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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-08 CPC MINCity of Stillwater Planning Commission September 8, 2003 Present: Robert Gag, chairperson David Junker, David Middleton, David Peroceschi, Karl Ranum, Paul Teske, Jerry Turnquist and Darwin Wald Others: Community Development Director Steve Russell Absent: None Mr. Gag called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Ranum, moved approval of the minutes of August. 11, 2003; motion passed unanimously. Case No. V/03-77 A variance to the side yard setback (10 feet required, 6.5 feet requested) for construction of an addition to an existing residence at 125 Northland Ave. in the RA, Single Family Residential District. John R. Melville, applicant. John and Karen Melville were present. They explained the request is to construct a 19x13' family room/sun room behind the existing garage. An existing pool precludes them from constructing the addition in another location, they said. The Melvilles also stated the neighbor that would be impacted by the variance is not opposed to their plans. Mr. Ranum asked about plans for an existing slab. Mr. Melville said at some point in the future they would like to put in a hot tub and screened enclosure. Mr. Ranum said he was uncomfortable granting a variance that might drive a future variance request. Mr. Ranum also questioned the hardship in this case, stating this was "an owner created situation, not a hardship." He also referred to the possibility of setting a precedence in a newer neighborhood. The Melvilles noted the pool was there when they purchased the property, and the hardship is the placement of the pool. Mrs. Melville pointed out that the addition will not be visible from the street, thus wouldn't be setting a precedent. Only one neighbor is impacted, and that neighbor has not problem with the plans, she said. Mr. Peroceschi pointed out that the hardship has been created by the owner, even if by a previous owner. Mr. Teske, seconded by Mr. Ranum, moved for denial of the variance. The variance was denied on a 4-4 vote, with Mr. Teske, Mr. Ranum, Mr. Wald and Mr. Turnquist voting for denial; Mr. Middleton, Mr. Gag, Mr. Junker and Mr. Peroceschi voting against the denial. 40 City of Stillwater Planning Commission September 8, 2003 Case No. V/SUP/03-79 A variance to the parking regulations and a special use permit for restaurant use with outside seating at 324 S. Main St. (Grand Garage) in the CBD, Central Business District. Jim Kellison, applicant. Present for the discussion were Mr. Kellison and Kevin LaCasse, building owner. Mr. Kellison explained the plans for the restaurant, an American grill-type establishment. The plans include an outside dining patio that will accommodate 40 people; the area will include some type of fire feature/bar use. He provided some exterior renderings, noting that interior plans are not complete at this time. Mr. Kellison said they are requesting the variance for parking at this time so the parking lot can be finished by this winter. Plans for parking lot include a drive-in circle, so patrons can be dropped off at the door and the vehicle parked off-site. Mr. Kellison stated they are exploring the possibility of valet parking. Mr. Kellison said the Special Use Permit is required because there has been over a year lapse in restaurant usage in the space. Mr. Ranum said he was uncomfortable with the loss of parking on site, but noted that there is nearby parking available. He asked if there would be outdoor music, noting that is of concern to property owners on the Hill. Mr. Middleton, too, expressed a concern about music and suggested that a condition of approval be added prohibiting outside music. Mr. LaCasse assured members the plan isn't to have a nightclub. However, he said, the owners may want to have some light outdoor music for ambience, and he said he did not want to tie their hands by entirely prohibiting outdoor music. Mr. Wald suggested putting a time limit on outdoor music, such as was done for the boats. Mr. Teske noted the Commission put a condition of review in one year or upon complaint in allowing outdoor music at Grumpy Steve's. Mr. Ranum moved approval of the variance and Special Use Permit with the four conditions of approval as recommended by staff, with the additional condition that there be no outside amplification/music/entertainment after 10 p.m. and that the outdoor music/entertainment use be reviewed in one year or upon complaint. Mr. Teske seconded the motion; motion passed 8-0. Case No. V/03-81 The applicant requested that consideration of this case be postponed until the October meeting. There were several people in the audience. Their comments were invited, but none chose to respond. Mr. Ranum, seconded by Mr. Tumquist, moved to continue Case No. V/03-81 until the October meeting; motion passed unanimously. Case No. V/03-82 A variance to the side yard setback (5 feet required, 2 feet requested) and rear yard setback (5 feet required, 2 feet requested) for construction of a two-car detached garage at 715 S. Third St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Mark and Nancy Feely, applicants. 2 City of Stillwater Planning Commis lion September 8, 2003 Mr. Feely was present. He said plans are to tear down an existing single-car garage. The existing structure currently is two feet off the property line. He stated he could construct the new garage three feet off the line, as recommended by the Building Official, by re-doing some steps. The windows and architecture of the garage will match the house, he said. Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved approval as amended, that the structure be three feet off the side and rear property lines, and conditioned. Motion passed 8-0. Other business: • On the nomination of David Peroceschi, Mr. Middleton was elected vice chairman. • Mr. Russell updated members on the information meeting regarding the potential of incorporating a parking structure/pedestrian walkway and other amenities into construction of the final phase of the levee wall project, the 100-year flood structure. • Mr. Russell informed members that a meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24 to review traffic conditions in the expansion area. • There was a brief discussion of the procedure to follow in applicants' presentations during public hearings, as well as commission discussion. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Turnquist, moved to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.; motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary • 3