HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-17 - work sessionCITY OF LAKEVILLE
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES
February 17, 2021
Chair Jeff Witte called the work session to order at 7:33 p.m.
Members Present: Chair Jeff Witte, Vice Chair Jenna Majorowicz, Karl Drotning, Scott
Einck, Pat Kaluza, Brooks Lillehei, and Christine Zimmer
Members Absent: Jason Swenson
Staff Present: Planning Director Daryl Morey, Associate Planner Frank Dempsey, and
Daniel Licht, TPC
2022 Zoning Ordinance Update
Mr. Licht reviewed his February 9, 2022 memo regarding the possible items for
consideration with the 2022 Zoning Ordinance update. The list of items has been
compiled by staff since the 2021 Zoning Ordinance update was approved by the City
Council in September 2021. The following specific provisions were discussed:
Non-Conformities. The Planning Commission questioned the proposed wording related
to non-conformities within the general standards for conditional use permits as it seems
vague. Staff responded that the wording was prepared by the City Attorney to be
consistent with State Statute.
Environmental District Non-Conformities. Staff stated the City Attorney has reviewed
the draft language requiring compliance with the impervious surface coverage
requirement for additions/expansions of non-conforming structures in the Shoreland
Overlay District in order to address potential negative environmental impacts. If there are
any other legal non-conformities existing at the time of a permit application to expand a
non-conforming structure in the Shoreland Overlay District not related to or effected by
the proposed expansion, those non-conformities can remain and the City cannot stipulate
their removal as a condition of granting a permit in accordance with State Statute.
Garage Width. Staff stated this item is being considered because builders have
approached the City about reducing the current residential garage area and width
requirements. The builders state that this request is in an attempt to make new residential
dwellings more affordable. The Planning Commission does not believe that builders
would pass any cost saving from a change to allow smaller and/or narrower garages on
to home buyers. The Planning Commission is unanimous in strongly not supporting a
reduction in the current residential garage size requirements. The Planning Commission
stated that the current requirements are in place to provide sufficient area to functionally
access two cars in the garage to meet the off-street parking requirement, plus allow space
Planning Commission Work Session Minutes – February 17, 2022 Page 2
for storage of trash and recycling containers and yard and recreational equipment. Staff
pointed out that the Zoning Ordinance currently allows an exception to the attached
garage requirement for dwelling units meeting regional affordable housing criteria, but
that no homebuilder has utilized this tool to provide more affordable housing.
Accessory Dwelling Units. While the Planning Commission conceded that the Zoning
Ordinance cannot practically prevent the illegal conversion of a single family home into a
two-family dwelling, they support the proposed changes to make that illegal two-family
home conversion less likely while still allowing for a “mother-in-law” type living
arrangement in a single family home similar to the NextGen Home product that has
recently been constructed by Lennar in Lakeville.
The work session adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Daryl Morey, Planning Director