HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-09-PCChair
Clayton Larson
Commissioners
----AVEN HILLS
1245 W. Highway 96
Hills, MN 55112
Andrew HotewaArden
651.792.7800
Liz Modesette
Daniel Reiff
Arden Hills
Www•ci.arden-hills.mn.us
Janet Stodota
Roberta Thompson
Planning Commission
Clayton Zimmerman
February 4, 2009
City Vision
A strong community that values our unique environment, our fiscal soundness,
and our tradition as a desirable city in which to live, work, and play.
Agenda
Regular Planning Commission Convenes 6:30 PM
Call to Order
1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
2. MINUTES
A. December 3, 2008 Regular Meeting
3. PLANNING CASES
A. Planning Case 09-001; Clear Vision Area Ordinance Amendment —Public Hearing
4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
5. REPORTS
A. Report from the City Council
B. Planning Commission Comments
6. ADJOURNMENT
A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting.
Planning Cases are available online at:
http://www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us/planningcases
�A EN ]HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 4 2009 PCAgenda Item 3 wA
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Charles Roberts, Community Development Intern
James Lehnhoff, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Planning Case #09-001
Clear Vision Area Clarification
City of Arden Hills
ATTACHMENTS: A — Modified sections of 600.03, 1305.04, 1325.03, and 1325.05 —
Black -lined version
B — Ordinance 2009-003
Request
Consider Ordinance 2009-003 in Planning Case 09-001 to amend Sections 1305.04, 1325.03 and
132.5.05 of the zoning Code regarding the clear vision area as described in the February 4, 2009,
report to the Planning Commission
Background
Staff has received a number of comments and concerns from residents regarding obstructions
within the clear vision area. The purpose of the clear vision area is to protect sightlines for
vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians at intersections. The clear vision area is addressed in three
chapters of the City Code (nuisance,, zoning, and sign), but the language used in each chapter
varies. Additionally, some of the concerns submitted to the City were actual obstructions that
needed to be addressed, while others may have been in technical violation of the code but were
not causing an obstruction. In cases where there is a technical violation but no actual
obstruction, the City is sometimes put in a position where people are requested to unnecessarily
remove trees and vegetation.
City of Arden Mills
Planning Commission Meeting for February 4, 2009
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In response, the Community Development Department worked, together to review the existing
ordinance and identify opportunities to better clarify the ordinances regarding the clear vision
area. The purpose of these ordinance amendments is to bring consistency, enforceability, and
fairness to the language used in the nuisance, sign, and zoning chapters of the City Code.
Although this memorandum includes proposed changes to the nuisance code (Chapter 6 of the
City Code), the Planning Commission only has responsibility for the Zoning Code.
Nevertheless, Staff has included all proposed changes related to the clear vision area to help
ensure consistency and so that the changes can be viewed in a holistic format. If there are any
changes to the proposed changes for the zoning code, Staff will include that in the nuisance and
sign code for the City Council.
Discussion
As noted above, the clear vision area is addressed in three chapters of the City Code: Ch. 6
(Nuisance), Ch. 12 (Sign), and Ch. 13 (Zoning). Although there is overlap between these
chapters, the City Attorney has recommended keeping the regulations in each chapter for legal
enforcement reasons instead of combining them into a single section. Please see Attachment A
for black -lined versions of all the affected sections.
Sign Code
No changes are proposed to the text and its definition for the clear vision area will become the
standard. However, the illustrative diagram accompanying the definition has been refined to
more clearly demonstrate the clear vision area (see next page). This illustration will accompany
the zoning and nuisance codes if approved.
Nuisance Code
There is one change proposed for the nuisance chapter to make it consistence with the sign code
definition and proposed changes to the zoning code.
1. 600.03, Subd 2 Nuisances Affecting Peace and Safety will be revised to read:
Nothing shall be placed in the clear vision area and nothing shall be allowed to grow in such
a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of a two and one-half (2-1/2) and
ten (10) feet in the clear vision area. The clear vision area shall be an area within a triangle
that is measured along the edge of the driving surface of the road starting at the intersection
of two roads (public or private) and extending thirty (30) feet in each direction from the
intersection and then a line connecting these two end points;
Reason: The revised ordinance incorporates the clear vision area and includes the definition from
the sign code for additional clarification. The language is adjusted to extend visibility
City of Arden Hills
Planning Commission Meeting. fol February- 4, 2009
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considerations beyond vehicular traffic while preserving vegetation or other installments that
may encroach in the clear vision but do not materially impede vision.
Zoning Code
There are five changes in total proposed for the zoning chapter.
1. 13 05.04, Subd 31 Definitions:.
Existing: Clear Vision Area. The clear vision area shall be an area within a triangle that
starts at the intersection of two road edges (public or private) and shall extend thirty (30) feet
in each direction from the intersection with a line connecting the two end points.
Proposed: Clear Vision Area. The clear vision area shall be an area within a triangle that is
measured along the edge of the driving surface of the road at the intersection of two road
edges (public or private) and extending thirty (30) feet in each direction from the intersection
with a line connecting the two end points.
Reason: The standard definition from the sign chapter is repeated here for consistency. The
new illustrative diagram is added to provide a more helpful visual.
2. 1325.03, Subd 2.0 Permitted Encroachments.
Existing: Traffic Visibility. On a corner lot, nothing shall be placed or allowed to grow in
such a manner as to impede vision between a height of two and one-half (2-1f2) and ten (10)
feet in the clear vision area.
Proposed: Intersection Visibility. On a corner lot, nothing shall be placed in the clear vision
area, and nothing shall be allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision
now or in the future between a height of two and one-half (2-1/2) and ten (10) feet in the
clear vision area.
City of Arden hills
Planning Commission Meeting for February 4, 2009
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Reason: Traffic visibility is changed to intersection visibility to extend the meaning of the
ordinance to all forms of transportation. The prohibiting of placed or grown obstructions in
the clear vision area is made clearer while adding the language "now or in the future"
requires consideration of plantings that may eventually grow in such a manner as to impede
visibility in the clear vision area.
3. 1325.05, Subd 1.G.8 Landscape Design Specifications.
Existing: Placement of Trees and Shrubs. No trees or shrubs shall be planted within any
drainage/utility easements, road right-of-way, or where it would materially impede the clear
vision area or other driveway.
Proposed: Placement of Trees and Shrubs. No trees or shrubs shall be planted within any
drainage/utility easements, road right-of-way, or where it would now or in the future
materially impede the clear vision area or other driveway between a height of two and one-
half (2-1/2) and ten (10) feet in the clear vision area.
Reason: The revision ensures consistency with other ordinances pertaining to the clear vision
area. The new ordinance requires that vegetation is placed so that it does not eventually grow
to impede the clear vision area.
4. 1325.05, Subd 4.C.5 General Screening Requirements.
Existing: Traffic Visibility. On all lots, nothing shall be placed or allowed to grow in such a
manner as to materially impede vision in the clear vision area.
Proposed: Intersection Visibility. On all lots, nothing shall be placed in the clear vision area,
and nothing shall be allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision now or
in the future between a height of two and one-half (2-1/2) and ten (10) feet in the clear vision
area.
Reason: The revision ensures consistency with other ordinances pertaining to the clear vision
area.
5. 1325.05, Subd 4.D.1 Fences.
Existing: Height of Fences in Side and Rear Yards. Fences in side or rear yards may not
exceed six (6) feet in height in all residential districts. Fences may be up to six (6) feet in
height if placed in the secondary front yard of corner lots in residential districts provided that
the fence does not exceed three (3) feet in height within the structure setback of the primary
front yard and the fence does not restrict the clear vision area.
City of.Arden Hills
Planning Commission Meeting for February 4, 2009
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Proposed: Height of Fences in Side and Rear Yards. Fences in side or rear yards may not
exceed six (6) feet in height in all residential districts. Fences may be up to six (6) feet in
height if placed in the secondary front yard of corner lots in residential districts provided that
the fence does not exceed three (3) feet in height within the structure setback of the primary
front yard and the fence does not encroach on the clear vision area.
Reason: Currently, fences are permitted within the clear vision area if they do not restrict it.
However, the existing ordinance also allows fences up to three (3) feet height in the front
yard while the clear vision area prohibits obstructions over two and one half feet (2-1/2) in
height. Traditionally, the City required fences to be shortened or moved in such a way to
avoid impeding the clear vision area (i.e. the fences at the intersection of Lexington and
Amble). By prohibiting the building of new fences within the clear vision area, a common
standard is applied to all properties in the City while eliminating confusion or negotiation on
a case-by-case basis.
Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of Planning Case #09-001 to amend Sections 1305.04, 1325.03 and
1325.05 of the Zoning Code regarding clear vision area as presented in the February 4, 2009,
Planning Case Report.
Options
1. Recommend Approval as Proposed: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case #09-
001 to amend Sections 1305.04, 1325.03 and 1325.05 of the Zoning Code regarding clear
vision area as presented in the February 4, 2009, Planning Case Report.
2. Recommend Approval with Changes: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case #09-
001 to amend Sections 1305.04, 1325.03 and 1325.05 of the Zoning Code regarding clear
vision area with the following changes...
3. Recommend Denial: Motion to recommend denial of Planning Case #09-001 to amend
Sections 1305.04, 1325.03 and 1325.05 of the Zoning Code regarding clear vision area as
presented in the February 4, 2009, Planning Case Report.
4. Table: Motion to table Planning Case #09-001 to amend Sections 1305.04, 1325.03 and
1325.05 of the Zoning Code regarding clear vision area: a specific reason and/or information
request should be included with a motion to table..
1f changes to Ordinance 2009-003 are made, those changes can be included with a motion to
approve.
City of Arden Hills
Planning Commission Meeting for February 4, 2009
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Notice
Notice was published in the Shoreview -Arden Hills Bulletin.
Resident Comment
Staff has not received any letters, e-mails, or telephone calls from property Owners or occupants
in regards to this planning case.
Attachments
A — Modified sections of 600.03, 1305.04, 1325.03, and 1325.05 — Black -lined version
B — Proposed Ordinance 2409-003
City ofArden Hills
Planning Commission Meeting for February 4, 2009
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Attachment A
Modified sections of 600.03, 1305*04,
1325.03, and 1325.05 — Black -lined
Version
'It
EN HILLS
February 4, 2009, Planning Commission Meeting
Modified sections of 600.03. 1305.04, 1325.03, and 1325.05 — Black -lined
Version
600.03 Nuisance Affecting Peace and Safety.
Subd. 2. '
s
Nothing shall be placed in the clear vision area and nothinp, shall be allowed
to Brow in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of
a two and one-half (2-1/2) and ten (10) feet in the clear vision area. The clear
vision area shall be an area within a triangle that is measured along the edge
of the drivine surface of the road starting at the intersection of two roads
(public or private) and extending thirty (30) feet in each direction from the
intersection and then a line connecting these two end points;
1305.04 Definitions.
Subd. 31 Clear Vision Area. The clear vision area shall be an area within a
triangle that is measured along the edge of the driving surface of the road staftsat
the intersection of two roads ewes -(public or private) and extendi_ng thirty
(30) feet in each direction from the intersection with a line connecting the two end
points.
1325.03 Exceptions to the Minimum Requirements for All Districts.
Subd. 2 Permitted Encroachments.
C. Trp 44 -,-
Intersection Visibility. On a corner lot, nothing shall be
placed in the clear vision area, and nothing shall beep allowed to grow
in such a manner as to materially impede vision now or in the future
between a height of a two and one-half (2-1/2) and ten (10) feet in the
clear vision area.
1325.05 Design Standards.
Subd.1 Landscaping.
G. Landscape Design Specifications.
8. Placement of Trees and Shrubs. No trees or shrubs shall be
planted within any drainage/utility easements, road right-of-way,
or where it would now or in the future materially impede the clear
vision area or other driveway between a height of two and one-half
(2-1/Z)and ten (10) feet in the clear vision area.
Subd.4 Screening.
C. Landscape Design Specifications.
5. T f "a fL ru te, -Intersection Visibility. On all lots, nothing shall be
placed in the clear vision area, of -and nothing shall be allowed to
grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision now or in the
future between a height of two and one-half (2-1/2) and ten (10�
feet in the clear vision area.
D. Fences
1. Height of Fences in Side and Rear Yards. Fences in side or rear
yards may not exceed six (6) feet in height in all residential
districts. Fences maybe up to six (6) feet in height if placed in the
secondary front yard of corner lots in residential districts provided
that the fence does not exceed three (3) feet in height within the
structure setback of the primary front yard and the fence does not
encroach one� the clear vision area.
Attachment B
Ordinance 2009-003
'It
EN HILLS
February 4, 2009, Planning Commission Meeting
Ordinance 2009-003
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
ORDINANCE 2009-003
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING REGULATIONS FOR THE CLEAR VISION AREA
The Arden Dills City Council hereby ordains that Chapter 6, Section 600.03, Subd 2 and Chapter
121 Section 1210.01, Subd 5 is hereby amended in the Arden Hills City Code to read as follows:
600.03 Nuisance Affecting Peace and Safety.
Subd. 2. Nothing shall be placed in the clear vision area and nothing shall be allowed
to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of a two and
one-half (2-1/2) and ten (10) feet in the clear vision area. The clear vision area shall be
an area within a triangle that is measured along the edge of the driving surface of the
road starting at the intersection of two roads (public or private) and extending thirty
(30) feet in each direction from the intersection and then a line connecting these two
end points;
1305.04 Definitions.
Subd. 31 Clear Vision Area. The clear vision area shall bean area within a triangle that is
measured along the edge of the driving surface of the road at the intersection of two roads
(public or private) and extending thirty (30) feet in each direction from the intersection with a
Line connecting the two end points.
Ordinance 2009-003
♦ ■?<:'>» >> ins �
.
.................
Cie ion
Cie":"--":
Building
1325.03 Exceptions to the Minimum Requirements for All Districts.
Subd. 2 Permitted Encroachments.
C. Intersection Visibility. On a corner lot, nothing shall be placed in the clear
vision area, and nothing shall be allowed to grow in such a manner as to
materially impede vision now or in the future between a height of two and one-
half (2-1/2) and ten (10) feet in the clear vision area.
1325.05 Design Standards.
Subd. 1 Landscaping.
G. Landscape Design Specifications.
8. Placement of Trees and Shrubs. No trees or shrubs shall be planted within
any drainage/utility easements, road right-of-way, or where it would now or
in the future materially impede the clear vision area or other driveway
between a height of two and one-half (2-1/2) and ten (1D) feet in the clear
vision area.
Subd.4 Screening.
C. Landscape Design Specifications.
5. Intersection Visibility. On all Iots, nothing shall be placed in the clear
vision area, and nothing shall be allowed to grow in such a manner as to
materially impede vision now or in the future between a height of two and
one-half (2-1l2) and ten (10) feet in the clear vision area.
D. Fences
Ordinance 2009-003
Effective Date.
Adoption Date.
February, 2009.
1. Height of Fences in Side and Rear Yards. Fences in side or rear yards may
not exceed six (6) feet in height in all residential districts. Fences may be up
to six (6) -feet in height if placed in the secondary front yard of comer lots in
residential districts provided that the fence does not exceed three (3) feet in
height within the structure setback of the primary front yard and the fence
does not encroach on the clear vision area.
This Ordinance shall become effective the day following its publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Arden Hills the 23d day of
STANLEY D. HARPSTEAD, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RONALD 3 MOORSE
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Publication Date: March 4th, 2009
�S DEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 4, 2008 PC Agenda Item S.A
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Charles Roberts, Community Development Intern
SUBJECT: City Council Planning Case Updates
December 8, 2008, City Council Meeting
PC# 08-029 B3 Service Business District Design Guidelines
The City Council unanimously voted to approve Ordinance 2008-012 to amend Section 1325.09
and Section 1325.05 Subd. 8 of the Zoning Code to apply the recently adopted B2 District design
standards to the B3, Service Business District. The Planning Commission recommended
approval for this item at their December 3, 2008, meeting.
PC# 08-030 — B4 and I Flex District Design Guidelines
The City Council unanimously voted to approve Ordinance 2008-013 to amend Section 1320.10
and Section 1320.12 of the Zoning Code regarding Special Requirements for the B4 and I -Flex
Districts. The Planning Commission recommended approval for this item at their December 3,
2008, meeting.
PC# 08-031— Drive -up Windows
The City Council unanimously voted to approve Ordinance 2008-014 to amend Section 1325.04,
Subd. 1 and Subd. 2 to include the term "Drive -Up Windows" in the minimum requirements for
drive-in businesses, fast food restaurants and automobile service stations. The Planning
Commission recommended approval for this item at their December 3, 2008, meeting.
Other Updates
City of Arden Dills
Planning Commission Meeting for February 4, 2009
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Page 1 of 1
City Council approved the budget and 2009 CIP. The City Council also approved a second term
for Clay Larson and Elizabeth Modesette that will expire on December 31, 2011.
January 12, 2009, City Council Meeting
The City Council did not review any planning cases at this meeting.
January 20, 2009, City Council Work Session
As part of this meeting, the City Council reviewed preliminary plans for a proposed new building
at the Arden Plaza shopping center on the southwest corner of County Road E and Lexington
Ave. to add a 14,400 square foot Walgreen's store with an additional 5,000 square feet of retail
space. The existing 46,000 square foot "pod" office building would be removed. There has been
no formal application submitted to date and the work session was only intended to receive initial
comments and feedback from the City Council. If a formal application is submitted, a full public
hearing will be required with the Planning Commission.
City of Arden Hills
Planning Commission Meeting for February 4, 2009
PAPlanning\Planning Commission\CC Reports\020409 - PC report - CC report.doc
Page 2 of 1
Ita.-
,---ARPEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DAVE: February 4, 2008
TO: Planning Commission
FROM* Charles Roberts, Community Development Intern
SUBJECT: 2009 Planning Commission Meeting Dates
The 2009 Planning Commission meeting schedule is listed below. Traditionally, the Planning
Commission has met on the first Wednesday of the month. This year, Staff is proposing to hold
the meeting on the first Wednesday after" the first Monday of the month. This would eliminate
scenarios when Staff would have to prepare for both the Planning Commission and City Council
meetings together die to their close proximity on the calendar. The new meeting dates would be
as follows:
February 4
March 4
April 8 (instead of April 1)
May 6
June 3
July 8 (instead of July l )
August 5
September 9 (instead of September 2)
October 7
November 4
December 9 (instead of December 2)
Cite of rden Hills
Planning Commission Meeting for February 4, 2009
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