2017.08.28 PC Work Session Packet
Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Crystal Planning Commission Work Session Agenda
Monday, August 28, 2017
7 p.m.
Crystal City Hall Conference Room A
1. Continue review of draft unified development code (UDC)*
2. Adjournment
* Items for which supporting materials are included in the meeting packet
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 18, 2017
TO: Planning Commission (August 28 meeting)
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
SUBJECT: Continue review of unified development code (Application Number 2017- 07)
A. BACKGROUND
Staff is presenting new text language for the draft unified development code (UDC) for
planning commission review and comment. The following is a summary of the new text
language in Sections 515.05 and 515.09:
Section 515.05 (Zoning District and Use Regulations):
The City Council is considering allowing accessory dwelling units (ADU) as an
accessory use in the residential districts, and is interested in the Planning
. The following is additional information about
this issue:
ADUs can be either a separate unit within the home, such as a basement
apartment, or as part of a detached accessory building such as a garage
(see attachment A).
None of the five cities adjacent to Crystal (Golden Valley, New Hope,
Robbinsdale, Brooklyn Park or Brooklyn Center) allow ADUs. Staff has
attached ordinance requirements for Richfield, Roseville, and Minneapolis
for your review. The following are typical requirements found in these
three cities:
The ADU must be connected to sewer and water. The cost of
these connections may make construction of these detached
buildings cost-prohibitive.
The ADU is limited in size, such as 300 square feet.
The property owner must live in one of the units on the property.
Separate parking spaces must be provided for the ADU.
If the resident of the ADU is not a family member, a rental license is
required.
The ADU is not a property right that runs with the land. When the
property is sold, the new owner must apply for approval.
In speaking with staff from the three cities, they have indicated that they
have had relatively few applications for ADUs since their ordinances were
adopted. This is believed to be the result of the costs associated with
building an accessory dwelling or with converting an existing part of the
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home into a separate living unit. A large majority of new ADUs in
Minneapolis were to legalize interior ADUswithin existing homes.
Section 515.09 (Development Standards):
Performance Standards
Staff has suggested minor edits to the existing language.
Exterior Lighting
Staff has suggested minor edits to the existing language.
Fences and Walls
Staff is adding graphics to illustrate the allowable fence height for interior and
corner lots. Without these graphics, height limitations are difficult to
understand for many property owners.
Currently, the maximum fence height for all zoning districts is 6 feet, with the
ability to construct an 8 foot fence with an approved CUP. Staff proposes to
allow up to a 6.5 foot fence on residential properties and up to an 8.5 foot
fence on non-residential properties, eliminating the need for a CUP. If a
property owner wants to exceed height limits, they have the ability to apply for
a variance.
Attachments:
A. Information sheet from the American Planning Association (APA) on ADUs
B. ADU requirements from the cities of Richfield, Roseville, and Minneapolis
B.REQUESTED ACTION
No action is requested at this time. This agenda item is being presented so the
Commission may provide comments on the draft UDC.
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