1B, Multi-Family Dwelling Regulations Discussion

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION—JULY 11, 2012 2 of concern that should be focused on. The comments will be used by staff as draft regulations are created, which will be brought back for review by the Planning Commission in August. City Planner Beekman reviewed a list of possible areas to be considered when drafting design standards for multi-family housing. The items were not exhaustive, but staff would benefit greatly by the Commission providing comment Chair Larson opened the floor to Commission questions. Chair Larson was in favor of a market study being completed on the multi-family needs for Ramsey County. This would determine if there was a need for efficiency apartments. Commissioner Thompson indicated it would be interesting to learn more about surrounding communities' multi-family housing structures with regard to the size of the units and number of police calls taken at each site. Commissioner Holewa stated the police calls taken at the Holiday Inn site when leased by Northwestern were mostly to service vehicles and had nothing to do with the size of the rental units. Commissioner Stodola commented multi-family housing deals with more than just apartment complexes. She encouraged the Commission to consider this when proposing standards for City Code. City Planner Beekman stated multi-family units had to include three or more attached units. She noted senior living has its own classification within City Code. The Commission further discussed the differences between multi-family dwellings versus townhome units and single-family homes. City Planner Beekman reported that based on preliminary review of other communities in the metropolitan area, cities that have minimum unit size requirements have regulations that range from 450 to 650 square feet. Commissioner Hames did not feel it was necessary to regulate the square footage of units as neighboring communities do not set standards and do not have problems with their rental housing. She indicated the market would determine if there was a need for the efficiency apartments. Commissioner Stodola stated it would be valuable to have a market study on the number of units available in the area based on square footage. Chair Larson explained the Met Council would be in favor of three and four bedroom apartments. Commissioner Thompson was in favor of setting a size minimum as this was not New York City or Japan. The City should match the size and style of those available in neighboring communities with a minimum amount of amenities as well.