8C, Planning Case 12-001 and or Moratorium on Multi-family Housing

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The Guiding Plan identified land uses, including multi-family dwellings, as well as densities that were predicated on the assumption that a traffic light, or other traffic management solution that improves left turns onto County Road E, would be implemented in order to accommodate the additional traffic in this area. Since the 2008, adoption of Zoning Code amendments which pertain to this plan, concern has been raised by the Council whether a traffic light can be installed. If the assumptions regarding traffic management, upon which the Guiding Plan and subsequent Zoning Code amendments were created, are not valid, then alternative solutions need to be identified or the outcomes of those assumptions revisited. Moratorium In light of the Planning Commission's discussion, and the City Council's direction at the May 14, 2012, meeting, Staff has prepared a one-year moratorium on multi-family dwelling units in the City. The moratorium would be effective City-wide, and would prohibit the development of new multi-family dwelling units in the City. Staff has included an exemption for alterations to existing multi-family structures, or those that have received all required land use approvals, provided that the alterations do not result in a net increase of multi-family dwelling units. Staff does not anticipate that this exemption would negatively impact the City's ability to evaluate the regulations of new multi-family dwelling units in the City. The moratorium does not directly address Staff's concerns related to the implementation of the Guiding Plan; however, it may be more appropriate to wait to address concerns related to the B- 2 District, until Bolton & Menk has had an opportunity to complete their Phase I Implementation Plan, and the Council has had a chance to respond to it. It is imperative that if the City adopts the moratorium that a study of the design standards related to multi-family dwellings be conducted. If this moratorium is adopted, Staff will move forward with the understanding that a full study of the City's regulations as they pertain to this matter will begin. If approved, the moratorium is set to expire on July 5, 2013. The moratorium can be ended early if deemed appropriate by the City Council. Staff anticipates that a study on multi-family design standards could be complete within 180 days. Options 1. A. Motion to Adopt Ordinance 2012-005 to Place a Moratorium on the Development of New Multi-family Dwelling Units in the City of Arden Hills for the Period of One Year. B. Motion to Approve Publishing a Suminary of Ordinance 2012-005 to Place a Moratorium on the Development of New Multi-family Dwelling Units in the City of Arden Hills for the Period of One Year. (4/5 vote required). City ofArden Hills City Council Meeting for June 25, 2012 P: IPZanninglPlanning Cases12012112-011 - Zoning Code Amendment - Multi family housing (PC Denied)106-25-12 - Zoning Code Amendment or Moratorium - CC Memo.doc page 3 of 4