03-25-1986 PC MIN
.
.
.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
MARCH 25, 1986
Members Present: Chairman Tralle. Commissoiners Temple, Warner, Wilson,
Fuchs, Merrick and Barrett
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator
1. Call meeting to order.
Chairman Tralle called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Consider Agenda for the March 25. 1986 Planning Commission Me.ting
The following corrections to the February 25, 1986 Planning Commission
were noted:
Commissioner Merrick indicated that line two of Item 3 should be revised
to read "Commissioner Wilson". Chairman Tralle indicated that on page two
of Item 4 should read "COMMISSIONER TEMPLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION PASSED 6-0". Commissioner Fuchs noted that on page eight, Item 9,
condition 6 should be revised to read "To allow the developer to develop
the roads in two phases and the road be supplied with a cul-de-sac for
turn around for snow removal. Also on page 10, Item 12 should be revised
to read Funeral Homes should be included to serve as buffer between
residential and commercial property.
The following corrections to the minutes of the joint meeting of March 17,
1986 were noted:
Commissioner Fuchs noted that on page four, third paragraph. the date
should be revised to read August 24, 1984.
COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER
WILSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 7-0.
3.5 Elk River 2001 Conference
Commissioner Wilson reviewed the conference schedule with the Planning
Commission. He noted that the sponsors for the year 2001 Conference were:
Elk River Star News, Riverwood Conference Center, Sherburne County
Extension, District 728 Community Education. Commissioner Wilson further
noted that the goals of the project was to make us aware of trends for the
future and to open a dialogue on setting community goals for the future.
Commissioner Wilson further indicated he would like to see the Planning
Commission members attend this conference.
4. Ordinance Interpretation on Archery Shop and Accessory Shooting Lane in a
C1 Zone District
.
.
.
Page 2
Planning Commission Minutes
March 25, 1986
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission if they were charging for
shooting lanes it would be considered recreational and, therefore
nonconforming; if they were not charging for the use of the lanes it would
be considered a accessory use of the building.
5. Ordinance Interpretation of Restaurants
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the expansion of the
bar part of Broadway Bar should be treated as a non-conforming use.
6. Consider Variance Request for Jerry Johnson/Public Hearins
Mr. Jerry Johnson of 7976 Odean Avenue. N.E. in Elk River stated he was
requesting a 2 foot encroachment on the 20 foot side yard setback to
accommodate a 4 foot deck around his house to use as a fire escape. Mr.
Johnson further indicated the deck would only encroach on the east.
Chairman Tralle opened the public hearing.
Mr. John Urbanski a neighbor on the west was in favor of the request.
Chairman Tralle closed the public hearing.
Stephen Rohlf,
primary reason
fire escape.
the Building and Zoning Administrator noted that the
for the deck around his house was so that he would have a
COMMISSIONER MERRICK MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT JERRY
JOHNSON OF 7976 ODEAN AVENUE IN ELK RIVER BE GRANTED A VARIANCE.
COMMISSIONER WARNER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 7-0.
7. Consider Variance Request for Tom McNair/Public Hearing
Mr. Tom McNair who lives at 22175 Grant Street N.W. in Elk River presented
this item to the Planning Commission and indicated he was requesting a
variance from the 600 foot setback so as to construct a pole style
building. Mr. McNair further indicated they burn wood and this building
would be used mainly for the storage of wood. Mr. McNair also indicated
the building would be brown or green in color as to blend in with the
landscaping.
.
.
.
Page 3
Planning Commission Minutes
March 25, 1986
Chairman Tralle opened the public hearing. No one appeared for or in
opposition of the request.
Chairman Traled closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT '1'HB
VARIANCE REQUEST BY MR. TOM MCNAIR BE GRANTED TO CONSTRUCT A POLE STYLE
BUILDING NOT TO EXCEED 1,000 SQUARE FEET. COMMISSIONER BARRETT SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 7-0.
8. Consider Variance Request for Virgil Sonju/Public Hearing
Mr. Sonju was present and indicated he lives at 18204 Albany Street in Elk
River. Mr. Sonju noted he was requesting a 10 foot encroachment on the 20
foot side yard setback. He further indicated he wanted to add on to his
existing garage which is a car and half would like to expand it to a two
car garage.
Commissioner Temple asked if this addition would stay in the same line as
the existing garage. Mr. Sonju indicated it would stay in the same line
as the existing garage and they were intending to reshingle both and you
would not be able to tell the difference.
Chairman Tralle opened the public hearing.
Mr. Robert Turcotte, Mr. Sonju's neighbor was present and indicated he had
no problem with the variance and felt it would not take away from the
value of his property.
Chairman Tralle closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER MERRICK MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE A
10 FOOT ENCROACHMENT ON THE 20 FOOT SIDE YARD SETBACK TO ACCOMMODATE A 10
FOOT ADDITION TO HIS EXISTING GARAGE. COMMISSIIONER WARNER SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 7-0.
9. Consider Variance Request for Jerry Minor/Public Hearing
Mr. Jerry Minor and Mr. Dan BeatIe were present and they indicated they
were requesting an increase of 94 square feet of signage on his building
to accommodate the House of Rental. Mr. Minor noted that there were two
existing uses, Mr. Tire and a future use, The House of Rental. He noted
that Mr. Tire used most of the permitted amount of signage.
Stephen Rohlf, the Building and Zoning Administrator indicated that Mr.
Minor's request came in 94 square feet over the total amount allowed and a
variance would be required.
Page 4
.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 25, 1986
Mr. Minor noted that because the House of Rental was opening for business
April 1, and because of a misunderstanding between Mr. Rohlf and myself,
there was not time for a variance to allow House of Rental signage before
they opened for business. The Building and Zoning Administrator indicated
there was a misunderstanding between Mr. Minor and myself. I indicated
that if his total amount of signage went over the amount permitted by a
few square feet, the code was still met and a variance would not be
required. Mr. Minor's request came in 94 square feet over the total
amount allowed.
Discussion was carried on regarding the signage and Commissioner Fuchs was
not in favor in exceeding the allowable frontage. Chairman Tralle
indicated that in fairness of the ordinance, he was oppossed to going over
the allowable amount. Commissioner Merrick felt that we would be setting
a precident for people coming in late and would be opening up a can of
worms if we grant this variance.
Mr. Minor felt this was being unfair and needed this sign as their
business depended on this.
It was the concensus of the Planning Commission because of the
misunderstanding they felt they would allow Mr. Minor 34 square feet more
signage than would normally be permitted.
.
COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL '1'0 APPROVl A
VARIANCE OF 20 SQUARE FEET, THIS WOULD INCLUDE 290 SQUARE FEET FREE-
STANDING SIGNS ON POST IN FRONT OF BUILDING AND TWO 60 SQUARE FEET SIGNS
ON THE BUILDING ITSELF. COMMISSIONER WARNER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION PASSED 7-0.
10. Consider Variance Request for Standard Lumber/Public Hearing
Mr. Thomas Weiss representing Standard Lumber was present and indicated
they were requesting a 47 foot encroachment on the required 50 foot front
yard setback to build an addition. He further noted that the addition
would be steel frame with corrigated steel roofing and siding and a
precast concrete slab. Also that the addition would stay in the same line
as the existing building.
Chairman Tralle opened the public hearing. No one appeared for or in
opposition of the request.
Chairman Tralle closed the public hearing.
The Building
granted, the
closest to
construction
and Zoning Administrator indicated that if a variance is
building code would require that the side of the addition
4th Street be constructed of a one-hour fire resistive
and no openings would be permitted in the wall.
.
COMMISSIONER WARNER RECOMMENDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE '!'HI
VARIANCE FOR STANDARD LUMBER FORA 46 ENCROACHMENT ON THE REQUIRED 50 FOOT
FRONT SETBACK. COMMISSIONER BARRETT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MO'l'ION
PASSED 7-0.
.
.
.
Page 5
Planning Commission Minutes
March 25, 1986
11. Consider Variance Request for Elk River Machine/Public Hearing
Mr. Larry Ebert presented this item to the Planning Commission and
indicated he was requesting a 32.5 encroachment on the required 50 foot
front setback in a medium industrial zone to build an addition. He
further indicated the building would stay in the same line as the existing
building.
Chairman Tralle opened the public hearing. No one appeared for or in
opposition of the request.
The Building and Zoning Administrator noted that the building would stay
in the same line as the existing building and would be buildable as far as
building code requirements.
COMMISSIONER WARNER RECOMMENDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE A VARIANCE
lOR ELK RIVER MACHINE FOR A 46 FOOT ENCROACHMENT ON THE REQUIRED 50 FOOT
FRONT SETBACK. COMMISSIONER BARRETT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
PASSED 7-0.
13. Consider Zone Change Request by ITT Thorpe/Public Hearing
This item was held at this time because of the fact
representative from Item 12 was not present at this time.
that
the
Mr. Andrew Wojanowicz presented
indicated he was requsting a
multi-family to accommodate a 12
was difficult to get land and
family housing.
this item to the Planning Commission and
zone change from R1C single family to R3
unit apartment. He further indicated it
felt we were in a need for more single
Chairman Tralle opened the public hearing.
Mr. Rasmussen of 335 Line Avenue was present and indicated he was against
the zone change indicating that it would be noisy and reduce the value
of housing in that area.
Mr. Laverne Johnson of 371 Lane Avenue in the Johnson Plat was against the
zone change as he felt we did not need one apartment to change the zoning
in that area.
Mr. Sydney Reed of 530 Auburn Place was against the zone change and felt
we do not need another apartment type structure in that area.
Chairman Tralle closed the public hearing.
The Building and Zoning Administrator felt the people had a legitimate
concern not wanting to see this rezoned.
Chairman Tralle was against the proposal as this was considered in the
past and was denied.
Commissioner Warner would like to see it stay R1C Single Family.
.
.
.
Page 6
Planning Commission Minutes
March 25, 1986
It was the consensus
Zoning Administrator
open for building.
of the Planning Commission that the Building &
work with Mr. Wojanowicz to find new lots that are
COMMISSIONER WARNER MOVED
ZONE CHANGE BY ITT THORPE.
MOTION PASSED 7-0.
TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO DENY THE
COMMISSIONER MERRICK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
14. Consider Site Plan Review for Coast to Coast
Dick Nelson of Johnson Sheldon & Sorenson Architects, representing Coast
to Coast, present the site plan review for the proposed Coast to Coast
Store. Mr. Nelson stated the lot was a Planned Unit Development area and
they would be using the same materials as Pamida and the existing shopping
center.
One of the concerns of the Planning Commission was drainage. This was to
be reviewed by Terry Maurer, the City Engineer. They were also concerned
about the loading area and indicated the area should be designated on the
site plan and should not interfere with the 20' fire lane.
Discussion was held regarding the number of parking stalls and if it were
in keeping with the Elk River City Ordinance. The Building and Zoning
Administrator indicated that according to the site plan this has been met.
Commission Fuchs asked what the code was for handicap parking. The
Building and Zoning Administrator indicated that at least one handicap
parking stall must be provided within a minimum of the 12 foot and the
building must be handicap accessible. He further indicated he would like
to see all trash receptacles screened and also itentified on the site
plan .
Mr. Nelson went on to explain the landscaping and noted this would be
consistent with the rest of the shopping center. Commissioner Temple
indicated she would like to see more green space and the outlining area
sodded. Commissioner Merrick indicated safety should be the first concern
regarding the green spaces and would like to follow what the site plan has
on it and felt the landscaping was acceptable.
The Building and Zoning Administrator indicated that all signage that
Coast to Coast would like to have on this site should be reflected on this
site plan and approved by the Council.
Further discussion was held regarding Barthel's proposal for a building
10,150 square feet and the developer's agreement states that the proposed
building on this lot shall not exceed 10,000 square feet. The staff and
the Planning Commission felt this met the intent of the Developer's
Agreement and should not be a problem.
Page 7
.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 25, 1986
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that they would like Russ
Anderson to review the site plan regarding the sprinkler system for fire
protection which must be provided in the building.
COMMISSIONER MERRICK MOVED TO APPROVE THE SITE PLAN lOR COAST TO COAST
WITH THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE BUILDING AND ZONING
ADMINISTRATOR'S MEMO AND AN ADDITIONAL STIPULATION THAT THE SITE PLAN BE
REVIEWED BY RUSS ANDERSON. COMMISSIONER TEMPLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION PASSED 7....0.
12. Consider Variance Request for Lloyd Anderson/Public Hearing
Mr. Ron Black from the law firm Terpstra and Black was present to
represent Mr. Lloyd Anderson in requesting a 6 foot variance instead of
the 15' foot encroachment on the 35 foot front yard setback for a dwelling
in an R1b sewered lot. Mr. Black noted that they were requesting this
variance so as the dwelling would look good and would be in line with the
other houses.
Chairman Tralle opened the public hearing. There was no one for or in
opposition of the request.
Chairman Tralle closed the public hearing.
.
Mr. Black indicated they would be comfortable with a 11 foot setback as
the dirt used for the walkout would be pushed to the back.
The Building
lot has had
this lot he
footings.
and Zoning Administrator, Stephen Rohlf indicated that this
fill already brought to it and that prior to building upon
would like to see the soil tested to prove suitability for
COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE
VARIANCE FOR THE 11 FOOT ENCROACHMENT ON THE 35 FOOT FRONT YARD SETBACK
AND A 24 SETBACK EQUAL TO THE ADJACENT PROPERTY. COMMISSIONER WARNER
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 7....0.
14.5 Model Home Definition
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that Steve Rohlf, the
Building and Zoning Administrator check with surrounding areas regarding
model homes used for real estate offices.
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER WARNER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING. COMMISSIONER MERRICK SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 7-
o.
The Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
· sJUAlhV/l7tWL
Sharon Maue
Recording Secretary