08-14-08 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTT/S PLANNING COM AUGUST 15, 2008 are limited to a maximum 3-story height unless a Conditional Use Permit is granted to exceed this height limitation. The Planner noted that this was a common limitation by cities from years past and was tied to the ability to fight fires in taller buildings. This is no longer an issue for Little Canada. Duray pointed out that the CUP process would be available to a developer who wanted to construct a 3-story building. The Planner agreed. He noted that in the case of a CUP, the City would have to have findings to support a denial. He indicated that there may be business or commercial areas abutting residential areas where the City may want to limit a building to tlu•ee stories. Barraclough noted the development of residential housing above commercial, such as The Lodge, where a taller building would be the norm. Duray also pointed out the height of the St. Jude Medical building. The Planner noted that in the case of The Lodge and St. Jude Medical, these properties are zoned PUD and not subject to the 3-story height limitation. Duray felt that the existing limitation is working, and pointed out the CUP process that is available should someone want to develop a taller building. This process gives the City more control. Socha agreed that the current situation is working. Pechmann felt that the City should maintain oversight on this issue, pointing out that consideration may want to be given to the existing character of an area in reviewing CUP requests for taller buildings. Barraclough pointed out that Little Canada is afirst-ring suburb, and there may be more pressure for higher buildings. Pechmann agreed there could be more demand in the future, and suggested that the Code could be changed at the time the environment changes. Barraclough agreed. The Planner indicated that he will be clarifying the Zoning Code relating to fence height and the locations where a 6 '/z foot fence height is allowed and where a 4 foot fence height is allowed. Another discussion issue relates to the I-2 District and the need for a height limitation for stockpiles. The Planner noted that Fra-Dor Recycling is the only I-2 zoned property in the City, and they are allowed by Interim use permit. This District contains no standards for stockpile heights. Duray estimated that the current Fra-Dor stockpiles are 50 feet in height. The Planner indicated that he would do some research on existing conditions at the Fra-Dor site and make a recommendation to the Council on this issue. The Planner noted that the Zoning Code relative to the R-1 District, I-1 District, and Signage regulations has already been modified. The Planner asked if there were any additional questions or comments on the draft document. -4-