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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-04-12 CPC MIN• STILLWATER PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Date: April 12, 1997' Time: 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Gerald Fontaine, Chairman Glenna Bealka (at 7:45), Dorothy Foster, Rob Hamlin, Jay Kimble, Kirk Roetman, Darwin Wald, and Don Valsvik Steve Russell, Comm. Dev. Director Ann Pung-Terwedo, Planner Absent: Duane Elliott APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Darwin Wald, seconded by Don Valsvik to approve the minutes of March 8, 1993, as submitted. Carried 7--0. PUBLIC HEARINGS • 1. Case No. V/93-17 - A Variance to the frontyard setback requirements (30 ft. required, 12 ft. proposed) and the slope development standard (no development on slopes over 12%) for the construction of a 20 ft. by 24 ft. attached garage at 118 Lakeside Drive, in the RB, Two Family Residential District/ BlufflandlShoreland District. Michael and Sheryl Meyer, property owners, presented the request. They bought the house in September. The home currently has a tuck-under garage but it is accessed by a steep slope which gets dangerous in the winter. They wish to build a garage at street level and will no longer use the tuck-under. Theirs is the only house in the neighborhood without a street-level garage. Rob Hamlin stated that a hardship is shown in this case because of the topography of the lot. There are six recommended conditions of approval. Mr. Meyer asked for clarification of No. 0 prohibiting tree cutting or trimming. Mrs. Weiss, neighbor directly across from the applicants, stated that she understands their need to build a new garage, but it will block her only view of the river unless a large pine tree is removed from their yard. The applicant stated that the tree is half on his propery and half on the neighbor's property. Steve Russell stated that this tree could be cut down because it is outside the sethack frum the bluff.line. Mr. Hamlin stated that the feels this is not the best location I • Stillwater Planning Commission April 1.2, 1993 for the garage, and it would be more aesthetic if built further back from the street. He asked about making an effort to obtain a variance from the DNR to build the garage closer to the bluff. Mr. Russell stated that it is difficult to get a variance from the DNR, especially in this sensitive area. A variance of eight feet would be required to build the garage flush with the house. Application to the DNR could cause a delay of several months. The applicant stated he would also prefer to have the garage farther back. Mr. Russell suggested that this case be continued to next month's meeting in order to get the DNR's official position. Two variances would be required from the DNR. the garage would be built on a slope greater than 12% and it would be closer to the bluffline than allowed. Motion by Rob Hamlin, seconded by Darwin Wald to continue Case No. V/93-17 to next month's meeting with plan modification for an opinion by the DNR. Motion carried 7-0. tla K fftblr Y -e-commended that 1-1'i t! w xLa t'i [ o t"ita i f) y ( ?,Yt t j jtt i f landscaping to screen the garage from the river_ and other details= to make the plan as attractive as possible. • 2. Case No. SUP/93-18 - A Special Use Permit to conduct a sales office for fitness equipment at 222 West Cherry Street above an existing garage, The property is located in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Jeffrey H. Palmer, owner, presented the request. He is starting a new business setting up home gyms and selling free weight equipment. He has warehouse space downtown, and most of his business will be held there, but he will occasionally have customers come to his house. There is space for two cars to park In front of the garage. He has a sigried statement from the two most effected neighbors who have no objections. There are four recommended conditions of approval which the applicant agrees to. There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Palmer clarified that the house is in the RB district. Motion by Dori Valsvik, seconded by Dorothy Foster to approve the Special Use Permit as conditioned. Carried 7-0. 3. Case No. SUP/93-19 - Special Use Permit to conduct a theatrical. production iri a 40 ft. by 60 ft. temporary tent structure. The property is located at 501 North Main Street in the CBD, Central Busine_ss=. District. Mary Lou Me;_igher--Gammans presented the application. She stated that parking will be in the public lot and on the L.tree"t. She Is also hoping the many local residents will walk downtown. Others would probably hark ?t Lhe south end of town and spend the day downtown, walking to the riorth end for the performance. Millar 2 • Stillwater Planning Commission April 12, 1993 Excavating has offered to level the area and dirt or gravel.. The tent will have .risers, for the children, and a canvas floor. She put a 6' by 10' sign up on May 15. The tent one month sometime between June 15 and August to develop this into a local professional t ;summer-long performances in the future. bring in a load of and some hay bales hopes to be able to will be in use for 15. She is hoping heatre company with There are three recommended conditions of approval. Ann Pung- Terwedo recommended two additional conditions: Staff reviewal at the end of the season with a report for the file; and a plan for next year submitted by March 1994. Mr. Russell suggested a sixth condition: The Special U e Permit is approved for a one-month period between June 15 and August 15, 1993. The applicant ;Mated that concessions may be sold at the performances, and she hopes to find a high school business or theatre group willing to take on this responsibility. There were no comments from to public. Motion by Rod, Hamlin, seconded by Darwin Wald to approve the Special Use Permit with six conditions as recommended. Under discussion, Mr. Valsvik stated that this request is placing further demands on downtown parking, and noted that there is currently a housed theatre at the south end of town which is trying to make a profit:. Mr. Hamlin stated he is glad to see increased activity at the North end of town. Mr. Kimble stated that the parking problem is not are serious at the North end. The vote was taken and the motion carried 7-1 (D. Valsvik opposed) 4. Case No. SUB/V/93-20 - A Variance to the lot width requirement (75 ft. required, 74.17 ft. proposed) for a minor subdivision of a 22,244 square foot lot into two lots of 11,122 square feet:. The property is located on mots 3 and 4, Block 34, Carli and Schulenburg's Addition (the 1600 block of North. First Street) in the RA, Single Family Residential District. The request was presented by Robert Walters, current owner, and Ken Bjorlin, who has a purchase agreement on the property and has requested the subdivision. He plans to build a 2-story colonial, 2,000 sq. ft home in the $150,000 price range on one lot, and hold the second lot for possible future development. Bob Fritts, 1575 N. 2nd Street, whose property borders the lot on tho Southwest, stated he ib strongly opposed to the subdivision. He stated that most neighboring lots are 100 feet with nice • homes. He believes all abutting property values will be affected. Cindy Tibettt, 1524 N. 1st St. asked if Mr. Bjorlin would be living in the new house and whether he will be selling the other 3 • Stillwater Planning Commission April 12, 1993 property. She is concerned that it will become rental property, which would not be conducive to the character of the neighbor- hood. She also forsees potential problems building into the steep site, and is greatly concerned about runoff. She asked what, if any research has been done as far as excavating, retaining walls, etc. She also was concerned about the colonial style of home because of the height. She stated that two small homes on these lots would be detrimental to property values. Mary Malmquist, 1605 N. 2nd St., stated that there is a covenant on these lots with a height restriction of 28 feet from the center of the street. Ross Anderson, 1603 N. Ist Street, across the street from the lots, stated he is also opposed to the request. Marie Olsen, River Heights Drive and No. 1st St., is opposed. jack nielenthe1a -001, Ni 5t 9t, 000-5 to he 75 it-, -100 in that space and topography. He is. also concerned about erosion control and drainage. . The applicant stated that this will not be rental property; he will be building to sell the home, but it will be owner- occupied. He plans to deal with the runoff problem. Bob Brown, 1611 N. 1st St., is opposed. Mr. Russell stated that, because of the public, comments, it would be within reason for the Commission to request further information on topography, drainage, etc. to consider the request. Motion by Don Valsvik to table the Subdivision request until more details, including a topographic survey, are available. Seconded by Rob Hamlin. During discussion, most members indicated they were not in favor of this request. Mr.. Valsvi.k amended the motion to deny the subdivision request. Rob Hamlin seconded the amendment. Motion carried 8-0. It was noted that the applicant could reapply for the subdivision if he could bring information detailing how the house would fit on the topography. 5. Case No. SUB/93-21 - A minor subdivision of a 75,625 sq. ft. lot into two lots of 38,500 sq. ft. and 37,125 sq. ft. The property is located at 1030 W. St. Croix Avenue in the RA, Single Family Residential District. Bev Flory, owner, presented the xequest. she que stioned whether unimproved St. Croix Avenue was Weed a City ,_.tr_eet. There was also discussion regarding the cost of connection to City services, and the location of the existing drain field. Because of the number of unanswered questions, both the Commission and 4 Stillwater Planning Commission April 12, 1993 applicant agreed to continue this request to the next meeting. Motion by Don Valsvik, seconded by Rob Hamlin to continue Case No. SUB/93--21 to the May 10 meeting for further clarification. Carried 8-0. 6. Case No. SUP/V/93-?2 - Motion by Darwin Wald, seconded by Rob Hamlin-, to approve the applicant's request for withdrawal. of this application. Carried 8-0. OTHER BUSINESS Review of Ordinance establishing the Zoning Board Steve; Russell explained that the City Council has established a Zoning Board and certain planning application: will have only a one-step process. The decisions of the Board can be appealed to the City Council by anyone. Motion by Don Valsvik, seconded by Rob Hamlin to recommend approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment. Carried 3--0. 0 Review draft Planning Commission Rules and Procedures Mr. Russell explained that the rules of the Commission are being established in writing because the Commission will be under more public scrutiny when the Zoning Board becomes effective. The Commission amended Article VI, No. 2 to state that the Chair will abide by Roberts Rules of order in deciding on all points of order and procedure during the meetings. Review of modification to development Program for Development District 41 for Junior High reuse project Motion by Don Valsvik, seconded by Kirk Roetman to adopt the resolution finding the City's modification of the development program for Development District No. if the modified tax increment: financing plans for Tax Increment Financing District Nos. 1 through 5, and Lhe proposed tax increment financing plan for proposed Tay. Inurement Financing District No. 5, all located therein, to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City. Roll call vote was taken. Carried 8-0. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Rob Hamlin, seconded by Darwin Wald to adjourn the • meeting at 3:30 p.m. Carried 7-0. submitted by: Shelly Schaubach Recording Secretary