2010-12-28 Planning Comm MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes
December 28, 2010
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 28, 2010
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, in the
Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 P.M.
The following Commissioners were present: Acting Chair Norton, Commissioners Field, Hennes, McManus, and
Viksnins. Those absent and excused: Chair Povolny. Those present were Assistant to the City Administrator Jake
Sedlacek, and NAC Planner Stephen Grittman. Minutes were recorded by Carla Wirth.
Annroval of November 23. 2010. Minutes
COMMISSIONER FIELD MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCMANUS, TO APPROVE THE
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 23, 2010, AS PRESENTED.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
Hearings
PLANNING CASE #10 -34
William Gacki
1133 Cascade Lane
Critical Area Permit for a 3- season porch
Planner Grittman presented the application of William and Joan Gacki requesting approval of a critical area permit
to allow the construction of a three- season porch addition to their home located at 1133 Cascade Lane, which is
zoned R -1, single family residential. The porch addition is proposed to be located in the rear yard of the property
and measures 17 feet 4 inches by 12 feet, approximately 208 square feet in size. The porch would be within the
critical area, requiring a critical area permit to allow the City to determine if impacts to the River or critical area
exist. Mr. Grittman displayed a drawing of the subject site identifying the proposed porch addition on the west side
of the house, noting more than adequate residential setbacks would be maintained. The structure would add roof
and bulk but, in this case, there would be no impacts to the critical area or bluff area because of existing conditions.
Mr. Grittman stated that staff recommends approval since the proposed addition should not have a negative impact
on the aesthetic integrity or natural environment of the Mississippi critical area and all zoning requirements are met.
If recommended for approval, he suggested one condition that the exterior materials of the porch addition match the
existing home.
Acting Chair Norton opened the public hearing.
Commissioner Hennes asked about the height of the proposed porch. Mr. Grittman displayed a picture of the
proposed porch, noting it is one -story in height.
Commissioner Viksnins asked if the existing concrete patio structure will remain and footings installed. Mr.
Grittman stated he is unsure of the construction details.
Acting Chair Norton invited the applicant to make comment.
Joan Gacki, 1198 Fallsview Court, applicant, advised that the concrete patio would remain. She stated there may be
minor modifications to windows and footings will be installed.
Planning Commission Minutes
December 28, 2010
Commissioner McManus asked if there would be a patio door and steps, noting the drawing does not identify any
stairs. Ms. Gacki stated there will be an operable patio door and two to three steps down to access the yard that are
the same width as the door. She indicated they may want to construct a deck in the future.
Bill Gacki, 1198 Fallsview Court, applicant, noted the location of the existing patio and stated the footings will drop
down through the concrete patio and trestle work will be installed between the porch and concrete patio.
Commissioner Viksnins asked about disturbance of soil or the terrain. Mr. Gacki stated the disturbance will be
limited to installation of the footings since there will not be a perimeter foundation.
Mr. Gacki confirmed there will be two or three steps that are no wider than the door width and of a standard size.
The proposed stairs would not accommodate a wheelchair.
Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Acting Chair Norton asked for a motion to close the public
hearing.
COMMISSIONER FIELD MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENNES, TO CLOSE THE
PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES 5
NAYS 0
COMMISSIONER FIELD MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS, TO RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF THE CRITICAL AREA PERMIT AS REQUESTED SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. THE PROPOSED THREE- SEASON PORCH ADDITION MATCH THE EXISTING HOME IN
FINISH MATERIALS AND COLOR.
2. INSTALLATION OF STEPS THAT MEET STANDARDS PER STAFF APPROVAL.
AYES 5
NAYS 0
Acting Chair Norton advised the City Council would consider this application at its January 4, 2011, meeting.
Verbal Review
Mr. Sedlacek gave the following verbal review:
PLANNING CASE #10 -33 Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. Conditional Use Permit
• Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Commissioner McManus asked about the 2011 meeting schedule. Mr. Sedlacek stated the same schedule will be
used and the next meeting is January 25, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCMANUS, TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING AT 7:12 P.M.
AYES 5
NAYS 0
Respectfully submitted,
Carla Wirth, Recording Secretary
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