The commission had previously recommended approval of an earlier draft, but following citizen comments at the city council’s April 28 meeting, the council returned it to the planning commission for a second hearing.
Concerns aired at that time included the ordinance’s 500-foot buffer clause, explained as being intended to prevent a “party row” situation causing a nuisance for neighbors; restrictions on social gatherings at the rentals, meant to prevent Airbnb or Vrbo rentals from taking business away from commercial event venues; and how the definition of rental could impact homebuyers’ ability to purchase homes via contract for deed.
City Planner Andrew Mack reminded the commission that the ordinance language was based on a study of similar ordinances in 11 Greater Minnesota communities. He said the draft ordinance was updated prior to bringing it back to the commission.
Planning commissioners Liz Stone and Robb Swanson both voiced concerns about the fairness of the buffer clause, suggesting the restriction was not necessary to handle nuisance complaints. Swanson suggested applying the buffer principal specifically to properties with the same owner or proprietor, in order to prevent anyone from using short-term rentals to create a resort. He also challenged the fairness of the “whoever gets it first” aspect of the buffer clause.
Commissioners and area realtors who dialed in for the hearing also discussed the possibility of neighboring homeowners filing false nuisance complaints; the idea of obtaining a rental license ($100 every three years) and a short-term rental permit ($100 per year) to prevent anyone within 500 feet of your property from doing this type of business; police handling of nuisance complaints; the cumulative annoyance of having a different tenant throwing a loud party next door every week of the summer; and the possibility that cyclists and recreational trail users taking an interest in our area may be an opportunity to rejuvenate the local housing market.
After an hour of discussion on the matter, Swanson moved to table the ordinance for further discussion at another time. The motion passed without dissent.
The commission recommended city council approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) for Beaudry Oil and Propane to create a propane storage, distribution and future retail office in Todd Township.
The location will be in the second lot east of Western Ave. N. on Deere Road, an undeveloped frontage road north of 1st Street W. (State Hwy. 34). The area is zoned B-1 highway business.
According to Mack’s planning report, Beaudry proposes building approximately half of the frontage road according to a design by the city engineer and will enter into a development agreement with the city.
The CUP was granted with all 10 staff-recommended conditions, including city approval of the site’s driveway design, fencing and landscaping plan, drainage and grading plan, signage and construction permits for the retail business office, and maintenance of the approved landscaping.
In addition, the planning commission imposed two conditions, prohibiting the on-site filling of 100-lb. or smaller propane cylinders and requiring fire department approval of a disaster plan.
The commission also recommended approval of a CUP for the Hubbard County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to build a second, 28-unit apartment building on Career Path, adjacent to the Meadow View Apartments that opened in January. The area is zoned R-3 medium density residential.
With funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, the proposed Meadow’s Edge building will have the same floor plan as Meadow View.
The impact of added traffic will require Career Path, currently a gravel road, to be improved pending approval by the Park Rapids City Council.
The CUP was granted with five staff-recommended conditions, including city approval of a final grading and drainage plan and signage, entering into a development agreement with the city, obtaining all required permits and conforming to other city code requirements.
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May 24, 2020 at 10:06PM
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PR planning commish tables short-term rentals - Park Rapids Enterprise
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