Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/10/2023

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2. 4. CC Work Session Meeting Date: 10/10/2023 PrimaryStrategic Plan Initiative: Create a positive image for residential neighborhoods,business districts and key g corridors. Information Title: Zoning Code Update Discussion Purpose/Background: Over the past year, staff and the Planning Commission have been working on updating the zoning portion of Chapter 117. This chapter has had several topic-based updates over the years,but nothing comprehensive. Cities are required to review their Zoning Codes after the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan to ensure the tools are in place to implement the Comprehensive Plans. Ramsey's Zoning Code is cumbersome to navigate,has lots of inconsistencies,has lots of redundancies, and has several burdensome regulations. Goals of this update are to make it easy to use and understand,to be consistent, and to make it less onerous for residents and businesses to invest in their properties. The City Council introduced Ordinance#23-14 on August 8. At that meeting, it was noted that the Planning Commission requested that the City Council dive into two topics more in depth: The definition of"Family" and regulations around car dealers. Both topics were discussed at the September 26, 2023 work session. Other topics that need further discussion include the following: Residential Lot Sizes The proposed draft Zoning Code does not substantially change the lot areas for any of the residential zoning districts, except for the proposed R-1 A district. This district will generally replace the current R-1 MUSA-80 district. The current regulation is an 80-foot wide lot with a 10,890 square foot area(quarter-acre). The proposed lot regulations are a 75 foot width with an area of 10,000 square feet. This slight reduction is proposed in an attempt to meet the Low Density Residential density of between 3.0 and 4.0 units per acre. Home Occupation Permits Following the Council Work Session on May 9, staff adjusted the draft regulations based on the Council's discussion. The proposed language is an attempt to clarify what is allowed and what is not allowed in keeping with the residential characteristics of a neighborhood. It also attempts to treat occupations with similar impacts the same. For example, a piano teacher teaching one student currently does not need a Level-II HOP while a beautician cutting one client's hair does (proposed is that neither occupation would need a Level-II HOP). Residential Uses There has been some discussion about micro hotels,rooming houses, and other similar quasi-business residential enterprises in residential neighborhoods. Is this something that the Council would like to allow or not allow? The City cannot regulate whether a home is rented, leased, or owned. We can apply our rental licensing regulations to ensure a safe and well-maintained property. The definition of"family" discussed earlier can help with regulating these uses. Map Since the public hearing, staff is proposing some changes to the proposed Zoning Map: •Lord of Life Church- 14501 Nowthen Blvd.NW- at their request to keep the R-1/R-2/R-3 zoning consistent with what it is currently and to deal with a potential development rezoning in the future.