CCP 03-13-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 1,2000 DRAFT 14 Chair Erickson noted that by removing it from the public process and allowing staff consideration, the neighbors are not notified and it is more of a building permit process. He noted that if notification was mailed out, it would be difficult for staff to determine how to handle obj ections. e Ms. Randall stated that with variances, only the abutting property owners are notified. She noted that with the City of Rose vi lie, the application is presented to a Design Review Committee and, if approved, then goes to their Council as a consent agenda consideration. Ms. Randall commented on the concern with a polling process depending on who is providing the information. She stated if the information to neighbors is provided by neighbors, then it may not be as accurate as if provided by the City. Commissioner Sand noted that with this process, 30 of the applications contained on the schedule provided by staff would not have been approved. Commissioner Rye stated he wished it would have addressed more than 30. He noted that by establishing criteria, it will not be that onerous. He suggested a percentage requirement be established. Commissioner Sand noted that in terms of workload, it is still a Council consideration on the consent agenda and increases staff work since they would be involved with more than the application process. He noted this is the process for the Planning Commission and why they were created. e Commissioner Rye stated he does not know that it would take more staff time but agreed that may take about the same amount of time. Commissioner Sand noted the Hopkins model. Ms. Randall stated it only allows for a side yard consideration but she added all four of the setbacks to the draft ordinance in case the Planning Commission wanted to consider that option. She noted the need for the Planning Commission to determine minimum setback distances so parameters are provided within the ordinance language. Ms. Randall stated Roseville went with this procedure to encourage older bungalow owners to do front elevation remodeling because the new process made it easier for those homeowners. Chair Erickson stated that reasoning is different than the consideration in Arden Hills. Commissioner Rye asked what staff preference is. Ms. Randall stated when it is a permitted encroachment, it is a smoother process because they are not submitting a lot of documents. She advised that the three foot encroachment with cantilevered structures goes on all the time and makes the process more smooth since it is handled by the building official. However, the proposed ordinance amendment could "open the door" to some applications the Planning Commission does not want approved. Chair Erickson asked how this process would impact the applications considered tonight. Ms. Randall stated all applications would have had to come before the Planning Commission. e Chair Erickson asked about a house that is three feet from the property line and if that would always be an acceptable situation. He pointed out that it is probably not always acceptable depending on what is on the other side of the property line.