1380 Dorland Rd S, Maplewood, MN 55119

Rural Conservation Dwelling District

The City of Maplewood finds that there is a direct link between the natural systems and character that exists throughout certain areas of the community. The requirements of this rural conservation dwelling district are meant to preserve and enhance the ecological/aesthetic character by providing incentives that: reinforce and establish ecological connections throughout the city; protect and enhance drainageways and water quality; protect and enhance ecological communities; preserve and improve vistas; and preserve or reinterpret local historical landmarks.; To allow for and to protect a semi-rural, residential lifestyle, the city creates the R-1R zoning district that is intended to encourage conservation-based development. This zoning district is for the areas of Maplewood that are not suitable for suburban or tract development because of topography, vegetation or other factors that make the area unique. The city finds the most suitable use of these areas is single dwellings on large lots, but is interested in protecting the natural resources and will encourage developments to follow the conservation principles and initiatives identified in subsequent sections of this division. To further support the rural quality of the area, the density calculations in the R-1R district shall be calculated on a net-acre basis which is further described in subsection 44-1303 of this division. Low-density residential development and conservation development will lessen grading and soil erosion and will help protect groundwater, vegetation, ecological communities and wooded areas.