10-27-2021 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 27, 2021 ORDINANCE 856, AMENDING CHAPTER 900, LITTLE CANADA ZONING CODE The Community Development Director explained that the City began working on a full zoning code update in January after adopting the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to better align the goals and vision of the Comp Plan with the official controls of the City. She stated that the Zoning Code has been reorganized and rewritten to improve the quality of land development and to make it easier to use. She reviewed the process over the last 10 months with the Planning Commission, City Council and resident discussions, and the public engagement efforts throughout the process. The Community Development Director gave a summary of the purpose for the full code update and reported that some zoning districts were deleted or combined, one new zoning district was created, the R-2 Medium Density Residential District was broadened and several allowed land uses were deleted or combined. Fischer asked about the major change to the height allowance in the commercial district from 36 feet to six stories, and can the fire department service that tall of a building. The Community Development Director responded that the Fire Chief has reviewed the proposed changes, and noted the Little Canada Fire Department can currently service up to a seven -story building. McGraw stated that all of the Council discussions have come down to the accessory dwelling units (ADU's) and there has not been a final decision made. He reported that no one he has talked to about this code update, knew anything about accessory dwelling units, and feels that is something that should be discussed with the community first. He stated that he agrees with the rest of the changes made. The Community Development Director stated that the section for ADU's and duplexes in the R-2 district are not included in this version of the Zoning Code, but can be added at any time if the Council chooses. She noted that the Planning Commission will continue discussing recommended language for these sections, and then forward that to the Council for consideration and potential adoption later. McGraw asked what the plan is to deal with the ADU piece, and had there been other comments from the public about any other section of the Zoning Code, other than ADU's. The Community Development Director stated that she has only received positive feedback about the rest of the changes. Torkelson and Miller agreed that community engagement should be done to get input about ADU's. There were no additional comments from the public. Upon motion by Fischer, seconded by McGraw, the public hearing was closed. Fischer introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2021-10-125 — ADOPT ORDINANCE 856, AMENDING CHAPTER 900, THE LITTLE CANADA ZONING CODE, AND APPR O VE PUBICA TION OF A SUMMARY ORDINANCE The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Torkelson. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted.