2022.02.08 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Worksession February 1, 2022 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Absent: Councilmember Pam Axberg Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Ben Gozola Guests in Attendance: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held both virtually and in person. Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy Discussion Massopust reported a resident has requested the City to look into allowing accessory dwelling units in New Brighton. He explained when matters come from the community staff likes to bring these items before the City Council for comment. He indicated staff had a presentation for the Council and would like feedback on how to proceed. Gozola stated in 2021, both City Council members and staff heard from members of the public that there was interest in the City adopting new regulations to authorize use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on single - family lots throughout the City. An online petition was signed by 87 people in support of “appropriately sized accessory dwelling units for residents on their properties.” In addition to the public outreach on this subject, the City is also now home to a company named YardHomes who made New Brighton their corporate headquarters in 2021. Like the petitioners, they too would greatly appreciate having their product become allowed in some fashion within their home City. Given the above and the fact that “Housing” was identified as the primary need in the City according to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, this appeared to be an appropriate time to get Council’s direction on whether ADU’s are an item that staff should address, and if so, within what time frame. Staff provided the Council with additional information on ADU’s and requested direction on how to proceed. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated when she thinks of ADU’s, she does not consider a unit attached to the house. Gozola explained many times this is addressed under building codes. He discussed how some homeowners were renovating their homes to have a rental unit and without proper building permits in place, the unit would not be allowed. Councilmember Abdulle indicated he supported the City pursuing ADU’s. He commented he was interested in allowing additions to homes because this would continue to diversify the City’s housing stock. He encouraged the City to make the approval process flexible, while maintaining a certain level of standards for the housing. He stated he would be interested in learning who more about would be benefiting from ADU’s in the community. He wanted to see all members of the community benefiting when it comes to housing. He