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3.4 Alternative to Clarify Code: Some methods that could be used to correct these inconsistencies include 1) variances to each building; 2) rezoning to a less restrictive zoning district; 3) rezoning each shopping center to a Planned Unit Development specific to the site; 4) changing (increasing) the numbers in the text ofthe City Code for building coverage, floor area coverage, and height. 3.5 The attached chart and a diagram from the Rosedale site illustrate lot coverage, floor area, and building coverage inconsistencies.. 4.0 WHAT OTHER COMMUNTIES HAVE DONE Planning staff did research on a number of communities, both within the metro area and outside the area. After review of some of the research, it was apparent that there is no consistent tenn or definition for "lot coverage" and "building coverage"; nor whether an unheated parking ramp is part ofthe building (Many cities have not considered this issue at all). Samples are below: Minnetonka, Mn.'s definition of "lot coverage" is as follows: Building footprints; parking areas; driveways; loading, storage and trash areas and other areas covered by any impervious surface. The code excludes parking ramps and interior parking from the definition of "floor area" as follows: "floor area" - the sum of the gross horizontal areas of several floors of a building measured from the exterior walls excluding interior parking spaces, vehicular circulation, loading areas, and accessory parking decks or ramps." Blaine, Mn.'s ordinance does not have a definition for lot coverage but in the sections where it applies it indicates "building coverage". Blaine's ordinance would however define structured parking as a building and therefore would include the parking structure within the 40% restriction. Having heard of the Roseville situation, Blaine staff stated that they would suggest amending the code to specifically not include parking structures. Shoreview, Mn. does not have a definition nor does it directly regulate building lot coverage. Building lot coverage is essentially detennined by the structure setbacks. Shoreview also has impervious surface coverage requirements, which includes buildings. Portland, Oregon's definition of "building coverage" seems to include parking ramps but the percent coverage is huge by comparison to Roseville: "The area that is covered by buildings or other roofed structures, including eaves. A roofed structure includes any structure more than 6 feet above grade at any point, and that provides an impervious cover over what is below. Building coverage also includes uncovered horizontal structures such as decks, stairways and entry bridges that are more than 6 feet above grade." 3