V.2. NX Zone Accessory Structure Code Amendment
1
P&Z Report 2024-08
To: Planning and Zoning Commission Members
From: Ryan Krzos, City Planner
Date: November 26, 2024
Subject: Request for Recommendation on Accessory Structure Development Code
Amendment
_____________________________________________________________________
REQUEST
Staff proposes an amendment to the Development Code regulations to allow single
unit dwellings to have larger accessory structures in NX zones.
Current Requirement: In the NX1 and NX2 Zones, total aggregate ground
coverage (footprint) of all accessory buildings may not exceed 528 square feet
per dwelling unit. A single unit dwelling is only allowed a 528 square foot garage
for instance.
Proposed Requirement: accessory buildings may not exceed 528 square feet
per dwelling unit or, for single unit dwellings, may not exceed the requirements
for N2 and N3 Zones.
• In N2 and N3 Zones, no more than 2 accessory buildings may be located on
a single lot. The total aggregate ground coverage (footprint) of all such
accessory buildings may not exceed 1,000 square feet.
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning and Zoning Commission is asked to:
1. Hold a Public Hearing on the Development Code Amendment for anyone at the
meeting to comment on the regulations.
2. Consider comments by the public and Staff.
3. By motion approve a Resolution recommending the City Council adopt the
Development Code Amendment for Accessory Structures.
ANALYSIS
Rationale:
In the City’s neighborhood zones, the number and size of accessory structures are
limited so that no properties stand out as having too many or too large of sheds,
garages, and the like.
Planning & Development
CITY OF HOPKINS
2
The current requirement for the NX zones, anticipates that those properties will have
multi-unit dwellings, so the size of accessory structures is on a per unit basis.
However, not all property with NX zones are multi-household dwellings. Currently,
75 out of the 1895 (3%) parcels zoned NX are single-unit dwellings.
So, in NX zones single unit dwellings are restricted to smaller accessory structures
than are allowed for similar dwellings in the lower intensity neighborhood zones (N2
and N3), despite having similar characteristics to the N3 zone. Staff recommends
the proposed code amendment to align the requirements.
Review Criteria:
Staff finds that the proposed code amendment meets the criteria for approval. In
making decisions about development code text amendments, the City must consider
all relevant factors, including at least the following criteria:
1. Whether the proposed development code text amendment is in conformity
with the comprehensive plan
The development code amendment is consistent with the goals and policies
of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan’s Land Use Section states a goal
to support and strengthen the city’s residential areas with reinvestment and
appropriate infill. The amendment would allow for opportunities to further
enhance Hopkin’s detached single unit housing stock in NX zones, through
appropriately scaled accessory building allowances.
2. Whether the proposed development code text amendment corrects an error
or inconsistency or will help meet the challenge of a changed or changing
condition.
The development code amendment corrects an inconsistency in restricting
accessory buildings for single unit dwellings in NX zones to a greater degree
than similar properties in N2 and N3 zones. The proposed amendment would
align requirements for single unit dwellings with the N2 and N3 zone
requirements.
Community Input and Engagement:
• The discrepancy in the code was brought out in discussing requirements with
a community member interested in a garage, potentially with an accessory
dwelling.
• No community members commented on this item as of the writing of this
report.
• Staff will provide an update to the Planning and Zoning Commission on all
public comments received during the public hearing.
Engagement Activities:
• The Planning and Zoning Commission’s public hearing.
• Published notice of this public hearing in the City’s official paper.
3
Alternatives:
Development Code Text Amendments are considered legislative action. The City has
a wide degree of discretion in creating legislation, but it must be reasonable and
promote public health, safety, and/or general welfare.
The Planning and Zoning Commission could consider the following alternatives:
• Recommend modifications the proposal – such as a change to the number or
size of allowed accessory structures.
• Recommend denial of the proposal.
NEXT STEPS
The City Council will consider the Planning and Zoning Commission’s
recommendation at their December 10th meeting. The Council may vote to approve a
first reading of the Ordinance. A second reading of the Ordinance is required to make it
official.
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2024-16
A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 102 OF THE HOPKINS CITY CODE RELATED TO ACCESSORY
STRCUTRES IN NX ZONES
WHEREAS, the Hopkins Development Code is intended to establish the development
standards to implement the community vision and enact the vision, goals and policies of the
2040 Comprehensive Plan – Cultivate Hopkins; and
WHEREAS, City staff is requesting a Development Code Text Amendment to modify
requirements for accessory structures for single unit dwellings in the NX zones; and
WHEREAS, the procedural history of the Development Code Text Amendment is as
follows:
1. That the above stated Development Code Text Amendment was initiated by the City;
and,
2. That the Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission, pursuant to published notice, held
a public hearing on the application and reviewed such application on November 26,
2024 and all persons present were given an opportunity to be heard; and,
3. That written comments and analysis of City staff were considered; and,
WHEREAS, staff recommended approval of the above stated application based on the
findings outlined in the Planning & Zoning Report 2024-08 dated November 26, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning & Zoning Commission of the
City of Hopkins hereby recommends the City Council of the City of Hopkins approve an
ordinance amending the Hopkins Development Code related to accessory structures in NX
zones.
Adopted this 26th day of November 2024.
__________________________________
Whitney Terrill, Chair
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORIDNANCE 2024-1217
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 102 OF THE HOPKINS CITY CODE
RELATED TO ACCESSORY STRCUTRES IN NX ZONES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOPKINS HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Hopkins City Code, Part III, Chapter 102, Article 6, Subsubsection 102-
610(b)(3)c., is hereby amended by adding the double-underlined language as follows:
c. NX Zones. In NX zones, the total aggregate ground coverage (footprint) of
all accessory buildings may not exceed 528 square feet per dwelling unit,
except lots with one (principal) house occupied by one household are subject
to b above.
SECTION 2. The effective date of this ordinance shall be December 26, 2024.
First Reading: December 10, 2024
Second Reading: December 17, 2024
Date of Publication: December 26, 2024
Date Ordinance Takes Effect: December 26, 2024
By:___________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Amy Domeier, City Clerk