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CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PLANNING REPORT
CASE NUMBER: 2011-0405
DATE: April 5, 2011
TO: Columbia Heights Planning Commission
APPLICANT: City of Columbia Heights
LOCATION: City Wide
REQUEST: Zoning Amendment Pertaining to Animal Kennels and Shelters
PREPARED BY: Jeff Sargent, City Planner
BACKGROUND
Recently, City Staff was approached regarding the possible placement of an animal shelter
within the city. Upon review of the Zoning Code, it was discovered that while the Code
requires specific development standards for animal shelters, it does not indicate in which
zoning districts such uses may be located. At this time, staff is proposing a zoning
amendment to clarify this issue.
Staff feels that such uses should be located only in the GB, General Business District as a
Conditional Use, to enable the City Council to review such uses on a case-by-case basis.
All of the commercially zoned parcels in the city abut residentially zoned parcels, so it is
imperative that specific development standards are in place in order to protect the
residential character of the city.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to preserve and enhance the existing
viable commercial areas within the community. The proposed text amendment would allow
for a viable commercial use while preserving the characteristics of the surrounding areas.
For this reason, the proposed text amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
ZONING ORDINANCE
At Section 9.107 of the Zoning Code, animal kennels and shelters are regulated in the
following manner:
1. All activity shall be within a completely enclosed building with soundproofing and
City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission April 5, 2011
City of Columbia Heights, Animal Shelters Case # 2011-0405
odor control.
2. Outdoor kennels shall be prohibited.
Staff recommends amending this language to allow for some activities to take place
outside, but done in a manner that would protect neighboring residential areas. The new
suggested language is as follows:
1. Any activity conducted outdoors, including but not limited to play areas, outdoor
runs, etc. shall be approved by the City Council through a Conditional Use Permit
on a case-by-case basis.
2. Outdoor kennels shall be prohibited.
3. All outdoor activity space shall be completely screened from abutting neighboring
residential zoning districts or uses by a six-foot tall privacy fence that is at least
80% opaque.
The proposed language would allow for dog and cat runs outdoors while still protecting the
surrounding residential areas. Again, each situation would be reviewed on a case-by-case
basis by the City Council through the Conditional Use Permit process.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Section 9.104 (F) of the Columbia Heights zoning code requires that the City Council make
each of the following four findings before approving a zoning amendment:
1. The amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to preserve and enhance the
existing viable commercial areas within the community. The proposed text
amendment would allow for a viable commercial use while preserving the
characteristics of the surrounding areas. For this reason, the proposed text
amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
2. The amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the benefit of a
single property owner.
The proposed amendment would be effective for all properties within the city.
3. 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.
Not applicable.
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City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission April 5, 2011
City of Columbia Heights, Animal Shelters Case # 2011-0405
4. 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 the current zoning classification.
Not applicable.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the proposed Zoning Amendment.
Motion:
That the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the
proposed zoning amendment.
Attachments
Draft zoning ordinance
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