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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – AUGUST 8, 2012 3 <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa questioned if these units were currently inspected by the City. <br />City Planner Beekman stated these units were not inspected by City staff but the common <br />areas are currently inspected by the fire department. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding rental registration and inspections. <br /> <br />City Planner Beekman questioned how the Commission wanted to proceed with the <br />minimum unit size. She indicated the language included in the draft ordinance was <br />written after reviewing several other communities’ code. <br /> <br />Commissioner Stodola was in favor with the language as written. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman suggested each multi-family unit have controlled access with <br />a door. He then discussed bike storage and recommended the requirement be 0.5. City <br />Planner Beekman explained that Arden Village had bicycle storage within its <br />underground parking. Each underground stall had a mounted bicycle rack with a locking <br />mechanism. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman agreed with the comments made by the League of Minnesota <br />Cities attorney that the crime free multi-family housing participation be made a part of <br />the rental registration. <br /> <br />Acting Chair Thompson agreed and then questioned how to proceed with the window <br />coverings. City Planner Beekman explained a lease addendum could be an option to <br />address this issue with the property owner. This would keep the item out of City Code. <br /> <br />Council Liaison Holmes asked if the courtyard area had to have access to natural light. <br />City Planner Beekman commented the State Building Code states multi-family dwelling <br />units do not have to have access to natural light. This item was discussed further by the <br />Commission. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman questioned if the City’s kitchen definition would be removed <br />from the draft ordinance. City Planner Beekman stated this was the case as the State <br />Building Code would address this issue. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa inquired if the ordinance should be date specific. City Planner <br />Beekman stated this could be added to assure that all new multi-family dwelling units <br />meet the City’s new standards. <br /> <br />Commissioner Stodola requested further information on the parking restrictions for rental <br />homes. City Planner Beekman stated four cars are allowed in a driveway. <br /> <br />COMMENTS AND REPORTS <br /> <br />A. Planning Commission Comments <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />B. Staff Comments