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Planning Commission.Meeting Minutes March 21, 2000 Page 9 0 1 Stille offered that increasing the lot coverage maximum from 35%to 40%on 9,000 square foot 2 lots does not appear to be a burden on the City and could eliminate the need for some types of 3 variances. Furthermore, he would view a deck as a pervious surface if certain conditions were 4 met, such as dirt underneath the deck or a breathable fabric used. Stille felt that if the ordinance 5 were modified correctly, it would be easier for the Commission to follow and enforce the ordi- 6 nance to the letter. 7 Melsha expressed his belief that decks are a pervious surface and felt that either of the first two 8 options mentioned above would be a simple alteration to the ordinance and should not show any 9 appreciable effects on the runoff. 10 Thomas agreed with both Stille and Melsha, and explained that his concern would be with garage 11 additions, undersized lots, and drainage issues. He suggested that a homeowner be able to show 12 how stormwater runoff would be dealt with, and that could possibly be a condition of a person 13 having a two-car garage. 14 Hanson stated that he sees advantages to both options. 15 Tillmann agreed with a comment made earlier by Stille in that the Commission should set the or- 6 dinance in a way that it would be uncomplicated to enforce. 17 Hatch stated that he is leaning away from the first option presented and had a question about op- 18 tion 2. He inquired if the building inspector, upon issuance of a building permit, could visit the 19 property and confirm that the ground underneath the deck would percolate runoff water. 20 Bergstrom stated that a key point of information was Mr. Hubmer's statement that the lot cover- 21 age maximum could be increased to 40% on undersized lots and that increase would not make a 22 significant difference to the community with respect to runoff. He felt that statement would help 23 alleviate fears and reservations that the Council and community might have. He felt that increas- 24 ing the lot coverage on smaller lots would encourage homeowners to make investments in their 25 homes. 26 Morrison suggested that the Planning Commission formulate a plan and recommendation for 27 Thomas to present to the City Council at the April 11, 2000 meeting. He reminded the Commis- 28 sion' that a public hearing would need to be held, as well as three readings. 29 Bergstrom asked Tillmann if she would draft a proposed recommendation for the lot coverage 30 change and provide a copy to Thomas for presentation to the City Council. Tillmann agreed and 31 stated that she would provide a copy to all Commissioners by e-mail. 32 Thomas wished to confirm that the Commission had decided to eliminate decks as impervious surfaces for everyone in the City, and to raise the lot coverage maximum from 35%to 40% for 04 lots under 9,000 square feet. Additionally, a water management brochure would be attached to 35 the building permit application for educational purposes for homeowners.