§ 1. Background.

1.01.

The City of Richfield regulates land use activities throughout its official controls which include the City's Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations and subdivision regulations.

1.02.

The City has recently modified its Comprehensive Municipal Plan. The modifications include a recognition of the need to reconsider the zoning pattern for properties lying between Pleasant Avenue on the West, Cedar Avenue on the East, 77th Street on the North and I-494 on the South ("Study Area").

1.03.

There exist a number of significant planning and land use issues pertaining to the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare, including, without limitation, whether existing or new zoning classifications should be established in the Study Area, what uses should be permitted and what should be conditional, and the standards for each, and whether any design or performance standards should be applicable to development within the Study Area.

1.04.

Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.355 Subd. 4 allows the City to adopt an interim Ordinance for the purpose of protecting the planning process and the health, safety and welfare of its citizens.