HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 09-22-1999Approved Minutes
City of Plymouth
Planning Commission Meeting
September 22, 1999
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Allen Ribbe
arrived at 7:07 p.m.), John Stoebner, Kapila Bobra, and Sarah Reinhardt
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners Bob Stein and Roger Berkowitz
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Supervisor Barbara Senness, Planners Kendra Lindahl
John Rask, and Shawn Drill, and Clerical Supervisor Denise Hutt
1 Call To Order
2 Public Forum
3 Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Chairman Stulberg, seconded by Commissioner Bobra to add item #7B
November Planning Commission Meeting Dates). Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved
unanimously.
4 Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner to approve the
September 8, 1999 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved
unanimously.
5 Consent Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Stoebner, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt
recommending approval of a variance for Archie Seashore for property located at 17505
26th
Avenue North. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
6 Public Hearings
A AASE WARREN (99081)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Aase Warren for a zoning ordinance text
amendment to allow metal roofs on single family homes.
Planner Drill gave an overview of the September 15, 1999 staff report. He also presented
a material sample of a standing seam roof and a color photograph of a residential
installation.
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September 22, 1999
Page #155
Commissioner Bobra stated that we should encourage other homeowners to install metal
roofs if they last longer and cost less.
Planner Drill stated that the purpose of the text amendment is to make metal roofs an
option for homeowners, but that they would not necessarily cost less than other roofing
materials.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked how long a metal roof would last. Planner Drill
responded roughly 50 years or more.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked what is the earthen material mentioned in the ordinance.
Planner Drill stated that earth -covered homes are presently allowed and refers to earth
homes. That part of the ordinance would not change as a result of the proposed
amendment.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. Richard Warren, the husband of the applicant. Mr.
Warren presented pictures of their home depicting different views. He stated that the
current roof is 14 years old and already in dire need of replacement. He added that they
are in the process of upgrading their property, including a new fence and concrete
driveway. Mr. Warren stated that the metal roof would not present a risk to any other
neighbors. The roof is of very sturdy construction material. He stated that they are
willing to pay twice as much to get a high quality and maintenance -free roof.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing, as there was no one present to
speak on the issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Reinhardt, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner
recommending approval of an ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the Plymouth City
Code to allow metal roofs on single family homes, as well as the Findings of Fact for
amending Section 21115 of the Plymouth City Code.
Chairman Stulberg noted that he recently visited Quebec City and learned a great deal
about of metal roofs.
Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
B TSP ONE, INC. (99085)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by TSP One, Inc. for a site plan amendment
and conditional use permit amendment for a 4,200 square foot one-story building
addition and parking lot expansion for Sunset Hill Elementary School located at 13005
Sunset Trail.
Planner Rask gave an overview of the September 15, 1999 staff report.
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Page #156
Chairman Stulberg asked if a treatment pond would be required at some point if the
petitioner would happen to come back again for future requests that are '/z acre at a time.
Planner Rask responded that he wasn't sure how the Engineering Department would look
at that particular situation, but added that the watershed district is more restrictive. He
said that the watershed district reviews applications and submits their comments to staff
Planner Rask stated that the existing wetland already serves the function of a pond.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Mark Thiede, the petitioner. Mr. Thiede stated that he
would be available to answer questions.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked if the school has events where there wouldn't be adequate
parking available on site. Mr. Thiede replied that the school does have special events,
and there may be some occasions where the parking spills over to the street.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Joe Matson with Wayzata Public Schools. Mr. Matson
said that the elementary school does experience overflow parking for some events. He
stated that normally there is adequate parking, but people have a tendency to park along
Teakwood Lane because it is closer to the front door.
Chairman Stulberg opened the public hearing.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Paul Josephson of 145 Teakwood Lane. Mr. Josephson
asked what the purpose is of the construction. He asked if there will be any more
students or staff added because of the proposed addition, and if so, how many. He asked
if there will be additional traffic because of the proposed addition. Mr. Josephson asked
if this is the appropriate site to add on for the proposed functions. Mr. Josephson wanted
to know when construction would start and be completed, and if any restrictions are
involved. Mr. Josephson said that he is concerned with drainage and stated that the
existing storm sewer is not adequate.
Chairman Stulberg closed the public hearing.
In response to questions raised, Mr. Matson stated that the addition is to move the
administrative area to the front of the school, and that they are going to add two
classrooms to the back of the school on the east side. He said that they will also be doing
some interior remodeling. The added space will be used for an existing after school
daycare program. He stated that no additional programs are being added. Mr. Matson
said that the school district boundaries have not changed, so they don't anticipate any
changes in enrollment and no additional staff will be added. The addition will not create
more busses or additional traffic. Mr. Thiede commented that the construction is due to
commence in May 2000 and be completed by August 2000. He anticipated that
construction traffic will come from Sunset Trail. He stated that parking for construction
workers would be on site, but that there may be some overlap while school is still in
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Page #157
session. Chairman Stulberg stated that the construction trucks and equipment should be
kept on site and not on residential streets. Mr. Thiede said that he would relay that
comment.
Planner Rask stated that the noise ordinance limits construction activity from 10:00 p.m.
to 7:00 a.m. Planner Rask stated that the applicant will need to maintain erosion control,
and that they are required to clean the street.
Planner Rask stated that the drainage issue raised by Mr. Josephson is an unrelated issue
to this proposal, but staff will take a look at it before the item goes to City Council.
Chairman Stulberg suggested that Mr. Josephson's concerned by relayed to the City
Engineer.
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Bobra recommending
approval of a site plan amendment and conditional use permit amendment for TSP One,
Inc. for Sunset Hill Elementary School located at 13005 Sunset Trail. Roll Call Vote.
Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
7 New Business
A PREMIER LINCOLN MERCURY, INC. (99084)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Premier Lincoln Mercury, Inc. for a
variance for a 100 -square foot freestanding sign for property located at 3901 Vinewood
Lane North.
Planner Lindahl gave an overview of the September 13, 1999 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg asked if the applicant is requesting a 100 -square foot sign or 97.9
square feet as indicated on their plan. Planner Lindahl replied that the applicant is indeed
requesting a 100 square foot sign, the difference is in how the ordinance specifies the
calculation.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked where the 96 square feet was derived from in the
ordinance. Planner Lindahl replied that it is based on the old standard of two 48 -square
foot boards. She said that 96 square feet is standard in most communities. Chairman
Stulberg stated that it was researched at the time that the ordinance was revised, and it
was standard size with the sign manufacturers.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked what the reason was for City Council approval of the 38 -
foot high pylon sign. Planner Lindahl replied it was approved because of the applicant's
location.
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Page #158
Commissioner Reinhardt asked how the sign permit got issued after it was denied by the
City Council. Planner Lindahl replied that she wasn't sure how it happened. Planning
Supervisor Senness stated that it was 12 years ago, with a different staff and different
precautionary procedures in place. She commented that unfortunately human error does
happen.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Al Crain, the petitioner. Mr. Crain stated that he wasn't
aware that staff had recommended denial of the application and stated that it may be
better to table the item since he was not prepared to respond to the staff report. Mr. Crain
said that they are not in compliance with Ford Motor Company and they need to get a
new sign. He said that Ford Motor Company provides a 100 -square foot sign or a 75 -
square foot sign at no cost. He said that a 75 -square foot sign would not be adequate, and
that going from their current 155 -square foot sign to a 100 -square foot sign is a big
sacrifice. He said that the 75 -square foot sign won't be visible enough or look proper on
their tall pole.
Commissioner Ribbe wondered if the 100 -square foot sign that is provided by Ford
Motor Company could be reduced to 96 square feet. Mr. Crain said that he could check
on that, but he would have concerns about that.
Commissioner Bobra asked what size signs the other Lincoln Mercury dealerships have.
Mr. Crain replied that he would have to find out and come back to the Commission with
that information.
Chairman Stulberg stated that the applicant may want to find out what size signs their
competitors have within the City of Plymouth.
Commissioner Reinhardt stated that the applicant should check into what the cost would
be for a custom sign.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked if the site has any special characteristics that could
warrant a larger sign like the other businesses along I-494. Planner Lindahl stated that
some variances have been granted to businesses along I-494, based on visibility, existing
grades or overpasses. She said that every variance is unique and a lot of the businesses
along I-494 do comply with the sign ordinance.
Chairman Stulberg noted that a request for a larger sign from Cottonwood Plaza was
denied.
MOTION by Commissioner Bobra, seconded bey Commissioner Ribbe to table the item
at the request of the applicant to the October 13t
Planning Commission Meeting or
whenever the applicant is prepared to come back. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved
unanimously.
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September 22, 1999
Page #159
B NOVEMBER MEETING SCHEDULE
Chairman Stulberg gave an overview of the September 20, 1999 memo. MOTION by
Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner to cancel the November 24th
Planning Commission Meeting. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
Commissioner Stoebner asked if there are any other meetings to be canceled. Planning
Supervisor Senness said that as the time gets closer, they will look at whether the
December 22nd meeting can be canceled.
Chairman Stulberg reminded the Commissioners of the joint meeting with the City
Council on September 29th.
Planning Supervisor Senness stated that there will be a
public hearing on the land use element of the Comprehensive Plan at the October 13th
meeting. Chairman Stulberg requested that maps be available in the hallway to look at
for the proposed changes.
MOTION by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner to adjourn the
meeting. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned
at 8:12 p.m.