2017.10.09 PC Work Session Packet
Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Crystal Planning Commission Work Session Agenda
Monday, October 9, 2017
7 p.m.
Crystal City Hall Conference Room A
1. Continue review of draft unified development code (UDC)*
2. Discuss process to update the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
3. Adjournment
* Items for which supporting materials are included in the meeting packet
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 5, 2017
TO: Planning Commission (October 9 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 draft text
language:
Section 515.01
New text is added to clarify transitional rules from the existing
zoning/subdivision/sign code to the UDC.
Section 515.03 (Definitions):
New definitions added in Section 515.03 since the August 28, 2017 Planning
Commission work session are highlighted in yellow.
Section 515.05 (Administration):
New text is added to:
Clarify which approval process would be required when reconstructing or
building a parking lot.
Revise the requirements for rezoning a property to the Planned
Development Overlay District.
Section 515.07 (Zoning District and Use Regulations):
New text is added to:
Clarify the requirements for approving a site plan for the Planned
Development Overlay District.
Clarify garage requirements for multi-family dwellings.
Clarify requirements for nonconforming signs.
Changed text to allow multi-family dwellings in both the R-2 and R-3
districts. The number of units will be controlled by the allowable densities
set forth in the Development Standards section.
Section 515.09 (Development Standards):
New text is added to:
ZONING CODE UPDATE
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Clarify the maximum number of principal buildings allowed on a
property.
Revise the existing off-street parking and loading requirements.
The most significant change is to delete the option to fulfill parking
requirements through off-site parking spaces. Staff rarely, if ever,
receives requests to satisfy parking requirements through off-site
parking. Staff also has concerns that pedestrians can safely
access these spaces on busier roadways. Relief from parking
requirements is available by variance and off-site parking could
also be used as a justification to approve such a variance.
Revise the requirements for surface water management, drainage
and erosion control
Section 515.11 (Subdivision of Land):
New text is added to:
Revise the approval process for subdivision requests
Provide subdivision design standards for new subdivision applications
Section 515.13 (Signage):
New text is added to replace the existing sign code. The city attorney has written
-
some cities having their sign codes declared unconstitutional because they have
different sign requirements based on the content of the sign message (i.e.
different requirements for non-profit organizations versus commercial
businesses).
The new sign code also eliminates the need for sign hangers to be licensed.
Earlier this year the City Council requested that this requirement be deleted to
streamline the sign permit application process.
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.
ZONING CODE UPDATE
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