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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 04-03-2013Approved Minutes City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting April 3, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair James Davis, Commissioners Marc Anderson, Bryan Oakley, Scott Nelson, Nathan Robinson and Dick Kobussen MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Gordon Petrash STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Thomson, Senior Planner Shawn Drill and Office Support Specialist Laurie Lokken 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Oakley, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the April 3, 2013 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 20, 2013 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Kobussen, seconded by Commissioner Robinson, to approve the March 20, 2013 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2012075) Chair Davis introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for the annual update to the zoning ordinance and city code. Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Kobussen asked for clarification on Section 20, Chapter 21155.06, Subd. 7 (b) 2), re -lettered c. He said that in commercial and industrial districts, the wording is different so views of changeable copy signs are minimized from residential areas but in the P -I district it states they must be placed along the highest classification roadway. Senior Planner Drill stated that was a conscious decision. He said language identical to that in the P -I district also appears Approved Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2013 Page 2 in the residential districts because in those settings, it is more likely to be within a residential neighborhood where the signs should be limited to the highest classification roadway. Senior Planner Drill added that in commercial and industrial areas, changeable signs must be placed to minimize views from dwellings but would not be required to be placed along the highest classification roadway. Commissioner Anderson asked for clarification on Section 2, Chapter 21022.01, Subd. 4. He asked if the public hearing would be invalidated if the city's blue development sign would get blown over by the wind or for some reason was unable to be seen. Senior Planner Drill responded that although development signage is a requirement under the City of Plymouth regulations, it is not a requirement for a hearing under state law. He said if a good faith effort was made to have the sign installed but it had blown over, was removed or for some other reason wasn't visible, that would not invalidate the public hearing process. Planning Manager Thomson added that state law is operative. She said the city, in several instances, exceeds state law notification requirements. She said that in terms of ensuring a valid hearing process, it is compliance with state law that would trump. Commissioner Anderson asked for clarification on Chapter 524.13, Subd. 1 of the city code Exhibit B). He asked if the developer would have to go to the City Engineer to get an exception if the joint trench is open and it is time to lay the wiring but one of the utility companies, such as the cable company, is not there. Senior Planner Drill replied that type of issue would probably be best addressed at the pre -construction meeting, as far as making sure that the right people are on the site at the right time. Commissioner Anderson asked if the cable company doesn't show up at the pre -construction meeting, could the developer get approval of the exception at that time. Senior Planner Drill responded that may be a possibility. He added that staff would review this issue and see if anything should be changed between the Planning Commission meeting and when this item goes to City Council. Commissioner Nelson asked for clarification on Section 9, Chapter 21130.02, Subd. 2 (c) (1). Senior Planner Drill stated that two overstory trees are presently required in the front yard for each new single-family home. He said the amendment would allow one of those two trees to be a smaller understory ornamental tree. Commissioner Nelson asked if this amendment was requested by developers. Senior Planner Drill responded that it was brought forth by staff after observing that with easements, utility services and the 25 -foot front yard setback, it can be difficult to find room to plant two full-sized trees in the front yard area. Commissioner Nelson asked if the overstory tree that is planted has to be at a certain height at planting or does it have to be known to grow to a certain height. Senior Planner Drill replied that an overstory tree has to be known to grow over 25 feet. He added that at the time of planting, all trees must have a minimum caliper size of 2.5 inches. Chair Davis opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the item. Approved Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2013 Page 3 MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to recommend the City Council approve the requested changes by the City of Plymouth to the zoning ordinance and city code. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chair Davis, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 p.m.