In the multiple-family residential districts, all improvements and lands shall be subject to the following minimum area and dimensional requirements:
(A) Lot area. Densities are predicated upon the availability of public water, storm sewer and sanitary sewer service; without the service, densities shall be limited to one dwelling unit per ten acres. Appendix B, division (C) shall be used to compute the minimum lot area exclusive of street right-of-ways, in square feet and the computation shall be subject to the following: Ponding area or similar unbuildable areas shall not comprise more than 10% of the total site area.
(B) Density bonus.
(1) Certain design and construction features serve to reduce the real and perceived impacts of crowding prevalent in multiple-residential dwelling units and building complexes. These features enhance individual unit privacy, offer an improved outdoor environment and foster a sense of pride and commitment to its residents. These traits contribute to neighborhood stability and positive social relationships which are found to be beneficial to the community as a whole.
(2) To the extent that these features are incorporated, the maximum density permitted in each of the zoning districts shall be increased in accordance with the following, except that the increased density shall not exceed that listed under “with bonus” as stipulated in division (A) above. Where only a portion of the dwellings or buildings are provided with these features, the increase in density shall be prorated.
(a) Common open space: 1.0 units/acre. This bonus shall be granted when multiple-residential buildings in a complex are arranged in a manner which creates significant open space between them. In order to be eligible, the open space so created must have a minimum area of two times the lot coverage of the buildings which face the space, be configured in a regular shape, be recognizable as a defined common or sheltered area, and be designed or contain features which encourage social interaction among the residents of the complex.
(b) Private outdoor space: 0.50 units/acre. This bonus shall be granted when multiple-residential buildings are designed so that each dwelling unit is provided with a contiguous private outdoor space. In order to be eligible, the private spaces must be designed to be screened or sheltered so that its occupants are not visible from any other dwelling unit, other private open space, or any passer- by on adjacent private or public property.
(c) Sound suppression: 1.50 units/acre. This bonus shall be granted when multiple residential buildings are constructed with upgraded sound suppression materials in the walls, ceilings and floors which separate individual dwelling units. In order to be eligible, the STC rating must be increased by ten from that specified as the minimum in the Minnesota State Building Code.
(d) Basements: 0.25 units/acre. This bonus shall be granted when multiple-residential buildings are constructed with a full basement under each dwelling unit rather than a crawl space or slab- on-grade. In order to be eligible, the basement must exist under the entire ground floor area, excepting therefrom any garage area.
(e) Oversize garages: 0.50 units/acre. This bonus shall be granted when multiple-residential buildings are constructed with oversize garage areas for storage purposes. In order to be eligible, townhouse garages must each be a minimum of 550 square feet. Apartment garages must each be a minimum of 250 square feet or, in the alternative, each apartment dwelling unit must be provided with a locking storage locker of at least 50 square feet.
(f) Private amenities: 1.0 units/acre. This bonus shall be granted when multiple-residential buildings are constructed with upgraded living amenities within each dwelling unit. In order to be eligible, each dwelling unit must be provided with a functional fireplace (0.50 units/acre) or 1¾ bathrooms (0.50 units/acre).
(C) Height regulations.
(D) Maximum coverage of the site. All buildings, including accessory buildings, shall not cover more than the percentages listed in Appendix B.
(E) Maximum impervious surface. See § 155.350.
(F) Setback regulations.
(1) Public streets and property lines. The minimum setbacks from adjacent property and public streets shall be as set out in Appendix B.
(2) Setback between multiple-residential buildings. For the purposes of this division, the term “side” shall refer to the short sides of a structure and the terms “front” or “rear” shall refer to the long sides of the structure.
(a) Minimum setbacks between sides of multiple-residential buildings shall be 15 feet or a distance equal to half the combined height of the adjacent building faces, whichever is greater.
(b) Minimum setbacks between the front or rear of multiple-residential buildings shall be 50 feet or a distance equal to the combined height of the adjacent building faces, whichever is greater. This requirement also applies to situations where a front or rear faces a side.
(G) Screening. See § 155.348.
(H) Landscaping. See § 155.349.
(I) Parking. See §§ 155.370 through 155.379. Notwithstanding § 155.379, within C districts enclosed garage spaces need to be provided only at the rate of one stall per dwelling unit for either townhouse or apartment units and garage space may be located in a structure detached from the multiple-residential building.
(K) Balconies. Within A and B districts, where private balconies for individual dwelling units are included, they shall be incorporated into the overall building design so as to provide architectural relief through the use of privacy walls beneath protruding dormers, or some similar treatment.
(L) Rooflines. Within A or B districts, roofs shall have a minimum pitch of one to three.
(M) Building elevations along public streets. Within A and B districts, no more than 50% of the length of a building elevation which faces a public street can be used for garage doors.
(‘81 Code, § A1-33) (Ord. 291, passed 4-21-83; Am. Ord. 436, passed 2-23-89; Am. Ord. 465, passed 10-26-89)