HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2018-11-05MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 5, 2018
Call to Order and Attendance: The Moab City Council held a Special Meeting on the above
date in the Council Chambers at the Moab City Center, located at 217 East Center Street, Moab,
Utah. A meeting recording is archived at http://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html. Mayor Emily
Niehaus called the meeting to order at 6:oo PM. In attendance were Councilmembers Rani
Derasary, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd, Karen Guzman -Newton, Kalen Jones and Mike Duncan. Also
in attendance were City Manager David Everitt, City Recorder/Assistant City Manager Rachel
Stenta, City Attorney Chris McAnany, Senior Project Manager Tracy Dutson, Assistant City
Manager Joel Linares, City Planner Jeff Reinhart, Development Services Manager Sommar
Johnson and Recorder/Project Specialist Eve Tallman. Sixteen members of the public and
media attended.
Discussion Regarding Occupancy Limits:
City Planner Reinhart began the discussion by outlining examples of reasonable occupancy
standards and maximum occupancy limitations. He described common minimum square
footage standards and the "two plus one" rule which means that two adults are allowed in each
bedroom plus one person, and thereby a two bedroom home could accommodate five adults. He
described factors involving children. Councilmember Jones asked about a rental property
owner's ability to stipulate fewer occupants than would be allowed under the applicable code.
Mr. McAnany replied that this could be a discriminatory practice. Councilmember Knuteson-
Boyd asked about whether there could be restrictions from using other rooms such as a den as a
bedroom. Mayor Niehaus expressed her concern for the members of the workforce who are
willing to increase home occupancy to retain affordability and her lack of enthusiasm for
regulating occupancy. Councilmember Derasary asked if there are health and safety regulations
already in place that may regulated occupancy. Reinhart described the standard for habitable
space. McAnany referred to the International Property Maintenance Code which stipulates fifty
square feet per occupant. Mayor Niehaus brought up the external impacts of occupants as the
driver for regulation. Councilmembers discussed impacts of parking and similar effects.
Councilmember Duncan brought up the high -density overlay proposal of the County. McAnany
cited a state code that stipulates any single-family residence must accommodate no fewer than
four adults. Discussion ensued about off-street parking, landscaping, and standards for the R-2
zone.
Mayor Niehaus mentioned parking concerns for high -density housing and building height, as
well as licensure for rental property owners. Derasary asked about the timeline for resolving the
occupancy issue and Title 17 revisions including boarding and rooming houses.
Proposed Ordinance #2018-19 — Planned Affordable Development (PAD) as a
High Density Affordable Housing Overlay
Discussion: Reinhart presented images of minimally sized rooms in dwellings. Discussion
followed on particulars of ratios of affordable units, mixed -size developments, and a scenario of
a PAD in an R-2 neighborhood. Mayor Niehaus offered that a three-story four-plex would be
limited by off-street parking and setbacks. Councilmember Guzman -Newton expressed
discomfort with three-story apartments in a given neighborhood. Mayor Niehaus mentioned the
example of the Purple Sage nightly rentals which were formerly eight one -bedroom apartments,
and which, as a PAD, would require more off-street parking. Height standards were discussed.
Mayor Niehaus proposed a 27' limit in R-2 and R-3 and a 36' limit in commercial zones.
Johnson pointed out current code allows 3o' heights in R-3. Jones brought up setbacks and
tapered height setbacks across zones. Duncan brought up tall dwellings that overlook lower
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November 5, 2018
dwellings. Other discussion surrounded maximum heights, financing, and lockable storage.
Fifty-year affordability standards were discussed. Mayor Niehaus noted submittal requirements.
Johnson stated some submittal requirements are costly and are a detriment to affordable
developments. Councilmember Derasary acknowledged the planning commission worked on the
topic for several years yet expressed concern that she had only seen the document three times.
Duncan concurred. Both Derasary and Jones stated they had several questions. Derasary asked
about the C-3 zone and Johnson explained there may be no benefit to pursue a PAD. Derasary
also mentioned cul-de-sacs and flag lots. Derasary also brought up differences between the
affordable housing definition in the PAD and one in documents jointly considered with the
County. She also asked about enforcement of code violations. Councilmember Jones asked
about open space and common space requirements.
Proposed Ordinance #2018-20 — Assured Workforce Housing Policy
Discussion: Planner Reinhart introduced the topic. Council and staff discussed changes
recommended by the Planning Commission, including length of deed restrictions and
contingency plans for a deadline to pass the workforce housing ordinance. The Nexus study
recommendation for fee -in -lieu came up, as well as the affordability formula and the limitation
of the fee to lodging developments, owner -provided housing, and land parcels. Council also
discussed a formula for townhomes and condominiums, and the proposed requirement for two
appraisals. Audience member Audrey Graham suggested a change in wording regarding
management of affordable housing.
Adjournment: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to adjourn the meeting.
Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Niehaus
adjourned the meeting at 9:31 PM.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder
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November 5, 2018