HomeMy WebLinkAbout02_0122City of Falcon Heights
Planning Commission Minutes
January 22, 2002
Commissioner De Leo called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
PRESENT: De Leo, Harris, Heideman, Lageson, Tracy, Ziebarth. Also present were Peter Lindstrom, Council Liaison, Heather Worthington, City Administrator, Deb Jones, Zoning and Planning
Coordinator
ABSENT: Middleton
DISCUSSION OF GARAGE AND ADDITION SETBACKS AND LOT COVERAGE IN NORTHOME NEIGHBORHOOD
Heather Worthington introduced Lynnanne Warren, a resident of Northome, who has some concerns about height and setback of garages and lot coverage in the neighborhood. Ms. Warren gave
several examples of over-size garages near her home and said that it is hard to believe that these structures meet city code. Her particular concern is that no landscaping is visible
in the back yards of these homes; they seem to be all building or pavement. An allowance of 75% lot coverage seems too high.
Ms. Worthington addressed the specific cases mentioned. The recent construction did conform to code, but several older garages were constructed illegally, without permits. The city
takes this issue very seriously and does stop illegal projects when they are caught in process. Illegal projects may go up very quickly and city inspection resources are limited, so
it is important for residents to call City Hall if they see construction beginning without a posted permit or if they have questions about the legality of a project.
Commissioner Lageson pointed out that residents rely on the City to enforce the code, that they may be reluctant to report on a neighbor. Ms. Worthington replied that anyone can make
a complaint or voice a concern without giving their name or address. An inspector will come out and take a look. This was done in the case of the recent construction mentioned above.
Commissioner Heideman asked if there is a way to create zoning code that takes into account the differences among Falcon Heights Neighborhoods. Ms. Worthington replied that staff has
researched this issue and determined that the city is allowed to tailor zoning to a particular neighborhood. She has discussed with the City Attorney the possibility of rewriting the
R-1 code accordingly. Additional research will be done to find out what other cities are doing to address setback and lot coverage issues.
Commissioner De Leo asked what prevents the city from taking action in the older cases of illegal construction. Ms. Worthington said the first issue is ownership: the present owner
may not have owned the property at the time of construction. The second issue is
use of the city's resources in taking cases to court. The city is very much inclined to pursue current cases, less inclined if the case is old. In most cases, the court upholds the
interests of the homeowner. She added that the city is initiating an effort to educate residents about the zoning code through a brochure to be sent out in a future mailing and added
to new residents' packets, and through the web site.
The Commission thanked Ms. Warren for attending the meeting and sharing her concerns.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER
Heather Worthington welcomed new Commissioner Ann Ziebarth to the Planning Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Harris asked about the impact of state funding cutbacks on the Southeast Corner development. It is complicated, Ms. Worthington said. We did anticipate the impact on TIF,
but there is concern about state financing for the MHFA. It depends on what the legislature decides to do, but we are very hopeful at this point.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Jones
Zoning and Planning Coordinator