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09-18-2007 PCMMINUTES HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, September 18, 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: Chris Kovacic, Christie Rock, John Lofdahl, Jim Haugen, Mike Flaata, Farid Currimbhoy and Chairman Otteson. Absent: None Also present: Rebecca Bowers, Planning Director, Kent Exner, City Engineer, Marc Sebora, City Attorney and Bonnie Baumetz, Planning Coordinator 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA a) Consideration of Minutes dated August 21, 2007 Mr. Lofdahl moved to approve the consent agenda as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Rock. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. 4.PUBLIC HEARINGS a) VARIANCE TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND GARAGE LOCATED AT 331 MONROE STREET S.E. Chairman Otteson opened the hearing at 5:30 p.m. with the reading of publication #7611 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on September 6, 2007. Ms. Bowers commented on the request to allow a second detached garage. She explained the existing garage is very small and not much larger than the requirements for a large shed. The proposed garage will meet the setback requirements and lot coverage. The existing garage is non-conforming due to the 4 foot side yard setback. Kent Exner, City Engineer and Ms. Bowers reviewed the grades and possible drainage concerns. Ms. Bowers commented on the following staff recommendations: 1. The standards for granting a variance have been met, including the finding of undue hardship and uniqueness due to the existing small size and height of the garage built prior to modern zoning ordinances with a nonconforming side yard setback. The circumstances were also not created by the property owners and the proposed garage would not alter the character of the locality. 2. Total impervious surface coverage of the lot may not exceed 50%. Total accessory building coverage in the rear yard may not exceed 25%. Minutes Planning Commission – September 18, 2007 Page 2 3. The applicant shall update the survey to show the location and size of the driveway and the proposed grades and elevations for the garage in relation to adjacent property to show drainage across the property. Approval of the City Engineer is required prior to approval of the building permit. 4. Gutters must be installed on the garage to direct drainage onto subject property and away from adjacent property. 5. Construction of the garage shall meet the standards of the zoning ordinance, including setbacks and height, in the R-2 zoning district. 6. Removal and relocation of natural gas and electric will be at property owner’s expense. 7. No construction is allowed over any utilities, including natural gas or electric lines. . She stated staff would recommend approval of the request noting the hardship of the size and height of the existing non-conforming garage. She reported the request meets the standards of granting a variance. Discussion followed on what constitutes an attached garage. Mr. Flaata made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr. Kovacic the hearing closed at 5:38 p.m. Mr. Haugen made a motion to recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations and the hardship of the size and height of the existing non-conforming garage. Seconded by Mr. Currimbhoy, the motion carried unanimously. Ms. Bowers stated this item will be placed on the City Council consent agenda at their meeting held September 25, 2007 in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. b) LOT SPLIT AND VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS LOCATED AT 330 OTTAWA AVE S.E. Chairman Otteson opened the hearing at 5:39 p.m. with the reading of publication #7611 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on September 6, 2007. Ms. Bowers explained the request to allow a larger home on the east lot which is 340 Ottawa Ave S.E. She commented on the vacation and rededication of the drainage and utility easements. She stated these lots will remain single family lots. She commented on the following staff recommendations: 1. The proposed lot split would meet the standards of the R-2 zoning district, subject to the conditions stated. 2. A drainage and utility easement must be dedicated along each side of the interior property line. 3. All other existing drainage and utility easements shall remain in place. 4. The applicant is responsible for recording the lot split at the McLeod County Recorder’s office. Minutes Planning Commission – September 18, 2007 Page 3 Ms. Bowers clarified that the lots were platted as single family lots and would have single family homes constructed on each. Also discussed was the process and requirement to plat versus when lot divisions are permitted. Ms. Bowers stated a lot split, which is essentially a lot line adjustment in this case, is allowed under the existing subdivision regulations. Mr. Flaata made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr. Kovacic the hearing closed at 5:50 p.m. Mr. Flaata made a motion to recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations. Seconded by Ms. Rock, the motion carried unanimously. This item will be placed on the City Council consent agenda at their meeting held September 25, 2007 in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. 5.NEW BUSINESS 6.OLD BUSINESS 7.COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF Ms. Bowers reminded the Planning Commission of the Hwy 7 joint meeting th with the City Council October 9. 8.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:54 p.m.