05-16-2006 PCM
MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Hutchinson City Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dean Kirchoff at 5:30 p.m. with
the following members present: John Lofdahl, Jim Haugen, Mike Flaata,
Robert Hantge, Farid Currimbhoy and Chairman Kirchoff. Absent: Lynn
Otteson. Also present: Kent Exner, City Engineer, Marc Sebora, City
Attorney and Bonnie Baumetz, Planning Coordinator
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) Consideration of Minutes dated April 18, 2006
Mr. Haugen moved to approve the minutes of April 18, 2006 as
submitted. Seconded by Mr. Lofdahl. The minutes were approved
unanimously.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUESTED BY
CROW RIVER BUILDERS TO CONSTRUCT A 11,640 SQ. FT. POLE
TYPE STRUCTURE ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1135 HWY 7 W
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 5:34 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7463 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on May 4,2006.
Ms. Baumetz explained that due to denial of an access point by Mn/DOT
the driveway will be relocated. A pole type constructed building is
allowed only by conditional use. Parking requirements will be met by the
applicant. Ms. Baumetz reviewed the building plans of the structure. It
was clarified that the parking lot must be paved. She commented on the
staff recommendations as follows:
1. Verify condition and capacity of existing storm
sewer line.
2. Work with City Forester on landscaping plans.
3. Landscaping may be completed after the Hwy 7
construction is completed.
Mr. Hantge questioned why Mn/DOT would not allow a separate access
as opposed to sharing with a neighboring property owner. Mr. Exner
stated that Mn/DOT explained that it would take approximately one year
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Planning Commission - May 16, 2006
Page 2
to build a separate access point and were not in favor of it. He stated
maintenance of the sewer line is the responsibility of the property owner
Tim Johnson, Crow River Builders, stated that the storm sewer line was
put in within the last two years. He stated he has spoken with Applied
Kinetics and they have concurred that it is large enough to service both
Crow River Builders and Applied Kinetics. Staff is asking that the
applicant verify that the line is not plugged or collapsed before paving
over it.
Mr. Lofdahl made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Currimbhoy the hearing closed at 5:45 p.m.
It was recommended that paving of the parking lot driveway go up to the
property line until the Hwy 7 project is complete.
Mr. Lofdahl made a motion to recommend approval of the request with
staff recommendations, including that the lot be paved as condition #4.
Seconded by Mr. Hantge, the motion carried unanimously. Ms. Baumetz
stated this item will be placed on the City Council consent agenda at their
meeting held May 22, 2006 in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
b) CONSIDERATION OF A VARIANCE REQUESTED BY CHRISTIAN
CHRISTENSEN TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A DETACHED
GARAGE IN THE FRONT YARD LOCATED AT 915 - 2ND AVE S.W.
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 5:46 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7464 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on May 4,2006.
Ms. Baumetz explained that the applicant would like to place a garage in
the front yard, which requires a variance. The applicant states the
hardship to the property are the narrow lot size and no vehicle access to
the backyard. Ms. Baumetz explained that she had been contacted by
two property owners, one of them having no objections and one property
owner having a concern of the size of the garage and setbacks as well as
roof water runoff. Staff recommendations are as follows:
1. Removal or moving of services would be at the owner's
expense.
2. Tree removal or replacement will be at owner's
expense.
3. The garage must not exceed 16' in height.
4. A home occupation is not allowed exclusively in the
accessory building.
Mr. Lofdahl questioned the possibility of attaching the garage to the
house.
Christian Christensen, applicant, presented before the Council. Mr.
Christensen explained that two bedrooms are against the wall where a
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Planning Commission - May 16, 2006
Page 3
garage could be attached and he would like the consistency granted to
other applicants for this similar type of situation.
Matt McMillain, 929 2nd Avenue, presented before the Planning
Commission. McMillain lives next door to Christensen and was in favor of
the variance.
Mr. Christensen stated that his intention is not to put any additional
drainage on his neighbor's property but drain it towards the street or onto
the setback area. Mr. Christensen also stated that on-street parking will
be reduced if the garage is able to be constructed.
Mr. Hantge asked if a survey was going to be required. Ms. Baumetz
stated a survey will be required as part of the building permit, at which
time drainage could be addressed as well.
Mr. Hantge made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Currimbhoy, the hearing closed at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Flaata made a motion to
recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations including
a survey requirement and drainage plan. Seconded by Mr. Currimbhoy,
the motion carried unanimously. Ms. Baumetz stated this item will be
placed on the City Council consent agenda at their meeting held May 22,
2006 in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
c) CONSIDERATION OF A VARIANCE REQUESTED BY JIM AND
KRISTEN KLEIN TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND
DETACHED GARAGE AND TO REDUCE DRIVEWAY SETBACK TO 0'
LOCATED AT 589 HASSAN ST. S.E.
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 6:02 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7465 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on May 4,2006.
Ms. Baumetz explained that the applicants intend to construct a detached
garage and remove a current shed. A variance is required for this item
due to the proximity of the property line of the driveway as well as being
the second detached garage on the property. Staff's recommendations
are as follows:
1. Remove existing shed.
2. Drainage must be directed to the southeast
corner of the lot and be contained by the
proposed berm.
3. Garage must not be taller than 16'.
4. Home occupations are not allowed
exclusively in accessory structures.
5. Removal or moving of services shall be at
the property owner's expense.
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Planning Commission - May 16, 2006
Page 4
Kristen Klein, property owner, stated that she has trouble staying on the
driveway due to the slope and narrowness. She explained that she has
spoken with Kent Exner regarding a new driveway, which will address
drainage issues. She stated that a new driveway is needed to go with the
new garage. Elevation will be raised if a new driveway is approved.
Mr. Lofdahl noted that he felt a hardship may lie with the driveway and the
location of the garage. His concerns were with allowing construction of a
new garage without taking down the current garage, which is over 300 sq.
ft.
Mr. Currimbhoy made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Lofdahl the hearing closed at 6:17 p.m.
Mr. Haugen offered that the one of the garages be reduced in size so that
a variance would not be needed. There did not appear to be a hardship
for the garage issue. Mr. Hantge suggested expanding the driveway
towards the house.
Mr. Lofdahl stated he was favorable to expanding the driveway to the
property line, but he felt the current garage or proposed garage should be
reduced in size.
Mr. Flaata made a motion to repave driveway, however not change
setbacks according to staff recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Hantge,
the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Lofdahl made a motion to deny the variance request for construction
of a second detached garage for lack of a hardship. Mr. Hantge
seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Baumetz stated this item
will be placed on the City Council regular agenda at their meeting held
May 22, 2006 in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
d) CONSIDERATION OF A VARIANCE TO REDUCE LOT DEPTH 8' AND
A LOT SPLIT LOCATED AT 175 OAK LN S.E.
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 6:34 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7466 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on May 4,2006.
Ms. Baumetz explained that there is an existing watermain on the
property and staff is requesting that the property owner locate it and grant
an easement. Staff recommends approval with the following
recommendations:
1. Drainage and utility easements must be
provided entirely around the lot.
2. The water main must be located and an
easement (minimum 20' width on center)
provided over the water main.
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Planning Commission - May 16, 2006
Page 5
3. No variance will be granted for lot area in the
future.
4. No vacation of easements will be granted in the
future.
5. Utility services must be separate to each lot.
6. Utility line locations must be verified and if
necessary relocated at applicant's expense.
The potential buyers of the lot, presented before the Planning
Commission. He asked for clarification of the easement requirements. It
was clarified that if the watermain runs through the center of the lot, the
lot will be deemed unbuildable.
Ron Jonas, property owner, presented before the Planning Commission.
Mr. Jonas explained that in 1988 this property was granted a lot split and
the Jonas' intended to build on this lot. Due to circumstances, the lot split
was not recorded and the Jonas' bought the entire property, thinking that
the lot split applied. Mr. Jonas stated that the water comes in from the
southwest corner of the property. Discussion was held as to whose
responsibility it is to locate the watermain. It was noted the only way to
locate the watermain is to excavate and Mr. Jonas felt that the City should
have had easements granted when the watermain went in. (Lofdahl
departed at 6:56 p.m.)
Mr. Flaata made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr. Hantge
the hearing closed at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Flaata made a motion to recommend approval of the request with
staff recommendations with the hardship being the lot size at the time of
platting. Seconded by Mr. Haugen, the motion carried unanimously. Ms.
Baumetz stated this item will be placed on the City Council consent
agenda at their meeting held May 22, 2006 in the Council Chambers at
5:30 p.m.
4. NEW BUSINESS
a) CONSIDERATION OF AN 8 LOT SKETCH PLAN TO BE KNOWN AS
FAIRWAY ESTATES THIRD ADDITION SUBMITTED BY M & P
PARTNERS
Ms. Baumetz explained that staff would like Planning Commission's
thoughts before platting would proceed. Ms. Baumetz reported staff
present at the one stop shop reviewed the sketch plan. They suggested
moving the building pads back on lots 3, 4, and 5. The access to those
lots is narrow and moving the lots back gives more room for parking and
maneuvering on the lot. Lot 8 access will be allowed off Heritage Ave.
The cul-de-sac will be public and the island must be removed for snow
removal purposes. The request will be a reconfirmation of the preliminary
and final plat and PDD.
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Planning Commission - May 16, 2006
Page 6
Fees will include escrowing $200.00 per tree, two trees per lot or
$1600.00. Engineering fees to be escrowed are 7% minus the grading
and a letter of credit for 100% of the grading is required. There is an
$800.00 electric territory fee per lot, $215.00 parkland contribution fee
and sewer and water access fee of $2720 per lot. These fees are
charged at the time of the building permit submittal. The property must
be to 6 inches of grade from utilities to bring in lines.
The street name on the cul-de-sac must be Heritage Circle or Heritage
Court. The maximum width of the driveway within the street right-of-way
is 24 feet.
Chairman Kirchoff asked if the elevation would be raised in this area.
Marty Campion, Otto Associates, presented on behalf of Sam
Montgomery. Mr. Campion explained the grading and elevation of the
lots.
Ms. Baumetz explained that this would be a reconfirmation of the
preliminary plat. Discussion was held as to the configuration of the
homes on the lots. Concerns were raised regarding Lot 8 and the Outlot
A combination.
5. OLD BUSINESS
a) CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUESTED BY
CHRIST THE KING CHURCH, 1040 SOUTH GRADE ROAD S.W., TO
EXPAND THE PARKING LOT AND ADD AN EXIT ONTO SOUTH
GRADE RD
Ms. Baumetz explained that a rain garden has been added to the plan to
address drainage problems. Staff had the following recommendations:
1, The exit in the northwest corner of the lot onto
South Grade Road shall be a right-only exit (but full
entrance ).
2. All parking area must be paved.
3. No more than four accesses will be allowed on the
property.
4. Work with the City Forester in development of the
"rain garden".
Mr. Exner stated that there are no adjustment rings on the catch basin,
but a tile inlet may possibly be placed to alleviate drainage problems.
Atty. Dan Prochnow presented before the Planning Commission. Atty.
Prochnow stated that he spoke with a neighbor regarding encroachment
and he has been advised that an easement will be granted to Christ the
King. Atty. Prochnow asked if a rain garden would be necessary if Christ
the King would purchase the piece of property from Mr. Bloemke. The
consensus of the Planning Commission was that a rain garden may not
be necessary if Christ the King owned that property for drainage.
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Planning Commission - May 16, 2006
Page 7
Mr. Hantge made a motionto approve with staff recommendations, adding
#5 addressing encroachment in writing and #6 that the City will install a
tile line. Second by Mr. Flaata, the motion carried unanimously. Ms.
Baumetz stated this item will be placed on the City Council consent
agenda at their meeting held May 22, 2006 in the Council Chambers at
5:30 p.m.
6. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
Kent Exner stated that an opportunity has become available to screen some
of the storage area near the HATS facility. Exner stated that all of the fill
material from the Hwy 7 project will be placed on the HATS property with a 4
- 6' berm being constructed, which will include plantings on top of the berm.
It was clarified that this area is outside of the flood plain.
Bonnie Baumetz stated that Rebecca Bowers, new Planning Director, will be
starting June 12,2006.
Dean Kirchoff stated that when Wendy's CUP was approved, a condition
placed was that a rain garden be installed. He feels it portrays more of a
slew than a rain garden and asked that staff speak with Wendy's
management regarding cleaning up of it.
Marc Sebora informed the Planning Commission that they should not be
searching for a hardship for applicants, as an example for the Klein's
consideration that was held tonight. Discussion was held regarding the
variance application process and information that is provided to applicants.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.