Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2015 PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA April 15, 2015 -- 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes: February 18, 2015 4. Citizens Requests and Comments Relating to Planning and Zoning Issues Not Already on the Agenda. (Before speaking, give your full name and address for the record.) 5. Planning Cases None 6. Other Planning Activity A. Review Application for Planning Commission Vacancy B. Discuss Proposed Code Amendments to Allow Brewpubs, Taprooms, Microbreweries, and Breweries 7. Review Minutes: A. March 18, 2015 8. Reports A. Upcoming Planning Cases B. Staff Updates C. Council Updates D. Planning Commissioner Reports 9. Next Planning Commission Meetings: A. Wednesday, May 6, 2015 B. Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10. Adjourn PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 18, 2015 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevenson at 7:00 p.m. for March 18, 2015. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Roll Call Members Present: Commissioners Birken, Carvelli-Yu, Elofson, Rundle, Schiltgen, and Stevenson. Absent and Excused: Commissioner Love. Also Present: Planning Associate Heidi Heller. ______________________________________________________________________________ Index to Minutes Page Approval of Minutes 1 VR2015-001 Variance Request to Exceed Allowed Ground Sign Height 2 Planning Commission Public Service Announcement Volunteer (Oral Report) 3 Discuss a Code Amendment to Allow Columbaria 3 _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Approval of Minutes February 4, 2015. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Carvelli-Yu/Commissioner Elofson. To approve the Minutes of the February 4, 2015 regular Planning Commission meeting as slightly amended. Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View Planning Commission March 18, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Cases A. VR2015-001 Variance Request to Exceed Allowed Ground Sign Height Applicant: George Winiecki, WIN Insurance Agency Address: 2704 County Road 10 Planning Associate Heller indicated the applicant, George Winiecki, owner of 2704 County Road 10, is requesting a variance to allow the existing ground sign to be expanded 4.5 feet, to 20.5 feet tall. The Zoning Code indicates that no ground sign in a business district may exceed 16 feet in height. She stated according to the Municipal Code, Section 1008.09, Subdivision 3, ground signs are limited to a height of no more than 16 feet without a variance. The applicant owns the building at 2704 County Road 10 and operates his insurance agency here. He also rents some of the building to a few different tenants who have their business information on the sign. Associate Heller reported that Mr. Winiecki has an existing ground sign that is 16.5 feet tall with a brick base. He wants to reconfigure the sign panels and possibly add an electronic sign. Since his ground sign meets the current sign code in regards to it already having masonry on it, Mr. Winiecki can change more than just the panels on his sign. He intends to keep the existing brick base and expand the sign frame taller, and just change the sizes of the individual businesses sign panels. He feels that in order to best meet his and his tenant’s sign needs, the ground sign should be four feet taller. The applicant’s sign is currently 104 square feet, within the allowed 200 square feet. The sign could instead be widened and then would not need a variance. The cost to change the sign base and frame in order to support a wider sign is high, and the applicant has chosen to apply for a height variance instead. It was noted staff does not support the request. Chair Stevenson opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. George Winiecki, the applicant, read a statement to the Commission noting it was his choice to request a sign change. He provided comment on the importance of company logos and brand recognition. He discussed the benefit of working with a local insurance agent along with the numerous products he provided. He advised how small businesses were under attack and then reviewed a mock-up of the new ground sign. He respectfully requested that the Commission consider approving his sign request in order for him to further his business and the businesses within his building. Commissioner Carvelli-Yu asked if the current ground sign was lit. Mr. Winiecki reported that the sign was lit, but that several bulbs were in need of replacement. Chair Stevenson closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. Mounds View Planning Commission March 18, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Associate Heller reviewed the options available to the Commission. Commissioner Elofson supported the sign variance request based on the fact Mr. Winiecki has been in the community for the past 30 years. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Elofson/Commissioner Schiltgen. To approve Resolution 1021-15, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Variance to Exceed Allowed Ground Sign Height; Planning Case No. VR2015-001. Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried. _____________________________________________________________________________ 6. Other Planning Activity A. Planning Commission Public Service Announcement Volunteer (Oral Report) Assistant City Administrator Crane provided the Commission with information on the City’s newly established volunteer program. She noted the City received a $2,000 grant for this program, which would assist staff in reaching out to the community. She was now in need of assistance in creating a script for a public service announcement and asked if any Commissioners were interested in helping her. Commissioner Schiltgen explained he would be willing to assist with the script but was not interested in being on camera. Chair Stevenson indicated he would be willing to be on camera so long as his schedule allowed. Commissioner Elofson and Commissioner Birken were also interested in assisting with the script. ______________________________________________________________________________ B. Discuss a Code Amendment to Allow Columbaria Planning Associate Heller explained a Mounds View church member recently contacted the City to inquire if a columbarium would be allowed on the church property. Due to the large increase in cremations rather than burials, it is understandable that more places are needed to store urns. Mounds View does not currently have any cemeteries, nor does the City Code address cemeteries or columbaria. Associate Heller noted the Planning Commission discussed columbaria on church properties, and the Commission was supportive of adding language to the zoning code to allow columbaria. The Commission decided to consider a columbarium an allowed accessory use to a church and base the regulations from the accessory building requirements. Staff recommends also adding a definition of a columbarium to the zoning code. The Planning Commission requested that a Mounds View Planning Commission March 18, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ permit be required for the installation of columbaria in order for staff to review the proposal and site plan. Staff will amend the fee schedule to add the zoning permit fee. Staff recommended approval of the proposed Code amendment to allow Columbaria. Commissioner Rundle was in favor of having the columbaria located close to the principle structure. Commissioner Carvelli-Yu asked if the code language should include further specifications on the preferred building materials. She wanted to insure that the structure was weather proof. Further discussion ensued regarding columbaria building materials. The Commission did not want to see columbaria built out of brick if under 200 square feet. Commissioner Birken discussed the term “closing” and suggested this word be changed. Associate Heller suggested this language be amended to read: within three months of the institution vacating the property. The Commission supported the recommendation. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Rundle/Commissioner Birken. To approve Resolution 1022-15, a Resolution Recommending Approval of an Amendment to Title 1100, Chapters 1102 and 1106 of the Mounds View Zoning Code to Allow Columbaria at Religious Institutions; Special Planning Case 193-15. Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried. ______________________________________________________________________________ 7. Review Minutes: A. February 18, 2015 The Commission discussed the February 18, 2015 meeting minutes. No changes were suggested. 8. Reports A. Upcoming Planning Cases Planning Associate Heller explained she did not have any upcoming planning cases. B. Staff Updates Planning Associate Heller noted the Town Hall Meeting would be held on Monday, March 30th at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. Mounds View Planning Commission March 18, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 5 ________________________________________________________________________ C. Council Updates Councilmember Meehlhause provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City Council. He discussed the City Council’s goals for the coming year and noted the Council wanted to enhance the relationship between the Police and Fire Departments and the general public. He congratulated Theresa Cermak on being selected the Mounds View Citizen of the Year. D. Planning Commissioner Reports None. 9. Next Planning Commission Meeting: A. Wednesday, April 1, 2015 B. Wednesday, April 15, 2015 ______________________________________________________________________________ 10. Adjournment There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ Respectfully submitted, Heidi Heller Planning Associate Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Item No: 6A Meeting Date: April 15, 2015 Type of Business: Other Planning Activity City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Mounds View Planning Commission From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Review Application for Planning Commission Vacancy Commissioner Cindy Carvelli-Yu is resigning from the Planning Commission. The remaining time of Cindy’s three year term needs to be filled. The City advertised the vacancy, with applications due on March 20, 2015. Staff received one application. The Planning Commission should review the application and meet the candidate who has been invited to the meeting. A ballot vote will be conducted and the results of the vote will be the recommendation that the Planning Commission submits to the City Council, who could make an official appointment on April 27, 2015. Sincerely, Heidi Heller Planning Associate Attachment: 1. Application from Therese Kieffer Item No: 6B Meeting Date: April 15, 2015 Type of Business: Other Planning Activity City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Planning Commission From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Discuss a Code Amendment to Allow Brewpubs, Taprooms, Microbreweries and Breweries At the April 6, 2015 Council Worksession, the City Council discussed allowing businesses like brewpubs or taprooms in the City since they are becoming very popular after the State of Minnesota loosened up regulations relating to these types of businesses. The Council is supportive of allowing any type of brewing businesses – brewpub, taproom, microbrewery and brewery. The City Code for liquor licensing will also need to be amended to accommodate these particular types of businesses, along with some additional definitions. Staff has drafted a resolution with the proposed uses added to the B-2, B-3 and I-1 zoning districts. There are different definitions, rules and state licensing for each type of liquor manufacturing business. Here are general definitions for each: - Brewpub is a restaurant that produces its own beer for onsite and growler sales, while also selling spirits and the beer of others. Brewpubs can serve their own beer -- and the beer and liquor of other companies -- to patrons, but they cannot can, bottle, or keg their beer to sell to bars, restaurants, and stores. - Brewery is a facility that produces beer for distribution to bars and restaurants and can operate a taproom that sells only their own beer onsite. It takes a separate license to own a brewpub or a brewery and an individual in Minnesota cannot get both. - Microbrewery is a state licensed facility and may brew no more than 20,000 barrels of its own brands of malt liquor annually. - Taproom is a state licensed brewer permitting the on-sale consumption of malt liquor produced by the brewer for consumption on the premises of a brewery or an abutting property in common ownership of the brewer, which may include the sales of malt liquor produced and packaged at the brewery for off premises consumption as allowed by Minnesota Statutes. Recommendation Discuss the proposed City Code amendments relating to malt liquor brewing businesses. Sincerely, Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Attachments: 1. Resolution 1023-15 MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1023-15 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 1100, CHAPTERS 1113, 1114 AND 1116 OF THE MOUNDS VIEW ZONING CODE TO ALLOW BREWPUBS, MICROBREWERIES, BREWERIES AND TAPROOMS IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS; SPECIAL PLANNING CASE 193-15 WHEREAS, City staff has recommended that amendments be made to the zoning code relating to malt liquor manufacturing; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission agrees with the City Staff recommendation to allow brewpubs, taprooms, microbreweries and breweries in the CIty; and, WHEREAS, City staff has amended Chapter 1102.02 and Chapter 1106.03 of the Mounds View City Code by deleting the stricken language and adding the underlined text as follows: 1113.01: PURPOSE: The purpose of the B-2, Limited Business District is to provide for low intensity, retail or service outlets which deal directly with the customer for whom the goods or services are furnished. The uses allowed in this District are to provide goods and services on a limited community market scale and located in areas which are well served by collector or arterial street facilities at the edge of residential districts. 1113.02: PERMITTED USES: The following are permitted uses in a B-2 District: Subd. 2. Retail: Limited retail uses which have, as the principle use, sales with warehousing or display secondary to that use. Restaurant, café, brewpub and tea room with a maximum of twenty four (24) seats and two thousand (2,000) square feet in floor area. The restaurant shall not include drive- thru and/or window pick-up services or the serving of food to patrons in their vehicles. 1113.04: CONDITIONAL USES: The following are conditional uses in a B-2 District (requiring a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by Section 1125.01 of this Title): Subd. 10. Restaurants, cafes, brewpubs and tea rooms with more than twenty four (24) seats and/or two thousand (2,000) square feet of floor area. The restaurant shall not include drive-thru and/or window pick-up services or the serving of food to patrons in their vehicles. Resolution 1023-15 Page 2 1114.01: PURPOSE: The purpose of the B-3, Highway Business District is to provide for and limit the establishment of motor vehicle oriented or dependent commercial and service activities. (1988 Code §40.18) 1114.02: PERMITTED USES: The following are permitted uses in a B-3 District: Microbrewery Taprooms 1116.01: PURPOSE: The purpose of the I-1, Industrial District is to provide for the establishment of warehousing and industrial development and use. (1988 Code §40.20) 1116.02: PERMITTED USES: The following are permitted uses in an I-1 District: Microbrewery Brewery Taprooms WHEREAS, amending the City Code to allow brewpubs, microbreweries, breweries and taprooms in business and industrial zoning districts would better serve the public; and, WHEREAS, the Mounds View Planning Commission concurs that an amendment to the City Code is warranted and justified. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission recommends approval of amendments to Title 1100 of the Mounds View Zoning Code as defined herein. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission directs staff to forward this resolution to the City Council prior to approval of the minutes. Adopted this 15th day of April, 2015. ________________________________ Gary Stevenson, Chair ATTEST: ________________________________ James Ericson, City Administrator (SEAL)