HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03CITY OF LAKEVILLE
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
August 3, 2023
Vice Chair Zimmer 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: Vice Chair Christine Zimmer, Scott Einck, Brooks Lillehei, Patty Zuzek, Ex-
Officio member Jeff Hanson
Members Absent: Chair Jenna Majorowicz, Jason Swenson, Pat Kaluza
Staff Present: Daryl Morey, Planning Director; Frank Dempsey, Associate Planner; Tina Morrow,
Recording Secretary
3. Approval of the Meeting Minutes
The July 6, 2023 Planning Commission meeting minutes were approved as presented.
4. Announcements
Planning Director, Daryl Morey stated that if the item at tonight’s meeting is not tabled, the
August 17, 2023 Planning Commission meeting will be canceled.
Mr. Morey announced that tonight will be Video Production Specialist Tim Sheehan’s last
Planning Commission meeting. Tim has been with the City of Lakeville for five years and has
televised over 120 meetings. City staff and the Planning Commission appreciate the work he
has done and wish him well.
5. Homuth CUP
Vice Chair Zimmer opened the public hearing to consider the application of All Energy Solar,
on behalf of Matthew Homuth, for a conditional use permit to allow a ground mounted solar
energy system as an additional detached accessory structure and combined accessory structure
area exceeding 1,500 square feet in the RS-2, Single Family Residential District, located at 10530
175th Street.
Colin Buechel with All Energy Solar on behalf of Matthew Homuth (via Teams) presented a
brief overview of the project.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 3, 2023 Page 2
Associate Planner Frank Dempsey presented the planning report. Mr. Dempsey stated that the
property includes a 1,300 square foot detached garage constructed in 1983 and a 384 square
foot accessory building constructed in 2017 without a permit on the 3.08 acre parcel. There is
also a small, three-sided shed on the property that was also constructed without a permit. Staff
is recommended this shed be removed prior to the issuance of a permit for the solar array.
The property is allowed two detached accessory buildings because there is no garage attached
to the house. The proposed 579 square foot, 11 foot tall solar array is considered a third
accessory structure which requires approval of a conditional use permit.
Planning Department staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit, subject to the
6 stipulations listed in the July 28, 2023 planning report, and approval of the Findings of Fact
dated August 3, 2023.
Vice Chair Zimmer opened the hearing to the public for comment.
There were no comments from the audience.
Motion was made by Lillehei, seconded by Einck to close the public hearing at 6:10 p.m.
Voice vote was taken on the motion.
Ayes – unanimous.
Vice Chair Zimmer asked for comments from the Planning Commission. Discussion point
included:
• Commissioner Lillehei commented on the positive solution of amending the Zoning
Ordinance to allow the proposed ground mounted solar array.
Motion was made by Zuzek, seconded by Einck to recommend to City Council approval of
the All Energy Solar, on behalf of Matthew Homuth, conditional use permit subject to the
following stipulations, and approval of the Findings of Fact dated August 3, 2023:
1. The solar array shall be constructed in the location identified on the site plan submitted
with the conditional use permit application and shall meet the setbacks required by the
Zoning Ordinance.
2. The solar array shall be constructed with the materials noted on the approved conditional
use permit plans.
3. The solar array and the two detached accessory buildings 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.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, August 3, 2023 Page 3
4. A building permit application and plans shall be submitted for the 384 square foot detached
accessory building constructed without a building permit prior to issuance of a permit for
the solar array structure.
5. The existing three-sided detached shed located near the southwest corner of the property
shall be removed from the property prior to issuance of a permit for the solar array
structure.
6. A minimum of three, six foot tall evergreen trees shall be planted to fill visual gaps between
the solar array and the 175th Street right-of-way prior to issuance of a permit for the solar
array structure.
Ayes: Zuzek, Zimmer, Lillehei, Einck
Nays: 0
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tina Morrow, Recording Secretary