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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07 -14 CPC MINCity of Stillwater Planning Commission July 14, 2003 Present: Russ Hultman, Chair, Robert Gag. David Junker, David Middleton, David Peroceschi, Jerry Turnquist, Paul Teske and Darwin Wald Others: Community Development Director Steve Russell Absent: Karl Ranum Mr. Hultman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. On a motion by Mr. Wald, the minutes of June 9, 2003, were approved unanimously. Case No. V/03-63 A variance to the accessory building regulations (120 square feet maximum allowed, 144 square feet requested ) for construction of a two-story shed at 415 W. Sycamore St. in the RB., Two Family Residential District. Richard Reitan, applicant. Mr. and Mrs. Reitan were present. They said the request is to replace an existing, deteriorating shed, which is in a poor location on the property, with a shed that is more attractive and more in keeping with the traditional houses in the neighborhood; the shed would have a smaller footprint than the existing structure, they said. The shed would be used to store tools which Mr. Reitan • needs for his livelihood, not for a car. The Reitans also said they have the support of their neighbors. Mr. Russell noted the applicants would need two variances - one for size and another for height; and he noted since the proposed structure is two stories, the total square footage would be 288 feet. Cheryl Miller, 401 St. Croix Ave. W., said she did not think the structure was 10 feet off the property line. She also stated she thought a concrete pad was required for accessory structures. Mr. Reitan stated the structure was within the setback. When asked if the shed had already been framed in, he stated he didn't think there would be a problem as he was replacing an existing shed with a smaller one. Mr. Junker stated he was uncomfortable with the size. Mr. Middleton said he was uncomfortable with a two-story structure. Mr. Gag, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved to deny the application. Motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Reitan asked how they could proceed. The Reitans were referred to Mr. Russell and also advised to check the setback. 0 City of Stillwater Planning Commission July 14, 2003 Case No. V/03-65 A variance to the sign regulations for placement of a 2' x 2' sign on the residence for a Type I home business at 406 W. Olive St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Wendy Woods Gorski, applicant. The applicant was present. She said she has a photo business. Most of her work is done on location, but she has an occasional appointment for consultation at her home. She has off-street parking. The request is for a 2' by 2' sign to be placed on the house. It was staff's recommendation that Ms. Woods Gorski apply for a Type III home business permit, as signage is not allowed for a Type I business. Also, Mr. Russell noted the allowable Type III signage is for 2 square feet total. After discussion and a motion that was later withdrawn, Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Teske, moved to approve a special use permit for a Type III home business as conditioned, with the additional condition that a sign not to exceed two square feet total be placed on the residence. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. SUB/03-66. The applicant was not present and the case was continued. Case No. SUP/03-67 A special use permit for outside seating and sales at 1250 Frontage Road, Acapulco Restaurant, in the BP-C, Business Park Commercial District. Kriss Novak, applicant. Mr. Novak, and a representative of River Heights Plaza were present. The applicants briefly explained the request and location of the proposed patio area. Mr. Middleton asked about the loss of parking spaces. The applicants said the shopping center is purchasing a parcel of land from MnDOT to reconfigure the existing parking lot. Mr. Turnquist, seconded by Mr. Teske, moved approval as conditioned. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. V/03-68 A variance to the sign ordinance for additional signage (8' x 30') at 601 N. Main St., Terra Springs, located in the CBD, Central Business District. Frauenshuh Sweeney, applicant. Brian Sweeney and Jenny Rivera were present representing the applicant. Mr. Sweeney said the request is to place signage along the length of the construction fence. He said the signage would not be unsightly and could be seen as a public service announcement. Mr. Teske asked how long the construction fence would be in place. Mr. Sweeney said probably until late spring of next year. Mr. Middleton expressed a concern about having two real estate signs (the signage lists a real estate company phone number) -- the existing wooden sign, and the requested sign. • 2 City of Stillwater Planning Commission July 14, 2003 Mr. Turnquist said he would support the request if the existing wooden sign is removed. Mr. Teske said he would like to see a time limit imposed. Mr. Middleton expressed a concern about the size of the signage, which he said is large for the downtown area. Mr. Middleton asked if there was additional signage at the Terra Springs sales office. Mr. Sweeney said there are some temporary banners. Mr. Teske moved approval with the conditions that the existing wooden sign and temporary banners be removed, that no additional signage is allowed, and that the requested sign be removed by May 15, 2004. Mr. Junker seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-1, with Mr. Middleton voting no. Case No. V/03-69 A variance to the side yard setback (5 feet required, 4 feet requested) and to the front yard setback (20 feet required, 16 feet requested) for construction of a one-story garage at 125 N. Owens St. in the RB,. Two Family Residential District. Camilla Correll, applicant. Ms. Correll was present. She stated when she purchased the house in 2001 there was a garage; the existing garage was taken down because it was in bad shape. She noted there is no off-street parking, and said she thought her request was the lest intrusive possible. She said the neighbors do not object to her plans. The front of the garage would be 30 feet from the street, she said. Mr. Junker moved approval as conditioned. Mr. Teske seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-2, with Mr. Middleton and Mr. Peroceschi voting no. Case No. V/03-70 A variance to the front yard setback (20 feet required, 18 feet requested) and to the side yard setback (5 feet required, 4'9" requested) for construction of a four-season porch and installation of new foundation at 514 W. Churchill St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. CR and Lisa Stephens, applicants. The applicants were present. It was noted the request for the side yard variance is 4'6" rather than 4'9" as stated in the packet. The home was constructed in 1881, and the applicants are following the original footprint of the structure. Mr. Teske, seconded by Mr. Peroceschi, moved approval as conditioned. Motion passed unanimously. Other business: Discussion of Case No. ZAM/03-02. Present were Jeff Melstrom, 1508 W. Olive, who made the original request to rezone two lots at 1502 and 1508 W. Ramsey St., and Council Member Gary Kriesel. • 3 City of Stillwater Planning Commission July 14, 2003 Mr. Russell provided a synopsis of land use in the planning area indicating the number of non- conforming lots. If the zoning is changed for the entire area, 43 lots greater than 10,000 square feet could be converted to include duplexes. Commission members were in general agreement that Mr. Melstrom's plans for the two lots on Ramsey Street would be of benefit to the neighborhood. However, several members expressed a concern about rezoning the area for just two lots and the possible repercussions of such a zoning change. Other members spoke against spot zoning. Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Teske, moved to proceed with rezoning a portion of the area and hold a public hearing. There was continued discussion, with several members asking whether it would be possible to go back to the original request. Mr. Russell noted that City Attorney Magnuson had said it would be possible to grant a variance for a non-conforming lot size in keeping with others in the neighborhood, rather than rezoning the lots. It was the consensus of members that the Council/Commission proceed in that direction. Mr. Middleton withdrew his motion and Mr. Teske his second. Mr. Russell said he would update the City Council on the issue. Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Turnquist, moved to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary • 4