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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-14 CPC MIN PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 14, 2014 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Vice Chairman Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present: Commissioners Collins, Fletcher, Hade, Hansen, Kelly, Lauer, Middleton, Siess, Council Representative Weidner (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Absent: Chairman Kocon, Commissioner Middleton Staff: City Planner Wittman APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, to approve the March 10, 2014 meeting minutes as amended. All in favor, 8-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. V/2014-11 Request for consideration of a variance to the front yard setback for the vertical expansion of an existing, non-conforming structure located at 916 Sixth Avenue South in the RB, Two Family District. Charlene Sukhun, applicant. Vice Chairman Hansen opened the public hearing. City Planner Wittman explained that the property owner is seeking approval of a 9.6' variance to the 20' minimum front yard setback for the vertical enlargement of a pre-existing, non-conforming residence. The reconstruction includes increasing the 4' second-story walls to 8' for a full second story on the original portion of the structure. While the rear addition was permitted, the work for which the variance has been requested has already been completed. Staff recommends denial on the basis that the plight of the landowner was self-created by doing construction work that was not permitted. Charlene Sukhun, 705 Anderson Street West, Stillwater, applicant, informed the Commission that she purchased the house last year with the intent of repairing the front and adding onto the back. When opening the second floor hallway from front to back, extensive past fire damage was found which required repair. She discovered she needed to replace the entire roof which was not originally Planning Commission April 14, 2014 planned. She submitted a permit to replace the roof when the project was in progress. A few days later she learned she needed the variance. All work was stopped immediately leaving the house exposed to the elements. She requested the variance to raise the walls to meet building code for insulation and the window in the bedroom. She would prefer to have two roof heights rather than three. She informed neighbors and did not learn of any concerns. Kristen Jensen Al Deni, 687 South Broadway, stated that the applicant was informed of the fire damage at the time of purchasing the house, but understood that it had been repaired and therefore would not pose any problems. When beginning the project, she discovered further repair was needed. She feels what Ms. Sukhun has done with the house is positive and she supports the request. Vice Chairman Hansen closed the public hearing. Commissioner Kelly stated he was initially opposed, but feels the location and age of the property create unique circumstances which justify granting the variance. Commissioner Fletcher expressed concern that granting the variance could create a precedent. Commissioner Hansen stated he feels the variance is justified especially because the structure is extremely close to the street. Commissioner Lauer expressed support for granting the variance because he does not believe the applicant was trying to get around the rules. Commissioner Collins noted the fact that the work was stopped shows good intent. He supports granting the variance. Motion by Commissioner Siess, seconded by Commissioner Lauer, to approve the variance with conditions recommended by staff. All in favor, 8-0. Case No. SUP/V/2014-12 Request for a Special Use Permit and variance to open a storefront restaurant Wok on Wheels or TBD (Wok on Water) located at 126 Main Street North in the CBD, Central Business District. Timothy Michel, owner and Shiqin Chen, applicant. City Planner Wittman summarized the request. The applicant is requesting a Special Use Permit to operate a restaurant at 126 Main Street North. The Downtown Parking Commission will review a request for approval of alternative provisions to on-site parking requirements. Staff recommends approval with conditions. Alternative provisions to the parking regulations, as determined by the Downtown Parking Commission, will be incorporated into the conditions of approval. Shiqin Chen, applicant, noted that Wok on Wheels was started in 2010 as the first Asian/Chinese food truck in Minnesota. Vice Chairman Hansen opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Vice Chairman Hansen closed the public hearing. Motion by Commissioner Lauer, seconded by Commissioner Hade, to recommend approval of the Special Use Permit with conditions recommended by staff. All in favor, 8-0. Page 2 of 3 Planning Commission April 14, 2014 NEW BUSINESS Sign Ordinance Amendment Discussion City Planner Wittman explained that staff was asked by the City Council to address possible amendments to Sign Regulations. Three provisions to consider are: LED signs, an increase in CBD signage, and institutional signage which presently lacks definition in the ordinance. She added that there are no specific applications before the City at this time, but there have been inquiries specifically regarding LED signs and institutional signs in residential districts. Commissioner Siess commented it would benefit the community to allow schools to communicate activities on their signage; perhaps it could be allowed but required to be turned off by a certain time. Commissioner Kelly noted that he prefers prohibiting LED signs in the CBD. He would support allowing lettered signs for institutions. Commissioner Fletcher remarked that the demand for dynamic signage on Highway 36 will likely increase. She would like to think carefully about regulations for this corridor. Commissioner Siess recognized that Stillwater occupies only one side of Highway 36; Oak Park Heights’ regulations should be reviewed for consistency. City Planner Wittman invited Commissioners to form a subcommittee to further discuss the issue before making a recommendation to the Council. Trails Master Plan Visioning Session and Guiding Principles Workshop Invite City Planner Wittman invited Commissioners to a visioning workshop to be held with Melissa Douglas, Staff, and Parks and Planning Commissioners on May 12. The purpose is to assist in the development of a city-wide Trails Master Plan. All Commissioners are encouraged to attend. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Lauer, seconded by Commissioner Kelly, to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m. All in favor, 8-0. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3