08.b3 UDC Amendment for Village Districts Density - CC Packet
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Date of Meeting: December 17, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner
Re: UDC Amendment for Village Districts Density
City staff have prepared a draft ordinance that would amend sections of the Unified
Development Code to address conflicts in the code and the adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
The staff report to the Planning Commission from the December 3, 2024, meeting is attached
and includes the background of the amendment as well as an analysis based on the proposed
amendment to the Unified Development Code.
ANALYSIS
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission heard the application again at the December 3, 2024, meeting and
held a public hearing where no comments were made.
The Planning Commission discussed concerns regarding density within the City, the role and
rules of the Metropolitan Council, and growth constraints within the City.
The Planning Commission moved to recommend approval of the request. The motion was
approved with a vote of 5-0.
Staff Analysis
Staff believes the proposed standard is required to ensure that the UDC is not in conflict with the
2040 Comprehensive Plan.
COUNCIL ACTION
The City Council can do one of the following:
1. Approve, with or without conditions, of the attached ordinance and resolutions.
2. Deny, with findings, of the attached ordinance and resolutions.
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3. Table the request for further review/study.
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission recommends:
Motion to recommend approval of the attached ordinance to amend the Unified
Development Code amend Table 153.200.030-1, Tables 153.200.030-10, 153.200.030-
12, and 153.200.030-14, amending the maximum density and the attached resolutions for
a finding of facts for Ordinance 2024-10 and authorizing summary publication.
Attachments
A. Ordinance 2024-10 Amending Village District Density
B. Resolution 12-17-24-08 Findings of Fact for Ordinance 2024-10
C. Resolution 12-17-24-09 Summary Publication for Ordinance 2024-10
D. Future Land Use Map
E. Zoning Map
F. Planning Commission "UDC Amendment for Village Districts Density” Packet,
December 3, 2024
CITY OF SCANDIA
ORDINANCE NO.: 2024-10
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
SECTION 153.200.030 REGARDING DENSITY IN THE VILLAGE DISTRICTS
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”, “Code”, or “UDC”), Table 153.200.030-1 Summary of Dimensional Standards for Base
Zoning Districts, shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the stricken text as
follows:
Table 153.200.030-1. Summary of Dimensional Standards for Base Zoning Districts.
Zoning
District
Agricultural
Preserves
Agricultural
Core
Rural
Residential
General
Rural
Residential
Neighborhood
Village
Historic Core Village Center Village
Neighborhood
Rural
Commercial
Industrial
Park
Abbreviations A-P AG-C RR-G RR-N V-HC V-C V-N R-C I-P
Maximum Density
(DU/AC) 1 DU/40 AC1 4 DU/40 AC 4 DU/40 AC 4 DU/40 AC
1 DU / 2.5 AC
5 DU/40 AC1
1 DU / 2.5 AC
5 DU/40 AC1
1 DU / 2.5 AC
1 DU/1.5 AC2
or 4 DU/40 AC
NA NA
Minimum Lot Size
(New Lot) 40.0 AC 2.0-5.0 AC or
20+ AC 2.0 AC 2.0 AC 2,500 SF1 2 1.00 AC or
8,500 SF2 1.5 AC 2.0 AC 2.0 AC
1Density may exceed 1 DU/40 Acres if criteria established in Minnesota State Statute 473H is met.
1 2Maximum Density and corresponding lots sizes may only be achieved if public water and sewer is available and the parcel or lot is hooked up to municipal service.
2 3Minimum Buildable Area only required for parcels or lots served by private well and septic systems.
Additional standards for each Base Zoning District are provided in Subd. 2 through Subd. 5 of this Section.
Section 2 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development
Code”, “Code”, or “UDC”), Table 153.200.030 Subd. 4, shall be amended by adding the
underlined text and deleting the stricken text as follows:
Table 153.200.030-10. Village – Historic Core (V-HC) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions and Density Standards
A Lot Size (Existing Lot of Record) None
A Density (Residential)
FAR (Commercial)
Up to 5 Dwelling Units/Acre1 1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
0.5
B Buildable Area N/A for Lot with Public Sewer & Water
C Lot Frontage (minimum) 30 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal Services including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
Table 153.200.030-12. Village Center (V -C) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions (Minimum, only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC)
A Lot Size (New Lot – Public Sewer and Water)
Lot Size (New Lot – Private Well and Septic)
8,500 Square Feet1
1.0 Acres
B Density (Residential)
Floor Area Ratio (Commercial)
Up to 5 Dwelling Units/Acre1 1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
0.5
C Buildable Area N/A for Lot with Public Sewer & Water
0.75 Acres for New Lot on Private Well and Septic
D Minimum Lot Frontage 50 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal Services, including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
Table 153.200.030-14. Village Neighborhood (V-N) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions (only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC)
A Lot Size (minimum)
Density (maximum)
1.5 Acres
4 Dwelling Units per 40 Acres1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
B Buildable Area (minimum) 1.0 Acres
C Lot Frontage (minimum) 100 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal, including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
Section 3 Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption and
publication.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this 17th day of December 2024.
Christine Maefsky, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kyle Morell, City Administrator
CITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 12-17-24-08
APPROVING FINDINGS OF FACT FOR
ORDINANCE 2024-10 A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, in 2023 and 2024, the City of Scandia identified a inconsistency between the
2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Development Code regarding density in the part of the
city designated as Rural Center in the Proposed Community Designation map within the 2040
Comprehensive Plan Village Districts as identified in the Unified Development Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council discussed the density conflict and reviewed a draft
ordinance regarding Village District density at the November 19, 2024 meeting and recommended
the draft ordinance to the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed a draft Ordinance 2024-10, regarding
density in the village districts, and held a public hearing on December 3, 2024 and recommended
approval of the ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed Ordinance 2024-10, regarding density in the
village districts, on December 17, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City took public input on Ordinance 2024-10, regarding density in the
village districts, on December 3, 2024 at a duly called public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia has proposed to amend the Unified Development Code
Table 153.200.030-1 Summary of Dimensional Standards for Base Zoning Districts; and
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia has proposed to amend the Unified Development Code
Table 153.200.030-10 Village – Historic Core (V-HC) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot
Size; and
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia has proposed to amend the Unified Development Code
Table 153.200.030-12 Village Center (V-C) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size; and
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia has proposed to amend the Unified Development Code
Table 153.200.030-14. Village Neighborhood (V-N) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot
Size; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted an Ordinance 2024-10 amending the Unified
Development Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does
support the request for an amendment to the Unified Development Code.
Whereupon, said Resolution is hereby declared adopted on this 17th day of December 2024.
Christine Maefsky, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kyle Morell, City Administrator
CITY OF SCANDIA
RESOLUTION NO. 12-17-24-09
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY,
MINNESOTA, PROVIDING FOR THE SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE
NO. 2024-10, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 153.200.030 REGARDING DENSITY IN THE
VILLAGE DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, On December 17, 2024, at a meeting of the Scandia City Council, by majority
vote, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2024-10 which amends the Scandia Unified
Development Code regarding density in the Village Districts; and
WHEREAS, State law requires that all ordinances adopted be published prior to becoming
effective; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has determined that publication of the
title and a summary of Ordinance No. 2024-10 would clearly inform the public of the intent and effect
of the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has reviewed the summary of
Ordinance No. 2024-10 attached and incorporated herein as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has determined that the text of the
summary clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 2024-10.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council for the City of Scandia hereby:
1. Approves the text of the summary of Ordinance No. 2024-10 attached as Exhibit A.
2. Directs the City Clerk to post a copy of the entire text of Ordinance No. 2024-10 in
all public locations designated by the City Council.
3. Directs the City Clerk to publish the summary in the City’s legal newspaper within
ten days.
4. Directs the City Clerk to file the executed Ordinance upon the books and records of
the City along with proof of publication.
Dated this 17th day of December, 2024
____________________
Christine Maefsky, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kyle Morell, City Administrator
Exhibit A
Ordinance Summary
SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-10, AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA, AMENDING THE
SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 153.200.030 REGARDING
DENSITY IN THE VILLAGE DISTRICTS
On December 17, 2024, at a meeting of the Scandia City Council, by majority vote, the City Council
adopted Ordinance No. 2024-10 which amends the Scandia Unified Development Code provisions
regarding density in the Village Districts by:
• Amending maximum density in Table 153.200.030-1, Table 153.200.030-10, Table
153.200.030-12, and Table 153.200.030-14 to reflect the density established in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
A printed copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office
hours at City Hall or by standard or electronic mail.
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Date of Meeting: December 3, 2024
To: Chair Loeffler and Members of the Planning Commission
From: T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner
Re: UDC Amendment for Village Districts Density
City staff have prepared a draft ordinance that would amend sections of the Unified
Development Code to address conflicts in the code and the adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
BACKGROUND
In June of 2023, the City identified an error in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan regarding density
because of an application that proposed development in a Village Neighborhood guided area.
Staff have reviewed densities within the Comprehensive Plan and have attached a draft copy of
the Comprehensive Plan to detail the proposed changes. The Council discussed the issue at their
June 20, 2023, meeting and gave directions to amend the Comprehensive Plan. At the same
meeting, the Council identified parcels on the Future Land Use Map that were incorrectly
guided.
The issue was discussed at the following City Council meetings: January 16, 2024; April 16,
2024; May 1, 2024; May 21, 2024; July 16, 2024; and August 7, 2024. These packets for these
meetings are linked below and include a full history of the issue.
The City Council approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment at their May 21, 2024, meeting.
This amendment was submitted to the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) for review. The Met
Council has determined the application to be “incomplete.” The incomplete letter is attached.
The Met Council has stated that the amendment is “not compatible” with the Thrive 2040 system
statements. At the August 7, 2024, City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to begin
work on an amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to address the existing issues.
Staff presented an amendment to address the density conflict and establish design standards for
subdivisions in the Village Districts. Council motioned to send the two items to the Planning
Commission as separate items, acknowledging the need to address density promptly, but
separating the design standards to allow for further consideration if necessary.
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OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED STANDARDS
The following sections include the proposed language within the draft ordinance with deletions
shown as strikethrough text and new language as red underlined text.
Draft Ordinance - Sections 1 and 2
Table 153.200.030-1. Summary of Dimensional Standards for Base Zoning Districts.
Zoning
District
Agricultural
Preserves
Agricultural
Core
Rural
Residential
General
Rural
Residential
Neighborhood
Village
Historic Core Village Center Village
Neighborhood
Rural
Commercial
Industrial
Park
Abbreviations A-P AG-C RR-G RR-N V-HC V-C V-N R-C I-P
Maximum Density
(DU/AC) 1 DU/40 AC1 4 DU/40 AC 4 DU/40 AC 4 DU/40 AC
1 DU / 2.5 AC
5 DU/40 AC1
1 DU / 2.5 AC
5 DU/40 AC1
1 DU / 2.5 AC
1 DU/1.5 AC2
or 4 DU/40 AC
NA NA
Minimum Lot Size
(New Lot) 40.0 AC 2.0-5.0 AC or
20+ AC 2.0 AC 2.0 AC 2,500 SF1 2 1.00 AC or
8,500 SF2 1.5 AC 2.0 AC 2.0 AC
1Density may exceed 1 DU/40 Acres if criteria established in Minnesota State Statute 473H is met.
1 2Maximum Density and corresponding lots sizes may only be achieved if public water and sewer is available and the parcel or lot is hooked up to municipal service.
2 3Minimum Buildable Area only required for parcels or lots served by private well and septic systems.
Additional standards for each Base Zoning District are provided in Subd. 2 through Subd. 5 of this Section.
Table 153.200.030-10. Village – Historic Core (V-HC) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions and Density Standards
A Lot Size (Existing Lot of Record) None
A Density (Residential)
FAR (Commercial)
Up to 5 Dwelling Units/ Acres1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
0.5
B Buildable Area N/A for Lot with Public Sewer & Water
C Lot Frontage (minimum) 30 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal Services, including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
Table 153.200.030-12. Village Center (V-C) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions (Minimum, only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC)
A Lot Size (New Lot – Public Sewer and Water)
Lot Size (New Lot – Private Well and Septic)
8,500 Square Feet1
1.0 Acres
B Density (Residential)
Floor Area Ratio (Commercial)
Up to 5 Dwelling Units/ Acres1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
0.5
C Buildable Area N/A for Lot with Public Sewer & Water
0.75 Acres for New Lot on Private Well and Septic
D Minimum Lot Frontage 50 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal Services including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
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Table 153.200.030-14. Village Neighborhood (V-N) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions (only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC)
A Lot Size (minimum)
Density (maximum)
1.5 Acres
4 Dwelling Units per 40 Acres1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
B Buildable Area (minimum) 1.0 Acres
C Lot Frontage (minimum) 100 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal Services including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
Sections 1 and 2 of the draft ordinance amend the tables within 153.200 Zoning Districts that
state the density requirements for the Village Districts. Superscript references at the bottom of
Table 153.200.030-1 have been removed as this table serves as a reference to the tables within
the section and standards are detailed elsewhere. Tables 153.200.030-10, 153.200.030-12, and
153.200.030-14 have been amended to correct the density to reflect the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan. Subscript references have been struck, as requiring adequate sewage treatm ent and water
supply is established in Section 153.400.
ANALYSIS
Staff Analysis
Staff believes the proposed standards will result is required to ensure that the UDC is not in
conflict with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
COMMISSION ACTION
The Planning Commission can do one of the following:
1. Approve, with or without conditions, of the attached ordinance.
2. Deny, with findings, of the attached ordinance.
3. Table the request for further review/study.
RECOMMEDNATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission open a public hearing and gather any and all
input on the draft ordinance amendment.
Staff recommend approval of UDC Amendment to amend Table 153.200.030-1, Tables
153.200.030-10, 153.200.030-12, and 153.200.030-14, amending the maximum density.
Approval includes an ordinance.
Motion to recommend approval of the attached ordinance to amend the Unified
Development Code amend Table 153.200.030-1, Tables 153.200.030-10, 153.200.030-
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12, and 153.200.030-14, amending the maximum density, with the findings and
conditions as described within the staff report.
Attachments
A. Draft Ordinance 2024-XX Amending Village District Density
B. City Council "Village District Design Standards” Packet, November 19, 2024 (Link
Only)
Removed Text: Strikethrough
New Text: Red Underlined
Page 1 of 3
CITY OF SCANDIA
ORDINANCE NO.: 2024-XX
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
SECTION 153.200.030 REGARDING DENSITY IN THE VILLAGE DISTRICTS
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”, “Code”, or “UDC”), Table 153.200.030-1 Summary of Dimensional Standards
for Base Zoning Districts, shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting
the stricken text as follows:
Table 153.200.030-1. Summary of Dimensional Standards for Base Zoning Districts.
Zoning
District
Agricultural
Preserves
Agricultural
Core
Rural
Residential
General
Rural
Residential
Neighborhood
Village
Historic Core Village Center Village
Neighborhood
Rural
Commercial
Industrial
Park
Abbreviations A-P AG-C RR-G RR-N V-HC V-C V-N R-C I-P
Maximum Density
(DU/AC) 1 DU/40 AC1 4 DU/40 AC 4 DU/40 AC 4 DU/40 AC
1 DU / 2.5 AC
5 DU/40 AC1
1 DU / 2.5 AC
5 DU/40 AC1
1 DU / 2.5 AC
1 DU/1.5 AC2
or 4 DU/40 AC
NA NA
Minimum Lot Size
(New Lot) 40.0 AC 2.0-5.0 AC or
20+ AC 2.0 AC 2.0 AC 2,500 SF1 2 1.00 AC or
8,500 SF2 1.5 AC 2.0 AC 2.0 AC
1Density may exceed 1 DU/40 Acres if criteria established in Minnesota State Statute 473H is met.
1 2Maximum Density and corresponding lots sizes may only be achieved if public water and sewer is available and the parcel or lot is hooked up to municipal service.
2 3Minimum Buildable Area only required for parcels or lots served by private well and septic systems.
Additional standards for each Base Zoning District are provided in Subd. 2 through Subd. 5 of this Section.
Section 2 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development
Code”, “Code”, or “UDC”), Table 153.200.030 Subd. 4, shall be amended by adding the
underlined text and deleting the stricken text as follows:
Table 153.200.030-10. Village – Historic Core (V-HC) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions and Density Standards
A Lot Size (Existing Lot of Record) None
A Density (Residential)
FAR (Commercial)
Up to 5 Dwelling Units/Acre1 1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
0.5
B Buildable Area N/A for Lot with Public Sewer & Water
C Lot Frontage (minimum) 30 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal Services including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
Removed Text: Strikethrough
New Text: Red Underlined
Page 2 of 3
Table 153.200.030-12. Village Center (V -C) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions (Minimum, only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC)
A Lot Size (New Lot – Public Sewer and Water)
Lot Size (New Lot – Private Well and Septic)
8,500 Square Feet1
1.0 Acres
B Density (Residential)
Floor Area Ratio (Commercial)
Up to 5 Dwelling Units/Acre1 1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
0.5
C Buildable Area N/A for Lot with Public Sewer & Water
0.75 Acres for New Lot on Private Well and Septic
D Minimum Lot Frontage 50 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal Services, including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
Table 153.200.030-14. Village Neighborhood (V-N) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size
Lot Dimensions (only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC)
A Lot Size (minimum)
Density (maximum)
1.5 Acres
4 Dwelling Units per 40 Acres1 Dwelling Unit per 2.5 Acres
B Buildable Area (minimum) 1.0 Acres
C Lot Frontage (minimum) 100 Feet
1Maximum density may only be available to lots served by Municipal, including adequate sewage treatment and water supply.
Section 3 Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption and
publication.
Removed Text: Strikethrough
New Text: Red Underlined
Page 3 of 3
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this ___ day of ________ 20__.
Christine Maefsky, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kyle Morell, City Administrator