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Planning Commission Minutes June 1, 1983 -3- Planning File 1436 - Study of Housing Alternatives in the R-l Zoning District Presentation Mr. Dahlgren indicated the City Council, at its April 25th meeting, adopted a motion referring the issue of housing alternatives in the R-l zone to the Planning commission for study and a report. Mr. Dahlgren explained that in the past few years, there has been considerable discussion and research concerning housing needs and supply. Much of this effort has been directed toward the potential for increasing our capacity to provide needed housing at a relatively low cost by revising our standards and regulations relating to the occupancy of single-family homes, particularly in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. There are several alternatives available for reaching this objective, the principle one being allowing the development of accessory apartments in existing single- family homes. Mr. Dahlgren indicated that since the revision of single-family home regulations may be a controversial subject, it would be appropriate for the Planning Commission to carefully consider all the elements, advantages, and disadvantages of possible changes in the City's policy concerning single-family home occupancy. Discussion Berry posed several questions concerning the extent of need for additional low-cost housing in Roseville. These included: 1) Which population groups need low-cost housing? 2) How many people would be served by changes in the City's housing policy? 3) What is the current apartment vacancy rate in Roseville? 4) How many single-family homes in Roseville could accommodate the addition of an accessory apartment? Mr. Dahlgren indicated there is a shortage of affordable housing, but the magnitude is difficult to measure. The housing shortage is not being reflected in lowered apartment vacancy rates. This may be due to the high cost of apartment rental which is causing many people to look elsewhere for housing. Some people become boarders or accessory apartment tenants in single-family homes. The extent to which this is occurring in Roseville is not known at this time. Mr. Dahlgren also indicated that Roseville's current R-l zone regulations allow a single-family homeowner to have a maximum of two boarders or roomers. There is no limit on the number of persons related by blood who may live in a single- family home. Accessory apartments are not allowed in Roseville. The element distinguishing a "boarder" arrangement from an accessory apartment is the existence of separate kitchen facilities in the accessory apartment.