VII. 1. Discussion of Further Amendments to Attached Garage Setbacks in N3-B Zones
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Planning and Zoning Commission Chair and Members of the Commission
From: Kurt Howard, Planner
Date: July 25, 2023
Subject: Discussion of Further Amendments to Attached Garage Setbacks in N3-B
Zones
_____________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
Discuss options to further amend code to allow front-loaded garages in N3-B zones
when properties are not served by an improved alley.
INFORMATION
At its meeting on May 23, the Planning & Zoning Commission adopted two resolutions
related to front loaded garages in the N3-B zones. The first was a resolution
recommending denial of requested variances to allow a home to be constructed with a
front-loaded garage at 13 Harrison Ave S. The second was a resolution recommending
the City Council approve an ordinance amending the zoning code regarding attached
garage setbacks in N3-B zones when the property is not served by an improved alley.
Specifically, the ordinance allowed garages under such circumstances to be designed
according to the standards that apply to N3-A, Mid Lot Traditional Neighborhood zones,
allowing attached garages to be setback behind the principal building’s front façade by
10 feet instead of 30 feet.
At its meeting on June 6, the City Council voted to deny the requested variances for 13
Harrison Ave S and adopted the proposed ordinance for First Reading. At its meeting on
June 20, the City Council voted to approve the proposed ordinance which became
effective on June 29, but also directed staff to explore options to further amend the code
in order to allow homes designed in the same manner as the one proposed for 13
Harrison Ave S to be constructed on undeveloped lots in N3-B zones when they are not
served by alleys.
The purpose of this discussion item is for staff to present information on options to
further amend the code that have been considered to date and ask for the Commission’s
input and feedback to inform a further amendment. Goals for the further amendment
include allowing the design of the home proposed at 13 Harrison Ave S to be
constructed while maintaining a basis in deemphasizing automotive uses according to
the various goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
FUTURE ACTION
Based on the discussion, staff will develop a proposed amendment to bring back to the
Commission for formal action as soon as the meeting on August 22, 2023.
Planning and Economic
Development