HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 30, 2001 Work SessionCITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692
Visit Our Website at: www. ci. columbia-heights. mn.us
ADMINIS TRA TION
NOTICE OF COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Notice is hereby given that a work session
is to be held in the
CITY OF COL UMBIA HEIGHTS
as fo ws.'
Mayor
Gary L. Peterson
Councilmembers
Marlaine Szurek
Julienne Wyckoff
Bruce Nawrocki
Robert A. Willjams
City Manager
Walt Fehst
Meeting of:
Date of Meeting:
Time of Meeting:
Location of Meeting:
Purpose of Meeting:
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 30, 2001
7:00 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
WORK SESSION
A GENDA
Review of the proposed Zoning and Development Ordinance
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or
employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation wilt be provided to allow individuals with
disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped
persons axe available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary
at 706-361 I, to make arrangements. (TDD/706-3692 for deaf or hearing impaired only)
THE CiTY Of COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692
Visit Our Website at: www. ci. columbia-heights. mn. us
ADMINISTRATION
NOTICE OF COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Notice is hereby given that a work session
is to be heM in the
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Mayor
Gary L. Peterson
Councilmembers
Marlaine Szurek
Julienne Wycko~f
Bruce Nawrocki
Robert A. Williams
City Manager
Walt Fehst
Meeting of:
Date of Meeting:
Time of Meeting:
Location of Meeting:
Purpose of Meeting:
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 30, 2001
7:00 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
WORK SESSION
A GENDA
Review of the proposed Zoning and Development Ordinance
(Please bring the proposed ordinance distributed for the April 9m meeting)
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or
employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with
disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped
persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary
at 706-3611, to make arrangements. (TDD/706-3692 for deaf or heating impaired only)
THE CiTY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES
E~QUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Highlights of Proposed Changes
CURRENT STANDARDS:
Accessory Structures
Three (3) foot rear yard setback for
residential accessory structures
when doors do not face the alley or
right-of-way.
FiReen (15) foot height restriction
for all residential accessory
structures.
· No Minimum residential garage
size.
Twenty (20) foot setback for
residential garages when doors face
the alley or street.
Dwelling Units
One story, split level, and split entry
dwellings require a minimum floor
area of 1,020 sq. R., plus 120 sq. ft.
for each additional bedroom.
Exterior Lighting
Maximum of three (3) footcandles
of light at any property line.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking areas and
driveways shall be surfaced with
material to control dust and
drainage.
PROPOSED STANDARDS:
Five (5) foot rear yard setback for
residential accessory structures
when doors do not face the alley or
fight-of-way.
Eighteen (18) foot height restriction
for all residential accessory
structures.
Minimum residential garage size is
20X20.
Twenty (20) foot setback for
residential garages facing alley or
street for lots 6,500 square feet or
more; Fifteen foot setback for
residential garages facing alley for
lots 6,500 square feet or less.
One story, split level, and split entry
dwellings require a minimum floor
area of 1020 sq. ft., plus 120 sq. ft.
for each additional bedroom. The
floor area may be reduced to 960 sq.
ft. if lot size if6,500 sq. ft. or less.
Maximum of one-half ( 1/2)
footcandles of light at closest
residential property line. Max of
three (3) foot candles of light at
closest non-residential property line.
All off-street parking areas and
driveways shall be surfaced with a
dustless all weather hard surface
material consisting of asphlt,
concrete, brick, cement pavers, or
similar material.
Highlights of Proposed Changes
CURRENT STANDARDS:
Signage
· Portable signage allowed up to 8 X
4 in size
Temporary signage allowed by
permit for four (4) eleven (11) day
periods annually, and 30 days
seasonally.
Freestanding signage allowed in
Limited Business (LB) District not
to exceed twenty (20) feet in height.
Freestanding signage in Retail
Business (RB) and General Business
(GB) Districts allowed up to thirty
(30) feet in height.
Billboards allowed up to forty (40)
feet in height, maximum 300 sq.
and spaced at 500 foot intervals in
T Districts with 45 MPH speeds.
Maximum height of forty (40) feet
for freestanding signage in all
Industrial Districts.
Signage
· Minimum setbacks for freestanding
signs are the same as setback
requirements for structures in that
district.
Freestanding signage in Central
Business District(CBD) allowed up
to twenty (20) feet in height.
PROPOSED STANDARDS:
Portable signage neeallowed.
Temporary signage allowed without
a permit.
Freestanding signage allowed in
Limited Business (LB) Dislrict not
to exceed eight (8) feet in height. If
located adjacent to a State Trunk
Highway, maximum height shall be
twenty (20) feet.
Freestanding signage in General
Business (GB) District allowed up
to twenty-five (25) feet in height if
located adjacent to a State Tnmk
Highway.
Billboards allowed up to twenty-five
(25) feet in height, max 100 sq. ft.,
and spaced at 1500 foot intervals in
T Districts with 45 MPH speeds.
Maximum height of twenty-five
(25) feet for freestanding signage in
all IndusWial Districts.
Minimum setbacks for freestanding
signs shall be ten (10) feet from
property line or as otherwise stated
in the ordinance.
Freestanding signage in Central
Business District (CBD) allowed up
to eight (8) feet height. If located
adjacent to a State Trunk Highway,
maximum height shall be twenty
(20) feet.
Highlights of Proposed Changes
CURRENT STANDARDS:
Specific Depelopment Standarda
Adult Entertainment Use
Allowed in Industrial District by
conditional use permit. No minimum
separation standards from residential
properties, or schools.
Consignment/Secondhand Store
Currency Exchange
Drop In Facility
Pawnshops
Permitted in Business Districts and
Industrial Districts. No minimum
separation standards from other similar
facilities. No minimum standards or
separation d/stances from similar
facilities.
Salvage Facility/Transfer Station
Permitted in IndusWial Districts. No
minimum standards.
Transitional/Emergency Housing
· Not addressed in current ordinance.
Landscaping and Screening
· No minimum landscaping standards.
PROPOSED STANDARDS:
Allowed in Industrial District by
conditional use permit. This use
shall be a minimum of 500 feet from
any residential property; daycare
facility; educational facility; library;
park; or place of worship.
Allowed in General Business
District by conditional use permit
only. Not allowed in Central or
Limited Business Districts. These
uses shall be located a minimum of
3000 feet from any existing
consignment store, currency
exchange, drop-in facility or
pawnshop.
Permitted in Industrial Districts.
Need to maintain a minimum
distance of 500 feet from any
residential property. Shall require an
environmental management plan.
Allowed with a conditional use
permit in R-3, R4, and LB
Districts. Shall be located at least '/.
mile from all existing transitional
housing.
Minimum of one tree for every fifty
(50) feet of street frontage.
Minimum of four (4) trees for every
one (1) acre of lot area.
Highlights of Proposed Changes
CURRENT STANDARDS:
Building Design Standards
No minimum building design
standards.
Lot Requirements
Rear yard setback for R-1 and R-2
Districts is thirty (30) feet.
Side yard setback for R-3 District is
ten (10) feet; Rear yard setback for
R-3 District is twenty (20) feet
Twinhome Requirements
They are not addressed in our
current ordinance.
PROPOSED STANDARDS:
All smactures over 120 sq. ~. shall
have full perimeter footings. Steel
frame structures with metal siding
and roof shall be allowed provided
that 50% or more of the front of the
building is ofmasom-y type veneer
and windows, and the side walls are
at least four (4) feet from grade with
the same type of masonry veneer.
Building facades shall contain
windows at the ground level or first
floor in order to provide visual
interest and increase security of
adjacent outdoor spaces by
maximizing natural surveillance and
visibility. At least 20% of the tirst
floor facade that faces a public
street, sidewalk or parking lot shall
be windows or doors for residential
use. At least 30% of the furst floor
fagade that faces a public street,
sidewalk or parking lot shall be
windows or doors of clear or lightly
tinted glass that allows views into
and out of the building at eye level
for non-residential uses.
Rear yard setback for R-1 and R-2
Districts is 20% of the lot depth.
Side yard setback for R-3 District is
twenty (20) feet; Rear yard setback
for R-3 District is thirty (30) feet.
Lot area requirements for
twinhomes are 9,000 sq. et. for both
lots that share a common wall;
4,500 sq. i~. minimum lot size for
each individual lot sharing a
common wall.
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Date: April 25, 2001
To: City Council Members
From: Tim Johnson, City Planner 7"'-,T"
Re: Zoning and Development Ordinance
As you are aware, the City Council has set up a work session for April 30, 2001, to
review the proposed Zoning and Development Ordinance. The City Council formerly
received a copy of a highlights section pertaining to important or significant changes
proposed in the new ordinance as was presented to the public at the open house on March
6, 2001. The purpose of this overview is to give you a better understanding of each
section of the proposed ordinance, and to briefly mention some of the changes that are
being made in this rewrite process.
As a whole the existing Zoning Ordinance and the proposed Zoning and Development
Ordinance are quite similar in nature as indicated in this overview. There are some
unique aspects of the proposed ordinance that are entirely new or have been rewritten in
order to maintain consistency and accuracy. However, it has been quite difficult to track
each individual change or to try to explain how and why certain sections have changed.
This is especially tree considering that staff and planning consultants who formerly
worked on the project are no longer available to provide insight on certain sections.
Herein is a section by section overview:
Section 1: Purpose, Authority, and Jurisdiction
There are no substantial changes to note in this section as compared with the existing
ordinance. The intent and purpose section is substantially consistent with the existing
Zoning Ordinance.
Section 2: Rules of Construction
There are no substantial changes to note in this section as compared with the existing
ordinance. Additional language has been added to clarify the rules of construction.
Section 3: Definitions
This section is substantially similar to the existing ordinance with the addition of several
new terms, and expanded language designed to provide clarification and to eliminate any
confusion for the reader.
Section 4: Administration And Enforcement
This section outlines the required procedures for the administration of this ordinance as
well as the duties of officials and boards. This section is essentially the same as the
existing ordinance with quite a bit more detail and explanation of the required process. A
Development Review Committee designation has been added to this ordinance 9.402(3),
which identifies applicable staff who have the responsibility of reviewing plans and plats
for conformance with the ordinance. Section 9.409 has been added which would allow
the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing for the vacation of any public street,
alley, or other public right-of-way. The City Council then makes the final decision on this
matter. This process is typical for many cities.
Section 5: Non-Conformities
This section is essentially the same as the existing ordinance and mirrors other cities non-
conformity sections. However, City staff and the Planning Commission recommended an
exception to the section Damaged or Destroyed 9.502(9), and 9.503(5) that would allow
for some property owners along 40th Avenue who own non-conforming homes in the
Limited Business District to rebuild their home if destroyed by fire or natural causes, not
to exceed the building footprint. This provision would allow for these owners to be able
to retinanee on their homes, or allow for any future buyer of these homes to obtain
affordable financing. This provision was suggested because the residential properties
along this stretch are the majority, even though the district has a number of commercial
buildings as well.
Section 6: General Development Standards
This section was created to provide some consistency, as the existing ordinance standards
are brief, in no particular order and provide very little detail or description. This section
needed to be revamped, as certain standards were lacking proper sequence. The new
section incorporates:
· Expanded lot controls 9. 602. Consistent with lot provisions from existing
ordinance;
· Accessory structure requirements 9. 603, with highlighted changes as indicated on
the highlights pages;
· Home occupation requirements 9. 603(3) which are essentially the same as the
existing mquiraments;
· Requirements for outdoor swimmingpools and courts 9. 603(5). Consistent with
industry standards;
· Dwelling structure requirements 9. 604. With highlighted changes as indicated on
the highlights pages;
· Fencing requirements 9. 605. Which are currently a supplement to the Zoning
Ordinance and have inconsistencies, the proposed requirements mirror the
existing requirements;
· Temporary uses and structure requirements 9. 607. These are typical provisions
used in many cities;
· Expanded performance standards section 9. 608. Designed to protect and enhance
land use; Essentially the same as the former requirements;
· The storm water management section 9. 609 has been added to the new ordinance
by City Engineer Kevin Hansen (see overview);
· Land alteration requirements 9. 610. Consistent with other cities ordinances;
· Exterior lighting standards 9. 611. Highlighted changes are indicated in the
highlights pages, a lighting specialist was consulted in conjunction with making
the recommended changes in footcandle measurements;
· Off-Street Parking and Loading 9. 612. The proposed requirements are
substantially similar to the existing ordinance, although we have proposed to add
a minimum driveway aisle width of 24 feet to the proposed ordinance, which is an
industry standard. The proposed requirements are easier to read as they have been
put in a table format. Some other changes to make note of include a requirement
of 2 covered parking spaces for single-family, two-family, and multi-family units,
as the existing ordinance requires a minimum of one covered parking stall for
each use. The Planning Commission looked at the off-street parking table as
provided by our planning consultant, and believed it to be reasonable and
consistent with industry standards. (See also highlights section for off-street
parking surfaces);
· Landscaping & Screening 9.613. This section has been added. The landscaping
standards proposed are necessary as the existing ordinance doesn't really address
minimum landscaping standards aside from screening. The landscaping and
screening standards proposed are based on industry standards. A proposed
requirement to make note of is that a landscape plan is required for all new
commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-family development. There are also
minimum plant materials and minimum size standards for planrings in the
proposed ordinance. See highlights section for highlighted landscaping standards
proposed;
· Building Design Standards 9.614. This section is brand new as the existing
ordinance did not spell out any criteria for building materials or design in
residential, commercial, or industrial areas. The proposed ordinance would not
allow for pole structures, and would help tremendously to dress up our
commercial and industrial districts for any new construction. This section will
probably be most beneficial to the city as we look to aesthetically enhance front
facades. Refer also to highlights section for highlighted standards added to the
proposed ordinance;
· Telecommunications 9.615. Refer to separate Tower Siting Ordinance # 1424;
· Sign Regulations 9. 616. Although this section has been rewritten, the content is
substantially similar to the existing ordinance, with a few revisions and updated
standards as addressed in the highlights section. It should be noted that we have
proposed to eliminate the permit process for temporary signage because of the
tremendous amount of staff time it takes to process these permits for short time
periods, and the difficulty in enforcing the timelines imposed;
Section 7: Specific Development Standards
This section is completely new and has been written in order to establish specific
supplemental development standards that will be applicable to certain land uses. The uses
listed in this section are accompanied by industry standards that seem applicable in order
to determine the feasibility of the project, and to also provide for a quality project. A
number of these uses are identified in the highlights section provided. The criteria for
certain uses proposed is identified in this section and is required to be met.
Section 8: General District Provisions
This section is consistent with the existing ordinance in which it identifies the division of
the City into certain Zoning Districts.
Section 9: Residential Districts
Table 9.903 has been added to easily identify lot dimensions, height, and bulk
requirements for the residential districts. The only substantive changes being considered
have been identified in the highlights section.
R-1
This section has been written in order to preserve and enhance our single-family districts.
The list of permitted and conditional uses are essentially the same as the existing
ordinance, with the deletion of some conditional uses. Residential care facilities and
daycare facilities are allowed per statute.
R-2
This section is nearly identical to the existing ordinance with reference to permitted and
conditional uses. However, churches and schools would be considered a conditional use
rather than a permitted use.
R-3
This section is essentially the same with motels, hospitals, clubs and lodges, and
manufactured homes no longer allowed in this district.
R-4
This section is essentially the same with funeral homes, offices, clinics, retail sales,
motels, and hospitals no longer allowed in this district.
Section 10: Commercial Districts
There are three (3) commemial districts as identified by the proposed ordinance. The item
of substance to be noted is the change in title of the Retail Business (RB) District, to now
be called General Business (GB) District. This change was brought about when the
former consultant and former staff believed the general business district title more
appropriately described our commercial areas. The Retail Business District title would be
eliminated from the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. Table 9.1003 has also been
added to easily identify lot dimensions, height, and bulk requirements for the commercial
districts. The regulations herein are similar to the former ordinance, with some minor
changes.
Limited Business District (LB)
This district allows for the same type of limited retail sales and services for neighborhood
convenience. However, some changes to make note of include:
Religious facilities allowed as a conditional use; the existing ordinance did not permit
them in this district.
Hotels and motels are allowed as a conditional use; the existing ordinance permitted
them;
Laboratories are not allowed in this district; the existing ordinance allowed with a
conditional use;
Schools are allowed as a conditional use; the existing ordinance permitted them;
Central Business District (CBD)
This district is very similar to the existing CBD requirements but its uses are more
condensed and easier to follow.
A few changes to make note ofinchde:
Dwelling units allowed as a permitted use, but subject to certain conditions identified in
specific development standards; existing ordinance allowed dwelling units with a
conditional use;
Restaurants (food service, coffee shop, fast food) are allowed as a permitted use subject
to specific development standards; existing ordinance allowed with a conditional use;
General Business (GB) District
This district is similar in nature to the existing Retail Business (RB) District, but has been
rew~tten and takes the place of the RB District. The same type and nature of uses are
allowed. However, there are some changes to make note of:
Dwelling units not allowed; existing ordinance allowed with a conditional use permit;
Restaurants, cafes, would be allowed as permitted uses, but subject to certain
development standards. Existing ordinance allowed as a conditional use.
Auto sales would be allowed as a permitted use, but also subject to certain development
standards. Existing ordinance allowed as a conditional use;
Refer also to consignment stores, pawnshops, currency exchanges, and drop-in facilities,
which are allowed as a conditional use, but need to meet distance criteria as well;
Section 11: Industrial Districts
I-1 and 1-2 Districts
Table 9.1103 has also been added to easily identify lot dimensions, height, and bulk
requirements for the industrial districts. This section is essentially the same and allows
for the same type of industrial uses as the existing ordinance. The I-1 District has been
retitled as I-1, Light Industrial District; and the I-2 District has been retitled as 1-2,
General Industrial District.
Section 12: Mixed Use Development District
This purpose of this section is to replace the traditional Planned Unit Development
(PUD) process. This section has been written in order to set up mixed-use opportunities
for these districts identified below. This section identifies three mixed-use districts all as
identified in the Comprehensive Plan:
· Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use District
· Community Center Mixed-Use District
· Transitional Mixed-Use District
However, any mixed-use proposal would require a rezoning to a mixed-use district as set
up in this section and as shown on the comprehensive plan. Each of these districts
requires a specific mix of residential/commercial in order to achieve the desired
development, should it occur. The minimum size of a mixed-use development as
recommended by our planning consultant is five (5) acres.
Section 13: Overlay Districts
Floodplain Management Overlay District
Shoreland Management Overlay District
These districts have been established to recognize those unique areas of land and land use
in the City, within flood prone areas and shoreland areas. The purpose of these districts in
intended to protect public health and safety by preserving the environment.
Section 14: Subdivision Regulations
This section was reviewed and rewritten by City Engineer Kevin Hansen, and is
consistent with a number of other similar communities.