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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION –March 5,20142 completed comparing the average square footage required per unit in these cities with Arden Hills’ standards. Additionally, staff looked at ten multi-family development projects that have recently been completed or that are under construction in outer-ring suburban communities to evaluate the average unit sizes currently being built in the private market. These projects are located in the communitiesof New Brighton, White Bear Lake, Arden Hills, Elk River, Apple Valley, Ramsey, Eagan, Osseo, and Maple Grove. City Planner Streff explained that at the City Council Work Session on January 13, 2014, staff reviewed this data with the Council. Based on the comments provided by the Council, staff has drafted Ordinance 2014-003, which would revise the minimum unit size standards for multi- family dwelling units. City Planner Streff indicated the amendment to the multi-family design standards would decrease the required square footage for efficiency apartment units and increase the required square footage for two-bedroom and three-bedroom units, as well as the additional floor area required for each additional bedroom. The City Council directed staff to make these changes so that the City’s standards better reflect the requirements used by other cities and what is currently being constructed by the private market. City Planner Streff commented that Ordinance Number 14-003 would amend Section 1325.045, Subd. 1 of the Zoning Code to read as follows: Minimum Unit Size. Efficiency units shall be a minimum of five hundred and fifty (550) square feet; one-bedroom units shall be a minimum of seven hundred (700) square feet; two-bedroom units shall be a minimum of nine hundred and fifty (950) square feet; and three-bedroom units shall be a minimum of twelve hundred (1,200) square feet. For each additional bedroom, an additional one hundred and fifty (150) square feet is required. Garages, breezeways, common hallways, balconies, and porch floor spaces shall not be credited in determining the required floor area of units. City Planner Streff offered the following four (4) findings of fact for the Planning Commission’s consideration: 1.The proposed amendment advances the City’s land use goals because it creates high development standards for multi-family housing that will visually enhance development and promote compatibility with nearby properties and neighborhood character. 2.The proposed amendment advances the City’s implementation strategies identified in the Land Use Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan by developing design standards for multi- family housing that ensure the construction of high quality, sustainable, and aesthetically enhanced developments. 3.The proposed amendment advances the City’s housing goals because it will promote the development of a variety of housing options by creating a framework and process for the City to approve high-quality housing opportunities that are suitable for a mix of ages, incomes, and household types.