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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-25 PC MIN(499ateir THE lINTNELACE OF MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES September 25, 2024 REGULAR MEETING Chairman Dybvig called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 7:00 P.M. Present: Chair Dybvig, Commissioners Cox, Hoffman, North, Steinwall, Swanson, Councilmember Odebrecht Absent: None Staff: Interim Community Development Director Gutknecht, City Administrator Kohlmann APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of August 28, 2024 regular meeting Commissioner Steinwall noted a correction from Councilmember to Commissioner Cox on page 2. Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Hoffman, to approve the minutes of the August 28, 2024 regular meeting as corrected. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Case No. CD2024-037: Findings to Support Denial of Variance to Maximum Lot Coverage for proposed deck at 403 Northland Terrace - Resolution PC 2024-08 Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Cox, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. CD2024-044: Variance to Front and Rear Yard Setback for Proposed Garage at 1022 4th Street South Interim Community Development Director Gutknecht explained that applicants Matthew and Rebekah Lemke are seeking a Variance to the front yard setback and rear yard setback to permit the construction of a new accessory structure (attached garage). The main dwelling was built in 1900, and the existing garage was originally built within the front yard setback area and 3 feet from the rear yard property line. The project includes demolition of an existing detached garage and construction of a three stall 900 square foot garage with a finished storage/shop area on the second story. The applicant is not proposing an Accessory Dwelling Unit. The attached garage is designed to coordinate with the style of the home. Staff acknowledges that the existing garage is located 3 feet from the rear yard property line and the Planning Commission September 25, 2024 proposed interior and subgrade changes to the proposed attached garage and basement necessitate code compliant stairs. Further, staff believes that the request is reasonable and results in a garage that is more compliant in regard to front yard setback requirements, additionally finding the plight of the landowner necessitating the variance meets the practical difficulty test as the circumstances were not created by the property owner and granting the variances would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. One letter from a neighbor was received supporting the variance. Commissioner Steinwall asked if the Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed this proposal, and Mr. Gutknecht replied that HPC review was not required because the proposal meets HPC's design guidelines in this district. Applicant Matt Lemke, 1022 4th St S, explained they are removing a failing 1950s garage that is not historically accurate and constructing a new garage further to north to be more compliant with property setbacks. Chairman Dybvig opened the public hearing. There were no public comments and the hearing was closed. Commissioner Steinwall commented the Resolution in the packet only addresses one of the two requested variances and should be revised to address both requested variances. Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Hoffman, to adopt Resolution PC 2024-11, Resolution Approving a Variance Request to the Rear and Front Yard Setback for a New Attached Garage Located at 1022 4th Street South (Case Number CD2024-044). Chairman Dybvig voiced concerns that the wide curb cut could impair sidewalk pedestrian safety. He said his calculations show that extending the 34' wide driveway back another 10' puts it way over the 25% impervious surface limit. Instead, if the curb cut is 20' wide and angles out to that 34.09' where the new garage line will be, it would put them under the 25% impervious surface coverage limit. He suggested narrowing the curb cut at the street edge be listed as a condition of approval. Mr. Gutknecht stated from a code compliance standpoint, the 25% impervious surface coverage will likely be exceeded by the additional 350 square feet or so of driveway area. The City's code for new driveways maximizes width at curb at 20'. A condition of approval could be added that the applicant shall not exceed 25% impervious surface coverage as they extend their driveway. Mr. Lemke stated he considered impervious surface as part of the design. If needed, he would prefer to eliminate some of the concrete oasis by the pool instead of redoing the driveway. Chair Dybvig suggested a friendly amendment to the motion to add as a condition that the project remain under 25% impervious surface coverage. Mr. Gutknecht said the condition could require an updated site plan showing removal of imperious surface and new proposed impervious surface to not exceed 25%. Commissioners Steinwall and Hoffman accepted the friendly amendment requiring a new site plan showing compliance with 25% impervious surface coverage. All in favor of the motion. NEW BUSINESS Riverfront Renewal Presentation - City Administrator Kohlmann Page 2 of 3 Planning Commission September 25, 2024 City Administrator Kohlmann reviewed a $13.5 million plan to expand and enhance riverfront access, called "Riverfront Renewal." The plan includes transforming Lumberjack Landing and Bridgeview Park through State funding, private donations, grants and City contributions. He showed proposed design plans for each project. $6 million funding from the State Legislature, and $1.1 million in grants and donations, has already been secured. In the November election, Stillwater voters will decide whether to accept a half percent sales tax to cover $6.2 million of project costs. The tax would end after 10 years or when the $6.2 million is secured, whichever comes first. Commissioners voiced appreciation for the project. Commissioner Steinwall encouraged staff to pursue DNR legacy grants for invasive species removal. DISCUSSION Commissioner Steinwall suggested using time on shorter agenda months to address previously discussed visions and goals. FYI STAFF UPDATES There were no staff updates. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Dybvig adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m. ��4- Joh/Dybvig, Ch ATTEST: 4=4� Ben Gutknecht, Interim Community Development Director Resolution PC 2024-08, Resolution Adopting Findings of Fact to Support a Denial of a Variance Request to Exceed the Maximum Allowable Impervious Surface at 403 Northland Terrace (Case Number CD2024-037) Resolution PC 2024-11, Resolution Approving a Variance Request to the Side and Front Yard Setback for a New Attached Garage Located at 1022 4th Street South (Case Number CD2024-044) Page 3 of 3