Proposed ordinances

The Albert Lea City Council approved the first reading of proposed changes to the ordinances below on May 8. The council will hold the second reading and final vote at a future meeting. For more information, contact City Clerk Daphney Maras at [email protected] or 507-377-4335, or your city councilor.

Off-street parking in residential areas
Based on requests from residents, this change would increase the size of paved areas off front driveways in residential areas to accommodate larger vehicles, recreational vehicles and trailers in residential areas, from 187 to 240 square feet or 10 by 24 feet.

Permits for driveway expansions
This amendment would require site plans and permits for changing or expanding driveways in order to prevent violations of shoreland laws and pouring concrete in prohibited areas such as across property lines.

Preserving downtown commercial space
This change would specify that certain properties in the historic downtown maintain a minimum of 50-percent commercial or non-residential use. This change would address a concern that under current zoning, buildings could become entirely residential, which would significantly change the makeup of Albert Lea’s downtown.

Outdoor merchandise display in business areas
The change would allow outdoor merchandise displays on the public right-of-way in business areas, including downtown sidewalks, as long as the display does not exceed 5 percent of the store’s floor area and maintains a 3-foot walkway to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Outdoor seating on public property
This change would eliminate the requirement for segregating outdoor seating on public property – such as downtown sidewalks- by fencing or other means in order to make the most use of limited space. The seating would still need to maintain at least a 3-foot walkway to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act.