renewable energy source.
8.5.1 Consider modification of existing ordinances to protect access of direct sunlight to
rooftops of all principal structures.
8.5.2 Encourage developers to establish covenants that do not restrict the development
and use of active and/or passive solar energy systems.
8.5.3 Encourage the installation of solar energy system options, for space heating and
cooling and hot water heating in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
8.5.4 Enforce zoning regulations to ensure that new lots in the city offer proper solar
orientation.
8.5.5 Encourage residential solar development that complies with the City’s zoning code.
8.5.6 Consider a site-specific solar energy capacity study for industrial and/or
commercial sites to identify the most beneficial placement for solar Photo-Voltaic
(PV) development. Use the study as the basis of outreach to the owners of the top
sites, educating them on the opportunities and benefits of installing solar.
8.5.7 Provide information on grants and incentives for alternative energy, for example,
in city communications.
GOAL 8.6: The City will adopt climate mitigation and/or energy independence goals to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
8.6.1 Explore and investigate means to track city vehicles and facility emissions to
formulate a baseline and establish greenhouse gas reduction goals every 5 to 10
years to assure progress in City emission reductions.
8.6.2 Collaborate regionally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, begin
the application process to the Minnesota Green Step Cities Program by 2020, with
the goal of achieving step five by 2030. Track and share progress with residents
and businesses to encourage civic innovation and reduce energy use.
8.6.3 Lower city-wide transportation-related emissions by encouraging alternative fuel
stations, electric vehicle charging stations, and supporting infrastructure at
commercial sites, office sites, parking ramps and residential sites.
GOAL 8.7: The City will support long-range planning efforts to build the community’s
renewable energy portfolio and maximize the benefits of renewable energy
development.
8.7.1 Continue to support existing renewable energy policies and programs, including
the alternative energy systems ordinance (§12-1D-18).
8.7.2 Identify strategies in leveraging economic opportunities in the Green Economy and
emerging renewable energy field.
8.7.3 Support mass transit goals as detailed in Transportation Section 3.
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8.02. A Resilient Food System
The well-being of our residents is vital to long-term sustainability and prosperity of our
community. Despite Minnesota’s reputation of being a diverse and rich agricultural state, not
everyone has access to healthy and affordable food. Minnesota ranks 7th lowest in access to
healthy foods and is second only to Texas for the worst access in rural areas.1 Income,
education, transportation, jobs and economic development, housing, land use, and the
environment all influence our ability to access a healthy diet. Reliable access to affordable,
healthy food can help reduce rates of preventable diseases, improve health, foster
community, and support economic development. (Refer to Figure 8-3 below).
1 Healthy Food Access: A View of the Landscape in Minnesota and Lessons Learned from Healthy
Food Initiatives; Federal Reserve Bank MN & Wilder Research – April 2016; E. Rausch & P. Mattessich.
Factors of Community Health
Figure 8-3: Food Access Planning Guide, 2014. MN Food Charter. http://mnfoodcharter.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/10/FAPG_PlanGuide_D9_LINKS_LR.pdf
Local planning policies can reduce or reinforce structural barriers that prevent our food supply
from being as healthy, equitable, affordable, and resilient as we would like it to be. By
prioritizing policy initiatives at a local level that support a robust food infrastructure (see Food
System Figure 8-4 below), Mendota Heights can help improve the quality of life for its
residents and leave a legacy of health for future generations.
What is the Food System?
Figure 8-4: Food Access Planning Guide, 2014. MN Food Charter. http://mnfoodcharter.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/10/FAPG_PlanGuide_D9_LINKS_LR.pdf
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Food System Efforts in Mendota Heights
The City of Mendota Heights participates in Dakota County’s curb-side recycling program and
residents can opt-in to participating in the County’s organics drop off program in West St. Paul.
Businesses are also eligible to participate in recycling programs with the County to further
reduce waste in the City.
The City of Mendota Heights has an opportunity to build from established food system policy
efforts, currently including:
• Keeping Chickens: The City of Mendota Heights permits residents to keep up to six
female chickens for the purpose of individual egg production (§12-1D-3). The City’s
code specifies coop and run requirements as well as guidance on proper care and the
permitting process for domestic chickens on residential lots.
• Farming Operations: Existing farms are permitted in the City, with the exception of
animal farming (§12-1D-8). Farmers may also sell products produced at an on-site
farm stand.
2040 Food System Goals and Policies
GOAL 8.8: The City will explore opportunities to support land use guidance and
regulations to improve local household’s proximity to healthy food and support food-
related businesses and activities.
8.8.1 Review and update regulations governing food processing businesses, such as
commercial kitchens, flash freezing businesses, and small scale home kitchen
businesses, to increase business growth.
8.8.2 Support the development of a City of Mendota Heights Farmers Market as an
accessible and reliable source for local, healthy food.
GOAL 8.9: The City will support practices that integrate healthy food production in
residential settings.
8.9.1 Support innovative local food production solutions such as aquaponics,
hydroponics, indoor agriculture, backyard gardening and composting, community
gardens, and urban farming, where appropriate.
8.9.2 Encourage edible and pollinator-friendly landscapes on residential properties.
GOAL 8.10: The City will support strategies and innovations that improve flexibility,
mobility, and affordability of connecting people to healthy food.
8.10.1 Consider a Food Security Assessment to determine and monitor food insecurity
conditions within Mendota Heights, target areas within the City for improvement,
and identify detailed strategies to increase food security within the City.
8.10.2 Incorporate access to healthy food sources as part of bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure planning.
8.10.3 Support innovative practices such as mobile food markets and mobile food
pantries/food shelves that can bring food closer to under-resourced residents.
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10
Critical Area Plan
INTRODUCTION
The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) comprises a 72-mile stretch of the
Mississippi River through the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, comprising 54,000 acres of
land in 30 local jurisdictions from the City of Dayton in the north to the City of Hastings in
the south. The MRCCA is important because of its many significant natural and cultural
resources, including scenic views, water, navigation, geology, soils, vegetation, minerals,
fauna, cultural resources, and recreational resources. The MRCCA is home to a full range
of residential neighborhoods and parks, as well as river- related commerce, industry, and
transportation facilities.
Local communities within the corridor are required to complete a MRCCA plan as a chapter
of their Comprehensive Plan.
The MRCCA was designated by Governor’s Executive Order in 1976, following the
passage of the 1973 Minnesota Critical Areas Act. On January 4, 2017, Minnesota Rules,
chapter 6106 replaced Executive Order 79-19, which previously governed land use in the
MRCCA. The rules require local governments to update their MRCCA plans and MRCCA
ordinances for consistency with the rules.
In 2016, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) revised the rules and
regulations governing development within the MRCCA which have been incorporated into
this plan and will be implemented in the City’s zoning ordinance after plan approval.
The purpose of the MRCCA is to:
• Protect and preserve the Mississippi River and adjacent lands that the legislature finds to
be unique and valuable state and regional resources for the benefit of the health, safety,
and welfare of the citizens of the state, region, and nation;
• Prevent and mitigate irreversible damages to these state, regional, and national resources;
• Preserve and enhance the natural, aesthetic, cultural, and historical values of the
Mississippi River and adjacent lands for public use and benefit;
• Protect and preserve the Mississippi River as an essential element in the national, state,
and regional transportation, sewer and water, and recreational systems; and
• Protect and preserve the biological and ecological functions of the Mississippi River
corridor.
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Each city along the Mississippi River is required to prepare and adopt plans, capital
improvement programs and special land planning regulations consistent with state
standards and guidelines for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area. MRCCA
regulations are implemented through local plans and ordinances and are required to be
consistent with Minnesota Rules, chapter 6106. These rules lay out the land planning and
regulatory framework protecting MRCCA resources and came into effect on January 4,
2017, replacing Executive Order 79-19, which previously governed land use in the
MRCCA. The rules require local governments to update their MRCCA plans (a chapter of
the local comprehensive plan) and MRCCA ordinances for consistency with the rules.
MRCCA in Mendota Heights
The City of Mendota Heights finds that the Mississippi River corridor as it exists within the
metropolitan area and the city is a unique and valuable local, state, regional and national
resource. The river is an essential element in the local, regional, state and national
transportation, sewer and water and recreational system and serves important biological
and ecological functions. The prevention and mitigation of irreversible damage to this
resource and the preservation and enhancement of its natural, aesthetic, cultural and
historic values is in furtherance of the health, safety and general welfare of the city.
Generally, the boundaries of the MRCCA in Mendota Heights are situated along the
Mississippi River corridor, starting at Fort Snelling State Park / Interstate 494 to the south
and extends northwesterly along this natural corridor and Sibley Memorial Highway (State
Highway 13) for approximately 5 miles, and to the northerly boundary line of the city at
Annapolis Street. The MRCCA boundary fluctuates in width along this corridor from one-
tenth (1/10) to one-third (1/3) of mile in width in areas. A majority of this land is used for
single-family residential purposes or public park land. Map 10-1 illustrates the general area
of MRCCA boundaries in around St. Paul (including Mendota Heights) and Map 10-2
illustrates the general MRCCA boundaries in and around Mendota Heights.
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MAP 10-1
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MAP 10-2
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MRCCA DISTRICTS
The Minnesota Rules define six districts within the overall MRCCA designation. These
districts are characterized by the various natural and built features of the river corridor.
Most standards and requirements outlined in the rules apply uniformly throughout the
corridor. However, certain requirements such as structure setbacks, bluff standards,
building height limits, additional subdivision standards, and the amount of open space
required for development vary by district.
There are three (3) MRCCA districts present in Mendota Heights.
1. Rural and Open Space District (CA-ROS):
Rural and Open Space District (CA-ROS): The CA-ROS district is characterized by rural
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 value, floodplain, and
undeveloped islands. Many primary conservation areas exist in this district.
The “rural and open space” district has the lowest level of development of all of the
proposed districts within the MRCCA. To preserve the rural and open space characteristics
of this district and its unique recreational value, a structure height of 35-feet is proposed
for this district. This district includes agricultural and rural residential areas, parkland and
natural areas adjacent to the river. This height is intended to keep structures at or below
the level of the tree line and is consistent with height restrictions in most of the local zoning
standards that apply in these areas
The CA-ROS district must be managed to sustain and restore the rural and natural
character of the corridor, and to protect and enhance existing habitat, public river corridor
views, and scenic, natural and historic areas. In Mendota Heights, the CA-ROS district
encompasses primarily the Fort Snelling State Park area (including Gun Club Lake) and a
small area of Lilydale/Harriet Island/Cherokee Park property located on the north side of
Hwy. 13, between Wachtler Avenue and Sylvandale Road. These districts comprise of 950
acres of vacant, open and natural land areas.
2. River Neighborhood District (CA-RN):
River Neighborhood District (CA-RN): The CA-RN district is characterized by residential
neighborhoods that are riparian or readily visible from the river or that abut riparian
parkland. 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.
The DNR Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR) outlines height limits for the
CA-RN District, which in this case is a 35-foot height limit for all residential “river
neighborhood” districts. The height limit is intended to allow a typical two-story single-family
dwelling without breaking the top of the tree line. This height restriction is consistent with
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existing structure heights in residentially zoned neighborhoods and height restrictions in
most of the local zoning standards that apply in these areas. The City of Mendota Heights
intends to preserve and maintain a 25-foot height (maximum) standard for all single-family
dwellings as currently provided for in the city’s Zoning Ordinance, or the adopted height
standards for any underlying zoning district inside the CA-RN distrcit.
The CA-RN district must be managed to maintain the character of the river corridor within
the context of existing residential 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 stormwater into the river and enhancing
shoreline habitat are priorities in this district. In Mendota Heights, the CA-RN district
encompasses approximately 220 acres of area (to be verified in GIS).
3. Separated from River District (CA-SR)
Separated from River District (CA-SR): This district includes non-riparian land that is
separated from the Mississippi River by distance, development, or transportation
infrastructure. Because of this separation, underlying zoning standards govern height, with
the stipulation that structure height must be compatible with the existing tree line, where
present, and surrounding development.
The DNR Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR) further describes height
restrictions for the CA-SR District. The “separated from river” district includes non-riparian
land that is separated from the Mississippi River by distance, development, or
transportation infrastructure. Because of this separation, underlying zoning standards
govern height, with the stipulation that structure height must be compatible with the existing
tree line, where present, and surrounding development. The City of Mendota Heights
intends to preserve and maintain a 25-foot height (maximum) standard for all single-family
dwellings as currently provided for in the city’s Zoning Ordinance, or the adopted height
standards for any underlying zoning district inside the CA-SR distrcit.
The CA-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 flow of untreated storm water
into the Mississippi River are priorities in the district. In Mendota Heights, this district
covers the greatest acreages of the two districts and comprises of 325 acres. (to be verified
in GIS).
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Map 10-3 illustrates the three (3) districts and the MRCCA boundary within
the City.
MAP 10-3
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MRCCA with Future Land Use and Zoning
The planned land uses within the MRCCA districts in Mendota Heights are a mix of existing
and planned low-density residential area; small segments of existing and planned medium-
density residential areas; a small area of limited business area; and a large public
recreation/open space area in and around Fort Snelling Park/Gun Club Lake.
As part of their comprehensive planning process, the City of Mendota Heights has
developed a 2040 Planned Future Land Use Map. The map illustrates planned land uses
including single and multi-family residential, commercial, public and open space area.
Most of the city area inside the MRCCA boundary is predominantly developed with single-
family housing, though there are small commercial and mixed-use areas along the Highway
13 (Sibley Memorial Highway) and near the Highway 13/I-35E interchange. Most of the
Park and Open Space areas include the Fort Snelling State Park and Lilydale/Harriet Island
Regional Park, and other lands along the Mississippi River.
These planned future land uses correspond appropriately to the districts that the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed. Future land uses in each of these
districts are listed below.
Rural and Open Space District CA-ROS: Future land uses include parks and open
spaces.
River Neighborhood District CA-RN: Future land uses include single-family, multi-
family, and parks and open spaces.
Separated from River District CA-SR: There are a large number of parcels in the
MRCCA district with planned future land uses of single-family and a very limited
number of multi-family residential uses.
[A map illustrating the future land uses along with an overlay mapping of all applicable
MRCCA districts will be prepared and made part of this plan – Map 10-4 below.]
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Map 10-4
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As an implementation step of this Plan, the City will fully evaluate its preferred dimensional
requirements for the property for any new developments and redevelopment of lands, and
will work with the DNR on proper steps to incorporate flexibility within the MRCCA
ordinance to address this particular area. Most of the properties located in this MRCCA
boundary are planned and guided for low-density residential uses, which are primarily
developed with single-family uses. The City will work with property owners through the
MRCCA ordinance preparation process to understand existing conditions of the property
within the CA-RN and CA-SR districts, and identify any potential conflicts with the existing
standards and how to address non-conforming uses within the district.
INSERT map (to be created): Figure X-X. District Overlay on City Zoning Map
Table X-1. Category Comparisons
MRCCA District Future Land Use Map Categories Existing Land Uses
CA-RN
River Neighborhood District • Low Density Residential • Single Family Residential
• Park / Open Space
CA-SR
Separated from River District
• Low Density Residential
• Medium Density Residential
• Limited Business (Commercial)
• Rights-of-way
• Single Family Residential
• Medium Density Residential
• Park, Recreational or Preserve
• Rights of way
MRCCA District Goal
Goal 10.1 Guide land use and development and redevelopment
activities consistent with the management purpose of each
district.
MRCCA District Implementation Policies & Actions
10.1.1 Adopt a new MRCCA ordinance overlay district compliant with the goals and
policies of the MRCCA plan, and with Minnesota Rules, part 6106.0070, Subp. 5
- Content of Ordinances; and work with the Minnesota DNR on flexibility with the
ordinance as noted in previous sections of this Plan.
10.1.2 Update zoning map to reflect new MRCCA districts.
10.1.3 Ensure that information on the new MRCCA districts and zoning requirements is
readily available to property owners to help them understand which ordinance
requirements - such as setbacks and height requirements - apply to their
property for project planning and permitting.
10.1.4 Work with the DNR on height standards to determine appropriate height
restrictions, particularly on redevelopment areas with existing site constraints.
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PRIMARY CONSERVATION AREAS (PCA)
General Overview
As the DNR’s Statement of Needs and Reasonableness (SONAR) defines it, the term
“primary conservation areas” (PCAs) addresses the key natural and cultural resources and
features managed by MRCCA rules. These features are given priority consideration for
protection with regard to proposed land development, subdivision, and related activity.
PCAs include Shore Impact Zones (SIZ), Bluff Impact Zones (BIZ), floodplains, wetlands,
gorges, areas of confluence with tributaries, natural drainage routes, unstable soils and
bedrock, native plant communities, cultural and historic properties, significant existing
vegetative stands, tree canopies and “other resources” identified in local government
MRCCA plans.
Shore Impact Zone
Shore Impact Zones (SIZs) apply to the Mississippi and all of its backwaters, as well as to
its four key tributaries, including the Crow, Rum, Minnesota, and Vermillion rivers. They
include land along the river’s edge deemed to be environmentally sensitive and in need of
special protection from development and vegetation removal. A typical shore impact zone
(SIZ) is a “buffer” area that is required between the water’s edge and the area where
development is permitted (see Figure 10-4 below); and is the focus of many of the MRCCA
rule standards for land alteration and vegetation management.
Figure 10-4. Shoreland Impact Diagram (Typical)
Mendota Height’s zoning map and the related Critical Corridor Area map will provide a
detailed delineation of the boundary of the MRCCA, however, there are no additional
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shore impact zones or shoreland regulations identified or included in the City’s zoning
ordinance or this plan. The only area of “shoreland” is along the Fort Snelling State
Park/Gun Club Lake region located within the city, of which no development has or will
take place.
Nevertheless, recognizing a shore impact zone would highlight the importance of
protecting the river shore from development and vegetative removal, maintaining a buffer
area between the river banks and urban development. Adding ordinance requirements
for the shore impact zone should be considered by the City for inclusion in the zoning
ordinance update.
Floodplains & Wetlands
Although the City of Mendota Heights is located in such close proximity to the Mississippi
River and the Minnesota River, there is no floodway within the City boundaries. As the
Floodplain map portrays, there is floodway on both sides of the Mississippi River and
Minnesota River, but within the cities of St. Paul, Lilydale, Mendota, and Eagan. The
floodway basically follows the northwest boundary of the City. Refer to “Wetlands &
Floodplains Map – MRCCA” - MAP 10-5.
There are a number of known wetlands identified within the MRCCA boundary in Mendota
Heights. These wetlands and water features have been identified and mapped, and are
made part of the city’s Surface Water Management Plan (July 2018). Refer to “Wetlands
Map” – Mendota Heights SWMP” – MAP 10-6.
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MAP 10-5. MRCCA Floodplains & Wetlands Map
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MAP 10-6. Wetlands Map
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Natural Drainage Ways
Natural drainage ways are linear depressions that collect and drain surface water. They
may be permanently or temporarily inundated. There are a few identified natural drainage
routes that flow from some of the city’s own water features and eventually towards the
Mississippi River. The city’s existing topography acts provides a natural northward flow
pattern for most of these waterways, and the proximity of Interstate 494 to the south acts
as a significant barrier to natural drainage to the south or into adjacent communities. See
MRCCA – Major Natural Drainage Routes - MAP 10-7.
MAP 10-7. MRCCA Natural Drainage Ways
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Bluffs & Bluff Impact Zones
According to Minnesota Rules 6106.0050, subp. 10, a “bluff” is defined as a natural
topographic feature having either of the following characteristics:
A. a slope that rises at least 25 feet above the ordinary high water level or toe of the
slope to the top of the slope; and the grade of the slope from the ordinary high
water level or toe of the slope to the top of the slope averages 18 percent or
greater, measured over a horizontal distance of 25 feet; or
B. a natural escarpment or cliff with a slope that rises at least 10 feet above the
ordinary high water level or toe of the slope to the top of the slope with an
average slope of 100% or greater.
The development and land use standards tied to the Bluff Impact Zone (BIZ). In the
MRCCA, rules are more restrictive than those in the shoreland rules. They prohibit the
placement of structures, land alteration, vegetation clearing, stormwater management
facilities, and most construction activities in the BIZ. However, some limited exceptions
to these restrictions, such as for public utilities and recreational access to the river, are
allowed. This greater degree of protection is necessitated by development pressures on
bluffs throughout the river corridor and the susceptibility of these features to erosion and
slope failure.
Mendota Heights has several areas or narrow strips of land identified as a BIZ within the
MRCCA boundary. See MRCCA – Bluff Impact Zones – MAP 10-8.
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MAP 10-8. MRCCA – Bluff Impact Zones
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Native Plant Communities & Significant Existing Vegetative
Stands
Native plant communities are plant communities that have been identified as part of the
Minnesota biological survey. They represent the highest quality native plant communities
remaining in the MRCCA. Significant vegetative stands are plant communities identified by
the National Park Service that are largely intact, connected and contain a sufficient
representation of the original native plant community. Much of this vegetation contributes
to the scenic value of the MRCCA.
Mendota Heights has one large area of native plant communities within the city and its
MRCCA boundaries, which primarily encompasses Fort Snelling Park/Gun Club Lake
reserve. There are also a number of significant [existing] vegetative stands in the MRCCA.
Refer to MRCCA – Native Plant Communities and Significant Existing Vegetative Stands
– MAP 10-9.
The corridor generally exhibits a mostly wooded and natural vegetative character, with a
variety of other vegetative environments like prairie, shrubs and wetlands. These wooded
areas are mostly located within or near the Fort Snelling/Gun Club lake area, and in smaller
developed and undeveloped area inside the MRCCA boundary. Tree species include
oaks, maples, cottonwood, elms, and Linden (basswood) trees along with a wide variety of
evergreen trees such as white pine, black hill spruce, blue spruce and others.
Unfortunately, the corridor is also impacted by some invasive species, such Siberian elms,
black locusts, and buckthorn.
Regardless of these desired and invasive plants, these wooded and vegetative areas
systematically provide limited animal habitat areas, and offer natural erosion control
measures, especially those located on slopes and bluffs. Previous and current efforts to
prevent and control elm and oak tree diseases have been generally effective in preserving
these forested resources. Throughout the course of the years, the city has carefully
regulated all new development and redevelopment sites within the Mississippi Critical
Corridor Area, and the regulations have controlled the loss of woodland and other
significant vegetation on bluff areas and slopes whenever land development was
requested.
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MAP 10-9. MRCCA Native Plant Communities & Vegetation Map
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Cultural & Historic Properties
There are no known cultural or historic properties within the MRCCA of Mendota Heights.
The City of Mendota Heights does not have an official control for historic preservation. As
opportunities for preservation are discovered, the City will handle them on a case-by-case
basis, drawing from the resources such as the Minnesota Historical Society, Dakota
County, and community/non-profit organizations.
According to the Minnesota Historical Society, the following property is the only property
listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
Fort Snelling – Mendota Bridge – Is a steel-reinforced, continuous-arch concrete
bridge located on Minnesota Highway 55 over the Minnesota River. It was built in
1925-26, according to the plans prepared by Walter Wheeler and C.A.P. Turner.
The bridge was reconstructed between 1992 and 1994, reflecting the original
design.
St. Peter’s Church – This church complex includes one of the oldest church
buildings used by Minnesota’s early settlers of the Mendota area, and is still in use
today. Growth of the congregation has resulted in the addition of several other
buildings on the site, although the historic building remains in use.
Pilot Knob – Currently restored and protected to its pre-development condition,
the Pilot Knob area, just off of the east end of the Mendota Bridge, has special
historical meaning through a wide spectrum of Minnesota history. The City and
other public agencies have acquired much of the property and are adding
interpretive facilities to the site as opportunity permits
Public River Corridor Views
Public river corridor views (PRCVs) are views toward the river from public parkland, historic
properties, and public overlooks, as well as views toward bluffs from the ordinary high water
level of the opposite shore, as seen during the summer months. PRCVs are deemed highly
valued by the community and are worth protecting because of the aesthetic value they
bring to the MRCCA.
Views Toward the River from Public Places
The existing tree coverage and topography in Mendota Heights limits some views toward
the Mississippi River from public places and in certain private properties within the MRCCA
boundary. One particular public view that exists is located near the intersection of Sibley
Memorial Highway and State Highway 13.
The view is valuable to Mendota Heights because it includes both a view of the Mississippi
River corridor, Gun Club Lake preserve and part of the City of St. Paul skyline.
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PRIMARY CONSERVATION AREA - Goals & Policies
Goal No. 2: Protect PCAs (List those specifically found in your community) and
minimize impact to PCAs from public and private development and
land use activities (landscape maintenance, river use,
walking/hiking, etc.).
Policies & Actions:
10.2.1 Adopt a new MRCCA ordinance overlay district compliant with the goals and
policies of the MRCCA plan, and with Minnesota Rules, part 6106.0070, Subp. 5 -
Content of Ordinances; and work with the Minnesota DNR on flexibility with the
ordinance as noted in previous sections of this Plan.
10.2.2 Support mitigation of impacts to PCAs through, subdivisions/PUDs, variances,
CUPs, and other permits.
10.2.3 Prioritize the restoration and protection of Native Plant Communities and natural
vegetation in riparian areas a high priority during development.
10.2.4 Support alternative design standards that protect the Local Government Units
(LGU’s) identified PCAs, such as conservation design, transfer of development
density, or other zoning and site design techniques that achieve protection or
restoration of primary conservation areas.
10.2.5 Protect and prioritize through permanent protection measures, such as public
acquisition, conservation easement, deed restrictions, etc., which protect PCAs in
the corridor.
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PRIMARY CONSERVATION AREA - Implementation Actions
• Ensure that information on the location of PCAs is readily available to property
owners to understand how PCA-relevant ordinance requirements, such as
vegetation management and land alteration permits, apply to their property for
project planning and permitting.
• Establish procedures and criteria for processing applications with potential
impacts to PCAs, including:
o Identifying the information that must be submitted and how it will be
evaluated,
o determining appropriate mitigation procedures/methods for variances
and CUPs,
o establishing evaluation criteria for protecting PCAs when a development
site contains multiple types of PCAs and the total area of PCAs exceed
the required set aside percentages.
• Developing administrative procedures for integrating DNR and local permitting of
riprap, retaining walls and other hard armoring.
(Note: Application procedures are a required element of MRCCA ordinance review
and approvals.)
PRIORITIES FOR RESTORATION
General Overview
Natural vegetation is critical to the health of the ecosystem along the Mississippi River
corridor, providing important habitat for area wildlife and natural function of plant and
waterway systems. The Minnesota DNR has identified a number of high priority areas for
restoration of natural vegetation, not only within the established Critical Corridor Area, but
in other areas throughout the city, including lakes, streams, wetlands, and drainage ways.
These areas were determined based on identifying existing significant stands of vegetation,
areas of erosion, and areas of needed stabilization.
MRCCA requires communities identify areas that are priorities for restoration due to poor
quality natural vegetation or bank erosion issues. Much of the critical corridor area is
wooded and vegetated, with a large expanse of open space and park or vegetated
residential land. If development or redevelopment occurs within MRCCA, protection of
existing vegetation or restoration will be required in accordance with MRCCA ordinance
requirements. Mapping for Mendota Heights was completed by MnDNR and Metropolitan
Council. Refer to Vegetation Restoration Priorities – MAP 10-10.
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MAP 10-10. MRCCA Vegetation Restoration Priorities Map
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Restoration Goals & Policies
Goal No. 3: Protect native and existing vegetation during the development
process and require restoration if any is removed by development.
Priorities for restoration shall include stabilization of erodible soils,
riparian buffers and bluffs or steep slopes visible from the river.
10.3.1 Seek opportunities to restore vegetation to protect and enhance PRCVs
identified in this plan.
10.3.2 Seek opportunities to restore vegetation in restoration priority areas identified
in this plan through the CUP, variance, vegetation permit and
subdivision/PUD processes.
10.3.3 Sustain and enhance ecological functions (habitat value) during vegetation
restorations.
10.3.4 Evaluate proposed development sites for erosion prevention and bank and
slope stabilization issues and require restoration as part of the development
process.
Restoration Implementation Actions
• Ensure that information on the location of natural vegetation restoration priorities
is readily available to property owners to understand how relevant ordinance
requirements apply to their property for project planning and permitting.
• Establish a vegetation permitting process that includes permit review procedures
to ensure consideration of restoration priorities identified in this plan in permit
issuance, as well as standard conditions requiring vegetation restoration for those
priority areas. (Note: vegetation permitting process is a required element of
MRCCA ordinance.)
• Establish process for evaluating priorities for natural vegetation restoration,
erosion prevention and bank and slope stabilization, or other restoration priorities
identified in this plan in CUP, variances and subdivision/PUD processes. (Note: A
process for evaluating priorities is a required element of MRCCA ordinance review
and approval.)
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SURFACE WATER USES
Mendota Heights has very little surface water use in the MRCCA other than recreational
motorboats and small paddle crafts such as canoes and kayaks. There are no public boat
launches or marinas in Mendota Heights; however there is a small private marina/boat
dock associated with the Pool and Yacht Club in the City of Lilydale (located just east of
the I-35E bridge crossing), and which some residents of Mendota Heights belong and
enjoy.
There is limited barge traffic that passes Mendota Heights, heading west on the Minnesota
River to Ports Bunge and Cargill in Savage, and a loading facility in Burnsville just west of
I-35W..
No additional policies or implementations actions are applicable for surface water use for
MRCCA in the City of Mendota Heights. [CONFIRM]
WATER-ORIENTED USES
General Overview
Water-oriented uses within the Mississippi River Corridor are very limited within Mendota
Heights. Most of the land adjacent to the river is primarily in the Gun Club Lake and Fort
Snelling State Park preserve area on the far west edge of the community. There are no
proposed new water-oriented uses for the City in the 2040 planning period.
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OPEN SPACE & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
General Overview
Open space and recreational facilities, such as parks, trails, scenic overlooks, natural
areas, and wildlife areas add to the quality of a community. One purpose of a MRCCA
plan is to promote the protection, creation, and maintenance of these features and
locations in each community along the metropolitan Mississippi River corridor.
Fort Snelling State Park
Fort Snelling State Park, with 611 of its 2,642 acres located in the City, is considered the
largest in Mendota Heights. This park provides outdoor recreation opportunities and
natural resource conservation for the public and is considered part of the regional
recreational open space system. Fort Snelling State Park is a recreational state park
offering swimming, large group and family picnic grounds, a boat launch, interpretive center
and historical areas, trails, and scenic overlooks.
Most of the park’s active facilities are located on the Bloomington side of the River,
requiring most Mendota Heights residents to drive or bike across the I-494, I-35E and
Mendota bridges. The Mendota Heights portion of the park is left primarily as a natural
area as it contains extensive floodplain marsh habitat. Facilities located in Mendota
Heights support less intensive uses, such as biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and
fishing. The Sibley and Faribault historic sites in the City of Mendota Heights are also
located on the Mendota Heights side of the River.
Harriet Island-Lilydale Regional Park
Located just north of Mendota Heights, this park is managed by the City of St. Paul. The
lower portion of the park in the City of Lilydale is planned to remain passive open space.
A beach and concessions area are planned, but eventual development is highly unlikely
due to wetland issues. The area also has a ramp for boat access to the River. A trail
through the park, separate from the roadway, is planned to link St. Paul to the Big Rivers
Regional Trail.