2013-05-28 Planning Comm Minutes
Planning Commission Minutes
May 28, 2013
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSON MINUTES
May 28, 2013
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, August
28, 2012, 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, Doug Hennes, Robin Hennesey, Mary Magnuson, and Ansis Viksnins. Those absent:
Michael Noonan. Those present were Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek, Public
Works Director/City Engineer John Mazzitello, and NAC Planner Stephen Grittman.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as submitted.
Approval of April 23, 2013 Minutes
Commissioner Viksnins noted a couple of corrections to the minutes of the April 23, 2013
Planning Commission Meeting.
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAGNUSON,
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 23, 2013, AS CORRECTED.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Noonan)
Hearings
PLANNING CASE #2013-06
City of Mendota Heights
Ordinance amending city code regarding signs
Planner Stephen Grittman explained that this is a proposed zoning ordinance amendment with a
series of potential changes to current sign regulations. Planner Grittman reviewed the proposed
changes to the ordinance. Staff recommended approval of the amendment as submitted.
Commissioners asked questions regarding flag signs, electronic displays, number of times a sign
can be changed in one day, size, non-compliance fees and holiday displays. Two minor language
changes to the amendment were considered.
Chair Field opened the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 28, 2013
Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close the
public hearing.
COMMISSIONER HENNES MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSTON, TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Noonan)
COMMISSIONER HENNES MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSTON, TO
APPROVE THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE, AS
DISCUSSED BY THE COMMISSION, BASED ON A FINDING THAT THE CHANGES
BEST FURTHER THE INTERESTS OF THE CITY IN PROTECTING THE PUBLIC
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND GENERAL WELFARE.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Noonan)
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this recommendation at its June 4, 2013
meeting.
PLANNING CASE #2013-07
City of Mendota Heights
Ordinance amending city code regarding garages and accessory structures in residential zoning
districts
Planner Stephen Grittman explained that this is a proposed zoning ordinance amendment with a
series of potential changes to the city code pertaining to garages and accessory structures in
residential zoning districts. The amendment would create a new standard for the number of
garage doors, and would amend language on the total area and number of garages/accessory
structures allowed. Planner Grittman reviewed the proposed changes to the ordinance. Staff
recommended approval of the amendment.
Commissioners sought clarification on the maximum size for an attached garage under the new
code, which is capped at 1,500 square feet. The commissioner also inquired about basing the
garage size on the finished square footage of the principle structure. Planner Grittman noted that
the idea had merit, but would be difficult to implement. The definition of Private Garage was
also reviewed.
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.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 28, 2013
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENNES, TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Noonan)
COMMISSIONER ROSTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAGNUSON,
TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT AS PRESENTED, INCORPORATING A
FINDING THAT THE REGULATIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO PROTECT THE
RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER OF THE CITY’S NEIGHBORHOODS, AND PROVIDE
BETTER OPPORTUNITIES TO ENCLOSE AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER PERSONAL
PROPERTY TO AVOID OUTDOOR STORAGE.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Noonan)
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this recommendation at its June 4, 2013
meeting.
Verbal Review
Mr. Sedlacek gave the following verbal review:
PLANNING CASE 2013-04 Ed Getz Conditional Use Permit
•Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission.
COMMISSIONER MAGNUSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSTON,
TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:40 P.M.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Noonan)