08-25-14 Special WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 25, 2014 4 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that she believed that there would be sidewalks on all streets, but perhaps not always on both sides. Councilmember Holden did not want to see secondary apartments and garage apartments allowed in TCAAP. Councilmember Holmes agreed. Councilmember McClung suggested that if secondary apartments were allowed, that it be only within the Town Center. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that the secondary apartments allow for additional density and provide an affordable housing option, but that they create challenges in terms of design. The Council could choose to prohibit secondary garage apartments. The Council further discussed this issue and agreed that secondary and garage apartments should be taken out of the proposed zoning regulations. Councilmember Holmes questioned why the code included definitions for manor homes, carriage houses, stacked flats, row houses, triplex, quadplex, urban homes, etc. She suggested that the zoning rules simply address lot size and allow the homes to follow. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that these definitions were included because they somewhat become a measure for density, and because these are terms builders are using. She reported that staff could work to better define and whittle down the number of definitions. Councilmember Holmes asked if there should be a distinct difference in the zoning standards between the Creek and the Hill neighborhoods. The Council further discussed this matter. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that lot sizes might differ between the two neighborhoods. Mayor Grant anticipated that the Creek neighborhood would have larger lots along the back side of the development. It was his impression that the Creek neighborhood would be a bit more private and secluded than the Hill neighborhood. Councilmember McClung believed that each neighborhood would have a unique look and feel based on the natural surroundings. Councilmember Holden asked if staff could define neighborhood transition. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that staff would work with the consultant to compile a definition.