Minutes - Council - 11/12/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The ordinance has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and was unanimously recommended for adoption at this time. Councilmember Beyer asked if there is a lot of uncompleted construction and if the ordinance has a retroactive date. Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that the ordinance would be retroactive to all open building permits. At this time she can think of one project that is not completed. Planning Intern Skoog added that a normal time period for construction completion is 6 to 12 months. So as not to be too restrictive with a new ordinance, staff.felt that 12 months would be a reasonable amount of time for exterior completion. Councilmember Beahen asked how the ordinance would affect families whose home burned down and need a temporary structure or longer period of time. Zoning Administrator Frolik responded that the ordinance exempts any permits granted for temporary structures, such as the situation described by Councilmember Beahen. Motion by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to introduce Ordinance #96-XX to amend Chapter 8 to establish time limits for the completion of building exteriors. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin, Councilmembers Beahen, Beyer. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmembers Peterson and Zimmerman. Case #3: Introduce Interim Ordinance Temporarily Prohibiting Construction of New Towers Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that at the present time a conditional use permit is required to put up a personal communication tower. However, thero is new communication technology that may require towers every 1 to 2 miles in high communication traffic corridors. One company is anticipating constructing 300 antenna towers in the Twin Cities area. Upon the recommendation of the City Attorney, it is proposed that the City adopt an interim ordinance which declares a 90-day moratorium on the review of any new applications for communications towers until the City has had an opportunity to establish performance standards. The interim ordinance has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and is unanimously recommended for adoption. Councilmember Beyer noted that the City of Anoka adopted a 6-month moratorium and asked if that would be a more suitable length of time. Mayor Hardin asked what type of study will be done and the time frame for its completion. Planning Intern Skoog stated that he will be conducting the research, which will include collecting ordinances from other cities to modify and develop an ordinance for Ramsey. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 does not allow cities to prohibit the towers, but standards can be City Council/November 12, 1996 Page 7 of 15