North St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Future Zoning Agenda Items and Definitions
Votes (1)
Discussion and Refinement of Draft Fence Ordinance Amendments
The commission reviewed and discussed proposed amendments to the city's fence ordinance. Key changes included clarifications on permit requirements for alterations and new construction (with an exception for athletic fields), rules for fences in easements (owner's risk, no drainage interruption), and compliance with fire code for utility access. Regulations were separated for residential and non-residential fences, addressing existing conflicts in mixed-use districts. Proposed height increases for front (to 4 ft, residential), rear (to 7 ft, residential), and non-residential (up to 8 ft with administrator approval) fences were discussed. A significant portion of the debate focused on removing the 50% opacity requirement for front yard fences due to aesthetic concerns and limited safety benefits for low fences. The allowance of barbed wire in MU3 districts for non-residential properties was debated for its broadness and potential aesthetic impact, but was ultimately retained to provide security flexibility for businesses. Clarifications were also made regarding the definition of 'front yard' (from the house front to the property line) and minor grammatical refinements to the ordinance language. The commission reached a general consensus on the proposed changes, paving the way for a public hearing.
Notable Quotes (5)
the first item was we clarified that a fence permit is required for for alterations um repair and maintenance as well as for brand new construction and also created an exception that would not require the city to pull a permit for putting an athletic field fence um at mcnight Park for example
can you clarify the 50% opaque part... why do we care that's a question for you do we care I I don't care
My worry is saying the mu3 district that's that's a big it's a lot of property that's in the mu3 district and it's a lot of different uses some are residential but you're saying non-residential but um I guess what I would ask to everybody is does anybody else feel like that should be [Music] um what's the right term not as broaden area yeah
I think the intent was to provide for the flexibility to those businesses like um our car repair one over on Cent Avenue to have the ability to have some extra security if they if they wanted it
I've learned this lesson already because we had a community that had um some houses that had Street facing on two sides of the of the property and then we eliminated their ability to put up a privacy fence by the way it was written yeah so you yeah you learn after doing I think this is pretty flexible too
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Document summarizing proposed changes to the fence ordinance.
Proposed new fence regulations for presentation to City Council.
Minutes from a previous meeting that were approved.
Rules referenced for ensuring access to utility boxes and hydrants.
New swimming pool fence regulations will match these state rules.
Planned Unit Development ordinance described as complex and repetitive, part of the 17th in Delaware project.
Action required for the 17th in Delaware project because townhouses are not allowed in R1 districts.
Process required for the 17th in Delaware project.
Next item on the long-term zoning agenda.
Source of language like 'property residentially used' in the ordinance.