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Planning Commission Staff Report 5/11/2026—Zoning Code Amendment City of Mounds View Page 7 The city has received inquiries about development at heights taller than currently allowed, demonstrating a demand for the proposed amendment. The current zoning code already considers attached accessory structures `integral parts'of the principal structure, therefore supporting the proposed amendment. Comments The city's Building Official provided the following comments: "The 18' max height (or match of principal) [appears to have been] intended for detached accessory structures.And that an attached garage was not subject to the 18' (or principal structure match) limit since it was `an integral part of the principal building' per ordinance. Basically, meaning as long as it was attached to the house it was only limited to the 45' max height of an R1 structure." "[The space above the garage] would still not be connected to the house (principal structure). Meaning you would still have to exit the home - into the garage first - to access the space. I explained to her that since it is not connected directly to the existing habitable space and `thermal envelope' of the home itself — [the] Building Code still just considers it part of the accessory structure." The Planning Commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing and review of the request at their 5/6/2026 meeting, after the deadline to post the City Council packet. Review Period The application was deemed complete on April 16, 2026. The 60-day deadline for final action by the City Council is set to end on June 15, 2026. Options The Planning Commission has the following options with this request: 1. Recommend the City Council approve the request, with findings. 2. Recommend the City Council deny the request, with findings for denial. 3. Table the request for further review/study. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of an amendment to Sections 160.056(C)(1) and 160.087(A)(2) of the zoning code, allowing the maximum height of accessory structures to be the same maximum height as allowed for principal structures, with the following findings of fact and conditions of approval: (1) The 2040 Plan does not explicitly discuss accessory structures. The following goals and policies in the Plan would appear to support a change to the requirements or standards for accessory structures: Housing Policy Goal #2: Maintain the residential character of Mounds View. Housing Policy Goal #2, Policy #1: Preserve single-family neighborhoods. Housing Policy Goal #3: Support a mix of housing types reflective of the needs and desires of the community. The Mounds View Vision A Thriving Desirable Community