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080818 Planning CommissionCITY OF NEW HOPE 4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 8, 2018 City Hall, 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Planning Commission met in regular session pursuant to due call and notice thereof; Chair Schmidt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Scott Clark, Jim Brinkman, Matt Mannix, Chris Hanson, Tom Schmidt, Bill Smith, Michael Redden Absent: Roger Landy, Cedrick Frazier Also Present: Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development; Jeff Alger, Community Development Coordinator/ Management Analyst; Stacy Woods, Assistant City Attorney; Ryan Grittman, Planning Consultant; Jessi Weber, Recording Secretary CONSENT BUSINESS None PUBLIC HEARING Planning Case 18-04 Item 4.1 Chair Schmidt introduced Item 4.1, variance, vacation of street and easement, subdivision and platting at 5355 Oregon Avenue North; City of New Hope Economic Development Authority, petitioner. Mr. Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Specialist, introduced the case and stated he was both the presenter and petitioner representing the EDA. The city of New Hope Economic Development Authority purchased the foreclosed property located at 5355 Oregon Avenue N. as part of the city’s Scattered Site Housing Program. The property was purchased with the intention of redeveloping the site by removing all structures and potentially splitting the lot int o two single- family parcels. In order to create two buildable lots, the city would have to vacate a portion of the existing right-of-way in the northeast corner. A portion of the newly created right-of-way will be covered by an easement to protect access to underground utilities running through the area. The proposed southern lot will have a lot size of 9,036 square feet, which is 464 square feet short of the required minimum. A variance in lot size will be necessary for the southern lot to allow for the subdivision. Chirpich then went through the zoning analysis. As previously mentioned, the southern lot would be short of the required total square feet. Both lots are compliant in regards to lot width. Water and sewer lines would run through a newly created easement in the northern lot. The overhead utility line would be buried in a newly created easement along the southern lot’s property line. As part of the subdivision, the city will be required to pay park dedication fees of $3,000. The variance requests meet the criteria of the city zoning code. Chirpich concluded that proper legal notice, land use signs, and mailing notice were given. Staff received a few inquiries regarding the proposal, 2 Planning Commission Meeting August 8, 2018 but no direct opposition. Staff recommends approval of the variance for reduced lot area, preliminary and final plat, and vacation of easements with the conditions outlined in the report. When Chair Schmidt questioned whether any of the Commissioners had any questions for staff, Commissioner Redden questioned if floor plans had been considered for these lots. Chirpich said they looked at floor plans from homes recently built in the city and there are options that will work, however, no specific floor plans have been approved for the project. Commissioner Brinkman asked where the entrances would be for the new lots. Mr. Chirpich explained the current curb cut off St. Raphael’s Drive would be closed, and two new curb cuts would be placed off Oregon Avenue N. Brinkman asked if the new driveways would be separate or joined and single or double lane drives. Chirpich responded that three-car garages could be proposed with single driveways that would flare wider to meet the garage. The distance between the driveways would meet the city’s minimum requirements. Brinkman pointed out the current houses in the neighborhood have single garages with single-lane driveways. Brinkman also had concern with the steep grade of the lot from curb to building pad. Chirpich stated the developer would submit the grading and drainage plans to ensure the plan would meet city code and prevent drainage issues. Brinkman asked if all trees would be removed from the lot. Chirpich responded some trees would be removed to allow for construction and some would remain. The builders are typically required to plant 4 trees per lot, with two in the front yard and two in the rear yard. Commissioner Smith asked if the new houses would fall into the low- income housing category. Director Sargent stated the Scattered Site Housing Program is very competitive in nature, resulting in home values increasing over the years that would most likely be priced out of the low-income category. Commissioner Mannix had concern with the uniqueness of the intersection and if placing a home on the corner lot would obstruct the visibility line for traffic. Sargent stated the typical corner lots are at 90 degrees. In this case the lot is more narrow, so the city will rely on the setbacks to ensure the visibility lines are adequate. Motion by Commissioner Redden, seconded by Commissioner Mannix, to open the Public Hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. No one from the public was in attendance at the meeting. Motion by Commissioner Redden, seconded by Commissioner Mannix, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion Item 4.1 Motion by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Brinkman, to approve Planning Case 18-04, variance, vacation of street and 3 Planning Commission Meeting August 8, 2018 easement, subdivision and platting at 5355 Oregon Avenue North; City of New Hope Economic Development Authority, petitioner, with the following conditions: 1. Upon approval of the final plat, the EDA shall pay park dedication fees totaling $3,000. 2. The lot areas depicted on the site plan are approved. 3. The city approves the vacation of the adjoining street right-of- way as depicted on the final plat. 4. The city approves the vacation of the drainage and utility easement as depicted on the final plat. 5. The city approves the new easement configuration as depicted on the final plat. 6. At the time of building permits, the city will require the builder to submit grading and drainage plans for each lot, illustrating site grading, drainage patterns, and first floor elevations. These plans will be subject to the review and approval of the city engineer. Voting in favor: Clark, Brinkman, Mannix, Hanson, Schmidt, Smith, Redden, Voting against: None Absent: Landy, Frazier Motion approved 7-0 Chair Schmidt stated the case will move forward to the August 27, 2018 City Council meeting. Director Sargent reminded the commission that the August 27th meeting will also be a public hearing for the vacation of easements discussed as a part of Planning Case 18-04. COMMITTEE REPORTS Design and Review Committee Item 5.1 Staff anticipates a Design and Review meeting for August 16, 2018. An update will be sent on Friday, when applications are due, on the meetings for next week. Codes and Standards Committee Item 5.2 Recently worked through several text amendments and there is currently no meeting scheduled. NEW BUSINESS None OLD BUSINESS Approval of Minutes Item 7.1 Motion by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Brinkman, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of June 5, 2018, Motion carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Sargent informed the commission that Councilmember Lammle has resigned from the City Council affective August 15th. There are applications available for those interested in the position. The application process was explained to the commission members. Sargent also pointed 4 Planning Commission Meeting August 8, 2018 out the new plat name for the 5355 Oregon Avenue N. lot split is the Lammle Addition to recognize Councilmember Lammle’s almost 10 years of service. Chair Schmidt echoed the congratulations to Councilmember Lammle. Schmidt brought up the idea of contacting a representative from Raising Cane to propose the idea of a location opening in New Hope. Director Sargent said the city is normally reactive in businesses coming to New Hope, but could reach out to see if there would be interest. Commissioner Clark asked for an update on the gas station/car wash. Mr. Chirpich responded the owner is working through unexpected regulatory issues with the Department of Labor and Industry that relate to the rainwater capture and reuse system. The owner would need a variance from the Department of Labor to capture 100% of the rainwater as they have proposed to do. They still hope to break ground in August and are currently three months behind schedule. Commissioner Brinkman inquired as to the date of the bus tour. Chair Schmidt responded it was schedule for September 11, 2018, which was a Tuesday. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jessi Weber, Recording Secretary