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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />APRIL 8, 2021 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />3 <br />The Community Development Director commented that input has been provided from the City <br />Clerk and City Administrator throughout this process. <br /> <br />Mr. Weber continued to provide an overview of the proposed amendments. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kwapick commented that accessory dwelling units could be a good idea to house <br />elderly family members and therefore having those requirements would be a good idea. He <br />referenced the size threshold of less than 40 percent of the principal dwelling structure and asked <br />if accessory dwelling structures are ever constructed with basements or underground living <br />space. He asked where the threshold came from. <br /> <br />Mr. Weber commented that it was most likely found in another zoning ordinance. He stated that <br />he has read about accessory dwelling structures but has not seen one in person. He stated that <br />Minneapolis and Saint Paul have more accessory dwelling structures. He stated that he would <br />doubt there would be a basement. <br /> <br />Chair Schwalbach commented that the lots in his area are 100 feet wide and therefore it would be <br />hard to imagine accessory dwelling structures in this area. He noted that in Saint Paul and <br />Minneapolis there are often alleyways to provide access, rather than to have that type of structure <br />placed between homes with no separate access. He commented that he is not opposed to the <br />idea. <br /> <br />Mr. Weber commented that sometimes those types of dwelling units are sold as “granny units” <br />but was unsure how often they are used for that purpose. <br /> <br />Chair Schwalbach commented that he would think the units would most likely be used to <br />generate income. He referenced the restrictions on parking and snowmobile registration and <br />asked how that would be regulated and enforced by the City. <br /> <br />Mr. Weber commented that would most likely be based upon complaints by neighbors. <br /> <br />The Community Development Director commented that the use would be allowed if the property <br />meets compliance. She stated that if there is a situation that needs inspection or remedy, staff <br />would handle that through code enforcement. She stated that because of the lot size she would <br />not imagine there would be many requests and staff would review the regulations with the <br />property owner to ensure it is done right from the start. <br /> <br />Mr. Weber commented that the intent would not be to market this as an allowed use but have <br />language in place in case a request comes through. <br /> <br />Chair Schwalbach stated that he will be curious to the input of the Council on that concept. He <br />noted that the City did have a discussion related to “granny pods” within the past five years and <br />the consensus was not to allow that type of structure.