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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-10 CPC MINPlanning Commission April 10, 2000 • Present: Jerry Fontaine, chairperson Glenna Bealka, Robert Gag, Russ Hultman, Dave Middleton, John Rheinberger, Darwin Wald and Terry Zoller Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald Absent: Karl Ranum Mr. Fontaine called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Rheinberger, moved approval of the minutes of March 13, 2000; all in favor. Case No. V/00-13 A variance to the front yard setback (30 feet required, 25 feet requested) for replacement of the front concrete stoop and steps at 1208 S. Everett St. in the RA, Single Family Residential District. James and Connie Schug, applicants. Mr. Schug explained the request. He said the existing stoop and steps need to be replaced; the request is to dress up the front of the house with the addition of an 8x12' roofed porch. The addition will extend the existing roof overhang by several feet. Mr. Schug noted that due to the topography of the area, most houses are built close to the front property line; there are several neighboring homes closer to the front line that the proposed addition. He said he had contacted all his neighbors, and none objected to the plans; Pat and Marty Rossini wrote a letter of support. Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mrs. Bealka, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No. SUP/00-14 A special use permit for the addition to an existing office building for office use at 808 N. Fourth St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Gary Bressler, representing Consolidated Lumber Co., applicant. Present for the discussion were Mr. Bressler and Mr. Dave Majeski of Consolidated Lumber. Mr. Majeski explained that there are fewer employees housed at the office than in the past, but there is a need for increased conference and training space. Mr. Majeski said conferences/training probably would be scheduled no more than once a month, with the hours of operation 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mr. Bressler explained the existing roof is starting to show signs of deterioration, thus the proposal to add a second story. The addition would be horizontal siding, with a pitched roof and gables to provide more of a residential look. The fence along the north property line would be extended up the hill to Fifth Street; there would be five parking spaces to the rear (Fifth Street) of the building. Mechanicals would be located inside the building, rather than on the roof. Speaking in opposition were: Matt Engstrom, 809 N. Fourth St.; Brad Hochalter, 820 N. Fourth St.; Bill Pappas, 720 N. Fifth St.; Cassie Ludwig, 820 N. Fourth St.; Nathan and Liz Wilson, 215 W. Elm St.; Jack Seal, 211 W. Elm St.; Joe Thompson, 206 W. Elm St. A letter of opposition was received from Jan and Jerry Brunsoman, 715 N. Fifth St.; Ms. Ludwig also provided a petition containing signatures of residents opposed to the proposal. Concerns centered on increased traffic and safety issues, especially Planning Commission April 10, 2000 along Fifth Street, where there currently is no parking area; the impact on the residential character of the neighborhood; loss of view; appearance/height of the building. In discussion at the table, Mr. Middleton suggested the possibility of redesigning the parking area to accommodate all the necessary parking in the front to alleviate concerns about traffic/safety on Fifth Street. Mr. Zoller said he thought the plans would improve the appearance of the existing building and agreed that he thought it would be possible to address some concerns by revising the parking layout; Mr. Hultman agreed with that observation. Mr. Rheinberger said even if the number of employees isn't increasing, the proposal represents an increase in business use in a residential neighborhood - a perception of an intensity of use. Mr. Wald spoke of the potential for increased traffic and future growth. Mr. Fontaine also expressed a concern about intensifying the commercial use. Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mr. Gag, moved to deny the request based on an expansion of commercial use in a residential area. Motion to deny passed 5-3, with Mrs. Bealka, Mr. Hultman and Mr. Zoller voting no. Mr. Fontaine noted the applicant can appeal the Planning Commission's decision to the City Council. Case No. V/00-15 A variance to the side yard setback (30 feet required, 26.5 feet requested) for construction of a two-car garage at 401 N. Third St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Howard Berg, applicant. • Mr. Berg noted he could meet the required setback; however, he would like to keep the new garage in the same location as the existing structure because the north wall of the garage acts as a portion of the retaining wall along the north property line. The garage will be gabled on the north and south sides for drainage purposes. Mr. Zoller suggested there would be a gutter to prevent erosion of the yard. Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Rheinberger, moved approval as conditioned. Mr. Zoller asked that the motion be amended to include an additional condition that there be a gutter on the east side of the structure; Mr. Middleton and Mr. Rheinberger accepted the amendment to the motion. Amended motion passed unanimously. Case No. V/00-16 A variance to the Duplex Residential requirements for an 800-square foot addition to an existing duplex at 216 W. Wilkins St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Marcia Kilbourne, applicant. This case was continued. Mr. Fontaine allowed three neighboring residents who were in the audience to speak to the case. Expressing concerns about increased traffic and the number of cars already parking on the street were Todd Sharpe, 1003 N. Fifth St; Brian Kogler, 1016 N. Fifth St.; and Jon Shimota, 1015 N. Fifth St., directly across the street from the applicant. Mr. Kogler and Mr. Shimota suggested the duplex currently is actually being used as a triplex. Mr. Fontaine and Ms. Fitzgerald advised them they could make a formal complaint regarding the triplex if they wished. Mr. Fontaine advised the three to phone City Hall to see if the case will be on next month's agenda. Case No. V/00-17 A variance to the front yard setback (30 feet required, 28 feet requested) for construction of a front porch addition at 125 S. Greeley St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Dennis Harcey, applicant. 2 Planning Commission April 10, 2000 is Mr. Harcey was present and briefly explained his plans. Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No. SUP/00-18 A special use permit for a temporary greenhouse (15x20) from mid-April through the end of May for Valley Co-op at 215 N. William St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Kerry Larson, applicant. The applicant was not present. Ms. Fitzgerald explained the request is for a temporary greenhouse much like those at Cub and Target; she also noted the Co-op will be moving to its new downtown location in the very near future. Mr. Zoller suggested that the approval should be granted for the year 2000 only and only until the Co-op moves. Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mr. Hultman, moved approval as conditioned, with the additional condition suggested by Mr. Zoller; motion passed unanimously. Territorial Prison Trail Am Stefan reviewed concept plans for the trail. She noted she is working with historian Brent Peterson in developing four different interpretive themes for the trail. The developers have agreed to maintain the trail. Mr. Fontaine asked whether it would be a walking path or one that could accommodate bikers. Ms. • Stefan noted there was lots of room in plaza areas where bike racks could be placed; more thought will be given to that as the project develops further, she said. Mr. Hultman said he would encourage that the trail not be blacktopped. Mr. Middleton suggested adequate signage so people will be aware of the trail amenity. Mr. Zoller asked if there would be a trail along the upper wall. Ms. Stefan said that is an idea for future development; there are safety and ADA issues involved with that location, she noted. Mr. Hultman, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary • 3