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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/27/05 1fa~tin~~ tJS.rannin~ 1;ommi~don June 27, 2005 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Chairman Greil called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 1. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Greil, Schmitt, Hollenbeck, McInnis, Truax, Twedt, Zeyen. Commissioners Absent: None. Staff Present: Planning Director John Hinzman, Associate Planner Kris Jenson, Planning Intern Cecily Schrader, HRA Director John Grossman. 2. Approve June 13, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Truax, seconded by Commissioner Schmitt to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2005 Planning Commission as presented by Staff. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. City of Hastings - Ordinance Amendment #2005-44 - Sign Code. Planner Jenson provided an overview of the proposed Sign Code amendments and asked for feedback from the Commissioners. Chairman Greil opened the public hearing at 7:08 pm. Hearing no comments, the public hearing was closed at 7:09 pm. Chairman Greil asked whether businesses had been notified that changes to the Sign Code are being contemplated. Planner Jenson replied that businesses have not yet been notified about the proposed changes. She commented that there are no requirements to notify business owners, but the Planning Department would ask for feedback from the Chamber of Commerce and notify business owners if any changes to the Sign Code are adopted. Commissioner Twedt stated that 15 days is not a long enough period of time for temporary signs. He suggested that 30 days might be more appropriate. Commissioner Truax suggested that the wording in subdivision 3, section C8 could be used for temporary signs and for portable signs. He also suggested Minutes - Hastings Planning Commission June 27, 2005 - Page 2 of 6 eliminating the phrase" said devices" from subdivision 3, paragraph K. Planner Jenson stated that the portable sign wording had the same intent as the temporary sign wording and that the language could be the same for both. Commissioner Twedt asked if there are any provisions in the Sign Code that apply to signage on semi-trucks that promote businesses. Commissioner Schmitt added that he is also concerned about parked trucks that advertise for businesses. He also asked if there is an appeal process for businesses. Planner Jenson replied that business owners can apply for a variance if they wish to have signage that does not conform to the Sign Code. Commissioner Truax asked about subdivision 4, paragraph E3, which pertains to movie theaters. He stated he doubts the Hastings movie theater complies with the code and added that most other movie theaters would also be non-compliant. Director Hinzman stated that the Planning Department will check to see if the Hastings movie theater complies with the Sign Code and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Truax asked why projecting signs are only allowed in the East 2nd Street Historic District and not in the entire "Downtown" Overlay District. Planner Jenson replied that the Heritage Preservation Commission worked to develop the wording for the projecting sign provision. The HPC concluded that projecting signs are considered historic and therefore should be restricted to the historic section of the downtown district. Commissioner Schmitt questioned why the Commission should regulate projecting signs. He stated that the Commission should only be concerned if the signs produce visual clutter. Commissioner McInnis seconded Commissioner Schmitt's comment. He added that restricting projecting signs to the East 2nd Street Historic District is unfair to the rest of the downtown businesses. Commissioner Truax asked whether the standards for sign height applied to the Schoolhouse Square development. He also suggested allowing projecting signs in the Vermillion Street Overlay District. Commissioner Hollenbeck stated that projecting signs should not be restricted in downtown areas outside the East 2nd Street Historic District. She asked whether the signage area for projecting signs is included in the calculations for maximum signage area allowed. Planner Jenson replied that projecting signs are included in the calculations for maximum signage area allowed. Chairman Greil stated that projecting signs should be allowed in the Vermillion Street Overlay District. He then asked whether subdivision 3, paragraph K Minutes - Hastings Planning Commission June 27,2005 - Page 3 of 6 regulates the number of temporary banners that can be used. Planner Jenson replied that only one temporary sign would be allowed at a time. She stated that the intent of the changes to the Sign Code is to clarify and simplify the code. She added that using the wording from the portable sign section for the temporary sign section could work to simplify the code. Chaiman Greil asked whether the new downtown development is located in the "Downtown" Overlay District and the East 2nd Street Historic District. Planner Jenson replied that the new development is in the "Downtown" Overlay District but is not in the Historic District. She also stated that if projecting signs are expanded to other areas the Commissioners would have to determine what specific areas would allow projecting signs. Chairman Greil stated that projecting signs should not be restricted more than any other type of sign. Commissioner Zeyen stated that limiting projecting signs hurts businesses that receive pedestrian traffic, such as businesses in strip malls. He commented that the Sign Code should retain the provision limiting the percentage of storefront devoted to signs but should allow any type of sign. Commissioner Truax asked whether the height limitation of 11 feet is reasonable for projecting signs. Commissioner Zeyen replied that he thought 11 feet is reasonable. Director Hinzman summarized the issues pertaining to the Sign Code that were discussed. The Planning Department will further examine: . The time period for temporary signs . Sign regulations for trailers and trucks . Whether the movie theater complies with the Sign Code . Allowing projecting signs in other areas of the City . The number of temporary banners allowed 4. City of Hastings - Minor Subdivision #2005-41 - Northwest Corner of Spiral & Enterprise - United Building Centers (UBC) Relocation. Planning Intern Schrader presented background information on the request. Chairman Greil opened the public hearing at 7:35 pm. Hearing no comments, the public hearing was closed at 7:36 pm. Commissioner Truax asked whether Parcel A would be usable with additional easements. Minutes - Hastings Planning Commission June 27, 2005 - Page 4 of 6 Director Hinzman replied that the easements would be standard 5-10 foot easements and would not compromise the usability of Parcel A. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Twedt moved and Commissioner Hollenbeck seconded the motion to recommend approval of the Minor Subdivision at the Northwest Comer of Spiral and Enterprise to the City Council with the following condition: 1) A larger side lot easement will be required for Parcel A if it is sold to someone other than UBC in the future. Upon vote taken: Ayes: 7, Nays: O. Motion passed. OTHER ACTIONS 5. Shefchik Builders - Site Plan #2005-38 - United Building Centers (UBC) - Northwest Corner of Spiral & Enterprise. Director Hinzman presented background information on the project.. Commissioner Schmitt asked whether the fence would be 6 or 8 feet tall. Director Hinzman replied that the fence would be 8 feet tall. Commissioner Zeyen asked about the sumac proposed to be planted on the site. He stated that the area surrounding the sumac must be maintained properly. Commissioner Twedt asked if Parks Supervisor Kevin Smith had looked at the landscaping plan and approved the use of sumac since it is considered invasive. Director Hinzman replied that he was not sure if Mr. Smith had reviewed the landscaping plan in detail. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Schmitt moved and Commissioner Zeyen seconded the motion to approve the Site Plan for UBC to construct a lumber and home improvement facility subject to the following conditions: 1) Approval of a Minor Subdivision to create the building site consistent with the Site Plan. 2) Adherence to the Site Plan, Landscape Plan, and Architectural Elevations as presented to the City Council. 3) All disturbed areas on this property shall be stabilized with rooting vegetative cover to eliminate erosion problems. 4) The disturbed areas of the site shall be maintained to the requirements of the City's property maintenance ordinance. Minutes - Hastings Planning Commission June 27, 2005 - Page 5 of 6 5) Final approval of the development grading and utility plans by the City of Hastings. The applicant shall be liable for any costs involved in consultant review of the plans. 6) All rooftop equipment shall be screened by a parapet wall from areas facing a public right-of-way, and painted to match the building elsewhere. 7) All parking and drive aisle areas shall be constructed to city standards including concrete curb and bituminous surfacing. 8) Along Spiral Blvd shade trees shall be planted every 50 feet on center (6 total); interspersed shrub plantings in groups between the trees shall also be added. 9) Along Enterprise Avenue add deciduous shade trees between the sumac planting groups (3 total). Sumac must be planted at the top of the ditch slope to ensure the height at the base of the plants is similar to the base of the fence. 10) Fencing must be maintained in good condition. The owner shall replace fencing and slats that are missing or in need of repair at the request of the City. 11) All customer areas outside the fenced area must maintain a 1 foot-candle illumination level. 12) Lighting must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at the property line. 13) Areas open to the public within the fenced yard must meet the 1 foot- candle illumination requirement. 14) Any uncompleted site work (including landscaping) must be escrowed at 125 percent of the estimated value prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 15) Submission of an electronic copy of all plan sets (TIF, PDF, or similar format) prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 16) Any signage on the site is required to obtain a sign permit from the Planning Department prior to being erected on the site. 17) Approval is subject to a one year Sunset Clause; if significant progress is not made toward construction of the proposal within one year of City Council approval, the approval is null and void. 18) Plantings must be reviewed by the City Forester. Upon vote taken: A yes: 7, Nays: O. Motion passed. Minutes - Hastings Planning Commission June 27, 2005 - Page 6 of 6 6. Other Business Director Hinzman updated the Commission on recent Council actions and upcoming Commission items. 7. Adjourn Commissioner Truax moved and Commissioner Hollenbeck seconded the motion to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 7:49 pm. Cecily S Recording Secretary