HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2013/03/04CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
Monday, March 4, 2013
7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller
PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight's agenda. Before speaking, please give your
full name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three minutes.
Agenda Items Discussed by Consensus
1. Continued County Road 10 Corridor Discussion (verbal report)
2. Meeting with the Mounds View Charter Commission (verbal report)
3. Meeting with the Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission (verbal report)
4. Presentation from Representatives of the North Metro 135W Corridor Coalition (verbal
report)
5. Discuss Proposed Code Amendment Regarding Cargo Containers
6. Council Priorities for 2013
Next Work Session: Monday, April 1, 2013, at 7pm
Next City Council Meeting: Monday, March 11, 2013, at 7pm
Item No: 5
L� �7 Meeting Date: March 4, 2013
MOUNDS VV!E Type of Business: Worksession
Administrator Review:
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate
Item Title/Subject: Discuss Proposed Code Amendment for Accessory Buildings—
' Shipping Containers
Introduction:
Community Development staff is often asked by residents what styles or types of "buildings" or
materials are allowed to be used as accessory buildings. The zoning code specifies a few types
of materials that are not allowed (such as tubular and canvas structures) and states that the
exterior must be weather resistant and there must be a slope to the roof, but not much more. City
staff has recently discovered a couple of residential properties in the City that are using cargo
shipping containers as sheds. Staff does not feel that this type of industrial structure is
appropriate in a residential district, and suggested that the Planning Commission consider adding
language to the zoning code that would not allow these to be used as storage buildings.
Discussion:
At the January 2, 2013 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission agreed with staff that
shipping containers are not appropriate as a permanent use in residential districts, but felt that
there are situations where these, or other types of portable storage containers (such as PODS),
could be allowed temporarily. Construction projects or moving are the primary reasons that a
resident would have a temporary need for a storage container.
Staff gave the Planning Commission several ordinance examples for cargo containers from other
cities to review. Staff and the Commission supports allowing the containers for short periods of
time, but not for permanent use, and also recommends not allowing the existing cargo containers
in the City to remain as non -conforming. At the February 6, 2013 Planning Commission meeting,
the Commission and staff reviewed the ordinance examples, and the Commission gave staff
feedback on what regulations they would like to see in an ordinance.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council review and discuss the information, and provide staff
direction about whether to move forward with an amendment that would prohibit shipping
containers as permanent uses and allow them for temporary use with conditions.
Respectfully submitted.
Heidi Heller
Planning Associate
Attachments:
1. Photo of Shipping Container
2. Current Mounds View Zoning Code for Accessory Buildings
3. Proposed Ordinance
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Existing Mounds View Zoning Code regulations for accessory buildings
1102.02: DEFINITIONS: The following words and terms, wherever they occur in this Code, shall be
defined as follows: (Ord. 548, 9-24-94; Ord. 620,7-27-98)
Subd. 1. ACCESSORY BUILDING OR USE: A subordinate building or use which is located on the same
lot on which the main building or use is situated and which is reasonably necessary and incidental to the
conduct of the primary use of such building or main use.
Subd. 11. BUILDING: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Subd. 14. CARPORT: Space for the housing or storage of motor vehicles and enclosed on not more than two
(2) sides.
Subd. 49. GARAGE, PRIVATE: A detached accessory building or portion of the principal building,
including a carport, which is used for storing vehicles.
Subd. 118. STRUCTURE: Anything erected, the use ofwhich requires more or less permanent locations on
the ground or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground.
1103.06: ACCESSORY BUILDINGS, USES AND EQUIPMENT:
Subd. 1. Connection to Principal Building: An accessory building shall be considered an integral part ofthe
principal building if it is connected to the principal building by a covered passageway.
Subd. 2. Location in Yards:
a. No accessory building, other than a garage, shall be erected or located within any required yard other
than the rear yard. (1988 Code §40.04)
b. Accessory uses or equipment must be located in the rear yard, except those expressly allowed in side
yards in subdivision 1104.01(5) of this Title. (Ord. 453, 2-27-89)
1104.01: YARD REQUIREMENTS
Subd. 4. Minimum Setbacks for Accessory Buildings, Driveways and Parking Areas:
a. Accessory Buildings (detached from a principal building): (Ord. 590, 11-25-96)
(1) R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5: (Amended, Ord. 829,9-3-09)
(a) front: no accessory building shall be located between the front of the principal
building and the front lot line. (Ord. 590, 11-25-96)
(b) side: five feet (5) except the minimum setback shall be thirty feet (30') from any lot
line abutting a public street. (Ord. 590, 11-25-96)
(c) rear, including street fiontages at the rear of through lots: five feet (5'). (Ord. 590,
11-25-96)
EXISTING MOUNDS VIEW ZONING CODE
(2) All other districts:
(a) front: no accessory building shall be located between the fiont of the principal
building and the front lot line. (Ord. 590, 11-25-96)
(b) side: same as principal building. (Ord. 590,11-25-96)
(c) rear: same as principal building, except accessory buildings having four hundred
(400) square feet or less and not abutting properly in a residential district or a street,
may have a minimum rear setback often feet (10'). (Ord. 590, 11-25-96)
1106.03: ACCESSORY USES: The following are permitted accessory uses in an R-1 District: (1988
Code §40.10)
Subd. 1. Accessory Buildings: Accessory buildings, which for these purposes shall include garages, tool
houses, carports, sheds and similar buildings for storage of domestic supply and noncommercial
recreational equipment, whether attached or detached. (Ord. 664, 8-14-00)
a. Every R-1 zoned property improved with a single-family dwelling is allowed a maximum of one -
thousand eight hundred (1,800) square feet of combined accessory building area, subject to the
requirements noted herein. (Ord. 664, 8-14-00; Ord. 693, 3-25-02)
b. Accessory buildings shall not exceed eighteen feet (18') or that of the principal structure, whichever
is less, in height, shall be five feet (5') or more from all lots lines of adjoining lots and shall have a pitch
or slope of at least 2-12, but no steeper than 12-12. Rounded, dome or geodesic dome roofs are not
allowed on accessory buildings. Accessory buildings one hundred twenty (120) square feet or under
shall be three feet (3') or more from any other building or structure. Accessory buildings over one
hundred twenty (120) square feet shall meet the minimum fire separation distance as required by the
Minnesota State Building Code. (Ord. 664, 8-14-00; Ord. 828, 10-8-09)
c. No accessory building in an R-1 District shall exceed nine hundred fifty-two (952) square feet in
area, except by conditional use permit. (Ord. 620, 7-27-98; Ord. 664, 8-14-00)
d. The combined square footage of accessory buildings in a rear yard shall not exceed twenty percent
(20%) of the rear yard. (Ord. 442, 7-11-88; Ord. 620, 7-27-98; Ord. 664, 8-14-00)
e. An outdoor living room or patio shall not be used for storage of automobiles or trucks. (Ord. 664-8-
14-00)
f. No permit shall be issued for the construction of more than three (3) accessory buildings in any R -I
District. One (1) of the three (3) permits must be for a garage. (Ord. 664, 8-14-00)
EXISTING MOUNDS VIEW ZONING CODE
g. Accessory buildings shall have a weather resistant, treated or finished exterior. Structures composed
of tubular metal and canvas or exposed plywood, particle board or similar materials shall not be
permitted. The City does not allow cloth, canvas, plastic sheets and tarps or similar materials as
primary exterior materials on accessory buildings (except for green houses). (Ord. 664, 8-14-00; Ord.
828,10-8-09)
h. If any accessory building is to be utilized for the storage of frequently -used vehicles, it shall be
serviced by an improved driveway so as to control dust, drainage and erosion, according to the
requirements as set forth in Section 902.05 of this Code. (Ord. 664, 8-14-00)
i. The roof of all accessory buildings exceeding two hundred fifty (250) square feet in size shall:
(Added, Ord. 828,10-8-09)
(1) Match or be similar to the character and style of the roof of the principal structure. (Added,
Ord. 828, 10-8-09)
(2) Have a pitch or slope of at least 2-12. (Added, Ord. 828, 10-8-09)
1106.04: CONDITIONAL USES: The following are conditional uses in an R-1 District (requiring a
conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by Section 1125.01 of this Title):
Subd. 6. Accessory building exceeding nine hundred fifty two (952) square feet. (Ord. 620, 7-27-98; Ord.
664,8-14-00)
a. The accessory building must conform with Section 1103.06 and subdivision 1106.03(1) ofthis Title.
b. The combined square footage of all accessory buildings on one (1) lot cannot exceed one thousand
eight hundred (1,800) square feet. (Ord. 620,7-27-98; Ord. 701, 9-9-02)
c. The building shall be designed and maintained to provide a uniform appearance with the dwelling
unit.
d. The width of the building cannot exceed thirty five feet (35'). (Ord. 664, 8-14-00)
e. The building shall be a permanent structure. (Ord. 664, 8-14-00)
f Should the use for which the permit was granted be changed, the permit shall be subject to
reconsideration, revocation or other action regulated by Section 1125.01 of this Title. (Ord. 664, 8-14-
00)
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE CHAPTER 11XX REGULATING THE USE
OF CARGO CONTAINERS IN THE CITY
The City of Mounds View ordains:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Mounds View hereby amends Chapter 1100, Section
11XX of the Mounds View City Code pertaining to "Cargo Containers."
1102.02 Definitions:
Subd. XX CARGO CONTAINER: An article of transport equipment which falls info any of the
following categories:
a. Originally, specifically or formerly designed for or used in the parking, shipping,
movement, transportation or storage of freight, articles, goods or commodities; and/or
b. Designed for or capable of being (1) mounted or moved on a rail car, or (2) mounted on
a chassis or bogie for movement by a truck trailer, or (3) loaded on to a ship; and/or
c. A prefabricated metal structure designed for use as an individual shipping container or
a metal structure designed and built for use as an enclosed truck trailer.
Subd. XX PERMANENT: Means a period of time that exceeds six (6) months.
Subd. XX TEMPORARY: Means a period of time that does not exceed six (6) months.
11XX CARGO CONTAINERS
Subd. 1. Permitted Locations and Prohibitions
a. Cargo containers may not be placed, stored or used permanently on property zoned for
residential use.
b. Cargo containers may be placed, stored or used for temporary storage.
Subd. 2. The following standards shall apply to all cargo containers:
a. Cargo Containers shall not be stacked on one another.
b. No signage, lettering, text, or artwork may be placed on any cargo container.
c. Cargo containers shall not be used for human habitation or commercial purposes, and
shall not be provided with refrigeration, heating, electricity or plumbing.
d. Refuse and debris shall not be stored in, against, on or under the cargo container.
e. The cargo container may not occupy any required off-street parking spaces or
loading/unloading areas or fire lanes in any district.
f. The cargo container shall not block, obstruct, or reduce in any manner any required
exits, windows, vent shafts, parking spaces, and/or access driveways.
g. The cargo container shall be placed on an asphalt or concrete surface and be located a
minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the edge of the street.
h. The cargo container shall be structurally sound, stable, and in good repair. Any cargo
container that becomes unsound, unstable or otherwise dangerous shall be
immediately repaired or removed from the property. The City shall provide notice to the
owner of the property where the cargo container is located of any condition in violation
of this section. After notice to the property owner, any cargo container stored or kept in
such a manner deemed a dangerous condition and a public nuisance as determined by
the City may be immediately removed by the City. Any cost or expense associated with
the removal shall be the responsibility of the property owner where the cargo container
is located.
11XX Current Violations —Time to Comply
Cargo containers located on residential property prior to the effective date of this ordinance are
considered illegal. All property owners within the City shall have 6 months from the effective date
of this ordinance to bring the properties, which currently contain Accessory Storage Buildings that
are in violation of the terms of this Chapter, into full compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
1106.03 (this is existing language —the underlined is proposed additional wording)
Subd. 1. Accessory Buildings A building originally constructed for use as an accessory building for
the storage of materials and equipment accessory to a primary use located on the property.
Accessory buildings, which for these purposes shall include garages, tool houses, carports,
sheds and similar buildings for storage of domestic supply and noncommercial recreational
equipment, whether attached or detached. (Ord. 664, 8-14-00)
of Mounds View Staff
Item No: 6
Meeting Date: March 4, 2013
Type of Business: Work Session
To: , Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: City Council Priorities for 2013
Introduction:
On February 5, 2013, the City Council held a retreat with City department heads to discuss
goals and priorities for 2013. One of the primary issues discussed revolved around the
County Road 10 corridor.
Discussion:
During the retreat with the Council, many goals were discussed which all could be related
back to the County Road 10 corridor. Staff put together the attached statement which
includes the City's previously adopted Mission, Vision and Values Statements.
One question that might be worth discussing is whether the priority statement should be
limited to the corridor or expanded to encourage and accommodate activity outside of the
corridor. Keep in mind that the Council's indicated desire was to have a specific,
measurable, attainable, realistic and timely goal for the year, acknowledging that the City
has a wide variety of essential services and core functions (e.g., code enforcement, street
improvement program, public safety, economic development, etc.) which would remain
priorities regardless.
The statement was reviewed by the City Council at the February 25, 2013 meeting and an
additional bullet point was suggested for inclusion:
• Partner with MnDOT and Ramsey County to effectuate the naming of the County
Highway 10 corridor as "Northtown Boulevard".
Recommendation:
Review the draft statement and suggest any tweaks or revisions necessary to adequately
reflect and communicate the Council's priority for 2013. Once in final format, staff would
recommend we bring it back for formal consideration and reaffirmation on March 11, 2013.
Respectfully submitted,
J
James Ericson
City Administrator
1
2013 City Council Priority Statement
On February 5, 2013, the Mounds View City Council and members of the management team
held a planning and goal -setting retreat at the Mounds View Community Center. After
reviewing accomplishments from the previous year and assessing previously established goals
and priorities, the Council deliberated as to how best to focus its present and future efforts.
Not unlike other municipalities, the City of Mounds View provides a variety of core and essential
services to its residents, property owners and business owners. Each of these service delivery
areas is an acknowledged and supported priority and each supports the City's stated Mission,
Vision and Values statements (which appear on the following pages.) Recognizing that
important services such as Code Enforcement, Street and Infrastructure Improvements, the
Community Center, Parks, Public Safety, Economic Development, and Sewer and Water
delivery (to name a few) are ongoing priorities which strengthen and enhance the City's
livability and social fabric, the City Council has chosen to focus particular attention this year to
the County Road 10 Corridor.
County Road 10 is the City's primary commercial corridor carrying more than 20,000 vehicles
per day through the community. Previously a MnDOT highway now under the jurisdiction of
Ramsey County, the corridor and many abutting properties have long suffered from deferred
and neglected maintenance and are in a state of disrepair which reflect poorly on the City as a
whole. Without direct control over the roadway or adjacent properties, the City understands its
ability to affect a meaningful, positive change will be a challenge. In recognition of this, the City
will endeavor to:
• Partner with Ramsey County concerning corridor maintenance and appearance
• Consider targeted property acquisitions on a case-by-case basis to eliminate blight
and to encourage redevelopment and land assembly
• Improve and enhance visual corridor aesthetics through sustainable landscaping and
pedestrian -friendly streetscaping
• Explore creation of a Corridor Overlay Zoning district to promote ideals of vertical,
mixed use development, minimized building setbacks, parking in rear and more
desirable design guidelines
• Complete corridor trail and sidewalk system and plan for internal and external linkages
to promote and enhance walkability and connectivity
• Actively recruit new business development and work with existing businesses for
purposes of retention and expansion
• Pursue grants and leveraged funding opportunities to foster desired improvements
• Partner with MnDOT and Ramsey County to effectuate the naming of the County
Highway 10 corridor as "Northtown Boulevard"
The above action steps and goals are not exhaustive --the City will consider additional
endeavors that ultimately support the revitalization and redevelopment of the County Road 10
corridor specifically while continuing to support and improve the community as a whole.
1
MISSION STATEMENT
OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY
PUBLIC SERVICES THAT EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSES
CHANGING CITIZEN AND COMMUNITY NEEDS IN A
FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND CUSTOMER -
FRIENDLY MANNER.
VISION STATEMENT
WE SEE MOUNDS VIEW AS A PROACTIVE
COMMUNITY THAT TAKES PRIDE IN ITS
ACHIEVEMENTS. WE ARE RESPONSIVE TO THE
CHANGING NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF OUR
RESIDENTS AND OUR BUSINESSES. AS A RESULT,
OUR COMMUNITY THRIVES AND PROSPERS.
k ",a I, MIS
VALUES STATEMENT
The Values Statement reflects the spirit of the City and defines the core values that guide
the day-to-day activities of City personnel. The following values are fundamental to the
City's success and the fulfillment of its mission:
Excellence and Quality in the Delivery of Services
We believe that service to the public is our reason for being and strive to deliver
quality services in a highly -professional and cost-effective manner.
Fiscal Responsibility
We believe that fiscal responsibility and prudent stewardship of public funds are
essential for citizen confidence in government.
Ethics and Integrity
We believe that ethics and integrity are the foundation blocks of public trust and
confidence and that all meaningful relationships are built on these values.
Treating Citizens with Respect
We believe that citizens are to be treated with courtesy and respect and deserve
the best services we can provide.
Open and Honest Communication
We believe that open and honest communication is essential for an informed and
involved citizenry and to foster a positive working environment for employees.
Cooperation and Teamwork
We believe that the public is best served when the City Council and employees
work cooperatively as a team rather than at cross purposes.
Professionalism
We believe that continuous improvement is the mark of professionalism and are
committed to applying this principle to the services we offer and the development of
our employees.
Continuous Learning
We believe that continuous learning and ongoing education of our elected and
appointed officials will allow us to better recognize current opportunities, anticipate
change and prepare for the future.