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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-14 Planning Commission Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 14, 2015 7:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL Answering the roll call were: Scherer, Schroeder Lee, Seeley, Halva, Olsen, Carr, Platteter Absent from the roll: Hobbs III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Acting Chair Platteter amended the Agenda to include the election of Chair, Vice -Chair and Secretary. Commissioner Carr moved approval of the agenda with the recommended amendment. Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Commissioner Carr moved to nominate to elect Commissioner Platteter as Planning Commission Chair. Commissioner Lee seconded the motion. No further nominations All voted aye; motion carried approving Michael Platteter as Chair of the Edina Planning Commission. Chair Platteter asked for nominations for Vide - Chair. Commissioner Scherer moved to nominate to elect Commissioner Claudia Carr as Vice - Chair. Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. No further nominations. All voted aye; motion carried approving Claudia Carr as Vice -Chair of the Edina Planning Commission. Chair Platteter asked for nominations for Secretary. Commissioner Carr moved to nominate to elect Commissioner Lee as Secretary. Commissioner Scherer seconded the motion. Commissioner Lee declined the nomination. [1] Commissioner Lee moved to nominate to elect Commissioner Olsen as Secretary. Commissioner Scherer seconded the motion. No further nominations. All voted aye; motion carried approving Commissioner Olsen as Planning Commission Secretary. V. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Olsen moved approval of the November 12, meeting minutes. Commissioner Scherer seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. VI. COMMUNITY COMMENT: Chair Platteter opened public comment. Jim Grotz, 5513 Park Place suggested that the Planning Commission hold a form of Town Meeting similar to the Town Meeting hosted by the Edina City Council. VII. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Variance. Brian Belanger, 5533 Oaklawn Avenue, Edina, MN Planner Presentation Planner Teague told the Commission the subject property is located on the east side of Oaklawn Ave. consisting of a two story home with a detached one stall garage located south of the home. The homeowner is hoping to replace it with a slightly larger garage that will be one foot closer to the south side lot line. The proposed garage conforms to all of the zoning ordinance requirements with the exception of the garage size. The zoning ordinance requires a garage to be a minimum of two stalls. There is no definition of a two car garage in the zoning ordinance; however, it's been City policy to consider a two car garage to be no less than 20' x 20'. The new garage will be 15 feet in width instead of the existing width of 14.3 feet and 20 feet in depth instead of the existing 20.2 feet in depth. The new garage will be 1 foot closer to the south lot line. The proposed garage conforms to the entire setback, coverage, height, etc. requirements with the exception that it will continue to be a one stall garage instead of a minimum two car garage. The lot is approximately 60 feet in width and is 8,034 square feet in area. Teague explained that the property owner is requesting to rebuild a single stall garage in approximately the same location as the existing one car garage. The new garage will have hardie lap siding, wood brackets and 1 x 4" trim boards. The shingles will be sphalt. The over -all design has been proposed to match the existing home. [2j Planner Teague concluded that staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the variance based on the following findings: 1. The proposed use complies with all the standards, including the setback, height and coverage requirements. 2. The proposed garage is appropriate in size and scale for the lot and the improvements will be virtually seamless as to existing conditions. 3. There is a practical difficulty in meeting the ordinance requirements and there are circumstances unique to the property due to the current existence of a one car garage and no need expressed by the owner for a two car garage. 4. The variance, if approved, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The new one car garage will maintain the existing character of the neighborhood. Approval of the variance is also subject to the following conditions: Survey dated November 11, 2014 Building plans and elevations date stamped December 5, 2014. Compliance with the Environmental Engineer's memo. Appearing for the Applicant NIWA Design /Mark Johnson and Brian Belanger Applicant Presentation Mr. Johnson explained that the property owner; Brian Belanger requested a redesign of his existing single garage. Johnson reported being single; Belanger indicated he doesn't need a two stall garage; however, would like more space in a one stall garage that would provide easier access with opening his car door. Johnson asked for support for the project. Discussion Commissioner Scherer stated she is an advocate for two stall garages, adding in her opinion it keeps the property tidy. She asked Mr. Johnson if the garage as proposed also provides more storage area. Johnson responded in the affirmative. Continuing, Scherer said she likes the design of the new garage and the attention that was paid to detail. Public Comment Chair Platteter asked if anyone would like to speak to the request; being none, Commissioner Scherer moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. All voted aye; public hearing closed. Discussion Commissioner Lee stated she agrees with comments from Commissioner Scherer. She added originally she had qualms approving a one stall garage; (especially for resale) however, she said she realizes things have changed and automobile ownership is declining and other methods of transportation are being embraced. Lee concluded she can support the request as presented. [3J Commissioner Carr commented another positive in retaining the one stall garage is that it really fits the character of this block. Chair Platteter agreed. Motion Commissioner Olsen moved variance approval based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions. Commissioner Lee seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. B. Variance. Seaberg. 4505 Nancy Lane, Edina, MN Staff Presentation Planner Teague informed the Commission Marc and Meredith Seaberg are requesting 4 variances to add an 8 ft. x 24 ft. front porch and a second floor above their existing rambler, see attached site plans, survey and building plans. They are also proposing to add 7 feet onto the width of their garage. The garage addition is the only portion of the plan that does not require a variance. The variances are necessary to build within the existing footprint because much of the existing home is nonconforming regarding front yard setback and setback from the pond. The following variances are necessary for the proposed attached plan: • A 112 square foot front porch encroachment variance from the maximum 80 square feet allowed encroachment into the average front yard setback. • A 3.8 foot front yard setback variance for a second floor addition with cantilever forward of existing front wall. • A 5.6 foot west side yard setback variance from the 16.2 foot setback required for the second floor addition above existing 1St floor. • A 25 foot setback variance from the pond for a 2nd floor addition above the existing 1St floor. Teague explained that the subject property is located south of Nancy Lane cul -de -sac consisting of a rambler with an attached two car garage. The homeowners are proposing to add 7 feet to the existing garage near the east property line and a porch to the front including a 2nd floor cantilever. Much of the existing home is nonconforming regarding front yard setback and setback from the pond behind the home. The zoning ordinance requires a minimum 50 foot setback from naturally occurring lakes, ponds or streams. The existing home is nonconforming and overlaps the required pond /lake setback by 25 feet. The front yard setback required is the average front yard setback of the homes on either side. The average front yard setback is slightly farther back from the existing home, so the 2nd floor addition requires a front yard setback variance. The plan also proposes a cantilever towards the front and a front porch larger than 80 square feet which is the maximum area allowed to encroach into the front yard setback. [4] Planner Teague concluded that staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the variances. Approval is based on the following findings: 1) The proposal would meet the required standards for a variance, because: proposed use of the property is reasonable; as it slightly alters existing setback conditions without significantly reducing setback or impacting the surrounding neighbors. The imposed setback and existing house location do not provide opportunity for a second floor The original placement of the home closer to pond and within the front yard setback prohibits expansion potential for a second floor without the benefit of a variance Approval of the variance is also subject to the following conditions: 1) Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below: Survey dated: November 25, 2014 Building plans/ elevations date stamped December 12, 2014 • Engineering memo dated Appearing for the Applicant Mark and Meridith Seaberg Discussion Commissioner Olsen asked for clarification on if any element of the project is getting closer to the pond. Mr. Seaberg responded that the setback from the pond remains the same; nothing is getting closer. Commissioner Carr asked Planner Teague if the City received any comments from neighbors. Teague responded he wasn't aware of any comments. Applicant Presentation Mr. Seaberg addressed the Commission explaining that he believes their request is reasonable, pointing out this won't be a teardown rebuild but an expansion of a single stall garage and adding a second story above the house to achieve more living space. Discussion Commissioner Lee said that while this isn't a teardown rebuild it will have impact because the existing rambler will become a two story home. Lee asked ceiling height on the first floor. Mr. Seaberg responded ceiling height is 8 -feet. Commissioner Lee stated she was happy to see ceiling height at 8- [5j feet reiterating there is a difference between a rambler and two -story home. Lee also noted the majority of the homes in this neighborhood are rambler. Seaberg agreed. Chair Platteter asked Planner Teague what the required setback from the water was when the house was originally built. Teague responded at that time the required setback was 25 -feet. Public Comment Chair Platteter opened the public hearing. James Westin, 4501 Garrison Lane, expressed support for the project. He pointed out this neighborhood is evolving and added in the future he may pursue a similar renovation. Ms. Parker, 4509, addressed the Commission and indicated that the rendering presented of the new house was misleading. She stated in her opinion the change from rambler to two story will be dramatic. Commissioner Scherer moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Lee seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. Discussion Commissioner Lee said she wanted it reiterated that taking a rambler and making it a two story home will make a difference. She said she agrees with Ms. Parker's observation. Concluding, Lee said she can support the proposal as submitted. Motion Commissioner Scherer moved variance approval based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions. Commissioner Carr seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. VIII. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Tree Preservation Ordinance Chair Platteter asked Planner Teague to highlight the changes made to the ordinance since the Commission last met and asked the Commission to comment on each point. Planner Presentation Planner Teague highlighted the changes made to the proposed ordinance from suggestions made at the last meeting. The discussion continued noting the following newly suggested changes: Sec. 10 -82. Change the word subdivision; to subdivision applications:. In (1) strike as much as practical. Change to (1) e. preventing and reducing a In g. strike as much as practical in this sentence; maybe say "maintain existing buffers between similar uses. period "; or strike completely. Planner Teague asked Commissioners to note changes on page 2 and asked for additional comments /changes: Add to c. =15; not - 15. Note additional language from City Attorney in c. d. add a clarification on breast height (dbh) to feet (4.6 -feet) Note in (3) First sentence eliminate Demolition and building permit. Just say Applications must........ Note in (4) a. addition of (deciduous or coniferous) Eliminate (4) b. Continuing to page 3. (4) f. add to the new language verification of approval /tree inventory plan. h. In the language 2nd sentence change may to will and after require add on site. (5) c. add to the beginning of the first sentence including or within a I 0 -foot radius of ... (8) Check with City Forester on 2" deep. It is believed that should be more. On page 4. (3) last sentence strike etc. at end of sentence. Planner Teague thanked Commissioners for their suggestions and comments adding he will revise the proposed ordinance to reflect the comments /suggestions from Commissioners this evening. A discussion ensued on Commissioners expressing the opinion that they were happy with the progress on the Tree Preservation Ordinance. Commissioners further suggested that the City Council seriously consider making the City Forester position a full -time position. Commissioner Carr noted there could be other ways to address the Forester position, adding out sourcing could be done. Planner Teague interjected and said it is also possible during summer months to get extra help. Commissioners agreed. Planner Teague said the City Council would discuss the proposed ordinance on February 3rd. Motion Commissioner Carr moved to recommend that the City Council adopt the Tree Preservation Ordinance and to consider additional resources to support enforcement of the ordinance. Commissioner Lee seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. IX. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS [7] Chair Platteter acknowledged back of packet materials. X. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Carr said she found the public comment on the Commission holding a "Town Meeting" interesting. Commissioner Scherer stated in the past the Commission conducted work sessions in the Council Chambers focusing on certain topics of the Ordinance, adding it was an informal public meeting that was well received. Commissioner Schroeder pointed out they need to remember the Commission works at the pleasure of the City Council and the City Council sets a Work Plan for the Commission. Schroeder noted the Commissioner "can't take on everything" and needs to spend their time adhering to the Work Plan laid out by the City Council. Commissioners agreed with that logic. Chair Platteter said one issue that needs to be addressed is the annual joint Planning Commission meeting between the cities of Edina, Richfield and Bloomington. Planner Teague agreed that is a priority and in 2015 the City of Edina is the host City. Continuing, Platteter noted there are three positions that need to be filled on the Planning Commission. Platteter suggested that anyone who would like to apply for a seat on the Commission should do so. Applications are being accepted until the end of January. XI. STAFF COMMENTS Planner Teague informed Commissioners that Hennepin County approved access for the project at 7200 France Avenue. Teague said the Commission will review the final rezoning plans in the near future. Planner Teague further reported on February 17th the Commission and Council will meet to talk about the current two step application review process. Teague noted the City has difficulty with the 120 day time span. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Scherer moved meeting adjournment at 8:45. Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. All voted aye; meeting adjourned. 9`1 rp�! a