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Planning Commission Meeting – Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Revisions – Work Session #1 – February 5, 2025 <br /> <br />10 <br />Recent Variance Requests <br />Zoning Corner Side Yard <br />Required (ft) <br />Corner Side Yard <br />Existing (ft) <br />Corner Side Yard <br />Variance Approved (ft) <br />R-1 40 40.2 28.2 <br />R-1 40 35.33 23.33 <br />R-2 40 1.4 5.8 <br />R-1 40 20 7.82 <br /> <br />Maximum Dwelling Unit Density per Net Acre <br />Residential densities are currently addressed in multiple places. The first is as part of the <br />Comprehensive Plan – the Met Council requires metro communities to establish densities for all land <br />uses as part of the future land use plan. Second, each of the residential zoning districts states the <br />target residential density in its purpose statement. Third, the District Requirement Chart includes a <br />standard for maximum density for all districts that allow residential uses. Finally, the minimum lot area <br />per dwelling unit provides the same information in a slightly different form. The site standard chart can <br />be simplified and made easier to use by reducing duplicative requirements. <br /> <br />The residential portions of the two draft tables for Lot Requirements and Site Standards are included <br />as attachments to this memo. <br /> <br />QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION <br />• Are there questions or concerns around any of the recommended lot and site standard <br />changes? <br /> <br />Accessory Dwelling Units <br />In addition to the previous topic around housing types, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offer a smaller- <br />scale solution. ADUs are secondary dwellings on the same lot as a principal dwelling, with their own <br />entrance, kitchen, living area, and bathroom. They are also known as in-law suites, granny flats, or <br />carriage houses. Cities often consider ADUs for several reasons: <br />• They provide housing in closer proximity for family members, students, the elderly, in-home <br />health care providers, the disabled, and others. <br />• Homeowners who create ADUs may benefit from added income and assistance with <br />property maintenance. <br />• They typically offer a lower cost of living, meeting the needs of existing and future residents <br />within established neighborhoods while respecting architectural character and existing <br />infrastructure.