12-19-2006 PCM
MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, December 19, 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: Jim Haugen, Lynn Otteson, Mike Flaata,
Farid Currimbhoy, and Chairman Kirchoff. Absent: Robert Hantge and John
Lofdahl Also present: Rebecca Bowers, Planning Director and Bonnie
Baumetz, Planning Coordinator
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) Consideration of Minutes dated November 21,2006
Mr. Currimbhoy moved to approve the minutes of November 21, 2006,
as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Otteson. The minutes were approved
unanimously.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ADDING
LANGUAGE TO CONDITIONALLY PERMIT STORAGE UNITS IN 1-1
DISTRICT
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 5:37 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7533 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on December 7,
2006.
Ms. Bowers commented on the request by Mr. Knisley relating to the
proposed storage units in the 1-1 district. She explained the amendment
would include storage units as conditionally permitted in the 1-1 districts.
Any request would require a conditional use permit. She presented a map
showing the 1-1 properties which are mostly on the east edge of the City.
She commented on the criteria for granting conditional use permits. She
commented on 1-1 lots which are adjacent to residential lots.
There was discussion on the definition of storage units. Ms. Bowers
explained the use of the individual storage unit request. Warehousing is
permitted in 1-1. Mr. Knisley's proposal is not warehousing. The
individual units are for storage. Ms. Bowers explained the PDD being a
blanket Conditional Use permit for the entire property. There was
consensus that the storage use is not a large issue. Discussion followed
regarding the addition of the definition for storage unit.
Mr. Flaata made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr. Haugen.
The hearing closed at 5:50 p.m. Mr. Haugen made a motion to
Minutes
Planning Commission - December 19,2006
Page 2
recommend approval of the request adding definition of "storage unit".
Seconded by Ms.Otteson, the motion carried unanimously. This item will
be placed on the City Council consent agenda at their meeting held
December 26, 2006 in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
b) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT SPECIFYING
ACCESSORY BUILDING REQUIREMENTS TO PROHIBIT DETACHED
GARAGES AND SECONDARY ACCESS DRIVES ON DOUBLE
FRONTAGE LOTS
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 5:52 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7534 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on December
7, 2006.
Ms Bowers commented on the request brought forward by
Councilmember Arndt. She explained the request can be tabled until
there is a full Commission.
There was consensus to table the item unanimously.
c) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO CLARIFY
ALLOWED ENCROACHMENTS AND PROJECTIONS INCLUDING
OVERHANGS, AND EGRESS WINDOWS, INTO SETBACKS AND
DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 5:54 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7535 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on December
7, 2006.
Ms. Bowers explained the need to add language to the zoning ordinance
after the request in October to allow a cantilever over the easement. She
commented on the changes to the yard space encroachments. She
stated the present ordinance does not address the issues of
encroachment into easements. She explained this is getting to be a
problem with the smaller setbacks allowed by planned development
districts. She reported the Engineering and Utility staff are driving this
request to amend the ordinance. The impact to existing development
would have issues that must be addressed. She suggested
recommending an exception for previous planned developments before
2007. There were some clarifications such as window well placement.
Discussion followed on the effect on the older parts of the City. Ms.
Bowers reported this in mostly an issue in the new developments. She
stated the Engineering staff support this amendment.
Mr. Haugen made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Flaata, the hearing closed at 6:03 p.m. Ms. Otteson made a motion to
recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations and
corrections. Seconded by Mr. Currimbhoy, the motion carried
unanimously. This item will be placed on the City Council consent
agenda at their meeting held December 26, 2006, in the Council
Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
Minutes
Planning Commission - December 19,2006
Page 3
4. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Haugen commented on policy governance. He explained the Council
would set policy. He commented on a nuisance property ordinance to
improve the safety of our citizens. Ms Bowers stated a rental housing
ordinance does help. Staff will work with the Police Department to come up
with an ordinance. She explained this would be outside of the Zoning
Ordinance.
5. OLD BUSINESS
6. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 6: 14 p.m.