Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-2023APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting July 19, 2023 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 6:31 p.m. for July 19, 2023. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Roll Call Members Present: Commissioners Farmer, Munson, Nelson, Rundle, Stevenson and Urlacher. Absent and Excused: Commissioner Curtis. Also Present: Community Development Director Jon Sevald, City Administrator Nyle Zikmund, and Acting Mayor Gary Meehlhause. ______________________________________________________________________________ Index to Minutes Page Resolution 1162-23, Approval of a Variance to reduce the side yard 2 driveway setback from 5’ to 0’ at 7830 Spring Lake Road Approval of Minutes 3 _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Special Order of Business None. 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ Mounds View Planning Commission July 19, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Cases A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 1162-23, Approval of a Variance to reduce the side yard driveway setback from 5’ to 0’ at 7830 Spring Lake Road Community Development Director Sevald stated the applicant, Dan Dreier, is requesting a Variance to reduce the side yard setback from 5’ to 0’ to construct a second driveway. The intent of reducing the setback is to preserve a mature oak tree. Spring Lake Road south of Mounds View Boulevard, is being reconstructed in 2023. Nonconforming driveway curb cuts will be reconstructed to be conforming to City Code setback and width requirements as much as practical, unless the City Council grants a Variance (one of the rare occasions where variances are not heard by the Planning Commission). On June 12, 2023, the City Council approved several Variances. Currently, 7830 Spring Lake Road has a legal-conforming driveway, and a non-conforming gravel parking area within the right-of-way (ROW). There is no on-street parking. As part of the street reconstruction, a trail will be installed within the ROW, thereby displacing the gravel parking area. After reconstruction, there will continue to be no on-street parking. Community Development Director Sevald reported the applicant requested a Variance for a second curb cut to replace the parking area, and the City Council approved on June 12th. The second curb cut was planned to be located between two trees. At that time (June 12th), neither the applicant nor City staff realized the planned driveway would encroach into the neighboring property; 7785 Spring Lake Road, which has property on both sides of the road (house is on the opposite side). Staff met with the Dreir’s on July 6th to discuss. If complying with the 5’ setback, then there is inadequate width between the setback and an oak tree to park a vehicle. Either the tree would need to be removed, or a Variance obtained to reduce the setback. In favor of keeping the tree, it is more practical to reduce the side yard setback from 5’ to 0’. A 0’ setback will accommodate a 12’ wide curb cut. The new driveway may still impact the tree root zone. Staff recommended the Planning Commission hold a public hearing and approve the Variance as requested. Commissioner Stevenson stated the main concern was with the location of the mature tree. He requested staff point out the location of the tree. Community Development Director Sevald reviewed the location of the mature tree. Commissioner Stevenson indicated he has voted against second driveway request over the years. However, he believed this request was unique and he could support the variance. Chair Rundle agreed noting this was a unique property. Commissioner Nelson explained the City does not typically approve second curb cuts. Community Development Director Sevald reported the Planning Commission has approved second curb cuts for properties on busy roadways. He stated with this request, the Council has already granted a second curb cut and the Planning Commission was being asked to consider the location. Mounds View Planning Commission July 19, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Dan Dreir, 7830 Spring Lake Road, addressed the Commission and spoke to the uniqueness of his property. He reported he had the shortest driveway on Spring Lake Road and he was in need of guest parking. Michelle Dreir, 7830 Spring Lake Road, added that the proposed location for the second curb cut would save a mature oak tree. She explained the landscape architect they were working with did not recommend a parking pad be any closer to the oak tree than 10 feet. Commissioner Stevenson asked if the property stake had been located. Community Development Director Sevald explained one of the conditions for approval requires the applicant to locate the property iron prior to installing a driveway. Chair Rundle opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. There were no comments from the public. Chair Rundle closed the public hearing at 6:46 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Nelson/Commissioner Farmer. To approve Resolution 1162-23, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Variance for a Reduced Driveway Setback at 7830 Spring Lake Road. Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. Other Planning Activity None. 7. Approval of Minutes None. 8. Reports A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity Community Development Director Sevald reported he had no upcoming planning cases. B. Staff Updates Mounds View Planning Commission July 19, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ Community Development Director Sevald provided the Commission with an update from staff. He explained construction continues on the Villas of Mounds View which were the apartments on the former Skyline Motel property. The developer hoped to have the units available in September and staff would like to plan a tour of the site later this fall. He reported the H2 Flats clubhouse is under construction. He commented on a grant the City received from Ramsey County noting these funds would assist with the visioning the redevelopment of Mounds View Square and Sunrise Church. C. Council Updates Acting Mayor Meehlhause provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City Council. He explained the Council declared a vacancy on the City Council and this position would be filled at the November 7th Special Election. He stated the Council recently approved a City-wide water meter replacement project. He commented on the results from the survey that was completed by Morris Leatherman regarding the proposed Community Center expansion. He noted the City would be conducting additional communication regarding the proposed local sales tax. He explained the Council held a public meeting with local licensed trash haulers in order to meet State requirements when considering organized trash hauling for the City of Mound View. He commented further on the process that would have to be followed for organized trash collection. He discussed a conduit bonding project that was reviewed and approved by the Council. He reported the Council was working on the draft 2024 budget and has had discussions to begin recording its worksession meetings. He explained the EDA voted not to move forward with the townhome/tiny home project with Pulte Homes. D. Planning Commissioner Reports None. 9. Next Planning Commission Meeting: A. Wednesday, August 2, 2023 B. Wednesday, August 16, 2023 ______________________________________________________________________________ 10. Adjournment There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Rundle adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ Respectfully submitted, Mounds View Planning Commission July 19, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 5 ________________________________________________________________________ Jon Sevald Community Development Director Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial