HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 08-03-2016Approved Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
August 3, 2016
5A
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair James Davis, Commissioners Marc Anderson, Gary Goldetsky, Donovan Saba, Julie Witt, Jim Kovach and David Witte
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barb Thomson and Planner Kip Berglund
OTHERS PRESENT: Council Member Ned Carroll
1.CALL TO ORDER -7:00 P.M.
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.PUBLIC FORUM
4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Goldetsky, to approve the August 3, 2016 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved.
5.CONSENT AGENDA
A.APPROVAL OF THE JULY 20, 2016 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGMINUTES
B.PARKERS LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH (2016035) (This item was remo.ved from the
consent agenda by Larry Paulson and renumbered Item 6A.)
Approve a site plan amendment for exterior lighting upgrades at Parkers Lake Baptist Church
located at 14720 County Road 6.
MOTION by Commissioner Goldetsky, seconded by Commissioner Kovach, to approve the
consent agenda. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved.
6.NEW BUSINESS
A.PARKERS LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH (2016035)
Approved Minutes 1 of 4 Meeting of August 3, 2016
Chair Davis introduced Larry Paulson, 14605 17th A venue, who stated that he was notified
because of the proximity of his home to the church. He asked the color temperature of the lights
that are planned to be used throughout the property.
Dan Johnson, Boss Lighting, representing the applicant, stated that the fixture that was specified
is 4,000K (kelvin), but noted that 3,000K would also be an option for that fixture.
Mr. Paulson stated that 4,000K lighting gives off a whitish/bluish tint, and some people find it difficult to adjust to this lighting. He noted a recent Star Tribune article indicating that the
American Medical Association has taken a position against 4000K lighting, instead
recommending something closer to 3,000K or 3,200K. He urged the commission and church to
do their due diligence and make a good decision going forward.
Planning Manager Thomson stated that she has been in contact with the lighting consultant the
city uses, and staff will be bringing forward a change to the city's lighting regulations. She also
noted that there seems to be a willingness on behalf of the church to look at another lighting
option.
Chair Davis urged Mr. Paulson to work with the church to provide his input.
Mr. Johnson provided additional information on the qualitative differences in LED lighting,
which become a factor in determining the best lighting solution. He noted that many
municipalities use 4,000K lighting.
MOTION by Commissioner Goldetsky, seconded by Commissioner Kovach, to approve a site
plan amendment for exterior lighting upgrades at Parkers Lake Baptist Church located at 14720
County Road 6. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved.
7.PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.RYLAUR,LLC(2016056)
Chair Davis introduced the request by Rylaur, LLC for a PUD amendment for an addition at New
Horizon Academy located at 13905 County Road 6.
Planner Berglund gave an overview of the staff report.
Chair Davis introduced Peter Hilger, representing the applicant, who stated that he was present to
answer any questions. He stated that this addition will expand capacity at the current center, and
it will match the existing building.
Chair Davis opened the public hearing and closed the public hearing as there was no one present
to speak on the item.
Approved Minutes 2 of 4 Meeting of August 3, 2016
MOTION by Commissioner Witte, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to recommend
approval of the request by Rylaur, LLC for a PUD amendment for an addition at New Horizon
Academy located at 13905 County Road 6. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved.
B.CITY OF PLYMOUTH. (2016047)
Chair Davis introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for a zoning ordinance text amendment
related to temporary dwellings.
Planning Manager Thomson gave an overview of the staff report.
Commissioner Witte asked what was magic about the date and size of the subdivision with respect to the city's accessory dwellings regulations.
Planning Manager Thomson replied that the accessory dwelling regulations were added by the
City Council, with the notion being that in existing neighborhoods, residents had expectations about what their neighborhood would be like, but going forward, these regulations would be on
the books and would be an option.
Chair Davis stated that according to the staff report, this law was created to permit recreational
vehicles as temporary dwellings and asked if the city ordinance allows recreational vehicles to be
used as temporary dwellings.
Planning Manager Thomson replied that the city's ordinance does not allow that use and would only allow accessory dwelling units to be above an attached or detached garage.
Commissioner Witt stated that the statute is almost identical to what the city had drafted years
ago and commended staff for their foresight. She stated that dwellings above a garage do not sound like senior housing. She questioned where the state statute is recognizing accessibility
standards. She stated it is one thing not to allow people to live in recreational vehicles, but
wanted to be sure that the city is clear about what we are thinking we have covered in our
regulations. She said if we are saying an accessory unit can be a detached living area above a garage that is not going to count. She stated that the people who would be living in the accessory
dwelling structure would need medical attention and perhaps an upper level of a garage is not the
best place for them.
Planning Manager Thomson noted if someone needs medical attention, the backyard may not be
the best location for them.
Commissioner Witt stated that she did not want the city to say no to something because they
think it's not what Plymouth wants to be about. She said she was not sure that the verbiage
would be fair to everyone.
Planning Manager Thomson pointed out that we often have extended family living in lower
levels of homes. She noted that typically these are in walk-out style homes and the lower level
often has the same amenities as the other levels of the home.
Approved Minutes 3 of 4 Meeting of August 3, 2016
Commissioner Kovach stated that if someone in his family needed special care, he would have
them in the house, noting that many builders now build a mother-in-law suite in the home. He
stated that some family members may want privacy and would prefer a mother-in-law type
apartment above their garage.
Commissioner Goldetsky asked if a resident could request a variance from the city for short-term
needs.
Planning Manager Thomson replied that staff could look into that, noting that there are
exceptions to most regulations.
Chair Davis stated that he could not imagine a situation in which you would place a senior in a
recreational vehicle in your backyard and therefore would support opting out.
Commissioner Kovach asked about the instance in which relatives are visiting and stay in their
recreational vehicle for the week duration of their visit.
Planning Manager Thomson replied that can be done on a very temporary basis.
Chair Davis opened the public hearing and closed the public hearing as there was no one present
to speak on the item.
MOTION by Commissioner Goldetsky, seconded by Commissioner Witte, to recommend
approval of the request by the City of Plymouth for a zoning ordinance text amendment related to
temporary dwellings. Vote. 5 Ayes, 2 Nays (Witt and Anderson voting nay). MOTION approved.
8.ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Chair Davis, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 P.M.
Approved Minutes 4 of 4 Meeting of August 3, 2016