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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.