1B, Multi-Family Dwelling Regulations Discussion

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION—JULY 11, 2012 4 Chair Larson agreed and recommended staff speaks with Steve Baker regarding this matter. Commissioner Hames stated the need for rental housing was on the rise and she encouraged the Commission to keep this in mind as the City would have requests for new multi-family dwellings in the near future. City Planner Beekman stated another option would be to create a PUD process for the redevelopment of a multi-family dwelling. Chair Larson indicated this would eliminate the need to dictate all guidelines in that each redevelopment could be reviewed on a case by case basis. Commissioner Holewa was in favor of this as well. City Planner Beekman stated the City did have limited rental housing opportunities available. She indicated the City would benefit from a variety of unit sizes to meet market demands. She stated that generally speaking, it's good to avoid large demographic blocks, as this cuts down on a communities ability to weather shifts in the market and provide life cycle housing for its residents. Commissioner Stodola was in favor of setting an average unit size within multi-family dwellings as this would encourage a more diverse rental population. In addition, she suggested a maximum number of units in a complex also be set. Commissioner Haines agreed stating a maximum number or percentage of efficiency units should also be set. She then discussed the properties in the City that could be used for future multi-family development. City Planner Beekman stated the building code does regulate windows and allows them to overlook a courtyard. However, City Code does not define a courtyard. She reported that Holiday Inn was proposing several units overlooking a basketball court. Chair Larson reviewed some discussions the City of St. Paul was having at this time regarding egress windows. He noted the building code did cover much of these concerns. He stated a glazed opening was required within the code. City Planner Beekman then requested further information on the parking requirements for multi-family dwellings. Chair Larson recommended one stall per bedroom be set as a standard. He did not want to see large parking lots built. He was in favor of new construction having structured parking below the buildings. This was a nice upgrade that offered heated parking. He was not in favor of detached garages. Commissioner Holewa suggested visitor parking be delineated from resident parking. Community Development Intern Horton stated all cities he spoke with require one enclosed parking space per dwelling.