11/13/1996 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • Planning & Zoning Board November 13, 1996 Ms. Wyland added that the City Council is anticipating the first reading of the ordinance at the November 25, 1996 Council meeting. Changes discussed at this meeting will be incorporated. Chair Schaps stated that further changes can be made with amendments. This project has taken an ordinance that was a hodge -podge of ordinances and put it into a workable document that is user friendly. Ms. Dahl asked for further explanation as to why adoption of this new zoning ordinance is not delayed until the Comprehensive Plan is revised. Mr. Brixius stated that adoption could be delayed, but then the old ordinance would have to be used until the new one is adopted. The old ordinance is difficult to use because there are interpretation conflicts and it is in a cumbersome format. Also, the revised Comprehensive Plan is not scheduled for completion until 1998, which is two years. Mr. Dunn empathized with Ms. Dahl as a new member in having to comprehend the new ordinance in a short time. However, after discussing several questions with staff and listening to the discussion at this meeting, he is prepared to approve it because the City needs an updated document. Ms. Dahl asked if, when the new ordinance is put into effect, whether current situations are grandfathered in, such as accessory buildings or outside storage that do not comply with the new ordinance. Mr. Brixius responded that the proposed changes will not create many non- conforming uses and will not change the zoning of any property. Landscaping and parking requirements refer to new developments, not existing ones. Exterior storage was the second most talked -about subject at task force meetings. If firewood is currently stored in the front yard but later discontinued, it cannot be re- established. Although he is not sure there is sufficient staff to police exterior storage, in general most people do not store items in the front yard. Mr. Johnson made a MOTION to approve the draft zoning ordinance as presented with the above appropriate comments made by participants at this meeting to be included, and was supported by Robinson. Motion carried unanimously, 6 -0. VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS Chair Schaps noted that the Town Center proposal portion of the Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed within the next couple of weeks. Districts 1 and 2 will be reviewed early January 1997, with a neighborhood meeting to follow. The most populous districts will be decided in the next two months. 12