Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/24/2023

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would the City then send police to investigate birth certificates. He commented that the definition of family would seem to be a moot point if it could not be enforced. City Attorney Knaak replied that in that case, the end of the conversation would be if there was an affidavit saying they are related. He stated that in cases of caring for the elderly there are other state regulations that would come into play. He stated that if there are six or seven unrelated people living together that are not aware of the regulation, that would raise additional questions. Acting Chairperson Bauer commented that he would think enforcement would fall to the Code Enforcement Officer, who would then investigate complaints. Planning Manager Larson commented that he has received quite a few complaints of this nature. He stated that when he speaks to the complainant, he explains that this is a serious allegation, and they would need proof that the people are not related. He stated that in one example the caller stated that he was told by the people living in the house are eight unrelated construction workers. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that it is a fair question as to why family is defined but acknowledged that the term family is used throughout the Zoning Code (single-family, multi- family, etc.). He stated that Saint Paul had a fair debate about this topic in 2020 and reviewed the three options that city considered. Ms. Johnson commented that people purchased their homes in a legal manner and use and this change would create many nonconformities. Commissioner Hunt asked if they could use language stating that the home is designed for a single family versus stating that only one family can inhabit that unit. He commented that many things are not used as designed. City Attorney Knaak used the example of Long Prairie where there has been an issue with large number of legal immigrants coming in and two or three adults are housed in each bedroom which then creates a boarding house. He commented that there are reasons for regulations in terms of density and sanitary services. He commented that in Ramsey it would most likely be traditional families or single people purchasing homes. He acknowledged that it is a difficult topic. Ms. Johnson commented that Ramsey has not had a limit on the number of unrelated individuals to date and has not had a problem. She commented that the state mandates the number of people that can be in a home based on the available space and number of bathrooms. She found it offensive that a family could be defined as two adults and their three children but not five young professionals saving to purchase homes are not desired in Ramsey. Commissioner Heineman stated that he understands the intention to limit the number of people in a home but asked if this is enforceable by the City. City Attorney Knaak replied that it is enforceable but as a practical matter there are some issues that were mentioned in terms of enforcement. Planning Commission/ July 27, 2023 Page 13 of 18