Loading...
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. Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 17, 2002 Page 2 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 Approved Planning Commission Minutes July 17, 2002 Page 3 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.