12/12/2007 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • AGENDA ITEM V E STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jeff Smyser P & Z MEETING DATE: December 12, 2007 TOPIC: PUBLIC HEARING: Zoning Ordinance Amendment Section 3, Subd. 4 Adding Time Limit For Completion of Work On Building Exterior BACKGROUND There have been a number of instances around the city in which property owners obtain building permits but then the work is not completed for extended periods of time. When this leaves unfinished work on the exterior of the building, it can be an eyesore for neighboring property owners and lead to deterioration of building materials. Staff is proposing an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would add a time limit for completion of work on building exteriors. ANALYSIS The proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance would require that work on the exterior of a building be completed within a specified amount of time after the building permit is issued. The time period is longer for larger multifamily buildings and commercial buildings. The zoning ordinance currently includes time frames for conditional use permits: work must begin within one year and "substantial construction" must take place within three years. For site plans, work must begin within six months. These do not address completing exterior building work and a project that is not part of a CUP or site plan review has no time frame requirements at all. Section 3 of the zoning ordinance is the general provisions. Subdivsion 4. addresses general building and use provisions, and 4.B. includes standards for five categories of structures: single family dwellings; two family and townhomes; multiple family apartments; commercial, industrial and institutional; and quasi- public structures (lights, utility poles, etc.). The proposed ordinance amendment would be added as Section 3, Subdivision 4.B.6. As this amendment to the zoning ordinance originates with staff, there is no applicant. However, an amendment to the ordinance requires a public hearing to allow for public comment. A notice of the public hearing was published in the official newspaper as required. Following a recommendation by the P & Z Board, staff will present the proposed amendment to the City Council. An ordinance requires two readings (and