2018.03.08 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: March 2, 2018
City Council
Work Session Agenda
March 8, 2018
6:30 p.m.
Conference Room A
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the work session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on March 8, 2018 in Conference
Room A, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council Members Staff
____ Kolb ____ Therres
____ LaRoche ____ Gilchrist
____ Parsons ____ Olson
____ Adams ____ Sutter
____ Budziszewski ____ Serres
____ Dahl
____ Deshler
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Accessory dwelling units follow up.
2. Potentially surplus land.*
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763) 531-
1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
Page 1 of 4
_____________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
____________________________________________________________________
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for March 8 City Council Meeting)
DATE: March 1, 2018
RE: Discuss ordinance amendments for accessory dwelling units
A. BACKGROUND
At its February 5, 2018 meeting, the City Council provided direction to staff for
amendments in the unified development code (UDC) relating to accessory
dwelling units. This staff report provides proposed ordinance amendments for
Council discussion prior to scheduling the Planning Commission public hearing.
Attachment:
A. Proposed ADU ordinance
B. PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Based on the discussion at the February 5th Council meeting, staff has
incorporated the following requirements for accessory dwelling units (ADU):
Definitions:
o Clarified the definition of allowable ADUs to include those that are
within or attached to the single-family home, or are constructed as a
freestanding detached structure (“tiny house”)
o Clarified the difference between an ADU and a two -family dwelling
Use-specific standards:
o All ADUs:
Staff has removed the requirement that the property owner live on
the property. The table on the following page lists reasons for and
against having this requirement:
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Ordinance Amendments
for Accessory Dwelling
Units
Page 2 of 4
Staff has added an option for the ADU to connect to the existing
water and sewer service for the principal dwelling as an alternative
to requiring a separate connection to the mains under the street.
The following table lists reasons for and against this change:
Current
Requirement
Alternate
Proposal
Reasons for
Current Requirement
Reasons for
Alternate Proposal
Property owner must reside
on property
Rental
houses
could also
have
ADUs
Self-regulation. Having the
property owner on the premises
helps to ensure that the tenant will
not have negative impacts on the
neighborhood.
Enforcement would be
accomplished by a recorded deed
restriction which would prohibit
use of the ADU if the owner does
not live on the property. Even if
the seller fails to disclose, and the
buyer doesn’t check with the city,
the buyer would discover it
through their title work prior to
purchase.
Treat rental
properties the same
as owner-occupied
properties.
Tenant issues
would be addressed
by other means,
including rental
licensing and
inspections, and
police response to
9-1-1 calls.
Current Requirement Alternate
Proposal
Reasons for
Current Requirement
Reasons for Alternate Proposal
ADU must provide a
separate utility connection
at the street
ADUs
could have
separate
connection
OR
connect to
existing
house’s
water &
sewer
With a separate connection, the
water service for each residence
can be individually turned off. With
only one connection, if water
needs to be shut off to one
property, both units will be out of
water. Also, with one connection,
sewer clogs could impact both
properties.
Current water utility rates include
a flat fee for a meter and a fee
based on consumption. With one
connection, only one meter is
installed. Therefore although there
are two housing units, only one
meter fee will be paid.
Current sanitary sewer utility fee is
a flat rate for a property and is not
based on consumption. Although
the ADU adds residents to the
property, there would not be a
higher sanitary sewer utility fee.
The city is only responsible for
locating utilities in the right-of-
way. If a connection was made
between two buildings on the
private property, the property
owner (or future property owner)
would be responsible for locating
the underground utilities on their
property before digging.
If there is one connection for the
ADU through the existing home:
o the cost to construct the
ADU is potentially reduced
o an additional SAC fee would
not be required by
Metropolitan Council (see
section C, below)
o the street would not have to
be excavated
Page 3 of 4
All ADUs would continue to be limited to 50% of the finished floor
area of the principal dwelling to ensure that they remain accessory
and subordinate to the home.
All ADUs would continue to require one parking space in addition to
the two spaces required for a single family home. (Most properties
easily meet this requirement because not only the garage but also
the driveway leading to the garage counts towards the off -street
parking requirements.)
All ADUs would continue to be subject to curb cut and driveway
requirements, which limits the property to one curb cut unless it
also has alley access.
o Detached ADUs
Staff removed the requirement that detached ADUs be constructed
as part of a detached garage. This would allow “tiny houses” that
are separate from a detached garage or other accessory buildings
on the property.
ADUs would continue to be subject to the same setback and green
space requirements as detached garages and other accessory
buildings.
ADUs would continue to be constructed on a permanent, frost-
protected foundation.
C. SEWER AVAILABILITY CHARGE (SAC)
The SAC fee is a one-time charge by Metropolitan Council Environmental
Services (MCES) when there is a land use change creating more demand on the
regional sewer system. The city is required to collect the fee from the property
owner and pass it on to MCES. The city must pay the fee to MCES even if it fails
to collect it from the property owner.
The SAC fee (currently $2,435) would be required in the following instances:
The property owner converts a single-family home into a two-family home
(duplex) - not applicable to ADUs.
An ADU is constructed on the property and there is a separate utility
connection to the street for the additional unit.
Staff will collect the SAC fee at the time the building permit is issued for either of
these two types of construction. If for some reason a building permit is not
required, then the city would invoice the property owner for the SAC fee. If the
property owner refuses to pay the SAC fee, the city would assess the fee to the
property in accordance with state statute.
D. NOTIFICATION OF PROPERTY OWNERS
If the ADU ordinance is adopted by the City Council, staff will provide notification
to property owners:
Page 4 of 4
Staff has compiled a list of 57 property owners who previously received a
letter that a second dwelling unit did not conform to zoning requirements.
These were usually basement apartments installed without city permits or
inspections. Staff will send a letter to these property owners informing
them of the opportunity to “legalize” the unit under the new ordinance.
Staff will inform the public of the new ADU options through the website
and social media.
E. ADOPTION SCHEDULE
The following is the proposed schedule for adopting a new ordinance:
April 9 Planning Commission public hearing
April 17 Council considers first reading of ordinance
May 1 Council considers second reading and adoption
May 10 Summary of ordinance published
June 9 Effective date of ordinance
F. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Staff requests Council discussion and direction to staff regarding these proposed
ordinance amendments. The next step would be a Planning Commission public
hearing on the amendments and subsequent Council action.
6
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Section 505
Definitions
Subd. 1. Abutting or adjacent. “Abutting” or “Adjacent” means the land, lot, or property
adjoining the property in question along a lot line or separated only by an alley, easement or street.
Subd. 2. Accessibility ramps. “Accessibility ramps” means ramps that provide access to
buildings for the disabled.
Subd. 3. Accessory dwelling unit. “Accessory dwelling unit” means a dwelling unit that is
located on the same lot as a one-family detached dwelling to which it is accessory and subordinate
in size. An accessory dwelling unit may be within or attached to the one-family dwelling, or in a
detached accessory building on the same lot. separate, complete housekeeping unit, with a separate
entrance, kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom facilities that is located as part of a detached garage.
Subd. 4. Accessory structure. “Accessory structure” means a subordinate building or other
subordinate structure, including but not limited to detached garages, sheds, gazebos, or swimming
pools, the use of which is clearly subordinate or accessory to the principal use of the building or
property.
Subd. 5. Adult uses. “Adult uses” has the meaning given it from the Crystal city code,
section 1190.
Subd. 6. Airport facilities. “Airport facilities” means the buildings and grounds of the
Crystal Airport, including those areas used for the storage, fueling, and repair of aircraft.
Subd. 7. Alley. “Alley” means a public right-of-way other than a street that affords a
secondary means of access to abutting property.
Subd. 8. Amusement center. “Amusement center” has the meaning given it from the
Crystal city code, section 1180.
Subd. 9. Animal hospital or veterinary clinic. “Animal hospital or veterinary clinic” means
any building or portion of a building where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment
and are cared for at the time of such treatment, including facilities with offices and/or laboratories
for operation and/or functioning of a research and development facility. Use as a kennel shall be
limited to short time boarding and shall be incidental to such animal hospital use.
Subd. 10. Antenna support structure. “Antenna support structure” means any building,
athletic field lighting, water tower, or other structure other than a tower, which can be used for
location of telecommunications facilities as an accessory, subordinate use. New structures built for
the purpose of attaching telecommunications facilities are “towers” not “antenna support
structures” for the purposes of this UDC. For example, if an athletic field light pole would be
replaced by a taller pole to facilitate installation of an antenna, then the new pole would be
classified as a “tower” not an “antenna support structure” even if lights would be mounted to it in
a manner similar to the way they were mounted to the previous light pole. This term does not
include wireless support structures, which are separately defined under this UDC.
Attachment A
10
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 44. Driveway. “Driveway” has the meaning given it in the Crystal city code,
subsection 800.03.
Subd. 45. Driveway approach. “Driveway approach” has the meaning given it in the
Crystal city code, subsection 800.03.
Subd. 46. Drive-through establishment. “Drive-through establishment” means any portion
of a building, structure or property from which business is transacted, or is capable of being
transacted, directly with customers located in a motor vehicle.
Subd. 47. Dwelling. “Dwelling” means a building or portion thereof used exclusively for
residential purposes, forming a habitable unit for one family. Garages, tents, and accessory
structures shall not be considered dwellings and shall at no time be used as a dwelling, either
temporarily or permanently. Tents may be used for recreational purposes.
Subd. 48. Dwelling, multiple. “Dwelling, multiple” means a building designed with three
or more dwellings exclusively for occupancy by three or more families living independently of
each other.
Subd. 49. Dwelling, one-family attached. “Dwelling, one-family attached” means a
building, such as townhouses or row houses, containing dwellings in which:
(a) Each dwelling is located on its own parcel;
(b) Each dwelling is attached to another by party walls without openings; and
(c) Each dwelling has primary ground floor access to the outside.
Subd. 50. Dwelling, one-family detached. “Dwelling, one-family detached” means a
residential building containing not more than one dwelling entirely surrounded by open space on
the same lot.
Subd. 51. Dwelling, two-family. “Dwelling, two-family” means a building designed
exclusively for occupancy by two families living independently of each other, neither of which is
an accessory dwelling unit, and which is typically referred to as a double bungalow or duplex,
where the entire building is located on a single lot.
Subd. 52. Easement. “Easement” means a grant by a property owner to either the public or
an individual for the use of the owner’s property for certain specified purposes (i.e. drives, utilities,
etc.).
Subd. 53. Equal degree of encroachment. “Equal degree of encroachment” means a method
of determining the location of floodway boundaries so that floodplain lands on both sides of a
stream are capable of conveying a proportionate share of flood flows.
Subd. 54. Essential services. “Essential services” means underground or overhead gas,
electrical, steam, or water transmission or distribution systems, collection, communication, supply,
or disposal systems by public utilities, municipal or other governmental agencies.
92
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 4: Permitted Accessory Uses and Structures
Use Category and Use
Type
P = Permitted Use
C = Conditional Use
- = Not Permitted
Base Zoning
Districts
Zoning
Certificate
Required
Use-Specific Standards
in Subsection: R-1 R-2 R-3 C I AP
Accessory Uses
Assembly or gathering
space - - - P P - Yes 515.23, subdivision 2 (a)
Commercial truck storage or
parking - - - P P - Yes 515.23, subdivision 2 (b)
Day Care Facilities, In home P P P - - - No
Drive-through facilities - - - C - - Not Applicable 515.23, subdivision 2 (c)
Home Businesses P P P - - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (d)
Keeping of Chickens P P - - - - No 910
Kennels, Commercial [1] P - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (e)
Kennels, Private P P P - - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (f)
Accessory Structures
Accessibility ramps P P P P P P No
Accessory dwelling units P P P- - - - Yes 515.23, subdivision 3(a)
Amateur radio towers P P P - - P Yes 515.23, subdivision 3(b)
Carports P P - - - - Yes 515.23, subdivision 3(e)
Clothesline poles P P - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(c)
Commercial storage
buildings - - - C P P See Note [4] 515.23, subdivision 3(d)
Fences and walls P P P P P P See Note [5] 520.09
Flagpoles P P P P P P No
Fuel pumps, private use [2] - - - P P P No
Garages, attached or
detached P P P P P P Yes 515.23, subdivision 3(e)
Gazebos P P P - - - Yes 515.23, subdivision 3(f)
Noncommercial
greenhouses P P - - - - See Note [6] 515.23, subdivision 3(g)
Off-street parking and
loading [3] P P P P P P Yes 520.15
Patios, decks, and porches P P P P - - Yes
Sheds P P P P P P See Note [6] 515.23, subdivision 3(h)
Sidewalks P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(i)
Signs, Permanent P P P P P P Not Applicable 530
95
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
not employ the storage of explosive, flammable, or hazardous materials beyond
those normally associated with a residential use;
(4) Home businesses shall not operate between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
(5) A home business may be located within the dwelling, an accessory building, or
both, provided that the total area of the home business is not greater than 50% of
the finished floor area of the dwelling;
(6) Such home business shall not require internal or external alterations or involve
construction features not customarily found in dwellings;
(7) There shall be no exterior storage or display of equipment, goods or materials used
in the home business; and
(8) One sign, not to exceed six square feet in area, may be placed on the premises. The
sign may identify the home business, resident name, address, website, and email
address or phone number, but may contain no other information. The sign may not
be illuminated and must be set back a minimum of ten feet from a property line
abutting a public street. If the sign is freestanding, the total height may not exceed
five feet.
(e) Kennels, commercial. Commercial kennels are subject to the following standards:
(1) In the R-1 zoning district, commercial kennels shall only be allowed at one-family
dwellings, and the use of the commercial kennel is limited to raising, selling,
boarding, breeding, and grooming of dogs or other animals; and
(2) Commercial kennels shall adhere to the requirements for home businesses in this
subsection.
(f) Kennels, private. If a private kennel is operated as a home business, it shall adhere to
the requirements for home businesses in this subsection.
Subd. 3. Accessory structures.
(a) Accessory dwelling units. Accessory dwelling units are subject to the following
standards:
(1) The following requirements are for all forms of accessory dwelling units (within or
attached to the principal dwelling, or in a detached accessory building):
(i) No more than one accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a property
containing a one-family detached dwelling;
(ii) The creation of the dwelling unit shall not create a separate property
identification number with the county;
(iii) The floor area of an accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 50 percent of
the finished floor area of the one-family detached dwelling.
96
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(iv) The dwelling unit may be rented if it complies with the requirements of
the Crystal city code, section 425., but the owner of the principal building on
the property shall reside on the property.
(v) The dwelling unit shall have a water and sewer connection to the respective
utility main, or to the existing water and sewer connection at a point on the
private property; and
(vi) The dwelling unit shall adhere to the curb cut and driveway requirements
for one-family attached dwellings in the Crystal city code, chapter 8.
(2) Detached accessory dwelling units shall also comply with the following additional
requirements:
(i) The dwelling shall be constructed as part of a detached garage and shall not
cause the garage to exceed the size or setback requirements for detached garages in
this UDC. Conversion of garage space to an accessory dwelling unit is prohibited,
unless the garage space is replaced;
(i) The dwelling unit shall be separated from the principal building by a minimum
of ten feet;
(ii) The dwelling unit shall be constructed as to be compatible with the exterior
materials of the existing principal building; and
(iii) The dwelling unit shall be located on a frost-protected foundation.
(b) Amateur radio towers. Amateur radio towers shall only be allowed in the rear yard and
made of unpainted metal or other visually un obtrusive material.
(c) Clothesline poles. Clothesline poles shall only be permitted in the rear yard.
(d) Commercial storage buildings. Commercial storage buildings are subject to the
following standards:
(1) The storage building is located on the same lot as the principal use;
(2) No detached accessory building shall be located closer to the street adjacent to the
front yard than the principal structure;
(3) The storage building does not exceed 30% of the gross floor area of the principal
use;
(4) Occupancy and use of the storage building is directly related to a permitted or
conditionally approved principal use and the same party has full control and use of
both the storage building and the principal use;
(5) The architectural style is compatible with the principal building and surrounding
land uses. Exterior building design and materials shall comply with the provisions
as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 520.05; and
116
509575v9 AMB CR225-423 Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures Accessory Structure Type R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP Minimum Structure Setbacks Accessory dwelling units, detached Front: 30 feet, but cannot be closer to the street than the principal building [2] Side: 5 feet [3] Rear: 5 feet [3] Corner side: 10 feet Front: 30 feet, but cannot be closer to the street than the principal building [2] Side: 5 feet [3] Rear: 5 feet [3] Corner side: 10 feet Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Amateur radio towers See note [1], below See note [1], below See note [1], below Not Applicable Not Applicable See note [1], below Attached Decks and open porches Front: 30 feet Side: 3 feet Rear: 30 feet Corner side: 10 feet Front: 30 feet Side: 15 feet Rear: 30 feet Corner side: 30 feet Front: 30 feet Side: 15 feet Rear: 30 feet Corner side: 30 feet Front: 30 feet Side: 10 feet Rear: 3 feet Corner side: 30 feet Not Applicable Not Applicable Clothesline Poles Front: Not allowed Side: 3 feet Rear: 3 feet Corner side: 10 feet Front: Not allowed Side: 3 feet Rear: 3 feet Corner side: 10 feet Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Commercial Storage Buildings Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Front: 30 feet Side: 10 feet Rear: 3 feet Corner side: 30 feet Front: 30 feet Side: 10 feet Rear: 3 feet Corner side: 30 feet Front: 30 feet Side: 10 feet Rear: 3 feet Corner side: 30 feet
120
509575v9 AMB CR225-423 Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures Accessory Structure Type R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP Accessory dwelling units, detached The height of the dwelling unit cannot exceed the height of the principal building or 20’, whichever is less The height of the dwelling unit cannot exceed the height of the principal building or 20’, whichever is less The height of the dwelling unit cannot exceed the height of the principal building or 20’, whichever is lessNot Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Amateur radio towers Tower not to exceed 75 feet Tower not to exceed 75 feet Tower not to exceed 75 feet Tower not to exceed 75 feet Tower not to exceed 75 feet Tower not to exceed 75 feet Commercial storage buildings Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable 20 feet 20 feet 25 feet Detached accessory buildings [6] 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet Essential services (such as poles or towers) As determined by the city engineer As determined by the city engineer As determined by the city engineer As determined by the city engineer As determined by the city engineer As determined by the city engineer Fences See subsection 520.09 See subsection 520.09 See subsection 520.09 See subsection 520.09 See subsection 520.09 See subsection 520.09 Flagpoles 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet Satellite dishes Not to exceed 4 feet above the roof Not to exceed 4 feet above the roof Not to exceed 4 feet above the roof Not to exceed 4 feet above the roof Not to exceed 4 feet above the roof Not to exceed 4 feet above the roof Solar energy systems Building mounted: Shall not exceed the maximum allowed building height Freestanding: 20 feet when oriented at maximum tilt Building mounted: Shall not exceed the maximum allowed building height Freestanding: 20 feet when oriented at maximum tilt Building mounted: Shall not exceed the maximum allowed building height Freestanding: 20 feet when oriented at maximum tilt Building mounted: Shall not exceed the maximum allowed building height Freestanding: 20 feet when oriented at maximum tilt Building mounted: Shall not exceed the maximum allowed building height Freestanding: 20 feet when oriented at maximum tilt Building mounted: Shall not exceed the maximum allowed building height Freestanding: 20 feet when oriented at maximum tilt
121
509575v9 AMB CR225-423 Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures Accessory Structure Type R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP Television and Radio Antennae Not to exceed 12 feet above the roof Not to exceed 12 feet above the roof Not to exceed 12 feet above the roof Not to exceed 12 feet above the roof Not to exceed 12 feet above the roof Not to exceed 12 feet above the roof NOTES: [1] The tower shall be located only in the rear yard, and set back at least 15 feet from any property line. However, necessary guy wires, anchors, and wires of less than 1/4 inch may be set back at least 3 feet from any rear or interior side property line. [2] On interior lots abutting directly on Twin Lake, a detached accessory garage, carport, shed, accessory dwelling unit, or workshop may be erected within the front setback area provided it does not encroach into the required front, side or corner side setback. [3] If the garage, carport, accessory dwelling unit, or workshop does not have an eave or overhang on the side or rear of the structure, the structure may be located to a distance of 3 feet from the side or rear property line, but the structure shall not encroach into a platted or dedicated easement. [4] If the vehicle entrance for a detached garage faces a street or alley, the garage shall be at least 20 feet from the corner side property line. [5] For building-mounted solar energy systems, the collector surface and mounting devices shall not extend beyond the required setbacks on which the building is mounted. For freestanding solar energy systems, the system may not extend into the following setbacks when oriented at minimum design tilt: Front: 30 feet, but cannot be located closer to the street than the principal building; Side: 5 feet; Rear: 5 feet; Corner side: 10 feet. [6] For the purposes of this maximum height requirement, detached accessory buildings are defined as carports, detached garages, gazebos, noncommercial greenhouses, sheds and workshops. Some of these structures may not be allowed in every zoning district.