9. Staff report_ Government Uses Ordinance Amendment PC 03.02.2021
Memorandum
To: Scandia Planning Commission Reference: Potential Zoning Ordinance
Amendment – Government Land
Uses
Copies To: Brenda Eklund, Clerk
Ken Cammilleri, City
Administrator
Project No.: 18109.000
From: Evan Monson, Planner Routing:
Date: February 24, 2021
SUBJECT: Potential ordinance amendment for amending Government Land Uses
MEETING DATE: March 2, 2021
BACKGROUND
The Development Code includes the regulations for land use and development in the City of Scandia.
Chapter 1 lists the definitions of words and terminology used in the Development Code. When a question
arises of whether something is one use or another, one can refer to the definitions of uses. Since different
uses are not permitted in certain zoning districts, or may require additional permitting and review, how
definitions for uses are written can make a difference.
Part of the issue with the current iteration of the Development Code is that certain uses are not well
defined…or just not even defined. One of those uses happens to be for the City Hall and Community
Center. Another is the planned Arts and Heritage Center. While many of the inaccuracies with definitions
are planned to be addressed as part of the rewrite of the Development Code, it would be ideal for the City
to make changes now so that the Arts and Heritage Center project can move forward without delays.
Since the Community Center is on the same lot as the proposed Arts and Heritage Center, it would be
ideal to make sure there is no ambiguity in our definitions that would leave it nonconforming.
CURRENT REQUIREMENTS
Chapter 1, Section 4.0 covers word construction and definitions. Section 4.2 lists the definitions.
When reviewing plans for the proposed Arts and Heritage Center, there was no use listed that would fully
encapsulate the plans being proposed. There are some undefined uses, such as “Arts Gallery and Sales”
and “Museum”, which would be permitted in the zoning district the lot is zoned as. Undefined terms are
not great fits for what the development would become, and could add unneeded complexities in the future
if additions or changes are made.
Government Land Uses Staff Report March 2, 2021
Scandia Planning Commission Page 2
The Community Center would share the same parcel as the Arts and Heritage Center. It currently would
fall under the definition of “Government Uses, Buildings, and Storage”.
(134) Government Uses, Buildings and Storage: An area of land or structures used for public
purposes, storage, or maintenance and which is owned or leased by the U.S. federal
government, State of Minnesota, Metropolitan Council, Washington County, or City of
Scandia for purposes of carrying out governmental duties. The definition does not include
publicly or privately operated school facilities
The current definition can be interpreted as preventing this use from being used for non-government
activities, like renting the Community Center for private events.
POTENTIAL CHANGES TO CONSIDER
Included with this report is a redlined document showing potential changes to make. These can be
changed if desired.
The first would to be to create a defined land use for the Arts and Heritage Center. This new use could
then be permitted as an allowed use in the VMU A and VMU B zoning districts.
The definition for “Government Uses, Buildings, and Storage” can either be revised, or a new use just for
the Community Center and City Hall could be made. The redlined document shows what a revised
definition could look like.
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 for further study
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 Planning Commission, the Planner recommends approval
of the Ordinance amendment, amending Government Land Uses.