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Home My WebLink About11/12/02HASTLN S PL A NNLNfi COMMI SSION November 12th, 2002 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Due to the absence of both the chairman and vice-chairman, the most senior member of the Planning Commission, Commissioner Hollenbeck, filled in for the meeting. Commissioner Hollenbeck called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 1. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Alongi, Hollenbeck, Truax, and Twedt Commissioners Absent: Anderson, Greil, Michno Staff Present: Planning Director John Hinzman, Associate Planner Kris Jenson 2. Approve October 28, 2002 Planning Commission Minutes With no changes, the minutes were accepted by a unanimous vote. 3. Mike Judge - Variance #2002-92 - Sideyard Setback - 115 Grove Street. Planner Jenson presented background information on the project. Commissioner Twedt asked for clarification regarding the distance from the existing garage wall to the side property line. Mr. Judge stated that while the unofficial plat drawing states that there is only 6' between the garage and the property line, based on the location of the property pins, it appears that there is about 9' to the fence and 10' to the property line. Commissioner Alongi clarified that even with the proposed addition the applicant is extending into the required side yard. Director Hinzman stated that there still needs to be differentiating factors in order for a variance to be recommended and approved. Commissioner Twedt expressed concern about creating a non-conforming structure. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Alongi moved and Commissioner Twedt seconded a motion to recommend denial of the variance request to the minimum side yard setback of 115 Grove Street to the City Council, based on the following findings of fact: 1) 2) The current home meets all setback requirements, and approval of the variance would convert the home to a non-conforming structure. There is currently 3 feet between the existing structure and the setback line, allowing for some expansion of the structure. Upon vote taken: Ayes: 4; Nays: 0. Motion carried. Resurrection Remodeling - Variance #2002-93 - Garage Setback and Enlargement of a Non-conforming structure - 302 West 3rd Street - James & Kristin Friberg. Planner Jenson presented background information on the variance. Director Hinzman elaborated on the garage setback variance. Commissioner Alongi stated that while the area of the kitchen addition seemed logical, he was looking for others input regarding the garage variance. Commissioner Truax asked what would happen if the garage were pushed back to meet the 20' setback requirement. James Falkenkirk, contractor and applicant on behalf of the property owners, stated that due to an existing gable, they were trying to line up the garage with the existing house. Commissioner Twedt said that while the home is not located within a historic district, it is adjacent to one and the desire to maintain a historic look to the home is reasonable, as is wanting to tie in with the existing roof line. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Twedt moved and Commissioner Truax seconded the motion to recommend approval of variances for a garage setback and enlargement of a non- conforming structure to the City Council, based on the following findings of fact: 1) 2) The home was constructed prior to all zoning ordinances and setback requirements. The proposed home addition will not encroach into any required yards. Upon vote taken: Ayes: 4, Nays: 0. Motion carried. City of Hastings, Continued - Ordinance Amendment #2002-89 to Amend Section 10.09 of the City Code - Parking Lot Surfacing Requirements. Director Hinzman presented background on the information, reminding the Commission that this item was tabled at the last meeting. Commissioner Alongi asked why these changes were necessary to the code. Director Hinzman stated that there are a couple of reasons. One, from an aesthetics point of view, the parking lots simply look better. Two, storm drainage can be better directed and controlled when there is curb and gutter on site. Three, curbing better defines the parking and drive aisles, and can ultimately make the parking lot safer to use. Commissioner Alongi stated that he isn't all together sure that this is necessary. Commissioner Truax stated that he had a greater concern with the parking lots within the Industrial Park. Director Hinzman stated that existing lots that do not meet code are allowed to expand, and able to do it somewhat at a discount, seeing as how they aren't required to put in curb and gutter. Commissioner Hollenbeck asked if this was an action item this evening. Director Hinzman stated that it was an action item, and that there is an area for potential additions to the code under Subd. 3c. Commissioner Hollenbeck was concerned if there were too many exceptions to the code, it would undermine the code all together. Commissioner Truax asked about the City Specification that are referred to in the ordinance and why they were included in the code. Director Hinzman stated that the City Specifications are compiled into a document, but have regular amendments to them, based on changes in engineering practices. By simply referring to the City Specifications, it allows for the most current information to be followed, and doesn't require the amendment of the code any time it changes. Commissioner Twedt stated that he hoped the spirit of the law and the intent of the law are close. He doesn't want to penalize owners, but he also doesn't want them to allow their parking lot to deteriorate simply because they can afford a major upgrade. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Twedt moved and Commissioner Truax seconded a motion to recommend the changes within the attached draft ordinance to the City Council. Upon vote taken: Ayes: 3, Nays: 1, Alongi dissenting. Motion carried. 6. Shoreland and Critical Areas Discussion Director Hinzman stated that he hadn't received comments back from the DNR prior to meeting about the ordinances, thus he didn't distribute the information. At an upcoming meeting he will include the ordinances and have a discussion with the Planning Commission regarding recommend changes. 7. Adjournment With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm. DRAFT NO. 2 ORDINANCE NO. _, SECOND SERIES AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HASTINGS, MINNESOTA AMENDING CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10.09, SUBD. 3 OF THE HASTINGS CITY CODE PERTAINING TO: PARKING LOT SURFACING REQUIREMENTS BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Hastings as follows: SEC. 10.09, Subd. 3 of the Hastings City code is amended as follows: SUBD. 3 SURFACING General. 1. Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance, all parking spaces, access, maneuvering areas and driveways with the exception of single family and duplex homes shall be engineered according to City specifications and constructed with an graded and paved with asphalt or another impervious surface, and concrete curb and gutter. All parking areas fc,!!c, wing the s~n~rds established by the ......................... shall be maintained in good condition, in accordance with City specifications. 2. If access is gained from an improved street, that portion of the access in the public right of way also shall be paved. &. Any improvement that expands or modifies the surface of an existing parking lot or drive aisle by more than 25 percent within a 5 year period shall Impmvemep~s ~^L~ ~''..~ .... ~,---~--~,1~" ~,~.-,~oe~l~"~ trigger full compliance with City specifications for the entire parking lot inc!u~ng, but net !i~2ted ---~,*-· ............ ~,...,..,o ...e ......... ,~,...~,, Exemptions from surfacing requirements shall meet the following requirements:. The fc,!!ewing ..... 4~4 .... h,ll ~. ~4,4 ..... .,,a,~aox .... m~,, ..... a~.~4,~a 1. Provide gravel, oil mat, and\or durable dustless surface to control dust. 2. Pave driveways and aprons to prevent debris from entering the street right of way or sidewalk. 3. Install gates at the access to catch gravel and dirt. 4. Direct traffic through other paved portions of the parking area. 5. Provide adequate drainage to dispose of runoff. c. Improvements exempt from surfacing requirements. The following activities shall be exempt from parking lot surfacing requirements: 1. ??????? ALL OTHER SECTIONS SHALL REMAIN UNCHANGED ADOPTED by the Hastings City Council on this __ day of 2002. ATTEST: Michael D. Wemer, Mayor Melanie Mesko Lee, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk I HEREBY CERTIFY that the above is a true and correct copy of an ordinance presented to and adopted by the City of Hastings, County of Dakota, Minnesota, on the __ of ,2002, as disclosed by the records of the City of Hastings on file and of record in the office. Melanie Mesko Lee, Administrative Assistant/City Clerk (SEAL) This instrument drafted by: City of Hastings 101 4th St. Hastings, MN 55033