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Item No: 9H Meeting Date: Feb 14, 2005 Type of Business: CB Administrator Review : _____ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: James Ericson, Community Development Director Item Title/Subject: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 755, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 1120 of the Mounds View Zoning Code Relating to Building Height Restrictions in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning District. Introduction: As the City Council is aware, there is an inconsistency in the Zoning Code relating to building heights in Planned Unit Development (PUD) districts. The intent of the PUD district and corresponding provisions is to provide maximum flexibility regarding setbacks, density and design for site-specific projects in return for preservation of open space, environmental considerations and other beneficial public purposes. Discussion: Chapter 1120 of the City Code addresses Planned Unit Developments and provides for the processing of such development types. The stated purpose and intent can be found in the first paragraph of Chapter 1120. In addition to the opening statement, the Code encourages specific actions and identifies ten criteria for consideration. The last provision states the following: Subd. 10. To allow variation from the provisions of this Title, including setbacks, height, lot area, width and depth, yards, etc. (1988 Code §40.24) As stated above, the PUD process was intended to provide flexibility regarding building height as it was for other variables. But later in the PUD code, a conflicting passage is present: Subd. 12. Building Height: Height limitations shall be the same as imposed in the respective districts. This apparent inconsistency was discovered when the City processed the Mermaid Planned Unit Development. There had been some discussion of a taller hotel and there are still plans for a possible expansion. Rather than preclude such an expansion where appropriate, staff supports adding language to the Code which simply reaffirms the intent and purpose of the Code.