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5.f Riparian Lots - PC Packet1 | P a g e Date of Meeting: September 5th, 2023 To: Chair Loeffler and Members of the Planning Commission From: T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner Maddy Bergum, Consultant Planner Re: UDC Amendment to Section 153.600.020 The Planning Commission requested that staff prepare an amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) Unified Development Code (UDC) to amend the terminology and definitions surrounding riparian lots. Currently, the language in the UDC states that riparian lots have two yards classified as front yard rather than a front yard and a rear yard, which causes issues regarding accessory structures and outdoor storage. Staff believes this outcome was a mistake when the UDC was adopted. This amendment proposes changes to the definitions to state that riparian lots now have front and rear yards. BACKGROUND The City adopted the UDC on September 20, 2022, to replace the previous zoning and subdivision codes. The UDC currently states that any yard adjacent to a body of water is classified as a front yard. However, a yard that is adjacent to a roadway is also classified as a front yard, making riparian lots have two front yards. In the UDC, accessory structures must meet additional setback requirements to be located in front yards. Further, accessory structures in front yards are required to maintain aesthetic consistency, which is not required for accessory structures in the rear yard as it is often not visible from the right-of-way. 2 | P a g e At their August 1, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission discussed how the Unified Development Code (UDC) defines certain elements of riparian lots. Section 153.600 establishes what is a front and rear lot line or yard. Using these definitions staff has determined that a riparian lot has two front yards, a front lot line that abuts the adjacent public street or private road, and a rear lot line that abuts the adjacent waterbody. After discussion, the Planning Commission asked staff to prepare an amendment Section 153.600.020 of the UDC to change the definition of rear yard in reference to riparian lots OVERVIEW OF UDC AMENDMENT Staff has compiled the relevant sections of the UDC that address how riparian lots are defined. Changes to the UDC are in red. 153.600 MASTER GLOSSARY 153.600.020 Definitions of Dimension, Measurement, Structure and Subdivision 75. Yard, Front: The yard across the full width of the lot extending from the front line of the principal building to the front lot line, except for buildings on Recreational or Natural Environment lakes where the front yard faces the water. 76. Yard, Rear: The yard across the full width of the lot extending from the rear line of the principal building to the rear lot line, except for buildings on Recreational or Natural Environment lakes where the rear yard faces a public street or a private road. ANALYSIS Staff Analysis Staff believes the proposed amendment will address the issues that were identified with yards on riparian lots. RECOMMENDATION After holding the public hearing, the Planning Commission can do one of the following: 1. Recommend approval, with or without conditions Rear Lot Line Front Yard Front Lot Line Front Yard 3 | P a g e 2. Recommend denial, with findings 3. Table the request for further review/study Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the attached ordinance and resolution approving a UDC text amendment to amend the definition of rear yards. Attachments A. Draft Ordinance 2023-04 Regarding Definitions B. Unified Development Code Section 153.600 Master Glossary (link only) C. Zoning Map – City of Scandia Removed Text: Strikethrough New Text: Red Underlined Page 1 of 1 CITY OF SCANDIA ORDNANCE NO.: 2023-04 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 153.600.020 REGARDING DEFINITIONS The City Council of the City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota hereby ordains: Section 1 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code”, or “Code”), Chapter 153.600.020, shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the stricken text as follows: 75. Yard, Front: The yard across the full width of the lot extending from the front line of the principal building to the front lot line, except for buildings on Recreational or Natural Environment lakes where the front yard faces the water. 76. Yard, Rear: The yard across the full width of the lot extending from the rear line of the principal building to the rear lot line, except for buildings on Recreational or Natural Environment lakes where the rear yard faces a public street or a private road. Section 2 Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this 19 day of September, 2023. Christine Maefsky, Mayor ATTEST: Kyle Morell, City Administrator 6, 01 8.7 Legend 0 4,213 Feet This drawing is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information, and data located in various city, county, and state offices, and other sources affecting the area shown, and is to be used for reference purposes only. The City of Scandia is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 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