Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-20-2021APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting October 20, 2021 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Rundle at 7:00 p.m. for October 20, 2021. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Roll Call Members Present: Commissioners Farmer, French, Monn, Munson, Nelson, Rundle, and Stevenson. Absent and Excused: None. Also Present: Community Development Director Jon Sevald and Council Member Gary Meehlhause. ______________________________________________________________________________ Index to Minutes Page Resolution 1130-21, Variance to reduce the side yard setbacks for a 2 Driveway at 5045 Red Oak Drive Approval of Minutes 4 3. Special Order of Business None. 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ Mounds View Planning Commission October 20, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Cases A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 1139-21, Variance to reduce the side yard setback for a Driveway at 5045 Red Oak Drive Community Development Director Sevald stated the applicant replaced the driveway and extensive landscaping in September 2021, such that the driveway has a 0’ side yard setback, whereas a minimum of 5’ is required. Mr. Firkus applied for, and received a Zoning Permit after-the-fact, pending approval of a Variance, or removal of the 5’ side yard encroachment. The new driveway is two cars wide, whereas the previous driveway was one car wide. The new driveway is similar to others on the west side of the block. There are seven homes (all identical) with driveways onto Red Oak Drive. Of these seven, six have driveways with a 0’ setback (including the applicant’s). All of these homes were built in 1956 with a single tuck under garage. In researching driveway permit histories for each of these homes, one record was found. In 2015, the City issued a permit for 5079 Red Oak Drive, allowing the existing driveway to be replaced as-is with a 0’ side yard setback. Non-conforming uses may be continued, repaired, and replaced, but cannot be expanded without a Variance. The situation with 5045 Red Oak is different from the others, because they all have been non-conforming for many years and allowed to continue, whereas the applicant’s driveway was conforming up until now, and cannot be expanded without a Variance. Community Development Director Sevald explained in addition to the landscaping installed, a shed was installed with a 1’ side yard setback. The applicant has been advised that approval of a Variance for the shed would be unlikely, and has agreed to move the shed to be in compliance. It was noted staff recommends approval. It is reasonable for single-family homes to have a two-car wide driveway. This home and others on the west side of the street were constructed in 1956 with a one-car wide driveway. Since this time, the other homes (except the applicant’s) have expanded their driveways with a 0’ setback. It is reasonable for the applicant to do the same. Changes in topography makes it impractical to expand towards the interior of the property. Staff recommended the Planning Commission hold a public hearing and approve the variance as requested. Chair Rundle opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. There being no comments from the public, Chair Rundle closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Commissioner Nelson explained the applicant was bringing his property into conformance with the neighboring properties. He expressed concern with the fact the applicant was asking for approval after already completing the work on his property. Steve Firkus, 5045 Red Oak Drive, indicated this was all new territory for him. He reported once the City contacted him and told him what to do, he applied for a permit because this would bring consistency and safety to this property. He stated he was not aware he would need a variance, but has since been working with staff through this process. Mounds View Planning Commission October 20, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Nelson inquired why the contractor did not request a permit for the work. Gary Anderson stated he was a landscaping contractor. He explained he had the understanding the retaining walls and patios were compliant. He reported he subcontracted the concrete work. Commissioner Nelson questioned how the concrete subcontractor was not aware of the fact he would need a permit to pour concrete in the City. Mr. Anderson indicated this may be the case, but noted he was a landscaping contractor and he apologized for this oversight. Community Development Director Sevald discussed how zoning codes vary from city to city. Commissioner Monn asked if the variance was only for the driveway. Mr. Firkus reported this was the case. Commissioner Nelson discussed how zero lot line driveways can be a concern when properties sell or new neighbors move in. Chair Rundle commented if the house were to sell in the next two or three years the variance would remain with the property. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. Commissioner Stevenson stated most driveways receive a four foot variance and not a zero foot setback. However, because the neighbors have a zero foot setback, he could support Mr. Firkus also having a zero foot setback for the driveway. He explained he did not want it to become the norm for residents to request variances after the fact. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Nelson/Commissioner Stevenson. To approve Resolution 1139-21, a Resolution Approving a Variance for a Reduced Side Yard Setback for a Driveway at 5045 Red Oak Drive. Ayes – 7 Nays – 0 Motion carried. _____________________________________________________________________________ 6. Reports A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity Community Development Director Sevald discussed upcoming planning cases with the Commission. He explained the Commission would have two items to review at its next meeting, the Skyline property, and to discuss planning commission seats. B. Staff Updates Community Development Director Sevald provided the Commission with an update from staff noting construction would begin shortly on Caribou Cabin. C. Council Updates Mounds View Planning Commission October 20, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Meehlhause provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City Council. He noted the Council approved the units per acre text amendment and also approved Mounds View becoming the LGU for stormwater management. He explained the Mounds View Police Department would be holding a coat drive on November 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. D. Planning Commissioner Reports None. 7. Approval of Minutes October 6, 2021. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Munson/Commissioner Farmer. To approve the Minutes of the October 6, 2021 regular Planning Commission meetings as presented. Ayes – 7 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. Next Planning Commission Meeting: A. Wednesday, November 3, 2021 B. Wednesday, November 17, 2021 9. Adjournment There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Rundle adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jon Sevald Community Development Director Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial