Consider an Amendment to Chapter 106 (Zoning Code) and the COR Framework Pertaining to Streetscaping and Bulk Standards in the COR Zoning Districts

This case pertains to the repeal of a portion of the COR Framework, and the concurrent amendment of Ramsey City Code Chapter 106, to consolidate and update land use, streetscaping, and bulk standards in the COR zoning districts. The land use modifications were presented at the July 23rd Planning Commission meeting.

The current COR zoning regulations are split between two documents: Chapter 106 of Ramsey City Code, and the COR Framework. These separate Codes have been updated for various issues and topics over the years, but there are some outstanding inconsistencies between the two Codes. Additionally, having two separate Codes, and located in different areas of the City's website, has made it difficult to navigate for developers, residents, and Staff.  City Staff from Community Development, Engineering, and Public Works have met to discuss these changes to determine what should be kept, modified, or deleted in the proposed Code, building upon the strengths and successes of the COR neighborhood while addressing Ramsey's vision for the future. 

For reference, here is a link to the Zoning Map and a link to the COR Framework Document.

The attached draft Code is color-coded to show where the language came from for transparency.

• Existing text to be retained is noted in black font.
• New text to be added is noted in blue font.
• Text that is rephrased or restructured, but that retains the general intent of current regulations, is noted in gold font.
• Text that is proposed for deletion is noted in red strike-through font.

Much of the language is retained from the existing COR Framework, with some rearrangements and consolidations of duplicated language. More detailed changes to the Code include the following:

• The Street Trees and Plantings standards on pages 83-85 of the COR Framework PDF have been simplified to eliminate a list of permitted tree species while retaining the policy language about groupings of tree species per block or street section, allowing developers and City Staff more flexibility to plan around tree diseases such as emerald ash borer (EAB) and oak wilt.
• The current bulk standards listed on pages 127, 129, 132, 134, and 136 of the COR Framework PDF are consolidated into the existing Section 106-630 for simplicity and searchability.
• There is also an adjustment to the building height requirements, changing from a minimum and maximum number of stories to a maximum height measured in feet, aligning with Ramsey's other zoning districts.
• The minimum floor area ratio has not historically been enforced, so it is proposed for deletion.
• The allowable residential density, as measured in dwelling units per acre, is clarified to align with current practices and the density ranges identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
• The definition of a "build-to line" (in contrast to a "setback") has been refreshed to clarify the intent of constructing buildings closer to the street in the COR, as opposed to having a parking lot between the building and street.
• The exceptions to build-to line standards are more clearly defined to include topography, utilities, wetlands, or other similar factors, aligning with past practice for developments in the COR.
• More specific guidance is provided for corner lots and lots with multiple street frontages, prioritizing building placement along Sunwood Drive and Ramsey Parkway.
• The standards for boulevard width and sidewalk width have been adjusted to align with what has been built in the COR, and what is anticipated to be needed for future build-out of the COR's vacant parcels.
• Lastly, COR-2 is renamed to COR-2a for consistency.

As was the case with the Zoning Code update in 2023 and the Sign Code update in 2025, most properties will not experience any negative impacts as bulk standards will remain essentially the same or become slightly less restrictive.

A notice of the Public Hearing from the July 23rd Planning Commission was published in the Anoka County Union Herald, the City's official newspaper. These code amendments are part of that same Public Hearing.

Alternatives to consider:

1. Recommend approval of Ordinance #26-16 as presented.
2. Recommend approval of Ordinance #26-16 with modifications based on discussion.
3. Recommend denial of Ordinance #26-16 based on discussion, leaving the existing language in place.

The code amendment is being handled through Staff's normal duties. All work has been done in-house without the use of consultants.

Staff recommends approval of the Zoning Text Amendment.

Motion to recommend the City Council adopt Ordinance #26-16, Amending Chapter 106 (Zoning Code) and the COR Framework Pertaining to Streetscaping and Bulk Standards in the COR Zoning Districts.