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• FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 22, 2003 Approval of Ordinance 03-01 Concerning Limitations on Impervious Surfaces -4- Administrator Worthington said that in early 2002, the residents in the Northome neighborhood alerted the City to an issue that was becoming more and more prevalent-that of lot coverage. Lot coverage in the Falcon Heights City code is defined as any impervious surface (including homes, garages, patios, decks, sidewalks, and driveways). Over a period of eight months in 2002, the Planning Commission worked on the issue of impervious surface coverage in the residential zoning areas of Falcon Heights, with the assistance of Dan Cornejo from Short Elliott Hendrickson, and the excellent work of Deb Jones, the City Planning and Zoning Coordinator. After much research and consideration, taking public input, and re-working the ordinance several times, they formulated an ordinance for the Council's approval. The Planning Commission held a public hearing in November, 2002, to take testimony from residents. There were no negative comments and the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment by the City Council. Council member Lindstrom, Council liaison to the Planning Commission, said that years ago, the City had been quite restrictive about lot coverage, and then, at some point the coverage was changed, permitting up to 75% of a lot to have an impervious surface. He gave a brief review • of the proposed ordinance amendment and said that if it is approved by the Council, there is only one property in the City that will be legal, non-conforming. He complimented Deb Jones and and Dan Cornejo for the tremendous job they did and said the GIS data was also very helpful. Mayor Gehrz said she is very, very impressed with what the Planning Commission and staff have developed. They have created something that has a good balance and yet respects the investments that people have made in their homes. Kuettel moved that Ordinance No. 03-01 amending Chapter 9-2.05, subd. 2d of the Falcon Heights City Code, concerning limitations on impervious surfaces, be approved as presented and outlined below. The motion was unanimously approved. SECTION 1. Section 9-2.05, subd. 2d of the Falcon Heights City Code is amended to read: In no event shall off street parking, structures of any type, buildings, or any impervious surfaces cover more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the lot areas, except for R-1 zoned land which is regulated by the Schedule below: Lot Area (S.F.) 7370 or less Over 7370 to 15800 Over 15800 to 34000 Over 34000 Maximum 45% 3320 S.F. or 30%, 4940 S.F. or 20%, 6800 S.F. or 15%, Impervious Lot whichever is whichever is whichever is Coverage greater greater greater SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication.