Agenda - Council - 11/09/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

COln7e11member Zimmerman commented there would be better control by leaving the controls the way they are, Councilmember Cook inquired if someone could purchase the property and rent out the house if they were to leave the apartment un-rented. City Attorney Goodrich responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Cook questioned what the advantage is to state the house can be purchased and rented out if the apartment is not rented. Mayor Gamce noted the concern that led to this conditional use permit was who would maintain the property, and an on site owner seemed to be better. Councilmember Strommen requested staff to outline some of the concerns of the Planning Commission.. She inquired what the difference would be from her renting out her house to renting out a duplex, and inquired what the thought was of limiting accessory apartments as a conditional use from the R-1 zoning ordinance. Associate Planner Geisler explained the Planning Commission's concerns were along the lines of sonic of the comments the Council has brought up, in relation to having an owner on the premises for maintenance and repair concerns. Community Development Director Frolik stated regarding why accessory apartments were eliminated from the zoning ordinance; prior to the City revamping their zoning, there was a broad statement in each zoning district that allowed a conditional use permit for any use found to be compatible with the neighborhood, That has been eliminated and the zoning districts specifically list the uses a conditional use permit can be obtained for. Accessory apartments are not on the list. Councilmember Strommen clarified there was not a thought process that eliminated the accessory apartments; they were just not added to the list. Community Development Director Frolik responded that is correct. She indicated it has been planned that this will be discussed in the future. Councilmember Cook stated he does not see the difference between renting the apartment and renting a house. There has been a rental property next to him, and the first people that purchased it and lived there were four young men going to college. The renters that are there now do a much better job with the property than the people that owned it and lived there in the first place. If they are not going to allow this they are saying they do not want rental properties anywhere in the City. Councilmember Pearson asked what the length will be on the lease. City Council/October 12, 2004 Page 12 of 30