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8. PC Staff Report Rural Event Facility Ordinance Amendment MEMORANDUM To: Scandia Planning Commission Reference: Ordinance Amendment for Rural Event Facility land use Ken Cammilleri, Administrator Copies To: Brenda Eklund, Clerk From: Evan Monson, City Planner Proj. No.: 17723.000 Date: August 26, 2020 Routing: SUBJECT: Amending the Development Code to allow the ‘Rural Event Facility’ land use as a Conditional Use. MEETING DATE: September 1, 2020 BACKGROUND: The Development Code for the city permits Rural Event Facilities within the Agricultural Core (AG C) and General Rural (GR) zoning districts. This land use permits events and gatherings that are supportive of the rural and historic character of Scandia. This land use currently is only permitted through an Interim Use Permit (IUP) and an Annual Operating Permit (AOP). After reviewing a new IUP for a Rural Event Facility recently, the Planning Commission and City Council showed interest in changing the use from being permitted on an interim basis to something more long lasting, such as a conditional use. Given the nature of Rural Event Facilities booking their schedules out months in advance, permitting this land use through a CUP can provide more certainty for the user, while still allowing the city to review and regulate them. ANALYSIS: Current Requirements for Rural Event Facility land uses A Rural Event Facility has a number of land use specific requirements that require review, in order to make sure the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding area and the community as a whole. These requirements are currently reviewed during the IUP and AOP review processes, but can also be reviewed during the CUP review process. In addition to the land use specific requirements, the use also has to follow other requirements of the Development Code. Lighting, parking, landscaping, and other items that are Ordinance Amendment for Rural Event Facilities Scandia Plan Commission Page 2 September 1, 2020 applicable to a Rural Event Facility land use would have to follow the requirements for such in the Development Code. Compatibility with the Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan outlines land use planning, development, and planning policy for the City. The latest plan, completed in 2019, identifies a goal of maintaining and promoting the City’s cultural character and history. The Comprehensive Plan also identifies a goal of providing economic opportunities for residents and businesses by promoting home-based entrepreneurs and businesses. Reviewing and permitting this land use through a CUP instead of an IUP will not be in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan, and would help the City meet the goals outlined in the plan. ACTION REQUESTED: The Planning Commission can review the proposed ordinance amendment, and can recommend the following: 1. Approval 2. Approval with changes 3. Denial 4. Table the request PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Included with this staff report is a document showing the proposed changes to the Development Code. Unless additional changes are desired by the Plan Commission, the Planner recommends approval of the Ordinance amendment, permitting the Rural Event Facility land use as a conditional use in the AG C and GR zoning districts.