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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – AUGUST 8, 2012 2 Commissioner Zimmerman asked if multi-family code differentiated between hotel/motel uses and apartments. City Planner Beekman indicated the code does not clearly differentiate between a hotel/motel use and apartment complex, except that a hotel/motel use would have transient clients. She explained that multi-family housing was defined as four or more dwelling units. Councilmember Stodola questioned senior housing was included in the multi-family code. City Planner Beekman stated the City included independent senior housing in the definition for multi-family dwellings, but that assisted or nursing care housing was defined separately from multi-family housing. City Planner Beekman commented that since drafting the staff report, she spoke with the head attorney at the League of Minnesota Cities and received some great feedback and comments on the draft ordinance. The attorney stated that the State Building Code preempts the zoning code. However, parking requirements and unit size were concerns that could be addressed by the City. She explained she was unable to find any City that regulates window coverings. City Planner Beekman indicated the crime free multi-family housing participation was possible but should be regulated through the City’s rental license process and not written into City Code. This would then become a requirement of the rental registration. One last recommendation was to make future multi-family dwellings be approved as a conditional use permit instead of a PUD. This would allow the City to add conditions for approval. Acting Chair Thompson questioned how the Commission would like to proceed. Commissioner Zimmerman did not feel it was necessary to have separate zoning requirements for senior housing within the multi-family housing code. Commissioner Stodola agreed. Acting Chair Thompson agreed with having the crime free multi-family housing participation a part of the rental license process. City Planner Beekman described the process in further detail. She noted inspections were not required at this time. Commissioner Holewa commented if inspections were to begin in the future, a great deal of it would be handled by the police and fire departments. Acting Chair Thompson recommended the Council discuss this issue further as she wanted to see the City’s rental stock maintain its value and integrity going into the future. Commissioner Zimmerman stated this was a very good point and the City wanted to protect these properties. Commissioner Holewa asked how many multi-family rental units the City had. City Planner Beekman reported Park Shore Apartments had 36 units, Cottage Villas had 60 units, and Hunter’s Park had more units.