Agenda - Planning Commission - 10/27/2022

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City Planner McCann stated that he did not initially take in that input and that staff member is no longer with the City. He stated that he could reach out to Fridley as he was unsure if that community previously had zoning permits or was simply thinking about adding them. Commissioner Gengler stated that she would be interested in that thought process. Councilmember Musgrove asked if there could be information from other communities that have followed a similar process and what has been gained or lost. She noted that it seems most communities still retained permits for fencing and asked why that remained. City Planner McCann commented that he cannot speak for other communities, but his assumption would be that fencing is a more common improvement and perhaps that is desired to be regulated through permits without inspections. Commissioner Hunt asked if Ramsey has always had zoning permits. Senior Planner Anderson replied that zoning permits were enacted in 2006 or 2007. Commissioner Hunt asked why the zoning permits were enacted. Senior Planner Anderson replied that staff was receiving complaints and staff believed that zoning permits could perhaps allow the City to get ahead of that issue rather than responding to complaints. He believed that requiring a survey to be completed for property improvements, with the use of handouts, would be the most beneficial way to prevent issues rather than the use of zoning permits. He stated that fencing tends to be placed right at property lines and he would not be surprised if other communities require a survey to be filed with their permit to ensure the fence is placed where it should be. Commissioner Hunt stated that it would seem that the zoning permits were enacted in attempt to prevent the situation where people are not doing things correctly and staff is addressing an issue after the fact, but the permits did not seem to prevent that issue. He stated that no matter what path is followed, it seems there will still be after the fact issues. Senior Planner Anderson replied that most residents want to do the right thing and do call staff to ask for input on what is required. He stated that in the heat of the summer when staff is burdened with zoning permits and building permits, a resident may need to wait two to three weeks for their shed permit because of the delay which may miss the window of time that the resident intended to build their shed. Commissioner Walker stated that he understands the reasoning to remove the zoning permits, recognizing that the cost does not equate to the staff time. He asked if it would make sense to increase the cost of the permit to cover the staff time and inspection and make everything a building permit. Planning Manager Larson stated that State law dictates what cities can issue a building permit for. He stated that a building permit cannot be required for accessory structures under 200 feet. He Planning Commission/ September 29, 2022 Page7of14