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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 5, 2019 9 City Planner Mrosla reported the definition for Floor Area was amended in 2007 to include an average height limit of less than six feet. The intent of adding a height limit was to clarify what is a non-habitable basement. However, in 2015 the Minnesota Building Code updated the section of the code regarding ceiling heights and habitable space. The updated code states various ceiling height requirements depending on what is constructed in the basement. For example, the minimum height for finished ceilings in basements of new buildings containing laundry rooms, bathrooms, hallways shall be seven (7) feet and basements in existing buildings have a minimum finished ceiling height of six (6) feet four (4) inches. However, new building basements not containing any habitable spaces as identified above shall have a minimum finished ceiling height of six (6) feet (8) eight inches or six (6) feet four (4) inches when beams, ducts or other mechanical item project. City Planner Mrosla explained after speaking with city staff and the city attorney, it was determined to remove the height requirement and reference the Minnesota Building Code instead. This way, if minimum ceiling height is modified again in the future, staff doesn’t need to revise the zoning code. The definition was also reworded for clarification and consistency with the building code and other municipalities. The definition for floor area is utilized when calculating floor area ratio (FAR). The floor area ratio (FAR) is one of the primary tools used to limit the bulk of a principle building on a property. The other tools include minimum landscaping requirements, impervious coverage limits, setback requirements, and building height limits. It was noted the City Attorney has reviewed and approved of the proposed changes. Commissioner Lambeth asked how this amendment would affect the remodeling industry. City Planner Mrosla discussed the old Minnesota State Building Code requirements versus the new Building Code. He noted the new Building Code was amended to allow older homes to be updated or renovated. Chair Gehrig opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Chair Gehrig invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. There being no comment Chair Gehrig closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Commissioner Lambeth moved and Commissioner Wicklund seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 19-006 for proposed amendments to Chapter 13 – Zoning Code, floor area definition of the City Code, as presented in the June 5, 2019 Report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A. Report from the City Council