January 18 2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Teague reviewed the Planning Report on the informal consideration of an Ordinance Amendment regarding the City’s 30 percent floor area ratio requirement within the R-1 and R-1A Residential Zoning Districts. Schiferl stated the impervious surface and the building coverage are separate issues and should be considered separately. On the impervious surface, Schiferl said he was comfortable with picking a number out of the planning report. Baker stated it is appropriate that floor-area ratio be studied. Baker commented that the Wexford area seems to have very large houses on small lots. Teague stated that the houses in the Stony Lake area are right at 30 percent, with unfinished basements. If a resident comes in with a plan to finish the basement, typically the City Planner does not review these plans because it involves remodeling. The Building Official reviews the plans. Teague states he reviews plans for a garage expansion, where the owner wants to convert the original attached garage into living space and builds a detached garage. Zisla asked if the code reads that the basement accounts for a percentage. Teague responded affirmatively. Zisla said he understood the floor-area ratio was the building whether the basement was finished or unfinished. Whether or not the basement is finished does not make sense. Schopf pointed out that garages are considered in the floor-area ratio. Zisla stated he would be concerned about the establishment of a floor-area minimum. It is clear that the amendment does not require a minimum. Zisla stated he sees no reason for the current floor-area ratio requirement. Zisla stated the lot coverage would be much easier to enforce. Baker stated he would be interested in the land area coverage in the Wexford Heights area. Teague responded he would check on it and present it when the Commission considers the subject again. Baker stated that, in Mound, if a site has over a certain percent of impervious surface, Mound allows the owner to put some kind of retainage on the site. Baker asked if the Commissioners were in general agreement with the proposed amendment. The Commissioners responded affirmatively. Schiferl stated that driveways and driveway turn-arounds should be addressed. Zisla stated the City has not had an indication that there in an issue with impervious surface coverage. Teague stated there has been no issue with impervious surfaces in New Brighton. Arden Hills had an issue concerning impervious surfaces because of the parking ordinance, so residents have been paving their front yards. Arden Hills is planning to consider an impervious surface requirement. Announcements and Updates - None Adjourn Motion Livingston, seconded by Schopf to . The meeting was adjourned at 8:45. ADJOURN THE MEETING _______________________________________ Cary Teague, City Planner I:\COMMISSIONS\PLANNING\MINUTES\2000\JANUARY 18 2000.WPD 3