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03-17-2015 PCMMINUTES HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, March 17, 2015 5:30 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M. Chair Hantge called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Members in bold were present Chair Hantge, Commissioner Kirchoff, Commissioner Johnston, Commissioner Norton, Commissioner Arndt, Commissioner Wick, and Commissioner Fahey. Also present were Dan Jochum, City Planner, Kyle Dimler Planning and Building Specialist, and Marc Sebora, City Attorney. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. SWEARING IN OF BRAD WICK City Attorney Marc Sebora administered the oath of office for Planning Commissioner Brad Wick. Mr. Wick was welcomed to the Commission 4. CONSENT AGENDA A. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES DATED JANUARY 20, 2015 Motion by Commissioner Norton and second by Commissioner Fahey to approve the minutes as presented. Motion approved unanimously. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of possible revisions to the River Overlay Zoning District ordinance. Mr. Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission. Mr. Jochum noted recent D.A.V. project in the River Overlay Zoning District that had been approved even though it did not strictly meet all the regulations of this section of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Jochum stated he would like to have an open dialogue with the Commission of possible revisions to this ordinance. Mr. Jochum reviewed the areas surrounding the River Overlay district and the borders of it to give the Commission some context of the area affected by this ordinance. Mr. Jochum asked the Commission to consider if this ordinance's regulations should be modified, if the district itself should be modified, or if the ordinance is needed at Agenda Hutchinson Planning Commission April 15, 2014 Page 2 all, understanding that Staff is not making a recommendation regarding any of these but requesting the Commission to consider and discuss these options. Mr. Jochum reviewed in general the parcels available for development within the River Overlay Zoning District. Mr. Jochum noted the District has some challenges for development given the limited amount of developable land and the extent of the Ordinance regulations in this district. Commissioner Norton stated he is in favor of leaving the ordinance for the interpretation of the Commission as needed on a project by project basis. Mr. Jochum commented that looser criteria in this ordinance, as mentioned by Commissioner Norton, makes the application of the ordinance difficult for Staff Chair Hantge stated she would not be in favor of removing the ordinance. Commissioner Fahey noted the development of this area is market driven and it is difficult to tell an applicant their project is not allowed when the area is currently in large part not in compliance with the ordinance. Mr. Jochum suggested possibly removing the last sentence of 157.06 (B) (5) thereby allowing staff and the Commission discretion in determining if a proposed project would comply with the ordinance. Mr. Marc Sebora, City Attorney, stated the suggested change would be a good starting point for the Commission to be able to achieve their intended goals within the River Overlay Zoning District. The Commission recommended Staff make the proposed language change and submit it for formal action during a Public Hearing at the next regular Planning Commission meeting. B. Discussion of possible creation of an Interim Use Permit ordinance. Mr. Jochum addressed the Commission. The Commission has superficially discussed the possibility of an Interim Use Permit in the past and Mr. Jochum stated Staff believes the City ought to formally consider implementing the use of an Interim Use Permit through the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Jochum shared that the Interim Use Permit is being adopted by more and more municipalities. The I.U.P. allows the City to regulate uses that are for a defined period of time. This is different from a C.U.P. which carries with the affected parcel of land throughout time. The Commission held general discussion of possible uses and benefits of an I.U.P. Agenda Hutchinson Planning Commission April 15, 2014 Page 3 Mr. Jochum suggested the Commission consider directing Staff to create a draft ordinance to be considered at the next Planning Commission meeting. The Commission gave direction to present a draft ordinance for the Commission to consider. C. Other discussion items regarding Ordinances or Planning Initiatives Mr. Jochum asked if there are any items that the Commission would like to direct Staff to investigate or work on during this year. Commissioner Norton asked for an update on the status of the MidCountry Bank drive through project. Mr. Jochum stated the applicant for that project had withdrawn its application. Imagine Hutchinson, Gateway, and a Wayfinding signage master plan are some projects that staff have been working on recently. Mr. Jochum noted the Staff involved with the Wayfinding project is working towards a public meeting for information to be shared in April and the project is anticipated to be finished by the end of June. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 8. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF A. Upcoming Meetings Mr. Jochum shared that an application has been received and will be on the agenda for the April 2015 meeting for a C.U.P. for the remodeling of residential use located in a commercial district. 9. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Johnston and second by Commissioner Arndt to adjourn the meeting at 6:24 p.m.