Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/04/2020

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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date: 06/04/2020 Submitted For: Chloe McGuire Brigl, Community Development By: Eric Maass, Community Development 8. 1. Information Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Ordinance 20-10 Amending Bulk Standards in the R-1 Residential District Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is for the Planning Commission to review proposed updates to the bulk standards within the R-1 Residential zoning district. Proposed updates are related to side yard setbacks and have been drafted by Staff based on experience in implementing the current ordinance and feedback provided to Staff by city residents applying for various permits impacted by side yard setbacks. Notification: Staff published the Notice of Public Hearing in the Anoka County UnionHerald. This public hearing is not specific to a single address and as a result individual mailers regarding this public hearing have not been sent to individual residences. Observations/Alternatives: Observations City Staff have been tracking areas of the City's zoning ordinance which require review and consideration for updating. One of those sections is the bulk standards within the R-1 Residential zoning district (Section 117-111). This sections outlines standards for uses and dimensional/bulk standards for properties within that specific zoning district. Staff is currently proposed to remove the distinction between "habitable" (dwelling) and "uninhabitable" (garage) space as it relates to the side yard setback. City Staff are recommending the removal of this distinction to increase clarity of the ordinance and provide clear direction to situations where having separate setbacks becomes burdensome. Current Proposed Habitable (Dwelling) 10 feet 6 feet Uninhabitable (Garage) 6 feet 6 feet A specific example would be living area constructed over a garage (City Staff is not referring to accessory dwellings). Currently the ordinance would require two different setbacks for that side of the structure as the garage would be deemed uninhabitable and the overhead living space habitable. City Staff have reviewed neighboring city ordinances and not found this distinction between habitable and uninhabitable setbacks to be a common practice. Staff has attached the draft ordinance for review by the Planning Commission. Staff will walk through the proposed revisions with the Planning Commission and members of the public in attendance. Alternatives Alternative 1: Recommend that the City Council introduce Ordinance #20-10 revising City Code Section 117-111 related to side yard setback bulk standards within the R-1 Residential zoning district. Staff supports this alternative.