HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-2006 Planning Commission Packet# r
MIT Mt
LAKE
ihiELMO
City of Lake Elmo
3800 Laverne Avenue North
Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042
(651) 777-5510 Fax: (651) 777-9615
Www. LakeElmo.Orq
NOTICE OF MEETING
The City of Lake Elmo
Planning Commission will conduct a meeting on
Monday, May 22, 2006, at 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
Agenda
Minutes of April 24, 2006
Home Occupations
Zoning Ordinance
City Council Update
Adjourn
DRAFT
City of Lake Elmo
Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes of April 24, 2006
Chairman Helwig called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Planning Commission at 7:00
p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Lyzenga, Armstrong, Van Zandt, Ptacek, Schneider,
Fliflet, and Pelletier, Park (7:06 p.m.), and Deziel (7:10 p.m.). STAFF PRESENT: Planner
Dillerud, Administrator Rafferty, and Recording Secretary Anez. ALSO PRESENT: Mayor
Dean Johnston.
Agenda
M/S/P, Ptacek/Armstrong to accept the Agenda as presented. Vote: 8:0.
Minutes
M/S/P, Ptacek/Pelletier to accept the Minutes of April 10, 2006 as presented. Vote: 7:0:1
Abstain-Helwig: Absent.
PUBLIC HEARING: Variance-8009 Hill Trail
The Planner presented the variance application for front yard setback and minimum lot size. The
applicant proposes an addition to an existing home of three or four bedrooms with a second
story. The existing home encroaches 2.5 feet into the front setback. City records reveal the
septic system was installed through the 201 Program in 1985 and it is sized by volume for a two
bedroom home. Impervious surface coverage standards are met, even with the addition.
The Planner said the lot size variance request is comparable to other requests the city has heard
from within this neighborhood. He said it is a neighborhood of very small non -conforming lots
as compared to current zoning standards, and the proposed addition expands the non -conformity
for this property. He said City records indicate the house was constructed in 1945 with several
remodels and upgrades but no enlargement. The Planner explained that over the passage of time,
standards have been adopted for what constitutes a legal bedroom and one of the two bedrooms
originally constructed is not legal. The Planner said the introduction of the City's Shoreland
Ordinance and Zoning Code created the property's non -conformities.
The Planner said he recommends approval subject to an approved septic system redesign before
the building permit is issued to match the number of legal bedrooms this home will have.
Jason Tacheny, Applicant
Mr. Tacheny said the house currently has one bedroom. He has three children, and that is a
hardship for the entire family. The Zoning changed after the house was built. One bedroom is
not to Code due to inadequate egress along with a circuit box in that room. He said he has a
certified septic design prepared that is sized for four bedrooms. He noted that the addition
encroaches only 2.5 feet into the front lot setback.
THE CHAIRMAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:15 P.M.
Nobody spoke.
THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:16 P.M.
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2006 1
DRAFT
M/S/P, Armstrong/Fliflet to recommend approval of variances for front set back and lot size
minimums for the construction of an addition to the home at 8009 Hill Trail based on three
Findings:
1. The property cannot be put to reasonable use because the home was designed and
constructed 60 years ago, well before public health and safety standards existed;
application of those standards today limits the existing home to one bedroom, and this
neither in character with the balance neighborhood, nor is it a reasonable use of the
property.
2. The variance requested results from circumstances unique to properties where principal
structures were constructed to adoption of City Zoning and Shoreland Regulations, and
the circumstances of the variance were not created by the applicant in that context.
3. Granting of the variance will not change the essential character of the neighborhood.
And conditional upon the approval of a new septic design prior to the issuance of a Building
Permit. Vote: 9:0.
PUBLIC HEARING: Variance-Rockpoint Church
The Planner said there are variance requests for the previously tabled church site plan. He noted
that if the zoning text amendment for PF architectural standards that appears later on the agenda
is adopted, only the side wall height variance will remain.
Richard Stuhlman, BWBR Architects
Mr. Stuhlman presented a 3-D model of the church as originally designed. He said the largest
portion of the building faces the trees. He also presented a site plan to show the church
orientation on the site. He said it is several hundred feet from the church to the easterly property
line. There are trees to the east on the property line but some on neighboring property. Mr.
Stuhlman said in trying to force a solution to dispense with need for the variance, the building
appearance does not really change very much for passersby and neighbors.
THE CHAIRMAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:35 P.M.
Nobody spoke.
THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:36 P.M.
M/S/P, Fliflet/Pelletier to recommend approval of a variance for Rockpoint Church to allow side
walls of the structure to extend to a maximum of 49 feet based on the following Findings:
1. The property cannot be put to reasonable use without the granting of the variance
requested. The proposed sidewall height variance applies to only a portion of the
building and relates to utilizing the site contours as they appear naturally and minimizing
the impervious coverage of the site by creating floor area vertically rather than
horizontally.
2. The variance requested results from circumstances unique to this Place of Worship use
and the physical characteristics of the site.
3. Granting the variance will not change the essential character of the neighborhood.
4. In addition, the need for the variance arises due to the walk -out nature of the lot, that the
intent of the Ordinance probably was not to preclude such a structure, and the
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2006 2
DRAFT
neighboring homes this church might affect will be moving in after the church is being
built so they will be aware of it before they move in.
Vote: 9:0.
Commissioner Ptacek suggested review of the Code for walkout buildings.
Site Plan: Rockpoint Church
M/S/P, Deziel/Schneider to take from the Table the Site Plan for Rockpoint Church and
recommend approval based upon staff review. Vote: 9:0.
PUBLIC HEARING: Fences as Screening and Security
The Planner said this review is being requested for areas of the City where commercial property
adjoins residential or agricultural property. If a commercial property owner or developer does
not screen its own lot, the residential property should be allowed to fence. Draft language was
prepared adding one part of one sentence and that will allow fencing at rear or side lot lines in
those cases.
THE CHAIRMAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:47 P.M.
Nobody spoke.
THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:48 P.M.
M/S/P, Armstrong/Schneider, to recommend approval of additional language of Code with an
amendment changing residential uses to residentially zoned lot. The affected sentence will read,
"Required fences for screening and security purposes in Agricultural and Residential zoning
districts shall be set back from all property lines equal to the required structure set back of the
zoning district in which they are located, except where residential zoned lots share a common
property line with commercial uses or commercial zoning districts."
Vote: 8:1, Nay-Ptacek: Does not like changing Code for a particular neighborhood.
PUBLIC HEARING: Architectural Performance Standards-PF Zoning District
The Planner prepared a draft of the architectural performance standards identical to what is found
in other commercial zoning districts.
THE CHAIRMAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:51 P.M.
Nobody came forward to speak.
THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:52 P.M.
M/S/P, Ptacek/Pelletier, to add Architectural Performance Standards in the PF Zoning District
because the Planning Commission intended it to be included in the Code when originally brought
forth for other zoning districts. Vote: 8:1, Nay-Deziel: Opposed original architectural
standards.
Outdoor Social Events in the AG Zone
The Planner said the Council asked for some additional conditions to be reviewed with regard to
Outdoor Social Events, including the maximum number of event attendees and traffic impact on
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2006 3
DRAFT
adjoining neighbors. The Council also suggested that some applicants should provide site plans
for screening and that liquor at these events and event closing time were also concerns. The
Council suggested perhaps the site must be empty of everyone except the residents by 10:00 p.m.
M/S/P Fliflet/Schneider to change the time for Outdoor Social Events so that no event shall
operate outside the hours of 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. Vote: 8:1, Deziel-Mornings could be
earlier.
M/S/F, Deziel/Van Zandt to change the time for Outdoor Social Events so that no event shall
operate outside the hours of 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. Vote: 2:7, Nay: While 10 p.m. may be too
late, 8 a.m. may be too early. Lyzenga, Armstrong, Fliflet, Helwig, Ptacek, Schneider, Pelletier.
M/S/F, Pelletier/Schneider, Attendance at Outdoor Social Events shall be limited to 20 persons
per acre to a maximum of 250 persons. Vote: 3:6, Nay-Lyzenga, Fliflet, Van Zandt, Ptacek,
Helwig, and Deziel. Fliflet would rather have it open and regulated when the application comes
in. Maybe there are circumstances we have not yet considered.
M/S/P, Lyzenga/Ptacek to define Outdoor Social Events as events where no admission fee is
charged. Vote: 9:0.
M/S/P, Armstrong/Ptacek to recommend that attendance at Outdoor Social Events be confined to
20 persons per acre to a maximum of 500 people. Vote: 7:2, Nay: Schneider and Pelletier -Too
many people.
M/S/P, Ptacek/Schneider to limit Outdoor Social Events to comply with City Code Ambient
Noise Standards and to allow no artificial lighting. Vote: 9:0.
The Chair recessed the meeting at 8:32 p.m. and reconvened at 8:38 p.m.
Metro Transit Park and Ride
The Planner said Metropolitan Transit would like to place for a 500 car park and ride on a site
where the City could also co -locate a water tower in the area of the City south of 10th street. He
reported that Metro Transit is looking for a permanent facility to replace the temporary facility
now at Guardian Angels Church. The Planner said that the City Council at their last Workshop,
asked for a recommendation from the Planning Commission whether to support park and ride
and if so, which of these three sites would be preferable. The City Engineer recommends the
Keats location as most suitable topographically for a water tower.
The Administrator said this will be an express bus route with direct service to Cimarron. Metro
Transit has its own security.
M/S/P, Park/Van Zandt to recommend the site at Keats and I-94 for a Park and Ride because it is
the best site for a water tower. Vote: 6:3, Nay: Helwig, Schneider, Ptacek- Not enough
information. Schneider- We do not have enough information, and we should not be pinning it
down to a location.
Review of Setbacks in RR Zoning District
The Planner presented a comparison between setbacks in two zoning districts. He noted that one
is RR with low density and the other is RE with higher density, yet the setbacks in RE are greater
than they are in RR. The Planner said the RR standards were written long before the RE
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2006 4
DRAFT
standards. The Planner said the City Council would like the Commission to consider amending
setbacks to increase the RR setbacks to be equal with the RE setbacks.
M/S/P, Armstrong/Deziel to recommend making no change to RR setbacks because there will be
no new RR parcels in Lake Elmo; existing owners knew what they were getting when they
bought RR parcels; and RE setbacks were created to keep houses apart in a higher density
neighborhood of homes. Vote: 8:1, Schneider -We should address it.
City Council Update
The Planner said the Hidden Meadows Preliminary Plat and the Final Plat and Development
Agreement for Discover Crossing were approved and Outdoor Social Events was returned to the
Planning Commission.
The Administrator said the meeting for the Village Plan was well attended and consultants are
hoping to bring the compiled input to the Council with staff recommendations on May 16.
Adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly Anez
Recording Secretary
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2006 5
MEMO
(May 16, 2006 for the Meeting of May 22, 2006)
To: Lake Elmo Plar ng Commission
From: Chu
Subject: Zoning Text Amendments — Home Occupations
I have attached a copy of the DRAFT minutes of the May 9, 2006 City Council
Workshop session, as it relates to the subject. The Council had previously (at a Regular
Meeting on March 21) considered the Planning Commission's March 13
recommendations for Code revisions to address Home Occupations. Issues were raised by
some Council members and the matter was referred to the next workshop. Due to a
lengthy workshop agenda in April, the matter was not addressed until the May workshop.
Note that several Planning Commission Members did attend the May 9 Workshop, and
participated in the Home Occupations discussions with the City Council — in support of
the Planning Commission's previous recommendation.
The Council has asked staff to share the Oak Park Heights Code provisions regarding the
regulation of Home Occupations. I have attached that ordinance for the Commission's
review.
As the May 9 Minutes reveal, Mayor Johnston thought the Planning Commission
recommended regulation of Home Occupations would be acceptable, if:
1. There is a finite limit to the area of residence that can be utilized for storage of
stock in trade. He suggested either 120 or 200 square feet — the size of a bedroom.
2. That at least two non-resident employees be permitted at a Home Based Business
residence.
3. That the licenses of Home Based Businesses be renewed annually to ensure
proper monitoring by the City.
Council Member Smith advocated substitution of the Oak Park Heights regulations for
Home Occupations. She noted that no accessory structure may be used for a home
occupation, and she believes that should be the rule in Lake Elmo as well.
As of today the Planning Commission recommended version of Home Occupation
regulations remains "in play". The Council is asking the Commission to consider either
modifying its recommendations to include the concerns of Mayor Johnston and Council
Member Smith; or, consider substituting the Oak Park Heights Home Occupation
provisions in total — as suggested by Council Member Smith. Staff seeks direction in this
matter.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
MAY 9, 2006
Mayor Johnston called the workshop to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council chambers.
PRESENT: Johnston, Conlin, Smith, Johnson, DeLapp
City Staff: Building Official Jim McNamara, Maintenance Supervisor Mike Bouthilet,
Finance Director Tom Bouthilet, and Administrator Rafferty
Planning Commission:
1. AGENDA
sommilir
2. Zoning Ordinance/City Code Amendments — Home Occupation
The City Planner distributed the Oak Park Heights Home Occupation Code and the
Planning Commission's recommendation on Home Occupation. The Planner pointed out
that if there are substantial changes in the Home Occupation proposal a public hearing by
the Planning Commission would be needed.
Mayor Johnston voiced his concerns on storage space and the City should set a specific
limit such as 10 x 12 or 10 x 20. He thought the requirement of no employees was
excessively restricted and would be in favor of up to two employees. By requiring annual
licensing the City could monitor and enforce home based businesses. His desire is to
discourage warehousing and encourage home based business.
Council member Johnson said she can't see why the Planning Commission proposal
would not work.
Council member Smith said if we are going to split our 10 acre parcels in the future then
the City needs to adopt the Oak Park Heights Ordinance. She did not want storage in
accessory buildings. She has a concern on the vehicles associated with home occupations.
Deliveries have to come in and deliver product. The City Planner noted the ordinance
states not more than six deliveries.
Council member DeLapp voiced his concern on home occupations that would bring in
extra traffic and driveways on lots.
Bob VanZandt, Planning Commission Member, said we can limit space, but doesn't want
to go off and limit where people can make money because this business may pay your
mortgage payments.
Julie Fliflet, Planning Commission Member, said the Planning Commission looked at
how a home based business could affect the neighbor. Accessory structures can be
addressed by the city code. She supports one or two employees.
Joan Ziertman, resident, encouraged the Council to go with the Oak Park Heights Code
and said that most cities go with a version of the code similar to Oak Park Heights. In her
opinion, larger lots should not be allowed more storage.
Bob Helwig, Planning Commission Chairman, said he has not seen Oak Park Heights
Home Occupation Code. As park of his job, he drives throughout Oak Park Heights and
has seen landscape, auto repair, beauty shops in residential districts.
Mark Deziel, Planning Commission Member, asked what was so wrong about freedom.
The Council suggested that the Oak Park Heights code be sent to the Planning
Commission and asked that they come back with a recommendation to the Council in one
month.
Deb Lyzenga, Planning Commission Member, asked how do you enforce the regulations
without neighbors looking into neighbors windows. Council member Smith answered the
City should have a code enforcement officer.
3. On -Site Treatment System — Austad, Hurt and Pierre
Mr. • ustad provided a letter from Brad Lein, Construction Man. _er regarding in cost of
propo - d septic systems in Lake Elmo and costs for hooking u to Oakdale.
The City ministrator explained the City Council provia solution to their septic
system prob s. The property owners went to court, ., .ettlement occurred, but was not
provided the o come the property owners hoped for. he City Administrator met with
them and asked -y put together a proposal for a s tion.
Mayor asked if this '11 be a precedent to co �, ` t to Oakdale. The Administrator asked
how you make a distin ion for a system of y years fails.
Council member Johnson id she nee s factual numbers. The City Council's solution
was not based on the outco of a c. case. Why should we be setting precedence
when the Council had made a gr-' ment?
Council member Conlin said °' �`' y is responsible for the health and safety of our
residents. She suggested •e a c project and the property owners could be assessed.
The Council asked for ormation on t following issues:
*Precedence and co om Tom Prew
*What cost can be sessed to the property r`; er.
* Was there a pr dent relative to previous co ection to Oakdale sewer. Oakdale would
have to agree h what conditions.
*Did North erican Wetland violate their licens
Counc ember DeLapp asked that the staff keep trac of their time and money. He
asked what do you get for your sewer inspection fee.
3) Not involved or include any activity except the sale or rental of
merchandise.
b. Sexually oriented use -accessory shall be restricted from and prohibit access
to persons under the age of eighteen (18) by the physical separation of such
items from areas of general public access:
1) Movie Rentals. Display areas shall be restricted from general view
and shall be located within a separate room, the access of which is in
clear view and under the control of the persons responsible for the
operation or controlled in some other effective manner which meets
with the approval of the Zoning Administrator.
2) Magazines. Publications classified or qualifying as sexually oriented
uses shall not be accessible to persons under the age of eighteen (18)
and shall be covered with a wrapper or other means to prevent display
of any material other than the publication title.
3) Other Use. Sexually oriented use -accessory not specifically cited
shall comply with the intent of this section subject to the approval of
the Zoning Administrator.
c. Sexually oriented use -accessory activities shall be prohibited at any public
show, movie, caravan, circus, carnival, theatrical or other performance or
exhibition presented to the general public where minors are admitted.
401.15.M. Home Occupations.
1. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to maintain the character and integrity of
residential areas and to provide a means through the establishment of specific
standards and procedures by which home occupations can be conducted in
residential neighborhoods without jeopardizing the health, safety and general
welfare of the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, this Section is intended to
provide a mechanism enabling the distinction between permitted home occupations
and special or customarily Amore sensitive@ home occupations, so that permitted
home occupations may be allowed through an administrative process rather than a
legislative hearing process.
2. Procedures and Permits.
2
a. Permitted Home Occupation. Any permitted home occupation as defined
in this Ordinance, and subject to the performance standards of this Section,
may be conducted solely within a single family detached dwelling (excluding
attached garage space and/or any accessory structures). The permitted
home occupation shall require a Apermitted home occupation permit@. Such
15-85
permits shall be issued subject to the conditions of this Section, other
applicable City Ordinances and State law. This permit may be issued by the
Zoning Administrator based upon proof of compliance with the provisions of
this Section. Application for the Apermitted home occupation permit@ shall
be accompanied by a fee as adopted by the City Council. If the Zoning
Administrator denies a permitted home occupation permit to an applicant, the
applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council. The permit shall
remain in force and effect until such time as there has been a change in
conditions or until such time as the provisions of this Section have been
breached. An annual fee, as set by the City Council, will be charged to the
applicant. At such time as the City has reason to believe that either event
has taken place, a public hearing shall be held before the Planning
Commission, following the procedural provisions of a conditional use permit
in Section 401.03 of this Ordinance. The City Council shall make a final
decision on whether or not the permit holder is entitled to the permit.
b. Special Home Occupation. Any home occupation which does not meet the
specific requirements for a permitted home occupation as defined in this
Section shall require a Aspecial home occupation permit@ which shall be
applied for reviewed and disposed on in accordance with the procedural
provisions of a conditional use permit found in Section 401.03 of this
Ordinance.
c. Declaration of Conditions. The City Council may impose such conditions
on the granting of a special home occupation permit as may be necessary to
carry out the purpose and provisions of this Section.
d. Transferability. Permits shall not run with the land and shall not be
transferable.
e. Lapse of Special Home Occupation Permit by Non -Use. Whenever within
one (1) year after granting a permit the use as permitted by the permit shall
not have been initiated, then such permit shall become null and void unless a
petition for extension of time in which to complete the work has been granted
by the City Council. Such extension shall be requested in writing and filed
with the Zoning Administrator at least thirty (30) days before the expiration of
the original permit. There shall be no charge for the filing of such petition.
The request for extension shall state facts showing a good faith attempt to
initiate the use. Such petition shall be presented to the City Council for a
decision.
f. Reconsideration. Whenever an application for a permit has been
considered and denied by the City Council, a similar application for a permit
affecting substantially the same property shall not be considered again by the
Planning Commission or City Council for at least six (6) months from the date
of its denial unless a decision to reconsider such matters is made by not less
than four -fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council.
15-86
3. Requirement -General Provisions. All home occupations shall comply with the
following general provisions and according to definition, the applicable requirement
provisions.
a. General Provisions.
1) No home occupation shall produce Tight, glare, noise, odor, vibration,
smoke, dust, heat, or hazardous or toxic material shall not be
produced, stored, or kept on the premises that will in any way have
an objectionable effect upon adjacent or nearby property.
2) No equipment shall be used in the home occupation which will create
electrical interference to surrounding properties.
3) Any home occupation shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the
residential use of the premises, should not change the residential
character thereof, and shall result in no incompatibility or disturbance
to the surrounding residential uses.
4) No home occupation shall require internal or external alterations or
involve construction features not customarily found in dwellings except
where required to comply with local and state fire and police
recommendations.
5) There shall be no exterior storage of equipment or materials used in
the home occupation, except personal automobiles used in the home
occupation may be parked on the site.
6) The home occupation shall meet all applicable fire and building codes.
12 7) All signing and informational or visual communication devices shall be
in compliance with Section 401.15.G of this Ordinance.
8) All home occupations shall comply with the provisions of the City
Code.
9) No home occupation shall be conducted between the hours of 10:00
pm. and 7:00 am. unless said occupation is contained entirely within
the principal building, excluding attached garage space, and will not
require any on -street parking facilities.
10) No commodity shall be sold on the premises.
11) Not over twenty-five (25) percent of any one story can be used for a
home occupation.
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b. Requirements -Permitted Home Occupations.
1) No person other than those who customarily reside on the premises
shall be employed.
2) The general public shall not come to the premises in question for
purposes pertaining to the conduct of the home occupation.
3) All permitted home occupations shall be conducted entirely within the
principal dwelling, excluding attached garage space, and may not be
conducted in an accessory building.
c. Requirements -Special Home Occupation.
1) No person other than a resident shall conduct the home occupation.
2) Special home occupations shall be limited to only those activities of a
non-residential nature which are specified as allowed by state statute
or regulation such as day care group nursery or which comply with
Sections a and b above, but are conducted entirely within the principal
building, attached garage space, or detached accessory building.
3) Special home occupations may be allowed to accommodate their
parking demand through utilization of on -street parking. In such cases
where on -street parking facilities are necessary, however, the City
Council shall maintain the right to establish the maximum number
when and where changing conditions require additional review.
4. Non -Conforming Use. Existing home occupations lawfully existing on the date of
this Ordinance may continue as non -conforming uses. They shall, however, be
required to obtain permits for their continued operation. Any existing home
occupation that is discontinued for a period of more than thirty (30) days, or is in
violation of the Ordinance provisions under which it was initially established, shall be
brought into conformity with the provisions of this Section.
5. Inspection. The City of Oak Park Heights hereby reserves the right upon issuing
any home occupation permit to inspect the premises in which the occupation is
being conducted to insure compliance with the provisions of this Section or any
conditions additionally imposed.
1 Purpose. - ion of day care nursery facilities in these zoning regulations is
to establish standards ana which day care facilities can be conducted
within the City without jeopardizing the , nd general welfare of the
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DRAFT MARCH 14. 2006 — PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDED,
New Definitions Added to Section 150 — Repeal "Home Occupation" Definition
Home Based Business
Any occupation or profession engaged in by an owner/occupant of a dwelling when
carried on totally within a dwelling unit or in an accessory building, and entrance to the
home based business is or can be obtained from within the structure. A home based
business shall not be interpreted to include barber shops, beauty shops, tourist homes,
restaurants, disorderly house as defined by Minnesota 13§609.33 Subdivision 1, or
similar uses.
Home Office
Any gainful occupation or profession engaged in only by an owner and full time occupant
of a dwelling when carried on totally within a dwelling unit and entrance to the home
office is or can be obtained from within the structure. There shall be no business -related
deliveries, no non-resident employees, no business related vehicles, no signage of any
type, no external evidence of a business, no keeping of stock- in -trade and no customer
visits to the site.
DRAFT — March 14, 2006 (Planning Commission Recommended)
Section 1115 — Home Based Businesses
Subd. 1 Purpose and Intent
The City of Lake Elmo recognizes the desire and/or need of some citizens to use their
residence for business activities. The City also recognizes use of residences for limited
business purposes, when such business use is appropriately regulated, may result in a
reduction of vehicle trips on City streets as well as economic benefit to City residents. It
is therefore the purpose and intent of this Section to allow the use of residences for
limited business purposes while regulating such business use in a manner that precludes
such business use from becoming a nuisance to neighboring residential property owners;
and preserving the distinction between residential and commercial zoning districts.
Subd.2 Home Based Business and Home Office
Licensing responsive to this Section shall be applicable to Home Based Businesses, but
not to Home Offices, as both are defined by Section 150 of this City Code.
Subd. 3 Licensine Procedures
Property owners conducting or proposing to conduct a Home Based Business as defined
by Section 150 of the City Code shall make application for a Home Based Business
License in a form prescribed by the City Administrator. The City Administrator shall
make a determination regarding compliance of the Home Based Business with the
standards herein prescribed within 30 days of submission of a complete license
application. A decision of the City Administrator regarding the issuance of a Home Based
Business may be appealed to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals as prescribed by
Section 200.01 of the City Code.
Subd. 4 License Fee
The City Council shall, from time to time, establish a Home Based Business license fee
in a sufficient amount to fully compensate the City for costs of processing the license
application.
Subd. 5 Term of License and Revocation/Suspension
Upon issuance, a first license to conduct a Home Based Business shall remain shall
remain in effect indefinitely unless suspended revoked by the City Administrator for
cause. The City Administrator may suspend or revoke a Home Based Business license
upon a finding that the licensee fails to comply with the Home Based Business
Performance Standards specified by this Section. A decision by the City Administrator to
suspend revoke a Home Based Business license may be appealed by the licensee to the
Board of Adjustments and Appeals as prescribed by Section 200.01 of the City Code.
Subd. 6 Home Based Business Performance Standards
Review of applications for Home Based Business licensing and subsequent
determinations regarding revocation of a Home Based Business license shall be based on
the initial and continued compliance of a Home Based Business on the following
Performance Standards:
1. Tax Class Status The property must be classified as Homestead by the
Washington County Assessor.
2. Impact on Adjacent Properties The home based business shall have no
adverse affect on adjacent properties due to traffic or offensive noise, light, odor,
dust or other noxious substances, as may be defined elsewhere in the City Code.
3. Exterior Appearance There shall be no exterior evidence that a building is
being used for any purpose other than as a residential dwelling or permitted
accessory structure.
4. Number of Businesses More than one home based business is allowed,
however the combined impact shall be considered when evaluating the terms of
the Conditional Use Permit.
5. Residency A full-time resident of the property must conduct the business.
6. Non-resident Employees There shall be no employees on site that are not full
time residents of the residence.
7. Business Vehicles A maximum of 3 business vehicles may be on site at any
time. Said vehicles must be in compliance with City Code regulations regarding
the maximum size of vehicles permitted to be parked in residential zones.
8. Customer Visits to Site Permitted only where specified by the Home Based
Business license, and shall be limited to a maximum of 10 per day.
9. Deliveries to Site No more than six delivery/pickup trips per week. Delivery
vehicles shall not be larger than a typical step van.
10. Storage Related to the Home Based Business All storage of equipment,
material or stock must take place within a fully enclosed and roofed structure.
11. Off -Street Parking When customer site visits are specifically allowed by the
Home Based Business license, adequate off Street Parking must be provided for
customers and for those who reside on the premises. All required parking spaces
shall be located on an asphalt or bituminous surface, which is in character with
the surrounding neighborhood.
12. Specific Prohibitions Exterior Business use, storage, or equipment, except
vehicles as otherwise regulated; signage of any type related to the Home Based
Business. Any noise, odor, vibration, light, glare, and/or electromagnetic
interference as defined and regulated by the City Code and State Rules or Statute.
To: Lake Elmo
From: Chhck'Ohlkerud
MEMO
(May 17, 2006 for the Meeting of May 22, 2006)
nning Commission
Subject: Nev Zoning Ordinance
At their meetings May 2 and May 16 the City Council discussed Performance Zoning and
whether they desired to have Lane Kendig return for a Council/Commission Workshop on the
subject. On May 16 the Council decided to forego a workshop with Mr. Kendig. While no
specific actions were taken beyond that, it also appears that the current Council does not favor
further pursuing Performance Zoning as a regulatory tool in Lake Elmo.
The City still needs a new zoning ordinance to both replace our out dated and abused (by
amendments over 20 years) existing ordinance, and to reflect the new Comprehensive Plan. State
Statute requires that a zoning ordinance (and any other city regulatory tools) must be consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan within 9 months of Plan adoption. While this provision usually
impacts a zoning map more than the zoning ordinance text, it also is critical that the zoning map
and text be coordinated.
The Metropolitan Council action accepting the Lake Elmo Plan was April 12, 2006. That means
that the City must have a complimentary zoning map and text adopted by early January, 2007.
Allowing 90 days (with an intervening Holiday period) for a Commission draft to move through
hearings and Council deliberation, the Commission should plan on having both map and text
drafts completed by October, 2006.
Taking a clue from the Council's discussion/action regarding Performance Zoning, staff has
requested the American Planning Association Planner's Advisory Service (of which the City is a
Member) to provide one or more contemporary model zoning ordinances in the Euclidian format.
The current Lake Elmo zoning ordinance is in Euclidian format (from a 1960's vintage model
ordinance) although now somewhat disguised through decades of well -meant amendments.
Essentially Euclidian zoning is "cook book" style, with several distinct zoning districts
controlled by use lists and (sometimes arbitrary) set standards for how much, and how structures,
must be situated on land. Depending on how well designed the ordinance is, use and site design
non -conformities will usually result for some existing development. That will lead to
applications for zoning variances. The goal in structuring a reasonable Euclidian ordinance is to
minimize the volume of potential unintended non -conformities that will result from the
standards. Standards should be carefully designed to address only those non -conformities that the
city truly wants to see eliminated over time. Unfortunately most Euclidian format zoning
ordinances are so broadly drafted that non -conformities result that are not intended by the city to
be eliminated over time — endless variance actions.
As soon as staff receives a model ordinance from APA we will transmit the same to the
Commission (without tinkering), and we can begin our work - hopefully in June.