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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMinutes-20060327Hastings Planning Commission March 27, 2006 Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Acting Chairman Truax called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 1. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Zeyen, McInnis, Schmitt, Truax, Heideman Commissioners Absent: Twedt, Peine. Staff Present: Planning Director John Hinzman, Administrative Assistant Samantha Schmidtke. 2. Approve March 13, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Schmitt, second by Commissioner McInnis to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2006 Planning Commission meeting as presented. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 5, Nays 0. Motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. City of Hastings – Ordinance Amendment #2006-10 – Section 10.29 Landscape Ordinance Director Hinzman presented the staff report. Acting Chairman Truax opened and closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. No one spoke during the public hearing. Commissioner McInnis asked what was the rationale for the new ordinance. Director Hinzman stated that the new ordinance would apply to perimeter plantings in and around parking lots for reasons of separation and screening issues. It would apply only to commercial building and not to homeowners. City of Hastings March 27, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 Commissioner McInnis asked how the proposed ordinance changes would affect a homeowner if they wanted to put on an addition to their home – would they also have to submit a modified landscape plan? He commented further by saying that landscaping changes have become more restrictive over the years as opposed too less restrictive. Director Hinzman responded that the intent of the proposed amendment is for new homes (8 unit multi home type) and larger commercial projects not single family homes. Commissioner Schmitt requested that a change be made to the ordinance amendment that reads, “Single Family homes are not included in the new ordinance amendment.” Commissioner McInnis said that while he appreciated the list of permitted trees he noticed that there were no fruit trees included in the list. He inquired as to the rationale for not listing fruit trees. Director Hinzman replied that the lists of permitted trees are for front yard and boulevard use. They provide more shade and are sturdier than fruit trees. Commissioner McInnis asked about the minimum turf requirement; would the requirement prohibit decks and patios if a 20 foot greenspace area is not provided? Director Hinzman answered that the intent is to require turf establishment adjacent to homes; however it is not meant to require a greenspace area that may prohibit construction of a deck or patio sod adjacent to the home. Commissioner Heideman asked if constrained sites were addressed in the new ordinance amendment. Director Hinzman stated that constrained sites are addressed in Subd. 2E Commissioner Truax asked about Subd. 6 Performance Standards and the minimum planting sizes stated in C. Trees of that diameter are expensive. Commissioner McInnis stated that as he looked at these proposed changes he felt the tree choices were restrictive and a single-family homeowner should be able to landscape as you see fit. City of Hastings March 27, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 Director Hinzman responded that the intent of the proposed changes are for front yard and boulevard only. There is nothing in the ordinance that states requirements for back yards. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner McInnis moved and Commissioner Zeyen second the motion to table the proposed landscape ordinance amendment, make the recommended changes and come back to it at the April 10, 2006 meeting. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 5, Nays: 0. Motion passed. 4. City of Hastings - #2006-17 Driveway Ordinance Amendment – Section 10.29 Driveway Width Director Hinzman presented the staff report. Acting Chairman Truax opened and closed the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. No one spoke during the public hearing. Commissioner Schmitt asked why there is a driveway width limit at all; What is the rationale for not allowing 30 feet widths all the time? Director Hinzman responded that the rationale was to keep driveways as narrow as possible for aesthetic purposes. Commissioner Truax inquired about the possibility of pouring a pad if the property does not meet the setback requirements for a 3 stall (garage). rd Commissioner Schmitt stated that he would like to see the driveway width made 30 feet regardless of whether or not there is a 2 or 3-stall garage on the property. Commissioner Zeyen asked about driveway access and if there is a limit to the number of curb cuts. Director Hinzman replied that there are limits in place. Commissioner Schmitt made the motion to recommend the approval of the ordinance amendment with the change that the maximum driveway width be 30 feet all the time. Commissioner McInnis second the motion Upon vote taken, Ayes: 5, Nays 0. Motion passed. City of Hastings March 27, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 4. Other Business Director Hinzman provided an update of recent City Council actions. The April 24 meeting is cancelled as Director Hinzman is out of town for the th annual conference. 5. Adjourn Commissioner McInnis moved and Commissioner Heideman seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Samantha Schmidtke Recording Secretary