The following development policies have been established to address the development principles initially set out by the Township Board and the development issues identified in the preceding section:

Policies

1. Support and Encourage Agriculture – Agriculture is the primary land use in the Township and the occupation of most residents. Land use regulations should recognize farming as the highest priority in the Township. Policies must also be aware of the need to adapt to the changing nature of agriculture, especially larger scale operations.

2. Support and Encourage Non-Farm Residents – Non-farm residents have been a key part of maintaining the township’s population and tax base. Future job growth potential in Thief River Falls points to the importance of Township policies that welcome new residents.

3. Support Sensible Use of Natural Resources – The high quality and diversity of natural resources in the Township are the base of agriculture and an important attraction for other residents. Residents and others should be required to use the resources in a manner which prevents damage to the resources and respects the needs of other users. Special concerns include mineral extraction, waste disposal, and high intensity recreation.

4. Make Provisions for Industry and Business – There is a potential for larger scale industrial or business developments in the Township and smaller businesses may be a growing income source for residents. The Township should make provisions for industrial and business developments in a manner which fits well with existing uses. This should include allowing small businesses in appropriate locations and guiding the placement of larger operations.

5. Maintain a Strong Voice in Important Locational Decisions – The location of certain facilities or land uses can have a significant effect on Township residents in terms of public infrastructure cost and effects on nearby properties. Items of specific concern include feedlots, high density housing, high use recreational facilities, and industrial developments. The Township should maintain a strong legal voice in the location of this type of development.

6. Require Adequate Space – Smiley Township residents enjoy the luxury of space and the related freedom to use their property as they prefer. Land use regulations should require adequate space for all land uses to prevent conflicts between the landowners rights to use their property and the rights of landowners to limit land uses which prevent them from using their property.

Developmental Controls

Smiley Township does not yet have an overall zoning ordinance in effect to control development, but it is anticipated they will have one in place by late 2017. Pennington County has adopted a Subdivision and Platting Ordinance as well as a Shoreland Management Ordinance, both of which are administered by Pennington County and Smiley Township. The Shoreland Management Ordinance was adopted pursuant to the Minnesota Shoreland Management Act of 1969 and affects all land within 1,000 feet of a lake, pond, or flowage and within 300 feet of a river or stream. In rural areas, the Act applies to all lakes over 25 acres in area and to rivers and streams with drainage areas in excess of 1,280 acres.

The purpose of the Shoreland Management Act and the accompanying local regulations is to control development alongside lakes, rivers, and streams so that the natural resource values of the water body are maintained to the greatest of three categories – Natural Environment, Recreational Development, and Tributary River Segments. The different classifications control the kind of intensity of development by regulating uses, building and sewer setbacks, and minimum lot sizes.

Future Development Potential

Probably the most likely trend in township development is the desire of some people to live in rural areas and commute long distances to work. Continued growth of the non-retired permanent population will be significantly influenced by external factors including the health of the regional economy, job availability in Thief River Falls, the price of gasoline, and long-distance commuting costs. In this case, Smiley is relatively close to Thief River Falls so commuting costs are somewhat mitigated, but there are several residents who commute longer distances to work.

Goals and Policy Statements

The Township of Smiley and its elected officials will use this document when making many land use decisions during the next decade. Planning will be based on sound land use practices that protect the natural resources and residents’ general welfare. The purpose of the goals and policies is to give guidance and enable the public officials to make sound policy. By following this plan, the Township officials can be insured of balanced decisions based upon sound planning concepts. The following goals and policies reflect the views of the citizens of Smiley Township toward future development. They should be reviewed frequently by the elected officials to see if development matches the goals and policies. If warranted, changes should be made to reflect changes in attitudes and trends.

Natural Environment

Goal: To protect and preserve the natural environment of Smiley Township’s rivers, streams, woodlands, open spaces and wetland areas in a manner consistent with existing development patterns and the guide plan.

Policy 1: Encourage enforcement of all applicable shoreland and wetland regulations.

Policy 2: Assist with the enforcement of the county ordinances involving the placement of wells, septic tank and other soil absorption systems near water courses and wetlands.

Policy 3: Do not allow the filling of wetland and low areas without careful analysis of the consequences on the hydrology of the area and impact on wildlife.

Goal: To encourage the use of natural and open space lands in a manner that will not lead to loss of natural habitat and keep the rural feel of Smiley Township.

Policy 1: Allow for large lot sizes in certain areas of the township and uses that preserve forest and wooded lands.

Policy 2: Discourage clear cutting of forested areas without a specific plan for reforestation or reclamation of the land.

Policy 3: Assist local public and civic groups with tree planting programs on public lands.

Goal: Capitalize on natural resources in an environmentally friendly manner for the benefit of Smiley Township and its residents.

Policy 1: Promote development of Township trails and other natural attributes.

Policy 2: Enforce Township controls covering forests and trail systems that encourage their development and funding.

Policy 3: Seek out opportunities to expand the natural recreation and tourism opportunities within the township in an effort to retain and create jobs, grow the tax base, and draw new dollars into the township.

Agriculture

Goal: To preserve areas now dedicated to farming use and to encourage the continued use of agricultural lands within the Township.

Policy 1: Establish, within the zoning ordinance, specific areas for agricultural land use.

Policy 2: Protect agricultural lands from encroachment by sound land use controls within and adjacent to agricultural zoned lands.

Goal: To maintain the family farm as an integral segment of the Township’s economic strength.

Policy 1: Establish and encourage programs that support family farm policies including support programs and funding mechanisms.

Policy 2: Allow for large lot sizes in certain areas of the Township and uses that preserve open agricultural lands.

Policy 3: Strategically designate areas open for smaller parcel development in an effort not to detract from the Township’s agricultural feel.

Residential

Goal: To provide for all housing types in the Township consistent with Smiley development patterns.

Policy 1: Establish zoning districts within the township that allow for various density requirements.

Policy 2: Discourage lot development of less than one acre unless adequate means of sewer and water can be provided.

Policy 3: Plan for the upgrading of substandard housing.

Policy 4: Allow for various housing types which vary in cost and size, thereby allowing all family income levels.

Policy 5: Plan for the approval of manufactured housing enabling owners of such housing a development similar to conventional housing.

Policy 6: Implement zoning controls relating to blighted properties in an effort to promote the health, safety, and well-being of the Township.

Goal: Allow for residential development in those areas where such development will not adversely affect the natural environment or water quality.

Policy 1: Encourage the enforcement of the applicable shoreland standards regulations which regulate recreational development on river shores.

Policy 2: Discourage residential development in areas where the environment would be damaged or harmed through improper development.

Policy 3: Discourage the use of multiple dwelling units or structures on lots incapable of providing suitable sanitary, water and other services.

Policy 4: Consult with the local Soil Conservation Service and Department of Natural Resources personnel on all residential developments of four or more lots where applicable.

Commercial

Goal: To provide suitable areas where commercial development can take place and be accessible to the greatest number of residents, tourists, and passersby.

Policy 1: Encourage and properly zone areas where development of commercial activity will be centered rather than scattered throughout the Township.

Policy 2: Capitalize on the high volume of traffic moving through the township on US Highway 59 and other highways.

Policy 3: Develop commercial centers where public services, including main traveled roadways, utilities, and other public functions occur.

Policy 4: Explore development opportunities in a responsible and sustainable manner in an effort to create and maintain jobs, strengthen the tax base, and bring new dollars into the Township.

Policy 5: Discourage commercial development where residential home values, residents and the natural environment will be adversely affected.

Policy 6: Encourage fencing of existing junkyards and ensure proper regulatory provisions of same are included in zoning ordinance.

Recreational

Goal: To provide for suitable areas within the Township for public open space developments.

Policy 1: Encourage preservation of those unique natural areas for public open space use and provide for special protection areas.

Policy 2: Utilize, where ownership permits, river and stream banks, woodlands, open areas and similar property for recreational purposes.

Policy 3: Develop park and recreational areas that will have the most benefit to the Township residents and visitors, with the least detriment.

Goal: To encourage and assist with the development of recreational trail systems linking natural areas.

Policy 1: Promote the use of public trails developed by the State of Minnesota.

Policy 2: Encourage the development of multi-purpose trails linking public areas and other sections of the Township.

Policy 3: Encourage purchase of easements through private property for trail systems.

Goal: To encourage, through local land use control, private land use developments which are recreational in nature and will serve the general public.

Policy 1: Provide zone classifications for private recreational land.

Policy 2: Promote the development of waterfront recreational land use development.

Industrial

Goal: To provide suitable areas within the township for industrial development which will not impact existing development or cause harmful environmental effects.

Policy 1: Permit industrial use to locate in the Township that will not have an adverse impact on residents or the environment.

Policy 2: Disallow those industrial uses that will adversely impact traffic patterns, groundwater supplies, or unique natural areas.

Goal: To provide for suitable areas within the Township where industrial development can take place.

Policy 1: Encourage and zone properly, areas within the Township where development of industrial activity will be centered rather than scattered throughout the Township.

Policy 2: Capitalize on access to US Hwy 59, other highways, and other transportation infrastructure running through the township.

Policy 3: Explore industrial development opportunities in a responsible and sustainable manner in an effort to create and retain jobs, strengthen the tax base, and bring new dollars into the Township.

Policy 4: Discourage industrial development where residential home values, residents, and the natural environment will be adversely affected.

Transportation:

Goal: To maintain the established system of roads and highways within the Township in a manner consistent with safety and efficiency.

Policy 1: Maintain and improve all roadways according to an improvement plan approved by the Township in regard to plowing, grading and normal maintenance.

Policy 2: Seek consultation and support of County and State highway officials with regard to road and highway improvements, if necessary.

Policy 3: Reduce and eliminate all areas of conflict between motorized, non-motorized and pedestrian traffic.

Goal: To provide new transportation corridors (roads, highways) to areas where new development can occur thereby strengthening the tax base.

Policy 1: Encourage developers to construct township standard roadways into new developments.

Policy 2: Follow the developed transportation plan of the county and seed meaningful road projects that will aid Township residents.

Policy 3: Permit the construction of roadways that will link areas of the Township together.

Historical/Cultural

Goal: To preserve and protect the historical landmarks in the Township for education and cultural purposes.

Policy 1: Discourage development that could disturb or destroy know Indian mounds.

Policy 2: Find ways to promote the Township’s heritage and history.

Goal: To strengthen the cultural opportunities available in the Township in an effort to provide residents the opportunities to live a richer and fuller life.

Policy 1: Find ways to partner with and promote area schools, arts groups, etc. to provide programs for the Township.

IMPLEMENTATION

The comprehensive land use plan, as noted in the introduction, is merely the planning tool for the township to follow for the future physical growth and development of the Township. The Zoning Ordinance is a legal device used to implement the plan policies and goals. The following recommendations suggest procedures and policies which can be used to implement the Township of Smiley Comprehensive Plan Recommendations which are necessary to implement the plan are as follows:

Recommendation 1: Design a zoning ordinance and map in order to maintain and promote the concepts of the comprehensive land use plan. Suggested zoning districts with comments are listed below:

Agricultural:

Uses would be limited to agricultural of all types with single family dwellings. The purpose would be to retain the rural character of Smiley Township.

Forest:

Uses would be limited to those in conformity with protecting and preserving the natural environment of Smiley Township’s rivers, streams and wetland areas.

R-1 Residential:

To maintain and promote the character of rural areas in the Township, to protect the functional integrity of roads, and to limit suburban development in a manner consistent with Township planning objectives.

R-2 Residential:

To provide for moderate development on minimum one acre parcels while maintaining a rural character.

R-3 Residential:

To provide for high density development, suburban style living in existing platted areas.

Commercial/Industrial:

The commercial/industrial district shall allow most commercial uses, but strict, township-created and controlled design standards should be enforced. This procedure will ensure a unified and pleasing appearance of the commercial/industrial areas. Moreover, this procedure will likely be in line with proposed actions of other townships and communities along the US Hwy 59 corridor.

Overlay Zone:

This zone will incorporate all the elements of the Pennington County Shoreland Management Ordinance. An overlay zone maintains the existing zoning but may provide additional standards and restrictions, if any, to protect an environmentally sensitive area.

These recommendations would satisfy most of Smiley Township’s needs. However, as conditions in the Township change, the zoning ordinance will need to be re-examined and updated.