Planning Commission Minutes 07-18-2006•
•
0
MINUTES
MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, July 18th, 2006
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present:
Commissioners Absent:
Council Liaison:
Staff:
1. Call to Order.
Chairman Rod Dragsten, Lloyd Hilgart, Sandy Suchy, William
Spartz
Craig Schibonski
Wayne Mayer
Jeff O'Neill, Angela Schumann, Gary Anderson,
Kimberly Holien - NAC
Chairman Dragsten called the meeting to order and noted a quorum of the Commission, and
the absence of Commissioner Schibonski. Commissioner Dragsten noted there were no June
minutes include in the packet and requested that they be included in the August packet.
2. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
NONE.
3. Citizen Comments.
NONE.
4. Public Hearing — Consideration of a request for a rezoning from R-1 (Single -Family
Residential) to B-1 (Neighborhood Business). A_uplicant: David Thielman/Gatewav Music
Festivals.
Kimberly Holien presented the staff report, explaining that the subject site is surrounded by
single family residential uses on all sides. The site currently contains a single family home
that has been converted into office space. Holien reported that the current use is a legally
non -conforming use in the R-2 District. The applicant has indicated that he is looking to
relocate his operation, and a buyer is interested in the property. The prospective buyer would
like to put a full service spa in the existing building. Holien stated that staff has determined
that the proposed spa would be consistent with the beauty parlor permitted use within the B-
1. The building is consistent with the architectural appearance of the surrounding single
family homes, and no modifications are proposed for the building exterior.
Holien noted that the site is located one %2 block west of the Central Community District and
the fronting street, Broadway, is a major collector route. Holien indicated that the comp plan
does identify some drift of CCD uses into adjacent area.
Planning Commission Minutes — 07/18/06
Holien stated that the purpose of the B-1 district is to provide for neighborhood uses such as
barber shops, small office spaces, beauty shops and other essential services. The proposed
spa use would include a small amount of retail, which would be considered accessory to the
principal use. The applicant's prospective buyer has indicated that there would be up to nine
employees, with a daily average of 4-7. They expect about 35 clients per day. Staff has
reviewed the site plan and seen no major issues with the proposed use, other than parking.
Holien stated that when analyzing parking, there is no exact reference for barber shops or
salons within the code. The City has traditionally used a figure of 1 parking space required
per 200 square feet for service or retail establishments. The applicant initially indicated that
the site provides for 24 spaces, although 31 are required. After meeting with the applicant,
they measured and completed a more accurate count. The applicant has indicated that they
will be able to supply a total of 33 spaces. As such, he would meet the 1 space per 200
square feet code requirement.
Spartz inquired if anyone would be living in the building. Holien stated that the applicant
will need to clarify that item.
O'Neill noted that while the downtown might grow, the comp plan also shows trying to keep
a residential character to the area. O'Neill stated that this is a remnant parcel which was
previously a funeral home and continues as a lawful non -conforming use. O'Neill asked if
the amount of parking available could be opening the door to a higher intensity use. Holien
responded that most cities use 3 spaces per chair calculation for this type of use.
Dragsten noted that either way, there are enough parking spaces. Holien noted that they had
requested that the applicant stripe parking areas.
Suchy inquired whether there is a guarantee that this spa client will purchase the property; in
other words, doesn't the rezoning open the site up to any permitted use in the B-1. Holien
concurred and listed the permitted uses.
Chairman Dragsten opened the public hearing.
Darren Anderson, 513 W. 3'd Street stated that his property is directly behind the subject
property. He sought confirmation that the rezoning does not change the zoning of those
around it. The Commission noted that the rezoning is for the subject parcel only. Anderson
stated that there is currently a business running out of this location and inquired whether the
use would be converted or there would be an addition. Holien confirmed that he is
converting the use.
George Liefert, 203 Minnesota Street, stated that he is concerned about the effect on his
property. Dragsten responded that the site is currently zoned R-2; B-1 will allow different
uses on that site. Leifert inquired whether the spa would advertise. Dragsten stated that the
applicant would need to respond to that question.
David Thielman, 1344 Prairie Creek Lane, addressed the Commission as property owner of
the business located at 530 W. Broadway. Thielman stated that the current business has 16
employees that are there every day. He indicated that he did not think the neighborhood
would see much difference in traffic. Thielman stated that the signage would be similar in
size to what was there when the funeral home was there.
2
Planning Commission Minutes — 07/ 18/06
Anderson asked Thielman to verify the parking arrangement in terms of aisle width and size
of parking stalls. Thielman replied that the dimensions used were based on City ordinance at
9' x 20' . Thielman indicated that the drive aisle is wide enough to accommodate a garbage
truck. Anderson also noted that there is a S' green space around the parking area.
Anderson inquired if there is any change proposed for external lighting of the property.
Holien indicated that he has not submitted a lighting plan, intending that the client intends to
keep current lighting. Any additional lighting would need to be directed away from adjacent
property. O'Neill stated that light sources have to be hooded, no spill -over. .
Dragsten noted for the record a letter received from Richard and Ginger Carlson, neighboring
property owners, who opposed the rezoning, citing it as spot zoning.
O'Neill just added that he had also received an email from the property owner to the east,
who did not object to the rezoning, but did want to make sure landscaping is installed as
required and that parking would be in right location.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman Dragsten closed the public hearing.
Suchy acknowledged that this rezoning seems appropriate in this case due to traffic on
Broadway, and noted it has been a commercial use for a long time. Suchy inquired about the
proposed hours. Thielman stated that he does not know the client's proposed hours, although
his business is 7 days a week, 24 hours each day.
Mayer asked about the 4 garage stalls included within the count and whether they would truly
be 2 deep. Mayer asked how he would be handling those. Thielman responded that those
would be for staff, although they may not be needed.
Spartz asked if this is R-2, can someone currently operate a salon as a home -based business.
O'Neill stated that a home -based business would be allowed, only under special home
occupation permit, a similar process to a CUP. Precedent has never allowed more than 1 or 2
staff for such uses. Dragsten clarified that they would also need to live there.
Dragsten stated that his concerns are being consistent in calculating parking and parking
setbacks, signage and lighting. He inquired if the use move forward, does the the buyer need
to get permission to get lights. O'Neill stated that as long as they meet minimum standards,
they would be permitted.
Holien stated that in B-1, signage is allowed at no more than 100 square feet, in any
combination.
O'Neill commented on the spot -zoning, stating that the purpose of the B-1 district is to
provide retail to the area. The intent is somewhat of a spot zone to serve a small area. The
question is whether the spa will be drawing from a larger area. The Commission will need to
weigh that. Dragsten stated that he isn't sure this is a neighborhood use.
Hilgart stated that he is not sure that they should be so concerned about parking, as he doubts
the potential client would use all 6000 square feet of this building. Hilgart noted that the
applicant is seeking the rezoning regardless of this proposed client.
Hilgart stated that it has been a business and has been used that way for quite some time.
With a neighborhood business, it is difficult to expect to run a business with a block or two of
3
Planning Commission Minutes — 07/ 18/06
•
business clients. Hilgart stated that he preferred such uses would come forward as
Conditional Uses. Dragsten stated that they don't need to. O'Neill stated this district is rare
and that in this case, a CUP may be appropriate. O'Neill stated that the Commission could
table the request to rezone and amend the district language relating to Conditional Uses.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SPARTZ TO TABLE THE REQUEST FOR REZONING
OF 530 W. BROADWAY TO THE SEPTEMBER PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING.
MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HILGART. MOTION CARRIED, 4-0.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DRAGSTEN TO CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
DURING THE REGULAR SEPTEMBER MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
TO AMEND THE B-1 DISTRICT. MOTION SECONDED BY SPARTZ. MOTION
CARRIED, 4-0.
5. Public Hearing — Consideration to review for discussion an amendment to the Monticello
Zoning Ordinance Chapters 6A (Single Family Residential) and 7A (Single Family
Residential). Applicant: Citv of Monticello
O'Neill noted that staff would be preparing information related to amendments for the R-1 A
and R-2A and would present them at the September meeting.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SUCHY TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE R1-A and R2-A ZONING DISTRICTS TO THE
SEPTEMBER MEETING. MOTION SECONDED BY SPARTZ. MOTION CARRIED, 4-
0.
6. Consideration to review for discussion a draft framework for an amendment to the Monticello
Zoning Ordinance for Planned Unit Developments.
Holien referred the recent review of Monticello's PUDs, starting that the Commission had
indicated that a more structured approach would be preferred. Using feedback from the
review, staff had drafted a PUD points system, which was included in the Commission's
packet for review. Holien stated that it is an objective points system to give us a more
concrete method of determining superior project and is intended to uphold the goals of the
PUD ordinance's purpose and the comprehensive plan. She noted that the points values listed
may need adjustment in weighting.
Holien explained that under this points system, any applicant would need to meet a minimum
number of points to apply for PUD. If an applicant doesn't achieve the points necessary, they
need to use straight zoning approach.
Dragsten asked if this system is used in many other cities. Holien stated that it is.
Dragsten noted that an applicant would need to achieve 75% of possible points for it to be a
PUD; he inquired if there are any bonuses for going beyond that number. Holien stated that
the 75% is required just to apply for PUD, it does not constitute a formal Commission or
Council review or approval of the PUD itself.
0
Planning Commission Minutes — 07/18/06
Mayer stated that he was not in on the original discussion and asked why 75%. Holien stated
that was just a benchmark. O'Neill stated that staff haven't taken this against existing PUDs
to get a feel for the application of this.
Dragsten stated that a lot may depend on size of a development. If a developer has a small
project, this amount of points might be difficult to achieve. Dragsten asked for clarification
on a number of items listed within the criteria and Holien provided further detail and made
noted for future revisions.
Mayer stated that he would like to see the criteria applied to existing projects, including
Carlisle Village at original application and now, and also with Sunset Ponds.
O'Neill asked if far as calculating, it is important for the same person to always do this.
Holien stated that the system is relatively objective.
Mayer stated that it seems like points can be accumulated before presenting a project to the
Commission, which may inhibit the Commission's filtering. Dragsten stated that the intent is
that if the developers do this form and meet the points, they can apply. Holien noted that a
narrative and booklet with information detailed would be required.
Spartz stated that in a PUD developers always want density, but that isn't referenced here.
Suchy commented that the elderly population is discussed frequently. She commented that
perhaps developers should be given a credit for providing life -cycle housing. O'Neill stated
that could be adjusted. Dragsten stated that if we start giving bonuses for that, we may end
up giving bonuses for other areas.
Schumann proposed that staff review some of the mentioned developments and possibly
other in terms of the scoring criteria, make adjustments to the criteria as noted and then
provide an update to the Commission in September. The Commission agreed.
7. Adi ourn.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SPARTZ TO ADJOURN.
MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SUCHY. MOTION CARRIED, 4-0.
1
�Recorde
f
0