2016-01-26 Planning Comm Minutes
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSON MINUTES
January 26, 2016
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, January
26, 2016 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 P.M.
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Litton Field, Jr., Commissioners Howard
Roston, Michael Noonan, Doug Hennes, Mary Magnuson, Christine Costello and Ansis Viksnins.
Those absent: None. Others present were City Planner Nolan Wall and Public Works Director/City
Engineer John Mazzitello.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as submitted.
Approval of November 24, 2015 Minutes
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSTON TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 24, 2015, AS PRESENTED.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
Hearings
PLANNING CASE #2016-02
Sean Doyle, S.D. Companies, LLC., 755 Willow Lane
Lot Split and Wetlands Permit
City Planner Nolan Wall explained that the applicant, on behalf of the property owners, has
requested a lot split on the subject parcel at 755 Willow Lane as well as a wetlands permit for
construction activity within 100 feet of a wetland/water resource-related area.
Planner Wall shared an image of the lots’ location in the Bunker Hills Neighborhood; south of
Marie Avenue, west of Dodd Road, north of Highway 110. The subject parcel was approximately
one acre, contains an existing single-family dwelling, zoned R-1, and guided for low density
residential in the Comprehensive Plan. Marie Creek runs through the northwest corner of the lot.
The applicant intends to demolish the existing home and then construct two new single-family
homes on the newly-created lots. This subdivision would create two lots, both of which are in
excess of the 15,000 square foot minimum lot size requirement in the R-1 District. Parcel A would
be 23,296 square feet and Parcel B would be 19,702 square feet. Both parcels would have over
100 feet of frontage at the 30-foot setback line and are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
January 26, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 1
As part of the building permit process, the required setbacks for the new dwellings, as well as
compliance with the first floor elevation requirement, will be verified at that time.
Planner Wall shared an image showing the grading plan that was submitted with the 100-foot
buffer line for the wetlands permit. This line does encompass portions of both proposed parcels
and, based on the proposed building pads, construction of the new dwellings will require grading
within that buffer area requiring the wetlands permit. Slopes greater than 25% and the 25-foot non-
disturb buffer area requirements are being adhered to. According to the applicant, no vegetation
will be removed within the 100-foot buffer area. Based on the preliminary review of the proposed
development, staff does not feel that there are any negative impacts to the creek.
Staff recommended approval of this request.
Commissioners asked questions regarding the location of the existing dwelling and the footprint
of the proposed dwellings, proposed setbacks, teardowns, first floor elevation requirements, and
conditions of the request. Planner Wall then reviewed the proposed conditions of approval.
Mr. Sean Doyle of S.D. Companies, LLC., 700 Apache Lane, was asked to come forward and
address the Commission. He indicated that recording the lot split and demolition of the existing
dwelling would occur immediately upon approval and that construction on Parcel B (the easterly
lot) would likely follow relatively soon.
Chair Field opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close the public
hearing.
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NOONAN, TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENNES, TO
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING CASE 2016-02, LOT SPLIT AND WETLANDS
PERMIT BASED ON THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. The proposed subdivision meets the purpose and intent of the City Code and is consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan.
2. The proposed development meets the purpose and intent of the Wetlands Systems Chapter
of the City Code, will not negatively impact the neighborhood’s existing drainage system,
and no grading or vegetation removal will occur within the required 25-foot non-disturb
buffer area.
3. Adequate erosion control measures will be observed during construction.
AND WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. The existing single family dwelling is demolished prior to the subdivision being recorded
by Dakota County.
January 26, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 2
2. Park dedication fee in the amount of $4,000, in lieu of land, is collected after City Council
approval and before being recorded by Dakota County or issuance of any additional permits
by the City.
3. Street reconstruction assessment fee in the amount of $3,900, as part of Bunker Hills Street
Reconstruction 95-14/Improvement 96-3, is collected after City Council approval and
before being recorded by Dakota County or issuance of any additional permits by the City.
4. The applicant shall dedicate drainage and utility easements across the entire 25-foot non-
disturb buffer area from the edge of Marie Creek on both proposed parcel, to be denoted
on the Certificate of Survey submitted to Dakota County.
5. Connection charges for sanitary sewer and water main shall be paid prior to issuance of a
building permit.
6. The applicant shall submit grading and utility plans and a dimensioned site plan with
associated easements, subject to review and approval by the Engineering Department as
part of any building permit application.
7. No disturbance, besides installation of erosion control measures during construction, shall
occur within 25 feet of the edge of Marie Creek or on slopes greater than 25%.
8. All grading and construction activity will be in compliance with applicable federal, state,
and local regulations and codes, as well as in compliance with the City’s Land Disturbance
Guidance Document.
9. Future construction on the newly-created parcels will be compliant with all applicable City
Code provisions.
10. The applicant shall begin the work authorized by the wetlands permit within ninety (90)
days and be completed within twelve (12) months from the date of approval, unless an
administrative extension is granted prior to the permit’s expiration.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its February 2, 2016
meeting.
PLANNING CASE #2016-03
City of Mendota Heights
Proposed City Code Amendments concerning subdivision regulations
City Planner Nolan Wall explained that the City of Mendota Heights is considering amendments
to various sections of Title 11 of the City Code concerning subdivision regulations. Staff had
identified several issues with the existing regulations; the bulk of which were adopted in 1991 and
there were subsequent amendments in 2003 and in 2009. The proposed amendments included in
the draft ordinance include administrative and regulatory modifications.
Staff reviewed past subdivision requests, platting guidance manuals, and consulted with the
Dakota County Surveying Department in order to update certain sections and then to identify those
issues that needed to be addressed within the draft ordinance.
January 26, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 3
Planner Wall briefly summarized each section and fielded questions from the Commission.
Commissioners also made suggestions for clarification within the draft ordinance.
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NOONAN, TO
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING CASE 2016-03, DRAFT ORDINANCE 490, AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 11, CHAPTERS 1, 2, 3 AND 6 OF THE CITY CODE OF
THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, DAKOTA COUNTY, CONCERNING
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS AS AMENDED BY THE COMMISSION.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its February 2, 2016
meeting.
Commissioner Roston left the meeting at 8:00 p.m. for a previous appointment. He shared his
concerns related to Planning Case 2016-04 with Commissioner Noonan.
PLANNING CASE #2016-04
City of Mendota Heights
Proposed City Code Amendments concerning Industrial Zoning District uses
City Planner Nolan Wall explained that the City of Mendota Heights is considering amendments
to various sections of Title 12, Chapter 1, Article G of the City Code concerning uses in the
Industrial Zoning District. The City recently finalized the Industrial District Redevelopment Plan
and is proceeding with implementing several of the recommendations included in the plan. The
recommendations were developed as a result of surveying property owners and managers, tenants,
and brokers; a market analysis completed by a commercial real estate firm; Planning
Commission/City Council joint workshop; and then the City Council was presented this
information and had several discussions regarding the implementation strategy. More specifically,
at the January 4 City Council workshop staff received direction to proceed with the process to
consider revisions to the uses that are allowed in the Industrial District.
Planner Wall then gave a definition of the following terms: Permitted Uses, Conditional Uses,
Interim Uses, and Accessory Uses.
After lengthy discussion regarding the list of permitted uses, the Commission requested that staff
bring back examples of what surrounding communities have on their list of permitted uses.
Planner Wall briefly summarized each section, fielded questions from the Commission;
discussions occurred and suggestions made.
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NOONAN, TO
KEEP THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AND TO TABLE ORDINANCE NO. 491 AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 12, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE G OF THE CITY CODE OF
THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, DAKOTA COUNTY, CONCERNING
January 26, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 4
USES IN THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT UNTIL THE FEBRUARY 23, 2016 PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Roston)
2016 Commission Meeting Calendar
Planner Wall shared the 2016 meeting calendar for review by the Commission. All dates are the
4th Tuesday of the month with the normal 7:00 P.M. start time. The Commission agreed upon the
regular meeting dates as presented:
January 26 July 26
February 23 August 23
March 22 September 27
April 26 October 25
May 24 November 22 (Thanksgiving week)
June 28 December 27 (Hanukkah begins 12/25)
2015 Planning Department Summary
In cooperation with other city departments, the Planning Commission, and the Consulting
Planner, the Planning Department accomplished the following tasks in 2015:
1. Reviewed 23 building permits for construction of new homes, including:
11 single-family homes
12 twin-homes (Summit and Lemay Shores developments)
2. Processed 43 applications (some with multiple requests), including:
5 Conditional Use Permits
14 Variances
6 Lot Splits
8 Wetlands Permits (2 administrative)
9 Code Amendments (see #3)
2 Plats
6 Critical Area Permits
1 Comprehensive Plan Amendment
1 Lot Line Adjustment
1 Interim Use Permit
1 Appeal
3. Considered amendments to various sections of the City Code, including:
After-the-fact permit fees
Peddlers/food trucks
Wireless antenna upgrades
January 26, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 5
Trade school definition
Interim uses
Video/electronic display scoreboards
Off-leash dog area
Alternative energy systems
Single-family residential standards
4. Processed code enforcement complaints for 43 properties.
5. Planned the annual Spring Clean-Up Event, including:
362 participants
18,000 lbs. shredded paper (approx.)
8,280 lbs. of electronics
56 mattresses/box springs
9,560 lbs. scrap metal
Verbal Review
Planner Wall gave the following verbal review:
PLANNING CASE #2015-39
Boyd Ratchye and Susan Light, 2270 Wagon Wheel Court
Preliminary and Final Plat
• Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission
PLANNING CASE #2015-40
Alan and Gloria Weinblatt /Brian and Jamie Nordin, 754 and 750 Upper Colonial Drive
Lot Line Adjustment
• Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission
PLANNING CASE #2015-41
City of Mendota Heights, Portion of Wentworth Park
Lot Split and Variance
• Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission
PLANNING CASE #2015-42
Mark Gergen, 789 Ridge Place
Lot Split and Variance
• Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission
PLANNING CASE #2015-43
Michael Development, 2160 Sibley Memorial Highway
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
• Following the public hearing and Planning Commission recommendation, this application
was withdrawn and did not proceed to the City Council
January 26, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 6
Staff and Commission Announcements
Highway 13 re-opened on Monday, January 25, 2016. Additional work is yet to be
completed which will cause the highway to close again later this summer, for
approximately 3 – 4 weeks.
City staff participated, along with Friendly Hills Middle School, in sending three teams to
the Regional Future Cities Competition that was held at Dunwoody Institute on Saturday,
January 23, 2016. One of three teams won an award and will be at the City Council meeting
on March 3, 2016.
In recognition of Commissioner Viksnins’ final meeting, Chair Field expressed his appreciation
for his nine years of service on the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Viksnins stated that the one thing he has learned through his experience is how
much the people on the Commission, as well as the city staff and planners, really care about the
matters that come before them. They take their jobs very seriously, they read the materials, they
go out to the sites, they think about the issues, staff reports are well done, and the outside consultant
reports are well done. He stated it was a wonderful experience and wished the Commission well
on their future activities.
Adjournment
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NOONAN, TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:42 P.M.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Roston)
January 26, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 7