City Detail

The City of La Crescent current tracks all energy usage for the city through the B3 Benchmarking program. At least 12 months of consecutive data has been entered and this will be routinely monitored and used for understanding the city's energy usage and how to improve.

#1 - The La Crescent Fire Station and Community Building went through a extensive renovation to install energy, safety, and accessibility upgrades. These upgrades were done from 2015 to completion in March 2016 and included conversion to all LED lighting, weather stripping, sealant, HVAC replacements, and integrated communications and controls for heating and cooling. As of Fall 2016, La Crescent was chosen to be a part of the Made In Minnesota program.

#2 - The community ice arena has converted all indoor and outdoor lighting to LED lighting as of 10.31.16.

#1 - The La Crescent Fire Station and Community Building went through a extensive renovation to install energy, safety, and accessibility upgrades. These upgrades were done from 2015 to completion in March 2016 and included conversion to all LED lighting, weather stripping, sealant, HVAC replacements, and integrated communications and controls for heating and cooling. As of Fall 2016, La Crescent was chosen to be a part of the Made In Minnesota program.

#2 - The community ice arena has converted all indoor and outdoor lighting to LED lighting as of 10.31.16.

La Crescent partnered with Xcel Energy to create an Energy Action Plan. This action plan includes promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy resources to the city website, and promoting residential participation in programs of these topics.

Section from ordinance that states: "Subd. 5. GLARE. In all districts, any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area, sign, or other structure, shall be arranged so as to deflect light away from any adjoining residential zone or from the public streets. Direct or sky-reflected glare, whether from floodlights or from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding, shall not be directed into any adjoining property. The source of lights shall be hooded or controlled in some manner so as not to light adjacent property. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on a public street shall not exceed one (1) foot candle (meter reading) as measured from the centerline of said street. Any light or combination of lights which cast light on residential property shall not exceed .4 foot candles (meter reading) as measured from said property line. All new exterior lighting shall be dark sky LED lighting not allowing light trespass."

The city's only traffic signal is LED and will only be replaced with LED Lighs. In the future Xcel is transitioning to all LED street lights and will only install new as LED.

La Crescent's only traffic signal is optimized using signal timing and sensors to minimize car idling and maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.

Currently the City of La Crescent has installed LED lighting in the ice arena parking lot as well as transitioned all Christmas lights to LEDs for future use. Warning flashers are rotated in different areas and are powered by solar energy.

BRIGHT UPGRADES FOR THE
APPLE CAPITAL
The whole project included the following upgrades to LED:

6 bridge lights (bulb replacement)
1 city welcome sign light (bulb replacement)
3 outdoor wall packs (fixture replacement)
1 outdoor pole light (fixture replacement)
12 high bay lights in our maintenance shop (fixture replacement)
26 4-foot linear tubes in our maintenance shop (lamp replacement)
1 street light on Main and Walnut (fixture replacement)

The city of La Crescent's only traffic signal (100%) contains LEDs.

La Crescent adopted it's 2016 comprehensive plan on September 12, 2016.

They are currently working on incorporating this into all ordinance text. Still needs to be completed.

12.26 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS (PUD) Subd. 1. PURPOSE. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a tract of land, which is developed as a unit under single or unified ownership or control and which generally includes two or more principal buildings or uses but which may consist of one building containing a combination of principal and supportive uses. A PUD may be requested in any zoning district under the provisions set forth in this Section, except the Shoreland Management Overlay District which has its own set of standards and process for PUDs. Each approved Planned Unit Development shall be considered a separate zoning district and shall not be considered an ‘overlay’ to the existing district. The purposes of this section are as follows: A. To encourage a more creative and efficient development of land and its improvements through the preservation of natural features and amenities than is possible under the more restrictive application of zoning requirements. This section may allow modifications such as non-standard lot sizes, private streets and driveways, reduced rights-of-way and street widths, housing types, zero lot lines and building setbacks. These changes shall meet the 84 standards and purposes of the comprehensive plan while preserving the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city. B. To allow for the potential mixture of uses in an integrated and well planned area when such mixing of land uses could not otherwise be accomplished under this title. C. To ensure concentration of open space into more usable areas, and a preservation of the natural resources of the site. D. Protects natural features in private, common and public open space. E. To facilitate the economical provision of streets and public utilities. F. To facilitate mixed use developments, and/or affordable housing, recreational uses and institutional uses. Subd. 2. STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. A rezoning will be required of all planned unit developments, as they are not considered an overlay on the underlying zoning district and are reflected as a separate district on the official zoning map. The city may approve the planned unit development only if it finds that the development satisfies all of the following standards: A. The planned unit development is consistent with the comprehensive plan of the city. B. The planned unit development is an effective and unified treatment of the development possibilities on the project site and the development plan provides for the preservation or creation of unique amenities such as natural streams, stream banks, wooded cover, rough terrain, manmade landforms or landscaping and similar areas. C. The planned unit development can be planned and developed to harmonize with any existing or proposed development in the areas surrounding the project site. The development plan will not have a detrimental effect upon the neighborhood or an in which it is proposed to be located. D. The planned unit development provides transitions in land use in keeping with the character of adjacent land use and provides variety in the organization of site elements and building design. E. The tract under consideration is under single ownership or control. F. The tract is at least ten acres in size unless the applicant can show that a PUD of less acreage meets the standards and purposes of the comprehensive plan and preserves the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city and that all of the following conditions exist: 1. The proposal better adapts itself to the physical and aesthetic setting of the site and with the surrounding land uses than could be developed 85 using strict standards and land uses allowed within the underlying zoning district. 2. The proposal would benefit the area surrounding the project to greater degree than development allowed within the then existing zoning district(s). 3. The proposal would provide mixed land use and/or site design flexibilities while enhancing site or building aesthetics to achieve an overall, workable higher quality of development than would otherwise occur in the then existing zoning district. 4. The proposal would ensure the concentration of open space into more workable or usable areas and would preserve the natural resources of the site than would otherwise occur in the underlying zoning district. 5. Planned Unit Development (PUD) may require on-site renewable energy systems or zero-net-energy (ZNE) or zero-net-carbon (ZNC) building designs as a condition for approval of a PUD permit to mitigate for: a. Risk to the performance of the local electric distribution system; b. Increased emissions of greenhouse gases; and c. Other risks or effects inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. G. The public benefits, such as but not limited to, improved site or architectural design, open space preservation, improved parks, trails, recreation facilities or other amenities, a mix of compatible land uses which foster Comprehensive Plan goals, of the Planned Unit Development justify rezoning from the primary zoning ordinance provisions and performance standards. H. The Planned Unit Development will not create an excessive burden on parks, schools, streets, or other facilities and utilities that serve or are proposed to serve the Planned Unit Development. Subd. 3. PERMITTED USES. Uses within the PUD may include only those uses generally considered associated with the general land use category shown for the area on the official comprehensive land use plan unless otherwise approved in the development plan. Specific allowed uses and performance standards for each PUD shall be delineated in an ordinance and development plan. The PUD development plan shall identify all the proposed land uses and those uses shall become permitted uses with the acceptance of the development plan. Subd 4. COORDINATION WITH SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS. Subdivision review under the subdivision regulations shall be carried out simultaneously with the review of the PUD if subdivision of property is required to implement the development. The plans required under this title shall be submitted in a form which will satisfy the requirements of the subdivision ordinance for the preliminary and final plat. 86 Subd 5. PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD). A. All Planned Unit Development Applications shall follow the procedural requirements set forth in this Subsection. Prior to issuance of any permits for development within a PUD the following must occur: 1. A concept sketch plan review will be prepared by the applicant. This review provides helpful insight and preliminary review and recommendation by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. A General Development Plan application and preliminary plat shall be submitted according to the procedures outlined in the following items subject to review and recommendation of the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council. 3. A Final Development Plan application and final plat shall be submitted according to the procedures outlined in the following items subject to review and recommendation of the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council. B. Concept Sketch Plan: The purpose of the concept stage is to inform the City of the applicant’s intentions and to inform the applicant as to the general acceptability of the proposal before extensive costs are expended by the applicant. 1. A concept sketch plan review is required. 2. The approval is non-binding, on the part of both the applicant and the City. Any approval or denial shall in no way bind the City to subsequent action on more detailed plans. 3. Concept Sketch plan review application information: a. An application for concept sketch plan review on City application form and all applicable fees, signatures and information. b. A general plan and statement of the concept explaining the land use proposed, density, public and private parks and open space, natural resources or other public benefits and tentative staging or schedule. 4. Concept Sketch plan review: a. Planning staff shall submit a written review along with the applicant’s plans to the Planning Commission for their consideration. b. The Planning Commission shall hold informational public meeting(s) of all interested parties. 87 c. The Planning Commission shall make its recommendations to the City Council. d. The City Council will take action on the concept sketch plan review. Approval of the concept sketch plan review shall be limited to the general acceptability of the land uses proposed and their interrelationship. The action shall in no way bind the City Council to subsequent action on more detailed plans. C. General Development Plan: In addition to criteria and standards set forth in this title for granting of a rezoning, the following additional findings shall be made before the approval of a General Development Plan. 1. An applicant shall make an application for a planned unit development following the procedural steps as set forth in this title. 2. The proposed PUD is in conformance with the comprehensive plan. The PUD is in conformance with 12.51 Performance Standards unless expressly exempted. 3. The uses proposed will not have an undue and adverse impact on the reasonable enjoyment of neighboring property and will not be detrimental to potential surrounding uses. 4. Each phase of the proposed development, as it is proposed to be completed, is of sufficient size, composition, and arrangement that its construction, marketing, and operation are feasible as a complete unit, and that provision and construction of dwelling units and common open space are balanced and coordinated. 5. The PUD will not create an excessive burden on parks, schools, streets, and other public facilities and utilities, which serve or are proposed, to serve the area. 6. The proposed total development is designed in such a manner as to form a desirable and unified environment within its own boundaries. 7. The following exhibits and written narratives shall be submitted to the City by the proposed developer as a part of the application for a General Development Plan PUD: a. An explanation of the character of the planned development and the manner in which it has been planned to take advantage of the planned development regulations including public benefits it is providing. b. A list of the present ownership of all the land included within the planned development and a list of property owners within 500 feet of the outer boundaries of the property. 88 c. A general indication of the expected schedule of development including progressive phasing and time schedule. d. A map giving the legal description of the property including approximate total acreage and also indicating existing property lines and dimensions, ownership of all parcels, platting, easements, street right-of-ways, utilities, and buildings for the property and for the area 500 feet beyond. e. Natural features, maps or maps of the property and area 500 feet beyond showing contour lines at no more than two-foot intervals, drainage patterns, wetlands, vegetation, soil, and subsoil conditions. f. A map indicating proposed land uses and corresponding areas including housing units, total densities and types, area devoted to nonresidential uses, area devoted and number of off street parking and loading spaces and related access, and common and private parks and open space uses. g. Circulation including vehicular and pedestrian movement throughout the site, relationship to the City thoroughfare plan and the adjoining land. h. Full description as to how all necessary governmental services will be provided to the development including sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water systems, streets and other public utilities. i. An engineering report presenting results of percolation tests and soil analysis of the site. j. Any additional information requested by the city staff, the planning and zoning commission and city council that may be required for clarification of the proposed project. k. 4 copies of all required information shall be submitted. l. The applicant shall also submit a preliminary plat and all the necessary documentation as required under the Subdivision Ordinance of all or that portion of the project to be platted. For purposes of administrative simplification, the public hearings required for the PUD and preliminary plat may be combined into one hearing or may be held concurrently 8. Care and Maintenance of Public Space and Service Facilities: When the proposed PUD includes provisions for public or common open space or service facilities, a statement describing the provision that is to be made for the care and maintenance of such open space or service facilities. 9. Restrictive Covenants: Any restrictive covenants that are to be recorded with respect to property included in the proposed PUD. 89 D. Final Development Plan. After approval of the general development plan and preliminary plat the applicant may apply for final development plan approval for all or a portion of the PUD. The applicant shall submit the following material for review by the Planning Commission and City Council. 1. The final development plan with recommended modifications, if any, and if necessary, the modified preliminary plat, shall be filed with the Building Official containing the information required in the general development plan plus any changes recommended by the planning and zoning commission and the city council as a result of the public hearing. 2. The applicant shall also submit a final plat (according to the requirements in the subdivision regulations for all or that portion to be platted. Such plats may be submitted in smaller increments as may be economical to finance or construct at one time. 3. The final general development plan shall be submitted with the first final plat which shall conform to the approved general development plan and approved preliminary plat. This plan shall include any recommended changes by the planning and zoning commission or city council to the original general development plan and original preliminary plat. 4. The city council shall review the final development plan and final plat. Upon approval the following items shall occur: a. The final development plan and all supporting documents will be filed with the PUD agreement and together they will form the conditions of approval. b. If the final plat is not recorded with Houston County and the development contract is not fully executed with all required bonds posted within 18 months of the date of the final plat and development contract were approved by the City Council, then the PUD shall become null and void. E. Building permits. Building permits shall not be issued for any structures and land alterations shall not be made until the following conditions are met: 1. Public open space has been deeded to the City and officially recorded 2. A development contract has been approved and executed by all required parties with all required bonds posted. 3. The Homeowners Association by-laws, covenants and deed restrictions have been approved by the City Attorney and officially recorded 4. The final plat has been approved by the City and recorded with appropriate governmental agencies as required by law. F. Conveyance and maintenance of common open space. 90 1. All land shown on the final development plan as common open space must be conveyed to homeowners association or similar organization provided in an indenture establishing an association or similar organization for the maintenance of the planned development. The common open space must be conveyed to the homeowners association or similar organization subject to covenants to be approved by the city attorney which restrict the common open space to the uses specified on the final development plan, and which provide for the maintenance of the common open space in a manner which assures its continuing use for its intended purpose. 2. If a homeowners association is created, the applicant shall submit any required homeowner association documents at the time of the first final plat of development to the city attorney and city staff which explain: a. Ownership and membership requirements. b. Articles of incorporation and bylaws. c. Time at which the developer turns the association over to the homeowners. d. Approximate monthly or yearly association fees for homeowners. e. Specific listing of items owned in common including such items as roads, recreation facilities, parking, common open space grounds, and utilities. 3. Standards for common or open space. No open area may be approved as common open space under the provisions of this article unless it meets the following standards: 4. The location, shape, size, and character of the common open space must be suitable for the planned development. a. Common open space must be used for amenity or recreational purposes. The uses authorized for the common open space must be appropriate to the scale and character of the planned development, considering its size, density, expected population, topography, and the number and type of dwellings to be provided. b. Common open space must be suitably improved for its intended use but common space containing natural features worthy of preservation may be left unimproved. The buildings, structures and improvements which are permitted in the common open space must be appropriate to the uses which are authorized for the common open space and must conserve and enhance the amenities of the common open space having regard to its topography and unimproved condition. 91 c. Outlots to be dedicated for park, ponding or other purposes shall be deeded to the city, or a City approved conservation or preservation corporation, before the final plat is released for recording. G. Review and amendments. 1. From time to time the Building Official may review PUDs within the city and may make a report to the city council on the status of noncompliance for a particular PUD. If the Building Official finds that the development has not commenced within one year after the original approval of the conditional use for the PUD, the Building Official may recommend that the city council extend the time or revoke the PUD approval as set forth in this title. Prior to cancellation or revocation of this permit, the city council shall hold a public hearing at which time all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. 2. For additional phases of the PUD, if within five years the project has not progressed, the Building Official may recommend that the city council determine what action will be taken with the remainder of the project. Prior to determining the outcome of the PUD, the city council shall hold a public hearing at which time all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. 3. Minor changes in the location, placement, and heights of the buildings or structures may be authorized by the Building Official if required by engineering or other circumstances not foreseen at the time the final plan was approved. 4. Approval of the planning commission and city council shall be required for other changes such as rearrangement of lots, blocks and building tracts. These changes shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of the approved final development plan. 5. Any amendment to the PUD shall require the same procedures as for the application for a PUD as set forth in this title.

We are currently working on a downtown plan. Information to be coming soon.

Th City of La Crescent is part of the La Crosse Area Planning Commission which is working on a number of different items, most extensively transportation improvement in the region. Our Mayor is an important voting member on the commission. See above link for more comprehensive information.

La Crescent established an exceptional network of protected blufflands and recreational trails in and around the City of La Crescent. This was provided through easements on Vetsch and Eagles Bluff Park Properties with the MN Land Trust.

The City of La Crescent has been a designated Bird City since 2020. This program restores, protects and improves bird habitat. It also engages the community in learning about what habitats birds thrive in.

A Complete Streets Policy was enacted in 2019. This policy addresses landscaping and stormwater drainage, along with an array of other facilities and amenities.

N 3rd street was narrowed with street reconstruction. A pedestrian bump-out was also added.

A bike pedestrian plan was made in 2017. This plan discusses existing policies, ordinances, plans, and conditions related to bikes. It then provides bike and pedestrian network recommendations.

Striped 10 foot lanes on North 4th street and Jonathan Lane. There are traffic calming measures at N 3rd St as well.

We have been working on multiple avenues to promote walking, biking, and transit. We are currently in the process of updating our 2013 pedestrian plan. Bicycle Friendly community - Bronze designation, May 2023. We have a strong Bicycle Shoppe which is supported by the city and helps to promote bicycling and fix bicycles. For additional information see our links and attached document.

La Crescent implemented a Safe Routes to School program in 2020. Through this, walking and riding bikes to school is encouraged and traffic laws and regulations are taught to students. This supports an active community. Areas near schools were evaluated for problems/issues with walkability/safety and new infrastructure recommendations were given.

In fall of 2016, La Crescent added Saturday bus service to La Crosse in it's schedule. See above link for minutes in which it was passed. This has been of great concern for many residents and we hope to study the usage of Saturday and possibly extend into Sunday service. We are also in the process of building a large walking/bike bridge over Highway 61 which will help to connect the City of La Crescent with the City of La Crosse through a biking corridor.

La Crescent police department implemented a no-idling practice in one of their policies. The section on idling is on page 2 of the attached document.

There is an E-bike that police use for patrol.

Adopted December 20th, 2019

La Crescent has subscribed to a 3rd party community solar garden with Clearway Solar. 82% of city electricity use is from generated and/or purchased renewable energy.

City Council meetings are transitioning to paperless city council packets as well as planning commission meetings. This change is being implemented with a $10,000 budget line in the 2017 budget.

La Crescent has been a certified Tree City for 6 years. They have received the 2022 Tree City recognition on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation.

On page 153 of the zoning ordinances for the City of La Crescent, it outlines substantial best practices for tree planting, maintenance, and preservation. We also have a tree board which has been working on our Tree City USA recognition. Being the Apple Capital of MN we have a commitment to trees and preserving them for future generations.

La Crescent currently has 4 volunteers certified as Tree Stewards. These volunteers help monitor and take care of trees in the community. La Crescent also has an EAB Tree ordinance which completes requirement C of this action.

La Crescent completed this assessment in 2023. The Stormwater Assessment score was 47% and the Climate Adaptation score was 56%.

Under state and federal rules, the City of La Crescent has been classified as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) community. As such, the City has developed a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) designed to develop, implement and enforce a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that is intended to minimize the discharge of pollutants from its storm sewer system in order to protect the water quality of the receiving waters in accordance with the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and its amendments.
This Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan is a local plan that has been prepared with the purpose of meeting the requirements of the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit.

Best Management Practices (BMPs), including education, maintenance, pollution control techniques, system designs and engineering methods as well as local provisions deemed appropriate, are to be used to meet the minimum requirements of the NPDES Phase II permit.

The La Crescent SWPPP is a plan to meet each of the six Minimum Control Measures (MCM) described by the permit. The tasks described are not one-time efforts; they will continue throughout the permit period and beyond to maintain water quality. They are:

Public education and outreach
Public participation/involvement
Illicit discharge, detection and elimination
Construction site runoff control
Post-construction site runoff control
Pollution prevention/good housekeeping

La Crescent completed section G (Incorporate compost and/or native plants into landscape design) of this action. There are native plants located in Veterans Park, Kistler Park, Vetsch Park and within the MnDOT Landscape Partnership.

All public works staff have completed Smart Salt training.

We are currently in the 2nd phase of the Wagon Wheel Trail along the Mississippi and we have received final approval for the third phase which will be a million dollar plus bridge connection for pedestrians. We have also recently expanded our park system (2016-2017) with the addition of Stoney Point Park which is over sixty acres of new park, wilderness, and trails for our community.

Detail of city green space can be found in the La Crescent Park and Recreation Plan. This document covers a variety of items, from existing land use/future land use to trail improvements and new and expanded park facilities.

8.5% parks and recreation land use
40+% of land area (332 acres of land) is classified as conservation, open space, parks and recreation, and water
21.8 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents

The city also adopted resolution 09-18-26 (attached) which endorses the protection of pollinators and enhancement of pollinator habitat for bees and butterflies. It is a commitment to best practices to avoid neonicotinoids, which are toxic for bees and butterflies.

We have an annual Neighbors Day event in April which organizes neighbors to help each other in work around the community, at their homes, and in public spaces. We also have fostered a group of community members (including one of our own Green Team members) who have begin prairie restoration within small areas of the community.

La Crescent uses Hilltopper Refuse and Recycling as their provider for trash/recycling pickup. The city has an extensive recycling program and Hilltopper highly promotes recycling within their business. There is also a compost drop-off site.

Part C: Recycling for La Crescent is done by Hilltopper Refuse and Recycling Service. Paper/cardboard, glass and plastic #1 and #2, metal, and wires are all able to be recycled. There is currently no commercial composting operation yet but there is a compost site located in the city.

Recycling units are currently provided to all properties.

La Crescent received the Alternative Landscaping Equipment grant.

The City of La Crescent has extensive ordinances banning and regulating burning of a variety of substances. See above link for specifics.

Promoting EV charging stations...https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/businesses-with-ev-charging-stations/

The city of La Crescent has had a Green Team in place for over a year now. It meets on a monthly to bi-monthly schedule to work on issues of sustainability. As we continue to grow we will work on ways to communicate and engage our citizens. The team has expanded over the year including more community members and school district employees.

The city council has approved 2 students as members of the city green steps committee.

La Crescent received the Green Business Award.

La Crescent Public Works brings all branches, brush and yard waste accumulated to the locally run compost site where the items are then used as mulch, compost, black soil etc. The compost is then used in public works projects as fill across the city.

Green business award - annual recognition

There are many rebate opportunities for La Crescent residents. The La Crescent website provides resources from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources and MiEnergy.

La Crescent has many areas where solar PV has been installed. There are links to monitor these solar PVs at different locations on the city website.

ANIMAL RESCUE PV - 20kw
MAINTENANCE PV - 40kw
RADIUM PLANT PV - 40kw
FIRE DEPARTMENT PV - 39.76kw

The City of La Crescent has earned a Bronze designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. This designation recognizes La Crescent for taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development. SolSmart is led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. More than 300 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016.

Chicken Ordinance and Beekeping Ordinance has been adopted.

The community has a local Food Shelf run by Healthy Community Partnership and a Community Garden. Additionally, the city supports the weekly farmers market in Veterans Park

The City of La Crescent participates with Houston County and other cities in the county in the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan includes goals, objectives and strategies for each city to better prepare for disasters both natural and man-made as well as plans for the appropriate emergency response by each level of government.