HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.2024-03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKE ELMO CITY CODE FOR
ZONING AND LAND USE SECTIONS
SECTION 1. Title 1 General Provisions; Chapter 1.08: Definitions, Section 010 Terms Defined is
hereby amended by changing the following section (Proposed language is underlined, deleted language
is shown with str-ikethFou-gh):
Two-family or Duplex means a building on a single
lot or adjacent lots containing two dwelling units, either side by side or stacked vertically.
Dwelling means a building, or one or more portions of a building, occupied or intended to be occupied exclusively for human
habitation, but not including rooms in hotels, motels, nursing homes, boardinghouses, nor trailers, tents, cabins, or trailer coaches.
(See Dwelling unit.)
.
Dwelling, multiple multi amily, or apartment building means a residential building, or portion of a building, containing three or more
dwelling units served by a ^^"""^ e efft- f ree. served by one or more shared entrance.
Dwelling, seasonal,, means a residential building not capable of year-round occupancy due to non -winterized construction or
inadequate nonconforming year-round on -site sewage treatment systems.
Dwelling, single, means a residential building containing one detached dwelling unit.
Dwelling, single-family, means a residential structure designed for or used exclusively as one dwelling unit of permanent occupancy.
Dwelling, single-family detached, means a single-family dwelling that is surrounded by yards on all sides, is located on its own
individual lot, and which is not attached to any other dwelling by any means.
Dwelling Since family attached, or -Townhouse,
one eeffiffl-e-B- between adjacent r-esidenees and eaeh unit so oriented as to have all exits directly to the out of doors —. means a
building containing independent dwelling units adjacently attached to each other, each with separate exterior entrances at the ground
floor. Single-family attached must contain more than two units, but not exceed eight total units. The units may be on the same or
separate, lots.
Dwelling unit, means a residential accommodation including complete kitchen and bathroom facilities, permanently installed,
which is arranged, designed, used, or intended for use exclusively as living quarters for one family.
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 105 Zoning; Chapter
105.12: Zoning Code, Section 110 Zoning Use Types and Classifications is hereby amended by
changing the following section (Proposed language is underlined; deleted language is shown with
stA
1. Residential and related uses.
a. Family living.
Live -work unit means a dwelling unit in combination with a shop, office, studio, or other work space within the
same unit, where the resident occupant both lives and works.
Manufactured home park means a development on a site under a single ownership which consists of two or more
spaces for the placement of manufactured homes for dwelling or sleeping purposes, regardless of whether or not a
fee is charged for the utilization of such space.
Multifamily residential means a building containing three or more dwelling units served by one or more shared
entrance. The term "multifamily residential" includes cooperative apartments and condominiums, but not
condominium -hotels. (See condominium and condominium -hotel under LEC 1.08.)
Secondary dwelling means a residential dwelling unit, but not a manufactured home, located on the same lot as a
single-family dwelling unit, either within the principal structure or above a detached garage.
Single-family, attached or Townhomes, means a building eentaining one dwelling unit a#aehed to another- building
/./taming only one dwelling unit w4h eara , building on ., separate
let. means a building containing independent
i
dwelling units adjacently attached to each other, each with separate exterior entrances at the ground floor. Single-
family attached must contain more than two units, but not to exceed eight total units. The units may be on the same,
or separate, lots.
Single-family, detached, means a building containing only one dwelling unit, surrounded by landscape area or yards
on all sides.
Two-family or duplex means a building on a single lot or adjacent lots containing two dwelling units, either side -by -
side or stacked vertically.
SECTION 3. Title 105 Zoning; Chapter 105.12: Zoning Code, Section 260 Permits, Certificates And
Licenses is hereby amended by changing the following section (Proposed language is underlined,
deleted language is shown with st-nii�}:
(a) Building permits.
(1) Compliance. A building permit is required for the construction or structural alteration of a building or any part thereof. Other
construction activity may require a permit in accordance with the state building code. Demolition, wrecking or removal of
any structure shall require a demolition or moving permit. No building permit shall be issued for any construction,
enlargement, alteration or repair, demolition or moving of any building or structure on any lot or parcel until all requirements
of the state building code as adopted by the city pursuant to LEC 105.08 have been fully met.
(2) Concurrent applications. If the proposed development requires a zoning amendment, variance or conditional use permit, or
other permit required under this article, the applicant shall secure all required permits prior to the issuance of a building
permit for said development.
(3) Administrative review of permits for existing platted lots. If the proposed development does not involve a zoning amendment,
variance or conditional use permit, and proposes a use, structure or expansion of an existing structure on an existing platted
lot, the director of planning may review the application and authorize the building official to approve or to deny the permit.
(4) Expiration. Any building permit issued by the city shall expire and by limitation be null and void if a certificate of occupancy
and final completion has not been issued within the following applicable period of time after the date of permit issuance:
a) Single-family residential dwellings, including new construction, remodeling or additions: 12 months;
b) Multifamily and nonresidential construction: 12 months, unless a longer time is specified by the city council at the time
the original permit is issued;
c) Extension. The building official may grant an extension prior to the expiration of any building permits in accordance
with the state building code. An expired building permit may be reissued once, by the building official, for one-half the
original permit fee. Thereafter, if the permitted work is not completed within the applicable time period, a new permit
may be issued only upon such conditions as the city council by resolution may prescribe, including financial guarantees
to guarantee completion by a specified date;
d) Time limitations for exterior work. All exterior work shall be completed as follows:
1. All disturbed and exposed ground shall be covered with landscaping in accordance with LEC 105.04.080 through
LEC 105.04.160.
2. All exterior construction, including siding, roofing, doors, windows and finish shall be completed and present a
finished appearance within six months of the start of construction. Tar paper, unfinished plywood, fiberboard
insulation, foam insulation, brown coat or scratch coat of stucco, plastic sheeting and other similar materials not
designed to be an exterior finish shall not be considered an acceptable exterior finish. Extensions for weather -
sensitive work may be granted by the building official.
3. Failure to complete exterior work as required herein shall result in suspension of the existing permit until a
reinstatement fee equal to 100 percent of the original building permit has been made. Reinstatement of a building
permit does not extend the original term of the permit. The reinstatement fee shall also be paid prior to re -issuance
of any subsequent permit for exterior work that was not completed under a prior permit that expired.
(b) Certificate of zoning compliance. A certificate of zoning compliance is a zoning permit that is intended as a means of
administratively reviewing a new use, change in use, or structural change that does not require a building permit.
(1) When required. A certificate of zoning compliance or other city issued permit is required for the following activities:
a) A new use classification within an existing building or structure;
b) A change of use classification within an existing building or structure;
c) Addition, removal or change in parking or other on -site improvements including patios;
d) Small accessory structures that do not require a building permit;
e) Swimming pools;
f) Tennis courts, sport courts, or other similar improvement;
g) Antennas, including amateur radio antennas and wireless communications facilities that meet the criteria for
administrative review in LEC 105.04.240(c);
h) Fences six feet and less in height;
i) Driveways that are not authorized as part of an approved building permit;
j) Stormwater management activities and structures not otherwise permitted as part of a development application;
k) Other situations or improvements requiring additional review or interpretation, as specified elsewhere in this article.
(2) Expiration of a certificate of zoning compliance. Where a certificate of zoning compliance use has been established and is
discontinued for any reason for a period of one year or longer, the certificate of zoning compliance shall become null and
void.
Certificate of occupancy. No vacant land shall be occupied or used and no buildings hereafter erected, altered or moved shall be
occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official. Such certificates shall show that the building or
premises or part thereof and the use thereof are in conformity with the state building code and the provisions of this chapter. Such
certificate shall be issued only when the building or premises and the use thereof conform to all the requirements of the city Code.
Sign permit. A sign permit shall be authorized for a sign that conforms to the sign regulations in LEC 105.12.430. An application,
on a form provided by the director of planning, shall be submitted with the required fee by the owner of the proposed sign. The
director of planning shall issue a sign permit if all of the regulations in LEC 105.12.430 are met.
Special event permit. A special event permit may be issued for certain events for activities or events not otherwise permitted
under the zoning ordinance in accordance with LEC 11.04.070.
Grading permit.
(1) Required. A permit shall be required for all non-agricultural projects or activities that will result in the movement of more
than 50 cubic yards of earth or the disturbance of more than one-half acre of land, and for construction of a building or
structure on steep slopes, as specified in LEC 105.12.1230(c)(7)e. The director of planning may issue a grading permit only if
the grading plan meets the requirements of the city stormwater management and erosion and sediment control ordinance.
(2) Public hearing. All grading and excavating applications, for the purpose of creating wetlands, berming, landscape amenities,
and other natural features that result in the moving of more than 400 cubic yards of material per acre of site area shall require
a public hearing.
(3) Grading Agreement. A reading agreement in the city's standard form of agreement and approved by the City Attorney,
be executed for all non -single family or two-family roject[ l]I[NF2] requiring a rig permit.
a. Grading agreements shall require financial securities, in an amount determined by the city on a case by case
basis, and to ensure the proper completion and implementation of site restoration tree preservation and
erosion controls.
b. Grading agreements shall require escrowed funds for engineering_ review, administration and inspections
c. Grading agreement provisions may be included within a development agreement associated with a plat or
subdivision or included within a site improvement agreement in which case a separate grading agreement
is not required.
(g) Site Improvement Agreement. A site improvement agreement in the city's standard form of agreement and approved by the
City Attorney, is required for any project that contains construction work that includes public improvements including but
not limited to, public utilities, streets trails sidewalks and boulevards and to ensure private site work including erosion
control, stormwater management and landscaping whether public or private are completed as required by the City.
(1) The site improvement agreement must be executed prior to issuance of a building permit
(2) Site improvement agreements shall require financial securities in the estimated amount of the required site
improvements to ensure the proper completion and implementation of site restoration tree preservation public
improvements, erosion controls, and other site work.
(3) Site improvement agreements shall require escrowed funds for engineering review, administration and inspections
(4) Site improvement agreement provisions may be included within a development agreement associated with a plat or
subdivision, in which case, a separate site improvement agreement is not required
SECTION 4. Title 105 Zoning; Chapter 105.12: Zoning Code, Section 480 Landscape requirements is
hereby amended by changing the following section (Proposed language is underlined, deleted language
is shown with str-ikethreh):
b. Design considerations. The following design concepts and requirements shall be considered when developing a
landscape plan:
1. To the maximum extent possible, the landscape plan shall incorporate, preserve and protect, existing significant trees and other
healthy, non-invasive vegetation on the site.
2. Landscaped areas should be of adequate size to allow for healthy plant growth, to a typical mature size without impeding on
roads, walks, trails, buildings or other areas needed for service access or public safety. Planting areas should provide adequate
areas for plant maintenance.
3. A variety of trees and shrubs should be used to provide visual interest year-round. No more than 50 25 percent of the required
number of trees and shrubs may consist of any one speoics taxonomic genius. A minimum of 25 percent of the required number
of trees shall be deciduous shade trees, and a minimum of 25 percent shall be coniferous trees. Ornamental trees may be used
when applied towards landscaping requirements. However, the number of trees shall not exceed 15 percent of the required
amount.
4. Final slopes greater than 3:1 will not be permitted without special treatment such as terracing, retaining walls, erosion control
blankets, or special ground covers.
5. All plant materials, except trees planted per the tree replacement schedule, shall meet the following minimum size standards in
Table 6-1. Trees planted per the tree replacement schedule shall meet the minimum requirements outlined in LEC
105.12.470(c)(8)d.
Table 6-1: Minimum Size Standards for Landscape Materials
Plant Type
Minimum Size at Planting
Trees:
Evergreen
6 feet in height
Deciduous --shade
2.5 inches caliper, measured six inches from base
Deciduous --ornamental
2 inches caliper, measured six inches from base
Shrubs:
Evergreen
# five container*
Deciduous
# five container*
Shrubs used for screening (evergreen or deciduous)
# five container*
* Approximately five gallons.
** See American Standards for Nursery Stock, ANSI 260.1-2004 for exact specifications.
* This table and its requirements do not apply to the tree replacement schedule.
6. As an alternative to the minimum standards for landscape materials, a landscape plan prepared by a qualified professional
certifying that said plan will meet the intent of this section may be submitted.
7. As a general rule, trees should be planted ten feet away from all utilities including water and sewer stubs unless approved by
the city's landscape architect. No plantings may be placed in a drainage and utility easement unless approved by the Public
Works Director,
(e) Perimeter parking lot landscaping. Parking areas, and especially vehicle headlights, shall be screened from public streets and
sidewalks, public open space, and adjacent residential properties. Where applicable an applicant may demonstrate that distance and/or
finished grades would achieve this objective, whereupon this requirement may be waived by the Planning Director- Community
Development Director. The perimeter of parking areas shall be screened as follows:
1. With the exception of VMX area, a landscaped frontage strip at least eight feet wide shall be provided between parking
areas and public, streets,sidewalks,iit s road right-of-way. If a parking area contains over 100 spaces, the frontage
strip shall be increased to twelve feet in width.
a. Within the frontage strip, screening shall consist of either a masonry wall, fence, berm, or hedge or
combination that forms a screen a minimum of 3 1/2 and a maximum of four feet in height, and not less than
50 percent opaque on a year-round basis.
b. Trees shall be planted at a minimum of one deciduous tree per 50 linear feet within the frontage strip.
2. Along side and rear property lines abutting residential properties or districts, screening shall be provided, consisting
of either a masonry wall, fence or berm in combination with landscape material that forms a screen a minimum of four
feet in height, a maximum of six feet in height, and not less than 90 percent opaque on a year-round basis. Landscape
material shall include trees, planted at a minimum of one deciduous or coniferous tree per 40 linear feet along the
property lines.
Figure A: Example cross-section view of perimeter parking lot landscape screening.
{
AM xPAL K if-4-
x
PAWN3 ; T
PUDERRAL
Figure B: Example elevation view of perimeter parking lot landscape screening.
(g) Maintenance and installation of materials. Installation and maintenance of all landscape materials shall comply with the following
standards:
1. All landscape materials shall be installed to current industry standards. Special attention must be paid to initial soil preparation,
drainage, and proper initial planting of plant root mass.
2. Irrigation or other water supply adequate to support the specified plant materials shall be provided at the time of, or immediately
after, plant installation.
3. All required landscaping and screening features shall be kept free of refuse and debris.
4. All landscape mulch depth, plantings, seeded, and sodded areas shall be maintained to manage weeds and ensure establishment
of intended plant materials.
5. All landscape materials shall be guaranteed for two years. Any landscape material that dies, has a dead or broken central leader,
exhibits 30% or more crown death, is damaged by construction, or becomes diseased before the end of the second year after
installa.�tie acceptance shall be replaced by the developer.
6. For nonresidential projects, continuing maintenance and replacement of landscape materials shall be the responsibility of the
property owner, including after two years of initial installation. Improvements identified on the landscape plan, including non -
plant materials, such as fencing, shall be maintained for the life of the project for which the plan was required.
SECTION 5. Title 105 Zoning; Chapter 105.12: Zoning Code, Section 790 Lot Dimension and Building
Bulk Requirements is hereby amended by changing the following section (Proposed language is
underlined, deleted language is shown with k ough):
Table 11-2: Lot Dimension and Setback Requirements, Villages Districts
V-LDR
V-MDR
V-HDR
VAX
Minimum Lot Area (square feet): a
Nonresidential use
-
-
-
None
Single-family detached dwelling
9,000
7,000
-
9,000
Two-family dwelling (per unit) b
-
4,000
-
4,000
Single-family attached (per unit) °
-
2,500
-
3,000
Multifamily dwelling (per unit)
-
3,000
1,800
2,800
Secondary dwelling
See LEC
105.12.740
(c)
-
-
See LEC 105.12.740(c)
Congregate housing
-
-
-
LEC 105.12.500(c)
Minimum Lot Width (feet):
Single-family detached dwelling
70
50
-
70
Two-family dwelling (per unit) b
-
30
-
30
Single-family attached (per unit) °
-
25
-
25
Multifamily dwelling (per building)
-
75
60
75
Live -work unit
-
25
-
25
Maximum height (feet/stories)
35
35/3 d
50
35/3 d
Maximum Impervious Coverage:
Residential lots
35 percent
50 percent
75 percent
75 percent
Other
-
-
-
No Limit
Minimum Building Setbacks (feet):
Front yard
25
25
25
Single Family Detaehe4-a*d
rCYaeh
Multifamily Dwellings.! LEG
105 12 42n(a)(6) ,
Non Residefft Uses: LEG
Single -Family Detached and
Attached - 25
Multifamily Dwellings: - 25
Non -Residential Uses: - 25
Interior Side Yard:
Principal building
10
10
10
10 e
Attached garage or accessory structure
5
5
5
5
Corner side yard
15
15
15
0 f
Rear yard
20
20
20
109
Notes to Village Districts Table:
a. No development may exceed the residential density range as specified in the comprehensive plan for the corresponding land use
category.
b. Two-family units may be side -by -side with a party wall between them (twin) or located on separate floors in a building on a single
lot (duplex). The per -unit measurements in this table apply to twin units, whether on a single lot or separate lots. The standards for
single-family detached dwelling shall apply to a duplex containing two vertically -separated units on a single lot.
c. In the case of single-family attached dwellings that are not situated on individual lots, minimum lot size shall be applied to each
unit as a measure of density; i.e., one unit per 2,500 square feet. This standard is also used for multifamily dwellings.
d. Buildings up to 45 feet in height may be permitted as part of a PUD in the VMX district and V-MDR districts.
e. Side yard setbacks in the VMX district apply only along lot lines abutting residentially zoned parcels or those parcels with
residential uses as the sole use.
f. Corner properties. The side yard facade of a corner building adjoining a public street shall maintain the front setback ofthe adjacent
property fronting upon the same public street, or the required front yard setback, whichever is less. If no structure exists on the
adjacent property, and provided required setbacks are not otherwise stated herein, the setback shall be shown in the table.
g. Properties zoned V-LDR abutting Stillwater Boulevard North (CSAH 14), Lake Elmo Avenue North (CSAH 17) north of
Stillwater Blvd (CSAH 14), and Manning Avenue North (CSAH 15) shall have a minimum structure setback of 50 feet.
SECTION 6. Title 105 Zoning; Chapter 105.12: Zoning Code, Section 1050 Open Space PUD Design is
hereby amended by changing the following section (Proposed language is underlined, deleted language is
shown with striliet-hFOUgh):
Lot specific buildable areas.
1. The buildable area on each proposed lot which remains after consideration of each of the following shall be shown:
1. Required buffers from adjacent lands (See LEC 105.12.170(b));
2. Required setbacks from waterbodies and non -buildable land per shoreland district regulations (See LEC 105.12, art.
XIX);
3. Steep slopes;
4. Easements; and
5. Land within the following setbacks:
Housing Type
Single -Family Homes
Townhomes
Front yard
30
20
Side yard
15 feet or ten percent of lot width, whichever is greater
Corner lot front yard
30
Corner lot street side yard
30
Rear yard
20
SECTION 7. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and
publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo.
SECTION 8. Adoption Date. This Ordinance 2024-03 was adopted on this 6tn day of February 2024, by a
vote of J Ayes and Nays.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
// 1, /0' a t - 4 ��'
arles Cadenhead, Mayor
ATTEST:
uli Johnso , lty Clerk
This Ordinance 2024-03 was published on the q-k day of F-Z.6 rt&LM� , 2024.