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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-03-2007 MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA October 3, 2007 -- 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes: A. September 5, 2007 4. Citizens Requests and Comments Relating to Planning and Zoning Issues Not Already Present on the Agenda. (Before speaking, please give your full name and address for the minutes.) 5. Planning Cases A. AV2007-001 Consideration of an Administrative Variance for a Reduced Side Yard Setback Applicant: Rich Sonterre Address: 5060 Red Oak Drive 6. Other Planning Activity A. Comp Plan 2008 Update 7. Next Planning Commission Meetings: A. October 17, 2007 B. November 7, 2007 8. Adjourn to Agenda Session Agenda Session 1. Review Minutes: a. September 19, 2007 2. Staff Reports a. Upcoming Planning Cases 3. Chairperson and Planning Commissioners’ Reports 4. Meeting Conclusion PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting September 19, 2007 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order Vice Chair Miller called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. September 19, 2007 ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Roll Call Members Present: Commissioners Gunn, Meehlhause, Miller, and Walsh-Kaczmarek Absent and Excused: Chair Stevenson, Commissioners Cramblit and Lang Also Present: Community Development Director Ericson and Planning Associate Heller ________________________________________________________________________ Index to Minutes Page VR2007-002: Consideration of a Variance for a Reduced Driveway Setback 2 Comprehensive Plan 4 ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Approve Minutes A. August 22, 20067. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/ Walsh-Kaczmarek, to approve the minutes of the August 22, 2007 regular Planning Commission meeting as corrected. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. ______________________________________________________________________________ 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None ______________________________________________________________________________ Mounds View Planning Commission September 19, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 2 5. Planning Cases A. VR2007-002: Consideration of a Variance for a Reduced Driveway Setback Planning Assistant Heller reported the applicant, Cory Mathiowetz, is requesting a variance to permit a driveway with a two foot setback from the property line. She stated he currently has a very narrow, 8.5 foot wide, dirt driveway about three feet off the property line, which has been in place probably since the house was built in 1940. She stated that in October 2006, a conditional use permit was approved for Mr. Mathiowetz to construct a new oversize garage. She reported new garage was built, and the applicant would now like to replace the dirt driveway with a 13.5 foot wide concrete driveway. City Code requires that all driveways be at least five feet from the property line. Planning Associate Heller stated that when the house was built, it was placed much closer to the east side of the property, which leaves a limited amount of room for a driveway to run next to the house in order to reach the garage in the rear. The house is setback approximately 19 to 20 feet off the property line. She reported that the neighbor to the east staked out where he felt the property line is, and if the applicant agrees with this location, he has a little more room next to the house than he originally thought. Planning Associate Heller reported that in 2002, County Road H2 was reconstructed and concrete curbing was installed. She stated the contractor placed each driveway curb cut in line with the existing driveways; the curb cut for this property was placed against the east property line, possibly due to the location of a stormwater drain on the west side of the driveway. She indicated that Mr. Mathiowetz would like the driveway to be fairly straight in from the street rather than having it immediately jog over five feet. She mentioned the Public Works staff has said the applicant could expand the curb cut slightly on the west side in order to keep the driveway off of the property line, but due to the stormwater drain, the expansion area is limited to about 18 inches. Planning Associate Heller reported the easterly neighbor’s property ranges from approximately two to six feet higher than the applicant’s lot, and the grade changes immediately at the property line, which causes much of the neighbor’s stormwater to drain onto Mr. Mathiowetz’s property. She stated that because of this, the applicant would like to put a 3 foot wide rock/drain tile strip between the house and new driveway, rather than having the driveway right next to the house and allowing water to run against the foundation. Planning Associate Heller stated that the hardships for this property are the existing curb cut being on the property line and the limited ability to expand it westward, the location of the house on the lot, and the much higher neighboring property. Vice Chair Miller opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek asked if the new driveway would be concrete or asphalt. Mounds View Planning Commission September 19, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mr. Mathiowetz replied the driveway would be concrete. Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek inquired about the slope of the new driveway to address drainage. Mr. Mathiowetz explained the driveway would have a two to three degree slope from east to west. He stated currently water pools in his back yard and on the driveway. He indicated that he has not yet talked to a landscaper, but something would need to be done to divert the water. Discussion ensued. Mr. Peter McIntyre, 2917 County Road H2 (neighbor to the east), stated that historically there have been water problems and if the drive did cut into the slope, the erosion problem would increase. He stated he was not sure a two-foot variance is required for the entire driveway; however, it would be needed near the street end because of the curb cut location. He stated Mr. Mathiowetz should try to increase the setback near the house. He stated that future home owners should be considered and where snow would be stored. Vice Chair Miller asked if there is anything to add to the resolution. Planning Associate Heller asked if the Commission is comfortable leaving the variance at two feet. Commissioner Meehlhause requested the proposed width of driveway. Planning Associate Heller replied it would be 13.5 feet. Mr. Mathiowetz stated he would like a driveway that is functional where passengers could get out on both sides of the vehicle and still be on the driveway. He commented there has been water intrusion in the basement and that he needs to landscape to correct this problem. Commissioner Meehlhause questioned whether a three-foot variance would correct the erosion issue. Mr. Mathiowetz replied erosion would occur either way. He stated a retaining wall would probably need to be built at least on part of the driveway. Community Development Director Ericson asked if there is survey confirmation on the property. Mr. McIntire replied the survey stake is missing and it would be expensive to redo it. He stated that he ran a line based on the survey of his easterly property line. Community Development Director Ericson commented that if the house is set back 20 feet, there should be room for a three foot setback. Mounds View Planning Commission September 19, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 4 Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek pointed out it appears the curb cut is more towards the right side of the lot than what Mr. Mathiowetz is proposing to do. Mr. Mathiowetz replied that is correct. Planning Associate Heller stated Public Works indicated he could go to the grate and slope the curb again from there. Commissioner Meehlhause stated the request meets the conditions, this is the second time Mr. Mathiowetz has come before the Planning Commission to make improvements to his home, which is what the City encourages, and he is totally in favor of the elimination of gravel driveways in the City. Commissioner Gunn agreed. She commented the two-foot variance is the minimum and maybe after talking to a landscaper it could actually be worked out to be a bigger setback. She encouraged landscaping to alleviate drainage problems. Vice Chair Miller closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause, to approve Resolution 874-07, a Resolution approving a Variance for a Two-Foot Driveway Setback at 2925 County Road H2; Mounds View Planning Case VR2007-002. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. _____________________________________________________________________________ 6. Other Planning Activities A. Comp Plan 2008 Update Planning Associate Heller explained she would like the Commission to review the future land use map and identify updates and corrections. Consensus reached to update the four Tyson properties to reflect either a Light or Heavy Industrial designation on all the lots for consistency. All commissioners agreed that further discussion is required with the absent commissioners. Consensus reached to update the Medtronic site designation to reflect the change in designation. Community Development Director Ericson stated there are only a few areas of the land use map that need to be addressed. He suggested dropping the mixed use designation for the areas that have been developed or re-developed. Community Development Director Ericson called the Commission’s attention to the Saturn dealership and the lot next to it. He stated it makes sense to tie this into the development next to Mounds View Planning Commission September 19, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 5 it. He indicated Saturn would be relocating to Blaine; therefore, this is an opportune time to re- designate the area. He suggested this might be something to ask for input from the community. Commissioner Meehlhause recommended the liquor store lot across from Saturn be designated as single family detached. Commissioner Gunn stated she believes light industrial along the Highway 10 corridor is appropriate; however, it should be broken down into manageable chunks. She stated the vision of a walkable community should be reflected on the land use map. Community Development Director Ericson recommended the land use map be discussed at the next meeting with all the Planning Commissioners. ______________________________________________________________________________ 7. Next Planning Commission Meeting: A. October 3, 2007 B. October 17, 2007 ______________________________________________________________________________ 8. Adjournment to Agenda Session There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Vice Chair Miller adjourned the meeting at 8:45 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. Item No: 5A Meeting Date: October 3, 2007 Type of Business: Commission Business City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Mounds View Planning Commission From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Final Approval of an Administrative Variance for a Reduced Side Yard Setback at 5060 Red Oak Drive; Planning Case AV2007-001 The applicant, Rich Sonterre, is proposing to enhance his home by constructing a 225 square foot, 15’x15’ three-season porch on the rear of his home located at 5060 Red Oak Drive. The existing house, built in 1958, was placed on the lot with only an eight foot side yard setback on the north side. This porch would extend the north wall of the house towards the rear an additional 15 feet. Mounds View Zoning Code requires a ten foot side setback for living space. The requested two foot variance would allow the property owner to expand his current non-conforming eight foot side setback. Discussion: Staff reviewed this request and determined that it qualified for an administrative variance, as it is within 25% of setback requirements. Administrative Variances were added as an option a few years ago to make the process faster and easier for residents when their request was not excessively beyond what the code allows. Staff reviewed the proposed porch addition and spoke with the applicant about his hardship claim. Staff feels that there is sufficient hardship to warrant a variance. Staff also considered any negative affects that the proposed addition might have on the surrounding area and found that the porch addition would not negatively impact the neighborhood. The Community Development Director granted preliminary approval. The four adjacent property owners have been notified of the variance request. At the time this report was written, Staff had received no feedback from the adjacent property owners. 5060 Red Oak Admin Variance Staff Report page 2 Recommendation: The Commission can take one of the following actions related to the request: 1. Approve the administrative variance as requested. Resolution 875-07 is attached for the Commission’s approval if that is the chosen course of action. 2. Deny the requested variance. If the Commission chooses this option, the applicant will have the right to apply for a formal variance. 3. Table the request. If additional information is needed before a decision can be rendered or if more discussion is needed, the Commission can simply move to table the request until such information has been provided. Because of 60-day requirements, the Commission would need to act upon the request as soon as reasonably possible to avoid an inadvertent approval. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Heller Planning Associate Attachments: 1. Resolution 875-07 2. Site Plan MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 875-07 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ADMINISTRATIVE VARIANCE TO ALLOW FOR AN EIGHT FOOT SIDE YARD SETBACK FOR A LIVING-SPACE PORCH ADDITION AT 5060 RED OAK DRIVE; MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING CASE AV2007-001 WHEREAS, the applicant, Rich Sonterre, has applied for a variance to allow for a continued eight foot, side yard setback for a proposed porch addition to his home located at 5060 Red Oak Drive; and, WHEREAS, 5060 Red Oak Drive is zoned R-1, Single Family Residential, and is legally described as follows: Lot 11, Block 6, Twelve Oaks 2nd Addition, Ramsey County, Minnesota WHEREAS, the Community Development Director has reviewed the following documents regarding this proposal: 1. Planning Application 2. Zoning Map 3. Site Plan WHEREAS, the purpose of the administrative variance provision in the Zoning Code is to give relief to property owners when the strict enforcement of the zoning code requirements imposes a hardship thereby restricting the improvement of property due to practical difficulties brought about by unique or extraordinary features of the physical property that are beyond the property owner’s control; and, WHEREAS, according to Section 1125.02, Subdivision 6 of the Mounds View Municipal Code, the Community Development Director is to review a standard set of criteria, of which all must be satisfied, in order to grant an administrative variance to the Zoning Code; and, WHEREAS, the property owners adjacent to the subject property were notified of the variance request and were allowed ten days to respond; and, Resolution 875-07 Page 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mounds View Planning Commission, based upon its review of the identified hardship, does hereby grant final approval of the variance request to expand upon the current eight (8) foot side yard setback for a proposed porch addition at 5060 Red Oak Drive, contingent upon the following: 1. The applicants shall obtain approval of a building permit for the porch expansion before work commences. 2. The proposed addition shall be commenced within one year of the adoption of this resolution or the variance approval shall become null and void. Adopted this 3rd day of October, 2007. _______________________________________ Gary Stevenson, Chairperson ATTEST: _______________________________________ James Ericson, Community Development Director (SEAL) North Administrative Variance Request for 5060 Red Oak Drive, Mounds View Proposed porch Red Oak Drive Sunnyside Road Item No: 6A Meeting Date: October 3, 2007 Type of Business: Discussion City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Mounds View Planning Commission From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Comp Plan 2008 Update We will be discussing the Future Land Use map again at this meeting since three of the Commissioners were absent from the September 19th meeting. The Commissioners who were present felt that no decisions should be made without more of the Commissioners being involved in any changes. After the discussion at the last meeting, I have put together maps outlining the specific parcels that possibly should have the land use designation changed. For example: Two of our manufactured home parks are currently designated as Single Family Attached (SFA) for the future land use, but maybe they should be changed to stay a manufactured home neighborhood in order for these areas to remain affordable housing. There are also several redevelopment opportunities right now in the city, and the Planning Commission should look at the land use map in order to prepare for potential changes. Chapter 5, Public Facilities is the next section that the Planning Commission will be working on. Due to speaker scheduling for the Comp Plan Task Force, chapter 5 will be before chapter 4. Please bring your color copies of the Future Land Use and Zoning Maps to the meeting. Sincerely, Heidi Heller Planning Associate Saturn site – change to same as rest of business park - LI Vino & Stogies liquor store site – change to same as adjacent lots and neighborhood- SFD Premium Stop redevelopment area – change to be the same as rest of redevelopment area – MU-PUD Colonial Village & Mounds View Mobile Home Park – change to remain as manufactured housing?? Townsedge Manufactuctured Home Park (striped area) – change to remain as manufactured housing?? Tyson Trucking lots – change so all 4 lots are same designation – LI or HI Walgreens – change to HC New office/medical bldg – change to CC or NC Vacant lot donated to city due to amount of wetland – change to OSP Moe’s additional lot for parking – change so both lots are the same - HC Townhouse Development – change to SFA City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 58 PUBLIC FACILITIES City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 59 Introduction The public facilities of a city include those lands, buildings, services and systems that are provided on a public and semipublic basis in the interest of, or as a benefit to its residents. The importance of these facilities should not be underestimated because they enhance the image and quality of life of a community. Mounds View’s public facilities are in place. The focus of the public facilities element is on the maintenance and improvement of the existing facilities in Mounds View. Goals and Policies The following will be the public facilities goals and policies for the City of Mounds View: Goal 1: Plan public facilities and services in a coordinated and economic manner on a basis that is consistent with the nature of development within the community. Policies: a. All public facilities needed shall be developed according to generally accepted standards. b. Adequately screen, landscape, and buffer public facilities in order to minimize their impact on surrounding uses and enhance the community and the area in which they are located. c. Future development and redevelopment in the City will provide adequate water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer or holding areas and connect to the existing system at a point where adequate service can be supplied. d. The City shall work with Xcel Energy to encourage underground installation of all new electrical service and conversion of existing overhead systems to underground. Goal 2: Ensure the provision and maintenance of facilities and services necessary to meet the needs and interests of the community. Policies: a. Public facilities and services shall be maintained according to generally accepted standards of performance. b. The existing utility systems will be monitored, maintained and improved as required to provide adequate services, including fire protection (hydrants). City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 60 c. The direct discharge of untreated domestic or industrial waste into any water body, water course or storm sewer system shall be prohibited. d. The direct discharge of untreated storm water into flowing channels (Rice Creek, Judicial Ditches) shall be minimized. e. Runoff shall be managed to protect surrounding areas and ground water recharge areas. f. Protect and preserve soil types associated with drainageways in order to channel flowage and control erosion. Goal 3: Cooperate with other units of government to provide facilities that are complementary to each other. Policy: a. Coordinate the planning of public facilities with adjacent communities, the school district, the county, the Metropolitan Council and other governmental agencies. Goal 4: Ensure adequate distribution of and provide for safe, easy access to all facilities and services within the community. Policies: a. Locate public facilities and services so as to offer convenient access and minimal response time. b. Locate easements for utility systems according to uniform standards to provide access to maintain and repair the systems and to minimize disruption of other activities or areas. Goal 5: Minimize public investments in storm drainage, water supply, and sanitary sewer. Policies: a. Preserve natural drainage to the extent possible in order to minimize storm water management costs. b. Continually implement and maintain the City of Mounds View and the Rice Creek storm water management plans to protect existing ponding areas/wetlands. City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 61 c. Maintain separate sanitary and storm water management systems. d. Ensure coordination among all utility improvement programs. e. Ensure the full utilization of public facilities and services prior to making new public investments. f. Minimize the impact of required utility facilities and services on surrounding uses. Goal 6: Improve, maintain and redevelop parks and open space to serve neighborhood and community needs. Policies: a. Classify and make improvements to parks and open space in accordance with metropolitan standards. b. Program recreation open space improvements with a capital improvement program and update it on an annual basis as provided by the City Charter. c. Develop an extensive and varied year round recreation program that is suited to the needs of all age groups within the community. d. Parks and open space shall be developed and improved to take maximum advantage of natural features such as Spring Lake and Rice Creek. e. If economically feasible, tax forfeited and state trust land shall be acquired for public use as they become available. f. Both active and passive recreation areas will be maintained throughout the community. g. Parks and open space shall be equitably distributed and maintained throughout the community, taking care that sufficient facilities are available and tailored to meet the life cycle needs of the neighborhoods they serve. h. Private developers will be required to set aside a portion of their land for public use. Where this is not feasible or desirable, developers will be required to contribute cash in lieu of land to be used for the purchase and/or development of recreational open space or facilities. City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 62 i. Design and maintain parks with proper lighting, landscaping, shelter design, etc. to ensure a high degree of public and property safety. j. Ensure continual citizen participation in the planning, development and operation of recreational open space. k. Design, develop and maintain the City’s park and open space system in accordance with the adopted master plan and the Park Facilities Replacement Plan. l. Provide safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to recreational facilities. m. Study trail systems which provide for separation of motorized and non-motorized recreational activities. n. Provide trail and pedestrian connections to community facilities in Mounds View as well as to county facilities and facilities in adjacent communities. o. Coordinate Mounds View trail and pedestrian systems with the trail and pedestrian systems in adjacent communities. p. Ensure the provision of adequate parking to serve major park and recreational facilities. q. Where necessary, screen, fence and/or buffer parks and open space areas for the safety and protection of the user. r. Park and open space facilities shall be planned and developed in cooperation with similar services of surrounding communities and the metropolitan area as a whole. s. Joint use and programming of City parks and school recreation facilities shall be encouraged and promoted to maximize the benefits to both the residents and students alike. City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 63 Community Facilities The term community facilities includes a wide range of buildings and facilities which are provided by the City or other governmental agencies as a service to citizens. Community facilities include parks and open space, public buildings, public utilities, and schools. These facilities are in place. No new facilities are anticipated. Some redevelopment and expansion of existing facilities may occur as facilities and equipment age in the future. Parks and Open Space Parks and open space areas in Mounds View include municipally owned and operated neighborhood and community parks and special use facilities. There are nine neighborhood parks, three community parks, and one special use park. Figure 10 on page 66 shows the location of parks and Table 18 on page 64 illustrates the facilities present at the various parks in Mounds View. The City of Mounds View also owns and operates a nine-hole public golf course and driving range. Public Buildings Mounds View public buildings include City Hall which includes the city administrative offices and the police department, the public works maintenance facility, the community center, the golf course club house, and park shelters. Figure 10 on page 66 shows the location of the Mounds View public buildings. Public Utilities The City’s water system includes one 500,000 gallon elevated storage tank, a two million gallon reservoir, and six wells. Mounds View pumps an average of 1.5 million gallons of water per day. The system has adequate capacity to handle its needs into the foreseeable future. Figure 11 on page 67 shows the water system. There are two regional sewer interceptor sewer lines and a lift station operated by the Metropolitan Council. Treatment occurs at the Metropolitan Waste Water Treatment Plant. The Mounds View sanitary sewer system consists of municipal sewer mains, force mains and four lift stations. According to Metropolitan Council estimates total sewer flows will rise from current flows of 535 million gallons per year to between 579 and 767 million gallons per year. The system has adequate capacity to handle existing and potential future development. Figure 12 on page 65 shows the sanitary sewer system. City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 64 TABLE 18 Sewage Flow Projections Sewershed Connection Point Flows (in million gallons) (See Figure 12) (See Figure 12) 2000 Projected Increase 2010 2020 (Estimate) to Ultimate (Projected) (Projected) Development 1 A 125 8.3 129 133 2 B 70 4.8 72 75 3 C 55 7.1 59 62 4 and 5 D 260 24.7 272 285 Total 510 44.9 532 555 Source: SEH The City of Mounds View has an active program to reduce excessive inflow and infiltration (I/I)of its sanitary sewer system. The City’s Public Works Department annually performs cleaning and televised inspection of approximately one quarter of the wastewater system. Noted during these inspections are offset joints, cracks in pipes, and leaking manholes. At least $30,000 is budgeted annually to seal these leaks. It is anticipated that future street reconstruction projects will result in either new sanitary sewer mains the installation of in-place linings. The City Council has reviewed a sump pump inspection program and will likely initiate a project in the near future. Schools Mounds View is part of Independent School District No. 621. Independent School District No. 621 has two school facilities in Mounds View. These include the Pinewood Elementary School and Edgewood Middle School. Figure 10 on page 66 shows the location of the schools. City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 65TABLE 19 Community Facilities MAP NO. FACILITIES AND LOCATIONS Total acres Park Building Picnic Shelter Picnic Tables Grills Baseball Diamond Softball Diamond Hockey Rink General Skating Tennis Courts Basketball Courts Volleyball Courts Soccer Football Fields Swimming Pool Beach Play Equipment Nature Hiking Trails Sliding Hills Horsehoe Courts Permanent Restrooms Disc Golf PARKS 1 Ardan Park 8.8 2 City Hall Park 12.9 Lighted 2 3 Greenfield Park 35.5 4 Groveland Park 4.1 Lighted 5 Hillview Park 3.2 Lighted2 LightedLighted 6 Lakeside Park 11.0 7 Lambert Park 3.2 LightedLighted 8 Oakwood Park 2.4 9 Random Park 2.0 10 Silver View Park 52.0 2 11 Woodcrest Park 2.0 SCHOOLS 12 Edgewood 3 Lighted 13 Pinewood OTHER 14 The Bridges Open Space 47.0 15 The Bridges Practice Range & Golf Course 16 Community Center 4.7 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 66 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 67 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ________________________________________________________________________ 68