HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009.05.14 PC MinutesMINUTES
HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION
May 14, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman Schumann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Galler, Burmeister, Moore, Rosenquist, McRoberts, Schumann
ABSENT: Kleissler
ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Bear, Community Development Director
Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant
Rachel Simone, Associate Planner
Approval of Minutes of April 9, 2009
Schumann made motion, Galler seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of
April 9, 2009 as presented.
All Ayes
Motion carried.
Public Hearing for Accessory Building and Garages Text Amendments
Community Development Assistant, Dennis Fields gave the background and explained the
proposed text changes to the Planning Commission. Dennis also gave an analysis of accessory
building sizes of other cities vs. Hugo. Staff recommended approval of both text amendments.
McRoberts asked to clarify the allowed garage sizes.
Dennis answered that staff could modify the text to be more clear.
Schumann opened the public hearing.
Schumann closed the public hearing.
Schumann asked about the additional 500 Sq. Ft. allowed for residential properties under 1.5
acres.
Dennis answered that 500 additional sq. ft would be allowed if the home did not already have an
attached garage.
Burmeister asked about the plumbing restrictions in accessory buildings.
Bryan answered that the plumbing restrictions were added to limit people from creating a second
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dwelling or living space to the property. The ordinance would allow for someone to add a wash
sink or toilet.
Schumann stated that having a nanny or housekeeper in that extra space may not be a bad idea.
Rosenquist answered that when a nanny goes away the home owner may end up renting the
space out and having two families on the property.
Bryan mentioned that handyman quarters are allowed in agricultural districts and there are
ordinances that regulate accessory apartments and horse boarding facilities. If the Planning
Commission would like staff to look into this issue further we could do so.
Burmeister motioned, Rosenquist Seconded, to approve the text amendments.
All ayes, Motion carried.
2008 Comprehensive Plan
Bryan gave background and an update on the Comprehensive Plan status. He explained the
three main issues the Metropolitan Council had on the Comp Plan regarding stormwater,
wastewater and land use. The Met Council would like the City to change the density to 1 unit
per 10 acres or adopt their Flexible Residential Development Ordinance. Bryan gave the
Planning Commission 4 possible options:
1. Leave the plan as -is
— Make case for approval.
2. Change density to one unit per 10 acres
— Remove PUD density of one unit per 5 acres
3. Adopt Flexible Residential Development Ordinance
4. Request change in Diversified Rural category
— Permanent Rural, with no future sewers
Staff recommends option number 2. This would eliminate cluster development allowing 1 unit
per 5 acres.
McRoberts stated that the Met Council wants to reserve the land for development and thinks that
the topic would be too difficult to bring back to the public.
Schumann added that 50% of the property owners would like 5 acre lots however is not opposed
to option two being that it is the most similar to what we have now.
McRoberts added that if development comes to those areas they would be able to develop and
thinks that they should not close the door to that.
Rosenquist agreed that option two makes the most sense to him.
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Burmeister thinks that there is a problem with the Flexible Residential Program because sizing
for utilities would be a problem in the future.
McRoberts stated that the residents wanted to preserve land for non -development purposes, not
reserve land for development
Galler questioned the interpretation of preservation vs. reservation.
Bryan read a portion from the Met Council Flexible Development Ordinance to clarify reserving
land.
McRoberts stated that as much disagreement as there was between the residents, no one wanted
to reserve the land for development.
Rosenquist stated that 1 and 10 acres is the best option to preserve the land for non -development.
Moore added that there is no way to make both parties happy, and that he agrees with option 2.
McRoberts motioned, and Rosenquist seconded, to remove PUD density of one unit per 5 acres,
making the area 1 unit per 10 acres.
All Ayes, Motion Carried.
Discussion on Variance Procedures
Bryan reminded the Planning Commission that on their goal setting session they added the City's
variance procedures. Staff recommends that it go to the ordinance review committee.
Schumann motioned, Burmeister seconded, to send item to the ordinance review committee.
All Ayes, motion carried.
Adjournment
Burmeister motioned, Schumann seconded, to adjourn.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned.
Dennis Fields, Secretary
Planning Commission