HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-3840 CC ExB PC SR Drop houses
To: Chair Thiesse and Planning Commission Members
Jessica Loftus, City Administrator
From: Jeremy Barnhart, Community Development Director
Date: June 20, 2016
Subject: #16-3840, City of Orono,
Text Amendment: Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings
Public Hearing
List of Exhibits
Exhibit A. Draft Ordinance
Exhibit B. Applicable state law
Background
During the 2016 legislative session, the Minnesota legislature enacted a law allowing
“Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings” (TFHCD, or drop houses) in Minnesota. These
Dwellings are 300 sq. ft., usually on a trailer, are connected to the houses electricity and water
sources, contain a sewage tank for pumping, and can be placed anywhere on the property. The
legislature noted that these drop houses provide a viable housing option for patients needing
care provided by others, but not necessarily in a hospital or nursing facility. The legislature also
wanted to allow these structures to be placed quickly, noting that an extended review period
would negate the benefits of the temporary structure. The law states that if the applicant
meets 9 conditions, the city must decide on a permit within 15 days of receipt of a permit
application.
One of the conditions imposed by the statute is that the accessory building must meet all city
codes and ordinances. City Ordinance Section 78-1372 prohibits the use of a trailer or accessory
building to be used as an occupied dwelling. Guest Houses are allowed in certain districts,
meeting certain size requirements, as a conditional use.
The statute also allows a city to ‘opt-out’ of the requirements of this statute. To alleviate
possible confusion and to avoid situations where a property owner may place a Temporary
Family Health Care Dwelling as a guest house, the proposed ordinance opts out of the statute.
Application Summary: The proposed ordinance formally confirms that Temporary Family
Health Care Dwellings are not permitted in the city of Orono.
Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as
drafted.
Council
Exhibit B
16-3840