04-13-26 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 13, 2026 10 Councilmember Weber said Arden Hills, in general, has large lots for single family homes but the homes on those large lots aren't necessarily large homes. Basing the ADU size on existing square footage is limiting. Allowing a 950 square foot ADU in the back yard on those large lots may be appropriate. Councilmember Holden said we keep referring to AARP. They say 800 square feet. They have done studies. Mayor Grant asked if Council could agree to set it at 800 square feet before it goes to Planning Commission. Council agreed on 800 square feet. Community Development Director Reilly said parking needs to be discussed. He disagreed with an earlier comment. He believes it is more likely that people with lower incomes will have a car. He thinks at least one should be required. Especially considering there is no public transit here. That may require some reconfiguring of the maximum number of operable vehicles allowed on the lot and where they need to be stored. Councilmember Rousseau would be interested in exploring this on a case -by -case basis. Councilmember Monson is okay doing it on a case -by -case basis but she would prefer not to require it. That would involve taking another look at on -street parking. Community Development Director Reilly said the final thing he gathered is a strong interest in a rental licensing program. Mayor Grant said Council also requested that Staff look into what surrounding cities are doing for ADUs. Councilmember Rousseau said as part of the strategic planning road mapping talked about rental properties. Can we tie in the licensing discussion? Could we have something in place by the end of the year? City Administrator Jagoe said she didn't know if we would have something in place but we could have the discussion. Councilmember Monson would like to see Staff present the rental licensing with a recommendation up front, based on what others are doing, so we aren't starting from scratch. City Administrator Jagoe asked if Council reached a consensus about if an ADU could be sold separately from the primary residence. Council agreed that an ADU shall not be sold separately. The owner owns both structures. Community Development Director Reilly said he would like to have a conversation about corporate ownership of rental properties, in general. He thought that could be addressed in the future. There are efforts at the federal and state level to address corporately owned rentals.