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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, October 27, 2010 Page 4 Section H, Special or Object-oriented Buildings (page 3) 146 Discussion included the addition of this section to address potential deviation from 147 standards and the need for further clarification of language establishing a special 148 variance procedure to avoid subjectivity in determining uniqueness serving as a catch-all, 149 but based on specific discussions at previous meetings related to special design 150 considerations, and further analysis by staff on the intent of “above and beyond” 151 language. 152 Section J, Garage Doors and Loading Docks 153 Member Gisselquist suggested the need to give special consideration to previous 154 language related to special buildings, such as fire stations, and practical location of 155 garage doors in front. 156 Members concurred that flexibility was needed in applying design standards for special 157 uses in the District, indicating the need for clarity in revising language related to “special” 158 buildings and the intent; whether such a building was proposed to be independent of the 159 proscribed standards; or consider function of use, like a fire station, and the unique use 160 requiring easy ingress/egress. 161 Member Cook suggested that the Design Standards J, K, and L be applied consistently 162 among all Districts in addressing aesthetics adjacent to residential properties. 163 Member Wozniak disagreed on application of J other than for Institutional uses, opining 164 that it didn’t apply in other Districts, and questioned the need for K, Rooftop Equipment, 165 in this District since it was redundant since it was included in general Design Standards. 166 Members concurred that it was duplicated. 167 Member Wozniak suggested that Item L, Service Areas and Mechanical Equipment, 168 should be applicable to all Districts as well. 169 Mr. Paschke concurred that Item L seemed to make sense for all Districts, but from a 170 staff perspective, he advised that it may be difficult to enforce unilaterally when related to 171 certain utility aspects, such as Xcel Energy transformers and other major equipment that 172 whose placement was dictated by function not aesthetics. Mr. Paschke noted that some 173 municipalities had strong regulations on placement of such equipment which would be a 174 standard he’d like to see applied across the board; however, he opined that the standard 175 may be better served in one place than another; and staff felt it was most appropriate for 176 Institutional uses, but it should be universal other than in single-family neighborhoods. 177 Member Gottfried opined that it seemed logical to move anything appropriate in the 178 general performance Standards for clarify and consistency to make as much fit into that 179 broader context to provide clear intent of City expectations wherever possible, while 180 recognizing that there may be some exceptions. 181 Member Boerigter spoke in support of deleting Item K from Institutional Design 182 Standards, as they were addressed in the general Performance Standards section. 183 Member Gottfried questioned the maximum building height requirement of sixty feet (60’) 184 in N, Dimensional Standards Table 1006.1 and any existing buildings that would become 185 noncompliance if so stipulated. 186 Mr. Paschke noted that this would address a building height of approximately five (5) 187 stories; with no existing uses in the Institutional District that would exceed that height 188 limitation. Mr. Paschke clarified that steeples were addressed differently than a primary 189 structure, similar to current code, and was among supplemental regulations still under 190 development. 191 MOTION 192 Member Boerigter moved, seconded by Member Wozniak to RECOMMEND TO THE 193 CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL of DRAFT INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT requirements as 194 presented on October 27, 2010, establishing new regulations under Title 10, Zoning 195 Regulations, pertaining to the Institutional District; based on details of the staff 196