HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ MINUTES 01-24-2022/
City of Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes of January 24, 2022
Commission Chair Risner called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Risner, Graen, Mueller, Rehkamp Steil, Vrieze
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Director Just
Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 PM
Approve Agenda:
M/S/P: Steil/Risner moved to approve the amended agenda to include the election of a Chair and Vice Chair for 2022. Vote: 6-0, motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Graen nominated Commissioner Risner for Chair. Vote: 6-0, motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Vrieze nominated Commissioner Steil for Vice Chair Vote: 6-0, motion carried unanimously.
Approve Minutes:
M/S/P: Risner/Mueller moved to approve the Planning Commission minutes of December 13th, 2021. Vote: 6-0, motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearings:
a. Applicants Carolyn and Brett Horttor, owners of property on the southwest corner of Lake Elmo Avenue and 32nd Street (PID #13.029.21.33.0042), are seeking a 45-foot rear setback
variance. The applicants would like to construct a four-season porch as part of their new home construction that would encroach on the required 195-foot setback from the ordinary high
water level (OHWL) of Lake Elmo. The applicants propose the main structure be 195 feet from the OHWL and the four-season porch be 175 feet from the OHWL.
Director Just gave staff report and presentation. Staff Findings: The proposed structure complies with the minimum setback requirements outlined in Section 105.04.680 of the Lake Elmo
City Code. The Shoreland Standards ordinance states parcels with connection to city sewer on lakes classified as recreational development shall have a setback of 75 feet from the OHWL.
The new construction will be connected to city sewer and water. The subject property has had its septic area filled and will be connected to public utilities so there is no longer a
need for a designated septic area requiring a 195-foot setback. The unique shape, topography and location of the lot influence the placement of the home. The proposed variance does
not substantially diminish or impair adjacent properties. The proposed minimum setback is farther from the OHWL than that of adjacent homes. Supporting emails from neighbors are included
in Attachment 5.
Applicant Carolyn Horttor (1959 N. Park Dr., St. Paul, MN) spoke regarding a little about the history of the lot and the future construction.
Public hearing opened at 7:17 PM.
No comments.
Public hearing closed at 7:18 PM.
M/S/P: Steil/Rahkamp moved to approve the request from Carolyn Horttor to amend resolution No. 2007-033 approving a minor subdivision and lot width variance for 3200 Lake Elmo Avenue
by removing Condition of Approval #8 and allow a setback of 150 feet from the Ordinary High Water Level of Lake Elmo. Vote: 6-0, motion carried unanimously.
New/Unfinished Business:
a. Minor Update to City of Lake Elmo Design Guidelines & Standards Manual.
Director Just gave staff report and presentation. With the growth that has occurred since 2011, with the adoption of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the expansion of municipal water
and sewer, staff recommends that the standards apply to land within the Municipal Urban Services Area (MUSA). The standards would not change and would still apply to the same types
of development, but within the MUSA and not just the I-94 corridor and Old Village.
Commissioner Graen concerned that standards do not also apply to single-family development.
M/S/P: Mueller/Steil moved to recommend Approval of the staff proposed minor update the City of Lake Elmo Design Guidelines and Standards Manual. Vote: 5-1 (Graen – Nay), motion carried.
Communications/Updates
City Council Update
1-4-2022 – Reappointed Planning Commissioners Risner and Steil and approved 2022 PC Work Plan
Staff Updates
1. Training Opportunity – Your Role in Land Use Decision-Making & Regulation February 1st, 11:00 am https://www.lmc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/land-use-regulation-
for-local-officials/
2. New Hire – Sophia Jensen – Code Enforcement Official
Upcoming PC Meetings:
1. February 14, 2022
2. February 28, 2022
Meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Wendt
Permit Technician