2003-07-22 Planning Comm MinutesPlanning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
July 22, 2003
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 in the Council Chambers at
City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present Chair Lorberbaum, Commissioners B. McManus, Miller, Betlej, Hesse, and M.
McManus. Those excused: Commissioner polan. City Staffpresent were Public Warks Director Jim Danielson and Administrative
Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Also present was Planner Steve Grittman. Minutes were recorded by Becki Shaffer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Commission reviewed the minutes of June 24, 2003. The following correcrions were made:
Pa�e 2: The following, motions are to be corrected as follows:
COMMISSIONER DOLAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MILLER, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC#�
HEARING.
COMMISSIONER HESSE MOVED, SECONDED BY CHAIR LORBERBAUM, ^ ppnrT �o"� TO RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND WETLAND PERMIT WITH THE CONDiTIONS AS STATED
BY THE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT IN THE PLANNER'S REPORT.
Page 3, 7`"�ara�raph:
"Chair Lorberbaum askcd what it would take to make a private road a public road. Mr. Grittman said he has not completed all the
drawings but it would probably rcduce the plan to 3 lots, and a full standard street would require a cul-de-sac at the end, which is not
currently being proposed. Chair Lorberbaum said this is an option the Commission can recommend if thcy choosc."
Page 6, last para�raph:
"Robert Fink, 1850 Arvin Drive, introduced Paul McGinley of Loucks McLagan, who will be speaking on behalf of the applicant. Mr.
McGinley's office is located at 20 East Thompson Avenue, West St. Paul. Mr. McGinley said the narrative and smaller }�la�r� dated
June 16`�' is the current one, and Yhe larger }�lci�r� dated June 19`" sl�ould bc thc onc considcred. Mr. McGinley said the applicants
own two current parcels, the north parcel consists of approximately 75,600 sq. f�. and the south vacant parcel consists of approximately
15,384 sq. ft. Almost all of the property is wooded, with predominately mature hardwoods. The owncrs wish to rearrangc the division
of the two Existing parcels to creatc two new lots, making Lot 2 on the south and conYaining the existing house. Lot 2 would end up
with 61, 470 sq. ft. and the future lot to the north, Lot 1, would have 29,500 sq. ft."
Page 8, third paragraph:
"Shelly Smith, 1823 Valley Curve — asked if there has been any precedence set for determining how to keep proposed buildings
consistent with the neighborhood, which is single level or split entry. Chair Lorberbaum said it was to her knowledge, there has never
been any specific discussion that a house has to be single level or split entry, but the City encourages the �^���^� *^'�^ ^^^:���*^^* housc
to bc consistcnt in I<ccping with thc pattcrn of thc nci�hbarl�ood."
Page 11, 8r�' paragraph:
"Commissioner B. McManus said this looks like a little farm, as there are horses, kennels, pastures, etc., and to continue that usage, a
lot of auxiliary structures are needed. Commissioner B. McManus said � if the City holds to R-1 standards, the horses would have to
go. Cotnmissioner B. McManus said the applicant is willing to tear down an eye sore of a shed and replacc with a newer building, and
they would like to have room to store some equipment, and that this is not a typical R-1 situation that may have to be dealt with
differently. Commissioncr B. McManus said the applicant's intentions would benefit the city."
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
Page 13, 8`h paragraph:
"Chair Lorberbaum said it was her understanding that the City Attorney has said the City does not at this point need to worry about a
regulatory taking, but the City is to determine an appropriate as use for the future."
Page 14, 5`�' para r� aph:
"Commissioner B. McManus asked if the property has ever been put up for sale. Mr. Spaulding said he and his partners own 4 golf
courses and have marketed two of the properties to developers. The third one located in Oakdale has been i-�on the market for �999
$900,000 for about 4 to 6 months and have had no offers. The City of Burnsville is going through the same thing in looking at a golf
course for sale for $750,000."
Pa�e 16, the followin� resident names and addresses were corrected:
"Robin Ehrlicl� �^����^��,, 1656 �;z Gryc Cot�rY'
"Janice �� Chasmine, 723 Evergreen Knolls"
Pa�e 16, 4`h para rg aph:
"Jim Smith, 1760 Trail Road — green space is the beauty of Mendota Heights and it is sad to see the loss of trees �s happening on
Dodd Road and expressed his concern for the traffic impact."
Page 17, 5`" paragraph:
"Dan Tilsen, applicant, said the proposal for the 7-lot has already been approved and work can begin at any time. The driveway issues
are almost pointless as Victoria Road has been designated to turn back to the ciry and it just a matter of time to when Victoria Road
will be a city street. Mr. Tilsen asked the Commission to look at each proposal � oi7 its own merit and decide which to go with. The
proposed one condominium unit would allow more green space than the single family lots."
Pa�e 18, 4`�' para r� aph:
"Chair Larberbaum said it looks as though a PUD cannot be granted as some of the conditions have not been met. Chair Lorberbaum
referred to the Planner's Report that states under "Residential PUD, item a) `it is determined by the council to be "infill type
development" that would be difficult under the zoning district or districts comprising the project area". Chair Lorberbaum said this
cannot be true since we have ah-ead�pproved the developiment ofi ���' ��,��-�� �*"� single family homes. This would ,�� *�,'aR
wipe out the possibility of the PUD. Mr. Tilsen said this would depend on interpretation, and the PUD would allow a lot of flexibility
to do whatever desired. Chair Lorberbaum said it doesn't prefer it because it because it keeps the character of the land, and says it
would be difficult to develop, and tlie seven lots was alread�pproved �* �T �� ��r���'� ����' *���� TT �� �����"�'�*��. Chair Lorberbaum is
concerned about this item. Chair Lorberbaum said item b) "The site will not require a wetland permit, which the proposal does and is
based on requirement. Based on two out of five, how cai� a PUD be �ranted? ", �T "�� *'�� ���������' a���, ���' "����' �� *�� ����* ���� �,
i�,,.., ,.,,.� „ or rn �.o ,..-.,��oa� Mr. Tilsen said the City could make exception to it if the City wants this proposal
b
Page 18, 6`h para =r� aph:
"Commissioner B. McManus expressed his comments on the gable roof concept, and said the feedback from the residents seem
unanimously in favor of the single family homes, but as more infarmation is being presented on the condominium concept, residents
may feel differently when they have seen the beneficial aspects of this proposal. Commissioner B. McManus said that althought this
would be an excellent place for senior citizens, he is not sure the City has the technical capacity to go ahead with the PUD.:
Pages 18 & 19, the followin� resident names and addresses were corrected:
Cynthia �-ee-I� Kraacic, 1001 Oxford Court
�T ^"���� Kevin Milbeiy, ]000 Oxford Court
Pa�e 20, 3r`� para rg aph:
Commissioner B. McManus asked � what would be done with the current cul-de-sac. Mr. Uban said he thinks the adjacent
landowner wants to keep the cul-de-sac in place, however if that landowner wishes to vacate, Mr. Bader's representatives will belp
him.
Page 23, motion made should read as follows:
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
"COMMISSIONER HESSE MOVED, SECONDED BY CHAIR LORBERBAUM, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE
PRELIMINARY PLAT AND VARIANCE AS THE APPLICANT HAS SUBMITTED, SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS
BY THE PLANNER, PLUS THE ADDITION THAT DAKOTA COUNTY RENDER A FINAL WRITTEN OPINION THAT
ACCESS ONTO n�T �ru� �rVr�cc n�r�rn pE,LAWARE AVENUC HAS BEEN UENIED."
o,-,—.-.-.-�����o
COMMISSIONER M. MCMANUS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HESSE, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES
OF JUNE 24, 2003 AS AMENDED.
AYES
NAYS
ABSTENTION (Commissioner Betlej)
MOTION CARRIED
HEARINGS
PLANNING CASE #03-33
Delta Environmental-Super America
1080 Highway ll0 (corner of Highway 110 and Lexington Avenue)
AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
Mr. Grittman introduced the application for an amendment to the conditional use permit to expand the existing environmental cleanup
facility. The MPCA had made a change in the method of remediation which necessitates this eapansion. The new building is planned
to be 12 feet wide by 18 feet wide, which would approximately double the existing clean up facility building and would be set back 47
feet from the street right of way. The requirement of the B-2 zoning is 30 feet, however, there are additional setback standards
imposed for motor fuel stations as follows:
Principal Building 60 feet
Pumps 40 feet
Overhead Canopy 20 feet
The ordinance makes separate accommodations for structures that are not a part of the principal building, and this facility would be
designated as an accessory building, as is the case with the trash enclosure and the car wash. If the 60 foot setback is applied in this
case, a variance would be required. Mr. Danielson said he will research to see if variances have been granted for the car wash and
trash enclosure.
Jared Otto, a representative of Delta Environmental Consultants, 5910 Rice Creek Parkway, St. Paul, answered quesrions on behalf of
Speedway SuperAmerica, LLC. The new building would replace the existing building, which will be taken down. Mr. Otto
commented on the building materials to be used, which would be similar to that of the existing buildings.
Discussion was held regarding the safety aspects and the length of rime needed for this remediation process. Mr. Otto said he believes
the process will take about 5 years to complete. This plan has not been reviewed by the fire marshal.
Chair Lorberbaum opened the public l�earing, seeing no one wishing to speak,
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MILLER, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES
NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
COMMISSIONER M. MCMANUS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HESSE, APPROVE THE AMENDMENT
TO THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
FACILITY AS PRESENTED, WITH THE CONDITION THIS FACILITY BE RE-VISITED AT THE END OF THE FIVE-
YEAR PERIOD.
Further Discussion
Commissioner B. McManus said these people are acting in good faith to protect the environment and would not like to have any
conditions imposed on the them that would prompt them to make a cheaply made building.
AYES
NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING CASE #03-34
Ralph and Kathryn Jewell
1948 Glenhill Road
LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT/SUBDIVISION REQUEST
Mr. Grittrnan reviewed the request to adjust a lot line to detach approximately 15, 129 square feet from the lot located at 1217 Victoria
Curve, which is owned by Mr. Mark Olson, to combine with the properry owned by the applicant. It is the intent of the applicant to
purchase this wooded properry and preserve it in its natural state. The proposed lot line will meet all of the lot requirements of the R-
1 District and recommends approval subject to the following condirions:
1. A Certificate of Survey is submitted that is consistent with the subdivision plan dated June 23, 2003.
2. There shall be no existing buildings within 62.4 feet of the rear lot line of the applicant's property and no existing building
within 49.4 feet of the rear lot line of the Olson property as shown following the lot line adjustments.
Mr. Ralph Jewell said he has no intent on splitting this property in the future, and does not intend on placing any buildings on the
property.
Chair Lorberbaum opened the public hearing. There being no one present wishing to speak,
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MLLLER, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES
NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Chair Lorberbaum closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY CHAIR LORBERBAUM, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF
THE LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT REQUEST AS PRSENTED.
AYES
NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING CASE #03-35
Melvin and Margaret Koppen
1316 Victory Avenue
LOT SPLIT
Mr. Grittman introduced the request to subdivide a large parcel into two separate lots. The subdivision would leave the existing home
on a parcel with 128 feet along Victory Avenue, and the new building site would have an equal amount of frontage. Recommended
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
approval would include the conditions for an agreement for use of the public right of way for the extension of a private driveway and
the requirement of the new home builder to obtain the required wetland permits prior to construction. It has been found that there is a
sufficient amount of buildable space on the new lot.
Snowplowing concerns with the private driveway will be corrected with appropriate markers installed.
Bob Marshall, Realry Executive Results, Mendota Heights, spoke on behalf of the Koppens. The Koppens have since raised nine
children on their property, and wish to downsize their lot as they find it hard to keep up with the maintenance of such a large property.
Mr. Marshall said all surveys and plans have been completed.
Commissioner M. McManus commented on the existing shed that was on the public right of way. This shed will be removed.
Chair Lorberbaum opened the public hearing, seeing no one wishing to speak,
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER B. MCMANUS, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC
HEARING.
6 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Chair Lorberbaum closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY M. MCMANUS, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE
SUBDIVISION REQUEST AS PRESENTED WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. Agreement on the use of the public right of way for the extension of the private driveway
2. New home builder to obtain the necessary wetland permits prior to construction
3. Removal of existing shed
6 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING CASE #03-36
Patrick and Elizabeth Donahue
]924 Walsh Lane
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
Mr.Grittman introduced the request approval of a conditional use permit for the construction of an additional storage building. A
review of the lot presents an R-1 zoned single family residential lot with 36,520 square feet. The lot has a single family home with an
attached garage. The applicant wishes to construct a new storage building to accommodate gardening equipment and bicycles, as the
existing shed is too small.
Chair Lorberbaum said the existing shed as shown on the plan looks to be located on the property line. Mr. Grittman said the shed is
not actually on the line, but the drawing was not done correctly.
Mr. Patrick Donohue said he is planning on constructing an addition to the existing home in the area where the existing shed is located.
Chair Lorberbaum opened the public hearing.
Vern Gunerson, who lives next door to the Donahues, stated the shed is not on his property. Mr. Gunerson said he has no objection to
the new shed being built. He asked for clarification as to the maximum square footage allowed for a shed. Mr. Grittman said the
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
standard is 144 square feet, and the applicant needs a conditional use permit to extend that to 384 square feet. The maximum
allowance is 1,000 square feet.
Seeing no one else wishing to speak,
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HESSE, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
6 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Chair Lorberbaum closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER B. MCMANUS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BETLEJ, TO RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AS PRESENTED, WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE EXISTING
STORAGE SHED BE REMOVED UPON COMPLETTON OF THE NEW BUILDING.
6 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING CASE #03-37
Michael Roddy
850 Cheri Lane
REQUEST FOR VARIANCE
Mr. Grittman introduced the request a variance for a garage setback to permit construction of a 12 foot wide garage stall added to their
existing 2-car garage. The variance would permit the encroachment of the garage wall to within 8 feet of the adjacent side property
line. It is noted that most of the homes in the neighborhood have only two-car garages.
Mr. Michael Roddy, 850 Cheri Lane, said he needed the additional garage space to accommodate his daughter's car as she has been
called to duty overseas in the military. Mr. Roddy said he needed Yhe additional two feet in arder to be able to park the car in the
garage with sufficient space and explained how he had to juggle three cars and a pickup in his driveway. Mr. Roddy provided
signatures of surrounding neighbors in favor of this request.
Commissioner M. McManus asked if the fully grown trees along the property line which could provide sufficient screening.
Chair Lorberbaum said she finds no hardship presented as the applicant has lived on this property for a number of years, and have put
the property to reasonable use. Mr. Roddy said he will put a third car garage on his home, whether it is the required 10 feet width or
not. He believes the hardship would be that in putting in the 10 feet garage, the garage would have marginal value to him. He said the
hardship would be to spend the money and not get what he really wants. Mr. Roddy said he could not extend to the back as it would
negativ�ly aifect the roof line.
Commissioncr B. McManus said Mr. Roddy could easily remove the outer wall of the existing garage when adding the third garage as
that would free up some space to access the car while in thc garage.
Chair Lorberbaum opened the public hearing.
Mr. Lou Hurvitz, 858 Cheri Lane, said the Roddy's property is always maintained and strongly supports this request as he believes this
would be a good addition to the neighborhood. Mr. Hurvitz said the properties were laid out when two-car garages were being built,
however it is common for homes today to have three-car garages. Mr. Hurvitz said he understands why the city has their requirements,
but questions the spirit of the law in that some instances the requirements may be outdated.
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
Seeing no one else wishing to speak,
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER M. MCMANUS, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC
HEARING.
AYES
NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Chair Lorberbaum closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HESSE, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF
THE VARIANCE AS PRESENTED WITH THE HARDSHIP BEING A CONTROVERSIAL INTERPRETATION OF
PUTTING THE PROPERTY TO REASONABLE USE.
Further Discussion
Commissioner Hesse said he seconds this motion on the basis he does not wish to have cars parked on the streets that would hinder
snow plowing, as well as having a lot of cars parked in front of the home.
Commissioner M. McManus said she supports the morion as long as there is sufficient screening provided by thc trees along the
property line
Commissioner B. McManus said he struggles with the concept of humanizing the city laws, or whether the Commission's decision is
based according to the letter of the law. Chair Lorberbaum said the Commission looks at each individual case on it's own inerit.
Commissioner B. McManus said that would deter residents from coming into the City with similar requests based on this case giving
precedence. Commissioner B. McManus said the applicant could make this wark without a variance by redesigning the current garage
and taking out the outer wall.
3 AYES (Commissioners Betlej, Hesse, M. McManus)
3 NAYS (Chair Lorberbauin, Commissioners B. McManus and Miller)
MOTION FAILED
PLANNING CASE #03-38
Timothy Lynch
840 Wagon Wheel Trail
CONDTTIONAL USE PERMIT
Mr. Grittman introduced the request for approval of a conditional use permit to construct a detached two-car garage to the rear of the
property. Mr. Grittman said the existing home does not currently have a garage, but only a small garden shed. Mr. Grittman said that
the property does not allow sufficient space to construct an attached garage.
Commissioner B. McManus said the applicant has no choice but to have a detached garage and asked the applicant if he would
consider removing the garden shed and add more area to the garage to accommodate his storage needs. Mr. Timothy Lynch said the
garden shed is used to store his lawn mower and other gardening equipment, and he would rather keep this shed as is.
Chair Lorberbaum opened the public hearing, seeing no one wishing to speak,
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MiLLER, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES
NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
Chair Lorberbaum closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HESSE, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF
THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AS PRESENTED.
AYES
NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING CASE #03-39
Thomas and SusanGrojean, Thomas Mihm
680 Hidden Creek Trail
VARIANCE REQUEST
Mr. Grittman introduced the case where the applicants are seeking a variance to construct a home in excess of the allowed building
height requirement. The property is in the Hidden Creek Estates subdivision, commonly known as the Ridder property. Mr. Grittman
reminded the Commission of the historical zoning line that divides this subdivision. The applicant's property is zoned R-1, and is
located direcfly on the boundary line. The applicants wish to construct a two—story home with a roof height in excess of 4 feet. Mr.
Grittman said this is a very large parcel, well in excess of the R-1 standards. The applicant has based the request on the close
proximity to the R-lA zoning district. Staff recommends the variance is denied as the applicant can make reasonable use of their
property by either redesigning their home or seek a rezoning of the lot to the R-lA zoning district.
Commissioner M. McManus asked for clarification of the "spot-zoning". Mr. Grittman said spot zoning is used when property appears
to be inconsistent with the surrounding neighborhood. With this particular request, this would not be the case.
It is noted that the following addresses along Hidden Creek Trail are located in the R-1 zoning district: 703, 700, 697, 691, 690, 680.
Although it appears that a portion of the property at 680 Hidden Creek Trail would be in the R-lA zoning district, Mr. Grittman said
the actual position of the home would not be inside that boundary, and therefore a variance would be needed to construct the home as
presented.
Discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of rezoning the whole area to an R-lA zoning district. There is a concern that by
doing so, future home builders may be coming back for more variances due to other setback issues, mainly property line setbacks. Mr.
Hollister said the applicant would have to pay a higher fee to have their property rezoned, and if the Planning Commission does not
want to grant the variance, it would be more appropriate to pursue the rezoning. That recommendation would then go to the City
Council, and if they were of the similar mind, it is anticipated that the variance would be denied, and they would instruct the applicant
to apply for a rezoning. In this case, Yhere would be Yime constraints to allow for proper notifications and planning meetings.
Mr. Hollister gave a historical overview of why the zoning is the way it is, and said the City felt they could live with the zoning as it
currently is and can safely plan to develop within those zoning guidelines. Mr. Hollister said it is fair to tell the applicant that if they
choose to rezone, that would add about two extra months to the approval process. The applicant could submit an applicarion to rezone
and have it in by the deadline of August 5`�' before the Council meeting.
Commissioner B. McManus said the Commission should look at whether they want to bother with spot zoning unless the applicant is in
a big rush.
Tom Mihm, Mihm Custom Homes, Eagan, MN, is the applicant representing the Grojeans as their chosen homebuilder. Mr. Mihm
said the design of homes today are commonly higher than in the past and sees that future building will continue that pattern. Mr. Mihm
said he was not aware of any height restrictions in the zoning requirements. Mr. Mihm said the hardship cannot be identified except
that the home would have to be redesigned, and that would probably be financial.
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
Mr. Hollister said if the City decides to "downzone" to an R-lA, all the property owners will have to be notified. There are issues
regarding tax allocations and property value assessments that will need to be addressed as well.
Commissioner B. McManus reminded the Commission that they had just denied recommendation of a homeowner that requested a two
foot variance request, and now this is for a four foot variance and that he is having difficulty in justifying granting approval for this
when the architect and developer did not lrnow the requirements.
Chair Lorberbaum opened the public hearing.
Susan Grojean, applicant, currently resides at 1615 Gryc Court. Ms. Grojean said this was their dream house and they have been
working long and hard on this design, taking a year to develop. Ms. Grojean said the second story is within the higher portion of the
home, and when they designed the home, they had no idea that these issues would come up. They were under the impression that this
would be allowable, and therefore continued to pursue the construction loan. Ms. Grojean said her hardship would be that the
timeframe of the loan would run out if they have to take additional time to pursue rezoning, and that a hardship is also present in that
she cannot have a home that would fit in with the rest of the neighborhood.
Mr. Dick Braun, 2471 Angel Road, Sunfish Lake, represents Bill and Diane Mackens of Inheritable World. Mr. Braun said the
building height issue was an oversight. Mr. Braun said the homes currently being built on lots 2, 7, and 12 are all consistent in size and
style and would like to see the variance granted for the Grojeans to fit into these other buildings.
Commissioner Betlej said it seems the lot is split between the two zoning districts and therefore, this could be determined either way.
Mr. Hollister said when the lot straddles two zones it is up to Council interpretation, and usually it is the more strict zone that applies,
which in this case is the R-lA. Mr. Hollister said if the Planning Commission wants to make a finding that this can be considered an
R-lA lot, a variance is not needed. Mr. Grittman said when reviewing the plat, the zoning line bisected the lot, and it was looked at
where the buildable area was, which was in the R-1 zoning district, therefore it may be difficult to determine.
Seeing no one else wishing to speak,
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER M. MCMANUS, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC
HEARING.
6 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Chair Lorberbaum closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY B. MCMANUS, TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PLANNING
COMMISSION'S INTERPRETATION OF THiS CASE IS THAT THiS LOT HAS A ZONING OF R-1 AND R-lA, IN TH�S
CASE WE LOOK TO THE MORE RESTRICTIVE ZONING AND THE SUBMITTED PLANS WOULD QUALIFY UNDER
THAT MORE RESTRICTiVE ZONING OF R-lA, AND IF IT IS THE CITY COUNCIL'S INTERPRETATION THAT
THIS IS NOT THE CASE, THEN WE RECOMMEND THE VARIANCE FOR THE EXCESS BUILDING HEIGHT WITH
THE HARDSHIP BEING THE CONFUSION CREATED BY THE DUAL ZONING OF THE PROPERTY.
Further Discussion
Commissioner B. McManus said he can see the legal merits of the first part of this resolution, but the second part is not accurate based
on what was presented. A resolution therefore would be based on an inaccurate assumption in the resolution that they (the applicant)
had not known what they were doing. Chair Lorberbaum said she was comfortable with the first part, but not the second part.
3 AYES (Commissioner Betlej, Hesse, M. McManus)
3 NAYS (Chair Lorberbauin, Commissioners B. McManus, Miller)
MOTION FAILED
Planning Commission Meeting
July 22, 2003
COMMISSIONER B. MCMANUS MOVED, SECONDED BY CHAIR LORBERBAUM, TO RECOMMEND IT IS THE
PLANNING COMMISSION'S INTERPRETATION OF THIS CASE THAT THE LOT HAS A ZONING OF R-1 AND R-lA,
AND THAT WE LOOK TO THE MORE RESTRICTIVE ZONING WHEREAS THE SUBMITTED PLANS QUALIFY.
AYES
NAYS (Commissioner Hesse)
MOTION CARRIED
CHAIR LORBERBAUM MOVED, SECONDED BY B. MCMANUS, THAT IF THE UNDERSTANDING AGREED TO IN
THE PREVIOUS MOTION, TO RECOMMEND DENIAL OF THE VARIANCE AND THEREBY ASK FOR REZONING
OF THE PROPERTY TO R-lA.
2 AYES (Chair Lorberbaum, Commissioner B. McManus)
3 NAYS (Commissioners Betlej, Hesse, M. McManus)
1 ABSTENTION (Commissioner Miller)
MOTION FAILED
Commissioner M. McManus said she would like to see a very detailed report on the Ciry Council's discussion be submitted at the next
Planning Commission Meeting.
VERBAL REVIEW
• Planning Case 03-23 - John Gelderman — Conditional Use Permit and Wetland Permit: Approved as recommended.
• Planning Case 03-16 - Craig Wagenknecht—Preliminary Plat and Variance: Planning Commission recommended approval; City
Council denied and directed the applicant to construct a public str^eet.
• Planning Case 03-26 - Robert Fink — Variance and Subdivision Approval: Tahled at the request of the applicant.
• Planning Case 03-27 - Thomas Minea — Wetland Permit: Approved as recommended.
• Planning Case 03-28 - Mendota Heights United Church of Christ — Conditional Use Permit Amendment: Approved as
recommended.
• Planning Case 03-29 - Christine Snyder and Stephen Landry — Conditional Use Permit and Variance: Approved as recommended.
• Planning Case 03-30 - Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course — Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Denied as recommended.
• Planning Case 03-09 — Burows Farm — Preliminary Plat: Denied as recommended.
• Planning Case 03-31 — Preliminary Plat and Variance —Planning Commission recommended for approval, it was denied by Ciry
Council for lack of hardship and the represen2ation made by the attorneys of the neighbors regarding the violations of the
covenants.
• Victoria Road — in the process of being turned bacic and the City is working with the County in a joint powers effort. A draft from
the attorneys will be submitted in the near future.
COMMISSIONER BETLEJ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HESSE, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT
10:15 PM.
AYES
NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Becki Shaffer, Recording Secretary
�