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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-09 CPC MIN• City of Stillwater Planning Commission April 9, 2001 Present: Jerry Fontaine, chairperson Glenna Bealka, Robert Gag, Russ Hultman, Karl Ranum, Dave Middleton, Paul Teske, Darwin Wald and Terry Zoller Others: Community Development Director Steve Russell Absent: None Mr. Fontaine called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Gag, moved approval of the minutes of March 12, 2001, as presented; motion passed unanimously. Case No. V/01-13 A variance to the sign ordinance regulations for additional signage at 1661 Market Drive in the BP-C, Business Park Commercial District. Ted Kroska, Lawrence Sign, representing Ace Hardware, applicant. Brian Dommeyer, owner of the Ace Hardware Store, was presently. He stated the request is due to the problem presented by his store location on a curved road (Market Drive), making it • difficult to see the signage until directly in front of the store. He said in-store surveys and discussions with corporate representatives all indicate the need for better signage. He stated the problem is particularly bad for potential customers approaching from the south. The request was for a variance for an additional sign on both the south and north building elevations. During the discussion, it was noted that the applicant already has two signs, one more than allowable by ordinance, on the front elevation and that a variance was never granted for the two front signs. Mr. Dommeyer explained the sign on the front was broken into two - Ace Hardware and Ace Paint and Rental - due to the staggered configuration of the building. Members were sympathetic to Mr. Dommeyer's problem, but noted the precedent setting nature of the request. Mr. Fontaine suggested that perhaps the problem could be addressed by relocating existing signage, rather than adding signage. Five signs, Mr. Fontaine said, would be an "exorbitant amount." Mr. Zoller also noted that, theoretically, the Planning Commission could require Mr. Dommeyer to remove one of the signs on the front elevation. Mr. Dommeyer stated that if removing one of the front signs is the only alternative, he would prefer to have the sign on the south elevation. Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved to grant approval for a variance for an additional sign on the south elevation, contingent upon the removal of the Ace Paint and Rental sign on the front elevation. Motion passed unanimously, • City of Stillwater Planning Commission April 9, 2001 Mr. Ranum spoke of the hardship created through no fault of the applicant. He moved to approve a variance for a fourth sign on the northwest portion of the building. Mr. Gag seconded the motion. Motion failed 2-7, with Mr. Ranum and Mr. Gag voting in favor. Other business: • Mr. Ranum excused himself from the table to appear before the Commission representing Merry Jo and Steve Gunderson requesting that the minutes of Feb. 12, 2001, be amended to reflect a property line variance granted the Gundersons. Mr. Ranum noted the variance was granted to allow the Gundersons to construct an addition to their existing house; the addition will follow the same footprint as the existing structure, which is 1 foot from the north property line. However, the official record indicates the existing house is 4.2 feet from the property line. Mr. Zoller spoke of a safety concern if there are egress windows that close to the property line. Mr. Gunderson said there would be no windows on that side of the addition. Mr. Zoller also stated he would be hesitant to grant the request without input from the neighbor to the north indicating the neighbor is aware the addition will be constructed 1 foot from the property line, rather than 4.2 feet as indicated in the record. • Mr. Russell noted the intent was to allow construction of the addition in line with the existing structure. He suggested the Commission could grant the request to amend the record, contingent on receiving a release from the property owner to the north. If the neighbor doesn't sign the release, a new public hearing could be scheduled. Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Gag, moved to approve V/01-02, amending the record to reflect the variance is to construct the addition 1 foot from the north property line, rather than 4.2 feet, contingent upon the neighbor to the north signing a letter that he has no objection, with the letter to be submitted to planning staff. Motion passed unanimously. A letter from the affected property owner was submitted to staff before the meeting was adjourned. • Nick and Susan Chaves of 704 S. First St. (Lady Goodwood Bed and Breakfast) were present. They informed the Commission they will be purchasing the bed and breakfast business from Susan's parents, John and Eloise Anton. The Chaveses have resided on the premises and managed the business since the original special use permit was issued. There will be no change in operation; the ownership change will be a change in property title only. There have been no complaints regarding the business. Mr. Ranum, seconded by Mrs. Bealka, moved to grant the Chaveses a 30-day temporary . special use permit to operate the Lady Goodwood Bed and Breakfast, contingent upon approval of the ownership change at a public hearing in May. Motion passed unanimously. 2 • City of Stillwater Planning Commission April 9, 2001 • Mr. Russell noted the city's Comprehensive Plan has not been updated in five years. He asked members to review the Plan, particularly the land use and environmental sections, for discussion at the next meeting. • Mr. Russell reviewed concept plans for a pedestrian plaza area and parking structure at the site of the existing Maple Island parking lot. In the brief discussion, members indicated they were favorably impressed with the concept plans. There was some question raised regarding the availability of funding and the priority of this project versus other riverfront park improvements. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Ranum, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary • 3