HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes-11-26-2018Hastings Planning Commission
November 26, 2018 - Regular Meeting Minutes
Hastings City Hall - City Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
Chair Deaver called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Planning Commissioners Present: Deaver, Alpaugh, Barse, Best, and Martin
Planning Commissioners Absent: Johnson and Siebenaler
Staff Present: City Planner Justin Fortney
2. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Alpaugh motioned, seconded by Commissioner Best to approve
the minutes of the October 22, 2018 meeting as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearing scheduled.
OTHER ACTIONS
3. Indigo Sign Works – Variance #2018-58 – Relocate Existing Non-Conforming
Sign – M&H Gas – 1402 Vermillion Street
Fortney presented a summary of the request and history of the sign and sign
code. The sign having been installed legally just prior to a major change in height
and size limitations, thereby grandfathering the sign, but not allowing it to be
rebuilt or moved unless it is granted a variance to all non-conformities. The
Department of Transportation recently made intersection improvements to the
area which located the signal light pole in front of the south side of the sign. The
new location of this signal pole obstructs the view of the sign to northbound
traffic. The applicants are proposing to relocate the existing
Commissioner Alpaugh asked if and when a grandfather clause could be
vacated. Fortney said generally, when things are expected, when there is a need
for modification. Commissioner Alpaugh also wanted to know when a grandfather
clause is no long valid. Fortney clarified that a grandfather clause is forever until
the sign needs to be rebuilt.
Chair Deaver stated he does believe the sign is anymore obstructed than it was
previously. He continued to state the regulations are there for a purpose and to
have conformity along the Vermillion Street corridor. He asked about a second
sign that the applicant has along Vermillion Street that is smaller and if the sign
was allowed by ordinance. Fortney clarified the current ordinance allows for one
sign per street frontage and that would allow the establishment to have up to
three.
Commissioner Barse wanted to know since the existing sign has to be used, will
it be monitored if the same base, poles and etc. are being used. Fortney stated
the variance is for the height and sign size and once the variance is granted, the
sign becomes legal. Fortney stated that staff discussed about allowing the sign to
be moved and to be considered a non-conforming sign but was not allowed by
code. Non-conforming signs cannot be altered or moved and code for allowing
conditions on a variance is strict.
Commissioner Alpaugh shared concerns on approving this variance and what
precedence it would set.
Commission Alpaugh motioned to deny variance as presented, seconded by
Chair Deaver. Motion to deny approved 3-2 (Martin and Barse opposed).
The recommendation to deny variance will go to City Council at the December 3,
2018 meeting.
4. Other Business
Fortney gave an update on the Great Rivers Landing site plan. It is close to being
presented to the Planning Commission, there are some updates and details to be
added to the site plan.
6. Adjourn
Commissioner Martin motion to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. seconded by Commissioner
Alpaugh. Motion approved 5-0.
Next Meeting – December 10, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Megan White