08-12-2021 Planning Commission Packet

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STAFF REPORT TO: Chair and Members of Planning Commission FROM: Corrin Wendell, Community Development Director Michelle Lincoln, Community Development Intern DATE: August 12, 2021 RE: Community Comparison – ADUs and Duplex Data ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: Zoning Code Update informational item. BACKGROUND: At the June 9th and July 14th City Council workshop, the Zoning Code update was discussed including the potential addition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Duplexes in the R-1 District. Based on discussions, city staff was asked to provide data from surrounding cities to compare ordinances, uses, and whether the cities have experienced any issues with these two types of uses. We are bringing this information to the Planning Commission to give an update on this data. The data from this research resulted in the following: Accessory Dwelling Units • Of the 10 ring-one cities reviewed, four cities allow ADUs. All four have provisions to allow for the structures in R-1 Districts as well as other residential or mixed-use districts. One city (Oakdale) only allows interior accessory apartments/dwelling units. • In cities that allow ADUs, at least one parking space is required for the ADU. • Six of the cities do not have provisions for ADUs, with one city (Vadnais Heights) incorporating a dwelling restriction that prohibits residential uses for accessory structures. The remaining five cities do not mention residential accessory uses in their ordinances. Duplexes • Of the 10 ring-one cities reviewed, two cities have provisions to allow Duplexes in the R-1 District. The provisions for Duplexes are conditional. • All 10 cities allow Duplexes in other residential districts. • Nine of the cities require two off-street parking spaces per dwelling for Duplexes. One city (Woodbury) requires three off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit, and four require that at least one of the off-street parking spaces be enclosed. **A ring-one city is determined by its comparative density and relational proximity to a large, central city. Cities for the analysis are similar in size to Little Canada and/or proximity to St. Paul, MN and provide additional context on the current landscape of duplexes and ADUs in the area.** STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Zoning Code Update informational item.