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Planners lower parking minimums and permit retaining walls in shore impact zone
Summary
The commission approved zoning ordinance amendments that reduce parking minimums (from five to four spaces per 1,000 sq ft, roughly a 20% cut) and allow retaining walls in the shore impact zone without a variance; staff said the DNR reviewed the shoreland change and sent a letter of support.
The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission approved amendments to the city zoning ordinance that reduce parking requirements and allow retaining walls in the shore impact zone.
Planning staff member Larry told commissioners a work group recommended simplifying parking categories and lowering required spaces by roughly 20 percent. "We've reduced the amount of spaces required by about 20%. So instead of five spaces per thousand square ft, it's now four spaces per thousand square ft," Larry said.
The ordinance change also removes language that previously banned fences in the shore impact zone and will now allow retaining walls in that area without a variance. Larry said the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources had reviewed the change and submitted a letter indicating it was acceptable for the shoreland provision.
Commissioners asked whether parameters such as maximum height or appearance for retaining walls were specified; staff said design and limits will depend on slope, grade and other zoning language, and that other ordinances addressing retaining walls remain applicable.
A commissioner moved to approve the ordinance changes as recommended in the packet; the motion passed on a voice vote and the chair announced the motion carried.
