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2011.10.10 PC Meeting MinutesApproved Minutes of the October 10, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 1 of 4 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\10.10\minutes.doc CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall A. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: X Commissioner (Ward 1) Sears X Commissioner (Ward 2) Whitenack [Chair] Approved Minutes of the October 10, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 of 4 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\10.10\minutes.doc 2. Consider Application 2011-14 for a conditional use permit for expanded hours of operation in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district at 3545 Douglas Drive North (Milton’s Restaurant) Staff member, John Sutter, presented the staff report. Commissioner Johnson asked if there had been any response from the neighbors regarding the application for the conditional use permit. Mr. Sutter indicated there had not, nor had there been any response to Application 2011-13. Chair Whitenack opened the Public Hearing. No one addressed the commission. Planning Commission had no questions for staff or the applicant. Moved by Commissioner Sears and seconded by Commissioner Heigel to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2011-14 for a conditional use permit for expanded hours of operation in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district at 3545 Douglas Drive North (Milton’s Restaurant). Motion carried unanimously. D. OLD BUSINESS 1. Consider a resolution approving the final version of the Comprehensive Plan Moved by Commissioner Buck and seconded by Commissioner Strand to adopt a resolution approving the final version of the Comprehensive Plan. E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Begin discussion of possible zoning ordinance changes to be considered during winter 2011-2012 City Planner, John Sutter, reviewed the numbered items corresponding to possible zoning ordinance changes. Planning Commission discussion: 1) Chair Whitenack asked how the square footage would be calculated for a walk-out style home. Mr. Sutter said it was not currently addressed. Commissioner Strand asked if this applied to attached and detached garages and what about tuck-under garages (with living space above). Mr. Sutter indicated the living space above would count toward the living space calculation, therefore, allowing additional garage space. 2) Planner Sutter asked the commission to give consideration to the 1000 square foot cap staff included in the proposed zoning change. Commissioner Johnson asked what the current cap is. Mr. Sutter explained no detached accessory building can exceed 1,000 sq ft, but Approved Minutes of the October 10, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 of 4 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\10.10\minutes.doc cannot be more than the foot print of the house. The 1000 sq ft proposed in the change would include all detached buildings. Commissioner Buck asked how rear yard coverage would play into this change. Mr. Sutter explained the sliding scale for percent of coverage allowed in rear yards. This is something that can be addressed in future discussions. 3) Again, consideration will need to be given to how to measure the living space to determine the allowable cumulative gross floor area of all garages and carports. 4) No comments from commission 5) No comments from commission 6) No comments from commission 7) No comments from commission 8) Commissioner Heigel asked what constitutes a second kitchen; sink with water, range and refrigerator, said Mr. Sutter. It was clarified that as long as there is no separation between the two kitchens, it would not be considered a second unit. Commissioner Strand asked if appliance installation requires a permit. Mr. Sutter stated a gas or electric range would require a mechanical or electrical permit. 9) No comments from commission 10) Commissioner Sears expressed his opinion that 200 square feet is sufficient. He also expressed his concern that a porch may become an unsightly storage area. Chair Whitenack noted that setbacks may limit an open porch or deck and agrees with the 240 square feet maximum. 11) No comments from commission 12) No comments from commission 13) Chair Whitenack asked if the agreement to forfeit rights to place accessory buildings stays with the property. Mr. Sutter indicated it would and suggested the applicant would sign a statement forfeiting rights and it would become part of the property file, available for any future buyers to view. Commissioner Strand inquired as to how often this has come up. Planner Sutter stated it had come up once in the last several months. Commissioner Heigel asked if there are landscape requirements for rear yards (i.e. ponds, waterfalls, walkways, terraces, landscaping wall, etc.) Mr. Sutter explained that retaining walls would require a permit, and if topography does not require a retaining wall, fence regulations would likely address the issue. Commissioner Johnson expressed his opinion that the trade off of allowing the expansion into the rear setback and forfeiting rights to accessory buildings seems fair, but doubts many will Approved Minutes of the October 10, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 of 4 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\10.10\minutes.doc take advantage of this allowance. Mr. Sutter stated that the city is trying to be a little less orthodox. 14) No comments from commission F. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. City Council action on previous Planning Commission items was reviewed 2. Quarterly Development Status Report available for review 3. Staff preview of likely agenda items for November 14, 2011 meeting include possible amendment to the Comprehensive Plan regarding the Cavanaugh School property. G. OPEN FORUM – None heard H. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Buck and seconded by Commissioner Strand to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.