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FALCON HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION 1981 ANNUAL REPORT Planning Commission activities for the year began with the election of officers pursuant to Ordinance ~1~177. Al Stefanson and Erma Olson were nominated and elected to serve as Chairman and Vice Chairperson, respectively. Jerry Wallin volunteered to serve as Secretary for another year. In February work began on developing a new zoning ordinance to carry out the object- ives of the Comprehensive Plan. Language was developed using the existing Ordi- nance 464 as a pattern. Much reference was made to a copy of the Willmar, Minnesota zoning ordinance supplied by Carl Dale for guidance. The Commission drafted the language for the residential zones with the homeowner in mind by simplifying its reading. Articles which related to the residential zones but were separate under Ordinance ~~64 are now combined with language for the respective residential zone. Work on the new Ordinance continued throughout the year until October. During this period the Commission often met in the form of smaller discussion groups. The results of the group meetings were then combined at the following regular meeting. When a section of the Ordinance reached final draft form it was submitted to Carl Dale for comment. Work on the zoning ordinance was virtually halted when, at the October meeting, the initial proposal of American Shelter Corporation was presented for the purpose of developing the Hermes-Hawkins property into townhouses and condominiums. Consideration of the initial and subsequent American Shelter Corporation proposals consumed virtually 100% of all Planning Commission meetings from October through the last meeting of-the year. As the year came to a close, the American Shelter proposal came closer to one which the Commission could recommend for approval to the City Council. The final decision, however, is expected in 1982. • In addition to the foregoing major highlights, the Planning Commission took action on many variances and conditional use permit applications. Typical of-the requests were those to build private swimming pools, to build garages closer to property lines than the zoning ordinance would allow and to erect storage sheds in back- yards. The Commission also passed a resolution in July to recommend that the City Council take action to involve the City in the Federal Moderate Rehab Housing Program. It was hoped that participation in this program would result in im- proved maintenance of apartments and other residential rental space. The major Planning Commission objective for 1982 will be completion of a new zoning ordinance. Respectfully submitted, vV ~I~~J"' _. ry W in, Secretary