2006.04.13 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes — April 13, 2006 Page 5 Schumann explained that it was a legal non -conforming business and the City would like to see it removed. Rennae Glidden, 7215 137th Street, said she owned 21 t/z acres and moved there 12 years ago for the land and space. She said under the normal zoning, they would only be able to get three houses on the property because they could not meet the 300 feet lot width requirement. She questioned whether it was 40 contiguous acres since it was divided by the road and the pond further divided it. She felt they should not be given credit for preserving the environment since the septic system was so close to the pond. John Southward, 7307 132nd Street North, said the lots should have a ten -acre minimum and the septic system should not be next to the pond. Schumann pointed out that the properties met at in the center of the road so they actually did connect, and 50 percent or more of the site being left as open space would ensure it would never develop. There were no other comments and Schumann closed the public hearing. Rosenquist said he had a hard time granting bonuses for an open space that was not usable, and with the outlot being on the other side of the road than the homes, it could become an attractive nuisance. He also wanted to see the design of the septic system. Hoffbeck had issues with the plan meeting the general intent of the ordinance. It did not fit the area. and the open space did not connect to the community and was unusable. She had concerns about an HOA for a small group being properly managed, and said street lights did not belong in a rural area. Weidt agreed that Outlot A would not be a worthwhile piece of land. Bailly said she believed that more homes it what should be expected with the rural preservation program, but it did not look like they met the density bonus. The septic system could ruin what is there right now. Brent Thompson, Stoney River Development, said they made many revisions to the concept plan the Commission had reviewed, and the property to the north perked nicely for the septic, which would be managed by Connexus Energy. He said the purpose of the plan was to preserve everything to the north. They could mitigate the wetlands and get homes back there but instead were preserving the features. Bird houses and other features on the open space would discourage snowmobilers and ATV riders. The location of the septic system exceeded the required setback and under the current ordinance, two homes with two septic systems could be located there. The open space could potentially be accessed in the future for homes should neighboring parcels develop. Greg Priest, Stoney River Development, said firefighters do not take apparatuses off paved surfaces, and the area could be accessed by crossing the pond in winter months and by boat in the summer. Hoffbeck said that even construction of two homes on the north and a few on the south would not be as much impact as 12 homes. There were too many homes in the wrong area. Thompson said they did not want street lights on the road. The lots would be 1 t/4 - 3/4 acre in size and architectural controls would provide for homes of the same value as existing homes in the area.