HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-2016 Council Work Session Packet - Joint PCJoint City Council & Planning Commission Work Session
Monday, November 28, 2016
Orono Police Training Room 5:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. City Code of Ordinances Review for 2017 (5:00 — 6:45)
MEMORANDUM
TO: ORONO CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS
FROM: JEREMY BARNHART, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE REVIEW AND PRIORITIZATION
DATE: NOVEMBER 28, 2016
On Monday, a work -session discussion is planned to identify and prioritize any necessary
changes to the city code. In anticipation of this discussion, staff identified a number of issues,
briefly described in the attached spreadsheet. This year, 51 issues have been identified, up
from 38 last year. The Council and Planning Commission are asked to review these statements
prior to the meeting and be prepared to:
1. Add to the list of issues to be prioritized
2. Agree or disagree with the issues stated
3. Prioritize the research and development of solutions
4. Identify issues to be removed from the list.
To facilitate the prioritization of the issues, each member will identify 5 high, 5 medium, and 5
lower priority issues. Staff's recommendation is shown. Additionally, each member will be
given 2 "remove from list" votes. The highest vote getters there will be removed from the list.
Staff is currently working on ordinances related to emergency docks and sex offender location
restrictions, these are not listed.
The Exhibit 2015 progress shows the results from last year's review of ordinances. Issues
highlighted in gray have been completed. 14 issues were reviewed, including all 5 of the high
priority items and 7 of the top 10.
Exhibit A — 2015 Progress
Exhibit B — 2016 List
2015 Progress
Council Workshop
Exhibit A
No.
Summary
Issues/Discussion
Total Points
Notes/ Recent Action (11-4-16)
The definition of half story: "Half story means the uppermost floor of a building in which (i) the
intersection of the exterior wall and the roof is not more than three feet above the floor elevation,
and (ii) not more than 60 percent of the floor area within the exterior walls of the uppermost floor
23
2016 HP
1/2 Story definition
exceeds five feet in height as measured from the floor to the rafters. Floors exceeding these
29
Case number 16-3815 Completed
parameters shall be deemed a full story." is very confusing for the public to understand, causing a
lot of resubmittals and redesign of the house. The definition should be amended to make it easier
to understand.
The City should consider changes to ordinance standards and public street light policies which
2
2016 HP
Dark Skies Standards
reduce ambient light emissions to reduce the impact of light pollution to the night sky in our rural
27
Case Number 15-3784.4-11-16 Council tabled
residential lake culture setting
2016 HP
Accessory structures, including hot tubs and detached decks are required to be built 10 feet from a
23
Completed. Case number 16-3809. Council
38
Accessory Structures
house. This setback seems unnecessary.
approved 3-14-16
The definition of "Existing ground level" means the elevation of the grade at the base of an existing
structure, measured at points abutting the foundation wall, or the existing grade of a vacant lot." is
30
2016 HP
Existing Grade definition
not consistent with the current practice employed, which is the grade at the time of plat approval.
20
Completed Case number 16-3817
The goal is to avoid the artificially raising the grade to getting a higher house. Current practice
should be codified.
Section 78-98 (b) does not make sense and its applicability is questioned. It suggests a 6th month
33
2016 HP
Notice of Hearing
window to acquire land. Further, why is the public notice 350 for CUP and 150 for variances? It
19
Completed. Case number 16-3810. Council
approved 3-14-16
may be more beneficial for the notice area be consistent.
28
2016 MP
Boundary line adjustments
Lot line arrangements, boundary line adjustments, and other non -subdivisions that do not result in
18
Case number 16-3824. Public hearing 4-18-16
a new lot could be handled administratively, saving applicant, council and staff time.
PUD, RPUD & PRD contain overlaps in the code and are confusing; A easier to understand code may
5
2016 MP
RPUD process ordinance revisions
18
encourage more of these creative types of development.
We should review accessory dwelling units and how they apply to granny flats and similar housing
40
2016 MP
Policy discussion
arrangements.
16
Orono code language should be clarified to be consistent with state shore land standards with
15
2016 MP
Existing substandard shore land lots
regard to minimum lot size and width vs. underlying zoning. Has been amended three times (Ord.
16
of record
92, 95, and 108)
The sketch plan process is a requirement for class III subdivisions and may impact the 120 day
review period requirements. Additionally, the sketch plan process does not provide for feedback on
26
2016 MP
Sketch Plan process
other types of applications where the process might be beneficial, such as ordinance amendments,
16
Comp plan amendments, site plans. Making the sketch plan optional and an independent process
would alleviate both concerns. Should notification be added to the process?
Completed. Case number 38-3823
The City's wetland setback requirements are greater than area communities and the watershed
31
2016 LP
Wetland Setbacks
district. Perhaps the benefits are no longer valid. Further, there appears to be a conflict between
15
the septic code and the wetland setback.
Many roads approaching 30-40 years in age and increasing pressure is expected toward the city to
4
2016 LP
Private roads standards/policies
take them over and fix them up — A policy should be developed to respond to these requests.
14
Roseville or Richfield was recently (11/15) profiled in the paper as an example of a process
Septic Code updates regarding
Create an option whereby a landowner can obtain approval for extending the every 3 year pumping
19
2016 LP
pumping maintenance intervals &
requirement on ayear-by-year basis where documentation is provided and a management plan
13
agreement is entered into requiring verification that septic tanks are not needing to be pumped yet,
Type IV systems
especially in the case of Big Island where the transportation cost is exceedingly high
Slope Failure and Stabilization
There is an opportunity to improve the process of dealing with slope failures before they occur and
8
2016 LP
in emergency situations; standards, review process, collaboration with MCWD, etc. would benefit
12
Ordinance or Policy
residents.
Code allows certain accessory structures(pools) within a certain size to be built in front of the
36
2016 LP
Accessory structures and pools
principal building, outside of the required yard. Historically, staff has not permitted any structure.
12
Further, 78-1436 allows for a 15 side yard setback for accessory structures between 750 and 1000
sq. ft. Setbacks for accessory structures should be reviewed
The existing system of determining connection charges should be reviewed to ensure they are
Fees have been reconfigured to meet the goal,
7
2016 LP
Sewer Connection Charges Policies
equitable and uniform.
12
included in the 2017 fee schedule
37
Appeal time frame
The appeals process as outlined in 2-41 does not stipulate a timeline for filing the appeal. There
11
Noted by City Attorney as high priority, Council
should be a deadline to avoid protracted processes.
concurred in July. Completed. 16-3865
Review the Septic code, compare with State/ County requirements. Determine if the differences
18
Septic Code
11
are worth the added layer of review and permitting.
The statute allows for certain subdivisions to be reviewed differently, skipping a planning
29
Lot splits
commission process. could be reviewed and do not need to be, adding time, expense, and
9
roadblocks unnecessarily. Changes could save staff and applicant time.
16
Special lot combinations
Special lot combos should be clarified to exclude non -riparian lots in calculation of average
8
lakeshore setbacks. Drafted, need to schedule.
Comp Plan text/map amendments
The Comp plan notes certain density ranges. The future Comprehensive Plan should be clear as to
1
re: densities in certain districts
the goal of certain districts in terms of density and development patterns.
8
24
Vacation Rentals
Residents are renting their homes on a short term basis. Renters' behavior impacts the peace and
8
enjoyment of the rest of the neighborhood. Vacation rentals should be regulated.
Case number 15-3759. Council tabled 4-11-16
9
SWMP - zoning code revisions to
Ordinances codifying the Surface Water Management Plan standards must be adopted to fully
7
formalize implementation
implement the plan.
13
CUP modification procedures &
Need to add provisions which prescribe the process and what thresholds trigger minor vs. major
6
standards created
amendments
25
Average Lakeshore: Fences
The definition of average lakeshore as it applies to fences is different than as it applies to buildings.
6
These should be consistent.
The city should develop a clear set of objective and effective standards for permitting tree removals
12
Tree Preservation Ordinance
in the following situations: large and small lots, plats, conservation subdivisions, and shore land
6
areas.
39
Drones
Drones may be disruptive to neighbors
6
There are several areas with lots substantially below (1/2 acre or less) the minimum 2 acre lot
22
Small lots in older neighborhoods
zoning requirements; Either a new zoning district or a new district classification, i.e.: Crystal Bay,
6
Mtka Bluffs, Stubbs Bay Ne. Previous Councils suggested this to be reviewed as part of the
Comprehensive Plan.
21
Conservation Design
The Conservation design requirements and process should be reviewed to ensure consistency with
4
Councils goals.
17
Maximum number of vehicles
Consider limitations on the number of vehicles that can be stored outdoors on single family lots to
4
stored outdoors
avoid excessive clutter in residential properties
The non -conformity regulations must be reviewed to ensure they comply with 44 Code of Federal
34
Non -conformity Flood
Regulations, in particular regarding flood regulations. Additionally, change or remove the 15'
3
requirement for full separation for small lots in the flood plain. (From Flood plain training)
82-281 establishes the maximum length of a cul de sac at 1,000 feet. Recent subdivisions have
32
Cul-de-sac length
exceeded this length. If the Council is comfortable with a longer maximum, the ordinance should be
3
changed to reflect this distance
10
Sign Ordinance
The entire sign ordinance should be reviewed and revised to address content neutral signage and to
3
reflect market demands and city goals.
'Park' definition to refer specifically
There is concern that certain large lakeshore estate properties might be acquired by other agencies
3
to passive parks and natural areas,
to use for high-intensity park -related or event -center uses incompatible with our residential zoning
1
not event -center oriented
and/or competing with existing facilities.
ordinance revision
35
Landscaping
There are no landscaping requirements except for the 1-1, B-2 and RPUD zoning districts. There
0
should be landscaping requirements for B-4, B-6 and the other commercial zoning districts.
Not
ranked,
acted on
Not
ranked,
acted on
Not
ranked,
acted on
Not
ranked,
acted on
Others added and acted on
Floodplain regulations Revised Floodplain ordinances, mandated by the State
Temp Dwelling Units Drop Houses. Time sensitive reponse to legistlative changes
Sex Offender location regulations Location of released Level III offenders should be regulated away from at rick populations
Emergency Docks Amend ordinance originally drafted in April to allow LLFD to suse and store boat overnight
Completed. Case number 16-3841
Completed. Case number 16-3840
Active. No case number assigned
Active. Case number 16-3878
Nuisances (dog barking, long grass, debris, light and glare, smells) could be better defined and
Partially included in the Lighting amendment 15 -
27
Nuisances
written from an enforcement strategic viewpoint.
O
3784, tabled 4-11-16
20
Heliports
The ordinance should include provisions for the landing of helicopters and airplanes on lakes and on
U
large private properties.
14
Interim Use Permits (IUP) standards
The city should explore Interim use permits as tool to allow the use of certain property with a time
U
created
limit.
11
Comm'I/Residential Kennel Defs
The approval and licensing requirements of kennels should be developed, wherever they are
U
(78-1376, 62-161/183/184)
permitted, while removing any inconsistencies.
6
RS Dist. - Bldg. & foundation
The RS District's (Big Island) standards for construction and setback should be reviewed.
0
standards - ordinance revisions
Not
ranked,
acted on
Not
ranked,
acted on
Not
ranked,
acted on
Not
ranked,
acted on
Others added and acted on
Floodplain regulations Revised Floodplain ordinances, mandated by the State
Temp Dwelling Units Drop Houses. Time sensitive reponse to legistlative changes
Sex Offender location regulations Location of released Level III offenders should be regulated away from at rick populations
Emergency Docks Amend ordinance originally drafted in April to allow LLFD to suse and store boat overnight
Completed. Case number 16-3841
Completed. Case number 16-3840
Active. No case number assigned
Active. Case number 16-3878
2016 List
Council
workshop
Exhibit B
Direct
No.
Summary
Age
Issues/Discussion
impact to LU
or Building
Time Estimate (City
Recommendation
Notes
permit
Council meetings)
response?
Code allows certain accessory structures(pools) within a certain size to be built in front of the
Accessory Structures. Accessory
principal building, outside of the required yard. Historically, staff has not permitted any structure.
1
2015
Yes
1-2
structures and pools
Further, 78-1436 allows for a 15 side yard setback for accessory structures between 750 and 1000
sq. ft. Setbacks for accessory structures should be reviewed.
Accessory uses. Granny flats
We should review accessory dwelling units and how they apply to granny flats and similar housing
2
2015
2-3
and additional
arrangements.
Currently, the city charges all applicants an application fee. Should taxing authorities pay fees for
3
Application fees. Tax authorities
2016
the review of projects? In essence, we are charging our taxpayers for the review of projects that
1
benefit them. Hennepin county, the school district, etc.
The definition of average lakeshore as it applies to fences is different than as it applies to buildings.
4
Average Lakeshore: Fences
2015
Marginal
1-2
Would consistency improve clarity?
Comm'I/Residential Kennel
The approval and licensing requirements of kennels should be developed, wherever they are
5
DeI/f's (78-1376, 6e
Pre 2013
1
161/183/184)
permitted, while removing any inconsistencies.
Comp Plan text/map
The Comp plan notes certain density ranges. The future Comprehensive Plan should be clear as to
To be included in the 2018
6
amendments re: densities in
Pre 2013
N/A
the goal of certain districts in terms of density and development patterns.
Comprehensive Plan
certain districts
The Conservation design requirements and process should be reviewed to ensure consistency with Councils
7
Conservation Design
2014
goals.
1-2
CUP modification procedures &
Need to add provisions which prescribe the process and what thresholds trigger minor vs. major
8
2014
Yes
1-2
High
standards created
amendments.
The City should consider changes to ordinance standards and public street light policies which
Case Number 15-3784. 4-11-16 Council
9
Dark Skies Standards
2015
reduce ambient light emissions to reduce the impact of light pollution to the night sky in our rural
3+
tabled
residential lake culture setting.
Should the city regulate drones in addition to those regulations imposed by the Fed Govt. Drones
10
Drones
Pre 2013
1
may be disruptive to neighbors.
11
Escrow
2016
Review the requirements for escrow deposits and agreements.
Yes
1-2
Medium
There is concern that certain large lakeshore estate properties might be acquired by other agencies
Estate transformation to event
12
Pre 2013
to use for high-intensity park -related or event -center uses incompatible with our residential zoning
1-2
center
and/or competing with existing facilities.
Should the regulations for fencing and fence walls be reviewed? Further, should permits be
13
Fencing/ landscape walls
2016
Yes
1
required for fences and landscape walls. Currently, permits are not required.
14
Hardcover
2016
Review hard cover exclusions including roads and trails for public's benefit.
Yes
1-2
15
Hardcover. Lot of Record
2016
Review hardcover tier to ensure they are appropriate.
Yes
3+
The ordinance should include provisions for the landing of helicopters and airplanes on lakes and on
16
Heliports
2014
1-2
large private properties.
17
Housekeeping. House Numbers
2016
Building Code requires 4" min height.
1
18
Housekeeping. Recreation Fires
2016
Remove permit requirement for recreation fire.
Yes
1
19
Housekeeping. Street Signs
2016
Street signs are due at building permit, not CO. Public safety issue included in the Building Code.
1
Interim Use Permits (IUP)
The city should explore Interim use permits as tool to allow the use of certain property with a time
20
2014
1-2
Low
standards created
limit.
21
Land uses
2016
Uses. Review uses permissible and conditional in the Business districts, including care facilities.
Yes
1-3
High
Tree/ Landscaping. There are no landscaping requirements except for the 1-1, B-2 and RPUD zoning
22
Landscaping
2015
districts. There should be landscaping requirements for B-4, B-6 and the other commercial zoning
1-2
districts, especially as redevelopment occurs.
The statute allows for certain subdivisions to be reviewed differently, skipping a planning commission
23
Lot splits
2015
process. could be reviewed and do not need to be, adding time, expense, and roadblocks unnecessarily.
Yes
1
Changes could save staff and applicant time.
Ordinance allows the replacement of non -conformities taken in an Act of God, replace in 12
24
Non -conformity issues
2016
Yes
1
months. Voluntarily, replace in 6 months. These should be consistent.
Nuisances (dog barking, long grass, debris, light and glare, smells) could be better defined and
Partially included in the Lighting
25
Nuisances
2015
written from an enforcement strategic viewpoint.
1-2
amendment 15-3784, tabled 4-11-16
Uses. Gardens are a permitted principal use in some zoning districts. In these districts, a property
26
Permitted uses: gardens
2016
1-2
owner may add a dock to a lot with a garden, satisfying the ordinance. Is this the intent?
27
Policy RE Planning Commission
2016
Policy. Prepare and codify bylaws governing the planning commission.
2-3
Many roads approaching 30-40 years in age and increasing pressure is expected toward the city to
28
Policy: Private roads standards
Pre 2013
take them over and fix them up — A policy should be developed to respond to these requests.
1-2
Low
Roseville or Richfield was recently (11/15) profiled in the paper as an example of a process.
RS Dist. -Bldg. &foundation
29
Pre 2013
The RS District's (Big Island) standards for construction and setback should be reviewed.
Yes
1-2
standards
Uses. Should the school district be in its own land use zone, to better address long term
School district/ Institutional
30
2016
improvements and permitting. Currently, the schools are zoned residential (2 acre), and many of
1-2
Low
zoning
the regulations applied to the residential are not applicable to the school district.
Review the Septic code, compare with State/ County requirements. Determine if the differences
are worth the added layer of review and permitting. Create an option whereby a landowner can
obtain approval for extending the every 3 year pumping requirement on a year -by -year basis where
31
Septic Code
Pre 2014
Yes
2-3
documentation is provided and a management plan agreement is entered into requiring verification
that septic tanks are not needing to be pumped yet, especially in the case of Big Island where the
transportation cost is exceedingly high.
Orono code language should be clarified to be consistent with state shore land standards with
32
Shore land lots of record
2014
regard to minimum lot size and width vs. underlying zoning. Has been amended three times (Ord.
Yes
2-3
92, 95, and 108)
The entire sign ordinance should be reviewed and revised to address content neutral signage and to
33
Sign Ordinance
Pre 2013
reflect market demands and city goals. Issues specific to special events, residential entrances,
Yes
3-4
High
temporary, election should be reviewed.
Site Plan. Should all site plans be reviewed as part of a public hearing? Adds unnecessary time and
34
Site Plan review
2016
Yes
1
Medium
expense to uses that are permitted.
There is an opportunity to improve the process of dealing with slope failures before they occur and
Slope Failure and Stabilization
35
Pre 2013
in emergency situations; standards, review process, collaboration with MCWD, etc. would benefit
Marginal
2-3
Ordinance or Policy
residents.
There are several areas with lots substantially below (1/2 acre or less) the minimum 2 acre lot
Small lots in older
zoning requirements; Either a new zoning district or a new district classification, i.e.: Crystal Bay,
36
Pre 2013
Yes
1-3
Low
neighborhoods
Mtka Bluffs, Stubbs Bay Ne. Previous Councils suggested this to be reviewed as part of the
Comprehensive Plan.
37
Special Events
2016
Special Events. Review the standards for special events, specifically the number of times
Yes
1-2
High
38
Structural Coverage
2016
Structural Coverage. Review structural coverage calculations, what is included, what isn't
Yes
1-3
High
82-281 establishes the maximum length of a cul de sac at 1,000 feet. Recent subdivisions have exceeded this
39
Subdivision: Cul-de-sac length
2015
length. If the Council is comfortable with a longer maximum, the ordinance should be changed to reflect this
1
distance.
40
Subdivision: Outlots
2016
Review the provision that an outlot is not a buildable lot.
1
Subdivision: RPUD process
PUD, RPUD & PRD contain overlaps in the code and are confusing; A easier to understand code may
41
Pre 2013
2-3
Medium
ordinance revisions
encourage more of these creative types of development.
42
Subdivision: Special lot
2014
Special lot combos should be clarified to exclude non -riparian lots in calculation of average Lakeshore
Yes
2-3
Medium
combinations
setbacks. Drafted, need to schedule.
SWMP - zoning code revisions to
Ordinances codifying the Surface Water Management Plan standards must be adopted to fully
43
Pre 2013
2_3
Medium
formalize implementation
implement the plan.
44
Transient Merchant
2016
Review pop up sales, food trucks, kids sales exceptions?
1
Tree/ Landscaping. Tree
45
2016
Establish policy to review and approve/ deny tree removal in right of way
1
Replacement requirements
The city should develop a clear set of objective and effective standards for permitting tree removals
Trees/ Landscaping Tree
46
Pre 2013
in the following situations: large and small lots, plats, conservation subdivisions, and shore land
Yes
1-2
Preservation Ordinance
areas.
47
Vacation Rentals
2015
Should short term rentals be regulated by the City?
2-3
Vehicles. Maximum number of
Consider limitations on the number of vehicles that can be stored outdoors on single family lots to
48
2014
1-2
vehicles stored outdoors
avoid excessive clutter in residential properties
Wetlands. The City's wetland setback requirements are greater than area communities and the
49
Wetland Setbacks
2015
watershed district. Perhaps the benefits are no longer valid. Further, there appears to be a conflict
Yes
1-2
between the septic code and the wetland setback.
Additional yard provisions. 78-1406 provision intended to provide relief from strict reading of the
50
Yards. Yard setback flexibility
2016
Yes
1-2
Low
setback requirements could be more clearly written.
51
1 Sketch Plan
2016
Review the procedure for sketch plans. Should these include public hearings?