4.a) and b)Staff Report- ScandiaPC Ordinance items 11 5 14
Memorandum
To: Scandia Planning
Commission
Reference: Ordinance Items—address
requests from August meeting
Copies To: Kristina Handt, City
Administrator
Brenda Eklund, Clerk
Project No.: 15486.000
From: Sherri Buss, RLA AICP,
Planner
Routing:
Date: October 1, 2014
The Planning Commission directed staff to prepare three Development Code updates for public
hearings at the November 5 Planning Commission meeting. The proposed Code changes
include the following:
1) Add language to the Development Code to permit an “administrative exception” for lots
that are close to, but do not meet, the ordinance requirements for some approvals.
Based on the Commission’s discussion at the October meeting, the draft has been
revised as follows:
The exceptions could be permitted on parcels that deviate from the minimum lot
requirement by 5%, with no maximum area.
Exceptions could be granted only for lot size limits in the General Standards for
uses; exceptions could not be granted from the dimensional requirements for
Open Space Conservation Subdivisions or Subdivision Regulations.
2) Add language to the Development Code to permit historic buildings and structures to
exceed the maximum height permitted in zoning districts, and modify the Accessory
Structures section of the Code to provide incentives or exceptions to ordinance
requirements to encourage preservation of historic structures in the accessory structures
section of the ordinance. The proposed changes include the following:
A proposed ordinance change in Chapter Two, Section 3.0 that adds the phrase
“historic buildings and structures” to permit those structures to exceed the height
standards in the code.
A change in Chapter Two, Section 3.2 (3) that permits accessory structure height
to exceed the structure height permitted in each zoning district
Proposed new language in Chapter Two, Section 3.2 (5) and (6) that permits the
City to grant exceptions to the number and/or total square footage of accessory
structures permitted. The proposed additions include some criteria for granting
exceptions, as requested by the Planning Commission, and a procedure for
Scandia Planning Commission
Ordinance Changes for Public Hearing Page 2 November 5, 2014
granting exceptions. The proposed criteria would require the Zoning
Administrator to evaluate the following:
o Whether the exception is necessary to preserve the historic structures,
maintain the historic character of the property, or meet the City’s goals for
historic preservation and character
o The appearance and arrangement of buildings should reflect the design
elements identified in Scandia’s Architectural Design Guidelines
o Preservation of the structures should not conflict with other policies and
regulations, including setbacks
o The exception should not create an unreasonable burden on adjacent
properties
o The exception should not be contrary to public interest, or the general
intent of the Code or Comprehensive Plan
The proposed process permits approval of applications by the Zoning
Administrator (City Administrator) in writing, and requires that the Administrator
inform the Council of each approved or denied application. It permits applicants
to appeal denials to the City Council.
(3) The proposed changes to Chapter Two, Section 3.0 include the update to the table that
specifies the number and area of accessory structures permitted by lot size that the
Commission discussed previously.