2C, Zoning Study Discussion - Multi-Family Design Standards

Home Browse Search

Staff has sent out copies of the draft regulations to identified stakeholders, seeking comments. Discussion Based on the Planning Commission's discussions, Staff has prepared a draft ordinance that addresses multi-family design standards. The regulations include items related to the following: • Added definition for Enclosed parking • Minimum units sizes • Submission of a security plan and lighting plan. • Parking requirements • A requirement that adequate common areas be provided • Percentage of efficiency apartments allowed within a specific development • Minimum bike parking requirements • Window covering requirements Staff sent a copy of the draft regulations to the City's Attorney, as well as the League of Minnesota Cities to get feedback. Comments from the league indicated that the City should avoid regulations within the Zoning Code that directly pertain to items regulated by the State Building Code. State Law preempts the State Building Code from other, more restrictive, requirements that a city may wish to impose. Further, the attorney recommended making all multi-family housing a conditional use, and making the standards indicated in the draft regulations, additional criteria for conditional use permit approval. This procedural recommendation differs from the City's current process, which has multi-family housing be a conditional permitted use through a PUD. Finally, the attorney recommended addressing participation in the Crime Free Multi Housing program, through the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department, in the rental registration program. Staff has not yet had an opportunity to fully analyze the implications of such a change; however, additional discussion on this topic with the Council would be helpful in providing direction. Through their discussion, the Planning Commission is recommending that the additional requirements apply to all new multi-family housing consistently, and that separate regulations for independent senior units or renovations of existing buildings not have separate or special provisions. The Planning Commission acknowledged that each property is reviewed on a case by case basis, and that the variance and PUD processes exist to deal with unique properties or properties with special circumstances. City of Arden Hills City Council Work Session for August 20, 2012 P:Tlanning0anning Cases120121Zoning Code Amendment-Multi family HousingW8-20-12- CC Memo-Multi family zoning study.doc Page 2 of 3