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Planning commission reviews broad zoning text amendments on encroachments and nonconforming additions
Summary
Planning staff presented a package of zoning text amendments that would clarify which structures count as encroachments—covering pergolas, ADA ramps, egress wells, patios, awnings, generators and air-conditioning units—and allow limited additions to nonconforming structures; commissioners asked for edits and directed staff to schedule public hearings.
Planning staff presented a comprehensive package of proposed zoning text amendments at the North St. Paul Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 7 that would clarify how the city treats small structures and equipment in required setbacks and would permit limited additions to nonconforming buildings.
Ken Roberts, the staff presenter, described the package as an effort to remove ambiguity from the code. "I worked on them in part based on the work plan earlier this year to clarify some things, especially what type of encroachments or additions should be considered or not considered encroachments into a required setback," Roberts said. He recommended clearer definitions for pergolas and arbors, and new rules on ramps, egress window wells, patios, awnings and permanently installed equipment.
Key technical proposals in the draft include: egress window wells may encroach up to 3 feet into a required setback…
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