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<br />Minneapolis City Planning Department Report <br />Text Amendment <br /> <br />At this time, Public Works does not have the authority to require upgrades to the water and sewer lines. <br />Upgrades would only be completed based on an applicant's request, unless this ordinance outlines a <br />specific provision relating to basic services, such as water. Any new connections would come directly <br />off of the water and sewer mains in the public street or new mains would be run down the alley. It <br />should be noted that the property owners would incur the cost of rerouting the water and sewer. <br /> <br />Public Works indicates that the level of service to adjacent properties will not be negatively impacted if <br />there was a lack of service to the zoning lot with the accessory dwelling. However, Public Works states <br />that if a developer constructing an accessory dwelling does not follow the recommended guidelines, the <br />service to both the principal and accessory structure on the zoning lot could be inadequate. <br /> <br />A lack of basic service to a zoning lot with a principal structure and an accessory structure raises a <br />concern for Planning staff. A lack of service would result in the inability to flush toilets or a lack of <br />pressure during showers and baths. The higher the density and occupancy allowed in the primary <br />district, the worse the scenario may become. This issue, coupled with the above-mentioned problem <br />identified by other communities that only a handful of owners benefit by increasing their income <br />through multiple rental properties with absentee landlords, further suggests the need for an owner- <br />occupancy requirement. Individuals seeking to solely profit from this type of development may <br />maintain the current level of water service, despite the recommended guidelines from Public Works, in <br />an effort to reduce construction costs. Many units could be constructed, at least in Ventura Village, with <br />a subsidy from allocated NRP funds. Ventura Village has dedicated at least $640,000 of NRP money <br />for this type of development. The City, in effect, could be subsidizing housing that lacks basic services <br />related to health and general welfare. <br /> <br />TIMELINESS <br /> <br />Is the amendment timely? <br /> <br />Tools and Opportunities: <br />The Planning Department does believe that this amendment is timely. Although only one accessory <br />dwelling application has been submitted and analyzed, staff recognizes that changes are desired. <br />Changes, such as the potential for citywide eligibility, reflect today's issues regarding housing options. <br /> <br />That being said, there are other alternatives to accomplish the accessory dwelling unit concept. Through <br />the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Cluster Development provisions, the City authorizes <br />developments of more than one dwelling unit on a zoning lot. Cluster developments require a minimum <br />of three dwelling units and PUDs require a minimum lot area of two acres. One vision of success that <br />the Planning Department has for accessory dwellings is multiple units built on one single block. This <br />development, through a PUD or Cluster may be more successful in terms of design compatibility, <br />putting "eyes on the alley" and making the alley a more desirable space (please see attached memo from <br />Chief Olson). An example of this design could compare to Milwaukee Avenue. The appropriate tools <br />for this type of development would be a PUD or a Cluster. <br /> <br />Page 8 <br />