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HAST/mas PLANNma COMlMISSION
January 12, 2004
Regular Meeting
7:00 pm
Vice Chair Greil called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
1. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Alongi, Greil, Hollenbeck, Schmitt, Truax, and Twedt.
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Planning Director John Hinzman, Associate Planner Kris Jenson.
2. Approve December 8, 2003 Planning Commission Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Truax, seconded by Hollenbeck to approve the minutes of
the December 8, 2003 Planning Commission as presented by staff. Motion passed
unanimously.
3. Elect Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair
Commissioner Truax nominated Vice Chair Greil as Chairman and Commissioner
Hollenbeck as Vice Chair. Commissioner Twedt seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
4.
Discussion - Shoreland Ordinance Amendment
Director Hinzman discussed the reasons behind the Shoreland Ordinance Amendment.
Commissioner Schmitt questioned the chances the DNR would be supportive of the
amendment.
Director Hinzman stated that when a similar ordinance was proposed in the late 1990's, the
DNR did provide comment, and many of those comments have been incorporated into the
draft language.
Commissioner Alongi was concerned that the amendment not cause undue hardship on
residents residing within the shoreland areas.
Director Hinzman used a variance example of how the new amendment would affect a
homeowner versus the existing ordinance.
Commissioner Truax stated that allowing 75% lot coverage in residential areas was too high
and would prefer to see the percentage lowered. He also questioned the need for a height
limit in the downtown area.
Director Hinzman stated that that percentage is probably from the Watershed Management
Ordinance and the language could be clarified. As for the height limit, buildings will be more
limited by the other building on the same block.
Commissioner Alongi questioned the need for a height limit if an average of the other
buildings was to be used to determine maximum height.
Chairman Greil stated in the event of a catastrophe - a block of buildings were to burn or be
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destroyed - a maximum height limit is a good idea to have in place.
Commissioner Truax asked why there was a 300' setback for buildings in the downtown
area, since this would pretty much keep any buildings out of the downtown area.
Director Hinzman stated that 300' actually goes to about the alley north of 2nd Street, as
most of the downtown is out of the Shoreland area.
Commissioner Alongi asked if it was possible to have a comparative analysis show the
current versus the proposed and how many properties would be affected by the change, and
perhaps have the info available at the time of the public hearing.
Director Hinzman stated that would not be a problem.
Chairman Greil stated that he feels this approach is a good one - empty sites have a much
easier time complying with regulations than do developed sites, which should have some
flexibility in the regulations.
Director Hinzman added that the DNR would be sent a copy of the amendment for
comments, and depending upon the scope of those comments, this could come back as a
discussion item prior to a public hearing being held.
5. 2003 Annual Planning Commission Report
Director Hinzman reviewed the information regarding the past years' applications, building
permit totals, etc.
Chairman Greil thanked Staff for their work in putting the information together, and for
providing the Council updates at each meeting.
6.
Other Business
Director Hinzman updated the Commission on City Council actions at the Dec. 15, 2003
meeting.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristine Jenson
Recording Secretary