Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout6C Request to Initiate Ordinance Amendment to Sections 1142 adn 1144 Arch Design Standards 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: October 24, 2022 AGENDA #: 6C PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Director PRESENTED BY: Casey McCabe AGENDA ITEM: Provide Direction to Staff Related to Amendments to Sections 1142 and 1144, Architectural Design Standards, of the Prior Lake Zoning Code DISCUSSION: Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is to request a motion to have staff initiate proposed amendments to Sections 1142 and 1144 of the Prior Lake Zoning Code relating to architectural design standards. Background Staff has identified two sections of the zoning code related to architectural design standards that the Planning Commission may want to consider updating. Subsection 1142.302 (4) identifies the design requirements in the TC, Town Center zoning district. This subsection identifies the type and minimum percentage of exte- rior materials that can be used. Currently, the TC district requires a minimum of 80% of facades abutting public right of way to be constructed of high-quality, durable principal materials including brick, natural or cast stone, and glass. A maximum of 20% of facades abutting public right of way can be constructed of high quality, durable accent materials as approved by the Zoning Administrator. Side or rear façades not abutting public right of way shall have a minimum of 60% of the principal materials and a maximum of 40% of accent materials as identified above. Subsection 1144.200 (6) identifies the allowable exterior design materials for multi- family, commercial, and industrial projects. Permitted exterior materials include brick, stone, stucco or EIFS synthetic stucco, architectural concrete precast panels, color impregnated decorative block, and glass. Wood, cement siding, or prefinished metal are allowed, provided that no more than 25% of any individual exterior wall shall con- sist of this material. Current Circumstances Staff feels it may be appropriate to consider modifications to the permitted exterior building materials in Prior Lake’s Town Center, Commercial, and Industrial districts to provide greater flexibility. Potential amendments may include, but are not limited to: • Allowing for a reduced percentage of principal materials and a greater per- centage of accent materials in the TC district, primarily in the commercial and industrial districts and areas of the TC that are not located along Main Ave- nue. • Expanding the list of permitted principal materials. • Allowing for a reduced percentage of principal materials if other architectural enhancements, such as varying wall heights or wall depths; enhanced en- trances; enhanced visual interest using a variety of materials, textures, or 2 colors; decorative lighting; incorporation of nautical themes or public art; etc. are incorporated. City Code Subsection 1153.201 details the four ways amendments to the Zoning Code may be initiated, including: ➢ The Planning Commission may initiate such amendments by motion. ➢ The City Council may on its own motion initiate amendments by referring them to the Planning Commission for review. ➢ Any property owner may formally petition the City to consider an amendment to the Zoning Map for land for which he/she is property owner. ➢ Any individual may petition the City to consider an amendment to the text of the Zoning Code. Conclusion Staff is proposing to review the architectural design standards to determine whether amendments should be considered to correct what may be an overly restrictive part of our zoning code. City staff would also welcome any suggestions from the Commis- sion related to what they would like to see incorporated in the design standards. By directing staff to initiate amendments to Sections 1142 and 1144 the commission will set forth the necessary public hearing and public notice procedures relating to a zoning ordinance amendment. Subsection 1153.209 (Policy for Amendments) of the Zoning Code states recommen- dations of the planning commission and final determinations of the city council shall be supported by findings addressing the relationship of the proposed amendment to the following policies: In the case of amendments to the text of the Zoning Code: ➢ There is a public need for the amendment, or ➢ The amendment will accomplish one or more of the purposes of the Zoning Code, the Comprehensive Plan or other adopted plans or policies of the City, or ➢ The adoption of the amendment is consistent with State and/or federal re- quirements. ISSUES: City staff is requesting the Planning Commission direct staff initiate a zoning ordi- nance amendment for Sections 1142 and 1144 of the Prior Lake Zoning Code. The Planning Commission is not being asked to recommend approval of an ordinance amendment at this time, only to provide direction to staff to initiate a potential amend- ment. If staff direction is provided, the Planning Commission will review the actual zoning ordinance language revisions at a future public hearing date. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Motion and a second directing staff to initiate proposed amendments to Sections 1142 and 1144 of the Prior Lake Zoning Code. 2. If the Commission feels the current design standards are appropriate, then a mo- tion and a second directing staff not to initiate proposed amendments to Sections 1142 and 1144 of the Prior Lake Zoning Code. 3. Motion and a second to table discussion of the item to a future meeting date and provide staff with direction. RECOMMENDED MOTIONS: Alternative #1