Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-15 PC Minutes Approved: November 4, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Roberta Thompson called to order the regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Roberta Thompson, Commissioners Andrew Holewa, Steven Jones, Phillip Neururer, and Clayton Zimmerman. Absent: Commissioner Brent Bartel and Angela Hames. Also present were: Associate Planner Matthew Bachler and Councilmember Fran Holmes. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 Chair Thompson stated the agenda will stand as published. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 5, 2015 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to approve the August 5, 2015, Planning Commission Regular Meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PLANNING CASES A. Planning Case 15-018; Site Plan Review – Accessory Structure – 3180 Hamline Avenue North – Public Hearing Not Required Associate Planner Bachler stated that the applicant owns the residential property located at 3180 Hamline Avenue North, which is located within the R-1 Single Family Residential Zoning District. In this case, the applicant is requesting a Site Plan Review in order to construct a detached accessory structure on the property. As proposed the new detached accessory structure would be 864 square feet or twenty-four (24) feet by thirty-six (36) feet in size. A Site Plan ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2015 2 Review is required for all detached structures in a residential district that exceed 728 square feet. The new structure is being proposed to replace the previous non-conforming accessory structure that was demolished in 2014. Associate Planner Bachler explained that the existing single-family dwelling and the accessory structure that was demolished were both constructed in the 1940’s prior to the current zoning regulations. The previous accessory structure on the property was considered a legal non- conforming structure as it exceeded 728 square feet in size and was located within the forty (40) foot setback from Hamline Avenue North. The non-conforming structure was 1,344 square feet in size and located approximately five (5) feet from the front property line. Associate Planner Bachler commented that the proposed project would be constructed to conform to the current Zoning Code regulations to meet the minimum ten (10) foot side yard setback and the forty (40) foot front yard setback required for accessory structures in the R-1 district. No variances are required for the proposed detached accessory structure as the Zoning Code permits up to two accessory structures on a property provided that neither exceeds 728 square feet in size. Associate Planner Bachler stated that in addition, Section 1325.01 Subd. 7 of the City’s Zoning Code allows for an accessory structure, not to exceed 1,458 square feet, if approved through a Site Plan Review. The proposed structure would be located fifteen (15) feet from the south property line, ninety (90) feet from the north property line, and one hundred and eighty (180) feet from the front property line along Hamline Avenue. The applicant has indicated that the structure would be fifteen (15) feet in height and would be constructed with materials that match or complement the existing single family dwelling on the property. Site Data Land Use Plan: Low Density Residential Existing Land Use: Single Family Detached Residential Zoning: R-1: Single Family Residential Current Lot Sizes: 1.27 Acres (55,321 Square Feet) Topography: In the location of the proposed structure the lot is fairly flat. However, the lot slopes significantly on the lake side. Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and Site Plan Evaluation Criteria. Associate Planner Bachler provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. The lot meets the minimum requirements of the R-1 Zoning District. 2. The existing dwelling does not encroach on any setbacks requirements. 3. A Site Plan Review is required for the detached accessory structure to exceed 728 square feet. 4. Garages and accessory structures are permitted within the R-1 Zoning District. 5. The proposed structure coverage meets the requirements of the R-1 Zoning District. 6. The minimum landscaped area exceeds the requirements of the R-1 Zoning District. 7. The existing dwelling does not exceed the 35 foot height limit. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2015 3 8. The proposed accessory structure would not exceed the 15 foot height limit for accessory structures. 9. The driveway would be expanded to provide access to the new structure. 10. The existing dwelling and the proposed garage are outside of the 100-year flood plain, wetlands, and easements. 11. The proposed accessory structure would be 864 square feet in size. 12. The exterior finish will match or complement the principal structure. 13. The lot is unusual in that it is unusually large, and there would be enough room to construct two (2) 728 square foot accessory structures on the property without a Variance or Site Plan Review. 14. The proposed accessory structure would create less impact and be more attractive than having two (2) accessory structures on the property. Associate Planner Bachler stated that based on the submitted plans and findings of fact, staff recommends approval of Planning Case 15-018 for a Site Plan Review to construct an 864 square foot accessory structure/detached garage at 3180 Hamline Avenue North. If the Planning Commission recommends approval of this request, staff recommends that the following seven (7) conditions be included with the approval: 1. That the project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. That the applicant shall obtain all necessary grading and building permits prior to the commencement of construction on the site. 3. That the applicant shall use best management practices (BMPs) to control erosion at all times during construction. 4. That the height of the structure shall not exceed 15 feet. 5. That the applicant shall obtain approval or a waiver from the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) prior to the issuance of any building permits. 6. That the structure shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. 7. That no other accessory structure shall be constructed on the site without an approved Site Plan Review or Variance. Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1. Recommend Approval with Conditions 2. Recommend Approval as Submitted. 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Jones discussed the 728 square foot requirement and asked if the City would allow two accessory structures of up to 1,458 square feet in size. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2015 4 Associate Planner Bachler explained that the staff interpretation of the Zoning Code was that if a resident requests an accessory structure over 728 square feet in size, a second accessory structure would have to be less than 728 square feet so that the property did not exceed a total of 1,458 square feet in accessory structures. Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 15-018 for a Site Plan Review to construct an 864 square foot accessory structure/detached garage at 3180 Hamline Avenue North, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the seven (7) conditions in the September 9, 2015, Report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A. Report from the City Council Councilmember Holmes indicated that the City Council approved Planning Case 15-016 for a Final PUD for Phase III of the Arden Plaza Master PUD at 3527 Lexington Avenue North on August 31, 2015. Hemisphere Restaurant Partners will be constructing a sit-down restaurant called the Tavern Grill and Restaurant on the Lexington Avenue development parcel just to the south of Walgreens. The Planning Commission reviewed this case on August 8, 2015, and unanimously recommended approval of the project. Councilmember Holmes reported that the City Council approved a Site Plan Review for Boston Scientific in Planning Case 15-017. The approval will allow Boston Scientific to relocate a daycare facility and outdoor play area to Building 10 on their campus. This case also received a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission at their August regular meeting. Councilmember Holmes stated that the City Council discussed the regulation of cellular antennas in the Zoning Code and the classification of this use as an accessory use. The City Attorney provided recommended changes to the Zoning Code to help clarify this issue. The City Council directed staff to work with the Planning Commission on drafting an ordinance to make these recommended revisions to the Zoning Code. Staff will bring this item to a future Planning Commission meeting for further discussion. Councilmember Holmes indicated that the Council would be holding two State of the City events. The first would be held on Tuesday, September 29th at City Hall and the second would be held on Thursday, October 1st at Flaherty’s Aden Bowl. Councilmember Holmes explained that the Council was in the process of hiring a new City Administrator as City Administrator Klaers would be retiring in early October. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2015 5 Councilmember Holmes encouraged the Planning Commission members to view the City’s new video tour, which was now posted on the City’s website. B. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update Associate Planner Bachler reported that the City Council approved the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) and the TCAAP Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) on Monday, July 13, 2015. The City submitted the proposed CPA to all adjacent municipalities and affected jurisdictions including: Shoreview, Roseville, New Brighton, Mounds View, Ramsey County, MnDOT, RCWD, and Mounds View Public Schools for their review and comment. The 60 day review and comment period for the adjacent municipalities and affected jurisdictions concluded on September 1st. The Metropolitan Council now has an additional 60 days from September 2nd to review and comment on the document. C. Planning Commission Comments and Requests None. D. Staff Comments Associate Planner Bachler provided a brief update on development projects taking place in the City. ADJOURN Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa, to adjourn the September 9, 2015, Planning Commission Meeting at 6:52 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).