HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 08-05-20201
Approved Minutes August 5, 2020
Approved Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
August 5, 2020
Chair Anderson called a Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on August 5, 2020.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Marc Anderson, Commissioners Bryan Oakley, Donovan
Saba, David Witte, Justin Markell, and Julie Jones
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Michael Boo
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Steve Juetten and Community
Development Coordinator Matt Lupini
OTHERS PRESENT: Councilmember Ned Carroll
Chair Anderson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Plymouth Forum
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Oakley, and seconded by Commissioner Saba, to approve the
agenda. With Oakley, Saba, Witte, Markell, Jones and Anderson voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Consent Agenda
(4.01) Planning Commission minutes from meeting held on July 1, 2020.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jones, and seconded by Commissioner Witte, to approve the
Consent Agenda. With Oakley, Saba, Witte, Markell, Jones and Anderson voting in favor, the
motion carried.
Public Hearings
New Business
(5.01) Home Occupation License for Katie Pavlik to operate a dog grooming salon at 4850
Evergreen lane. (2020047)
Community Development Coordinator Lupini reviewed the staff report.
2
Approved Minutes August 5, 2020
Commissioner Witte asked if value and marketability was discussed with an appraiser or real
estate professional. Mr. Lupini stated that property value impacts were only discussed with the
Hennepin County Assessor’s office. Commissioner Witte asked how incidental use of the home
is determined. Mr. Lupini stated that staff looks at the amount of the home is used for the
business, the number of clients per day and per week, signage, hours of operation, and number of
employees. Commissioner Witte asked if the applicant defined who the client was. Mr. Lupini
stated that the client is the combination of the owner and dog. Commissioner Witte asked at
what point the number of home occupations in a neighborhood change the character from
residential to commercial. Mr. Lupini stated that the number of home occupations would be of
less importance than whether each licensed occupation meets the conditions of the Zoning
ordinance. If so, the home occupations would be allowed.
Commissioner Oakley asked about on street parking. He stated that the Zoning ordinance allows
clients of a home business to park on public streets, and raised a concern that prohibiting on-
street parking is overly restrictive. He asked where the line is in terms of when on-street parking
is allowed and when it is not. Mr. Lupini stated that the condition was placed in the resolution
based on concerns raised by neighbors, the layout of the driveway and the applicant agreeing to
the condition.
Commissioner Markell asked what the term of the license is. Mr. Lupini stated that the license is
reviewed in one year and there after extended for three year periods as long as the business is
operating within the approvals.
Chair Anderson introduced Katie Pavlik, the applicant, to address the Commission. She thanked
Mr. Lupini for answering her questions and providing direction. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic,
the business she was working for closed and as a result she would like to open a similar business
in her home. Realistically, she stated the business will typically have four dogs per day due to
the time needed for each appointment, but six would be the maximum. She stated some potential
clients have multiple dogs, which would take up multiple appointments and reduce the number
of vehicle trips on that particular day. She stated some neighbors have indicated they would use
her services and be able to walk to her property reducing the traffic to some extent.
Commissioner Jones asked how customers would come to her home during the Covid-19
restrictions – specifically whether customers would stay for the duration of the appointment or
leave the dog and come back. Commissioner Jones further asked if customers could enter on
48th Place and leave on Evergreen Lane creating only forward movements. Finally,
Commissioner Jones asked where dogs would relieve themselves, if needed. Ms. Pavlik stated
that clients would be told to enter using the 48th Place driveway access. She also stated that
during the week, only one family vehicle would be on the property during business hours, which
would allow for more room in the driveway for client vehicles. Finally, Ms. Pavlik stated that the
dogs would be allowed to relieve themselves in a designated area on her property and owners
would be required to have dogs on a leash to keep them from going onto neighboring properties.
Clients would drop off the dog, leave and come back to pick up the dog. The length of time at
the groomer would depend on the specific dog.
Commissioner Markell complemented Ms. Pavlik on adapting during these times. He also asked
if Ms. Pavlik understood that the resolution states that clients would be required to park on the
driveway. Ms. Pavlik stated she understood this requirement.
3
Approved Minutes August 5, 2020
Chair Anderson asked where dogs are located when she is working on another dog from the same
client. Ms. Pavlik stated that she has a kennel that will be kept in the grooming area and can be
used if needed.
Chair Anderson introduced Paul Schiesel, 4830 Evergreen Lane who expressed concerns about
the increase in traffic and the conflicts it would create with walkers and bicyclists. He stated that
he maintains the trail in the winter. He stated that a commercial use is not appropriate for a
residential neighborhood. He asked if Plymouth has commercial locations where Ms. Pavlik
could operate her business, and questioned why staff is not concerned with traffic and additional
traffic near the trail connection. Mr. Lupini stated that the small number of additional cars was
not a concern to the Parks department with regards to pedestrian use of the trail connection. He
further stated that both Evergreen Lane and 48th Place are local streets that are open to the
general public and the number of new trips from the business would not exceed the limit allowed
by the home occupation regulations. Mr. Lupini stated that although there may be another
location for the business within a commercial district, the proposed home occupation is an
allowable use in a residential district as long as it complies with the Zoning ordinance.
Chair Anderson introduced Keith Husby, 4845 Evergreen Lane who expressed concerns about a
commercial business in his neighborhood, the increase in traffic, dangers to kids playing in the
street, a decrease in property values, and additional dogs being walked in the neighborhood. He
also stated his concerns with clients that may not control their dog.
Chair Anderson introduced Dan McCoss, 4865 Deerwood Lane, stated that he supports Ms.
Pavlik’s proposed dog grooming business. He stated that he is Ms. Pavlik’s direct neighbor
behind her and would be directly affected by this business due to his proximity. He stated it is
great to get more small businesses in Plymouth.
Chair Anderson introduced Kris Eskuchen, 4855 Deerwood Lane, who stated she supports the
application, as she feels it will help bring the neighborhood together. She stated that she is
among the neighbors who will use the services, if the license is approved. She mentioned there is
a piano teacher who is already in the neighborhood, and this home business has had no
noticeable impact on traffic. She stated that traffic in the neighborhood is very limited already
due to the location. She noted that she walks her dog daily and has not had any issues with
traffic on the street and near the trail connection.
Commissioner Jones stated that this business is much needed and a demand exists. She likes the
proposal but suggested Ms. Pavlik direct her customers to use the driveway as a loop to avoid
cars backing onto either 48th Place or Evergreen Lane. She suggested that the resolution be
amended to clarify that customers could not park on the street, however guests to the home,
delivery drivers or similar individuals could park on the street.
Motion was made by Commissioner Oakley, and seconded by Chair Anderson, to
recommend approval of a Home Occupation License for Katie Pavlik to operate a dog
grooming salon at 4850 Evergreen Lane with the removal of condition 3.(c) “On street parking
should not be used for parking demand. The applicant shall use the driveway to accommodate
parking demand” from the draft resolution.”
4
Approved Minutes August 5, 2020
Chair Anderson stated that 60 cars may seem large altogether, but over the course of a week the
true impact is minimal. He further stated that home occupations are allowed in Plymouth
residential districts. Finally, he noted his concern regarding the enforcement of who can and
cannot park on the street.
Commissioner Oakley stated that he would agree that Ms. Pavlik should ask clients to park on
the driveway, but he is of the opinion that requiring clients of home businesses park only in
driveways is not consistent throughout the City.
Commissioner Jones agreed that the on-street parking restriction would be difficult to enforce.
Commissioner Markell called the question.
With Oakley, Markell, Saba, Jones and Anderson voting in favor, the motion carried on a 5-1
vote (Witte voted nay).
Adjournment
Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.