2005.03.10 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes — March 10, 2005 Kleissler made motion, Hoffbeck seconded, to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit, adding that there should be no signage on the property, and the hours of operation, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., should be added as a condition in the permit. All ayes. Motion carried. Rural Preservation Ordinance The Commission held a public hearing to consider a Rural Preservation Ordinance. The Community Development Director provided background to the Commission. Over two years ago, the City Council appointed a Rural and Open Space Committee with the stated goal of recommending methods to allow development in rural areas, while maintaining rural character and establishing permanent, meaningful open spaces. The Committee held 18 meetings over a two year period and discussed a variety of methods to achieve the committee's goal. The Committee's final recommendation was to replace the current cluster housing ordinance with a rural preservation program focused at providing a meaningful alternative to development of 10 - acre lots in the rural areas of the City while still meeting the City's objectives of preserving rural character and open space. The Rural Preservation Program Ordinance would replace the existing Cluster Housing Ordinance (Section 1195-15001). Chair Schumann opened the public hearing. James Gregoire, 16720 Henna Avenue North, asked the Commission to keep an open mind regarding landowners of smaller parcels in the rural areas so they would fall within the criteria to be able to subdivide. Commissioner Schumann said that it had been emphasized that staff and Council would exercise a lot of flexibility with parcels under 40 acres in size. There were no other comments and Schumann closed the public hearing. The Commission discussed openspace areas and how they would be zoned, taxed, and developed. They considered the high cost of maintenance and liability to a Homeowners Association that would consist of very few members. Also discussed was a means of maintaining community wells and septics. The Commission agreed that the language in the draft ordinance should be changed to make it clear that it is not mandatory to have a Homeowners' Association; other means for managing the property could be utilized. There was discussion on what constitutes "rural" character and whether the ordinance was maintaining or actually changing the existing character of the land. The draft ordinance provided an option for the City to acquire certain areas, such as shorelines, to be included as preserved open space. The Commission felt it should be a request of the City and not a requirement.