01-21-2014 PCMMINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
5:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
Chair Christie Hantge called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Members present:
Jim Fahey, Bill Arndt, Dave Johnston, Dean Kirchoff and Raymond Norton. Also
present was Dan Jochum, Planning Director.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 3, 2013
Motion by Kirchoff, second by Fahey, to approve the minutes as
presented. Motion carried unanimously.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO AMEND
THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT TO ALLOW
DRIVEWAY SETBACK TO BE ZERO FEET FROM THE SIDE
PROPERTY LINE ON LOTS 2, 3, 4 AND 5 IN FAIRWAY ESTATES
THIRD ADDITION.
Chair Hantge opened the public hearing at 5:31 p.m. and dispensed with
the reading of the publication.
Dan Jochum, Planning Director, presented before the Commission. Mr.
Jochum explained that city ordinance allows for planned development
districts to deviate from setback requirements. The request before the
Commission is to amend the planned development district to allow
driveway setbacks to be zero feet from the side property line on lots 2, 3, 4
and 5 in Fairway Estates Third Addition.
Mr. Jochum noted that a storm water line runs between Lots 3 and 4 and
therefore staff is not recommending a zero foot setback between those two
lots. Lots 2 and 3 and Lots 4 and 5 would be acceptable with a zero foot
setback. Lot 2 on the southerly side and Lot 5 on the easterly side should
remain with five foot setbacks due to the larger lot size on those sides.
The reason for the overall request from the applicant is that when the lots
were originally platted they were very narrow at end of the driveway by
the street. The applicant would like to have more space for vehicles to
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
January 21, 2014
Page 2
safely back onto the street. The applicant is not the original developer
who platted the area. Jochum noted that a zero setback in the area
between lots 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 will not cause any significant issues and
will allow the driveways to be built in a manner consist with how other
properties are arranged in the community.
Gus Wurdell, applicant, presented before the Planning Commission. Mr.
Wurdell noted that a fire hydrant is located on Lot 3 along with a light
pole. These are challenges for development of the lot.
Kent Exner, City Engineer, presented before the Commission. Mr. Exner
explained that when this area was platted the City requested that the
driveways be shared to allow for more green space for snow removal
purposes. However, the plat was approved as it is today. Mr. Exner
commented that the issue of the light pole and the fire hydrant is an issue
the developer will have to address independently.
Motion by Arndt, second by Norton, to close public hearing at 5:42 p.m.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Fahey, second by Kirchoff, to approve Resolution No. 14234
with staff recommendations outlined in conditions 1-7 on the Resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. 2014 Initiatives
a. Interim Use Ordinance
b. Possible Shoreland Ordinance Revisions
c. Revisions to Sign Ordinance
Dan Jochum, Planning Director, presented before the Commission. Mr.
Jochum explained that some initiatives that the planning department has for
the 2014 year includes implementing an interim use ordinance, possible
shoreland ordinance revisions and revisions to the sign ordinance. Mr.
Jochum clarified that with respect to the shoreland ordinance, the DNR can
provide guidance to municipalities, however cities ultimately have the final
authorization on shoreland management. General discussion was held on the
classifications between rivers and lakes and the requirements for each. Mr.
Jochum noted that within the next couple of months he hopes to have the
shoreland ordinance addressed before the construction season begins —
perhaps late winter/early spring an ordinance can be before the Planning
Commission. Jim Fahey asked that the Commission consider the bank
program used for wetlands when this issue is addressed. Mr. Fahey raised
concerns about rain gardens that are put in place and then not maintained.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
January 21, 2014
Page 3
Mr. Jochum explained that some discussion has been held at the Council level
regarding the sign ordinance and potential revisions. It has been suggested to
have a complete overview of the sign ordinance.
Raymond Norton asked if the planning department has ordinances on a
rotation basis for review. Mr. Jochum explained that typically ordinance
revisions are considered when they are reviewed during a project or request.
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Comprehensive Plan
Dan Jochum, Planning Director, presented before the Commission. Mr.
Jochum noted that the Comprehensive Plan was officially adopted by the
City Council on December 10, 2013. The Comp Plan will now be located
on the Planning page of the City's web site.
Dave Johnston suggested that the Planning Commission review the
shoreland ordinance sooner than later and try to beat the applications that
come in for spring construction projects. Mr. Jochum mentioned that
perhaps at the next Planning Commission meeting something will be
before the Commission.
7. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
A. Upcoming Meetings
Dan Jochum, Planning Director, presented before the Commission. Mr.
Jochum noted that an applicant was working very hard to get on the
February Planning Commission agenda for a site plan review, CUP, lot
split, etc. Mr. Jochum needs to determine if the publication deadlines can
be met for the February meeting.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Arndt, second by Kirchoff, to adjourn at 6:00 p.m. Motion
carried unanimously.