HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-17
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
April 20, 2017
Chair Swenson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City
Hall. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was given.
Members Present: Chair Jason Swenson, Vice Chair Brooks Lillehei, Karl Drotning,
Scott Einck, Jason Kelvie, Pat Kaluza, Elizabeth Bakewicz, Ex-officio Member Mike
Lamm
Members Absent: Paul Reuvers
Others Present: Daryl Morey, Planning Director; Frank Dempsey, Associate Planner;
Daniel Licht, The Planning Company; and Penny Brevig, Recording Secretary
3. Approval of the Meeting Minutes
The April 6, 2017 Planning Commission meeting minutes were approved as
presented.
The April 6, 2017 Planning Commission/City Council joint work session meeting
minutes were approved as presented.
4. Announcements
Mr. Morey stated the following items were distributed to the Planning Commission at
tonight’s meeting:
E-mails in response to Agenda Item 7, Zoning Ordinance amendment
Mr. Morey reminded the Planning Commissioners to sign up to attend the upcoming
th
2018 Comprehensive Plan public meetings starting April 25.
Mr. Morey welcomed our new Ex-officio member Mike Lamm to the Planning
Commission. Chair Swenson also welcomed Officer Lamm.
5. Richard Berres
Chair Swenson opened the public hearing to consider the application of Richard
Berres for a conditional use permit to allow the construction of a detached accessory
building exceeding the maximum allowable floor area and maximum building height in
the RS-3, Single Family Residential District located at 19848 Highview Avenue.
Richard Berres presented an overview of his project. Mr. Berres commented that they
have run their family dairy farm in Lakeville since 1962. They have started to develop
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, April 20, 2017 Page 2
their land now so the existing farm buildings will be removed soon. He is requesting
approval of the proposed detached accessory building because they need a place to
keep some of the current farm equipment after the existing farm buildings are
removed.
Associate Planner Frank Dempsey presented the planning report. Mr. Dempsey
stated that Richard Berres has submitted an application for a conditional use permit
(CUP) to allow the construction of a detached accessory building greater than 1,100
square feet in area and building height greater than 15 feet in the RS-3 District. The
applicant is proposing a storage area and a recreation room for a total 3,568 square
foot accessory building. The building would be used to store his small machinery that
he uses to maintain his property.
Mr. Dempsey described the existing conditions of the property. When the property
was subdivided in 2000 a stipulation required that a small notch of property along the
north property line be deeded to the property owner to the north to eliminate an
accessory building encroachment. The notch of property was subdivided but the
combination with the property to the north did not occur. Mr. Dempsey stated that the
lot combination must occur prior to issuance of a building permit for the new accessory
building.
Mr. Dempsey stated that the existing driveway is unpaved and considered legal non-
conforming. The accessory building will be located behind the house. Staff supports
the driveway extension to serve the accessory building be gravel to match the existing
driveway. The proposed driveway will not interfere with the private sanitary sewer
system located south of the house.
A stipulation of the CUP requires the detached accessory building be removed from
the subject property when the subject property is subdivided into additional residential
lots.
Mr. Dempsey reviewed the criteria for a CUP for an accessory building, which are
listed in the April 14, 2017 planning report.
Mr. Dempsey stated that staff recommends approval of the Richard Berres CUP
subject to the 8 stipulations listed in the April 14, 2017 planning report, and adoption
of the Findings of Fact dated April 20, 2017.
Chair Swenson opened the hearing to the public for comment.
There were no comments from the audience.
Motion was made by Kelvie, seconded by Lillehei to close the public hearing at
6:11 p.m.
Voice vote was taken on the motion. Ayes – unanimous
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, April 20, 2017 Page 3
Chair Swenson asked for comments from the Planning Commission. Discussion
points included:
The Planning Commission likes the orientation of the proposed accessory
building and appreciated that Mr. Dempsey provided an updated list of CUP
requests for accessory buildings that have been approved in the past.
Mr. Dempsey stated that the original farm buildings will be removed in Phase
Three of the Berres Ridge development. Mr. Dempsey confirmed that the City
prefers to see these types of buildings removed when the land use changes
from farming to residential.
Motion was made by Drotning, seconded by Einck to recommend to City Council
approval of the Richard Berres conditional use permit to allow the construction of a
detached accessory building exceeding the maximum allowable floor area and
maximum building height in the RS-3, Single Family Residential District located at
19848 Highview Avenue subject to the following stipulations, and adoption of the
Findings of Fact dated April 20, 2017:
1. The combination of Parcels #22-02100-53-011 and #22-02100-51-013 shall occur
prior to issuance of a building permit for the new accessory building.
2. The detached accessory building shall be constructed in the location identified on
the certificate of survey dated March 29, 2017.
3. The detached accessory building shall be constructed with materials noted on the
approved conditional use permit plans including residential grade siding and roof
materials. Total building height shall not exceed 18 feet, as defined by the Zoning
Ordinance.
4. The detached accessory building shall be kept, used and maintained in a manner
that is compatible with the existing single family home on the property and shall
not present a hazard to the public health, safety and general welfare.
5. A building permit must be approved by the City prior to construction of the new
detached accessory building.
6. No sanitary sewer service shall be provided to the detached accessory building
and the detached accessory building shall not be used as a dwelling.
7. No home occupation or other commercial use shall occur in any accessory building
on the property. The accessory building shall not be used for the operation of any
commercial business or storage of commercial materials or equipment.
8. The detached accessory building shall be removed from the property when the
subject property is subdivided into additional residential lots.
Ayes: Kelvie, Einck, Lillehei, Swenson, Bakewicz, Kaluza, Drotning
Nays: 0
6. Sandi Raines
Chair Swenson opened the public hearing to consider the application of Sandi Raines
for a variance for a deck structure setback from the Orchard Lake Ordinary High Water
Level (OHWL) and for total impervious surface area on the property located at 12245
th
– 175 Street.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, April 20, 2017 Page 4
Sandi Raines presented an overview of her request. The Planning Commission
accepted into the records a petition in favor of her being allowed to keep the porch
posts and trellis and a handout that Ms. Raines presented. She indicated that she
removed the parking strips.
Commissioner Lillehei asked Ms. Raines if she is amending her variance request to
not include the parking strips (impervious surface area). She responded that she is
no longer including the parking strips in her variance request.
Associate Planner Frank Dempsey presented the planning report. Mr. Dempsey
reviewed Ms. Raines’ previously approved conditional use permit and her stated
reasons for the variance request. He pointed out the non-conformities with the subject
property which include lot area, lot width, impervious surface area, and building
setback. Mr. Dempsey indicated that construction of the pergola and support posts
within the OHWL minimum setback and installation of paver bricks for parking were
completed by Ms. Raines without City approval.
Mr. Dempsey stated that Ms. Raines met with the Planning Commission at their March
16, 2017 work session to get their feedback on her variance request. The Planning
Commission concluded after her presentation that her request did not meet the
variance criteria and explained to her that if she updated her survey to show the total
impervious surface area of the property and if the total impervious surface area was
not more than 36.1%, which was approved with her 2015 CUP, she would be allowed
to keep one paver strip. As she stated, Ms. Raines has since removed both parking
strips.
Mr. Dempsey reviewed the variance criteria that is listed in his April 14, 2017 planning
report.
Mr. Dempsey stated staff’s review of the variance request concludes that the applicant
has reasonable use of the deck approved with the original CUP, which did not include
the pergola and pergola support structures. He identified options, such as a
retractable awning, that staff has offered to Ms. Raines that would be in compliance
with Zoning Ordinance requirements. Planning staff concludes that a variance is not
justified because the request does not meet the variance criteria of the Zoning
Ordinance and recommends that the variance application be denied. Findings of Fact
have been provided to support the denial.
Chair Swenson opened the hearing to the public for comment.
There were no comments from the audience.
Motion was made by Kelvie, seconded by Einck to close the public hearing at
6:33 p.m.
Voice vote was taken on the motion. Ayes – unanimous
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, April 20, 2017 Page 5
Chair Swenson asked for comments from the Planning Commission. Discussion
points included:
The Planning Commissioners agreed that this was reviewed at their work
session and nothing has changed since then, except that Ms. Raines has
removed the parking strips. They specifically made reference to #3 of the
seven criteria for variances which states: “That the plight of the landowner is
due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner.”
Because Ms. Raines did not comply with the CUP that was granted to her and
this plight was created by the landowner, they felt they could not support the
variance request.
Chair Swenson stressed that the City very much encourages new residents to
contact the City to find out what they can and cannot do on the property prior
to either purchasing the property or constructing anything on the property.
Motion was made by Kaluza, seconded by Drotning to recommend to City Council
denial of the Raines variance application for a deck structure setback from the Orchard
th
Lake Ordinary High Water Level on property located at 12245 – 175 Street, and
adoption of the Findings of Fact for denial dated April 20, 2017.
Ayes: Einck, Lillehei, Swenson, Bakewicz, Kaluza, Drotning, Kelvie
Nays: 0
7. City of Lakeville
Chair Swenson opened the public hearing to consider amendments to various
chapters of Title 11 (the Zoning Ordinance) of the Lakeville City Code.
Planning Consultant Daniel Licht presented the planning report. Mr. Licht stated that
the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance included in the April 13, 2017 planning
report were discussed at a Planning Commission work session and a City Council
work session held on March 2, 2017 and March 27, 2017 respectively. Mr. Licht
reviewed the amendments, which include industrial building exterior materials, non-
conforming unsewered lots, single family detached accessory buildings, off-street
parking requirements for convenience food uses, model home permits, and the
keeping of animals.
Mr. Licht stated that staff recommends approval of the proposed Zoning Ordinance
amendment as presented.
Chair Swenson opened the hearing to the public for comment.
Daniel Callahan, 15715 Judicial Road
Mr. Callahan had sent an e-mail to Planning Department staff to be included in
tonight’s discussion. He feels the proposed amendment to the non-conforming
unsewered lots section of the Zoning Ordinance will undo Zoning Ordinance
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, April 20, 2017 Page 6
provisions established in 1977. He stated that it would be disrespecting the process
to approve this change. He feels that Mr. Klotz is asking for special treatment.
Gina Fisher 16300 Judicial Road
Ms. Fisher’s parents own the property at 16300 Judicial Road. She agrees with Mr.
Callahan. She feels this amendment will suit only one individual, not the entire city.
th
Ben Osborn, 10422 - 209 Street W.
Mr. Osborn is here tonight on behalf of the proposed changes to the animal section of
the Zoning Ordinance related to beekeeping. He questioned the additional
requirement of fencing around the perimeter of the property and why it was not raised
at the Planning Commission work session. Mr. Osborn stated that since he does not
need a fence to own a dog or a cat, nor would not have to fence his whole yard if he
had a pool, he should not be required to have a fence to keep bees. He suggested
that shrubbery around the bee hive would be sufficient. He felt the fence requirement
is excessive.
Motion was made by Drotning, seconded by Kelvie to close the public hearing
at 7:11 p.m.
Voice vote was taken on the motion. Ayes – unanimous
Chair Swenson asked for comments from the Planning Commission. Discussion
points included:
Commissioner Bakewicz asked Mr. Licht to explain why after 40 years we are
considering an amendment to the unsewered lots section of the Zoning
Ordinance. Mr. Licht explained the proposed amendment.
Commissioners Drotning and Swenson explained why they support the
proposed amendment to the non-conforming unsewered lots section of the
Zoning Ordinance.
The Planning Commission asked how the fence requirement for beekeeping
was initiated because they had not discussed this previously. Mr. Morey
explained that the requirement attempts to address a concern raised at the
th
March 27 City Council work session about possible impacts to adjacent
property owners who are severely allergic to bees.
After the Planning Commission listened to additional testimony from a board
member of the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association, they determined
that a fence should not be required as a performance standard under
subsection 2.c(1).
The Planning Commission recommended removing sub section 2.c(1) in its
entirety.
Commissioner Lillehei wanted to recognize the citizens for coming to the Planning
Commission meetings and explaining bee keeping to them and for writing e-mails
highlighting the unsewered lot dates of 1977 versus 1984 and to Mr. Callahan for
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, April 20, 2017 Page 7
educating them on the history of those unsewered lots. This information was very
valuable.
Motion was made by Lillehei, seconded by Drotning to recommend to City Council
approval of an amendment to Title 11 of the City Code (the Zoning Ordinance) as
amended.
Ayes: Lillehei, Swenson, Bakewicz, Kaluza, Drotning, Kelvie, Einck
Nays: 0
8. Election of Planning Commission Officers
Motion was made by Drotning, seconded by Kelvie to nominate Commissioner
Swenson to the office of Chair and to nominate Commissioner Kaluza to the office of
Vice Chair effective April 20, 2017, and to close nominations.
Chair Swenson stated that it has been an honor to serve as the Chair of the Planning
Commission and he appreciates their trust.
Ayes: Swenson, Bakewicz, Kaluza, Drotning, Kelvie, Einck, Lillehei
Nays: 0
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Brevig, Recording Secretary