HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-14 work sessionCITY OF LAKEVILLE
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES
March 20, 2014
Chair Lillehei called the work session to order at 6:50 p.m.
Members Present: Chair Brooks Lillehei, Vice Chair Bob Boerschel, Karl Drotning,
Gerry Grenz, Linda Maguire, Paul Reuvers, and Jason Swenson
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Planning Director Daryl Morey, Associate Planner Frank Dempsey, and
planning consultant Daniel Licht of TPC
Residential Boarding
Daniel Licht updated the Planning Commission on the Zoning Ordinance amendment
concerning residential boarding. He stated the Planning Commission held a public
hearing on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, including residential boarding, on
February 6th and unanimously recommended approval to the City Council. At their
February 18th meeting, the City Council pulled the residential boarding section out of the
Zoning Ordinance amendment and discussed the topic at their February 24th work
session. The City Council expressed concerns regarding the definition of boarding
house, unintended applicability of the proposed language and enforcement of the
proposed regulations. The City Council directed staff to revise the amendment and
bring it back to the Planning Commission for additional comment. Mr. Licht reviewed
the modifications made to the draft amendment to address the City Council's concerns.
Planning Commission comments:
• Clarified that, under the draft amendment, a homeowner could rent out their
home for a short period of time (i.e. 2 or 3 days) but only once every 30 days.
• Clarified that the revised ordinance amendment does not prohibit situations
where the house is rented (for any period of time) by one family while the family
that owns the house is not living there and occupying the home at the same time.
The Planning Commission agreed with the revised amendment concerning residential
boarding and asked about the next step. Mr. Morey responded that the revised
amendment will be forwarded to the City Council, along with the Planning Commission's
comments, at either their next regular meeting or work session.
Planning Commission Work Session Minutes - March 20, 2014 Page 2
Chickens in Residential Districts
Frank Dempsey indicated that City staff has received numerous requests over the past
few years to allow the keeping of chickens in residential zoning districts. He stated that
the City Council discussed allowing chickens in residential districts at their February 24th
work session and referred the item to the Planning Commission for discussion. The
City Council's intent is that City staff will draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to
allow chickens in residential zoning districts for consideration by the Planning
Commission and City Council. He stated that chickens are defined in the Zoning
Ordinance as a farm animal and are allowed on farm properties in agricultural zoning
districts. He described the research he has conducted of other area cities that are
similar to Lakeville (the research findings are listed in Mr. Dempsey's March 14th memo
to the Planning Commission).
Six of the seven Planning Commission members are opposed to allowing chickens in
residential districts because it could create land use conflicts. They stated that the
keeping of chickens is more appropriate in a rural setting than it is in an urban area.
They indicated that Lakeville is unique and they don't think we should allow chickens in
residential districts just because some of other cities are allowing them.
Commissioner Grenz stated if chickens are allowed in residential zoning districts the
performance standards should include a minimum setback from an adjoining house as
well as coop size and setbacks.
Brewpubs
Daryl Morey stated that there has been increased interest in the establishment of
brewpubs, taprooms and micro -breweries in the Twin Cities area since state legislation
was passed in 2011 allowing these types of uses. The legislation allows breweries to
sell pints of beer for consumption on the premises instead of the beer wholly being
shipped out for consumption off the premises. He stated that these uses combine the
manufacturing of beer, essentially an industrial use, with the on-site sale of beer, with or
without food, which is more of a retail use. Since brewpubs and taprooms are not
specifically currently identified in the Zoning Ordinance, Planning Department and
Community and Economic Development Department staff are recommending the City
consider an ordinance amendment to address these uses before a request is received
from a potential business to locate in Lakeville. Planning Commission comments:
• Concern was expressed about the potential for odors from the beer
manufacturing process to impact adjacent residential uses.
• Concern was expressed about potential accessory uses, like live bands, and
their compatibility with adjacent residential uses.
• The use seems more appropriate when food sales are included (like Granite City
in Eagan). Suggested using kitchen size or number of seats as a food service
requirement instead of gross sales receipts when allowed in a commercial zoning
district.
Planning Commission Work Session Minutes - March 20, 2014 Page 3
The Planning Commission directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance to allow brewpubs, taprooms, micro -breweries and similar uses in certain
commercial zoning districts subject to specific performance standards.
The work session adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
ey, Planning
Brooks Lillehei, Chair