10/13/2021 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board October 13, 2021 Page 6 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Reinert asked if a bicycle racing project is presented to the Board in the future and the City wants to approve the use, could the project still be allowed given the removal of the bicycle racing provision. Ms. Larsen said the Board can amend the zoning ordinance and resume the bicycle racing provision at any time. Regarding minimum garage sizes, Mr. Reinert said having a decent sized garage is important especially in Minnesota as space is needed for snow removal equipment, lawn mowers, garbage cans etc. He stated in townhomes particularly, garages are quite small and they cannot accommodate large vehicles. He also shared he has heard many complaints about garage sizes from residents over the years. Because of these factors, Mr. Reinert recommended adjusting the minimum garage width to a more reasonable size. He explained contractors build small garages in order to fit more houses within developments and though he understood why they do so, Mr. Reinert said residents’ quality of life should be considered as well. Vice-Chair Root asked if minimum garage sizes are in the general provisions section of the zoning ordinance. Ms. Lindahl stated minimum garage sizes were discussed during the review of the general provisions section. She said the code states a two car garage is required for single family homes. For twin homes and townhomes, a two car garage with a 20 ft. minimum width and a 440 sq. ft. minimum is required. Ms. Lindahl recommended applying the same minimum garage width and square foot minimum of townhomes to single family homes. She informed the Board City Council had a recent discussion on the topic and questioned if the City is doing enough to protect buyers. Mr. Reinert stated when he bought his first home, he did not consider garage size. The previous owner of the home added a foot on either side of the garage because he wanted extra space. Mr. Reinert said while he lived in that home, he was grateful for the additional foot on either side of the garage. In regards to adjusting the porch minimum depth from 8 ft. to 6 ft., he said porches typically not are large in size and having an addition 2 ft. of porch width would be desired by most homeowners. Concerning impervious surface percentages, Mr. Reinert stated he did not support the reduction of impervious surface from 65% to 40% years ago. He thought the decision to do so was a mistake and it suppressed property owner’s use of their land. He said he would support increasing impervious surface to 65%. He asked if the shoreline impervious surface maximum was 65% in years past. Ms. Lindahl explained the ordinance from the DNR limits shoreline impervious surface to 25% on shoreland lots. However, when Lino Lakes adopted their shoreland ordinance, they received a special exemption from the DNR to allow 30% impervious surface and 35% on multifamily units. She clarified 65% impervious surface was never allowed on shoreland lots.