HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-29-07 Item 7D, 2006 Community Development Dept in Review
Prepared By: Karen Barton~
Dept.: --c~-i!l~r!l_~__~TtY:-_~-~v~!~p_~e:~f
Council Mtg. Date;-- ... - f/29/2007'-
Final Action Needed By:
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jNo Action'is requested. Information Only.
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!No-Actionis"'requestecC Information Only.
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'X Memo/Letter: 1/25/2007
Resolution No.:
Ordinance No.:
Engineering Recommendation:
Attorney Recommendation:
Other:
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~HILLS
Request for Council Action
7D
Agenda Item:
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EN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
December 27, 2006
Agenda Item 7D
TO:
Mayor and City Council
Michelle Wolfe, City Administrator
Karen Barton, Community Development Director ~ .
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Community Development Department 2006 Year in Review
Overview
The Community Development Department, comprised of planning and zoning, building, code
enforcement, development, and economic development had a busy and productive year in 2006.
Some of the department highlights from 2006 include:
. Update of the Sign Code
. Recodification ofthe Zoning Code
. Front porch ordinance
. Laserfische/electronic storage of planning/zoninglbuilding files
. Adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code
. Submission of an Offer to Purchase to the Federal government for the purchase of the
TCAAP excess property
. Creation of a new city website
. $850,000 in grants for the clean-up the Chesapeake property in the Gateway Business
District
. The completion of an economic development strategic plan for the City of Arden Hills
. Receipt of a Blue Cross Blue Shield active community living grant
. The issuance of nearly 1,500 building permits
City oj Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
Janumy 29, 2007
\lMetro-inet.us\ardenhills\Planning\Community Developmelll\Council Agenda Items\Community Development Year in Review memo to council J-
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. 40 planning cases
. Resolution of approximately 325 code enforcement-related complaints
The following is a report detailing the department's activities from 2006 and anticipated
projects/activities for 2007.
Planning and Zoning
In 2006, the City processed forty planning cases that incorporated forty-five different land use
requests. In comparison, there were twenty-three cases in 2005 and nineteen in 2004. The last
year with forty or more planning cases was in 2000 with forty-six. The following chart displays
the number of planning requests by type and their outcome:
Type Approved Denied Pending Withdrawn Total
Conditional Use Permit 4 1 5
Final Plat 1 2 3
Minor Subdivision 4 1 5
Ordinance Amendment 4 4
Preliminary Plat 3 3
pun (Master & Final) 1 2 3
Site Plan Review 8 8
Site Plan Review/PUD Amendment 3 3
Vacation 1 1
Variance 4 3 1 2 10
Total 33 4 5 3 45
Of the forty planning cases in 2006, five will continue into 2007.
Conditional Use Permits
In 2006, the City approved four conditional use petmits (CUPs). One application was
withdrawn prior to being reviewed by the Planning Commission. Two of the conditional
use permits were for modifying the exterior of a building in the Gateway Business (GB)
District. The subject building in both cases had been operating under a prior conditional
use permit. The City approved its first home based message therapy business conditional
use permit under the regulations adopted in 2005, and the remaining CUP was for a
special/higher educational use in the B-4 Zone.
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
January 29, 2007
IIMetro-inet.uslardenhills\Planning\Community Developmen!\Council Agenda ItemslColnmunity Development Year in Review memo to council 1-
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The CUP application that was withdrawn was for modifYing the exterior of a building in
the GB District.
Preliminary & Final Plats and Minor Subdivisions
Of the estimated eighteen new residential lots created in Arden Hills since 2001, twelve
were created in 2006 alone. Five of the twelve lots created in 2006 are pending final plat
review, which will likely occur in the first part of2007.
Due to a loophole in the old Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Code, three of the new
lots created in 2006 were not required to go through the normal subdivision process. The
loophole, which has since been closed, permitted property owners to revert a property to
original platted boundaries even if the platted boundaries resulted in lots that did not meet
the minimum requirements of the underlying zone. It was not uncommon in the past for
people to purchase more than one residential lot and consolidate the two lots into a single
lot for tax purposes. In some cases, the original platted lots would be nonconforming
under current regulations.
Because of this loophole, two lots were reverted back to the platted boundaries that did
not meet the minimum requirements of the underlying zone. Now that the loophole has
been closed, a property owner would be required to go through the variance process to
revert a property back to the platted boundaries if that action would create a
nonconforming lot.
Had the redevelopment of the old City Hall property moved forward with the proposal
that was approved, twenty-six new commercial lots would also have been created.
Given the rapid increase in land values over the last several years (even with the recent
slowdown in the real estate market), the City is likely to see more lot splits in the few
remaining places where it is possible to create conforming lots.
Zoning Code, Sign Code, and Code Amendments
The update and re-codification of the Zoning Code and Sign Code were two significant
accomplishments in 2006. The Sign Code was adopted in June, and the Zoning Code
was adopted in November. While the content of the two Codes was not significantly
changed (i.e. no changes were made to the zoning or sign districts), the Codes are in
greater compliance with State Statutes and now use the same numbering system as the
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
January 29, 2007
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rest of the City Code. Both Codes, along with the rest of the City Code, are available on
the City's website.
A reworked front porch ordinance was adopted in the first half of 2006, which permitted
new front porches to encroach into the front yard setback provided certain conditions and
design requirements are met.
In May, the City approved a zoning ordinance amendment request from a property owner
to allow special and higher education uses as conditional uses within the B-4 Zone. The
three other updates and amendments were initiated by the City.
Planned Unit Developments
Of the three Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) in 2006, only one was fully reviewed in
2006. The proposal from Royal Oaks Realty to redevelop the old City Hall site was
approved in the second of half of 2006; however, the developer has since decided to not
pursue that project.
A Final PUD application was submitted by Chesapeake Companies for the property at the
northeastern comer of I-35W and 1-694 in October; however, the review of that
application will not occur until 2007. The Master PUD application, which will guide the
Final PUD review, for Chesapeake Companies, was approved in 2001.
Northwestern College submitted an updated Master PUD for their campus, which will
also be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council in the first half of2007.
Site Plan Reviews
All eight of the site plan review applications in 2006 were approved. Four of the site plan
reviews were from businesses in the City, three were from residential properties, and the
remaining site plan review was from Bethel University.
Two of the businesses requested site plan reviews to modify the exterior of a building in
the B-4 District. Modifying the exterior of a building includes re-facing a building,
moving doors and windows, and altering other aspects of the exterior of a building that
can be seen from neighboring properties or the public right-of-way. The two other
business site plan reviews included a request to expand parking in the I-Flex District, and
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
January 29, 2007
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a request to deviate from the sign regulations in Sign District 4 to add an electronic
message board to a sign.
Two of the residential site plan reviews were requests to construct a six foot high fence in
the secondary front yard of comer lots, which was not permitted in the old Zoning
Ordinance. The updated Zoning Code now has provisions for constructing a six foot high
fence in the secondary front yard of corner properties in order to provide screening from
adjacent roadways.
The remaining residential site plan review was for the re-landscaping plan at 3433 Lake
Johanna Blvd. The property was unfortunately clear-cut in July, which was in violation
of the Shoreland Ordinance. The approved landscaping plan is meant to resolve the
violation of the Shoreland Ordinance.
In early 2006, Bethel Universities submitted an application to construct a new Welcome
Center at their western entrance at Snelling A venue/Old Highway 10. Since the proposal
was in compliance with their approved Master Plan, the Welcome Center only required
site plan review as opposed to a POO Amendment.
Variances
Of the ten variance requests in 2006, four were approved, three were denied, two were
withdrawn, and one is still pending. While the variances were somewhat varied, they do
fall into three general categories: setback variances, subdivision variances, and lot use
variances. All ten variance requests were related to residential properties.
Five of the variances requests were to construct or expand a structure into or farther into a
setback. One of the setback variance requests was approved, one was denied, one is
pending and two were withdrawn.
Three of the variances requests were related to subdivisions. Two of the requests, one of
which denied and the other withdrawn, would have created new nonconforming lots. The
third subdivision variance, which was approved, split a small slice of land from one lot
and consolidated the slice with an adjacent lot to resolve a misunderstanding regarding
the property line between the two property owners.
Finally, two of the variance requests were for uses not permitted in the Zoning Code.
One property owner submitted an application to expand a residential accessory structure
beyond the 728 square foot limit. The second request was from a property owner that
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
Janumy 29, 2007
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wanted to retain a two access driveway and
permitted when the dwelling was constructed.
a crushed rock surface, which was not
Both of these variances were approved.
Vacation
As part of the Royal Oaks Planned Unit Development that was approved in August, an
unused pedestrian walkway easement needed to be vacated. The trail along the western
portion of the property was then to be dedicated to the City. Since this development will
not be moving forward, the vacation may not be completed at this time.
Upcoming Year
As noted above, five planning cases will be carried over into 2007. These planning cases
include two final plat reviews, a final PUD review for the office development at the
intersection ofI-35W and 1-694, and an updated Master Plan for northwestern College.
In addition to the normal planning cases, the City will also begin work on the 2008
Comprehensive Plan and continue work on the TCAAP development project. As time
permits, additional review and updating of the Zoning Code may take place. While 2006
was a busy year, it appears as though 2007 will be even busier!
Buildinl!
A total of 55 I building permits were issued in 2006. There were also a total of947
plumbing, water, sewer, mechanical, fire, zoning, and sign permits, combined, issued for
the year.
The total construction value for all building permits issued in 2006 was $20,055,349,
with a total of $325,964 collected in permit fees.
Eight new homes were constructed in 2006 with a total value of$3,767,881, and an
average value of$470,985.
Notable commercial construction included:
. Boston Scientific $3,292,212 (interior remodeling of 4100 Hamline Ave)
. Boston Scientific $1,160,000 (addition 4100 Hamline Ave)
. Bethel University $ 542,336 (Dorm remodel 3900 Bethel Drive)
. Northwestern College $ 22,000 (remodel 3003 Snelling Ave N)
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
January 29, 2007
\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhillsIPlanning\Community DevelopmentlCouncil Agenda ItemslCommunity Development Year in Review memo to council /_
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The followin is a summary of construction permits for 2006:
Building
Comm New
Comm Remodel
Res New
_'_'_"'_""U'.._~,~__.__
Res Remodel
Other (demo, pool,
Total
$0.00
$81,513.60
$39,83~.72
23,671.51.
$724.50
$245,743.33
Mechanical
Commercial
Residential
Total
$7,881.23
$16,553.40
$24,434.63 .
Plumbing/Sewer/W
ater
Commercial
$7,230.85
$8,345.53'
$15,576.38
Total
Electrical
Commercial
Residential
Total
168 $13,098.15
228 $13,584.62
396 $26,682.77
47. $2,350.00
64 $1,440.00
62 $11,177.23
1,498 $325,964.34
Signs Total
Zoning Permits
".__,_._ __ _______.__._."_M__._______~_.__
Fire Total
Grand Totals
$0.00 $0.00, $0.00
.. $3,214.491$0:00: $6,553,151.89
$1 ,883.94$1 ,525[00[$3,767:881.00
---$3,646.70...._- ,... "$000['-$7,566-;-039-:-58
$7.00 $0.00'-'-$0[00.
,. ...__J>8!5213 ._,$1,~~.O,~...._..J>.17,887~.o7~i7
$342.29
........E04::!~
$747.04
$684,129,00
......_~_.~------,...-._...
$800,777.00
'--"-"'---'~--""'-"-'-_.~
$1,484,906.00
$165.14
~M_______~~___'~___
$213.68
".m.___~_________
$378.82
.
.... _L_.___~22,229.09
'. . .2. _ _J>.~~~,1..4~,9o.
$683,371.00
$84.00
14.00
98.00
$55.40
$10,131.39
$1,525.00;
$20,055,349.47'
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
Janumy 29, 2007
IIMetro-iner.llslardenhills\Planning\Community Developmenl\Coul1cil Agenda lLemslCommunity Development Year in Review memo to council J_
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2006 saw a number of meetings and mediation sessions in an attempt to resolve the issues with
the construction of City Hall. Unfortunately, the arbitration will continue into 2007.
Code Enforcement
There were a total of approximately 325 complaints received during 2006. The majority of
which were effectively handled in-person or via the telephone. However, approximately 150
complaints required the issuance of one or more compliance notices, with only I resulting in the
issuance of a citation.
The majority of the complaints received were for health/safety or vehicle related issues.
The following is a list of the types of complaints received:
Unsafe Structures
Playground Equipment
Dogs at Large
Unlicensed Dogs
Barking Dogs
Garbage Burning
Interior Conditions
Snow piling or plowing
Containers
Refuse and Debris
Membrane Structures
Equipment and Materials
Trees and Branches
Unlicensed/Inoperable
More than 4
Vehicle not in Driveway
RV's
RV's over 28'
Weeds over 12"
Signs
2006 also saw the adoption ofthe International Property Maintenance Code to enable us to
expand our code enforcement efforts to ensure resident health and safety and to help maintain
property values throughout the community.
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
Janumy 29, 2007
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Communitv & Economic Development
The last quarter of2006 saw a flurry ofTCAAP related activity, including successful negotiation
of an Offer to Purchase with the General Services Administration, successful negotiation of a
Funding and Guaranty agreement with CRR, LLC for the purchase of the TCAAP property, on-
going preliminary development agreement negotiations with CRR, LLC, the selection of
consultants to work on the TCAAP project including master planning, landscape architecture,
traffic, alternative urban Areawide review, and the PUD and comprehensive plan amendment
processes. A number of tours of the TCAAP property were arranged for residents and staff as
well.
The Economic Development Commission worked with a consulting firm to develop a strategic
economic development plan for the city and successfully implemented a business retention
program. The EDC hosted a well-attended business retention luncheon in November.
Several months were spent negotiating the sale and redevelopment of the old city hall/public
works site. Unfortunately, due to market concerns, the developer backed out of the deal in late
November.
Staff successfully secured $850,000 in Brownfield grants from the Met Council, Ramsey
County, and the State Department of Employment and Economic Development for the clean-up
of contaminated soils on the Chesapeake property in the Gateway Business District. As part of
the conditions to apply for these grant funds, Chesapeake was required to submit final master
development plans for the site. They are currently looking at building one of two proposed 8-
storey office buildings on the site.
Staff also began the process of updating the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is due to the Met
Council in 2008. Staff successfully secured a $26,000 grant from BlueCross BlueShield to assist
with the update process.
Anticipated Activities/Goals for 2007
Some ofthe more notable goals and activities we are anticipating for 2007 are:
.
Purchase and implementation of new inspection software to expand and Improve
efficiency of reporting and tracking
Disposition of old city hall/public works property
Resolution of City Hall arbitration
.
.
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
Janumy 29, 2007
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. Completion of Comprehensive Plan Update
. Creation of a Community Development Department brochure for residents
. Completion of an Alternative Urban Areawide Review for the TCAAP property
. Continue working towards a successful closing on the TCAAP property
. Development of a Master Development Agreement with CRR, LLC
. Development of a Master Development Plan for the redevelopment of the TCAAP
property
. Determining a new name for the TCAAP redevelopment
. Completion of the Chesapeake Master Plan
. Expansion of public outreach and education regarding code enforcement
. Revamp business licensing program
. Adoption of key economic development strategic elements
'\
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting
January 29, 2007
\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhills\Planning\Community Development\Council Agenda JtemslCommunit)' Development Year in Review memo to council 1-
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