HomeMy WebLinkAboutFrontPorchOrdinance.pdf REQUEST FOR PLANNI NG COMMISSION ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date February 28, 2012 Agenda Item 1 Title Ordinance amending the Falcon Heights zoning code to allow certain front porch encroachments Submitted By Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison The City That Soars! Descrip tion An ordinance is proposed to amend the City Code to allow limited encroachment of open front porches into required front y ards in R-1, R2 and R-3 residential zones. Background The Falcon Heights City Council adopted as one of its 2011 goals a revisitation of the rules regarding front porches as allo wed front yard encroachments in Falcon Heights. Front porches were not a popular architectural feature when most of the homes in the city were built, but they have a practical value in providing shelter at a front entry. They can also have a commu nity value in encouraging neighborhood socialization. Since most houses in the Ci ty were built right up to the front setback line, the addition of a covered stoop or porch means encroaching into the required front setback. Falcon Heights code does not presently allow a porch or covered stoop as an encroachment, but the City regularly receives inquiries from resident interested in adding them. The Planning Commission was charged with researching other cities' ordinances, studying the front porch issue as it migh t affect the residential streetscapes of Falcon Heights, and coming up with a recommendation to the Council. The commission conducted this work in a series of workshops in August, September and October, 2011. The general consensus of the Commission wa s that allowing open front porches, including covered stoops, with limits on the encroachment, would be a welcome amenity without adversely altering the ch aracter of city neighborhoods. Screening or any other kind of enclosure of such a porch would not be permitted. Budget Impact None Attachment(s) Proposed ordinance amending Chapter 113 Action(s) Requested Hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance Make a recommendation to the City Council
ORDINANCE NO. ____ CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS RAMSE Y COUNTY, MINNESOTA AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 113 OF THE CITY CODE CONCERNING PORCHES THE CITY COUNCIL OF FALC ON HEIGHTS ORDAINS: SECTION 1. Section 113-3 of the Falcon Heights City Code is amended by adding the following definition: Porch means a roofed, open area attached to a building with direct access to and from the building to wh ich it is attached. SECTION 2. Section 113-241 of the Falcon He ights City Code is amended by adding Subsection (b)(5) to provide as follows: (5) Porches with open railings which do not have walls, doors, windows or screens and which do not extend above t he roof line of the building to which they are attached may encroach in to the required front yard six feet if they are a minimum of fi ve feet from any interior side lot line, nine feet from any side yard line abutting a street, and 24 feet from any front lot line. SECTION 3. Effective Date . This ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage. ADOPTED this ______ day of _______________, 2012 , by the City Council of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS BY: ______________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ Bart Fischer, City Administrator/Clerk 162538v01a RNK:02/08/2012