HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 07-17-2002Approved Minutes
City of Plymouth
Planning Commission Meeting
July 17, 2002
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Karl Neset Commissioners David Gaither, Kendall Griffith,
Frank Weir, Jason Rohloff, James Holmes, and Peggy Larson
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt, Planning Manager
Barbara Senness, Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Associate Planner Joshua Doty, and Office Support
Representative Janice Bergstrom
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. PUBLIC FORUM
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Chairman Neset, seconded by Commissioner Weir, to approve the July 17, 2002
Agenda. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Rohloff, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the June 19,
2002 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved. Chairman Neset
abstained.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
A. GARY AND JANICE PRAZAK (2002067)
MOTION by Commissioner Gaither, seconded by Commissioner Rohloff, to approve variances
for replacement of a cabin and accessory shed on Kelvie's Island on Bass Lake. Vote. 7 Ayes.
MOTION approved unanimously.
B. FINNAMORE BUILDING CORPORATION (2002074)
MOTION by Commissioner Gaither, seconded by Commissioner Rohloff, to approve a variance
for 28.3 percent impervious surface coverage for a 12 -foot byl7-foot addition for property
located at 11620 45th Avenue North. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
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Planning Commission Minutes
July 17, 2002
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7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. SAMUEL AND JENNIFER SYRSTAD (2002062)
Chairman Neset introduced the request by Samuel and Jennifer Syrstad for a zoning ordinance
text amendment to allow home occupations to be conducted within attached garages or accessory
buildings.
Associate Planner Doty gave an overview of the July 8, 2002 staff report.
Chairman Neset introduced the applicant, Samuel Syrstad, 4160 Polaris Lane North. Mr. Syrstad
presented a written and oral report to staff and planning commissioners detailing a response to the
staff report. Mr. Syrstad outlined his reasons for requesting the City to consider allowing any
type of business to come forward on a case by case basis for review to see if they can meet and
maintain the present existing ordinances for operating a home based business in a residential
neighborhood. Mr. Syrstad noted that the City of Minnetonka has figured out a way to
accommodate these kinds of business plans.
Chairman Neset opened the public hearing. There being no one present to speak, Chairman Neset
closed the public hearing.
Director Hurlburt addressed Mr. Syrstad's comments. Director Hurlburt stated that the ordinance
language Mr. Syrstad suggested is not practical because that same section of the ordinance is
what prohibits this use in a garage. Director Hurlburt said either remove that provision and not
prohibit the use of accessory structures for any occupation or waive it for an interim home use
occupation. Director Hurlburt stated that an ordinance amendment would be necessary to allow
an exemption. She added this would affect any type of home business unless the ordinance
narrowed it. The ordinance has narrowed it now to not allow some businesses.
MOTION by Chairman Neset, seconded by Commissioner Gaither, recommending denial of the
request for a Zoning Ordinance text amendment to allow home occupations in attached or
detached garages.
Commissioner Rohloff asked staff if there are instances where it is important for residents to be
allowed to develop businesses if the business would not be disruptive to neighbors and inquired if
the City of Minnetonka handles home based businesses on a case by case basis.
Associate Planner Doty responded that the City of Minnetonka has a set of permitted home
occupations that have to meet certain standards similar to ours. Associate Planner Doty said their
City also reviews home occupations through a Conditional Use Permit process which is similar to
our Interim Home Occupation Permit process.
Director Hurlburt noted there are other communities which have allowed home occupations in
garages. Director Hurlburt noted that from practical experience, certain businesses in other
communities she has been involved with, do not fare well in residential neighborhoods. Some of
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July 17, 2002
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these businesses were auto repair, auto painting businesses and trucking operations. In two cases
the businesses left the community after major problems because of chemicals and fumes which
were not dealt with properly, as they would have been in an industrial area. Director Hurlburt
stated that based on these experiences in other communities, our ordinance does not allow these
and at the very least would not recommend removing that prohibition but rather allow these as
interim home occupations.
Chairman Neset commended Mr. Syrstad's documentation to mitigate a lot of the problems the
commission is concerned about, but added his primary concern is for the neighborhood.
Chairman Neset stated he could not support the zoning text amendment.
Commissioner Gaither echoed Commissioner Rohloff's comments supporting private enterprise.
Commissioner Gaither said with the text amendment on the table, it becomes incumbent on the
Planning Commission to change the language, and short of that there is no way to approve this
amendment without a follow up to the decision. Commissioner Gaither stated he shares the
concern for the neighborhood and said individual property rights come first.
Roll Call Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. NORTH AMERICAN PROPERTIES (2002053)
Chairman Neset introduced the request by North American Properties for a variance for height of
freestanding lighting at Plymouth Marketplace located in the northwest quadrant of Highway 55
and Vicksburg Lane.
Planning Manager Senness gave an overview of the July 8, 2002 staff report.
Chairman Neset introduced Jay Scott, 7584 French Curve, Eden Prairie. Mr. Scott stated he
represented North American Properties and agrees with the proposed solution recommended by
staff.
MOTION by Commissioner Rohloff, seconded by Commissioner Weir, to approve the variance
for the height of the freestanding lighting at Plymouth Marketplace located in the northwest
quadrant of Highway 55 and Vicksburg Lane. Roll Call Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved
unanimously.
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Gaither, seconded by Commissioner Weir, to adjourn. Vote. 7
Ayes. MOTION approved. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.