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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.