Date: February 7, 2017
To: City Council
From: Scott Tempel, City Planner
Title
Consider Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings Ordinance
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves the second reading of an Ordinance to permit Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings in residential zoning districts in Northfield.
Summary Report:
Attached is a draft ordinance allowing Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings (TFHCD) in Northfield residential districts. Key components of the ordinance include:
* TFHCD are allowed only as an accessory use on owner-occupied residential properties.
* Administratively issued permits are good for six months with one extension.
* Units must be less than 240 square feet and meet specific construction standards.
* Units must be on an improved surface and have utility service.
On May 12, 2016, Governor Dayton signed into law a bill passed during the 2016 legislative session requiring cities to allow temporary family health care dwellings. A temporary health care dwelling would be occupied by a mentally or physically impaired person on a residential lot that is owned and/or occupied by a relative or caregiver of the mentally or physically impaired person occupying the temporary family health care dwelling. Unless a municipality passed an ordinance before September 1, 2016 opting out of this statute, the law became effective statewide. Cities that opted out of the law may adopt their own ordinance allowing the use.
The Planning Commission reviewed the law related to Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings at the July 21st, 2016 Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission reviewed the findings laid out in the staff report and concurred the City of Northfield should opt out of the statute. The Planning Commission unanimously passed a motion recommending the City Council adopt the ordinance opting out of the legislation. The ordinance passed first reading at the August 2nd, 2016, City Council meeting and passed at...
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