Document Douglas_doc_d95e8d2803

ern( .f DOUG_AS APRIL 28, 1991 . - - . ---PAGE BREAK--- TABLE OF CONTENTS CITY OF DOUGLAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Section 1: Introduction Section ll: Goals and Objectives ofthe Plan. Section ill: Vision Statement Section IV: Community Profile . Location : Cli.Inate Topography Infrastructure Water . . . . Wastewater I..andfill . Public Rights-of-Way Other Utilities Education , . Medical Facilities Human Services Cemetery FIfe Protection National Guard Armory Wyoming State Fair LIbrary Churches Section V: Population. . . . , . . 1990 Census Infonnation Section VI. Community Development Principles and Policies. Community Intpression Community Corridor Elements Business and IndustIy Community Services and Facilities Education Health, Safety, Welfare Health & Safety Vehicles & Traffic . ~ . . . 2 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 10 10 10 11 12 ---PAGE BREAK--- Historic Preservation . 12 Housing 12 Local Governments . 12 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 13 Transportation . 13 Section Vll: Land Use Plan and Policies 15 Principles and Considerations . 15 Residential Land Use . 16 Commercial Land Use 16 Industrial Land Use 16 Agricultural Land Use . 16 Greenspace Land Use . 17 Public Lands . 17 Section VITI: Major Streets and Routes Plan 18 Rights-<>f-Way . 18 Policies . 18 Section IX: Implementation. 19 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF DOUGLAS COMMUNllY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Section I II II INTRODUCTION The first Land Use Plan developed by the Town ofDouglas was approved in March, 1976 as part ofan Interim Concept Plan that included goals and policies, population trend estimates, physical/environmental characteristics, housing analysis, transportation, and land use. In 1982, a new Growth Policy Plan was adopted. During the seven years between plans, data was collected covering the many substantial changes in Douglas. In 1991, the City, in conjunction with a number of consultants, added a Community Development Plan Amendment to the Growth Policy Plan, to take into account goals, objectives. and policies for the future ofthe and Core Area of the City ofDougIas. The adjustments and changes made to the Growth Policy Plans adopted in the past took place due to a number of:fuctors. Some ofthe most significant factors included: • The approximate doubling ofpopulation between 1977 and 1982. • Past annexations of land areas contiguous to the City of Douglas in anticipation of expected rapid population growth; Completion of capital facilities improvements, including the Municipal Water Treatment Facility; Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Richards Street Bridge; and, Construction ofa new Converse County Airport north ofDouglas. • The Development ofthe Highway 59 By-Pass. Since 1982, the population growth curve has become less dramatic. Following the "Energy boom and bust", the population ofDouglas leveled, then dipped. The population is now in the 5,200 range, much lower than projected in the 1982 Growth Policy Plan These changes indicate that the plan should be re-examined and updated. This revision to the Plan is intended to update and improve upon the 1982 Land Use Plan Modifications will provide planning and decision making guidance for the future health, safety, and weifare ofthe public. For the purposes of this Conununity Development Plan, the study area includes all lands within the incorporated limits of the City of Douglas as well as within the one mile peripheral area to the City limits. (See Map Entitled: "Land Use Plan, Douglas, Planning Area"). Within the City of Douglas, the Douglas City Council shall make such plans and policies. With reference to the immediate peripheral area, the City of Douglas shall recommend plans and policies to the County through its County Planning Commission and the Board of Converse County Commissioners. ---PAGE BREAK--- GOAlS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN This Development Plan is designed to be a guideline for planning and decision-making, a tool for local goverrnnent, developers, business persons, the general public, and others interested in the future of Douglas. The elements of this Community Development Plan are intended to be helpful general guidelines, rather than specific and inflexible mandates. As such, it should be recognized that the Community Development Plan is primarily a foundation, or basic reference point, from which to consider future situations on an individual basis. Every part of this Conununity Development Plan has been designed to be readily understandable and useful to the general public by using generally accepted meanings of words and a common sense approach. This Plan has been developed, and is to be implemented, with full consideration given to the fact that its goals and objeCtives can be achieved only through everyday planning. citizen support and participation, a commitment by decision makers to the principles, and by appropriately re-evaluating this Plan as community goals, values, and circumstances change. One of the main objectives of this Cormnunity Development Plan is to provide guidance for government in planning for the population growth and physical development process of the Douglas Planning Area, so that all governmental entities within the planning area act in a consistent and coordinated effort toward the same goal. In fonnulating policies for planning and development in the Douglas Planning Area, the following goals and objectives should be observed: . • Identify and respond to community needs in the Douglas Planning Area by setting forth clear, coordinated, and consistent planning policies for orderly growth and development. • Establish priorities and policies to guide the planning effort in responding to identified community needs in the Douglas Planning Area • hnprove decision-making process in planning and land use regulation matters in the Douglas Planning Area. • To protect, encourage and support the special character ofthe community, as reflected in the Adopted VISion of the City ofDouglas. 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- VISION STATEMENT This Community Development Plan is intended to support the Vision Statement for the City of Douglas which was adopted by the Douglas City Council on February 12, 1996. With its inViting visual appearance, Douglas will continue to be one of the Best Small Towns in America. We are commilted to preserving a high quality of life. caring for our people as well as our natural resources. Educational opportunitiesfor the youth ofour community and recreational opportunities for ourselves and the tourists we attract are priorities in our.community. Doug/as will encourage a "front porch" atmosphere and attitude among its citizens, fostering community pride in our rich western heritage and its inherentfamily values and spirit ofindependence. Active public private partnerships will help keep local businesses strong and encourage entrepreneurial success in small business and manufacturing ventures. Responsible, sustainable growth and development will lead us into thefUture. ---PAGE BREAK--- ~ection [V IL II COMMUNITY PROFILE Location Douglas is located in the eastern part of central Wyoming and is the County Seat of Converse County. The community is situated along the North Platte River and Interstate 25 in the southeast comer ofthe County. Rich in history, Douglas lies along a nwnbeT of historic trails, including the Oregon and Bozeman trails. The early history of the region is filled with Native American heritage and culture, cattlemen-homesteader conflicts., and political struggles. Railroads played an influential role in the original design and development of the City of Douglas. Stephen A Douglas, the noted statesman from lllinois., is the namesake of the Town. Burlington-Northerh/Santa Fe Railroad provides service to the Douglas area. Union Pacific Railroad serves the coal mining areas north ofDouglas. The southern terminus for Wyoming State Highway 59 lies at the center of Douglas, while Interstate Highway 25 passing to the south and west offers access to metropolitan centers beyond the area, such as Casper, fifty miles to the west, and Cheyerme (the State Capital), one hundred thirty miles to the south. Private air service is available at the Converse County Airport. The Converse CoWIty Airport is an all weather facility with two large runways (6750" x 100' and 4760' x 75') with enough strength to handle genera! aviation type aircraft, as well as corporate jets. Commeccial air service is available at nearby Natrona County International Airport. Major land uses within the county itJclude rangeland, dryIand farming, surface coal mining, in­ situ uranium production, oil and natural gas production and irrigated agricu1tura11ands. The Powder River Basin Coal field north ofDouglas is the largest coal deposit in the United States and impacts population and employment in the Douglas area. Oimate Prevailing winds from the northwest, coupled with a low average armu.aI precipitation of 12 inches., produce the semi-arid prairie surrounding Douglas. WIth generaUy dry summers, the winter snowfall supplies a large portion ofthe annual moisture. The average wind speed is 12.6 mph The annual mean snowfull is 40 inches. The annual mean temperature in the Douglas area is 47 degrees with an average July temperature of 70 degrees and an average January temperature of 23 degrees. The average growing season in Douglas is 132 days. Tooography Nestled along the banks ofthe North Platte River, Douglas is surrounded by rolling hills rising to mountainous terrain in the area of Laramie Peak, approximately thirty (30) miles south of Douglas. A multitude of drainageways from the hills to the river have created a moderate topographic reliefin this region. The base elevation ofthe City is 4,815 feet. 4 ---PAGE BREAK--- Infrastructure Water Water supply needs are adequate to meet the needs of a population of 15,000 to 20,000. The City of Douglas has three sources of water supply including the Little Boxelder Spring. a high quality gravity-fed water source located west of Douglas. This spring provides up to 1.5 million gallons per day and meets the water demands for the current population in the full and winter. The second. source of water is the Water Treatment Plant which treats water from the North Platte River. The Water Treatment Plant has a production capacity in the summer of2.5 million gallons per day. It is not designed to service the community in the winter, but can be brought online under emergency circumstances. The third source ofwater is the 1.5 million gallon per day Sheep Mountain Well. This well supplements the city water supply during peak demand. Water is available for users outside the city limits provided a rural water service improvement district is in place for the area to be served The City has four water storage facilities. a three million gallon and one million gallon tank west oftown, a two million gallon tank at the cemetery, and a one million gallon tank: east oftown. Wastewater The City's wastewater treatment system is a three-rell complete mix aerated lagoon. The design capacity ofthe system could serve a population ofapproximately 15,000. Landfill The Landfill facility is fully funded by Converse County with operation by the City. The Landfill handles approximately 32,400 cubic yards of material per year and has a fifty year design life as of 1995. Public Rights-of-Way The Wyoming Department ofTransportation repairs and maintains State Highway 20 ­ 26 and 87 throughout the Douglas Comnnmity. This includes designated arterials East Richards Street, South 4th Street, East Center Street and West Yellowstone Highway. The City repairs and maintains all other public rights-of-way within the community, including approximately 64 miles ofpaved streets. Other Utilities Electricity service is provided by Pacific Power & Light. Natural gas service is provided by K-N Energy. US West provides digital local telecommunications service. 'i ---PAGE BREAK--- provides cable television service. Fiber optics is available but not futly developed in the Douglas community. Local internet service is available locally. Education Douglas has two elementary schools with a 1996-97 population of 753 students, one middle school with 414 students and Douglas High School with approximately 569 students. The pupil to teacher ratio is 25: I, somewhat above the ~rmnended state education guidelines for pupil to teacher ratios. The six rural schools in Converse County have approximateJy 57 students.. Current school facilities are adequate to meet the present population. Eastern Wyoming CoUege has a branch campus in Douglas and offers a variety of basic academic associate degrees and vocational courses. Douglas is home to the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, a state facility providing training for all Wyoming Peace Officers and support personal. Medical Facilities Converse County Memorial Hospital is a 44 bed facility with complete laboratory and diagnostic equipment, physical therapy and medical teleconferencing capability. Extensive outpatient services, are provided by a number of physicians who supplement the core physicians in the community. The 4th floor of the hospital houses medical suites for local physicians. Ambulance services are provided through Converse County. Medical services are complemented by a variety of home health care services, wellness programs, and extended care facilities. Human Services The City of Douglas and Converse County provide financial support to several social service agencies and organizations who in tum provide services essential to community welfare. Eastern Wyoming Mental Health Center provides comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services to area residents. The Douglas Senior Citizen Center provides meals, health services and recreational programs for the local senior citizens. Three senior housing facilities 5elVe the Douglas area. Parks/Recreation 190 acres ofPublic parks and open spaces provide the community with a variety ofrecreationaJ opportunities. BasebaUfields, tennis courts, bike paths, soccer fieJds, an indoor and outdoor swimming pooL parks, playgrounds and picnic areas are available in the community. An ice­ skating rink is available in the winter months. Converse County School District # I, in conjunction with the Douglas Youth Recreation Commission, operates the Community Recreation Center, the Douglas Municipal Swimming Pool and a number oforganized athletic programs. 6 ---PAGE BREAK--- The North Platte River is a premier recreational area within the conununity with its extensive network ofbike paths, fish and wildlife habitat and picnic areas. An 18 hole scenic., public golf course rounds out the recreational amenities in the community. With a par of 71, the course ranks among the top five in the state. Abundant wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities are an important asset to the area. The Medicine Bow National Forest, located approxlmately one hour south of Douglas, offer campgrounds, hiking, fishing and winter recreational activities. The Thunder Basin Nation Grasslands north of town provides hiking, fishing, hunting and scenic opportunities. Trophy antelope and deer hwrting bring hunters from throughout the United States. Elk and varmint hunting are also popular. Cemetery The Douglas Park Cemetery is a 40 acre:fucility owned and operated by the City. Expansion capacity is probably sufficient for 15 - 20 years, from the date ofthis plan. Fire Protection The City ofDouglas and Converse County maintain a volunteer 30-man Department with one fire station and several up-to-date fire pumpers, tankers and fast attack units. National Guard Armory The Wyoming National Guard maintains a gun battery in Douglas. The AnnoI)' was constructed in 1991 and is available fur cormnunity activities. Wyoming State Fair Douglas is home to the Wyoming State Fair. First held in Douglas in 1905, the State Fair is an annual, week - long event filled with commercia! exJubits, grandstand attractions, carnival events, livestock, agricultural and arts and crafts shows, off - season activities fill fairgrounds year - round. Just inside the entrance to the Fairgrounds is the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum. This facility is dedicated to preserving the cultural legacy ofthe Old West lifestyle. Library The Converse County LIbrary Douglas branch has a total volume of 50,000, internet access and interlibrary loan access. Churdles Douglas is served by one Catholic Church, a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and approximately 20 other Christian denomination churches. ---PAGE BREAK--- POPULATION Population is ofmajor importance in understanding and developing future growth policies. Population projections for the Douglas area should be of short time frames and relatively generctl in nature. The estimated population in 1996 is 5200 for the City ofDouglas.' The City ofDouglas, Converse County, the State ofWyoming, and the Rocky Mountain Region have been greatly influenced by energy resource exploration and development activities in the past. Currently, growth trends in Wyoming, while still dominated by energy based. industries, are increasingly influenced by quality oflife issues. The City of Douglas will continue to address growth in a positive manner, taking into account the general growth trends of the Western United States, as well as the potential to diversify both its economy and its population base. To maintain the existing quality of life, yet encourage a healthy economic enviromnent, growth of2% per year would result in a target population of 7500 by the year 2015. 7500 is a desirable population which carne out ofa series ofvision-setting session in the community. It is based on a feeling that this size community will maintain its smaIl town atmosphere. yet be considered a fairly independent social and economic unit, providing some range of employment, seIVices and institutional support to the populace. 1990 CENSUS INFORMAnON CONVERSE COUNTY Median Age­ 33 % Female­ 51% % Male­ 49% Population Caucasian 9630% Afiican American .14% Native American .86% Asian or Pacific Islander .30% Other Races ­ 2.40% Per Capita Income - $15,000 1997 Unemployment Rate - 4.6% 8 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section VI I] COMMUNTIY DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES AND POLJCIES Community Impression The City recognizes that quality of life is important and that how the community looks relates directly to an impression of livability and economic vitality. An attractive community has a sense ofpride, a sense ofcaring and a sense ofplace. All development is subject to appropriate aesthetic considerations and controls. Visual enhancement through open space protection, protection of scenic vistas, landscaping and planting will be used to enhance the beauty of the community. In the and central core area., developers are required to fullow certain design standards for landscaping and planting which are detailed in subsection - Community Corridor Element. Trees shaD not be .considered mils or cosmetic add-ons. The protection of existing trees shall be encouraged and the planting ofnew trees shall be required in new development areas. Signage shall be designed to blend with the character ofthe neighborhood and shall not detract from the general streetscape. Community Corridor Element A consistent use of streetscape design elements reflecting the indigenous natural land forms., plant materials and historic characteristics shaping Douglas will improve the visual experience for all. The goals ofthis element include: • Create attractive, cohesive to the City of Douglas. include 4th Street, East Richards Street, Center Street and West Yellowstone Highway. • Tie the core area of conununity to through the use of consistent thematic design enhancements, providing improved access and circulation to core area. The core area includes that property in and SUITOWlding the downtown commercial business district bounded by Cedar Street on the north, Street on the east, Elm Street on the south and Brownfield Road on the west • Implement mandatory thematic landscaping requirements .in the The streetscape design will primarily use native plants with low watering requirements. Compatible stnubbery and plants with higher water requirements is suggested at focal points, interpretive displays and other activity centers along the corridor. ---PAGE BREAK--- • Buffalograss is the recommended turf grass at most locations. Fescue/perennial ryegrass/bluegrass blend will be used for greener focal point areas. • Boulders are suggested in planting areas to add visual interest Provide for signage and written material along the which promotes and explains the rich history of the community. This signage should incorporate low stone walls, treated pine pole and beam structures and flood lit message panels. Business and Industry Commercial development should be concentrated in zoned commercial areas. Home OCQ.lpations, where these uses are conducted entire1y within a dweUing and carried on by the occupants thereofwiIJ be encouraged within residential zones. Business growth which preserves historical and culturally significant places is encouraged. The City aids these efforts as a Certified Local Government, by creating National Register of Historic Places opportunities and by providing technical assistance to areas of the community, especially those in the Core Area, which seek to capitalize on their historic aspects. Design standards for the preservation of the historic integrity located within the core area have been adopted by the City and are recommended in that area. Business and industries which serve to diversifY the local economy are encouraged. Examples of these include; agricultural related industries, telecommunications industries, health related industries, electronics, tourism, outdoor recreation products and services, Western Heritage products, warehousing and distnbution, and catalog sales businesses. Environmentally friendly manufucturing operations will be encouraged. Business and industry are urged to consider job training for community members. The economic needs ofresidents are ofprimary concern. Community Services and Facilities The maximum usage ofexisting conununity and public facilities as multiple-use centers shall be encouraged. The City shall support the provision of quality health care. Existing medical resources should be fully utilized and new resources developed so resident<; and visitors to Douglas have access to quality health care. Equipment and facilities for police. fire, ambulance and rescue agencies in the community is provided. Education The City will cooperate with Converse County School District No. I in planning for future population growth and its impacts on demand for school facilities. Future loeations and needs for schools are a key consideration for the approval offuture subdivision developments. 10 ---PAGE BREAK--- Continuing Education opportunities and technical preparation programs within the school system should be promoted and supported by the community. The City will work with Converse County School District #1 and other local governmental entities to develop a program to share resources and enhance educational and learning opportunities in the Local government arena. Young people should be given the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes of local government. Health, Safety, Welfare A quality environment is a prerequisite for the good health and well-being of individuals in the community. In cooperation with appropriate regulatory agencies, the City is proactive in the protection ofthe local environment, the citizens ofthe corrununity and the property within the community and shall adopt rules, regulations and policies to protect the health, safety and welfare ofthe community. The City shall continue to adopt and implement policies, rules, and regulations relating to: Health & Safety The City shall continue to develop rules and regulations governing the construction, alteration, removal, demolition, equipment, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of buildings and structures within the city limits and shall encourage adoption ofsaid regulations within the planning area. Adoption ofthe Uniform Fire Code, Uniform Building Code, Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Unifonn Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code, and the Uniform Plumbing Code, assists in the protection oflife and property. The City shall not allow fireworks use or sale within the city limits. Exceptions may be made for public displays. Regulations for gasoline, fuel oil, crude oil or other .inflammable and liquids shall be established . The City shall have the power to declare nuisances and to require abatement of same by property owners. Nuisances shall include, but not be limited to, accumulation of refuse, garbage and debris, maintenance of sidewalks, snow and ice removal, weeds, burning of garbage and refuse, discharging offensive fluid matter, offensive drains, pools and sewers and open cellars, pits or vaults. The flood hazard areas of the community are subject to periodic inundation which can result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and govermnental services. Policies shall continue to be enacted to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions 11 ---PAGE BREAK--- Vehicles and Traffic The city shall continue to adopt regulations governing the movement of traffic throughout the community in order to provide a safe and efficient traffic environment. Historic Preservation The Commtmity will pursue and encourage opportunities for residents and visitors alike to understand and appreciate the significance ofhistoric sites. The City ofDouglas will maintain a Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission will conduct cultural resource surveys of structures and areas for the purpose of determining those of archit~ historical, cultural and/or archaeological significance. The Historic Preservation Commission will encourage the preservation or adaptive re-use of historic structures ~thin the community and the use of the Unifonn Conservation Building Code shall be encouraged. . Historic Preservation will be a priority within the City's Central Business District. Development and exterior renovation within the core area and major to the conununity shall require Historic Preservation Commission review prior to approval of development plan or issuance ofbuilding permit Design improvements that help preserve the community heritage while strengthening economic viability in the downtown area will be emphasized. Renovation and new development within the downtown area that provides a degree of visual continuity, retains historic integrity and utilizes creative design solutions is encouraged. Housing The City shall encourage private and public policies designed to provide adequate shelter for all residents. These policies will include facilitating creation of affordable housing for all income categories. A wide variety of housing types and prices, based on present and future needs of the population, shall be encouraged. The development of quality housing for low income and elderly persons through programs of government assistance and private development shall be supported. Rehabilitation ofexisting housing shall be encouraged. The City shall evalua1e ahernarives to traditional infrastructure requirements in an effort to lower development costs. Local GGvemments Cooperation among all levels of govenunent within Converse County is encouraged by keeping other local governments informed ofCity activities, seeking input on City projects, and sharing infoffilation with other entities. 12 ---PAGE BREAK--- City annexation, subdivision and development regulations, as well as county subdivision and development regulations within the Douglas Planning Area, must be consistent with the Connnunity Development Plan The City has adopted and will implement the Uniform Building Code and other related codes to ensure that construction meets established life safety and health standards. The City shall encourage adoption of the Uniform Building Code for development within the county portion of the planning area. The City will promote citizen involvement in local government activities by utilizing mass­ media, public infurmation programs, citizen advisory boards, student advisory boards and facilitating public <>lI1:relch programs. Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Where economica1Jy feasible, the City will provide a full range of recreational areas accessible to all segments o(the community. The city's function is not to act as primary provider of recreational programs in the community. The City's role shall, as much as possible, be limited to the maintenance of existing city-owned parks or the development of new parks or recreational areas. The City shall cooperate with School District No. I in providing sites for the comnumity's recreation programs. The City will work with the U.S. Forest Service to promote outdoor recreational opportunities for tourists and community r~dents. The City recognizes the intrinsic value ofthe conservation ofnatural resources. The City shall strive to preserve the natural beauty that enhances the area's envirorunent The Heritage Trail along the North Platte River shall be recognized and maintained as one of the premier recreation areas in the City. When considering developments, the City will take into account the impacts on all natural resources. Municipal operations shall be in compliance with appropriate state and federal environmental standards for air, water and land quality. The City will continue to make every effort to provide adequate and interlocking floodway and greenspace corridors through the utilization of utility easements, topographical elements and zoning regulations Transportation With public safety, aesthetics and community standards in mind, the City shall provide an integrated transportation system which adequately accommodates vclricular and pedestrian travel within the community. safety, efficiency and maintenance ofthe existing transportation infrastructure is a high priority in the community. 13 ---PAGE BREAK--- The City shall identifY c~ute to the existing'economy are encouraged. Industrial Land Use Industrial activities shall be located and buffered to protect non-industrial land uses from encroachment. Encroachment by residential uses into industrial areas is also discouraged. Industrial activity should be located to take advantage of transportation facilities, having as direct an access to them as possible. Truck transportation routes to industrial sites shall be designated so they follow only major streets and highways. Offensive or potentially hazardous industIy shall be discouraged within the city limits. Agri4:ultural Land Use The Douglas area is dominated agriculturally by the ranching industry. Ranching calls to mind the rich western heritage ofthe community and enhances the visual experience of visitors to the area. Agricultural land use within the planning area should be preserved where possible to continue productive use ofland, to provide open scenic vistas, to maintain critical habitat for wildlife and to contribute to the unique community character. 16 ---PAGE BREAK--- Traditionai ranching activities such as haying, grazing, winter feeding and the raising of cattle, sheep and other domestic animals shall be allowed in areas historically utilized for these purposes. Commercial livestock barns and commercial feed lots shall not be allowed in agricultural zones. Appropriate health standards shall be adhered to in detennining animal units allowed per acre of agricultural land. Developments in agricultural zones shall be compatible with agricultural operations. This can be achieved by encouraging protection of contiguous open space and encouraging the protection of large blocks ofopen space. Greeospace Land Use The natural and sCenic resources found in the Planning Area are essential component's of the community's character. These resources also enhance the success ofthe tourism. industry by providing an enjoyable experience to visitors and residents ofthe community. The greenspace district is intended to promote open vegetated areas that can maintain a natural habitat for wildlife and protect the scenic qualities ofappropriate areas. The district is further intended to be applied to publicly owned park and open space property or property for which scenic or greenspace easements have been dedicated or purchased for the public. All new subdivisions shall be required to provide adequate open space dedicated to the public use for the purposes of park or natural scenic easements. SO/o ofthe total acreage of a new subdivision shall be dedicated to the public use to meet this requirement. In lieu ofdedication, a fee may be paid by the developer to the City for the construction of public improvements in the community. Public Lands Public facilities and government-owned property shall be designated as a separate land use on the Land Use Map. Public land uses are allowed uses in any zoning district. 17 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section V11I II II MAJOR STREETS AND ROUTES PLAN The City of Douglas Conununity Development Plan Streets and Routes Map identifies existing and proposed future streets and routes by three categorical definitions. These are: Arterial, Collector, and Local In addition to the general goals and policies for transportation set forth elsewhere in the Plan, the following standards and policies shall apply to the major streets and routes plan Rights-of-Way The minimum right-:of-way widths are as foUows: 1. Arterial--­ 100 feet (1 QQ') 2. CoUectors-----­ 80 feet (80') 3. Local---­ 50 feet (50') Wider rights-of-way may be requiTed by topography, grade separations, residential densities, and commercial development, or for other such functional considerations. Polici~ Existing streets and roadways and their respective rights-of-way shall be continued to a logical tenninarion. All developments shall provide adequate access to adjacent property in conformance with the adopted streets and routes plan. Developers shall be responsible for the development of streets or roadways. curb, gutter and sidewalks, and appropriate stonn sewer adjacent to and within their respective subdivisions. If a street or roadway is on the property line between developments, the first developer needing access shaD be for constructing the full width ofthe street or roadway so that half streets are not constructed. Subsequent developers shall be required to reimburse costs to the original developel" for their share of public streets adjacent to their property. Additional major streets and routes shall be provided as required for topography and existing and future development according to neighborhood plans, subdivision platting, and general plan amendments. The final alignment of any future street or route shall be planned and engineered to harmonize with the existing topography and drainage patterns. All developments shall supply sufficient local streets to provide access to-and-from developed areas to Collectors or Arterials. Efforts should be made to coordinate transportation and land use planning among State, County, and City Governments. 18 ---PAGE BREAK--- Section IX II I] lMPLEMENTATION The following actions should be taken to implement this plan: Update all land use regulations and codes to reflect the policies ofthis plan and the physical layout ofthe Land Use Plan. Work toward the rezoning of areas currently zoned differently than that indicated on the Land Use Plan. Evaluate the mutual benefits ofannexation for those areas of the Land Use Map that are adjacent to, or SUlTOWlded by, the city limits. Encowage property owners who are provided with city water or sewer to annex to the city ifthey are adjacent to, or surrounded by, city limits. Adopt specific regulations requiring the planting oftrees and other landscape amenities. Revise the existing sign code to meet the goal of reducing sign clutter and assuring that signage complements the character ofthe neighborhood. Encourage the Converse County Commissioners to adopt development and subdivision regulations that are consistent with this Community Development Plan fur areas within the one-mile peripheral area. . 19 ---PAGE BREAK--- I i I I i \ OFl DOU\--'LAS COMM:UNITY k'~rELO p~ENT I \ LJ ND -SE APRIL 1997 I I lATE; HlGJ-IWAY NO 25 .l RIDGE ---PAGE BREAK--- RESIDEN'nAL UNDEVELOPED AGRICULTURE UNOgyELQPf;D COMMeRCIAL. 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