8A, Planning Case 12-001 - Zoning Code Amendment - Expansion of Single and 2-Family Nonconforming Dwellings

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� �fi.I D�EN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: February 13, 2012 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Meagan Beekman, City Planner �� SUBJECT: Planning Case #12-001 Applicant: City of Arden Hills Subject: Zoning Code Amendment — Expansion of Single and Two-family Nonconforming Dwellings Requested Action Consider approval of Ordinance 2012-001 in Planning Case 12-001 to amend Section 1325.03 Subd 2.D of the Zoning Code, as presented in the February 13, 2012, report to the City Council. Consider publishing a summary of Ordinance 2012-001. Back�round At the February 22, 2011, joint work session the City Council and the Planning Commission discussed several possible zoning code amendments. One such discussion item was the allowance of certain types of expansions of nonconforming structures. At present, the City Code allows for the repair, replacement, improvement, and maintenance, but not the expansion, of nonconforming uses and structures. While this regulation functions well for the vast majority of commercial uses in the City, it can make small improvements to nonconforming single and two- family homes difficult, because any expansion requires a variance. Applications such as these make up the majority of the variance applications that the City processes. At the February 22, 2011, joint work session, Staff was directed to proceed with revisions to the Zoning Code, similar to the Front Porch Ordinance, which would create circumstances where certain types of development could occur without the need for a variance. City ofArden Hills City Council Meeting for February 13, 2012 P: IAdminlCouncillAgendas & Packet Information12012102-13-12 Reg MtglPacket Information102-13-12 - CC - Expansion Ordinance - Memo.docx Page 1 of 3