HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-2003
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
February 19, 2003
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
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1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevenson at 7:00 p.m., February 19, 2003.
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2. Roll Call
Members Present: Commissioners Stevenson, Hegland, Scotch, Zwirn, Miller, Johnson and
Song.
Members Absent: None.
Also Present: Community Development Director Ericson
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Index to Minutes Page
Planning Case VR03-001 2
Location: 2075 Hillview Road
Applicant: Thuy Thi Bui and Jamey Viger
Planning Case TX03-001 3
Location: 2865 Highway 10
Applicant: Greg Johnson
Planning Case MI03-001 5
Location: 7656 Silver Lake Road
Applicant: RM Michaels Construction, Inc.
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3. Approve Minutes
a. None.
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Mounds View Planning Commission February 19, 2003
Regular Meeting Page 2
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4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda
Peg Meyer from the Cable Committee addressed the Commission and explained that the Cable
Committee would like to produce a show on recent remodels and residential redevelopment in an
attempt to encourage other Mounds View residents to remodel and improve their homes rather
than move out of the City. She then asked Commissioners to contact her if they knew of any
residents who would be interested in sharing their remodeling story.
Commissioner Johnson asked Ms. Meyer to consider producing a show on the recent and
upcoming commercial development within the City as well.
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5. Planning Case VR03-001
Community Development Director Ericson briefly updated the Commission on the variance
request indicating that, at the last meeting, the Commission had agreed that the hardship
requirements could not be met and had directed Staff to provide a Resolution denying the
variance. He then clarified that, if the applicant were to submit a plan to expand the parking, the
project could proceed as it is allowed by the City’s Code.
Director Ericson told the Commission and residents in attendance that Staff is reviewing old
documentation to determine whether representations were made as to the greenspace or
landscaping of the property at the time it was constructed.
Lou Bedberry asked if the property owner would be allowed to create a parking lot in front of the
building.
Director Ericson indicated that it would be allowed provided there was no requirement for
greenspace or landscaping when the building was constructed.
MOTION/SECOND: Zwirn/Johnson. To Approve Resolution 719-03, a Resolution Denying a
Variance to Allow a Reduction in the Number of Parking Spaces Required for a Six-Unit
Multiple Dwelling Rental Property.
Ayes – 7 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Director Ericson indicated that the request to expand the building at this point has been stopped
unless the property owner comes forward with a plan to expand the parking lot and add the
garage spaces required by the City’s Code.
Lou Bedberry said she did not think it was fair that they could park in front of the building when
she cannot park her car in front of her house.
Director Ericson indicated that Staff would research the matter and make sure that any conditions
that were placed on the development are adhered to.
Mounds View Planning Commission February 19, 2003
Regular Meeting Page 3
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6. Planning Case TX03-001
Community Development Director Ericson explained that the property owner had requested an
amendment to Chapter1111 of the Zoning Code for RO zoning districts. He then indicated that
this is the only RO zoned property within the City and the request is to allow for a greater
expansion of the commercial use of the property.
Director Ericson indicated that Staff has put together some brief language to include all
permitted uses in the B-2 zoning district and secondary automotive accessory installation. He
then indicated that this would not affect any other properties in the City and Staff recommends a
change be made to allow the addition to the Code.
Commissioner Miller asked for a list of permitted uses in B-2.
Director Ericson read the permitted uses in B-2 zoning districts from the City’s Code.
Chair Stevenson indicated that the change would not affect any other property in the City.
Greg Johnson of 2865 Highway 10 indicated the matter came up when he applied for a permit to
enlarge his garage. The matter was discussed and it was determined that changing the Code
would be preferable to going through the variance process and possibly setting a precedence for
other residents to request more garage space. He then clarified that his property is the only RO
property within the City and vastly different than other residential properties.
Mr. Johnson explained how he wished to enlarge his garage and noted that following the current
requirements would make for an odd shaped garage.
Commissioner Hegland asked how much more square footage would be requested if a variance
was requested.
Mr. Johnson indicated it would be between 200 and 250 square feet additional.
Director Ericson indicated that, taking the approach that the property has two principal uses and
this would be part of the commercial use, then the expansion, if over 10% would be subject to
development review. He then explained that Mr. Johnson is operating under a conditional use
permit and the variance would require that the City review the conditional use permit by public
hearing.
Commissioner Miller asked if a conditional use permit would still be needed if the Code were
amended.
Director Ericson indicated it would not be.
Mounds View Planning Commission February 19, 2003
Regular Meeting Page 4
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Commissioner Hegland commented that the change would allow all B-2 business functions on
that property and would change the zoning to R-B2.
Director Ericson agreed but said that the Code discusses low intensity businesses but does not
define what those businesses are. He then suggested removing the reference to B-2.
Commissioner Hegland expressed concern with allowing B-2 type businesses on the property
because of the residential properties that abut it.
Director Ericson indicated eliminating the B-2 component would not change anything as long as
there is an allowance for the use that is currently there.
Commissioner Zwirn asked if the expansion is to facilitate the same type of business being
operated.
Mr. Johnson said yes and indicated it would take trailers into the shop rather than the yard.
Commissioner Zwirn asked if the property is for sale.
Mr. Johnson indicated the property is for sale but said this would not prevent a major
development from coming in. He then said there is contact from time to time with potential
developers and there is a developer asking around right now but he cannot wait to expand his
business to see if it sells. He further indicated that he asked those around him what they would
rather see on the site and they all said they would prefer commercial development to residential
condominium development. He also indicated he had told his neighbors he was intending to
expand his garage and none of them had an issue with it.
Commissioner Zwirn asked if there had been any further contact with the developer that was
before the City a few months ago.
Mr. Johnson indicated that the developer has been contacting the fifth house on Groveland Road
and made a low ball bid and she cannot replace the house for that. The resident zoned R-4 is not
interested in selling because the condominiums would face his sideyard. He then said he had
recommended the developer put the property back up for sale as the condominium plan is not
going to work.
Mr. Johnson indicated George’s daughter had made some untrue comments at the Commission
meeting when she indicated that George needed to sell the property and retire. He then indicated
he had checked with the County and the daughter, not George is the owner of the property.
Mr. Johnson indicated it could be a number of years before the area redevelops and he needs to
expand his garage now.
Commissioner Zwirn asked if additional parking would be needed.
Mounds View Planning Commission February 19, 2003
Regular Meeting Page 5
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Mr. Johnson indicated he has plenty of parking.
Commissioner Hegland said he felt the situation is unique enough that it would not set a
precedence if the variance was requested.
Director Ericson indicated he would be concerned about the variance in that while it may not set
a precedence the fact that there is absolutely no hardship whatsoever other than a desire to
expand the business sends a message and may have a potential for sending a message to other
property owners and that is why he would like to recommend the Code amendment rather than
the variance.
Director Ericson indicated this would be treated as a commercial use and would need to go
through development review if the expansion is more than 10%.
Mr. Johnson indicated this would be back before the Commission for development review.
Commissioner Song asked if this matter would require a public hearing.
Director Ericson indicated the Code amendment would be heard by the City Council and would
require public hearings and publication.
The Commission directed Staff to add the line to the code.
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7. Planning Case MI03-001
Community Development Director Ericson indicated this request is for a zero lot line to allow
for both sides of a twin home to be sold individually. He further indicated that the zero lot line
would allow for owner occupied twin homes but does not guarantee that.
Director Ericson indicated his Staff report discusses the requirements and indicated that all the
requirements are met. He then clarified that there would be park dedication fees due but those
would be based on the current value less the fees previously paid.
Director Ericson indicated there would be deed restrictions placed on the property and those are
listed in the Resolution. He then indicated the applicant is ill and apologizes for not being able
to attend.
Commissioner Miller asked what the advantage would be for doing this.
Director Ericson indicated the advantage would be that each side of the property could sell
separately and that would encourage owner occupied twin homes.
Mounds View Planning Commission February 19, 2003
Regular Meeting Page 6
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Commissioner Johnson indicated he was aware of a situation in another city where the residents
of a twin home did not agree and one side painted the house one color and the other side painted
it another color.
Director Ericson indicated the City’s Code prohibits that.
MOTION/SECOND: Zwirn/Song. To Approve Resolution 720-03, a Resolution
Recommending Approval of a Zero Lot Line Subdivision for 7656 Silver Lake Road.
Ayes – 7 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
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8. Next Planning Commission Meeting: March 5, 2003
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9. Adjournment to Agenda Session
There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the
meeting at 7:59 p.m.
(The meeting immediately adjourned to the Agenda Session)
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Ericson
Community Development Director
Transcribed by:
Joan Lenzmeier
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.