HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 06-24 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JUNE 24, 2015
7:00 PM
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1. CALL TO ORDER
11. ROLL CALL
Answering the roll call were: Hobbs, Lee, Strauss, Thorsen, Halva, Nemerov, Olsen, Carr, Forrest and
Platteter
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Absent: Seeley
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Commissioner Thorsen moved approval of the June 24, 2015, meeting agenda. Commissioner Olsen
seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
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IV. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Nemerov moved approval of the meeting minutes for June 10, 2015 with changes.
Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT:
None.
Commissioner Olsen moved to close public comment. Commissioner Thorsen seconded the
motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
VI. STAFF BRIEFING
Chair Platteter introduced to the Commission Cindy Larsen, Residential Redevelopment
Coordinator; adding Cindy will brief the Commission on her duties.
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Staff Presentation
Ms. Larsen addressed the Commission and reported that the 2015 demolition permits are
down slightly at 41; however, there are 114 new open construction permits.
Larsen reported that common inquiries include parking congestion, drainage questions,
construction hour questions and complaints; property damage/encroachment claims and tree
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removal concerns. Larsen noted that on July I't the tree preservation ordinance will be in
place.
Larsen further reported that recent changes were made to the demolition checklist with new
policies on dust control, hazardous materials abatement verification and city and small utility
disconnect verification. Larsen pointed out that the City website also includes a "Toolkit for
Neighbors"; adding this application provides information on the redevelopments process.
Concluding, Larsen said upcoming changes include the Tree Preservation Ordinance (as
previously mentioned); exploring the option of requiring site perimeter fencing (chain link fence
perimeter option) and continued updating of the "Toolkit". ;
Discussion
Commissioner Olsen asked Larsen if staff keeps track of the "ToolKit" website hits. She also
asked where staffing stands with the city forester and her reason for the fence suggestion.
Larsen said she was unsure of the number of web "hits" (Jordan Gilgenbach reported that the
redevelopment "Toolkit" has received over 1,000 hits) and with regard to the city forester that
he continues to be part-time and has a summer intern working with him. Larsen noted when
she and other city staff visited Chicago suburbs to get their take on the tear down rebuild
process she observed some cities require chain link fences around the perimeter of the job site.
Larsen said in her opinion this is a good idea because it not only helps with encroachment
issues it creates a secure job site. Larsen noted Edina construction sites are the continuing
target of thieves.
Commissioner Forrest asked Ms. Larsen if she keeps track of every call. Larsen responded at
this time all calls are not tracked; however, the City has a tracking tool called CityWorks.
Larsen explained that many calls are repeat and center on the same site and a number of calls
are just inquiries or informational like "what's going on". Commissioner Forrest asked Ms.
Larsen if a site continues to violate city ordinances and policies how is that handled. Larsen
responded that. she issues a Stop Work Order in those situations where enforcement tools
haven't worked. Forrest asked how many Stop Work Orders have been issued. Larsen
responded that her goal is to first work with the property owner/developer/neighbor before it
gets to that point; however, she believes around 10 Stop Work Orders have been issued
between her and engineering.
Chair Platteter questioned if escrow money is used on noncompliant sites. Larsen explained
that escrow money is used when City property is damaged; such as streets, sewer, etc., adding
it has been used. Larsen said photos are taken of the site; street, etc. prior to demolition.
Engineering also inspects the site.
Commissioner Forrest asked if staff receives a large volume of noise complaints. Larsen
responded there aren't many noise complaints. She said there have been calls when work
begins before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m., but for the most part the City doesn't get many calls about
"noisy" sites.
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Commissioners thanked Ms. Larsen for her update. It was suggested that staff keep track of
"repeat" offenders. Larsen responded that staff works quickly to limit repeat offences, adding
the stop work orders between her and engineering at 10 are manageable. It was further
suggested that additional advertising occur on "Toolkit".
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Variance. Chris and Kimberly Lawrence. 4545 Meadow Road, Edina, MN
Staff Presentation
Planner Aaker informed the Commission the subject property is approximately 96 -feet in width
and is 12,258 square feet in area. There is an existing one story single-family home with an
attached two car garage on the property. The applicant is requesting to remodel and add onto
a portion of the existing home. The proposal is to add a bedroom on the north side of their
existing home above their garage.
Aaker pointed out there are existing single-family homes abutting the north lot line and on the
south lot, both facing Meadow Road. The home located on 4541 Meadow Road directly to the
north has living space on the south side of the home, with the existing, spacing between the
applicant's garage and home to the north at 10.3 feet. The home to the north is located 6.4 feet
from the lot line shared by the applicant. Spacing between the new addition and the home to
the north will be 11.3 feet, one foot farther from the side yard than the existing garage. Aaker
noted that code require a minimum setback of 10 -feet for sidewall additions to the home.
Planner Aaker concluded that staff recommends approval of the variance based on the following
findings:
I . The property with an addition of a bedroom above the garage, and the request
to deviate from the side yard is a reasonable use of the property.
2. The home is appropriate in size and scale with the addition of a bedroom above
the garage,
3. There is a practical difficulty in meeting the ordinance requirements due to the
existing floor plan and desire to maintain the one-story character of the home.
4. There are circumstances unique to the property that necessitates a variance to
make reasonable use of the property. The garage is currently nonconforming
with the proposed addition above will be farther from the side yard than the
garage and more conforming to setback.
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Planner Aaker concluded that approval is also subject to the following conditions:
• the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance
with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below:
• Architectural site plans date stamped: 6/8/2015
• Building plans/ elevations date stamped: 6/8/2015
Applicant Presentation
Mr. Lawrence thanked the Commission for providing them the opportunity to add living space to their
home that allows them to be upstairs with their children. Lawrence told the Commission they love
their neighborhood and wish to remain; adding they shared their plans with neighbors who
indicated their support for the project.
Discussion
Chair Platteter asked the applicant if the existing garage would also be torn down. Mr. Lawrence
responded their intent is to build above the existing garage; it won't be demolished.
Chair Platteter asked if anyone would like to speak to the issue; being none Commissioner Thorsen
moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Lee seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion to
close public hearing approved.
Motion
Commissioner Carr moved variance approval based on staff findings and subject to staff
conditions. Commissioner Thorsen seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
Vill. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
Chair Platteter acknowledged back of packet materials.
IX. CHAIR AND COMMISSION COMMENTS
Planning Commission 2015 Work Plan.
Chair Platteter reported they are halfway through the 2015 Annual Work Plan noting that the 2016
Work Plan is "right around the corner". Platteter reported that one item that stands out to him for the
2016 Plan is updating the Comprehensive Plan. Planner Teague agreed. He said updating the
Comprehensive Plan is a lengthy process and the goal at this time is to submit the updated plan to the
Met Council sometime in 2018. Commissioners agreed that is one item that would take center stage in
2016.
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Commissioner Carr acknowledged the City's work on the lighting ordinance; however the Commission
may want to broaden that ordinance and take a look at other cities lighting ordinances.
Chair Platteter commented that further work needs to be accomplished on B.S. Sustainability. Platteter
further stated that in his opinion parking also needs to be revisited. Forrest agreed adding "Proof of
Parking" needs further clarification in her opinion.
Commissioner Carr asked Planner Teague if the City Council has given him any indication on where
"they would like us to go". Teague responded that B.S. (sustainability) is very important to the City
Council.
Commissioner Lee said she would like the Commission to consider studying residential building height.
She said housing starts are trending smaller and protecting the mid-century modern rambler etc. may be
something that should be looked at. Commissioner Carr agreed; suggesting that the Heritage
Preservation Board look at Edina's mid-century modern housing stock.
Platteter thanked everyone for their comments on the work plan.
Commissioners Olsen and Hobbs reported that the France Southdale Working Group is looking
forwarding to beginning work on Phase 2.
X. STAFF COMMENTS
Planner Teague reported that the rezoning application for 7200 France Avenue was withdrawn. Teague
said he believes redevelopment will occur in the future. He concluded that he gave the developer the
Principles drafted by the France Southdale Work Group as a start.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Thorsen moved meeting adjournment. Commissioner Lee seconded the
motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
ectfully submitted
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