HomeMy WebLinkAboutWorkshopStaffReport-PrairieGarden12_0724.pdf REQUEST FOR PLANNI NG COMMISSION ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Description The Falcon Heights Environment Commi ssion recommends adoption of an ordinance allowing and regulating varied landscaping styles in Falcon Heights, including prairie gardens, meadow gardens and rain gardens. Background On the basis of the Environment Co mmission’s recommendations, the city attorney created a draft ordinance based on one from the City of Minnetonka. This was submitted to the City Council on May 9. The proposed ordinance provides a significant addition to Chapter 54 Vegeta tion and removes parts of the nuisance and blight ordinance in Chapter 22 th at would now be covered by the new sections in Chapter 54. The City Council had concerns about neig hborhood impacts from the proposed ordinance as written and decided to refe r the matter to the Planning Commission for study and recommendation, with spec ial attention to potential impacts on neighborhood character and implications for the comprehensive plan. In workshop on June 26 following the Commi ssion’s formal meeting, the Planning Commission received an orientation on this topic and began discussion. This workshop is a continuation of that discussion. Budget Impact Unknown Attachments None. Staff requests that Commissioners review the material provided in their May packet and bring that reference material to the meeting. Please notify staff if new copies are needed. Action(s) Requested Discuss planning and zoning aspects of the proposed ordinance, especially possible neighborhood impacts and imp lications for the comprehensive plan Provide feedback and recommendations to the City Council Meeting Date July 24, 2012 Agenda Item Workshop Title Ordinance amending the Falcon Heights code to regulate natural landscaping. Submitted By Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison