06-23-1987 PC MIN
.
. 3.
.
MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
JUNE 23. 1987
Members Present:
Chairman Wilson. Commissioners Barrett, Fuchs,
Kropuenske and Temple.
Members Absent:
Kimball and Morton
Staff Present:
Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator
1. The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman Wilson at
7:08 p.m.
2. Consider 6/23/87 Planning Commission Agenda
Item 4 Preliminary Plat Review
request of the peti~ioner, Gerald
Permit by Larry & Brenda Billmark
request. Item 16.5 Gravel Pits
Commissioner Kropuenske.
of Deerfield IV was tabled at the
Smith. Item #9 - Conditional Use
was withdrawn at the petitioner's
was added at the request of
COMMISSIONER BARRETT MOVED TO APPROVE THE 6/23/87 PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER TEMPLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
PASSED 5-0.
Consider 5/26/87 Planning Commission Minutes
Commissioner Fuchs noted that on Page 3, Item #6 - Variance Request by
Grant and Mary Oppegaard failed to be placed in the minutes.
COMMISSIONER FUCRS MOVED TO
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES.
THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
HAVE ITEM #6 ADDED TO THE MAY 26, 1987
COMMISSIOER BARRETT SECONDED THE MOTION.
The 5/26/87 Planning Commission
Planning Commission at their July
minutes
meeting.
will
looked at again by the
4. Preliminary Plat Review of Deerfield IV By Gerald Smith/P.R.
This item was tabled at the request of Mr. Gerald Smith.
5.
Ordinance Amendment
(6B) - Conditional
Mrs. Dawn Clark Amending Section 900.16
Stores and Shops' in C-3B Zon.. P.H.
Re
Uses
Staff member, Stephen Rohlf introduced this item. He indicated that
historically the C-3B zone is sensitive in nature due to the concern of
the corridor affect entering Elk River. He further indicated that there
is only one area located in Elk River that is zoned C-3B and that is
along Highway 10, a major corridor entering into Elk River in the very
southeast corner of the city. Mr. Rohlf went on to say that staff was
recommending approval of this ordinance amendment because it was to allow
retail stores and shops as a conditional use with which the Planning
Commission and Council could set conditions on proposed stores to assure
their compatibility with the plan for this major corridor entering into
Elk River.
.
.
.
Page 2
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 1987
Chairman Wilson read the current conditional uses allowed in C-3B zones.
Mrs. Dawn Clark, the petitioner for this ordinance amendment, stated that
she currently runs her business in Anoka, Minnesota and sells furniture,
knick nicks etc. She felt that well done retail stores could enhance the
corridor entering into Elk River.
Chairman Wilson stated that Mrs. Clark's proposed store shouldn't be part
of the discussion of the ordinance amendment since the ordinance
amendment does not deal specifically with her use but the C-3B zone in
general.
Chairman Wilson opened the public hearing. Dan Chartier of Town and
Country Cedar Log Homes stated that he felt the C-3B zone currently had
lots of retail uses in it existing. He went on to say that he felt gift
shops would not be a whole lot different than some of the uses currently
allowed.
There being none else for or aginst this item Chairman Wilson closed the
public hearing.
Mr. Wilson went on to to question the staff as to what was the original
intent of the C-3B zone. Staff member Stephen Rohlf indicated that he
was not totally sure of the entire history of that zone. Mr. Wilson
spectulated that besides the corridor affect there may have been concerns
with the enhancement of the downtown area and the feeling that service
businesses should be on the outlying areas such as the currently zoned C-
3B property.
Commissioner Temple stated that she felt the concerns in that zone would
be asthenics of the corridor and also traffic. She went on to say that
other uses that are currently allowed in that zone in her mind would be
worse for these concerns than retail stores and shops.
Commissioner Fuchs questioned staff about the possibility of future
frontage roads in that C-3B zone.
Staff member Steven Rohlf indicated that the setbacks from the Highway in
that zone are currently 25 ft., which leaves little room for a service
road. He stated that service roads may not be a bad idea within that
zone and should be a topic for the growth management task force.
COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REQUEST BY MRS. DAWN CLARK TO ALLOW RETAIL STORES AND
SHOPS AS A CONDITIONAL USE WITHIN A C-3B ZONED DISTRICT. COMMISSIONER
KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
.
.
.
Page 3
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23. 1987
------------------------------------------
6.
Conditional Use Permit Request by Mrs. Dawn C1ark/P.H.
Stephen Rohlf. Building and Zoning Administrator. introduced this item by
explaining that Dawn Clark of 11411 Yucca Street NW. Coon Rapids.
Minnesota. is requesting a conditional use permit to allow a gift shop in
a C-3B/Highway Commercial zone. He went on to say that this conditional
use permit would be contingent upon the ordinance amendment to allow
retail stores and shops within C-3B zoned property being approved by the
Council. He explained that Mrs. Clark's proposal is to use the eastern
most Cedar Log Home that is currently existing as a gift shop where she
could display her items in home setting versus being on a shelf in a
store. He also addressed his comments and conerns mentioned in his memo
dated June 18. 1987.
Mrs. Clark gave further details of her proposal.
Commissioner Temple questioned the width of the walkway to the proposed
building and also the handicap accessibility of that building.
Staff member Stephen Rohlf stated he felt that these issues were building
code issues and hated to comment on them prior to doing a thorough plan
check.
Chairman
favoring
hearing.
Wilson opened the
or opposing this
pub lic
request.
hearing. There being no comments
Chairman Wilson closed the public
Staff member Stephen Rohlf noted that Mrs. Clark's site plan had parking
proposed and the vacated portion of Cleveland Avenue. He recommended
that Town and Country Cedar Log Homes varify what is legally their lot
lines prior to a building permit being issued or preferably prior to the
Council acting on this conditional use permit.
Commissioner Barrett questioned Mrs. Clark on her signage needs.
Mrs. Clark indicated that
member Stephen Rohlf told
signs and to check with him
permit.
she would like an off premise sign. Staff
her there were strict rules on off premise
prior to putting any up and obtaining a sign
COMMISSIONER BARRETT RECOMMENDED
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE
MRS. CLARK'S RETAIL STORE WITH THE
1. THAT A RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT TO SHARE PARKING AND ACCESS FOR THE TWO
LOTS OWNED BY TOWN AND COUNTRY CEDAR LOG HOMES BE RECORDED ON THE
PROPERTY.
2. THAT LOT LINES AND ACCESS TO THE PROPERTY BE VERIFIED BY TOWN AND
COUNTRY CEDAR LOG HOMES.
3.
THAT A MINIMUM OF 7 PARKING STALLS. THREE FOR THE RETAIL STORE AND
FOUR FOR THE MODEL HOME ON THE ADJACENT LOT BE INCLUDED AND THAT
THIS PARKING LOT BE HARDSURFACED AND STRIPED.
.
.
.
Page 4
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23. 1897
4.
A MAXIMUM OF 250 SQUARE FEET OF SIGNAGE INCLUDING ONE FREE STANDING
SIGN.
S. THAT ALL APPROPRIATE BUILDING CODES BE MET TO ALTER THIS MODEL HOME
INTO A RETAIL STORE.
6. A TWO YEAR REVIEW OF THIS CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
COMMISSIONER FUCHS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
7.
Conditional Use Permit for Central Lutheran Church/P.H.
Staff introduced this item by saying Central Lutheran Church located at
1103 School Street, Elk River is requesting a conditional use permit to
allow a 9.600 sq. ft. to 13,600 sq. ft. addition to the church and that
the church lies within an R-1C single family zoned district in which
churches are a conditional use. Mr. Rohlf went on to say that Russ
Anderson, Fire Chief has reviewed this site plan and has indicated the
hydrant locations currently existing on School Street are adequate as
well as the proposed ingress and egress to the property for fire
protection. Mr. Jack Holmes, Architect for the Central Lutheran Church
indicated that the proposed main seating area is what the church intends
to build immediately, but would like the option to build an
approximately 4,000 sq. ft. fellowship hall directly south of the main
seating area and that this was the difference in the two square footages
proposed by the church.
Chairman
favoring
Wilson opened
or opposing
the public hearing. There being no comments
the requests, Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Temple questioned whether there was enough drives entering
onto School Street to move traffic in and out of the church parking lot.
Staff member Stephen Rohlf said that he felt comfortable with the
arrangement of the drives.
Discussion was carried on about the outside appearance of the building.
Mr. Jack Holmes indicated that the building would be brick.
COMMISSIONER TEMPLE MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH TO EXPAND THEIR
CURRENT FACILITY WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THAT THE SIGNAGE ALLOWED FOR THE CHURCH BE AS PER THE SIGN CODE.
2. THAT THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES BE AS REQUIRED PER THE
CITY ORDINANCE AND THAT THESE PARKING SPACES BE HARDSURFACED AND
STRIPED.
3.
THAT THE CHURCH HAVE THE OPTION IN THE FUTURE OF ADDING THE
FELLOWSHIP HALL WITHOUT A FURTHER CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. HOWEVER,
THE FUTURE EXPANSION NOTED ON THE SITE PLAN WOULD AFFECT THE NUMBER
OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED AND, THEREFORE, WOULD NEED ANOTHER
~~mlIlfI~NAt UIl!! i'l!!RMI'l' ~O 'mAT IT CAN BE REVIEWED BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION AND COUNCIL.
.
.
.
Page 5
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23. 1987
4.
THAT HANDICAP ACCESS TO THE BUILDING BE ADDRESSED IN THE BUILDING
PERMIT.
S. THAT ALL AREAS THAT ARE NOT PARKING. DRIVE OR BUILDING BE LANDSCAPED
WITH AT LEAST GRASS.
6. THAT THE TRASH RECEPTICLE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHURCH BE SCREENED
WITH A DESIGN HARMONIOUS WITH THE APPEARANCE OF THE BUILDING.
7. THAT THE LIGHTING IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT BE A MINIMUM OF 1-1/2
FT. CANDLES.
8. A TWO YEAR REVIEW OF THIS CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
COMMISSIONER FUCHS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
10. Conditional Use Permit by Joseph St. Dennis/P.H.
Mr. Joseph St. Dennis was not at the meeting yet so this item was moved
to 12.A on the agenda.
11. Variance (Expansion of a Non-conforming Use) by Richard Kurth of
Broadway Bar/P.H.
Mr. Richard Kurth of 9481 Wellington Lane. Maple Grove. Minnesota. is
requesting an expansion of Broadway Bar which lies in a C3-A zone 'and is
at a grandfathered in non-conforming use. Commissioner Fuchs questioned
the separation of the parking lot for Broadway Bar from 167th Avenue. he
further indicated that it is currently somewhat of a traffic hazard not
having ingress/egress defined.
Commissioner Barrett questioned the tarring of the private frontage road
that runs from Jerry Miner's to Broadway Bar. Staff member Stephen Rohlf
stated that he felt that since that frontage road runs through the
Broadway Bar parking lot. which has parking on either side of that
private frontage road. that the parking lot area for Broadway Bar should
be defined so that through traffic takes caution in driving through
there. Mr. Kurth indicated that he had no problem with people driving
through his parking lot but would like to see his patrons protected from
that through traffic.
Further discussion was carried on about either fencing or curb stop to
separate the parking from surrounding areas. Lighting was the next topic
of discussion. Mr. Kurth indicated that he will be adding lights to the
front of his parking lot that would be directed away from adjacent
residential property and road right-of-way.
Drainage
Maurer.
drainage
drainage
of
City
was
plan.
the Broadway Bar parking lot was also discussed. Terry
Engineer. had reviewed the property and indicated that the
existing and felt that there is no need for detailed
Chairman
favoring
hearing.
Wilson opened the
or opposing this
public
request.
hearing. There being no comments
Chairman Wilson closed the public
Page 6
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 1987
~ COMMISSIONER TEMPLE MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
THE EXPANSION OF BROADWAY BAR. WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THAT PARKING BE AS PER THE SITE PLAN WITH 62 PARKING SPOTS.
2. THAT THE PARKING LOT FOR BROADWAY BAR BE SEPARATED FROM 167TH
WITH CURB STOP. EXCEPT FOR AN INGRESS AND EGRESS TO THAT PARKING
LOT.
3 . THAT THE LIGHTING FOR THE PARKING LOT BE A MINIMUM OF THREE FEET
CANDLES.
4. THAT THE REST OF THE PARKING LOT FOR BROADWAY BAR. OTHER THAN
THE SIDE ON 167TH. BE DEFINED WITH EITHER CURB STOP OR FENCE.
S. THAT THE EXISTING PINE TREES ARE ADEQUATE FOR SCREENING THE
PARKING LOT OF BROADWAY BAR FROM THE ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL
DISTRICT.
6. THAT MP EXIT FROM THE BASEMENT OF BROADWAY BAR BE ADDED ON THE
WEST SIDE OF THE BUILDING.
7. THAT THE DUMPSTER ASSOCIATED WITH BROADWAY BAR BE SCREENED.
~
B. THE PLANNING COMMISSION FELT THAT BROADWAY BAR MET THE STANDARDS
FOR AN EXPANSION OF A NON-CONFORMING USE.
9. THAT A FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY IS RECORDED ON THE
PROPERTY PUTTING. FUTURE PURCHASES ON NOTICE OF THE AMORTIZATION
PERIOD OF THIS NON~CONFORMING USE.
10. THAT AS PER RUSS ANDERSON'S. FIRE CHIEF. RECOMMENDATION THAT THE
DRIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PARKING LOT BE A MINIMUM OF 20 FEET
AS SHOWN ON THE SITE PLAN BE MAINTAINED OPEN FOR ACCESS IN CASE
OF FIRE.
11. THAT THE ENTRANCE TO THE PARKING LOT BE LOCATED NEAREST TO
HIGHWAY 10 IN THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE PARKING LOT AND THE
EXIT BE ONTO 167TH AVENUE ON THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE PARKING
LOT.
12. THAT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE PARKING LOT WHERE THE FRONTAGE
ROAD FROM SUN AND SWIM ENTERS INTO IT BE NARROWED DOWN AND
SIGNED SO THAT THROUGH TRAFFIC REALIZES THAT THEY ARE IN A
PARKING LOT.
13. THAT ALL AREAS NOT DESIGNATED PARKING BE LANDSCAPED OR
BLACKTOPPED FOR ROAD PURPOSES. AND THAT THE ENTIRE PARKING AND
DRIVE AREA IS TO BE RESURFACED AND STRIPED.
~
COMMISSIONER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
Page 7
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 1987
~ 12. Site Plan Review for Big Wheel Auto Store
Staff member Stephen Rohlf introduced the site plan review for Big Wheel
Auto Store to be located on Lot 5 Block 1, Elk River Plaza 2nd Addition.
Mr. Rohlf indicated that Jack Holms, Architect, for Big Wheel Auto was in
contact with him prior to drawing up the site plan and that most of
City's typical concerns were already addressed on the site plan as it is
proposed.
Discussion was carried on about the outside appearance of the building.
Mr. Holms indicated that there would be a mansard made of dark brown
baked enamel steel and that the main building would be earth tone
colored, rock face block.
Commissioner Temple questioned whether the pine trees on the site would
be left. Mr. Holms stated that he believed that the pine trees were in
highway right of way and would have to be retained.
COMMISSION FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF '!'HE
SITE PLAN FOR BIG WHEEL AUTO WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. SIGNAGE WAS NOT ADDRESSED AT THIS MEETING AND WILL HAVE TO GO
BACK THROUGH FOR PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW AND COUNCIL
APPROVAL.
.
2. ALL PARKING. LOADING AND DRIVE AREAS MUST BE HARD SURFACED.
!. '!'HE LIGHTING IN THE PARKING AREA ON THE BIG WHEEL AUTO SITE MUST
BE LIT TO A MINIMUM OF 3 FEET CANDLES AND THAT LIGHTING MUST BE
DIRECTED AWAY FROM ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL AND ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY.
4. THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE PARKING AS
PER '!'HE SITE PLAN. EXCEPT THEY RECOMMEND THE ELIMINATION OF TWO
PARKING SPACES ADJACENT TO THE NORTHERN TWO ACCESSES TO THE
BUILDING TO LEAVE A LANE OPEN FOR EXITING THE BUILDING AND FIRE
FIGHTING.
S. THE DRIVE AROUND THE BUILDING BE A MINIMUM OF 20 FEET IN WIDTH
AND MARKED FIRE LANE SO THAT NO PARKING WOULD BE ALLOWED IN IT.
6. THAT STAFF HAS RUSS ANDERSON'S. FIRE CHIEF. COMMENTS ON THE
ADEQUACY OF HYDRANTS PRIOR TO THE COUNCIL MEETING.
7. THAT ANY OUTSIDE RECEPTICLES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS BUILDING BE
SCREENED IN A DESIGN HARMONIOUS WITH THE DESIGN OF THE BUILDING.
9. THAT THE LOADING AREA ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SITE MUST BE
DESIGNATED ON THE SITE PLAN AND STRIPED SO THAT IT IS NOT TAKEN
UP WITH PARKING.
.
10. THAT THE LANDSCAPING ON THE SITE BE AS PER THE PROPOSED PLAN.
11. THE OUTSIDE APPEARANCE OF THE BUILDING BE ROCK FACE BLOCK DONE
IN EARTH TONES WITH A DARK BROWN BAKED ENAMEL. CORRIGATED METAL
MANSARD .
Page 8
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23. 1987
. COMMISSIONER BARRETT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
.
.
12.A Conditional Use Permit by Joseph St. Dennis/P.R.
Joseph St. Dennis of 21275 York Street of Elk River. requested a
conditional use permit to have an agricultural use (horses) in a platted
area. This proposed location was Lot 19 Block 1. Greenhead 3rd Addition.
Mr. St. Dennis indicated that he would have liked this agricultural use
on Lot 18. the lot on which his house sets. however. he owns lot 19 and
was informed that the agricultural use had to be on a lot 5 acres or
larger. Staff member Stephen Rohlf told him that this was not the case
in a Al zoned district. that requirement was for Rl districts. Therefore
Mr. St. Dennis requested that the conditional use be for lot 18. Staff
indicated that neighbors were put on notice for this general area and
felt that it would not be improper for the Planning Commission to
consider lot 18 for this conditional use permit.
Chairman Wilson noted that there was a history of horses in Greenhead
Acres and asked staff if there were any complaints about them. Staff
indicated that there was not. Chairman Wilson further questioned Mr. St.
Dennis about where he rides his horses. Chairman Wilson indicated that
he felt that horses do not necessarily belong on city streets.
Chairman
against
hearing.
the public hearing. Nobody appeared for or
therefore. Chairman Wilson closed the public
Wilson opened
this request.
COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
THIS CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS OKAY ON LOT 18 AS LONG AS THE 300
FEET SETBACK FROM AN AGRICULTURAL BUILDING TO THE NEAREST
NEIGHBORING RESIDENCE IS MET OR VARIANCE IS OBTAINED.
~
2. MR. ST. DENNIS CANNOT BOARD HORSES FOR ANYBODY ELSE.
3. TRIS CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS GOOD FOR A MAXIMUM OF FIVE
HORSES.
4. A TWO YEAR REVIEW ON THIS CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
COMMISSIONER TEMPLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
I
13.
Zone Change Request by Milo Hennemann/P.H.
Mr. Milo Hennemann of 151 Elk Hills Drive. Elk River. Minnesota.
requested a zone change from Rl-C. single-family residential to R2-A. two
family residential on the property legally described as the east 360 feet
of the west 660 feet of the south 375 feet of the northest quarter of the
northeast quarter of Section 34. Township 33. Range 26. Sherburne County.
Minnesota.
.
.
.
Page 9
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 1987
After staff introduced this item, Gary Santwire, representative of Milo
Hennemann, spoke. He felt that as twin homes it would act as a buffer
between the single-family and the adjacent commercial zones. He further
went on to say that he felt that this would not be a spot zone since
replat #5 of Barrington Place PUD, which is abutting this property, is
twin homes.
Commissioner Fuchs questioned the trees on the sight that he felt now act
as a buffer between the single-family and commerical. Commissioner Fuchs
also indicated that he felt that this zone change would reduce property
values in the residential area. Mr. Santwire responded by saying that
this property would either be developed as proposed with twin homes or
single-family homes, as it is currently zoned. He also felt that there
would be less impact on the trees buffering the existing single-family
with duplexes. His reasoning was that the same number of duplexes could
be built as single-family homes but be on half as many sites, and
therefore remove less trees.
Chairman Wilson opened the public hearing at this time. Nobody appeared
for or in opposition of this request, therefore, Chairman Wilson closed
the public hearing.
Commissioner Barrett indicated that he agreed with the proposal that it
would act as a buffer between the single-family residential and the
commerical districts. Mr. Barrett questioned staff at what the maximum
number of duplexes would be that could be put on this lot. Mr. Rohlf
indicated that the parcel was 3.5 acres and that eight density units per
acre as allowed in an R2-A district would make 28 units. Mr. Rohlf went
on to say that the maximum will not necessarily fit on each site, There
are other restraints and concerns that may reduce that.
Chairman Wilson indicated that he felt the request was reasonable and not
much more intense that the current zoning.
COMMISSIONER
THIS REQUEST.
BARRETT MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THAT MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Commissioner Kropuenske indicated that because of business dealing with
Mr. Santwire in the immediate area, he would obstain from this vote.
Commissioner Kropuenske questioned the Chairman on a point of order
whether he could second the motion proposed by Mr. Barrett even if he was
not going to vote on it. Chairman Wilson indicated that he believes that
could be appropriate.
COMMISSIONER
APPROVAL OF
THE MOTION.
COMMISSIONERS
OBSTAINED .
BARRETT AGAIN MOVED TO
THIS ZONE CHANGE REQUEST.
THE VOTE WAS 2 FOR.
FUCHS AND TEMPLE VOTED
RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL
COMMISSIONER KROPUENSKE SECONDED
TWO AGAINST AND 1 OBSTENSION.
NO. AND COMMISSIONER KROPUENSKE
.
.
.
Page 10
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23. 1987
14. Variance Request on the Maximum Length of a Dead-End Road by Milo
Hennemann/P.H.
Mr. Hennemann is requesting a 300 foot encroachment on a 500 foot maximum
length of a dead-end road on the same property that he was proposing a
zone change for on the previous agenda item. Staff introduced this item
and indicated that the reason for the maximum length requirement is for
safety reasons.
Mr. Gary Santwire was once again representing Milo Hennemann on this
request. Mr. Santwire indicated that there was an easement to access
this property which is the road that accesses the current City Hall
located at 720 Dodge Avenue.
Commissioner Fuchs stated that this property was not landlocked if it had
an easement to access it. Stephen Rohlf. Building and Zoning
Administrator. stated that without the variance on the maximum length on
a dead-end road. this parcel would have to remain undivided.
Further discussion was carried on regarding the safety aspects of
extending the length of a dead-end road. Mr. Rohlf indicated that with a
dead-end road over 500 feet in length has the chance of being blocked
without a second way to access development and when fire hoses are layed
out very much over 400 feet in length. reduced pressure becomes a
problem. He also added that Russ Anderson. Fire Chief. look at this
request and would require a hydrant on the end of that cul-de-sac.
Commissioner Fuchs questioned the 300 foot encroachment on the 500 foot
maximum length. Commissioner Fuchs stated that this would be an 800 foot
road and with the road that abuts the property being 350 feet in length.
that another 450 feet would bring them to the northern boundry of the
property.
Commissioner Fuchs questioned why such a long road. Mr. Santwire
responded to this by saying that they are looking at what could possibly
be the maximum and would probably not have a road that long.
Chairman Wilson opened the public hearing. Nobody appeared for or
against this request. therefore he closed the public hearing.
Chairman Wilson then read the five standards for a variance. It was a
general consensus that the first four standards were met very closely
since it would be hard. if not impossible. to spilt this parcel without
extending the length of their road and that would mean their parcel would
have to remain a 3 1/2 acre parcel in amongst a more densely populated
area. The fifth standard that the variance would not be injurious to the
health safety welfare of the citizens of Elk River was more questionable
as far as being met.
Futher discussion was carried on about the safety aspects of this
variance request.
Page 11
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23. 1987
.
COMMISSIONER BARRETT MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
'I'HIS VARIANCE REQUEST. COMMISSIONER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION PASSED 3-2. COMMISSIONER'S TEMPLE AND FUCHS OPPOSED.
Commissioner Kropuenske stated he voted on this issue because he felt
that the variance was needed no matter what zone the property ended up
as.
15. Variance Request by Allen Niemela/P.R.
Mr. Niemela of 1862 Main Street was requesting a 30 foot encroachment on
the 50 foot setback required from the ordinary high water mark of Lake
Orono to accomodate a garage. The garage would also need a 15 foot
encroachment on the 35 foot setback required from Main Street. This
property lies in a R1-B single-family. sewered district. The property is
legally described as Lot 1 Block 4. Orono Addition.
Staff member. Stephen Rohlf. indicated that the DNR was contacted in
regards to this variance and that since the proposed garage would stay in
line with existing structure on a lot that the DNR had no problem with
it. Mr. Rohlf went on to say that the same situation existed on the
encroachment onto Main Street. that the garage would stay in line with
the existing structure and no encroachment would be needed on the side
yard towards which the garage would extend.
.
Mr. Rohlf went on to indicate that he was not opposed to the variance.
however. he felt that the permit pulled by Mr. Niemela to remodel his
house in 1983 must be finished prior to a permit being pulled on the
garage. Mr. Rohlf indicated that he had received a number of complaints
from neighboring residents.
Chairman Wilson opened the public hearing. There being no comments for
or opposed. Chairman Wilson closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
or '!'HIS VARIANCE REQUEST WITH TRE STIPULATION THAT THE REMODELING PERMIT
OBTAINED BY MR. NIEMELA IN 1983 BE FINALED PRIOR TO THE PERMIT FOR THE
GARAGE BEING ISSUED. COMMISSIONER FUCRS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
PASSED 5-0.
16. Variance Request by Mr. Richard Gatzke/P.R.
Mr. Richard Gatzke
requesting a six
required in a A1
Gatzke's proposed
Addition.
of 2515 Rosewood Lane. Plymouth. Minnesota. is
foot encroachment on the 50 foot front yard setback
Agricultural zone district to accomodate a house. Mr.
location for his house is Lot 1. Block 2. Oak Meadows
.
Staff member Stephen Rohlf introduced this topic and indicated that he
had reviewed the property on the ground. and Mr. Gatzke's proposed house
if it met the setback would be pushed into a lower area on his property
that appears to retain water at certain times of the year and that it
would be questionable ground for footings. Mr. Rohlf went on to say that
the cul-de-sac pushes Gatzke's house back further than the other house
along the street and that even with the six foot encroachment his house
would not be out of line with the other houses.
Page 12
.
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 1987
------------------------------------------
Chairman
against
Wilson opened the public hearing. Nobody appeared for or
this item, therefore, Chairman Wilson closed the public hearing.
eOMMUlnONlR BARRE'l"1' MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
~HIS RlQUlST. COMMISSIONER TEMPLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
PASSED 5-0.
16.A GRAVEL PITS
The Planning Commission indicated that they were concerned about the
condition of the gravel pits in Elk River. Staff member Stephen Rohlf
noted that this was one of his priorities for a winter project to get a
good handle on gravel pits, however, he agreed that the timing to look
into this may be coming more urgent.
17. Planning Commission Representative to Attend Council Me.tins on 7/20/87
Commissioner Wilson
will represent the
Council meeting.
announced
Planning
that Commissioners Kropuenske and Temple
Commission at the July 20, 1987, City
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER BARRETT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER KROPUENSKE
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
.
The meeting adjourned at 12:05 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~ff
Building and Zoning Administrator
.