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Mayor Ramsey indicated all understand the market and that you can buy a house cheaper than <br />building a new one. However, he believed that changing the design standards would further <br />devalue the existing homes. Mayor Ramsey noted all bought into the porch concept and he <br />wants to protect the residents who are already there. He asked if there are options. <br />Mr. Novak pointed out the lots are narrow with 50 -foot building pads, a 24 -foot garage is needed <br />to assure adequate storage, plus an 8 -foot porch. <br />Senior Planner Gladhill noted the lots are not encumbered by drainage and utility easements and <br />zoning standards allow a zero setback but the building code requires fire rated walls if within <br />five feet of the property line. He noted staff has seen house designs that fit the building pad with <br />two -car garages and a substantial porch. <br />Councilmember Wise agreed with Councilmember Backous that things change; however, the <br />Council addressed reducing the original standards to make it more marketable. He stated he <br />found the proposed design to look like a garage with living space and part of the Council's <br />responsibility is to residents already paying taxes over people who might be paying taxes. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated this design would be fine in another location in Ramsey but the <br />Council has set standards for this area, enforced them, and needs to be consistent. He stated he <br />cannot agree with a change that would impact other's property values. <br />Mayor Ramey pointed out that in this area, another consideration is that the houses will be built <br />right next to another person's house. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated there have been five new starts in this neighborhood and all were <br />required to include front porches. <br />Senior Planner Gladhill thanked the Council for providing feedback on this design plan. He <br />suggested, since staff is getting a lot of comments, it would be prudent to review the original site <br />plan and floor plans conceived for this area with builders and remind them it is in City Code. <br />Senior Planner Gladhill indicated staff will continue to work through issues and find solutions so <br />home designs do not need to be brought to the Council. <br />The majority consensus of the Council was to not support a revision to the architectural design <br />standards. <br />2.02: Review Allowable Residential Uses Permitted by Minnesota Statute <br />Senior Planner Gladhill reviewed the staff report. <br />Councilmember Elvig asked how home occupations relate to this State Statute. <br />Senior Planner Gladhill stated staff gets this question frequently. He noted that in terms of all <br />residential properties, there has been an increase in investors purchasing houses with the intent to <br />lease or rent to the general public or a specific group. The question is whether a firm <br />City Council Work Session / May 22, 2012 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />