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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-28 PACKET 08.City of Cottage Grove Planning Commission September 23, 2013 A meeting of the Planning Commission was held at Cottage Grove City Parkway South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on Monday, September 23, Chambers and telecast on Local Government Cable Channel 16. Call to Order Hall, 12800 Ravine 2013, in the Council Chair Rostad called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Members Present: Ken Brittain, Elijah Harter, Wayne Johnson, Brian Pearson, Lise' Rediske, Jim Rostad, Randall Wehrle Members Absent: Chris Reese, Maureen Ventura Staff Present: Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director /City Engineer John McCool, Senior Planner John M. Burbank, Senior Planner Justin Olsen, City Councilmember Approval of Agenda Brittain made a motion to approve the agenda. Pearson seconded. The motion was ap- proved unanimously (7 -to -0 vote). Open Forum Rostad asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission on any non - agenda item. No one addressed the Commission. Chair's Explanation of the Public Hearing Process Rostad explained the purpose of the Planning Commission, which serves in an advisory capac- ity to the City Council, and that the City Council makes all final decisions. In addition, he ex- plained the process of conducting a public hearing and requested that any person wishing to speak should go to the microphone and state their full name and address for the public record. Public Hearings and Applications 6.1 Leicht Shed — Case V13 -030 Richard Leicht has applied for a variance to allow a 1,080 square foot accessory struc- ture in addition to the existing 2,480 square foot accessory structure at 6192 65th Street South, when the total square footage for accessory structures with a conditional use permit is 3,000 square feet in the AG -2, Agricultural Zoning District. Planning Commission Minutes September 23, 2013 Page 2 of 4 Burbank summarized the staff report and recommended approval, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions stipulated in the staff report. Wehrle commented on the color scheme, which was supposed to be similar to the other structures, and noted that there was a white house, a red garage, and now a blue garage. Burbank stated that based on the criteria in both the City Code and the conditions of ap- proval, the materials of the two buildings must be similar in color and design to the principal structure. Rostad asked if Leicht was instructed to cease construction on the structure that's currently present. Burbank replied that in approximately January or February one of the Building In- spectors posted a Stop Work Order as a building permit had not been issued; Leicht stopped work on the structure and applied for the conditional use permit. He requested the variance to allow up to 1,080 square feet instead of the maximum of 520 square feet that is allowed the CUP process, because construction had already started on the structure. Rostad asked that if the variance was granted, would the structure then be completed. Burbank replied that Building staff would work with Leicht to ensure the structure meets building standards. Rediske asked if Leicht planned on increasing the square footage or the footprint of the structure. Burbank replied the request before the Commission is for the 1,080 square feet, which is the size of the structure that was constructed. He then explained that the Building Division would review the building's footprint and the siding. There is no requirement that the entire structure be enclosed but there are requirements for weatherproofing. Rostad opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Rostad closed the public hearing. Wehrle said he saw a letter from an attorney that questioned the enforceability of restrictive covenants and asked if that could be enforced. Burbank believes that was part of the first re- view. The City Attorney advised that she is comfortable that the City will be able to enforce the restrictive covenant as drafted. Burbank reported that the applicant was given a copy of the staff report and restrictive covenant. The covenant would be required as a part of the variance approval, as it is one of the conditions of approval. Brittain made a motion to approve the variance allowing up 1,080 square feet of ac- cessory structure as a conditional use, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. Harter seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7 -to -0 vote). Discussion Items 0 [:TtR Planning Commission Minutes September 23, 2013 Page 3 of 4 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes of August 26, 2013 Pearson made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 26, 2013, Planning Commission meeting. Harter seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7 -to -0 vote). Reports 9.1 Recap of September City Council Meetings Levitt stated that at the September 4 City Council meeting, there was a presentation of the Red Rock Analysis Report and the park in the Eastridge subdivision being developed by DR Horton was formally named Cedarhurst Meadows Park. At the September 18 Council Meeting, the Council approved the ordinance amendment regarding public improvements and developer fees. Councilmember Olsen reported that the newest Police Officer, Brian Campbell, was sworn in at the September 4 meeting. Olsen then explained that the City will issue bonds to fund the 2013 Pavement Management project. He also stated that the Council held an open house on the preliminary tax levy for 2014. The Council unanimously approved the 2014 levy. He noted the pavement management projects are almost complete. He also offered an update on the County Road 19/70th Street /Military Road project, explaining that project is being done by Washington County and the South Washington Watershed District. Rostad asked if pavement management projects have historically been bonded. Olsen rep- lied the City had a couple different ways to fund those types of projects, sometimes with cash and sometimes by bonding. Rediske asked if the homeowner association issue between a portion of the DR Horton de- velopment and the Newland development has been resolved. Levitt replied that it should be resolved when Newland Communities final plat is approved, which could be in December. Olsen stated that the historic Shepard Woods property, which is located north of 70th Street and west of Jamaica Avenue, was purchased by the Dodge Nature Center. They are plan- ning to offer programs and other events there. This will be a nice asset for the City. 9.2 Response to Planning Commission Inquiries None 9.3 Planning Commission Requests Brittain asked when street striping will be done on East Point Douglas Road and County Road 19. Levitt responded that typically Public Works does striping twice a year. Olsen asked if that are would be done before winter. Levitt responded affirmatively. Brittain wanted to give kudos to City staff and the Parks and Recreation Department for the Kingston Park improvements. He stated they did a nice job of making the park even more usable. Planning Commission Minutes September 23, 2013 Page 4 of 4 Rediske complimented the work done on the BMX bike park located at 70th Street and Meadow Grass Avenue and asked if there would be any pedestrian improvements to that intersection. Levitt responded that at the next Council meeting, there will be a presentation from Washington County on their anticipated restriping plan for that section of 70th Street. Olsen stated that the City Council is aware that major improvements are needed throughout the 70th Street corridor and has communicated those concerns to Washington County. Burbank reported that he spoke with Richard Leicht, the applicant for the shed variance, re- garding any concerns he had for the record. Burbank reported that Leicht thought the meeting started at 7:30. Leicht informed Burbank he is concerned about the restrictive cove- nant being recorded against the property. He gave the example of The Preserve at Cottage Grove subdivision where that property was platted but was not developed for a couple years, and he does not want to have to tear down his building if that happens. He will discuss that concern with the City Council. Adjournment Rediske made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Johnson seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7 -to -0 vote). The meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.