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01-11-2005 PC MIN . . . WORKSHOP MEETING NOTES ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, JANUARY II, 2004 Members Present: Chair Ropp, Commissioners Anderson, Lemke, Offerman, Scott, Stevens and Westgaard Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner; Chris Leeseberg, Planner; Rebecca Haug, Environmental Technician Also Present: Councilmember Motin 1. Review /Discuss Wetland Buffer Ordinance Rebecca Haug, Environmental Technician, was present to provide an overview of the draft Wetland Buffer Ordinance. She stated that adopting a wetland buffer ordinance was a recommendation from the Natural Resources Inventory. The City's Technical Evaluation Panel (fEP) met and researched ordinances from other communities. In the proposal for the City, the City's ordinance is less restrictive than those of other cities. The proposed ordinance would require a 45-foot setback from wetlands, which would allow for a 20-foot rear yard and a 25-foot vegetated wetland buffer. The buffer would be included in the drainage and utility easement, and would prohibit placement of structures, compost, etc. and only native, non-invasive species could be planted in the buffer. She stated that the requirements would apply to future residential, commercial and industrial plats in the future, and that they would not apply to plats currently approved or currently in the approval process. Commissioner Stevens asked how the "creeping yard" syndrome would be enforced. Ms. Haug stated that the developer will be required to place signage at the edge of the wetland buffer and that the developer will be required to plant native, non-invasive species in the buffer area, particularly if invasive, non-native species are present. Commissioner Stevens asked where residents could obtain information about proper vegetation. Ms. Haug noted they could contact her, information will be posted on the website, and the City's newsletter would be utilized on a regular basis. Commissioner Anderson asked if other communities had "wetland buffer officers". Ms. Haug stated that the City of Chanhassen has a staff person dedicated solely to wetland protection. She stated that enforcement will occur through complaints and the education of citizens. Commissioner Offerman asked what the definition of a structure was. He was particularly interested in whether dock-type structures would be allowed to traverse the wetland buffer area in order to access open water areas of larger wetlands. Ms. Haug stated that typically no structure including footings for docks would be allowed within the buffer area, but she would bring this issue back to the TEP for further review. . . . Planning Commission Meeting Notes January-ll,2005 Page 2 Commissioner Lemke asked what the current rear yard setbacks were and how floodplain requirements would impact the buffer area. Ms. Haug stated that floodplain requirements are usually greater. Mr. Lemke asked why residents couldn't mow to the wetland edge, and does not regular lawn filter pollutants as well as native plants. Ms. Haug stated that native wetland plants do a better job of filtering pollutants from storm water runoff due to the depth of their roots. Commissioner Offerman asked how changes in delineation and water levels would impact the buffer areas. The Commissions concurred that the ordinance was appropriate, but noted that they were concemed about the ability of the City staff to enforce proper use of the buffer area. Ms. Haug noted that the Council requested that developers be given an opportunity to comment on the ordinance prior to its adoption. 2. Review Bed and Breakfast Ordinance The Commission reviewed the draft definition and standards for bed and breakfast establishments. Much discussion ensued regarding placing bed and breakfast establishments in all commercial districts. The consensus of the Commission was to allow bed and breakfast establishments in only the C1 and C2 areas in existing residential structures. The Commission also discussed a permit process specifically to require registration of these types of uses, similar to the permitted home occupation that is currently in place. This will allow communication between Planning and Building & Environmental for code compliance, specifically, egress windows. Councilmember Motin felt that this was too restrictive. 3. Discuss Transportation Priorities The Planning Commission reviewed the transportation priorities in the context of the Natural Resources Inventory Map. The Commission illustrated its priorities on the Natural Resources Inventory Map. The Commission discussed at length the appropriate place for the southerly-most interchange on Highway 169; School Street versus Main Street. After much discussion, the consensus of the Commission was that Main Street and Highway 169 is the appropriate place for the full interchange. The Commission then went on to discuss the east-west connectors east of Highway 169 at 193rd Avenue, 197th Avenue, and School Street, and the County Road 33 to Nowthen Boulevard connection. The consensus of the Commission was that School Street should be done first, as it will provide an alternate access from Line Avenue, allowing people to access the Dodge Street commercial area south of School Street. The Commission also felt the County Road 33 to Nowthen Boulevard connection was more appropriate versus 197th Avenue, as much of the traffic traveling along this corridor will be coming from Anoka County and it did not appear to make sense to funnel those commuters into a residential area versus maintaining their presence on a County road with an interchange access at Highway 169. The Commission felt that the 193rd Avenue extension should be completed, either concurrently or shortly after completion of the School Street extension. . . . Planning Commission Meeting Notes January 11, 2005 Page 3 4. Discuss 175m Avenue Access Plan The Commission reviewed the access plan and land use for the area south of 175th Avenue. Senior Planner Scott Harlicker noted that the access points are fixed with full access points being located at Polk Circle and mid-way between Twin Lakes Road and Polk Circle, and a right-in, right-out access point from Twin Lakes Road. Commissioner Stevens stated that he would like to see high density residential in this area and that the streets should be 28 feet wide to allow for parking on one side. Commissioner Offerman concurred with that observation, but indicated that 24-foot wide streets would also be fine. The consensus of the Commission was that land uses and zoning should include mixed use and high density residential (apartments) near the intersection of 175m Avenue and Twin Lakes Road, transitioning to townhomes or medium density residential to the east. 5. Review University of Minnesota Design Center Slides The Commission reviewed a number of the Best Innovative Development photographs located on the University of Minnesota's Design Center's website. Photos included Jackson Meadows, Clover Place, and others. 6. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.rn. Submitted by, Michele McPherson Director of Planning