Agenda - Council - 03/23/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case # 7•0 INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 117 ARTICLE III TO REQUIRE INDIVIDUAL SERVICES AND REGULATE THE PLATTING OF INDIVIDUAL UNITS IN MULTI -UNIT RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS IN THE CITY OF RAMSEY; CASE OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY By: Tim Gladhill, Associate Planner Background: The City has increasingly responded to interruptions in municipal water and fire suppression services in multi - family structures in cold weather months due to vacated dwelling units. This has become a larger public safety concern as the number of vacant dwelling units has steadily increased since 2006. The City has taken proactive steps in preventing damage to water pipes and personal property by discontinuing water service when a vacancy is confirmed on units connected to the municipal water system. This is done to prevent freezing and broken pipes. This is a greater concern in those building designed with a joint service from the municipal infrastructure that serve multiple, individual units. A single vacancy in a multi -unit building can interrupt service for all units in the building if the piping is not adequately protected when the units share services. In these instances, the City cannot disconnect water service to the vacant unit without disconnecting service to the entire building. Notification: In accordance with Minnesota Statute § 15.99, the City properly advertised the Public Hearing iri the official City newsletter. Findings: The proposed ordinance will require each individual dwelling unit to be subdivided separately, thereby requiring an individual service, rather than allowing for shared services as currently allowed by City Code. In addition, further clarification is provided in § 117- 614(d) (Public utilities), requiring individual services in the event individual platted lots is not feasible. The ordinance allows for certain exemptions from the proposed subdivision requirement, most notably vertically subdivided units with interior common areas (i.e. condos, apartments, etc.). The intent of the ordinance is not to require individual services to each unit of an apartment complex or other multi - family buildings with shared interior heated common areas. Those already approved with joint services will need to be allowed to continue to construct as such due to City approvals. Through the Building Permit review process, City Staff will suggest additional insulation to protect the joint services, but will not require any one specific alternative. City Staff simply would like to provide additional, critical protection to residents of the building. Attached is the proposed ordinance with amendments. Additions are indicated as underlined deletions are indicated as a °*- ikugh Funding Source: Amendments to Chapter 117 are being handled as part of regular Staff duties.