Members of the Superior Planning Commission met Thursday evening to consider three changes to the zoning ordinance.
Two of the changes were recommended to the city council for adoption. Action on the third was delayed pending the acquisition of additional information.
The commission decided to recommend the minimum size of a residence constructed in the community be reduced from 750 square feet to 500 square feet.
The minimum permitted home size without a special exception being granted has been moving downward in recent years. In 2002 the minimum size was 900 square feet. This was reduced to 750 square feet in 2021. The container home that was constructed as part of the Project Boom program contains 360 square feet and required an exemption be granted.
A current proposal before the city requested permission to construct a 560 square foot home on South National. That request has been permitted and construction is expected to begin.
State regulations put the minimum at 460 square feet for a structure permanently affixed to a foundation.
Questions discussed included, “What do people want?” Are we moving to too small? and What direction do we want Superior housing to take?
It was noted few people were getting married and family sizes were shrinking.
One of the concerns voiced was that since the smaller homes did not include basements, should safe rooms be required?
It was noted 400 square feet is the minimum home size for a conventional home mortgage.
One of the positives noted was that the smaller homes were suitable for infill housing on the communities existing 25-foot wide lots. The use of such lots would increase the community’s tax base without incurring the infrastructure costs associated with developing new housing districts.
It was also noted with the rapid rise in construction costs, smaller size houses were all many people could afford.
When it came time to vote, all seven commission members present voted to recommend a change in the minimum size.
The question now goes to the city council and a public hearing will be held before the question is put to a vote.
Thursday evening commission members also discussed the wisdom of encouraging the redevelopment of second floor housing in the downtown business district.
There was a time when the second floors of most downtown buildings were used for either apartments or offices. Some even included retail businesses. Today, most are vacant and in need of major renovation if they are to be used.
Current regulations require two exits and off street parking along with meeting current plumbing and electrical codes.
It was noted some communities have programs to encourage the development of upper level housing. Brenda Corman, a member of the commission, reported before her marriage she lived in such an apartment in downtown Hastings and was pleased with the amenities that came with living downtown.
The commission decided to gather more information and again discuss the topic.
The third item on the agenda was a request to change the zoning on a portion of the Kottmeyer North Business park from industrial to residential.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Young have indicated their interest in purchasing the western most two acres for the construction of a home and out building.
The property was once part of the Champlin Refining Company holdings in Superior but was never used as part of the company’s petroleum tank farm and thus is not subject to some of the environmental hazard rules which govern the use of the balance of the site. The lot in question adjoins residential zoning on the west. If fronts on a paved street and has water, natural gas and electrical service available. Sewer service is not available at that location.
The Youngs were present for the meeting. They said they expected to make improvements costing $250,000 to $300,000 and wanted to place a Wardcraft home of approximately 1,400 square feet with basement on the lot. They said noise from the adjoining businesses would not be a problem and they would not object to being located near a future electrical substation.
When looking for a lot, their criteria included a larger lot size located within the city limits. The lot in question met those requirements.
Members of the council voted unanimously to approve the zoning change. The question now goes before the city council which will hold a public hearing before voting on the request.
At an earlier meeting, the economic review committee voted to recommend the sale of the lot to the council. Under current rules, the council must approve the sale of all city owned property.
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