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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-08 CPC MINCity of Stillwater Planning Commission December 8, 2003 Present: David Middleton, Vice Chair Mike Dahlquist, David Junker, David Peroceschi, Karl Ranum, Paul Teske, Jerry Turnquist and Darwin Wald Others: Community Development Director Steve Russell Absent: Robert Gag, Chairperson Mr. Middleton called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Turnquist, moved approval of the minutes of Nov. 10, 2003. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. V/03-95 A variance to the sign regulations for additional canopy signage (one sign permitted) at 601 N. Main St. in the CBD, Central Business District. Todd Weiss, applicant. Continued from the November 10, 2003, meeting. Peter Katsiotis was present representing the applicant. He explained the request and pointed out there are other businesses, including the Freight House, that have multiple signs. Roger Tomten of the Heritage Preservation Commission was present. He reviewed the HPC's position on the request. It was a condition of the HPC that the canopy not be backlit, and that verbiage on the sides be of a generic nature. He also noted that window signage of up to 30 percent of the total space is allowable. Mr. Tomten said it was the HPC's suggestion that the existing monument sign be used for the Zephyr, with a sign over the door for the restaurant. He further noted that the Freight House predates the ordinance and that the building has multiple frontages, thus allowing more signage. Mr. Ranum said he concurred with removing the lighting from the canopy area. Mr. Teske said the Commissions has been consistent in trying to hold to the sign ordinance. Several members agreed with the suggestion to leave the existing monument sign for the Zephyr and use generic directional wording on the canopy for the restaurant. Mr. Teske noted it is up to the applicant to decide how to bring the signage into compliance with the ordinance. He moved to deny the request. Mr. Turnquist seconded the motion. Motion to deny passed unanimously. Case No. V/03-100. A variance to the front yard setback (30 feet required, 9 feet and 6'6" requested) for construction of a front porch and stoop at 807 S. Fifth St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Heidi and Chris Lottsfeldt, applicants. City of Stillwater Planning Commission December 8, 2003 The applicants and their architect, Roger Tomten, were present. Mr. Tomten reviewed plans for renovating the 1870s home. Plans include adding two additional bedrooms, as well as a front porch/portico. He said the new porch/portico would not extend any farther than the existing house. He said the materials would match the existing structure as closely as possible. Mr. Junker, seconded by Mr. Peroceschi, moved approval as conditioned. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. V/03-101. A variance to the front yard setback (30 feet required, 25 feet requested) and to the rear yard setback (25 feet required, 20 feet requested) for construction of a residence between 1419 and 1323 West Ramsey St. (a newly created lot) located in the RA, Single Family Residential District. Tom Larson, applicant. Mr. Larson said the request is for a 23 foot front setback and 19 foot rear setback. He pointed out that the newly created lot is only 75 feet deep; with setback requirements, that would allow a home to be just 20 feet deep. Mr. Dahlquist and Mr. Turnquist both noted that when the Planning Commission approved the subdivision creating the non-conforming lot, members knew this issue would come before them in the future. Mr. Ranum said he was not concerned with the rear setback, but was concerned about the crowded street frontage. Mr. Russell asked about breaking up the tall elevation of the proposed new residence. The applicant responded that the proposed deck should accomplish that goal. Mr. Turnquist, seconded by Mr. Teske, moved approval as conditioned. Mr. Peroceschi noted he did not vote for the original subdivision; Mr. Russell said the staff report would be corrected to indicate that. The motion for approval as conditioned passed 7-1, with Mr. Peroceschi voting no. Case No. SUP/V/03-102. A special use permit for an accessory dwelling (800 square feet allowed, 820 square feet proposed) on a 22,590 square foot lot (10,000 square feet required) with a variance to the rear yard setback (25 feet required, 6 feet requested) and to the side yard setback (10 feet required, 6 feet requested) at 418 S. Holcombe St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Brian Enright, applicant. Mr. Enright was present. He noted the proposal is to convert the second floor of an existing 542 square foot garage (not 820 as indicated in the agenda) into a play room/family room with a half bath. He said nothing of the exterior of the structure would be changed. He stated he had contacted neighbors, none of whom objected; seven neighbors signed a petition saying the proposal was not of concern to them. 2 City of Stillwater Planning Commission December 8, 2003 Mr. Ranum said he had a concern with adding utilities that would make the space inhabitable in the future. Mr. Enright said that was not their intent. Mr. Dahlquist asked about the definition of an accessory dwelling. Mr. Russell said that is determined by utilities - half baths are not allowed without an accessory unit permit. Mr. Ranum said he was opposed to "stepping over" the accessory dwelling ordinance and noted there is no hardship involved. Mr. Teske and Mr. Peroceschi said such requests should be dealt with on a case by case basis. Mr. Teske, seconded by Mr. Turnquist, moved approval. Motion passed 6-2, with Mr. Ranum and Mr. Dahlquist voting no. Other Items Mr. Russell reminded members of the Dec. 18 workshop on the Boutwell Transportation Study. Mr. Russell said Croixwood residents had asked to speak at the workshop. There was discussion as to how the Commission wished to handle that request. It was the consensus that while the meeting was open to the public, it should not be open to unlimited comment. It was suggested comments could be received in writing. Mr. Russell reminded members that the public comment for the scoping phase of the St. Croix River crossing project was to end December. 10. There was some discussion of the business impact of the Highway 36 alignment proposals. Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 3