8A, Planning Case 12-014 - Zoning Code Amendment - Multi-family Dwelling Units

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION—September 5, 2012 5 Vice Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 7:06pm. Vice Chair Thompson asked City Planner Meagan Beekman about the State Building Code comment. Ms. Beekman stated the City Attorney reviewed the letter from Mr. Davidson and his position was that the State Building Code states a minimum of 220 sf and a City cannot have a standard less than the State Building Code but can have a higher standard. Commissioner Holewa asked how the City came up with 600 sf minimum unit size. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated staff looked at other Cities (14 in the metro area). The range found from 450 — 650 sf minimum unit size. Commissioner Holewa stated he is not sure he is comfortable with 600 sf. He feels there are many efficiencies less than 600 sf and they are suitable for those looking to rent an efficiency apartment. Commissioner Stodola asked when the last apartment was built. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the last apartment was built in the 1980's. She stated the moratorium process is allowed in the State. Commissioner Stodola asked if review of this Code at this time is atypical. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated generally the surrounding communities are surveyed and the League of Minnesota Cities is contacted for input. On occasion the scope is broadened nation-wide. Vice Chair Thompson stated when this first came up the Commission did not know where to start. Commissioner Holewa asked for an explanation of the unit mix. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated Plymouth and Little Canada were found to have a desire for a mix of unit types within a single building. The City Council directed staff to eliminate independent senior housing and increase the unit mix to 15%. Commissioner Holewa stated he is uncomfortable with the unit size and the unit mix. Commissioner Haines stated she is also uncomfortable with this and feels the City is dictating to developers what they can and can't do. They are willing to invest money in the community. She stated the unit size is ridiculous and it is not the City's call to determine unit size. She does not support the revised proposal for Code language. Commissioner Zimmerman stated he concurs with Commissioners Holewa and Haines. He stated the mitigating circumstances are this is an existing building. He would vote against this. Commissioner Haines stated whether it's new construction or re-development of a building the City should not determine what is inside the walls. Commissioner Stodola stated she misunderstood and thought they were voting for the general Code not for a specific project. Commissioner Haines stated she is against telling any business wanting to come into the City their unit size and unit mix. Commissioner Scott stated he is very happy with staff's research and recommendation on unit size. He considers the TAT project as new construction. He stated he agrees with staff's recommendation.