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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 6, 2005 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 6,2005 7:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson Szurek. Roll Call: Commission Members present-Thompson, Fiorendino, Schmitt, Peterson, and Szurek. Also present were Jeff Sargent (City Planner), Shelley Hanson (Secretary) and Tami Ericson Diehm (Council Liaison). Other Council members in attendance for the presentation on the agenda items were: Motion by Peterson, seconded by Thompson, to approve the minutes from the meeting of November 1, 2005. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case #2005-1204 ZONING AMENDMENT Relating to R-2, One and Two Family Residential District APPLICANT: City of Columbia Heights PREPARED BY: Jeff Sargent, City Planner BACKGROUND: Due to recent events related to the construction of new duplexes in neighborhoods primarily comprised of single-family homes, the City Council and Planning Commission directed staff to review the zoning regulations governing duplexes. Specifically, the City Council and Planning Commission have expressed concerns over duplexes located in predominately single-family neighborhoods and the scale or size of duplexes being constructed compared to the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Patrick Smith, a former Columbia Heights City Planner, did some research regarding duplexes within the city limits and addressed his conclusions in a memo submitted to the City Council on May 17, 2005. The memo stated that based on rental licenses, there are approximately 354 duplexes located in the City of Columbia Heights. Staff also compared Columbia Heights to 12 similarly developed cities, and concluded that Columbia Heights has the highest percentage of dwelling units that are duplexes, at 6.7%. This is well over the average of2.3% for the other 12 cities. It was also discovered that Columbia Heights has the second smallest minimum lot size requirement for duplexes at 8,400 square feet, compared to the average lot size for duplexes in the other cities at 12,130 square feet. With this information, it can be interpreted that the City of Columbia Heights has an over-abundance of duplexes, on fairly small pieces of property. When duplexes are constructed on smaller lots, it causes a crowding effect, especially when they are located adjacent to single-family residences. In order to help appease this problem, Staff has recommended that the ordinance be amended establishing a new zoning district specifically for duplex uses. PLANNING & ZONING COlvlMISSION MINUTES PAGE 2 DECEMBER 6, 2005 ANALYSIS: The formation of a new zoning district, along with the text amendment requiring a larger minimum lot size for duplexes and twin homes will cause some non-conformity. The existing duplexes will be affected in one of two ways. All current duplexes will be zoned to the R-2B zoning District, which would require a minimum lot size of 5,100 square feet for those duplexes and twin homes constructed prior to January 1, 2005 and 12,000 square feet for those duplexes and twin homes constructed after January 1, 2005. (Please note: the members wanted the dates changed to January 1, 2006). The only duplexes or twin homes that would become legally non-conforming would be those duplexes and twin homes constructed prior to January 1, 2005 (2006) that had a lot size of less than 5,100 square feet. All proposed duplexes and twinhomes would be allowed in either the R-2A or R-iB Districts through a Conditional Use Permit. Any newly constructed duplexes must be located on a property of at least 12,000 square feet. CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: There are two pertinent housing goals stated in the City's Comprehensive Plan regarding duplexes and single-family neighborhoods. First, the City will "provide a variety of life-cycle housing opportunities within the community". Second, the City will "promote and preserve the single-family housing stock as the community's strongest asset". An implementation strategy for the second goal is that the City will identify non-conforming uses within residential districts and take actions to bring them into compliance. NON-CONFORMING USES: Non-conforming uses may continue indefinitely unless the nonconformity or occupancy is discontinued for a period of more than one year, or the nonconforming use is destroyed by fire or other peril to the extent of greater than 50% of its market value, and no building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the property is damaged. In addition, current regulations do not allow non-conforming uses, including duplexes, to expand. FINDINGS OF FACT: The City Council shall make each of the following findings before granting approval of a request to amend the City Code. They are as follows: a) The amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan. There are two pertinent housing goals stated in the City's Comprehensive Plan regarding duplexes and single-family neighborhoods. First, the City will "provide a variety of life-cycle housing opportunities within the community ". Second, the City will ''promote and preserve the single-family housing stock as the community's strongest asset ". These proposed amendments would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 3 DECEMBER 6,2005 b) The amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the benefit of a single property owner. The City of Columbia Heights is proposing these City Code amendments because stafffeels that they are beneficial to the community. City staff has received numerous complaints and questions regarding duplexes and twin homes, which the City hopes these Code amendments would help alleviate. c) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, the existing use of the property and the zoning classification of property within the general area of the property in question are compatible with the proposed zoning clas'sification. The properties that will be rezoned will be rezoned to a zoning classification specific to the properties in question. Therefore, the existing use of the properties and the zoning classifications of property within the general area of the property in question would be compatible. d) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, there has been a change in the character or trend of development in the general area of the property in question, which has taken place since such property was placed in its current zoning classification The trend in this case has been to construct duplexes and twin homes in predominantly single- family districts. The proposed amendments will help protect the single-family housing stock by requiring new duplexes and twin homes to obtain a Conditional Use Permit prior to construction. RECOMMENDATION: Staffrecommends rezoning originally constructed duplexes to R-2B and the rest of R-2 to R-2A. Duplexes should be permitted in both R-2B and R-2A as Conditional Uses. Minimum lot size for R-2A should be 12,000 square feet. Minimum lot sizes for R-2B should be 5,100 square feet for lots existing on January I, 2006, or 12,000 square feet for lots established after January 1, 2006. Questions bv Members: Szurek asked whether twin homes would be allowed in the proposed R-2A district with a minimum of 12,000 sq. ft. if a Conditional Use Permit were granted. Planner Sargent told her, yes, they would be allowed. She asked if this would discourage huge twin homes being built next to smaller single family homes. Sargent explained he could not guarantee it would discourage people from doing that, but with the requirement of the Conditional Use Permit, the Commission and City Council would be able to determine if the proposed structure would be acceptable or not. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 4 DECEMBER 6, 2005 Fiorendino asked if existing double bungalows need to apply for Conditional Use Pennits, or if they would be grandfathered in. Planner Sargent explained that owners of existing doubles or twin homes will not need to do anything. Conditional Use Pennits will only be required on construction of new doubles or twin homes. Szurek questioned whether non-confonning structures would be allowed to rebuild if destroyed more than 50%. She was told that since State Statutes changed a couple of years ago, owners are allowed to rebuild if they apply for the building pennit within 180 days. Peterson questioned the dates in the staff report using January I, 2005 as the detennining point. He felt it would be more appropriate to use January I, 2006. Even though the moratorium has been in place for most of the year, and no structures were built, the other members agreed this would"be more appropriate. Peterson also asked what the average lot size of single family properties in Columbia Heights was. Sargent eXplained this varies throughout the city and minimum requirements vary depending on the zoning district the property is in. The minimum single family lot is 6,500 sq. ft. So the newly proposed lot size of 12,000 sq. ft. for doubles or twin homes would be essentially the same as two single family lots. This should help ensure the structure blends into the neighborhood better. Peterson then asked if the minimum sq. ft. requirements for R3 and R-4 districts should also be increased. Planner Sargent explained that there are areas where we want denser housing to exist, so he felt the lot size requirements for these zoning districts were acceptable as is. Fiorendino confinned that any existing doubles or twin homes will be re-zoned to the R-2B zoning classification. Planner Sargent then reviewed the Ordinance enclosed in the agenda packets that will amend the Zoning Ordinance to reflect these recommended changes. Public Hearing was opened: No one spoke on this issue. Public Hearing was closed. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 5 DECEMBER 6, 2005 Motion by Peterson, Seconded by Schmitt, that the Planning Commission recommends the City Council approve the text amendments outlined in the attached draft ordinance, and the rezoning of those properties pertaining to the matter. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. ORDINANCE NO. XXXX BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THIS CITY CODE AT SECTION 9.107 (C)(44)(a-c), AND SECTION 9.109 (C), (F)(1-4) The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.107 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: ~ 9.107 SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (C) Specific Development Standards. The following uses are subject to specific development standards: (44) Two-family and Twinhome Dwellings (a) Street-facing garage doors must be recessed behind either the front fa~ade of the living area portion of the dwelling or a covered porch (measuring at least six feet by eight feet) by at least five feet. (b) If located on a corner lot, each unit of the duplex or twin home shall have its address and entrance oriented to a separate street frontage. (c) Vehicle access to a lot must be from an alley if the lot abuts an alley. Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.109 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: ~ 9.109 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. (C) Lot Dimension, Height, and Bulk Requirements. Lot area, setback, height and lot coverage requirements for uses in the residential districts shall be as specified in the following table: PAGE 6 R-t R-J R-2A R-2B R-3 R-l Minimum Lot Area Sinole Familv Dwelline 8,400 SQ. ft. 6,500 sa. ft. 6,500 SQ. ft. 6,500 sa. ft. 6,500 sa. ft. Two-Family and Twinhome +,44~ 12,000 sq. ft. Existing on 8,400 sq. ft. 8,400 sq. ft. Dwelling 9,000 s~. ft. January I, 2005 - 5,100 sq. ft. Established after January 1, 2005- 12,000 SQ. ft. Multirlfe Familv Dwelling 10,000 SQ. ft. 10,000 so. ft. Non-residential Structure 8,400 SQ. ft. 6,500 sa. ft. 6,500 Sq. ft. 10,000 SQ. ft. 10,000 Sq. ft. Lot Area Per Dwclline Unit Multinlc Familv Dwellin,g Efficiencv , 1,200 SQ. ft. 800 Sq. ft. One bedroom , 1,800 SQ. ft. 1,000 so. ft. Two bedroom +,>ll 2,000 SQ. ft. 1,200 sa. ft. Three bedroom 2,500 SQ. ft. 1,500 so. ft. Additional bedroom 400 SQ. ft. 200 SQ, ft. Co,;;;reeate Livine Units 4()0 SQ. ft. 400 SQ. ft. Minimum Lot Width 70 feet W-leel 60 feet 60 feet 70 reet 70 ft. Minimum Lot Denth Residential Buildine Setbacks Front Yard 25 reet ~ 25 reet 25 rcct 30 reet 15 reet Side Yard 7 reet' ~ 5 reet' 5 reet' 20 reet 10 reet Comer Side Yard 12 reet +G-reel 10 reet 10 reet 30 reet 15 reet Rear Yard 20% or lot 20%. or let 20% or lot 20% or lot depth 30 reet 15 reet depth - denth Non-residential Building Setbacks Front Yard 25 reet ~t 25 reet 25 reet 30 reet 15 reet Side Yard 40 reet W--reel 30 reet 30 reet 25 reet 10 reet Comer Side Yard 12 reet +G-reel 10 reet 10 reet 30 reet 15 reet Rear Yard 40 reet W--reel 30 reet 30 reet 25 reet 10 reet Single & Two Family Parking Setbacks Front Yard (excluding 25 reet ~ 25 reet 25 reet 30 reet 30 reet drives/oads) Side Yard 3 reet J-.feet 3 reet 3 reet 3 reet 3 reet Comer Side Yard 3 reet J-feeI 3 reet 3 reet 3 reet 3 reet Rear Yard 3 reet J-feeI 3 reet 3 reet 3 reet 3 reet Multiole Familv Parkine Setbacks Front Yard 30 reet 30 reet Side Yard 10 reet 10 reet Comer Side Yard 30 reet 30 feet Rear Yard 10 reet 10 reet Non-residential Parkin!! Setbacks Front Yard 25 reet ~ 25 reet 25 reet 30 reet 30 reet Side Yard 10 feet +G-reel 10 reet 10 reet 10 reet 10 reet Comer Side Yard 25 reet ;!-5-feet 25 reet 25 reet 30 reet 30 reet Rear Yard 10 reet W-fuet 10 reet 10 reet 10 reet 10 reet Maximum Heipht Residential structures 28 reet ;!&-fuel 28 reet 28 reet 35 reet 35 reet Non-residential structures 35 reet ~ 35 reet 35 reet 35 reet 35 reet Non-residential Floor Area Ratio 2.2 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 7 DECEMBER 6, 2005 Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.109 (F) of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: (F) R-2A and R-2B, ~ Two Family Residential District. 1) Purpose. The purpose of the R-2A and R-2B ~ Two Family Residence Districts is to provide appropriately located areas for single-family dwellings, two family dwellings (duplexes) and directly related complementary uses. 2) Permitted Uses. Except as specifically limited herein, the following uses are permitted within the R-2A and R-2B ~, Two 8ffigIe Family Residential Districts: a) Single-family dwelling, detached. b) Two family dwelling. c) Twinhome dwelling. d) State licensed residential care facility serving 6 or fewer persons. e) Licensed day care facility serving 12 or fewer persons. f) Licensed group family day care facility serving 14 or fewer children. g) Public parks and playgrounds. 3) Conditional Uses. Except as specifically limited herein, the following uses may be allowed in the R-2A and R-2B ~, Two Family Residential Districts, subject to the regulations set forth for conditional uses in Section 4, Administration and Enforcement, and the regulations for specific uses set forth in Section 7, Specific Development Standards: a) Two-family dwelling b) Twinhome dwelling c) Religious facility/place of worship. d) Convent or monastery, when accessory to a religious facility. e) School, public or private, K-12. f) Government office. g) Government protective service facility. h) Golf course. i) Off-street parking for an adjacent conforming commercial or industrial use, provided the lots are under common ownership, is not separated by a public right of way and front on the same public right-of-way. 4) Permitted Accessory Uses. Except as specifically limited herein, the following accessory uses shall be in the R-2A and R-2B~, Two Family Residential Districts: a) Private garages, carports and parking spaces. b) Accessory buildings. c) Home occupations. d) Boarding or renting of rooms to not more than two (2) persons. e) Private swimming pools, tennis courts and other recreational facilities operated for the sole use and convenience of the residents of the principal use and their guests. f) Decorative landscaping, Gardening and other horticultural uses. g) Temporary construction buildings. h) Signs as regulated by Section 6 of this Chapter. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 8 DECEMBER 6, 2005 Section 2: This ordinance shali be in fuli force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: ,2005 ,2005 Offered by: Seconded by: Roli Cali: Attest: Mayor Gary L. Peterson Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk This matter will go before the City Council at the December 12, 2005 meeting for the first reading. CASE #2005-1205 ZONING AMENDMENT for the General Business District Auto Dealerships City of Columbia Heights APPLICANT: Prepared by: Jeff Sargent BACKGROUND: At the February I, 2005 Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commission questioned if used car lots were an appropriate use along Central Avenue and University Avenue. The Zoning Ordinance currently permits used automobile businesses in the General Business District, and prohibits used automobile businesses in the Central Business and Limited Business Districts. Prior to any zoning ordinance amendments, the Planning Commission and staff believed it to be prudent to adopt an emergency ordinance prohibiting the expansion or establishment of motor vehicles sales and/or lease in the General Business District. On August 12, 2005, the City Council adopted the emergency ordinance. This ordinance expires on February 14, 2006, and could be renewed for up to an additional 6 months through August 14,2006. Planner Sargent reviewed the affected areas of concern on the map with the Commission members. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISION MINUTES PAGE 9 ANALYSIS: It is important to continue to allow the sale of used cars within the city, but to allow them only as a component of a new car dealership. Staff recommends that it would be in the best interest of the city to locate all new car lots away from Central Avenue, which was also consistent with the intent of the moratorium imposed on used car lots. Staff recommends establishing a new zoning district, which replaces the GB, General Business District along University A venue, with a district that would allow for sale of new and used cars (GB-A, General Business-Automotive). One major change would be the requirement for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for any newly established new car dealership in the GB-A District. The new district would also prohibit any used car lot to be created as its own separate entity, or as part of any business other than a new car dealership. However, new car dealerships would be allowed to sell used cars if the used car component of the dealership consisted of no more than 30% of the total outdoor display area pertaining to for-sale vehicles. The display area would be defined as the number of parking stalls dedicated towards the sale of vehicles, excluding the parking stalls required for off-street parking for customers and employees. Requiring a CUP for all new car dealerships would enable the city to ensure that the dealership would meet all City Code requirements at the time of application, as well as continual code compliance throughout the life of the business. In addition to the creation of a new zoning district, new and used auto sales would be removed as a permitted or conditional use from the current GB zoning district, prohibiting a new car dealership to be established along Central Avenue. CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Two goals of the Comprehensive Plan are to "enhance the image and viability of the University Avenue corridor" and to "enhance the image and viability of the Central Avenue corridor". In addition, the Comprehensive Plan states, "The City will facilitate the enhancement and partial redevelopment of the University and Central Avenue corridors in a manner that is compatible with and supportive of transit and transit-related land use patterns". FINDINGS OF FACT: The City Council shall make the following findings before granting approval of a request to amend the City Code. These findings are as follows: a) The amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Two goals of the Comprehensive Plan are to "enhance the image and viability of the University Avenue corridor" and to "enhance the image and viability of the Central Avenue corridor". In addition, the Comprehensive Plan states, "The City will facilitate the enhancement and partial redevelopment of the University and Central Avenue corridors in a manner that is compatible with and supportive of transit and transit-related land use patterns ". The proposed text amendments will be consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. b) The amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the benefit of a single property owner. The City has received complaints regarding properties used solely as used car dealerships. The proposed text amendments would benefit the public by limiting the areas in which new car lots could be located, and imposing conditions upon new car lots that are established. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 10 DECEMBER 6, 2005 c) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, the existing use of the property and the zoning classification of property within the general area of the property in question are compatible with the proposed zoning classification. The newly created zoning district, GB-A, General Business-Automotive, is specific to new car dealerships through a Conditional Use Permit. The existing use of the GB District along University Avenue and the proposed zoning classification would therefore be compatible. d) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, there has been a change in the character or trend of development in the general area ofthe property in question, which has taken place since such property was placed in its current zoning classification. The City has discovered several used car lots being established in areas that would not normally be suited for such a use, but zoned appropriately for them. The intent of the text amendments is to help alleviate these situations and establish a zoning district in which new car dealerships can be located. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends rezoning those parcels along University Avenue from GB, General Business, to GB-A, General Business-Automotive. New and used car lots will be Conditional Uses in the GB-A District and will no longer be permitted uses in the GB District. Ouestions from members: Szurek stated the intent is to provide the option of new car dealerships in the newly created GB-A district. Used car sales would be allowed if it is in conjunction with a new car dealership and it meets the necessary criteria. However, "stand alone" used car lots would not be allowed in this area. Thompson noted that there are no requirements for side yard setbacks or screening in the General Business District. He asked if this was correct, and whether any should be required. Planner Sargent explained that setbacks and screening are only required between residential and commercial properties. Fiorendino clarified that GB-A will allow auto sales and that the regular GB District will not allow them at all. He asked whether any car dealerships have expressed an interest to build in our city. Planner Sargent stated that as of now, no one has expressed such interest. Schmitt stated she is aware that we get a lot of requests from people who want to sell cars from various small sites throughout the City. And the Commission and the City Council directed staffto establish some criteria to ensure we didn't have our main corridors lined with this type of business. Peterson brought up the fact that since we have several automotive service garages and automotive retail stores, that maybe used car lots are good for these other businesses. He felt it is something to take into consideration. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 11 DECEMBER 6, 2005 Planner Sargent stated that this amendment may result in some non-conforming uses, but that if the current owners continue to license their businesses as such, they will be grandfathered in, and allowed to continue operating their used car sales business. Public Hearing was opened: James Trapp and Glenn Mischke owners of 5101 University Ave NE were present. Mr. Trapp stated that if the Ordinance were changed to allow only new car dealerships, that it would put small business owners out of business. He said that he has owned this property for 25+ years and it is not large enough to be a new car dealership, nor is any site in the proposed new zone GB-A. He agrees that used car lots should be restricted to size, number of vehicles displayed and signage, but to prohibit them from existing at all is not right. Mr. Trapp explained to the Commission that used car sales have been done at this site for many years. The tenant who is in the process of vacating the site let his used vehicle sales license lapse. He did not renew it for 2005, and then the moratorium was put in effect. Therefore, Mr. Trapp and Mr. Mischke are now unable to get a license to operate this type of business at this site. Had the license been issued for 2005, they would have been grandfathered in. Ifhe cannot obtain a license, he feels this building will be empty for quite a while as he doesn't have a lot of optional uses for this site. Szurek explained it was not the City Council's intent to hurt them as owners of this site, but that it is also not the City's fault that the tenant let the license lapse and that they, as owners, were not aware of this. Peterson asked if they should be directed to go to the City Council and plead their case. Planner Sargent explained they may go before the City Council, but the current moratorium does not expire until February 14, 2006, and it could be extended for another six months until August 14, 2006. If the Council takes no action on the proposed ordinance, they will not be able to get a license until the moratorium lapses. And if the proposed Ordinance is adopted to amend the Zoning Ordinance they will never be allowed to operate that type of business at the site in the future. Szurek explained that the proposed change to the Zoning Ordinance is meant to clean up Central Avenue and protect University Avenue from having car sales taking place on small sites or residential properties. Sargent also stated that the City wanted some control over these businesses and by requiring Conditional Use Permits to operate will enable the City to put whatever restrictions on them as they see necessary. Public Hearing is closed. Motion by Schmitt, seconded by Fiorendino, that the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the text amendments as outlined in the attached draft ordinance and approve the rezoning of those properties affected, as indicated on the attached zon ing map. Thompson, Fiorendino, Szurek, and Schmitt-aye Peterson-nay. MOTION PASSED. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 12 DECEMBER 6, 2005 ORDINANCE NO. XXXX BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THIS CITY CODE AT SECTION 9.103, 9.110 (C), (F)(1-4), AND SECTION 9.107 (C) The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.103 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: ~ 9.103 Definitions. Auto and Truck Sales Lot,. Used: Any land used or occupied for the purpose of buying and selling secondhand passenger cars or trucks, and the storing of such vehicles prior to sale. Automobile, Used: Any secondhand, previously owned passenger vehicle, car, or truck. Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.110 (C) of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: ~ 9.110 COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS (C) Lot dimension, height, and bulk requirements, Lot area, setback, height and lot coverage . fI . h . I d" h II b 'fi d' h fI II' bl reqUIrements or uses m t e commercIa lstncts s a e as speCl Ie mt e 0 owmg ta e: LB GB GB-A CBD Minimum Lot Area 6,000 sa. ft. 6,000 sa. ft. 6,000 sa. ft. Minimum Lot Width 50 ft. 40ft. 40 ft. 20 ft. Minimum Lot Depth Lot area ner dwellino unit Single-family dwelling 6,500 sn. ft. r Multiple-family dwelling Efficiency 1,200 sa. ft. 1,200 sa. ft. One bedroom 1,800 sa. ft. 1,800 sq. ft. Two bedroom 2,000 sa. ft. 2,000 sa. ft. Three bedroom 2,500 sa. ft. 2,500 sq. ft. Additional bedroom 400 sa. ft. 400 sa. ft. Congregate liying units 400 sn. ft. 400 sq. ft. Hotel or motel 400 sa. ft. Hosoital 600 sn. ft. Buildino Setback Requirements Nonresidential/mixed-use ITont yard none Residential front yard Sfl. Front yard 15 ft. 15 ft. none Side yard 15 ft. none none none Corner side yard lOft. IS ft. 15ft. 1ft. Rear yard 20 ft. 20 ft. 20 ft. 10ft. Parking Setback Requirements Front yard 12 ft. 15 ft. 15ft. 1ft. Side yard 5 ft. 5 ft. 5 ft. none Corner side yard 12 ft. IS ft. 15 ft. 1 ft. Rear yard 5 ft. 5 ft. 5 ft. 5 ft. Maximum Heioht 35 ft. 35 ft. 35 ft. Maximum Lot Coveraue Floor area ratio 1 1.0 11.0 16.0 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 13 DECEMBER 6, 2005 Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.110 (E) ofthe Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: (E) GB, General Business 2) Permitted Uses. Except as specifically limited herein, the following uses are permitted within the GB, General Business District. a) Community Center. b) Government office. c) Government protective service facility. d) Public park and/or playground. e) Recreational facility, indoor. f) Recreational facility, outdoor. g) School, vocational or business. h) School, performing/visual/martial arts. i) Auditorium/place of assembly. j) Automobile convenience facility. k) Automobile repair, minor. I) /,utomobile sales/rental. m) Banquet Hall. n) Billiards Hall. 0) Bowling Alley. p) Car wash. q) Clinic, medical or dental. r) Clinic, veterinary. s) Daycare facility, adult or child. t) Financial institution. u) Food service, convenience (fast food). v) Food service, limited (coffee shop/deli). w) Food service, full service (restaurant/nightclub). x) Funeral home. y) Greenhouse/garden center. z) Health or fitness club. aa) Hotel/motel. bb) Laboratory, medical. cc) Liquor store, off-sale. dd) Museum or gallery. ee) Office. ff) Recreational vehiele sales. gg) Retail sales. hh) Service, professional. ii) Shopping Center. jj) Studio, professional. kk) Studio, radio and television. II) Theater, live performance. mm) Theater, movie. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 14 DECEMBER 6, 2005 Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.110 (F) of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: (F) GB-A, General Business-Auto Oriented District I) Purpose. The purpose of the GB-A, General Business-Auto Oriented District is to provide appropriate locations for general retail sales, services and other commercial developments, specifically New Automobile Dealerships that benefit from their proximity to other commercial uses and University Avenue. These areas are located aloug University Avenue and are accessible primarily by automobile. 2) Permitted Uses. Except as specifically limited hereiu, the 'following uses are permitted within the GB-A, General Business-Auto Oriented District. a) Community Center. b) Government office. c) Government protective service facility. d) Public park and/or playground. e) Recreational facility, indoor. 1) Recreational facility, outdoor. g) School, vocational or business. h) School, performing/visuaI/martial arts. i) Auditorium/place of assembly. j) Automobile convenience facility. k) Automobile repair, minor. I) Banquet Hall. m) Billiards Hall. a) Bowling Alley. b) Car wash. c) Clinic, medical or dental. d) Clinic, veterinary. e) Daycare facility, adult or child. 1) Financial institution. g) Food service, couvenience (fast food). h) Food service, limited (coffee shop/deli). i) Food service, full service (restaurant/nightclub). j) Funeral home. k) Greenhouse/garden center. I) Health or fitness club. m) HoteI/moteI. n) Laboratory, medical. 0) Liquor store, off-sale. p) Museum or gallery. q) Office. r) Retail sales. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 15 DECEMBER 6, 2005 s) Service, professional. t) Shopping Center. u) Studio, professional. v) Studio, radio and television. w) Theater, live performance. x) Theater, movie 3) Conditional Uses. Except as specifically limited herein, the following uses may be allowed in the GB-A, General Business-Auto Oriented District, subject to the regulations set forth for conditional uses in Section 4, Administration and Enforcement, and the regulations for specific uses set forth in Section 7, Specific Development Standards: . a) Goverument maintenance facility. b) Arcade. c) Antomobile sales/rental, new and nsed. d) Recreational vehicle sales, new or used. e) Firearms dealer/Shooting range. 1) Hospital. g) Outdoor sales or display. h) Outdoor storage. i) Parking Ramp. j) Assembly, manufacturing and/or processing. k) Printing and/or publishing. I) ConsignmenUSecondhand store. m) Club or lodge. n) Cnrrencyexchange. 0) Pawnshop. p) Drop-in facility. 4) Permitted Accessory Uses. Except as specifically limited herein, the following accessory uses shall be permitted in the GB-A, General Bnsiness-Auto Oriented District: a) Private garages, parking spaces and loading areas. b) Accessory buildings. c) Landscaping and other horticultural uses. d) Incidental repair or processing necessary to conduct the permitted principal use, provided the accessory use does not exceed 30% of the floor area of the building. e) Temporary construction buildings. 1) Signs as regulated by Section 6 of this Chapter. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGEl6 DECEMBER 6, 2005 Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.110 (G) ofthe Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: tB (G) CBD, Central Business District Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.107 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read: ~ 9.107 SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (C) Specific Development Standards. The following uses are subject to specific development standards. Automobile Sales/Rental, New and/or Used a) The use shall be served by a major collector or higher classification or roadway. b) A used car lot shall be solely accessory to a new automobile dealership. A used car lot as a staud-alone business is prohibited. c) Outdoor vehicle display for used cars shall be limited to thirty perceut (30%) of the total outdoor display area. The display area shall be defined as the total uumber of parking spaces devoted to the sale of vehicles only, not including the required off-street parking spaces needed for the public and employees. d) Outdoor vehicle display areas shall meet the setback requirements for a principal structure in the zoning district in which the use is located. e) Outdoor vehicle display areas within the public right-of-way are prohibited. f) A landscape buffer with a minimum depth of 10 feet shall be installed and maintained along all abutting public rights-of-way. g) Outdoor vehicle display shall be in an orderly fashion, with access aisles provided as needed. The storage of inoperable, juuk vehicles aud vehicles with expired tabs is prohibited. h) Music or amplified sounds shall not be audible from adjacent residential properties. i) Outdoor vehicle display shall not reduce the amount of off-street parking provided on site below the level required for the principal use. j) An appropriate transition area between the use and adjacent property shall be provided by landscaping, screening or other site improvements consistent with the character of the neighborhood. k) Fuel pumps for the purpose of retail sale and dispensing of fuel to the general public shall be prohibited. If the use includes dispensing of fuel for the automobiles maintained on site, the use shall employ best management practices regarding the venting of odors, gas, and fumes. Such vents shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet above grade and shall be directed away from residential uses. All storage tanks shall be equipped with vapor-tight fittings to eliminate the escape of gas vapors. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 17 DECEMBER 6,2005 Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: ,2005 ,2005 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Attest: Mayor Gary L. Peterso~ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk This item will go before the City Council at the December 12, 2005 meeting for the first reading. NEW BUSINESS None MISCELLANEOUS Szurek requested that during 2006 the Commission look at how the City handles and enforces the property maintenance code. The Fire Dept goes through a long process in bringing properties into compliance. She would like to streamline the process and get owners to do repairs more quickly and support staff in their efforts. She would also like to see how the City could possibly reduce the amount of rental properties, especially in single family homes. And she would like to see how the City could encourage residents to keep their properties in better repair and yards cleaned up in general. Motion by Schmitt, seconded by Fiorendino to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, ,~ ~ 0 ~ 00. d'ic I\X\ dY'" Shelley Hans'o~ Secretary