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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-06-2006 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting December 6, 2006 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order Chair Stevenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. December 6, 2006. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Roll Call Members Present: Chair Stevenson, Commissioners Hegland, Hull, Meehlhause (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Miller, and Zwirn Absent and Excused: Commissioner Scotch Also Present: Community Development Director Ericson, Planning Associate Heller ______________________________________________________________________________ Index to Minutes Page A. Continuation: DE2006-005 and MA2006-003: Consideration of a 2 Preliminary Plat for the Knollwood Place Townhouse Development, Applicant: Integra Homes, Address: 12721 Overlook Drive, Dayton, MN B. VR2006-010: Consideration of a Variance to Allow Additional Wall 3 Signage. Applicant: C.G.Hill, Address: 5150 Quincy Street. C. CU2006-010 and VR2006-009: Consideration of a Conditional Use 4 Permit for an Oversize Garage and a Variance for a Two Foot Garage Setback. Applicant: Gregory Busch, Address: 8410 Knollwood Drive. D. Consideration of Resolution 853-06, a Resolution Establishing the 9 Planning Commission’s 2007 Meeting Schedule. ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Approve Minutes A. October 18, 2006. Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ MOTION/SECOND: Zwirn/Miller, to approve the minutes of the October 18, 2006 regular Planning Commission meeting as slightly amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried ______________________________________________________________________________ 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Cases A. Continuation: DE2006-005 and MA2006-003: Consideration of a Preliminary Plat for the Knollwood Place Townhouse Development, Applicant: Integra Homes, Address: 12721 Overlook Drive, Dayton, MN Planning Associate Heller reported on the continuation of a preliminary plat for the Knollwood Place Townhome development. She informed Commissioners that Integra homes agreed to install two additional yard lights at the street bend between buildings two and three, and four and five. She indicated these smaller streetlights would offer additional lighting throughout the site while not extending light into the neighboring properties. Planning Associate Heller reported on the concern with having only one entrance/exit point for the development. She stated she spoke to a Ramsey County traffic engineer about the concern and was told the County had no rules or regulations determining the number of access points a development needs. She stated the County leaves the decision up to the Fire Department and would rather see access consolidation than additional driveways on County Road 10. Planning Associate Heller mentioned the engineer looked at the site plan and determined the driveway was exactly where the County would like it located. She also pointed out a stop sign is required at the driveway for traffic exiting the development onto County Road 10. Planning Associate Heller indicated the City’s consulting engineer, Bonestroo, did a great job reviewing the plans and addressing items for inclusion to the site plan. She reported the parking plan exceeds City Code requirements, therefore, additional parking would not be added, but all other recommendations by Bonestroo would be addressed. Commissioner Miller asked for the individual townhome driveway length. Planning Associate Heller replied each townhome would have four parking spaces with two in the garage and two on the driveway pad. Planning Associate Heller reported receiving a call from a neighbor on Sherwood Place requesting the privacy fence on the west side of the site be extended along the entire north end of the development. She indicated the neighbors would at least like the chain-link fence currently Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ on the 2925 County Road 10 lot to remain in place. Planning Associate Heller reported the cost for a privacy fence along this area would be expensive. She stated Integra Homes agreed to extend the privacy fence to the northwest corner of the site, and may extend the existing chain- link fence and would leave the landscaping buffer around the site. She mentioned the neighbor also had concerns with the infiltration pond and the safety of his small children. She reported the infiltration pond should help another neighbor by having water drain from his property into the pond. Planning Associate Heller stated Staff would review and compare the homeowners’ association bylaws to the bylaws of other townhomes across County Highway 10. Planning Associate Heller mentioned Staff is working with Integra Homes and the Fire Department to add sprinklers to most or all of the buildings. Planning Associate Heller reported the Planning Commission instructed Staff at the last meeting to draft a resolution recommending approval of the request. Commissioner Miller asked if enough lighting for safety and security would be provided around the units. Planning Associate Heller replied lighting would be located at the front door and on either side of each garage door. Commissioner Miller referred to page seven, paragraph two of the engineer’s report that states a large number of issues need to be addressed and resolved; recommending approval of the resolution should be contingent upon approval of the final construction plans. Planning Associate Heller replied the recommendations would be added to the resolution. Commissioner Miller asked why the Department of Health was involved with this project. Planning Associate Heller replied it was because of the water main extension. Chair Stevenson opinioned that the additions to the resolution address most of the Planning Commission’s issues. He mentioned he liked that the park dedication fee is not yet determined as it is still an issue. He remarked he is fine with passing this on in the current format and allowing the City Council to handle the park dedication fee issue. Chair Stevenson entertained a motion at this time. MOTION/SECOND: Zwirn/Miller, to Approve Resolution No. 857-06, a Resolution Recommending Approval of the Knollwood Place Preliminary Plat, Mounds View Planning Case Numbers DE2006-005 and MA2006-003. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Miller asked where the request goes next. Planning Associate Heller explained the request would go before the City Council on Monday December 11, 2006. She explained any changes recommended by Council would go back to Integra to address before submitting the final plat. She indicated Integra has six months to come back with changes. Chair Stevenson asked to have the address added to the resolution rather than just the legal description. Commissioner Meehlhause arrived at 7:15 p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________ B. VR2006-010: Consideration of a Variance to Allow Additional Wall Signage, Applicant C.G.Hill, Address: 5150 Quincy Street. Planning Associate Heller stated this is a public hearing to consider a request for a variance to allow for increased sign area on a newly constructed addition to the building at 5150 Quincy Street. She indicated Mr. Tim Hill, C.G. Hill & Sons, constructed an addition onto the east side of their building, which gives the building good visibility from Interstate 35W. Planning Associate Heller explained the Sign Code for building mounted signage allows for 100 square feet in an industrial area. She stated the C. G. Hill building has good visibility on the front side of the building, the south wall facing County Road 10 and Program Avenue, and now on the east side facing I-35W. Planning Associate Heller indicated C. G. Hill currently has two approximately 50 square foot signs on the front and south walls of the building. She reported Mr. Hill would like to install a 91.5 square foot sign on the east side of the building. Planning Associate Heller stated the signage would be placed on the window panels located at the top of the building. She explained the signage would be illuminated when the building is lit from the inside. Commissioner Miller asked how tall the letters would be. Planning Associate Heller replied the letters would be three feet tall and 30.5 feet wide. She explained the building is large and therefore the sign would not overpower the building. Commissioner Miller asked if the signs on the other sides were the same size. Planning Associate Heller replied the current signs are somewhat smaller. Chair Stevenson asked if the intention was for the sign to be visible from I-35W. Planning Associate Heller replied that was correct. Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 5 ________________________________________________________________________ Planning Associate Heller stated there are considerations to be taken into account. She mentioned other similar variances have been approved in the past. She explained the Sign Code is a flat 100 square feet no mater what size the building is. Commissioner Miller asked what type of business this is. Planning Associate Heller replied it is a manufacturing business. Planning Associate Heller reported the seven criteria to be met for the variance are listed in the staff report. Chair Stevenson stated that for the sign to be visible from the interstate, 91.5 square feet probably is the minimum. Planning Associate Heller stated she received a letter and a phone call from Bethlehem Baptist Church supporting the request from C.G. Hill. She mentioned the east side of the building directly faces the church on Program Avenue. Commissioner Meehlhause mentioned he does not see a problem with the request since the sign would face I-35W and the general public would not see it. Chair Stevenson stated he did not want to change the Sign Code, rather each situation should be considered on an individual bases. Commissioner Miller pointed out and recommended corrections and additions to the resolution. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause, to approve Resolution No. 856-06, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Variance for 91.5 Square Feet of Additional Exterior Building Signage at 5159 Quincy Street; Planning Case No.VR2006-010. Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried. _____________________________________________________________________________ C. CU2006-010 and VR2006-009: Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversize Garage and a Variance for a Two-Foot Garage Setback. Applicant: Gregory Busch, Address: 8410 Knollwood. Planning Associate Heller reported on the consideration of a variance to allow a reduced setback for a garage and a conditional use permit (CUP) for an oversize garage. She stated Mr. Gregory Busch would like to expand his 576 square foot garage to approximately 1,124 square feet. She explained Mr. Busch proposes expanding the garage with an eight-foot addition to the side of the garage and extending back with a 16 X 22 addition. Planning Associate Heller reported the Zoning Code requires a five-foot setback from the side property line for accessory buildings. She stated Mr. Busch is requesting a two-foot setback to Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 6 ________________________________________________________________________ allow him to save the large red oak tree located behind the garage. She reported that the location of the tree prohibits the garage from being able to expand the entire width towards the rear. She stated the garage roofline would blend in with the existing lines that slope to the front and back yards allowing water runoff to not run towards a neighboring house. She reported the closest neighboring house is 22 feet from the property line. Planning Associate Heller explained for a variance to be approved the applicant must meet the seven criteria. She explained the applicant is applying for a variance because he wants to save the oak tree that has been there for many years. Planning Associate Heller stated the literal interpretation of the provisions in the Zoning Code would not deprive the applicant of rights enjoyed by other properties. She explained the placement of the tree in the back yard makes it impossible to expand the garage towards the rear of the property. Planning Associate Heller reported the tree is over 30 years old and was there before the home was built. She stated granting the variance would not give the applicant any special privileges denied to owners of other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district. She stated it would not confer upon the applicant a special privilege in that every property owner has the right to apply for a variance to improve the function and livability of their property. Planning Associate Heller stated setback issues are the most common variance requests. Planning Associate Heller stated the variance requested is the minimum variance that would alleviate the hardship. She indicated the applicant is requesting a three-foot variance, which is the minimum amount Mr. Busch feels is necessary for the proposed garage expansion. Chair Stevenson asked why the applicant needs a 1,124 square-foot garage. Mr. Gregory Busch, 8410 Knollwood, replied he has a large boat to store in the garage. Commissioner Miller pointed out the structural drawing indicates doors to the rear of the garage. Mr. Busch replied the doors would be used to drive the lawnmower out to the backyard. Commissioner Miller asked if the appearance would conform to the house. Chair Stevenson replied this was addressed and it would conform. Planning Associate Heller replied it would look like a typical garage. She reported granting the variance to allow the garage to encroach three feet into the side setback would not be materially detrimental to the purpose and intent of the Zoning Code given that the applicant would like to save a large healthy tree. Planning Associate Heller mentioned the City is currently working on a tree ordinance to prevent trees from being cut down. Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 7 ________________________________________________________________________ Planning Associate Heller stated the proposed addition should not affect the supply of light or air to adjacent properties, nor would it affect street congestion. She indicated the garage would not increase the danger of fire, endanger the public safety, or decrease property values in the neighborhood. Planning Associate Heller addressed the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) next. She stated the request for the CUP to construct the larger garage satisfies the requirements of the Mounds View Zoning Code. She stated regarding the relationship to the Comprehensive Plan, the garage would add value to the home and allow the applicant to store his boat. She mentioned the applicant is currently making additional home improvements to his home. She stated Knollwood Drive is entirely a single-family neighborhood with all the homes built in the mid-1970’s. Planning Associate Heller stated the proposed garage would not be out of character in this area since the addition would not be easily visible from the street and other homes on this street have expanded their garages. She explained the front appearance of the garage would not look like any oversized garage from the front as most of the addition is in the back. She mentioned that as with other CUPs, it could somewhat block the view from some neighbors, however, this isn’t typically an issue. She stated the garage would not be out of place in this neighborhood with large lots. Planning Associate Heller reported all zoning and code issues are satisfied with this request if the variance is approved. She explained if the variance is not approved, the applicant would remove the large tree and expand the garage only towards the rear of the property. Planning Associate Heller stated she separated the variance and conditional use permit into two separate resolutions. She mentioned a public hearing notice was published and mailed to all property owners within 350 feet of the property. She stated Staff received no comments from the neighbors regarding this request. Planning Associate Heller stated Mr. Busch talked to his neighbor who indicated he has no problem with the request. Chair Stevenson asked if the public hearing is for both the variance and the conditional use permit. Planning Associate Heller replied it was. Commissioner Miller asked if there are other buildings located on the site. Mr. Busch replied there is a shed located in the rear corner of the yard. Chair Stevenson stated he wanted to discuss the shed issue further. He asked for the size of the additional shed and stated it should be added to the third whereas on the conditional use permit resolution. Mr. Busch replied the shed is about 10 x 12 feet. Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 8 ________________________________________________________________________ Chair Stevenson stated he would like the resolution to state the total square footage does not exceed 1800 square footage even with the 10 x 12 foot shed. He stated because it is a public document and if it were questioned, it explains why the shed is allowed to remain. Commissioner Miller asked where the shed should be addressed on the resolution. Chair Stevenson replied at the third whereas. Commissioner Meehlhause stated he is pleased the shed issue was addressed. Chair Stevenson opened the public hearing for the variance at 7:37 p.m. There were no comments voiced from the audience. Chair Stevenson closed the public hearing on the variance at 7:38 p.m. Chair Stevenson opened the public hearing on the conditional use permit at 7:39 p.m. There were no comments voiced from the audience. Chair Stevenson closed the public hearing on the conditional use permit at 7:40 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull, to Approve Resolution 854-06, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Variance to Allow for a Two-Foot Side-Yard Setback for a Garage at 8410 Knollwood Drive; Planning Case No. VR2006-009 Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Commissioner Zwirn asked Mr. Busch if he had thought about other options to deal with the tree. He explained that over time the tree roots could cause major problems with the concrete in the garage. Mr. Busch replied he believes the garage is far enough away from the tree so that it would not be an issue. He stated the garage would be eight to twelve feet from the root system of a tree that is 30 years old and well established. Commissioner Zwirn asked Mr. Busch how the rooflines match up because it appears in the photos that they do not. Mr. Busch explained how the rooflines would match up to the house and garage. Planning Associate Heller provided a photo of the existing home to the Commissioners and pointed out how the rooflines would match up. Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 9 ________________________________________________________________________ MOTION/SECOND: Miller/Meehlhause, to Approve Resolution No. 855-06, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Conditional Use Permit to Allow for a 1,124 Square-Foot Garage at 8410 Knollwood Drive; Planning Case No. CU2006-010, Subject to Recommendations for the Shed. Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried. ______________________________________________________________________________ 6. Other Planning Activity A. Consideration of Resolution 853-06, a Resolution Establishing the Planning Commission’s 2007 Meeting Schedule. Community Development Director Ericson summarized the 2007 meeting schedule resolution. He stated the schedule represents the usual first and third Wednesdays of every month except in January to account for New Years Day and July to adjust for July 4, 2007. Community Development Director Ericson explained the options for July 4, 2007, which is the first Wednesday in July. He stated the options are to only hold one meeting in July or shift the meetings to the second and fourth Wednesdays in July. He stated the summer months tend to be busier, therefore, Staff recommends shifting the meetings to the second and fourth Wednesdays. Community Development Director Ericson explained holding a meeting on the fourth Wednesday would mean the Commission would meet again the following week which is the first Wednesday in August. He stated Staff does not have a problem with this; however, August does have five Wednesdays so the August meetings could continue the second and fourth Wednesday schedule and putting the schedule back on track for September. Community Development Director Ericson stated there do not seem to be other conflicts with holidays that would fall midweek with the exception of November 21, 2007, the day before Thanksgiving. He mentioned that if there are no planning cases for consideration, the meeting could be cancelled. Community Development Director Ericson stated the recommendation is to discuss options for the Fourth of July and approve Resolution 853-06. He indicated the schedule has been drafted with the August meetings falling on the second and fourth Wednesdays. He explained the schedule could be amended based on Commission direction. Chair Stevenson pointed out the third Wednesday is next to the fourth Thursday, which is Thanksgiving so November 21, 2007 does not work. Community Development Director Ericson replied this one could be left as a candidate for cancellation. He stated that perhaps a three-week separation is an option. Chair Stevenson stated they would only meet on November 7, 2006. Mounds View Planning Commission December 6, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 10 ________________________________________________________________________ Community Development Director Ericson replied should anything pressing arise, a special meeting could be called. He stated he would make the changes to the resolution reflecting the second meeting in November. MOTION/SECOND: Stevenson/Miller, to Approve Resolution 853-06, a Resolution Establishing the 2007 Meeting Schedule of the Mounds View Planning and Zoning Commission. Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Community Development Director Ericson remarked Staff would amend Exhibit 1 of the 2007 Meeting Schedule on the back of the resolution. ______________________________________________________________________________ 7. Next Planning Commission Meetings: A. December 20, 2006 B. January 10, 2007 (Note Date Change) ______________________________________________________________________________ 8. Adjournment to Agenda Session There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ (The meeting immediately adjourned to the Agenda Session) Respectfully submitted, Jim Ericson Community Development Director Transcribed by: Dianna Wise TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.