HomeMy WebLinkAbout5 - Ord Amendment - Definition of Family
To: Planning Commission
From: John Hinzman, Community Development Director
Date: November 8, 2021
Item: City Code Amendment - Definition of Family
Planning Commission Action Requested
Hold a public hearing and consider an amendment to City Code Chapter 155.02 - Zoning Code
Definitions modifying the definition of “Family”.
Proposed Amendment
FAMILY. A group of individuals living under 1 roof. An individual, or two (2) or more
persons related by blood, marriage, guardianship, adoption; or a group of not more
than four (4) persons not so related, living together as a single housekeeping unit
using common household, common cooking, and kitchen facilities.
Rationale for Amendment
The current definition allows an unlimited number of individuals to reside in any residential
unit. The City has seen an increased number of requests to rent out individual rooms that
increase the activity and vehicles that is beyond what is normally expected within residential
neighborhoods. Staff’s intent for the change is not to over-regulate the changing nature of
what constitutes a family, but to limit the number of unrelated individuals living within a
single unit.
Staff worked with the City Attorney to review the definition of family in surrounding
communities. Definitions share a common theme of limiting the number of individuals within
a residential unit that are not related by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, foster care,
guardianship, adoption, civil unions, etc. (generally termed “unrelated individuals”). The
number of unrelated individuals within a unit generally varies from 3-5 people.
Planning Committee of City Council Review
On September 8, 2021, the Planning Committee of City Council (Chair Folch, Leifeld, and
Vaughan) reviewed the issue and supported consideration of a change to the code.
Attachments
• Draft Ordinance Amendment
Planning Commission Memorandum
Planning Commission Review - November 8, 2021
CITY OF HASTINGS, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-___
An Ordinance of the City of Hastings amending City Code Section 155.02 - Zoning Code -
Definition of Family
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HASTINGS:
SECTION 1. Hastings City Code Section 155.02 - Zoning Code - Definitions is hereby amended as
follows (strikethrough language is deleted):
FAMILY. A group of individuals living under 1 roof. An individual, or two (2) or more
persons related by blood, marriage, guardianship, adoption; or a group of not more
than four (4) persons not so related, living together as a single housekeeping unit using
common household, common cooking, and kitchen facilities.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be effective upon seven (7) days after its
passage and publication.
Adopted by the Hastings City Council on this 6th day of December 2021, by the following vote:
Ayes:
Nays:
Absent:
CITY OF HASTINGS
____________________________________
Mary Fasbender, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Kelly Murtaugh
City Clerk
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the Ordinance presented to and
adopted by the City of Hastings, County of Dakota, Minnesota, on the 6th day of December
2021, as disclosed by the records of the City of Hastings on file and of record in the office.
_____________________________
Kelly Murtaugh
City Clerk