CCP 07-31-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e e e ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - JULY 5, 2000 9 nuisances. . . or eliminating a use determined to be a public nuisance. . .". Therefore, the language that is currently in the Zoning Ordinance regarding amortizing nonconforming uses should be revised. Ms. Chaput reviewed amendments and remnnbering of all pages, Sections and the Table of Contents in the City of Arden Hills Zoning Ordinance, with regard to Item 7, pertaining to the ordinance numbering system. The numbering system ofthe ordinance is currently in Roman numerals and is difficult to follow. Staff proposes that this be changed for ease of use as well as the page numbering system, numbering pages from one (1) to the last page of the document. Also, for ease of future revisions, the document should be placed in a binder with section tabs. Ms. Chaput stated that Staff recommends that Planning Case #00-11, Zoning Ordinance Amendments, be approved. Acting Chair Rye closed the public hearing at 8:30 p.m. Commissioner Nelson asked that how Staff arrived at the definition of "family" as not more than four people who were not related. Ms. Chaput stated she reviewed ordinances from other cities and the State building code. She added that most cities use four or five people and the State building code specifies five people. She noted that the Planning Commission, in previous discussions, decided that four people was the preference for the City ordinance. Commissioner Nelson asked how many cases of single family homes being used for student housing have been noted in the City. Ms. Chaput stated that she and other staff have received a number of calls from residents regarding homes with numerous students. Acting Chair Rye stated he lives near one such house, and it does not bother him. He added that some residents would wish to discourage this kind of use, but questioned whether it is necessary to prohibit it throughout the City. Ms. Chaput stated that this issue became a topic of discussion because such homes are located in single family residential districts. She added that if this use is allowed, the districts should be changed to multi-family use. Acting Chair Rye asked whether multi-family dwellings are allowed in an R-l district. Ms. Chaput stated only single family dwellings are allowed in an R-l district. Commissioner Nelson stated, with regard to the definition of "family", that he did not recall that the Planning Commission had definitely decided on four people rather than five. Commissioner Baker stated the Commission had reviewed other city ordinances. Commissioner Galatowitsch stated that when four non-related people live in the same house, they will have four cars. She added that if two cars are in the garage and two are in the driveway, they will be conforming. Acting Chair Rye stated, in his opinion, the issue is not a problem. Commissioner Galatowitsch asked how the City would enforce the amended ordinance. Ms. Chaput stated that staff begins by checking the site and sending a notice. She added a second notice is sent and then the property owner can be cited and possibly fined if they don't comply. She noted that should be a deterrent.