HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 02-17 HCPAGENDA
BROOKLYN CENTER
HOUSING COMMISSION
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Council Commission Room
Brooklyn Center City Hall
1. Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes: January 20, 2015
5. City Council Liaison’s Report
6. Chairperson’s Report
7. Front Porch Zoning Code Amendment Discussion
8. Follow up: 2015 Priorities and Goals, Discussed at 1-20-15 Meeting
Homeless Help
Rental Recognition Program
Curbside Clean-Up
Brooklyn Center Property Values
Tour the Crest Apartments
Water Rate Increase
9. New Neighbor Program Update
10. Adjournment
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9-18-07
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
January 20, 2015
COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Thorbus at 7:00
p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Zachary Marko–Present
Judy Thorbus–Present
Kathie Amdahl–Present
David Johnson–Present
Mark Goodell–Present
Leroy Houston–Excused
Also present: Council Liaison Lawrance-Anderson and Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Goodell. The motion passed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There was a motion by Commissioner Johnson to approve the minutes of the Housing Commission
meeting on November 18, 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thorbus. The motion
passed.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson reported former Housing Commissioner Ephraim Olani was
given a Proclamation of Recognition at the Council Meeting for his service on the Housing
Commission.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson also reported this year’s street reconstruction will include an
overhaul of 63rd Avenue N.
Commissioner Amdahl asked where on 63rd Avenue N.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson stated it would be from Unity Avenue N. to Ewing Avenue N.
The posted speed is 30 MPH and the average speed was recorded at 43 MPH. The road will be
narrowed similar to Dupont Avenue N. to reduce the speed on the street. The south side will remain
a sidewalk and on the north side will be a 10 foot asphalt bike and walking trail. It will also include
some bump-outs. There was a lot of discussion at the meeting and most supported the upgrades,
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9-18-07
some were concerned about the trail.
Commissioner Thorbus asked if there will still be parking on the street.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson stated there will still be parking on the street.
Commissioner Thorbus asked if there will there be a bus lane.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson stated they will be using the same drive lane with room to pull
off.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson reported Luther Volkswagen is making progress.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson also reported the house on 63rd Avenue N. and Brooklyn
Boulevard is gone and purchased by the city. This is important because this property is a gateway to
the city and a home is not likely to be built there. There will likely be a bus shelter on each side of
63rd Avenue N.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson finally reported the Cars for Courage site will be coming down
soon. There is talk of senior housing being constructed there. This may be reviewed by the Housing
Commission.
Commissioner Amdahl asked why Brooklyn Center doesn’t post a sign for properties being
considered for redevelopment. Brooklyn Park does this.
Council Member Lawrance-Anderson stated that is a good point, we can review this.
CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
Chairperson Marko reported that the PowerPoint information for 63rd Avenue N. construction would
be helpful.
Chairperson Marko also reported Commissioners Thorbus and Goodell were reappointed.
Chairperson Marko asked if there an update on the frozen water pipes issue.
Staff Liaison Anderson stated there were a lot of properties that had pipes freeze in 2014 due to the
time length of cold weather. The properties that had frozen water lines are being reviewed to
determine if that was a one-time issue or if it is going to be a continuing issue. Also, Fix Up Fund
loans are available for these repairs.
Council Member Lawrance Anderson stated the city owns the line to house. If it freezes it is the
owner’s responsibility. This is being given special consideration when the street improvement is
being conducted. The city has been authorized to purchase equipment to help thaw frozen lines. It is
likely to become a policy to help when there is a freeze up.
Commissioner Amdahl asked if the problem was caused by the line being installed incorrectly at the
beginning or is it resulting for erosion.
Council Member Lawrance Anderson stated that the city is considering that when reviewing it.
Chairperson Marko requested more information on budget, there was a 2.9 percent increase.
2015 POSITIONS
Chairperson Marko stated he will not continue as Chairperson due to work schedule.
Commissioner Thorbus nominated Commissioner Johnson as Chairperson.
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Commissioner Johnson stated he is willing, but will miss a couple meetings where the Vice Chair
will need to fill in. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Amdahl. The motion passed.
Commissioner Marko nominated Commissioner Thorbus. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Goodell. The motion passed.
Commissioner Johnson stated he will miss the February meeting and May meeting.
2015 PRIORITIES
Commissioner Marko stated the Commission should continue the Welcome Packets. Marko will
continue some winter deliveries.
Commissioner Amdahl stated that we have streamlined the packets.
Commissioner Marko asked who the contact for the Cub food bags is.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson stated he no longer works there.
Commissioner Thorbus asked if we could ask the Business Association to donate bags.
Councilmember Lawrance-Anderson stated we could consider asking other community organizations
such as the Lions.
Commissioner Thorbus stated that getting volunteers to help with delivery was unsuccessful in past.
Commissioner Marko suggested that a new effort could be to try to connect with organizations to
help with homeless people who are pan handling to get off the street.
Chairperson Johnson stated some studies have showed that some are not homeless.
Commissioner Marko stated he would like to try to connect with them and see if we can help them.
Councilmember Lawrance Anderson said we need to get approval from the City to go out and do
this.
Commissioner Goodell asked what the status of the rental recognition program is.
Staff Liaison Anderson stated that we have been attempting to get feedback from residents at
Brooklyn Center rental properties, and have not found any volunteers to participate.
Commissioner Thorbus would like a city-wide curbside clean-up day.
Commissioner Thorbus would like the Housing Commissioners to report code violation and help the
City become more aware of common eye soars.
Commissioner Marko asked if the Housing Commission wants to make suggestions for code
changes.
Chairperson Johnson suggested we review what issues are emerging for the housing stock.
Considering why Brooklyn Center has low valued homes.
Commissioner Goodell asked if there could be clarification from the City Council on what they want
from the Housing Commission.
Commissioner Amdahl asked about the driveway Ordinance changes that were reviewed.
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Commissioner Thorbus asked if we could get a tour the Crest Apartments.
Commissioner Thorbus asked for more information on the water rate increase.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business addressed by the Housing Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Goodell to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Amdahl. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at
8:04 p.m.
__________________________________
Chairperson
MEMORANDUM – HOUSING COMMISSION
DATE: February 9, 2015
TO: Curt Boganey, City Manager
FROM: Jesse Anderson, Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards
SUBJECT: Discussion on Reduced Setbacks for Decks and Porches Located on Front of
Single-Family or Two-Family Residential Dwellings
Recommendation:
The City Council is considering changes to the front yard setbacks for porches and has requested
feedback from the City Housing Commission.
Background:
The at the City Council Work Session on February 9, 2015 the Council reviewed the attached
Council Memo and is looking to continue the discussion to allow front yard setbacks.
Attachment:
January 9, 2015 Council Work Session Memo
MEMORANDUM – COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Mission: Ensuring an attractive, clean, safe, inclusive community that enhances the quality of life
for all people and preserves the public trust
DATE: February 9, 2015
TO: Curt Boganey, City Manager
FROM: Tim Benetti, Planning and Zoning Specialist
THROUGH: Gary Eitel, Director of Business and Development
SUBJECT: Discussion on Reduced Setbacks for Decks and Porches Located on Front of
Single-Family or Two-Family Residential Dwellings
Recommendation:
It is recommended the City Council provide direction to City staff regarding its interest in
pursuing an ordinance amendment to allow a reduced front-yard setback or encroachment for
decks and porches located in the front-yard setback areas of single family and two-family
residential dwellings.
Background:
At the City Council Study Session on July 22, 2013, the City Council asked that staff review the
regulations and basis for front yard setbacks pertaining to front porches. A newspaper article had
reported that some cities were modifying setbacks to allow construction of front porches.
Some believe properly built front porches could benefit the community. It is also believed that
front porches may provide a variety to housing styles, increase property values, and encourage
community. A well-planned porch provides a gathering place, and some say adds charm and
personality to a home's exterior. The City’s Active Living Policy encourages front facades,
extensions, and houses to be placed closer to street right-of-ways; encouraging residents to
utilize, share and visit with their neighbors. More information about current City regulations, a
comparison of setbacks in other cities, and recommendations for front porches follows.
The City’s current setback regulations for single family and other multi-family structures are
listed in the table below:
Front
(2)
Rear
(5) (6)
Side
Interior
(3) (5)
Corner
(2)
District
R1
One Family Dwelling (Interior Lot) 35 25 (9) 10 25
One Family Dwelling (Corner Lot) 35 -- (5) 10 25
R2
One Family Dwelling (Interior Lot) 35 25 (9) 10 25
One Family Dwelling (Corner Lot) 35 -- (5) 10 25
Two Family Dwelling (Interior Lot) 35 40 10 25
Two Family Dwelling (Corner Lot) 35 -- (5) 10 25
MEMORANDUM – COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Mission: Ensuring an attractive, clean, safe, inclusive community that enhances the quality of life
for all people and preserves the public trust
The setback distances are measured from the exterior walls of the building to the respective
property lines. City regulations permit an encroachment up to 3-feet (equal to 1/3 the distance of
a minimum side-yard setback) for overhangs, cornices, soffits, and other projections from the
exterior wall of a structure.
Pursuant to Section 35-400. 3.b. the following side-yard setback reductions are allowed:
b. In the case of permitted one family and two family dwellings, the dwelling may be
located less than ten (10) feet, but not less than five (5) feet, from not more than
one (1) of the established interior side lot lines, provided: (1) All other yard
setback requirements are met; (2) The remaining minimum ten (10) foot interior
side yard, between the dwellings and the lot line, shall not be used for any
accessory building; (3) The exterior wall of the dwelling, facing the interior side
yard of less than ten (10) feet, shall contain no openings including doors, or
windows, or provision for mechanical equipment.
Under City Zoning Code Section 35-400: 8.a. and b., certain structures or improvements are
allowed to be placed in any yard area, and are not considered encroachments on yard setback
requirements:
a. In any yards: Off-street open parking spaces; terraces; awnings; canopies; steps
not exceeding 10% of the area of the yard; chimneys; flagpoles; air conditioner
condensers; temporary seasonal swimming pools; opaque fences, hedges, or walls
provided they shall not exceed four feet in height in front yards and provided they
do not impede vision within the sight triangle described in Section 35-560, or a
clear view of the address of the principal building. Fences, hedges, or walls may
exceed four feet in height alongside interior property lines. No fence, hedge or
wall shall be allowed which constitutes an unsafe sight obstruction for pedestrians
or motor vehicle operators.
b. In rear yards: Recreational and laundry drying equipment; arbors and trellises;
balconies limited to 15% of the yard area; breezeways, open porches; detached
outdoor living rooms (patios).
Comparative Matrix:
The attached comparative matrix prepared by Planning Staff includes a list of 28 communities
throughout the metropolitan area, which includes all adjacent (neighboring) cities. The table
provides a front yard setback standard for typical R-1 Single Family or Two-Family residential
dwellings; definitions of either decks and/or porches as provided in a few city ordinances; and
certain encroachment and setback allowances for decks and porches (both open and covered) on
the front edge of a dwelling. The following are a few highlights of the comparison:
MEMORANDUM – COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Mission: Ensuring an attractive, clean, safe, inclusive community that enhances the quality of life
for all people and preserves the public trust
The City of Roseville encourages and regulations state: “Open porches and balconies are
encouraged on building fronts and may extend up to 8 feet into the required setbacks.”.
This is consistent with existing Smart Growth design techniques and standards, and
Brooklyn Center’s Active Living Policies by encouraging front facades, extensions and
houses to be placed closer to street right of ways; which encourages more residents to
utilize, share and visit with their neighbors.
Some cities separate out or differentiate the allowable encroachments between open deck
versus an open porch and in some cases a closed covered porch. Most of the cities
researched allow a 5-10 foot encroachment of decks. Some cities limit the size of the
structure or area to be taken up by the encroachment. (E.g. Coon Rapids = 100 sf.;
Crystal = 240 sf.; Fridley = 50 sf.; St. Louis Park = 40-sf., etc.).
In most cities, a small covered vestibule of 5-6 feet is common; and in almost every
community, a fire escape with balcony, and a handicap ramp with accessible landing are
typically exempt from front and side yard setbacks.
Only one city (New Brighton) allows a reduced setback from 30-foot to 24-foot by means
of a special use permit. Even though the City of Brooklyn Center utilizes special use
permits for various uses and allowances in districts, Planning Staff does not recommend
or think a special use permit would be needed for an allowable encroachment of a deck or
porch.
Based on preliminary research and the setback comparison with other cities, it appears
that Brooklyn Center’s 35-foot front yard setback for residential areas is greater than the
setbacks of 25-foot and 30-foot found in most other communities.
Policy Issue:
Does the City Council wish to consider an amendment to Chapter 35- Zoning Ordinance to allow
or permit a reduced front-yard setback or encroachment for decks and porches located in the
front-yard of single-family and two-family residential dwellings?
If the City Council wants to consider an ordinance amendment, staff recommends that this item
be referred to the Housing Commission for comment, and to the Planning Commission for
consideration and recommendation. This recommendation will be brought back to the City
Council for consideration.
Strategic Priorities:
Community Image
Attachment:
Comparative Matrix of City Ordinances
COMPARATIVE MATRIX OF CITY ORDINANCE – REDUCED SETBACKS for DECKS & PORCHES
CITY
FRONT YARD
SETBACK *
DEFINITIONS
ENCROACHMENT ALLOWANCE
* Front Yard Setback figures are minimal distances and typical for R-1 Single Family Residential zoned areas
BROOKLYN
CENTER
35-ft.
N/A
In any yards: Off-street open parking spaces; terraces; awnings; canopies; steps not exceeding 10% of the
area of the yard
ANOKA
25-ft.
N/A
A landing place or uncovered porch may extend into the required front yard a distance not exceeding six feet
ARDEN HILLS
40-ft.
N/A
1) Decks, uncovered porches, ramps, and steps may extend six (6) feet into the required front, side,
and rear setbacks;
2) Covered Porches for Single-Family Detached Dwellings:
Current principal structure setback in feet multiplied by .75 = Covered Porch setback from the front
lot line and side yard corner in feet
(For example, if the principal structure is thirty-two (32) feet from the front lot line, then:
32 feet x .75 = 24 foot setback from the front lot line and side yard corner for the Covered Porch. In
this case, the Covered Porch may extend up to eight (8) feet from the principal structure into the
front setback)
BROOKLYN
PARK
30-ft.
N/A
No more than a distance of six feet into FY Setback: balconies and porches, steps, stoops, and the like
provided they do not have a floor higher than the entrance floor to the building and are not enclosed with
windows, screens, or the like, although they may have a roof.
CHAMPLIN
30-ft.
N/A
Attached accessory uses (including decks): 25-foot setback
(Assuming house is at 30-ft. setback, the deck or front addition could be up to 5-foot in width)
COON RAPIDS
35-ft.
N/A
Comm. Dev. Director may approve a deck, porch or living space which encroaches up to 10 feet in the
required front setback provided:
a) The encroachment does not exceed 100 square feet in area;
b) The deck or porch provides access to the main entrance of the dwelling;
c) Except for steps or a handicapped access ramp, the deck, porch or living space is at least 25 feet
from the front lot line, 10 feet from an interior lot line and 20 feet from a street side lot line;
d) The floor of the deck or porch is no higher than the threshold of the main entrance;
e) The underside of the deck or porch is screened with a material that is at least 50 percent opaque;
f) The deck, porch or living space is architecturally compatible with the dwelling.
CRYSTAL
30-ft.
N/A
1) Landings not exceeding 4 feet by 4 feet together with steps necessary to reach grade;
2) Open porches and decks attached to the principal building, provided that they are at least 22 feet
from the front lot line and their cumulative encroachment into the 30 foot front setback does not
exceed 240 square feet. Open porches are characterized as having a roof but not being
enclosed with windows, screens or walls;
3) Patios and detached decks, provided that they are at least 22 feet from the front lot line and their
cumulative encroachment into the 30 foot front setback does not exceed 240 square feet.
FRIDLEY
25-ft.
N/A
1) Canopies and steps to building entrances may extend not more than ten (10) feet into any required
front yard. Decks, unenclosed porches, canopies, and steps to building entrances may not extend
more than ten (10) feet into the required rear yard setback and not more than three (3) feet into any
required side yard, provided they do not extend nearer than five (5) feet to any lot line.
2) On existing structures, vestibules may extend not more than five (5) feet into the required yards
provided they are only one (1) story and do not exceed fifty (50) square feet
1
COMPARATIVE MATRIX OF CITY ORDINANCE – REDUCED SETBACKS for DECKS & PORCHES
CITY
FRONT YARD
SETBACK *
DEFINITIONS
ENCROACHMENT ALLOWANCE
* Front Yard Setback figures are minimal distances and typical for R-1 Single Family Residential zoned areas
GOLDEN VALLEY
35-ft.
Deck: An exterior floor system that exceeds twenty-five
(25) square feet in floor area, has no roof structure, and is
a minimum of eight (8) inches above grade at any point
around its perimeter
Decks and open front porches, with no screens, may be built to within thirty (30) feet of a front
property line along a street right-of-way line.
INVER GROVE
HTS.
30-ft.
DECK: A horizontal, unenclosed platform, with or without
attached railings, seats, trellises, or other features, attached or
functionally related to a principal use or site.
In front yards only: eaves, bay windows, chimneys, uncovered entry landings, uncovered decks, and
uncovered handicapped access ramps, except that no such structural element shall be closer than twenty
four feet (24') from the front lot line.
MAPLE GROVE
25-ft. to 35-ft.
N/A
1 )In front yards, steps, uncovered porches, stoops or similar features to a distance more than six
feet into the required front yard;
2 covered porches, bay windows and similar structures attached to the front of the house which are
no more than 25 percent of the width of the principal structure and extend no more than three feet
into the required front yard.
MAPLEWOOD
30-ft. to- 35-ft.
DECK : a horizontal, unenclosed platform with or without
attached railings, seats, trellises or other features that are
attached or functionally related to a principal use.
The director of community development may allow a different setback if it would not adversely affect the
drainage of surrounding properties and if any of the following conditions apply:
(1) The proposed setback would not affect the privacy of adjacent homes.
(2) The proposed setback would save significant natural features, as defined in section 12-248
(3) The proposed setback is necessary to meet city, state or federal regulations, such as the pipeline
setback or noise regulations.
(4) The proposed setback is necessary for energy-saving, health or safety reasons.
MENDOTA
HEIGHTS
30-ft. to 40-ft.
N/A
Covered and/or enclosed entryways (porches, decks, stoops, or similar structures) that extend into the front
yard setback shall require the approval of a conditional use permit, subject to compliance with the following
conditions:
(1) Such structure may not extend into the front or side yard more than five feet (5').
(2) Such structure shall be limited in size to fifty (50) square feet.
(3) Such structure may not extend above the height of the ground floor level of the principal building.
MINNETONKA
35-ft.
DECK - a structure without a roof and with flooring composed of
boards made of synthetic or natural materials. A deck is
considered attached if any part of it is within ten feet of the
principal structure; a deck is considered detached if no part of it
is within ten feet of the principal structure. A detached deck is
considered an accessory structure in the wetlands, floodplain,
and shoreland districts.
PORCH - a structure that is designed for home occupancy that
includes a floor and roof, and may include walls, but is not
designed for winter use. A porch may be attached or detached.
A detached porch (for example, a gazebo) is classified as an
accessory structure.
Fire escapes, landing places, uncovered porches, decks, heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment,
open terraces, outside stairways, cornices, canopies, swimming pool aprons and pool equipment, fireplaces
and other similar architectural features may extend into a required front, side or rear yard setback by a
distance not to exceed five feet (5’).
2
COMPARATIVE MATRIX OF CITY ORDINANCE – REDUCED SETBACKS for DECKS & PORCHES
CITY
FRONT YARD
SETBACK *
DEFINITIONS
ENCROACHMENT ALLOWANCE
* Front Yard Setback figures are minimal distances and typical for R-1 Single Family Residential zoned areas
NEW BRIGHTON
30-ft.
N/A
In required front yards, the required setback may be reduced to twenty four feet subject to approval of a
Special Use Permit, and subject to compliance with the conditions of this Subdivision.
1. The proposed addition uses the same exterior structure materials and colors as the principal structure and
accessories.
2. The roof is properly proportioned to and integrated with the roof of the principal structure (dwelling) on the
property.
3. The base of the addition is not open and its appearance is consistent with the base of the building.
4. The structure shall not exceed 35% of the width of the front of the dwelling, excluding the garage, or shall
not exceed twelve feet in width, whichever is less.
NEW HOPE
25-ft. to 30-ft.
DECK: a horizontal, unenclosed platform with or without
attached railings, seats, trellises, or other features, attached or
functionally related to a principal use or site and at any point
extending more than three feet above ground.
Decks, stoops, etc. In all yards: Terraces, steps, decks, stoops or similar features provided they do not
extend above the height of the ground floor level of the principal structure or to a distance less than three
feet from any lot line.
OAKDALE
30-ft.
N/A
Terraces, steps, exposed ramps (wheelchair), uncovered porches, stoops, or similar features provided
they do not extend above the height of the ground floor level of the principal structure or to a distance
of less than three (3) feet from any lot line nor less than one (1) foot from any existing or proposed access
drive.
PLYMOUTH
25-ft.
CANOPY: An accessory roof-like structure, which is either
attached to or detached from an allowable primary building;
which is open on all sides, other than where attached; and,
which is located over and designed to provide cover for
entrances, exits, walkways, and approved off - street vehicle
service areas.
DECK: a horizontal, unenclosed platform with or without
attached railings, seats, trellises, or other features, attached or
functionally related to a principal use or site.
Terraces, uncovered steps, decks, patios, uncovered porches, uncovered stoops and similar features
that do not extend above the height of the main living level of the principal structure, provided that in no
case shall any such feature be closer than six feet from a side or rear lot line, or from a front lot line
which qualifies as an equivalent rear or side yard as defined by this Chapter.
No encroachment shall be permitted in existing or required drainage and utility easements, unless
approved by the City Engineer.
ROBBINSDALE
30-ft. DECK or OPEN PORCH: a horizontal flat surface higher than
the adjoining area not having any roof, walls or lattice but may
have a railing no higher than 42 inches.
a one story covered porch may be up 24 feet from the front property line.
A deck or open porch no higher than 30 inches may extend not more than ten feet into any required yard
provided it does not extend nearer than 20 feet from any front property line and five feet from any side or rear
property line.
RICHFIELD
30-ft.
PORCHES. A sheltered entryway attached to a building and
projecting from its main mass; may be open-sided or partially
enclosed.
d) In required front yards, principal building entry vestibules that extend a distance of six (6) feet or less,
provided such vestibule is not more than eight (8) feet in width or more than one (1) story in height;
g) In required front and rear yards, landings, steps, uncovered porches, and other similar features
attached to the principal building that extend a distance of six (6) feet or less, provided such landing or
uncovered porch does not extend in elevation above the height of the ground floor level, and in no case shall
they be located more than 30 inches off the ground; a railing enclosure no more than three (3) feet in height
may be placed around such landing or uncovered porch, unless prior approval for a greater height is granted
by the Director;
h) In required side yards, uncovered porches attached to the principal building that extend a distance of
three (3) feet or less, provided they are not more than 30 inches off the ground. In no event shall they be
closer than four (4) feet from any side lot line; and
i) In required side yards, principal building steps, stoops, handicap access ramps, and other similar
features that extend a distance of three (3) feet or less. In no event shall they be closer than two feet from a
side lot line.
3
COMPARATIVE MATRIX OF CITY ORDINANCE – REDUCED SETBACKS for DECKS & PORCHES
CITY
FRONT YARD
SETBACK *
DEFINITIONS
ENCROACHMENT ALLOWANCE
* Front Yard Setback figures are minimal distances and typical for R-1 Single Family Residential zoned areas
ROSEVILLE
30-ft.
CANOPY: A roof-like structure projecting from the building over
an entrance or window that provides weather protection for the
entr y or window and, perhaps, the immediately adjacent area.
Canopies shall be considered part of the wall area for the
purpose of allocation of signage.
Open porches and balconies are encouraged on building fronts and may extend up to 8 feet into the required
setbacks.
SHOREVIEW
25-ft.
CANOPY. A roof-like structure projecting over any entrance of a
store, building or place of entry
DECK. A horizontal, unenclosed platform, without a roof which
may be attached or unattached to a structure, including any
attached railings, seats, trellises, or other features not more
than 36 inches above the platform, and whose platform, if
attached to a dwelling, is larger than permitted for a landing, not
including steps and ramps.
PORCH, UNENCLOSED. A horizontal roofed platform,
attached or unattached to a dwelling, with a wall system that
consists of roof support members, with or without railings, and
no doors, screens or windows. If attached to a dwelling, the
platform is larger than permitted for a landing, not including
steps and ramps.
PORCH, ENCLOSED. A horizontal roofed platform, attached or
unattached to a dwelling, heated or unheated, with a wall
system that consists substantially of screens, windows, and/or
doors. If attached to a dwelling, the platform is larger than
permitted for a landing, not including steps and ramps.
In front yards and in side yards adjoining a right-of-way of property zoned for residential use, bay windows
and cantilevered habitable area may encroach up to two feet into the required dwelling setback.
In interior side and rear yards: decks, open terraces, balconies and unenclosed porches provided they are
no closer than five feet to any property line.
ST LOUIS PARK
30-ft.
N/A
(4) Uncovered porches, stoops, patios or decks which do not extend above the height of the ground
floor level of the principal building and are a minimum of two feet from any interior side or rear lot line
and 15 feet from any front lot line and do not encroach on any side yard abutting a street.
(5) Open covered porches that do not contain either windows or screens and are a minimum of five feet
from any interior side lot line, nine feet from any side yard line abutting a street, 25 feet from any rear
lot line and 20 feet from any front lot line. Porches shall be open between the floor and the ceiling. All
railings shall be open utilizing posts and spindles.
(6) Front entryways not exceeding a depth of 5 feet toward the front lot line and not exceeding a
total of 40 square feet in area.
(7) Awnings, canopies less than 25 feet in width and door hoods for commercial, industrial, office and
multi-family buildings of at least 12 residential units may extend to the front and side yard abutting the
street lot line. Awnings, canopies and door hoods for single family homes and multi-family buildings of
up to 11 residential units may extend up to four feet into a front and side yard abutting the street. For all
uses, awnings, canopies and door hoods may extend up to four feet into an interior side and rear yard
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COMPARATIVE MATRIX OF CITY ORDINANCE – REDUCED SETBACKS for DECKS & PORCHES
CITY
FRONT YARD
SETBACK *
DEFINITIONS
ENCROACHMENT ALLOWANCE
* Front Yard Setback figures are minimal distances and typical for R-1 Single Family Residential zoned areas
STILLWATER
30-ft.
DECK means a horizontal, unenclosed platform with or without
attached railings, seats, trellises or other features, attached or
functionally related to a principal use or site, and at any point
extending more than three feet above the ground.
Every part of a required yard shall be open and unobstructed by any building or structure except for the
following:
(a) Awnings, sills, cornices, buttresses, eaves, landings and necessary steps and similar
architectural features may project into required yard a distance of not more than three feet so
long as the projection is not closer than three feet from the property line.
(b) Openwork fire balconies and fire escapes may extend not more than three feet into the required
side or rear yard.
WHITE BEAR
LAKE
35-ft.
DECK - A horizontal, unenclosed platform with or without
attached railings, seats, trellises, or other features, attached to
or detached from a principal building.
The following shall not be considered as encroachments on required yard setbacks:
1) A one (1) story enclosed entrance for a detached single family, two family or townhouse dwelling up to
64 square feet in area, may extend into the front yard setback not more than five (5) feet.
2) Unenclosed terraces, covered and uncovered porches, stoops, landings or similar features in front or
rear yards, provided they do not extend above the entrance floor level of the building or more than
eight (8) feet in the required yard.
3) An unenclosed, uncovered ramp or modified steps and landings for handicap accessibility leading to a
f irst floor entrance may encroach into the required setbacks provided it does not extend closer than
two (2) feet from a side lot line and ten (10) feet from a rear or front lot line.
WOODBURY
35-ft.
DECK means a horizontal, unenclosed platform with or without
attached railings, seats, trellises or other features, attached or
functionally related to a principal use or site.
PORCH: means a portico, veranda or colonnade consisting of a
deck, railings and roof supported by columns, that may be
screened, and is located at the entrance or across the front of a
residential dwelling unit.
A porch or stoop for a dwelling shall be allowed to encroach up to eight feet in front of the normal front yard
setback for a dwelling unit provided that:
(1) In no case shall a porch be closer than 20 feet from the front yard property line.
(2) Windows and full walls shall be prohibited in the encroachment area.
ROCHESTER,
MN
25-ft.
N/A
Porches, balconies, canopies, stairways, steps and necessary landings and decks which are open (except
for reasonable supports, covered patios, enclosed courts, eaves, awnings, bay windows, fire escapes,
chimneys, and steps) may extend into or over no more than 33% of the depth of a minimum yard or setback
which is required along a front or side lot line, and in no case closer than four feet to a side lot line.
Porches, balconies, canopies, stairways, steps and necessary landings and decks which are open (except
for reasonable supports, covered patios, enclosed courts, eaves, awnings, bay windows, fire escapes,
chimneys, and steps) or have walls with at least a 50% transparency may extend into or over the required
front or rear yard setback by as much as eight feet or in required side or side street yards by as much as two
feet
ST. CLOUD, MN
25-FT.
N/A
Decks allowed in front yard- but no more than 4-feet into required setback.
Porches not allowed to encroach
ST. PAUL
30-ft. to 40-ft.
N/A
An open, uncovered porch or deck serving the principal structure shall be subject to setback and lot
coverage requirements for the principal structure with the following exceptions:
(1) The porch or deck may project into a required front or rear yard for a distance not exceeding ten
(10) feet, providing the walking surface of the porch or deck is not higher than thirty (30) inches
above the adjacent grade in the front yard and not higher than eight (8) feet above the adjacent
grade in the rear yard, but this shall not be interpreted to include or permit fixed canopies. These
permitted projections shall be excluded from lot coverage calculations.
(2) An open, covered porch may project up to six (6) feet into a required front yard.
Attached vestibules, enclosed entrances and greenhouses may project up to twenty (20) square feet into a
required front or rear yard and shall be included as part of the principal structure for lot coverage purposes.
5