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CASE # 4 4 <br />INTRODUCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND 9.20.25 (TOWN CENTER DISTRICT) OF <br />• CHAPTER NINE THE RAMSEY ZONING CODE: <br />CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY . <br />By: Breanne Dalnes, Associate Planner <br />Observations: <br />Throughout 2005 and 2006, Staff has encountered a variety of issues with the Town Center zoning code. <br />The intent of the Town Center zoning district is foster a pedestrian friendly, transit oriented development by <br />employing distinctly different standards than other zoning districts within the City. Since its adoption, <br />Staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council have encountered standards that cannot be <br />accommodated and still allow reasonable, well - suited development. A summary of the proposed changes <br />are as follows: <br />1) Minor revisions to the "intent" section of TC -1 to exclude performance standards. These standards <br />were moved into the appropriate section in the bulk standards table. <br />2) Minor revisions to the permitted uses list. Many conditional uses were changed to permitted uses. <br />The original intent of the CUP status on most of the uses that were changed was to ensure a <br />pedestrian friendly, transit oriented design. However, the design standards fully incorporate these, <br />and thus the uses should be permitted by right. <br />3) Reduction of floor - area - ratios in commercial, office, and core area. Staff has come across problems <br />• in applying this standard; it appears much too strict when compared with the parking requirements. <br />4) Parking requirements. All minim parking requirements are changed to maximum allowable <br />parking stalls. Additional parking would be permitted if provided within a structure, or by <br />conditional use permit (up to 25% increase.) <br />5) Signage. Signboards will be limited to 5% of fagade area. This codifies the practice that has been <br />employed to address signage requirements. <br />Notification: <br />In accordance with State. Statute, a public hearing notice was published in the Anoka County Union. <br />Funding Source: <br />This is a city - initiated zoning amendment, and no City financing is required. <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff recommends introducing the ordinance to amend the Town Center Zoning District. <br />The Planning Commission recommends approval of the zoning amendment, contingent upon making <br />requested changes. The proposed ordinance reflects those changes. <br />—133— <br />