2016.08.11 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of Thursday, July 14, 2016 Chair, Kleissler called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. PRESENT: Arcand, Kleissler, Knauss, McRoberts, Patzner, Rosenquist ABSENT: Lessard STAFF: Rachel Juba, Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant Approval of Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of June 23, 2016 Commissioner Knauss made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rosenquist, to approve minutes for the meeting of June 23, 2016. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Te_mporar_y Health Care Dwellings Leitz presented on the temporary family health care dwelling ordinance. She stated that in May 2016, the Governor signed a bill into law that allows landowners with existing residences to place a temporary dwelling on their property to provide short term care for a relative with mental or physical impairments. Leitz described the requirements the dwelling must meet and the application process for residents that would be interested in this use. She stated that the law requires cities to follow and implement the new ordinance beginning September 1, 2016 and it would take a considerable amount of staff time to prepare to accept applications, as the approval process varies from the normal process. Leitz also stated that it was in staffs opinion that tracking and monitoring permits, once approved, would also take a considerable amount of time and although a permit has expired, that may not mean the health care issue has also expired. Leitz stated that Cities may opt out of the law by passing an ordinance, which requires a public hearing through the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council. Leitz concluded by saying that staff recommends that the Planning Commission discuss the temporary family health care dwelling ordinance and provide staff with comments. Because the new law alters the City's level of zoning authority and the structures have the potential to change the character of the area, staff recommends opting out of the temporary family health care dwelling ordinance. The Planning Commission agreed that these structures, if allowed in all zoning districts, would change the character of many neighborhoods. They believed the 15 day review period was too short to ensure these structures were reviewed adequately. They stated that a healthcare issue will probably not be resolved in a 6-12 month period, which is the expiration of a permit. The Planning Commission believed that the City can accommodate residents on a case by case basis and accomplish the law's intent through ordinances the City already has performance standards for. Commissioner McRoberts made a motion, Commissioner Rosenquist seconded, to recommend opting out of the temporary family healthcare dwelling ordinance with a provision that the Planning Commission review the current ordinances that are similar to the intent of the temporary family healthcare dwelling ordinance and make revisions, if necessary. All Ayes, motion carried.