HomeMy WebLinkAbout#10 CC Report Palmquist Wedding IUPMAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE: 4/5/2016
REGULAR
ITEM #: 10
MOTION
AGENDA ITEM: Interim Use Permit for a Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Wensman, Planning Director- Presented by Ben Gozola
THROUGH: Clark Schroeder
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, City Planner
Ben Gozola, Consultant Senior Planner
SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS:
- Introduction of Item .................................................................................................... Staff
- Report/Presentation .................................................................................................... Staff
- Questions from Council to Staff ............................................................ Mayor Facilitates - Public Input, if Appropriate ................................................................... Mayor Facilitates
- Call for Motion .............................................................................. Mayor & City Council
- Discussion ..................................................................................... Mayor & City Council - Action on Motion .................................................................................. Mayor Facilitates
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
Carol Palmquist is requesting approval of a 10-year Interim Use Permit to establish a Commercial
Wedding Ceremony Venue to be located at 12202 55th Street N. Staff and the Planning Commission
recommend approval a 5-year Interim Use Permit with conditions with the following motion:
“Move to approve Resolution 2016-__ granting a 5-year Interim Use Permit for a Commercial
Wedding Ceremony Venue with 13 conditions”.
BACKGROUND AND STAFF REPORT:
Carol Palmquist is requesting approval of a 10-year Interim Use Permit to establish a Commercial
Wedding Ceremony Venue on her residential property located at 12202 55th Street N. On February 16,
2016, the City Council approved an amendment to the Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue ordinance
to allowed the venues as an accessory use with an interim use permit in the A – Agriculture, RT – Rural
Transitional, and RR-Rural Residential zoning districts on parcels 10 acres in size or greater, increased
the allowed number of venues to no more than four per week, no more than 2 per day, requires an
operator or responsible designee be on the premises for the duration of each event, and exempts
applicants from the commercial parking and curbing requirements of Section 154.210. On February 22,
2016, the Planning Commission held a public hearing. At the public hearing, three residents spoke on the
item. One spoke in favor of the item and the two others expressed concerns about noise, environmental
concerns, and the city’s poor maintenance of the road. Of those that spoke, none were opposed to the
proposal. The Planning Commission discussed primarily focused on the duration of the interim use
permit, and the issues of noise and emergency vehicle access requirements. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of a 5-year Interim Use Permit with 13 conditions.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
On February 22, 2016, City Staff had presented 10 conditions of approval in the Staff report. The
Planning Commission amended conditions 2 and 6, and added three additional conditions
(underlined). The recommended conditions of approval are:
1) That a parking attendant be on site to assist with cars arriving and exiting the site for
each wedding ceremony event.
2) That the access driveway be 18’ wide and designed to a 7 ton standard to accommodate emergency service vehicles to the northerly extent of the parking area, or that the access driveway be 18’ wide, designed to the 7 ton standard to the edge of the field and that the
adjacent private drive remain clear during venues for emergency service vehicles.
3) That accessible parking be provided and signed as handicapped parking with an
accessible path connecting the sanitary facilities and the public assembly area.
4) That the applicant maintains compliance with all applicable City Code standards for the duration of the interim use.
5) That the applicant enters into a consent agreement with the City in accordance with
Section 154.107 of the City Code.
6) That the interim use is valid for a period of ten five years and must be renewed by the City Council prior to the end of this time period in order to continue operating from the
site.
7) The applicant/owner shall comply with Minnesota 1300.0190 for temporary structures
and uses. Building permit and inspection will be required.
• Temporary structure installer is required to submit a complete plan from the manufacture for installation including tie down instructions that conform to the 90
MPH wind loading in the Minnesota State Building Code.
8) Applicant must comply with all applicable requirements of the MN State Fire Code:
• Chapter 24, “Tents, Canopies and other Membrane Structures of the 2007 Minnesota Fire Code.
• Section 503, “fire Apparatus Access Roads”, of the 2007 Fire Code.
• Section 906, “Portable Fire Extinguishers”, of the 2007 Fire Code.
9) That the applicant/owner maintain a contract to supply and maintain (4) temporary
sanitary facilities while in operation and that at least one temporary sanitary facility be
handicapped accessible and placed on an accessible route.
10) Any Portable power/ generators/ Heaters or other like equipment shall be
placed/installed in accordance with the manufacture installation instructions and the applicable codes.
11) Applicant enter into a maintenance agreement with the City to maintain 55th Street west
of Marquess Trail to the applicant’s field road through the term of the Interim Use
Permit
12) Submit an erosion control plan with any extension of the gravel entrance road.
13) Submit the results of an instrumented measurement of sound at the east and west
property lines at the wedding ceremony site to demonstrate compliance with the City’s
noise ordinance.
REQUIRED FINDINGS:
An interim use permit may be granted only if the City Council finds as follows:
1. The use is allowed as an interim use in the respective zoning district and conforms to
standard zoning regulations.
2. The use will not adversely impact nearby properties through nuisance, noise, traffic, dust,
or unsightliness and will not otherwise adversely impact the health, safety, and welfare of the community. 3. The use will not adversely impact implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
4. The user agrees to all conditions that the City Council deems appropriate to establish the
interim use. This may include the requirement of appropriate financial surety such as a
letter of credit or other security acceptable to the City to cover the cost of removing the interim use and any interim structures not currently existing on the site, upon the expiration of the interim use permit.
5. There are no delinquent property taxes, special assessments, interest, or city utility fees
due upon the subject parcel.
6. The date or event terminating the interim use shall be set by the City Council at the time of approval.
Staff and the Planning Commission believe the application meets each of the above listed
findings.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval a 5-year Interim Use Permit with conditions
with the following motion:
“Move to approve Resolution 2016-19 granting a 5-year Interim Use Permit for a Commercial
Wedding Ceremony Venue with 13 conditions”.
ATTACHMENT(S):
• Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue Ordinance
• Resolution 2016-19 granting approval for a 5-year interim use permit for a Commercial Wedding
Ceremony Venue
• 2/22/16 Planning Commission Minutes
Resolution 2016-13
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
WASHINGTON COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-19
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR
CAROL PALMQUIST TO ESTABLISH A COMMERCIAL WEDDING
CEREMONY VENUE AT 12202 55TH STREET N.
WHEREAS, the City of Lake Elmo has approved a Commercial
Wedding Ceremony Venue ordinance on 2/21/13; and
WHEREAS, the Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue
ordinance was amended on 5/6/14, and on 3/19/16; and
WHEREAS, the applicant, Carol Palmquist, residing at 12202 55th
Street N, applied for an Interim Use Permit to establish a Commercial
Wedding Ceremony Venue as an accessory use on her property; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on
February 22, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission found the proposed
Interim Use adequately conforms to the following findings of fact:
1) The use is allowed as an interim use in the respective zoning
district and conforms to standard zoning regulations.
2) The use will not adversely impact nearby properties through
nuisance, noise, traffic, dust, or unsightliness and will not
otherwise adversely impact the health, safety, and welfare of the
community.
3) The use will not adversely impact implementation of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Resolution 2016-13
4) The date or event that will terminate the use is identified with
certainty. The applicant has specified in the application materials
that the use will terminate once the property is sold or developed
under future zoning.
5) The applicant has signed a consent agreement agreeing that the
applicant, owner, operator, tenant and/or user has no entitlement to
future reapproval of the interim use permit as well as agreeing that
the interim use will not impose additional costs on the public if it is
necessary for the public to fully or partially take the property in the
future.
6) The user agrees to all conditions that the City Council deems
appropriate for permission of the use including the requirement of
appropriate financial surety to cover the cost of removing the
interim use and any interim structures upon the expiration of the
interim use permit.
7) There are no delinquent property taxes, special assessments,
interest, or city utility fees due upon the subject parcel; and
WHEREAS, on February 22, 2016, the Planning Commission
recommended the City Council approve the Interim Use Permit with 13
conditions; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City
Council does hereby approve the five year Interim Use Permit to
establish a Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue at 12202 55th Street
N with the following conditions:
1) That a parking attendant be on site to assist with cars arriving and
exiting the site for each wedding ceremony event.
2) That the access driveway be 18’ wide and designed to a 7 ton
standard to accommodate emergency service vehicles to the
northerly extent of the parking area, or that the access driveway be
18’ wide, designed to the 7 ton standard to the edge of the field
Resolution 2016-13
and that the adjacent private drive remain clear during venues for
emergency service vehicles.
3) That accessible parking be provided and signed as handicapped
parking with an accessible path connecting the sanitary facilities
and the public assembly area.
4) That the applicant maintains compliance with all applicable City
Code standards for the duration of the interim use.
5) That the applicant enters into a consent agreement with the City in
accordance with Section 154.107 of the City Code.
6) That the interim use is valid for a period of ten five years and must
be renewed by the City Council prior to the end of this time period
in order to continue operating from the site.
7) The applicant/owner shall comply with Minnesota 1300.0190 for
temporary structures and uses. Building permit and inspection will
be required.
• Temporary structure installer is required to submit a
complete plan from the manufacture for installation including
tie down instructions that conform to the 90 MPH wind
loading in the Minnesota State Building Code.
8) Applicant must comply with all applicable requirements of the
MN State Fire Code:
• Chapter 24, “Tents, Canopies and other Membrane Structures
of the 2007 Minnesota Fire Code.
• Section 503, “fire Apparatus Access Roads”, of the 2007 Fire
Code.
• Section 906, “Portable Fire Extinguishers”, of the 2007 Fire
Code.
9) That the applicant/owner maintain a contract to supply and
maintain (4) temporary sanitary facilities while in operation and
that at least one temporary sanitary facility be handicapped
accessible and placed on an accessible route.
Resolution 2016-13
10) Any Portable power/ generators/ Heaters or other like
equipment shall be placed/installed in accordance with the
manufacture installation instructions and the applicable codes.
11) Applicant enter into a maintenance agreement with the City
to maintain 55th Street west of Marquess Trail to the applicant’s
field road through the term of the Interim Use Permit
12) Submit an erosion control plan with any extension of the
gravel entrance road.
13) Submit the results of an instrumented measurement of sound
at the east and west property lines at the wedding ceremony site to
demonstrate compliance with the City’s noise ordinance.
This resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Lake
Elmo on this _ day of _____________, 2016.
_____________________________
Mike Pearson, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
City of Lake Elmo
Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes of February 22, 2016
Chairman Kreimer called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Planning Commission at
7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Haggard, Kreimer, Dunn, Larson, Griffin, Lundquist and
Williams.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Fields & Dodson
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Director Wensman
Approve Agenda:
The agenda was accepted as amended.
Approve Minutes: January 11, 2016
M/S/P: Williams/Kreimer move to approve the January 11, 2016 minutes excluding the
vote on the November 23, 2015 minutes, Vote: 7-0, motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing Interim Use Permit Application – Commercial Wedding Ceremony.
Wensman started his presentation regarding the Palmquist Commercial Wedding
Ceremony Venue. This request is for a 10 year interim use permit on an agricultural
property at 12202 55th Street N. The applicant is requesting wedding ceremonies
adjacent to the vineyard with turf parking. There would be 3-4 employees and up to
200 guests. There would be up to 4 events per week from May – October, with no more
than 3 venues on any Saturday. Hours would be 10 am – 10 pm. The noise ordinance
would be complied with and there would be a traffic attendant during venues. There
will be trash receptacles and temporary tents that comply with code.
Access from the site would be off of 55th Street. 55th street becomes a gravel drive after
Carriage Station. The engineer is concerned about long term maintenance. There are a
couple of options 1) there could be a maintenance agreement or 2) they could require a
paved cul-de-sac and assess the improvements. All activites will be taking place in an
open field. There is no structure being used in this case, however, there would need to
be restroom facilities. Staff is recommending approval with 12 conditions.
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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
Williams asked about the tent. The ordinance states that it has to be taken down within
72 hours of the event. Based on the comment of the Building Official, will they need a
permit each time a tent is put up. Wensman stated that yes they would.
Dunn asked about the storm water management plan. Wensman stated that the City is
requiring upgrades to the driveway for safety purposes. Williams asked if there is a turn
around. Wensman stated that there is not a structure and it is not as difficult of an
entry.
Carol Palmquist, 12202 55th Street, is the applicant and stated that she has maintained
the gravel road. She is not prepared to pay the assessment for a paved road or a cul-de-
sac.
Kreimer asked why she is asking for 10 years for the IUP. Palmquist stated that she is
asking for 10 years as she has additional expense to get the business off the ground.
Griffin asked about the field road. She is wondering how far it will go into the property
and how wide it will be.
Public Hearing opened at 7:38 pm.
Chip Longacre, 12058 55th Street N, is dismayed that it is being made so difficult for Ms.
Palmquist to make a little money from her property. The City has done a poor job of
maintaining the gravel road in front of property.
Carolyn Cary, 5201 Linden Ave, wants the City to understand how to abate the noise.
There are a number of environmental issues that have an impact.
Donna Sloan, 12208 Marquess Lane, she does not have a problem with this venue as
long as it complies with the sound, traffic, and other issues. She would like to know
what happens if it does not comply.
Wensman stated that if there is a problem, the City woud contact Ms. Palmquist to
bring it into compliance. If there is a chronic problem, staff would document that and
take appropriate steps to revoke the permit.
There were no electronic or written comments.
Public Hearing closed at 7:49 pm.
Dunn does not think that the paved 7 ton road is necessary as her driveway is paved.
She would like to see condition #2 removed. She is in support of this application.
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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
Lundquist is concerned about the road and the path. She thinks there should be a
condition that rectifies the problem. She is concerned that people coming to this venue
will come up Manning.
Haggard wants to make sure that the street is safe and maintained. As far as the
financial aspect, that is for the Council to decide. She is in support of this application.
She would like to see number 4 include “responsible designee”.
Williams is concerned about #6 stating for 10 years. He does not think the expenses
mentioned relate to the length of the permit. He would like to see it be 5 years which
would give the City the opportunity to review the wedding venue.
Williams thinks there needs to be a maintenance agreement, but what that is, is up to
the City Council. He would also like to add a condition that the applicant submit a
report regarding the noise levels.
Williams would like to see condition #2 remain as the applicant does not intend to use
her primary driveway for the venue.
Lundquist stated that driving a fire truck or an emergency vehicle on a gravel driveway
or field, is no different than driving on them at the county fair grounds.
Williams thinks that since this is a commercial application, we should stick to the
commercial standards.
Griffin thinks it makes more sense to use the homeowner driveway for emergency
access and then use a gate to the venue.
Wensman stated that he would be comfortable with the field road entrance at 18’ wide
and designed to a 7 ton standard and that the regular driveway be for emergency access
and that the main driveway remain clear during all events.
The Commission would like Chief Malmquist to look at the driveway prior to this going
to the City Council.
Move to amend condition #2 to read that the access road be 18 feet wide and be to a 7
ton standard to accommodate emergency vehicles to the northernly area of the parking
area or that the private drive remain clear during the venue, Vote: 7-0, motion carried,
unanimously.
Move to amend condition #6 to read “The interim use is valid for a period of five years
and must be renewed by the City Council prior to the end of this time period in order to
continue operating from the site”, Vote: 7-0, motion carried, unanimously.
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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
Move to add condition number 11 that would be to enter into a maintenance
agreement with the City regarding the maintenance of the road only through the term
of the interim use, Vote: 7-0 motion carried, unanimously.
Move to add condition number 12, to require an erosion control plan with any
extension of the gravel entrance road, Vote: 7-0, motion carried unanimously.
Move to add a condition 13 that the applicant is required to submit the results of an
instumented measurement of sound at the east and west property lines at the wedding
ceremony site to demonstrate compliance with the City’s noise ordinance, vote: 7-0,
motion carried unanimously.
M/S/P: Williams/Griffin, move to recommend approval of the Interim Use Permit for a
commercial wedding venue based on the finding of facts in the staff report and with the
13 conditions of approval as discussed, Vote: 7-0, motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing – Open Space Development – Legends of Lake Elmo
Wensman started his presentation by showing the location of this development and
presenting some of the background information from previous meetings. With the
current plan, there are 40 lots and there are 5 outlots that are platted as ghost lots.
These are held in reserve in case of ordinance change and will be held in reserve for
future development. Staff is recommending that the 5 outlots be platted as one outlot
as we do not know what will happen in the future and they will need to be replatted
anyway.
A big discussion is the interconnectivity of neighborhoods for safety. Currently
Sanctuary only has one access. The future of signalization at 50th Street and Manning is
dependent on connectivity of neighborhoods. The County has made it clear that if the
City does not have interconnected neighborhoods, they will not invest in signalization.
There was a new plan for the development submitted today that is in reponse to
negotioations with the Heckers. Nothing has been finalized, as those negotiations are
ongoing. Those negotiations include agreeing to screening to the north of the Hecker
property and access management on 50th Street for driveway access to the Legends
entrance. There is no park shown on this plan to connect to the Sanctuary Park as the
slopes are high. There are 5 standards for open space in this type of development.
There should be conservation easements, contiguous parcels not less than 10 acres
(60% must meet this standard), maintained for the purposes for which it is set aside,
maintained by the HOA and contiguous with adjacent open space. Buffering is still an
issue to the Hecker parcel. The road and 3 parcels violate this setback. This is not fully
resolved with the Heckers. This can be waived by 4/5 vote of the Council.
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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
Parks is recommending to construct a trail to the Sanctuary Park and the rest of the
dedication will be cash in lieu of park dedication. The City Engineer is recommending
50th street right of way and a trail.
The deviations from the OP Ordinance for this plan are that the homes are on the least
fertile soils, Lots 4, 32 and 37 and entrance road are within the buffer area. The
deviations require a 4/5 vote. Phase I is going to start to the North. Staff is
recommending a condition that construction traffic access the site off of 50th street.
Haggard asked if the ghost lots were factored in for the open space. Wensman stated
that they were not. Haggard asked about the trail maintenance. Wensman stated that
it is in the public right of way and would be the City’s responsibility.
Todd Erickson, representing Landucci Homes, talked about the trail system and the
connection to the Sanctuary Park. They are concerned about connecting the Legends
road to the Wedding venue driveway. Erickson stated that they are close to an
agreement with the Heckers. He discussed some of the issues with the individual septic
systems.
Public Hearing opened at 9:31 pm.
Carolyn Cary, 5701 Linden Ave, the roads in Sanctuary are narrow. They are curvy and
have many blindspots. There are a lot of pedestrians and kids and others riding bikes,
etc. in the street. The trail system in Sanctuary is shared with Carriage Station and will
be shared with Legends. Any additional traffic will affect this trail system. She would
like to see a trail connection and cul-de-sac rather than a connected road.
Michelle Chickett, 5711 Linden Ave, she agrees with previous speaker. She would like to
refer to the ordinance that talks about the distinct neighborhoods. She thinks a Cul-de-
sac is a good compromise. She presented MNdot data regarding the intersection at
Manning.
Pamela Chickett, 5711 Linden Ave, she agrees with the previous speakers. She would
like their neighborhood to be distinct and separate. She thinks there is more of a safety
concern by making that a through street because it places the children in the
neighborhood at risk.
Todd Nimmo, 11679 58th Street, he is opposed to Linden Ave going through. He
believes that the dangers of running this road through far outweigh the benefits.
Danny Hecker, 11658 50th Street, they are heavily impacted on 2 sides by this
development. They are not ok with the buffer setbacks being violated, but they have
had some good conversations with Nate regarding options. They would prefer to keep
their driveway, but that may not be an option.
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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
Jessica Erickson, 5760 Lily Ave, she is opposed to the connection of Linden Ave for safety
reasons. Their neighborhood is safe and peaceful, but increasing the traffic will change
the feel of the development.
Mark Cotton, 11797 56th Street, agrees with previous comments.
Ben Backberg, 5693 Linden Ave, his lot is the closest lot that would be impacted by
Linden going through. The research from MNdot is that the Manning intersection is one
of the worst in the state. Lake Elmo only owns a portion of the road and Stillwater
Township owns the rest.
Charles Cadenhear, 12190 Marquess Lane, he is a civil engineer and believes that
MNdot will be required to provide access during construction times. He does not feel
there is a need for a connection for those 2 developments.
There were 14 written comments received via email today. In effect, they are the same
comments previously heard. Wensman read the names into the record and they will be
attached to the minutes.
Public Hearing Closed at 10:10 pm.
Williams does not think it is clear in the staff report what the findings are. He would like
to propose some findings as follows: 1) that the concept plan is consistent with the
Comprehensive plan 2) Concept plan provides acceptable compromise of lot location
and design 3) plan meets the density and open space requirements of the open space
standards 4) the plan requires relaxation of the OP development standards in the
following areas a) buffer encroachment of lots 32, 37 & 38 in the plan dated February
22, 2016 b) buffer encroachment of the entrance road by the Hecker property.
Larson wanted to know if the Cul-de-sac would impact the number of lots in the
development. Landucci stated that at the last Planning Commission, they were directed
to provide the connection. The could rework the Cul-de-Sac and it would not affect
their lots. They are willing to go either way.
Williams is not comfortable with the idea of a Cul-de-Sac being this long. The City code
does not allow it to be longer than 600 feet. He feels that it is not uncommon for there
to be increased traffic when developments happen around them. There was a paved
road planned to be connected when Sanctuary went in and he feels it should go
through.
Haggard is torn in regards to the road going through. She believes if there is a
connection, the roads in Sanctuary need to be maintained better. She asked about the
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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
Cul-de-sac and if the City Engineer had comments about that. Wensman stated that
they are not in favor as they are harder to maintain and snow plow.
Lundquist asked about a round about to slow traffic. Erickson stated that round abouts
are typically used at a 4 way intersection, but they could look into that.
Larson stated that there a number of options to use to slow traffic like treads and bump
outs.
Williams is suggesting an additional condition to read “to file an agreement with the
City, between the developer and the Hecker family for a driveway from the new road
and the buffer encroachments”.
Williams is also concerned about the configuration of the open space. There are a lot of
long thin outlots that he does not feel meets the spirit of the ordinance. Haggard had
the same concern and adding the ghost lots, will take some of the open feeling away.
Kreimer is ok with it as shown as these are larger lots which makes it harder to
accommodate the open space.
There is concern about the driveway for lot 40 from an access management standpoint.
The Heckers are being required to remove their driveway and this lot might be creating
the same sort of situation.
M/S/P: Williams/Haggard recommend approval of the Legends concept plan dated
1/25/16, based on the findings of fact as earlier discussed, and with the conditions as
listed in the staff report, with the additional one regarding the agreement with the
Heckers, Vote 6-1, motion carried. Dunn voted no as there are many developments
with only one exit and entrance such as the Forest, Tana Ridge and Fields of St. Croix.
M/S/P: Williams/Lundquist, move to amend the motion to include the trail shown in the
northwest corner on the concept plan dated 2/22/16 as part of the concept plan, Vote
7-0, motion carried unanimously.
Business item - Final Plat –Savona 4th
Wensman started his presentation regarding Savona 4th which is the final phase of the
Lennar development. This phase is for 78 single family lots over 20.4 acres. This phase
will complete 5th street from Keats to Boulder Ponds. This phase is LDR. The issues to
discuss are setbacks, lot fit, landscaping and agreements. The setback issue is that LDR
setback is principal building 10 feet and garage 5 feet. If there is living space behind the
garage, what do you do? Preliminary Plat report talks about averaging. How should we
move forward? Lot fit is that they lost some lots due to ponding and other issues and
they are adding back 2 lots in this phase. They seem to still meet the requirements and
staff feels it is acceptable. They would like to use the boulders from their development
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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
for landscaping. The City engineer wants to review to ensure there is no problem
getting to storm ponds. There are a number of agreements that need to be resolved.
Paul Tabone, Lennar, explained the phasing of the trail. He spoke about the lot fit and
the setback issue. Lennar would like to continue with the setbacks that they used in 1st,
2nd and 3rd addition in 4th addition. He touched on adding 2 lots which conforms to the
Preliminary Plat. They are working on finalizing the landscape plan. Tabone stated that
they are meeting with staff next week to discuss the agreements. He explained some of
the issues they are trying to work through.
Kreimer is concerned about the street names. They are not in a good sequence. It was
in the Fire Chiefs comments. He would like the street names to be reviewed.
Williams would like 2 minor changes to the draft findings. On the 4th bullet point, he
would like to add after requested by the City Landscape Architect the words “letter
dated 2/10/16.” On the last bullet after requested by the City Engineer the words
“letter dated 2/15/16.”
M/S/P: Williams/Larson, move to recommend approval of the Final Plat for Savona 4th
addition with draft findings and conditions of approval included in staff report and as
amended, Vote 6-0, motion carried unanimously. (Haggard left meeting early).
M/S/F: Williams/Larson, move that the Planning Commission endorse using aerially
spaced boulders in erosion control structures pursuant to the landscape architect
approval, Vote 1-5, motion fails.
M/S/P: Kreimer/Dunn, move that the Planning Commission endorse using boulders in
erosion control structures pursuant to the landscape architect approval, Vote 6-0,
motion carried unanimously.
M/S/P: Williams/Kreimer, move that the Planning Commission endorse the 7.5 foot
average setback for Savona 4th addition and that in no case should living space be closer
than 7.5 feet and also that the code be changed to increase the lot width and change
the setbacks for future developments, Vote 6-0, motion carried unanimously.
Commission discussed increasing lot size and lot width from 65-70 and being strict with
setbacks to 10 feet.
Council Updates – February 16, 2016 Meeting
1. Commercial Wedding Ceremony Ordinance – Passed.
2. Commercial Weding IUP – Passed.
3. ZTA Senior Living – Passed.
4. Arbor Glen – Rezoning & Conditional Use Permit – Passed.
5. Appointment of Kristina Lundquist as 2nd Alternate.
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Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 2-22-16
Staff Updates
1. Upcoming Meetings
a. March 14, 2016
b. March 28, 2016
Commission Concerns
Lundquist is concerned about people driving on the walking path on 55th street. She
would like to either see the road opened back up or to see it clearly marked as a trail.
Dunn wants us to stay on top the transportation issues so that people have safe access
to highway 5 and highway 36.
Meeting adjourned at 12:27 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Ziertman
Planning Program Assistant