Forest Lake council adopts zoning amendment to set multifamily density at 15–20 units per acre

Forest Lake City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 7-49, which amends the multifamily residential district standards to clarify a minimum density of 15 units per acre and a maximum density of 20 units per acre.

Abby (planning staff) explained the change was prompted by a zoning text amendment request from a resident, James McKinnon, and staff proposed aligning the zoning code with the comprehensive plan, which already guides multifamily areas for 15–20 units per acre. "If we can tie our zoning code back to our comp plan… that's probably the best interest of the public," Abby told the council.

Planning Commission considered the amendment in February and recommended approval. Staff advised the council that the comprehensive plan already allows up to 20 units per acre and that when the comp plan and zoning differ, the comp plan prevails for land-use guidance. After a public hearing with no speakers, a councilmember moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion passed on council voice vote.

The ordinance amends the City Code (Title 15, Land Use; Chapter 153, Section 153.073 — Multifamily Residential District, Section A: Purpose) to reflect the clarified density range. Staff said the change is intended to remove confusion in the zoning code and align regulations with the adopted plan.

Council members noted the amendment is intended for apartment-style development and does not create allowances for single-family or attached low-density units in the multifamily district. The item proceeded without further public testimony and was adopted that evening.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 7-49 — motion to adopt ordinance amending multifamily residential district to 15–20 units per acre (adopted).