03-20-2007 PCMMINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Hutchinson City Council Chambers
1.CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lynn Otteson at 5:30 p.m. with
the following members present: John Lofdahl, Jim Haugen, Mike Flaata,
Farid Currimbhoy and Chairman Otteson Absent: Christie Rock Also
present: Rebecca Bowers, Planning Director, Marc Sebora, City Attorney,
John Olson, Public Works Manager and Bonnie Baumetz, Planning
Coordinator
2.CONSENT AGENDA
a) Consideration of Minutes dated February 20, 2007
LOT SPLIT
b)SUBMITTED BY BRUCE NAUSTDAL LOCATED IN
RAVENWOOD WEST
Mr. Lofdahl made a motion to recommend approval of the Consent
Agenda with staff recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Currimbhoy, the
motion carried unanimously.
3.PUBLIC HEARINGS
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
a) TO AMEND THE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TWIN HOME
LOCATED AT 560/564 HILLTOP DRIVE N.E. SUBMITTED BY CROW
th
RIVER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (Tabled from February 20 meeting)
Chairman Otteson reopened the hearing at 5:50 p.m. with the reading of
publication # 7551 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on February 8,
2007.
Mr. Lofdahl abstained from the discussion.
Ms. Bowers commented on the request which was tabled from the
February meeting. She explained the reasons for the conditional use
permit. She reported staff met on-site with the neighboring property owner
concerned with drainage from this property onto his property. Ms. Bowers
stated staff discussed some of the potential drainage problems on the
site. She commented on the areas of concern. Some of the issues have
been resolved. She explained the setback of the proposed home is still
an issue with the neighboring property owner. Staff recommends
approval with following recommendations:
1. Each unit must have separate water and sewer service.
Minutes
Planning Commission – March 20, 2007
Page 2
2. Parkland dedication is $135.00 per unit and SAC/WAC is $2,950
per unit to be collected at the time of building permit.
3. Garages must be 400 square feet or larger.
4. Specific consideration for proper drainage between the units is
essential. The property owner is required to complete
appropriate drainage for the site prior to final landscaping and
sodding. Approval of the final grading plan shall be approved by
the City Engineer.
Discussion followed on the allowable setbacks of the neighboring home.
Ms. Bowers stated the lots could have had 6 foot setbacks . She stated it
is common to have a 6’ setback in this type of development. Discussion
followed on the past actions regarding 6’ setbacks. The same request
was approved for other properties over the past few years. Ms. Bowers
commented on the variety of home types in the development. Research
of the building permits along Hilltop Drive indicate the easterly properties
were 6 foot setbacks.
Mr. Olson commented on the drainage into the catch basin and a
manhole in the street with sufficient drop to drain the property. He
commented on the drainage from the garage roof. Options were
discussed on-site were the drainage from the garage. Drainage must
meet the City Engineer’s approval.
Jim Tepley, 554 Hilltop Dr. asked what the setback regulations were.
Atty. Sebora stated there are no set regulations in a Planned
Development District. Mr. Tepley questioned if there was no standard in
City of Hutchinson? He asked what the setback was on the proposed
home. Ms. Bowers stated the setback will be 7’ from foundation wall to
the property line. Mr. Tepley stated he is concerned with drainage to the
west. He reported the property to the east is 20” higher than his property
and water stands on his property already in a big rain. He is concerned
where the drainage will go. Mr. Tepley asked if they could build a house
to a more normal setback.
Mr. Olson, Public Works Manager, commented on the discussions from
the on-site visit . He stated staff looked at the existing home to the east
and the design of the home. He stated ¼ to 1/3 of the garage drainage
will goes to the northeast. He explained there is a 6 foot easement on
each side of the property line. He reported an option with regard to
grading would be to put in a block retaining wall. There may be a way to
drain without block. The majority of the water will go to the rear of the
property. The water should be moved towards the street. Discussion
followed on the proposed and existing elevations. Mr. Olson stated the
elevations are current. He noted the grade is steep in this area. He
explained all drainage needs approval from City Staff.
Steve Bailey, 325 Circle Dr., Crow River Habitat, commented on the back
yard grading which will be lower than the neighbor to the west. He stated
they could drop the sidewalk 6 inches.
Minutes
Planning Commission – March 20, 2007
Page 3
Karla Cross, 555 Lincoln, Crow River Habitat, stated they would like to
work with the property owners and neighbors.
Mr. Currimbhoy made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Flaata the hearing closed at 6:18 p.m. Mr. Currimbhoy made a motion to
recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations.
Seconded by Mr. Haugen, the motion carried unanimously. Chairman
Otteson stated she would like to add to recommendation #4 “complete
appropriate drainage for the site prior to paving the driveways or
sidewalks ….” Mr. Currimbhoy agreed to the change. Seconded by Mr.
Haugen. The motion carried with Mr. Lofdahl abstaining. Chairman
Otteson stated this item will be placed on the City Council consent
agenda at their meeting held March 27, 2007 in the Council Chambers at
5:30 p.m.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
b) TO ALLOW AN AUTOMOBILE REPAIR
FACILITY IN THE I/C (INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT
LOCATED AT 805 HWY 7 WEST
Chairman Otteson opened the hearing at 6:20 p.m. with the reading of
publication # 7563 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on March 8,
2007.
Ms. Bowers commented on the request and location. She reported on
the history of past uses on the property. She stated the I/C District
requires a Conditional Use Permit for all changes of use. She explained
the type of business proposed for the property. She stated they are not
proposing outdoor storage. She commented on the following staff
recommendation:
1. The proposed use would meet the standards for granting a
conditional use permit, subject to the conditions stated.
2. No outdoor storage is permitted.
3. Paving of the driveway and parking areas must be
completed by August, 2008. Parking stalls shall be striped
in accordance with Zoning Ordinance standards.
4. A landscape plan must be provided and completed by
September, 2008. Landscaping shall meet the
requirements of Section 154.115 of the Zoning Ordinance.
5. Prohibited discharges must not be released into the
sanitary or storm sewer system. All activities must comply
with City, State, and Federal regulations.
6. The conditional use permit may be revoked if the applicant
fails to meet these standards or violates the conditions of
approval.
Ms. Bowers explained the condition for not storing abandon cars and
commented on the paving of the drives and the landscaping after the Hwy
7 project is complete. She stated there will not be a huge amount of
landscaping needed. She reported staff recommends approval.
Minutes
Planning Commission – March 20, 2007
Page 4
Discussion followed regarding enclosed garbage and dumpster
requirements. Mr. Hoops stated he plans on moving the garbage
behind the office area. There was discussion on handicapped parking
spaces. The applicants stated they agreed with the paved parking and
driveway requirement.
Mr. Hoops stated he has no problem with moving the dumpsters. He
plans on being in operation within 2 months. He stated signage will be
needed.
Mr. Lofdahl made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Currimbhoy. The hearing closed at 6:28 p.m. Mr. Lofdahl made a motion
to recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations1-6
and adding handicapped parking must be provided and and move
dumpster to the rear of the building. Seconded by Mr. Currimbhoy, the
motion carried unanimously. Ms. Otteson stated this item will be placed
on the City Council consent agenda at their meeting held March 27, 2007
in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
VACATION OF UTILITY EASEMENTS
c) LOCATED BETWEEN 1209 AND
1205 LEWIS AVENUE S.W. REQUESTED BY STEVE WADSWORTH,
PROPERTY OWNER
Chairman Otteson opened the hearing at 6:30 p.m. with the reading of
publication # 7564 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on February 8,
2007.
Ms. Bowers commented on the request and the location. She explained
there are three lots involved and a proposed addition onto the easterly lot.
She commented on the number of land use actions on this property
including a variance. She stated this action is a request to vacate
easements. She reported it appears the property owner must combine
the lots to one lot to meet Shoreland district requirements. Coverage
appears to be in excess of 25%. Ms. Bowers would suggest combining
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the 3 lot also which would require the platting process. She commented
on the complicated issues on the lots. Ms. Bowers stated there are no
apparent utilities in the easements. Staff would recommend approval
with the following recommendations:
1. Lots 20 and 21 must be combined at the County before
construction may begin on Lot 21. Proof of recording the lot
combination must be provided with the building permit application.
2. Staff recommends that the northerly lot be combined or platted
with Lots 20 and 21.
3. The applicant shall provide an updated survey identifying the
existing and proposed impervious surface coverage on the subject
property before any additional coverage is added to the property.
4. Any modifications to the site shall comply with shoreland district
requirements.
Minutes
Planning Commission – March 20, 2007
Page 5
5. Any future construction on the property must comply with Zoning
Ordinance requirements.
6. Any business activities in the home and/or accessory building
must comply with the requirements of the home occupation
(Section 154.056 (D).
7. Relocation of any utility services will be at property owner’s
expense.
Discussion followed on the shoreland district compliance. Ms. Bowers
stated the shoreland district is everything 1000 feet from the lake.
Mr. Wadsworth explained the proposed office is for home use. He would
not run the business from the home office. He explained using the
vacant lot to the north to be in compliance with the ordinance . He stated
he does not want to combine the lots. He asked, if they are combine, can
he build closer to the lake. Atty. Sebora stated any building must meet
regulations. Mr. Wadsworth stated he was told the two 1209 Lewis lots
were to be included in the impervious surface calculations. He stated
there are restrictions on the lots and he can not sell the lot by the lake
unless the house goes with it. Atty. Sebora commented on the lot
coverage requirements. Mr. Wadsworth stated, in 1991, he was told he
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could use the 3 lot in the calculations. Discussion followed on the rules
changing over the years. Ms. Bowers stated impervious surface includes
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all hardsurfacing. She explained there are restrictions on the 3 lot. The
restrictions include not allowing to build on the lot. There was discussion
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on access to the 3 lot.
Discussion followed regarding the unbuildable lot. Ms. Bowers stated the
shoreland ordinance is mandated by State regulations. She reported
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there is no supporting information regarding the case of using the 3 lot
in the calculation.
Mr. Currimbhoy made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Flaata, the hearing closed at 6:51 p.m. Mr. Haugen made a motion to
recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations
1,3,4,5,6,7. He stated the applicant meets the intent of the regulation.
Seconded by Mr. Flaata. The motion carried with Chairman Otteson
voting nay. Chairman Otteson stated this item will be placed on the City
Council regular agenda at their meeting held March 27, 2007 in the
Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
4.NEW BUSINESS
SITE PLAN
a) SUBMITTED BY ROCKFORD CONSTRUCTION FOR
ST
CONSTRUCTION OF A FAMILY VIDEO STORE LOCATED AT 108 – 1
AVENUE N.E.
Ms. Bowers commented on the request and the straight forward
application. She explained the location and proposed building, site plan
and elevations. She reported there is a 0 foot building setback in the C3
district. She stated the applicants meet all requirements and comply with
Minutes
Planning Commission – March 20, 2007
Page 6
all City requirements. She commented on the landscaping plan
recommendations from the City Forester. She stated there are minor
changes in the species of trees. The recommendation is agreeable with
the developer. Ms. Bowers stated staff recommends approval of the
request with the following recommendations:
1. The proposed building and site improvements would comply with
the standards of theC3 district and the Zoning Ordinance, subject
to the conditions stated.
2. Final plans shall be revised according to the City Engineer memo
dated March 9, 2007. Plans must be approval by the City
Engineer prior to construction.
3. Sign permits are required prior to installation of the signage.
4 Park dedication fee of $430 will be due at the time of building
permit.
5. SAC/WAC fee in the amount of $5,900 (2 units x $2,950) will be
due at the time of building permit.
6. The City Forester recommends revising the landscape plan to: a)
add two more shade trees at the NW and SW corner of the lot, b)
diversify shrub planting by intermixing Prairie Petite Lilacs into the
shrub line to help break up monoculture of Anthony Waterer
Spirea, c) Revise the Redmond Linden specie selection for shade
trees to Amur Chokecherry or combine the two species to
diversify.
7. Parking on Hassan Street must be re-striped according to the
approved site plan along with the parking lot improvements.
8. Any sidewalk, curb, and gutter removed be replaced according to
City specifications.
9. Exterior lighting must be shielded and shall not cause glare to
adjacent properties.
Ms. Bowers stated this was a clean application. She reported the
developer addressed all staff recommendations.
Discussion followed on the number of accesses. The easterly access is
not an alley but private. There was discussion on the Hassan Street
access and the building.
Doug Klang, Family Home Video, explained he is responsible for all site
acquisition for Family Home Video stores. He stated he agrees with the
staff recommendations and will meet or exceed requirements. He
explained they will be proceeding quickly after City Council approval. He
stated Hutchinson staff have been easy to deal with and this was a good
experience.
Mr. Currimbhoy made a motion to recommend approval of the request
with staff recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Haugen, the motion
carried unanimously. Chairman Otteson stated this item will be placed on
the City Council consent agenda at their meeting held March 27, 2007 in
the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
Minutes
Planning Commission – March 20, 2007
Page 7
b) DISCUSSION OF ORDERLY ANNEXATION AGREEMENTS
Atty. Sebora commented on the need to share feedback. He explained
the Townships are expecting a response from him and the City. He
would like opinions from the Planning Commission in regard to beginning
the process. Mr. Flaata stated he looked at the agreements and is not
sure if this agreement would prohibit some development. Atty. Sebora
stated this is the townships attorney’s first try. Discussion followed on the
Lynn Township agreement. Chairman Otteson stated the Lynn document
is clear and precise.
c) DISCUSSION OF AMENDING THE AGENDA TO INCLUDE THE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
Chairman Otteson commented on the Planning Commission beginning
the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. There was discussion of other
cities process. Mr. Flaata moved to amend the agenda to include the
pledge. Seconded by Mr. Currimbhoy. The motion carried unanimously.
d) HIGHWAY 7 CORRIDOR STUDY AND PLAN
Ms. Bowers commented on the proposed study and the study area. She
explained a study would help the City in protecting the highest and best
uses for some of these properties along Hwy 7. She commented on the
mixture of property uses along the Hwy 7 corridor. She requested the
support of the Planning Commission for the study. She explained the
RFP proposals are due the end of the week. She explained the
Resolution by the Planning Commission in support of the study.
Discussion followed regarding the possibility of grant money for the
businesses to fix up their properties along Hwy 7. Ms. Bowers stated this
is a possibility when the plan is in place. There will be an impact on the
property owners if there is a rezoning. Mr. Lofdahl moved to approve the
resolution. Seconded by Mr. Currimbhoy. The motion carried
unanimously.
Ms. Bowers explained the City Council will be acting on an interim
ordinance to do a temporary moratorium along the Hwy 7 corridor. She
explained how that will affect certain properties and types of properties.
The moratorium will be in place for 9 months to 1 year and may be
extended by the City Council up to 18 months.
5.OLD BUSINESS
6.COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
a) PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL PLANNING, ZONING AND BUILDING
REPORT BY REBECCA BOWERS
Minutes
Planning Commission – March 20, 2007
Page 8
Ms. Bowers will report on the annual report in the future.
7.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.