Discussion Item: Feedback on the Creation of a Neighborhood Business District

In 2016, following the Public Hearing regarding the property located at 6139 157^th Lane NW, staff was instructed to create a new zoning district within the City of Ramsey for the purposes of commercial property located near or adjacent to residential properties. This zoning district did not move forward in 2016 and staff has been directed to bring the case back to the Planning Commission as a discussion item. This proposed zoning district is slightly more restrictive than the current B-1 district and would not occur along Highways 47 or 10. The intent of this ordinance is truly small-scale, neighborhood-scale commercial uses. The intent is not to allow higher intensity uses most commonly found along highway corridors. This district can be a valuable tool moving forward as the City attempts to accomplish comprehensive plan goals to provide a mix of uses focused on neighborhoods. For example, another potenital area for this zoning district could be used would be near the new elementary school (not proposed at this time).
 
Staff has modified the proposed zoning district from 2016 to include four permitted uses, three conditional uses and five prohibited uses. Staff would like the Planning Commission's feedback

The purpose of the discussion tonight is to review the draft zoning district, collect feedback from the Planning Commission regarding the new zoning district, and bring an ordinance back to a later meeting.

No notification was completed, as this is a discussion item.

Permitted uses in the new Neighborhood Business District include: administrative and business offices, personal or professional services, restaurants and cafes, and day care centers.  Potential conditional uses include: expansion or enlargement of lawful nonconforming uses, animal clinics, and medical clinics. Potential prohibited uses include: Motor vehicle sales or repair, retail operations with drive through, gas stations, on and off-sale liquor, adult uses - principal and adult uses - accessory. The Planning Commission could choose to make all uses (except those prohibited) within the new district conditional as to create a better sense of transparency for neighboring residents and have more control regarding the types of uses that are allowed.

The permitted accessory uses as well as the bulk standards are generally the same as the B-1 General Business District, and include regulations regarding setbacks, off-street parking, landscaping, and building materials. The Planning Commission may want to consider amending the exterior wall finishes as currently allowed finishes are: face brick, stucco, glass, wood, natural stone, specifically designed/decorated precast concete; and other material approved by the City. To better align with the residential character of nearby neighborhoods, it may be amenable to the Planning Commission to have more restrictive standards requiring the use of vinyl or generally matching the appearance of the residential neighborhood. 

Provided the Planning Commission approves moving this ordinance forward, the zoning map will be amended at a later time.

No funding is needed for this item.

Staff recommends reviewing the proposed ordinance, providing feedback regarding the Neighborhood Business District, and directing staff to conduct a public hearing and present a draft ordinance.

Review enclosed Neighborhood Business Zoning District and provide feedback to staff regarding changes. No formal action is needed.