2013-09-24 Planning Comm MinutesSeptember 24, 2013 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSON MINUTES September 24, 2013
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday,
September 24, 2013, 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 Michael
Noonan, Robin Hennesey, Mary Magnuson, and Ansis Viksnins. Those absent: Commissioners
Howard Roston and Doug Hennes. Those present were City Planner Nolan Wall, Public Works
Director/City Engineer John Mazzitello, and Consultant Planner Stephen Grittman.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as submitted.
Approval of August 27, 2013 Minutes
COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS, TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 2013.
Commissioner Magnuson noted a correction on a motion made. Planner Wall replied that staff would check the tape and correct as needed.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 2
Hearings
PLANNING CASE #2013-15
Jeff Tritch for Paul and Shannon Burke, 645 Sibley Memorial Highway
Critical Area Permit
Consultant Planner Stephen Grittman shared an aerial photograph of the property, which is
located in the critical area, and stated that the applicant proposed to remove the existing
structures on the property and construct a new home; thus requiring a Critical Area Permit.
Consultant Planner Grittman reviewed the purpose and requirements of the Critical Area Ordinance and how the proposed construction meets those requirements.
Staff believed that the improvements meet the code requirements for both the R-1 Single Family
Residence standards and the Critical Area Permit requirements. Staff recommended approval of
the Critical Area Permit with conditions.
September 24, 2013 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 2
Chair Field asked for clarification that the existing garage, which would be removed if this
request were approved, was a legal non-conforming use building. Consultant Planner Grittman
confirmed.
Mr. Jeff Tritch, representing Paul and Shannon Burke of 645 Sibley Memorial Highway, stated
that the proposed construction would be a single family residence, and he confirmed the removal
of the existing buildings.
Chair Field requested any public comments regarding the application.
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: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 2
COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS, TO
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CRITICAL AREA PERMIT BASED ON THE
FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. The required maximum building height of 25 feet (as measured from average front grade
to average roof height) is met by the proposal. 2. No construction will occur on slopes of greater than 18%.
3. No construction will occur within 40 feet of the top of the bluff (defined as land that
exceeds 40% slope).
4. Use of natural, or natural - looking, materials wherever practical.
5. There are reduced visual impacts of the construction from view of the river. AND WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. Compliance with the City's Land Disturbance Guidance Document.
2. Any further recommendations of the City Engineer regarding grading, erosion and
stormwater control.
Commissioner Magnuson asked, in reference to the demolition of the existing buildings, if there
were any conditions that staff would recommend to minimize the impact of the demolition
process on the overall property and the area. City Engineer John Mazzitello replied that the
City’s Land Disturbance Guidance document governs redevelopment of land and the contractor
working for the applicant would be obligated to have all of their erosion control measures in place prior to the demolition, which would constitute a soil disturbance. The provision of
protecting the bluff, stormwater control, and erosion control would have to be in place before
demolition.
AYES: 5 NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 2
September 24, 2013 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 3
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its October 1, 2013,
meeting.
Verbal Review
Planner Wall gave the following verbal review:
PLANNING CASE #2013-12 Karla Gotham
Conditional Use Permit
• Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission.
PLANNING CASE #2013-13
Scannell Properties 162, LLC Building & Parking Setback Variances
• Building Setback Variance – Denied by City Council as recommended by the Planning
Commission.
• Parking Setback Variances – Approved by City Council as recommended by the Planning
Commission.
Planner Wall announced that at the Urban Land Use Institute Workshop, to be held on October
15 at 5:00 p.m. right before the City Council meeting, they will be having a presentation titled
“Navigating the New Normal”, which is designed to:
Develop a better understanding of:
• The impact of the New Normal on your city, demographic trends, and market
preferences.
• The connection between your city’s demographics, new market preferences, and future
growth patterns. • The importance of partnerships between cities and developers.
• Strategies to position your community to be competitive and sustainable, and to attract
the best quality development.
COMMISSIONER MAGNUSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENNESEY, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:17 P.M.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 2