Planning Commission Minutes 01-07-1986
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
January 7. 1986 - 7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Richard Martie. Richard Carlson. Joyce Dowling.
Members Absent: Jim Ridgeway. Ed Schaffer.
Staff Present: Gary Anderson. Thomas Eidem. Richard Wolfsteller
The meeting was called to order by Acting Chairperson. Richard Carlson.
at 7:42 p.m.
Motion by Joyce Dowling. seconded by Richard Martie. to approve the
minutes of the November 12. 1985. regular Planning Commission meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
3.
Public Hearing - A Replatting Request to Replat an Existing Lot into
Eight Townhouse Lots and One Common Area Lot - Applicant. Jay Miller.
Jay Miller was present to propose the final replat of an existing
lot into eight townhouse lots and one common area lot. Mr. Miller
indicated he had discussed it with zoning Administrator. Gary Anderson.
and met all the requirements of the ordinance. Acting Chairperson.
Richard Carlson. opened the hearing for input from the public. There
being no input from the public. motion by Joyce Dowling. seconded
by Richard Martie. to approve the replatting request to replat an
existing lot into eight townhouse lots and one common area lot. Motion
carried unanimously.
4.
Public Hearing - A Conditional Use Request to Allow an Office Business
in a proposed New Zone. PZ-M (Performance Zone Mixed) - Applicant.
Seestrom Company.
Mr. Wayne Seestrom was present to propose his conditional use request
to allow an office business in the proposed new zone. PZ-M (Performance
Zone Mixed). zoning Administrator. Gary Anderson. explained to the
public Mr. Seestrom's proposed request. Acting Chairperson. Richard
Carlson. opened the hearing for input from the public. Mr. Keith
Kubert questioned as to why this request was being heard when there
is a new zone that hasn't been approved yet. and aren1t we putting
the cart before the horse. zoning Administrator Anderson answered
that even though it is a proposed new zone and is subject to adoption
by the Monticello City Council at their next City Council meeting.
January 13. 1986. the zone has been in place and there has been very
little negative response from the publici and Mr. Seestrom's request
would be based solely in anticipation of the new zone being approved.
Should the new zone not be approved. Mr. Seestrom's conditional use
request would be null and void. zoning Administrator Anderson indicated
to Planning Commission members that there are conditions that apply
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to this conditional use request. He must meet the m1n1mum parking
requirements. landscaping requirements. and also some screening requirements
because We are trying to blend a business into a predominantly single
family neighborhood. Although this may not be the best design for
off-street parking and should his business increase and we have more
congestion or traffic around his site. he would have to install additional
off-street parking to the rear of his garage with an entrance to that
new lot off of East Broadway.
There being no further input from the public. Acting Chairperson.
Richard Carlson. then closed the public hearing and asked for a motion.
Motion was made by Richard Martie. seconded by Joyce DOWling. to approve
the conditional use request to allow an office business in a proposed
new zone. PZ-M (Performance Zone Mixed). subject to the new zone being
approved at the next City Council meeting; and should the off-street
parking for this site become too congested. Mr. Seestrom must install
additional off-street parking to the rear of the garage and extend
the screening fence south along the east side property line. Motion
carried with Planning Commission members Richard Martie and Joyce
Dowling approving. and Planning Commission member Richard Carlson
abstaining.
5.
Public Hearing - A Replatting Request to Allow Construction of a Zero
Lot Line Duplex on Existing Lots - Applicant. Vic Hellman.
Mr. Vic Hellman was present to propose his replatting request to allow
construction of a zero lot line duplex on existing lots. Mr. Hellman
indicated the minimum requirements of the ordinance have been exceeded
in that it is currentlY zoned R-2 (single and two family residential)
with the minimum lot size requirement of 10.000 sq. ft. and the proposed
new zoning would be R-1 (single family residential) in which the
minimum lot area is 12.000 sq. ft. Zoning Administrator. Gary Anderson.
indicated to those present some background on Mr. Hellman's request.
It is currently zoned R-2. which is single and two family dwelling.
and is proposed to be zoned as R-1. The request has been filed before
the rezoning has taken place and is subject to approval by the Planning
Commission and City Council. Construction of this zero lot line duplex
could take place even with a new zoning attached to it before the
duplex is built. Acting Chairperson. Richard Carlson. opened the
meeting for input from the publiC.
Mr. Jack Reeves. neighbor in the area. questioned as to why we would
allow duplexes if we are going to rezone to R-1. Currently. within
the R-1 zone. he could recall three duplexes in the immediate area.
Zoning Administrator Anderson countered that the applicant could build
the duplex on the existing lot without going through the replatting
process. However. the applicant is proposing this replatting request
to allow a zero lot line duplex to be split to allow two single familY
residences with a common wall between them. Therefore. with a new
R-1. single family. zone attached to this prior to construction completion
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of this zero lot line duplex, this duplex could be sold off as two
single family housing units and meet the requirements of the R-1,
single family residential, zoning. Mr. Keith Kubert questioned why
we should allow any duplexes at all when we have single family residential
out there and we are trying to put duplexes into the single family
residential neighborhood. Mr. Kubert also questioned the square footage
requirements. Looking at the square footage for the proposed site,
he felt that it was too small to accommodate the zero lot line duplex.
Zoning Administrator, Gary Anderson, answered Mr. Kubert's questions
that the duplexes are an allowable use in the R-1 zoning and
could have been constructed upon meeting the minimum requirements
for the building permit application. However, the applicant has chosen
to replat this to allow him another alternative if he would so choose
to sell it at some point in time in the future. To sell it in the
future, this would be an allowable use within the new zoning which
is proposed to be attached to this property, R-1 (single family residential).
The square footage requirements have been exceeded in that he has adhered
to the new proposed zoning for this area with 12,000 sq.ft. lot area
required rather than the 10,000 sq. ft. of lot area. He does meet
the minimum frontage, which is 80 feet.
There being no further input from the public, Acting Chairperson,
Richard Carlson, closed the public hearing and asked for any input
from the Planning Commission members. There being no input from the
Planning Commission members, motion was made by Richard Martie, seconded
by Joyce Dowling, to approve the replatting request to allow construction
of a zero lot line duplex on existing lots. Motion carried unanimously.
6.
Public Hearing - A Replatting Request to Allow Construction of a Zero
Lot Line Duplex on Existing Lots - Applicant, Jerry Barthel.
Mr. Jerry Barthel, owner of the proposed replatting request, asked
Zoning Administrator, Gary Anderson, to explain his replatting request.
zoning Administrator Anderson explained to the public and Planning
Commission members present that Mr. Barthel'S request which was published
as a public hearing notice should have been changed to a simple subdivision
request, as we are not changing lot lines, we are merely adding square
footage to existing lot to make it more conforming and thus creating
enough lot area to a~low a zero lot line duplex. Mr. Barthel'S request
is to take the easterly 8 feet of Lot 9 and dedicate it to Lot 8 to
make his existing house in conformance with the minimum sideyard setback
which is required in R-1 (single family residential) zoning, which
is 10 feet. with the existing lot line between Lots 9 and 10 would
be created the zero lot line duplex. with the proposed construction
of the zero lot ~ine duplex, the minimum sideyard setbacks would be
met on both halves of the duplex, with the front yard setback being
half the distance between the two existing front yard setbacks of
the adjoining houses to the east and west of the proposed zero lot
line duplex request. Acting Chairperson, Richard Carlson, opened
the public hearing for any input from the public. Mr. Jack Reeves
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questioned as to the triangular area at the northwest corner of Lot 10.
Who owns that property, what is being done with that, and why it is
not included with this request. zoning Administrator Anderson countered
that this was originally platted as part of a street; and in the Certificate
of Survey which was filed for it, it did not denote any ownership
to Mr. Barthel even though he has been maintaining this property all
these years and that the property is still owned by the city. It
is up to the City Attorney to check into it to see if this can be
vacated to the adjoining property owner or owners. Mr. Keith Kubert
questioned if we are going to al~ow duplexes south of this property,
why would we allow duplexes on the south side of River Street when
predominantly all of the houses east and west on River Street are
single family residential houses. zoning Administrator Anderson countered
that the proposed new zone to be attached would be single family residential
and that Mr. Barthel's request for creation of a zero lot line duplex
would allow him to sell off each half of the proposed zero lot line
duplex for single family residential, even though there is a common
wall separating these two single family units. Thus, this would be
an allowable use in the R-1 zoning and would bring it more in conformance
with the predominantly R-1 zoning around it. Acting Chairperson,
Richard Carlson, then closed the public hearing and asked for any
input from the Planning Commission members.
There being no input from the Planning Commission members, motion
was made by Richard Martie, seconded by Joyce Dowling, to approve
the simple subdivision request to allow construction of a zero lot
line duplex. Motion carried unanimously.
7.
Public Hearing - A Variance Request to Allow Additional Pylon Sign
Square Footage than the Maximum Allowed - Applicant, Citizens Task
Force.
Mr. Jack Jensinski was present to represent the Citizens Task Force
and their variance request. The Citizens Task Force is proposing
to construct a pylon sign at the Monticello Junior/Senior High School.
The maximum square footage allowed for a pylon sign in this area is
50 sq. ft. The sign they are proposing would be 60 sq. ft., therefore
needing a 10-foot variance. They are also looking into the possibility
of a seven line message pylon sign, which would be an 8'x10~' sign
(84 sq.ft.), therefore needing a 34-foot variance. The variance request
before you tonight was to go to the maximum 84 sq. ft. sign with a
34-foot variance.
Acting Chairperson, Richard Carlson, opened the meeting for input
from the public. Mr. Jack Reeves suggested that this would be a very
worthwhile variance request in that the sign would be very beneficial
to the whole community, listing the numerous events that take place
at the Monticello Public Schools.
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With no further input from the public, Acting Chairperson, Richard
Carlson, closed the public hearing and asked for comments from Planning
Commission members. There being no additional comments from Planning
Commission members, motion was made by Joyce Dowling, seconded by
Richard Carlson, to approve the 34-foot variance request to allow
the additional pylon sign square footage. Motion carried unanimously.
8.
Public Hearing - A Simple Subdivision Request to Subdivide One Existing
Residential Lot into Four Residential Lots - Applicant, Doug Pitt.
Mr. Doug Pitt was present to propose subdividing an existing lot into
four residential lots. with the proposed split, each of the lots
does meet or exceed the minimum requirements for single family lots,
which is 12,000 sq. ft. of land area and a minimum of 80 feet of frontage.
Acting Chairperson, Richard Carlson, opened the meeting to any input
from the public. Mr. Keith Kubert said that he was opposed to the
proposed lot subdivision with the adjoining lots surrounding this
being single family lots. He felt that cutting this up into four
lots would greatly devalue the properties surrounding this. And creating
smaller lots in the front could lead to smaller, less costl.y homes
to be built on these two front lots. Mr. Moose Sherritt was also
present to question as to the residentiai area along side his house.
It was explained to him that he is in an R-1 (single family residential)
zone only. Mr. Richard Kelly expressed his concern as to Mr. Pitt's
intentions of the residential character of these houses, that the
new lots not merely be sold off just to sell the lots and allow any
type of residential housing to be constructed on them. The adjoining
neighbor to the west, Mr. Robert Hammagren, who owns the lot that
fronts on River Street, was concerned that there were too many lots
on this proposed subdivision and that there should only be two lots
at the most. Mr. Jack Reeves stated he was neither for nor against
the proposed request, but did voice his concern that he felt Mr. Pitt
would not sell the lots to anybody to put up any type of house they
so chose, that being of the low quality type house. He felt any lot
that would be sold and the type of house that would be built would
be of the quality and architecture that would compliment the existing
houses.
Acting Chairman, Richard Carlson, then closed the public hearing and
asked for any input from the Planning Commission members. Joyce Dowling
questioned as to whether staff had any input on the title opinion.
Mr. Thomas Eidem, City Administrator, addressed the Planning Commission
members stating that a title opinion was issued to Mr. Doug Pitt,
and the City Attorney is insisting that a new title opinion be done
for the City of Monticello and to the City of Monticello.
Motion by Dick Martie, seconded by Joyce Dowling, to approve the simple
subdivision request to subdivide one existing residential lot into
four residential lots with the following conditions: 1) provide a
copy of the utility easements for Lots 2 and 3; 2) provide a list
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of restrictive covenants for the proposed lot subdivision; 3) provide
a title opinion naming the City of Monticello as the recipient for
the property. Motion carried unanimously.
9. Public Hearing - Variance Request to Allow a Building to be Constructed
in the Front Yard Setback Requirement - Applicant. Raindance properties.
Tom GOdlewski. partner in the Raindance Properties, was present to
propose their variance request. The variance request is to be allowed
to place the side of the proposed new Maus Foods building within 10 feet
of the front property line off of Cedar Street.
Acting Chairperson. Richard Carlson. opened the public hearing for
any input from the public. There being no input from the public and
no additional information from the Planning Commission members. motion
was made by Joyce Dowling, seconded by Dick Martie. to approve the
variance request to allow a building to be placed within the front
setback requirement. Motion carried unanimously.
10. Public Hearing - A Rezoning Request to Rezone Existing R-1 (Single
Family Residential) Lots into R-2 (Single and Two Family Residential)
Lots - Applicant. John Sandberg.
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Mr. John Sandberg was present to propose his rezoning from R-1 (single
family residential) to R-2 (single and two family residential).
With the existing zoning ordinance intact. Mr. Sandberg explained
that there is R-3 zoning across the street; and what he is proposing
is more than the zoning which is attached to the property, but less
than the zoning which is immediately across the street. With the
proposed rezoning, it would allow him construction of a duplex on
the lot.
Acting Chairperson. Richard Carlson. opened the meeting for input
from the public. Larry Muehlbauer objected to the spot zoning and
the rezoning from R-1 to R-2. The character of the homes in this
area is for single family housing. and he wants it to remain as
that. Mr. Sandberg responded to Mr. Muehlbauer's objections that
Mr. Muehlbauer is objecting to any type of request that he has had.
Mr. Lyle Olson objected to the rezoning request stating that he
just built a new single family house. and he would like the rest
of the area to remain single family housing. Mr. Sandberg responded
to Mr. Olson's request that he was allowed to place his house within
30 feet of the front property line as was requested and not placed
back to be in line with the rest of the houses. Mr. Olson responded
that his intent was. when he received the letter. to attend the
meeting to express his opinion on Mr. Sandberg's request.
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Mr. Tom Eidem. City Administrator. spoke representing the City staff
stating that City staff is objecting to Mr. Sandberg's rezoning
request and that the proposed R-3 zoning across the street would
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be reduced to R-1 (single family residential) zoning with the new
zoning ordinance map. They definitely felt that for this size of
land that he would like rezoned would be a type of spot zoning.
Fran Fair questioned as to whether or not Mr. sandberg's parcel
could be simple subdivided. City Administrator, Thomas Eidem, answered
that yes, it could be subdivided under the present zoning ordinance.
Mr. Jack Reeves questioned as to the front setback of 30 feet which
exists when the existing houses are placed farther than 30 feet
back. City Administrator, Thomas Eidem, indicated that the new
ordinance addresses front setbacks indicating the setbacks be more
than 30 feet where appropriate to line up with existing housing.
zoning Administrator, Gary Anderson, handed to Acting Chairperson,
Richard Carlson, a letter of a phone conversation he received this
afternoon from Mr. David Richardson. Being an adjacent neighbor
across the street from Mr. Sandberg's request, he objected to the
rezoning and felt it was spot zoning. Acting Chairperson, Richard
Carlson, then closed the public hearing and asked for additional
input from the Planning Commission members.
with no additional information from Planning Commission members,
motion was made by Richard Martie, seconded by Joyce DOWling, to
deny the rezoning request to rezone existing R-1 (single family
residential) lots into R-2 (single and two family residential) lots.
Motion carried unanimously.
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11. Continuance of a Variance Request to Allow Placement of a Sign in
the Railroad Right-of-way - Applicant, John Sandberg.
zoning Administrator, Gary Anderson, questioned Planning Commission
members of their determination of the request for tabling Mr. Sandberg's
request. Acting Chairperson, Richard Carlson, pointed out that
the reason for tabling the request is that Mr. Sandberg is to get
the approval or denial from the Burlington Northern Railroad. zoning
Administrator Anderson asked that Planning Commission members consider
some sort of time table for Mr. Sandberg to receive written commitment
from Burlington Northern Railroad for approval or denial of placement
of his sign. A time period of 90 days was indicated. The general
consensus of the Planning Commission members present was to set
a 90-day limit for receiving approval or denial from the Burlington
Northern Railroad.
12. Continuance of a Tabled Conditional Use Request to Allow Open and
Outdoor Storage and Rental Equipment in a B-3 (Highway Business)
Zone - Applicant, Suburban Gas, Inc.
Zoning Administrator Anderson indicated to Planning Commission members
that he and City Administrator, Thomas Eidem, had met with the manager
of the Suburban Gas facility and had come up with a proposed screening
and landscaping plan for their site. zoning Administrator Anderson
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indicated to Planning Commission members on a site plan the proposed
landscaping, screening, and hard surfacing requirements for this
facility. Acting Chairperson, Richard Carlson, opened the meeting for
any input from the public. There being no input from the public,
he closed the public hearing and asked for a motion from Planning
Commission members.
Motion was made by Joyce Dowling, seconded by Dick Martie, to approve
the conditional use request to allow open and outdoor storage and
rental equipment in a B-3 (Highway Business) Zone with the following
additional conditions: a) A screening fence approximately 60 feet
in length be installed in the front, and a screening fence of approximately
150 feet in length be installed to the west of the existing screened-in
facility. This fence is to be a minimum of 6 feet in height and
no more than 8 feet in height, and to be of a solid screening wood
type fence. b) Some type of tree planting or shrub planting as
proposed on the enclosed site plan be implemented. c) The tree and
shrub planting, the solid screening fence, and the relocation of
the existing security fence be done on or before June 1, 1986.
d) The hard surfacing of certain areas of the parking lot and driveway
be done by September 1, 1986. Motion carried unanimously.
Additional Information Items
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1. Update on the Variance Request to Allow Additional Pylon Sign Square
Footage than the Maximum Allowed and a Request to Allow a Non-conforming
Sign to be Erected - Applicant, Burger King.
The City Council acted at its December 9, 1985, meeting to grant
the additional pylon sign square footage and the additional pylon
sign height, but denied the non-conforming message board sign.
The two variances are that the pylon sign height be increased to
75 feet, and the pylon sign be increased to 256 sq. ft.
2. Update on the Rezoning Request to Rezone from R-1 (Single Family
Residential) to R-2 (Single and Two Family Residential), and R-2
(Single and Two Family Residential) to R-3 (Medium Density Residential).
A Request to Replat Existing R-1 and R-2 Lots into R-3 Lots. Applicant,
John Sandberg.
At the December 9, 1985, City Council meeting, City Council members
addressed Mr. Sandberg's request for rezoning of portions of this
and that the comprehensive zoning map be amended. An approved motion
by the Council was to direct the City staff to place on the proposed
new comprehensive zoning map Mr. Sandberg's rezoning request of
portions of existing R-1 and R-2 into R-3 zoning.
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3. Update on the Proposed New Comprehensive Zoning Map.
City Administrator. Tom Eidem. explained to Planning Commission
members the proposed changes as indicated by City Council on the
new comprehensive zoning map. The two changes of significance were
the rezoning back to R-2 from B-4 in the block immediately west
of the Maus Foods building. and the proposed PZ-R zoning along the
north half of East River Street to go back to R-1. single family
residential. zoning. The other notable change was the Council agreed
to look at some type of R-3 zoning in the Meadows Addition. and
it was placed on the new zoning ordinance map. There are some provisions
that were put in to protect the City in the new comprehensive zoning
for this area. Mr. David Anderson was also present to propose some
type of zoning change along West Broadway in the location of the
end of the 400 block. The proposed use would be for retail office
use of an existing residential house. The current zoning is R-2.
single and two family residential. and he is suggesting that we
look at some type of peformance zone to allow residential and commercial
mix in this area.
4. Motion by Joyce Dowling. seconded by Dick Martie. to set the next
tentative date for the Monticello Planning Commission meeting for
February 11. 1986. 7:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Motion by Richard Martie. seconded by Joyce Dowling. to adjourn
the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted.
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Gary Anderson
zoning Administrator
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