- DRAFT –

SUNFISH LAKE PLANNING COMMISSIONMEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

7:00 P.M. – ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH


Attendants:

Chair: Tom Hendrickson

Commissioners: Ginny Beckett, Alan Spaulding and Shannon Nelson
City Planner: Ryan Grittman

Not in Attendance: City Clerk, Cathy Iago

1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. ADOPT AGENDA: Chair Hendrickson asked if there were any additions to the agenda. Hearing none, he asked for a motion to approve the agenda as presented.

Commissioner Beckett moved to adopt the agenda seconded by Commissioner Spaulding and carried (4-0)

Commissioner Spaulding moved to approve the July 18, 2018 Meeting minutes as corrected, seconded by Commissioner Nelson and carried. (4-0)

4. PUBLIC HEARING: A. Major Site and Building Plan Review, and Two Conditional Use Permits, 2 Sunfish Lane:

Chair Hendrickson opened the Public Hearing on this application.

Planner Grittman referred to his report dated September 11, 2018 and stated the applicant is proposing to demolish an existing home and intends to construct a new home on the site at approximately the same location. He stated that a major site and building plan review is required for building alterations exceeding 1,000 sq. ft. He stated that Planning Commission review and Council approval are required. He advised that in addition to the major site and building plan, the applicant is also requesting approval of two conditional use permits; one for a second accessory structure on the property; and a second for attached garage space exceeding 1,250 square feet.

The Planner stated that the property is zoned R-1 Single Family Residential and shoreland overlay district. The 3.45-acre lot meets the standards for the R-1 District. He noted that the property is located within the Shoreland District, so the 30% impervious surface requirement applies to this property. The property will be 9.8% impervious surface. He stated the building height was calculated at 29 ft. which does not exceed the height limitation of 30 ft. He stated that Chair Hendrickson requested that the Planner explain how the building height is calculated and gave a brief presentation on building height.

Planner Grittman explained that the plan for the proposed residence meets all setback requirements and that the applicant plans to use wood, stucco and stone brick siding which are exterior materials permitted in the Zoning Code.

The Planner stated that the applicants intend to install minimal lighting around the home and grounds. He explained that the City Code requires that the lights may not be greater than one candle-foot at the property line, must be hooded so they do not impact adjacent properties and that they would be measured after installation if needed.

Planner Grittman stated that the City Engineer reviewed the plans and recommended approval of the application with conditions as listed in this report dated August 28, 2018.

The Planner advised that the proposed well and septic system locations are compliant with regulations in the City Code. He noted that the City Septic Inspector had not submitted any comments, however, as a condition the applicant must demonstrate to the City that a septic permit was approved, and that staff had approved the installation.

Staff recommends approval of the Major Site and Building Plans based on the findings that the project meets performance standards within the Zoning Ordinance, with the eight (8) conditions as listed in the Planner’s report dated September 11, 2018 and the City Engineer’s recommendations as addressed in his report dated August 22, 2018 and August 28, 2018.

Planner Grittman then reviewed the conditional use permit for a second accessory structure, the site has an existing shed as its one permitted accessory structure, and the swimming pool will be the second. He stated that Staff is recommending approval of the swimming pool as the second accessory structure.

Planner Grittman then reviewed the conditional use permit for garage space exceeding 1,250 square feet. He stated that the applicant is asking for a total of 3,147 square feet. He stated that the garage space will be 29% of the total square footage of the home. He stated that the garage will have an evident reuse for a future owner. He stated that Staff is recommending a condition of approval that no business be allowed in or around the garage space. He stated that the condition stays with the property for future owners.

Chair Hendrickson asked if the condition needs to be recorded with the deed.

Planner Grittman stated that it’s recorded with the conditions of approval along with the resolution.

Planner Grittman stated that Staff is recommending approval of the two conditional use permits with the conditions listed in the Planner’s Report dated September 11, 2018.

Chair Hendrickson thanked the Planner and asked if the Commission had any questions for the Planner.

Commissioner Spaulding asked about the drainpipes on the home.

Planner Grittman deferred comment to the applicant’s engineer.

Joe Crowley, with Elevation Homes, stated that there are a couple rain gardens that water will drain to.

Chair Hendrickson asked if the applicant would like to add anything.

Mr. Crowley stated that his client is very excited for this project.

Molly Park, of 15 Sunnyside Lane, asked about the existing dock if there are any additional plans for the dock.

Mr. Crowley stated that the owner doesn’t have any plans to change the dock and that he’s currently using the dock and loves the property from both the front and back.

Mrs. Park asked about the timeframe for construction.

Mr. Crowley stated that they’re estimating about 12 months of construction.

Mrs. Park asked about accessing the property from the private drive.

Mr. Crowley stated that they take pictures of the road before construction and they plan to leave the road in as good or better condition than when they started.

Arnie Svendsen, 1 Sunfish Lane, stated he was concerned about the evergreen trees that are going to be removed and replaced with deciduous trees, which will be less private.

Mr. Crowley stated that they’re still developing their tree plan and they’re proposing to increase the number of trees onsite. He stated that he can talk to the owner and see if he would be willing to replace the trees by the shed.

Mr. Crowley stated that he’ll review the site this fall after the leaves are gone to see what’s needed.

Brett Nelson, 5 Sunfish Lane, asked about the elevations of the back and the screening, and where the driveway will move to because of the way his property and the applicant’s driveway drains.

Mr. Crowley stated the driveway will connect to Sunfish Lane at the same location as the existing driveway, and the trees will help improve the screening.

Mrs. Park stated that her property and the Tostrud’s property is accessed from the same area and asked if the access will change.

Mr. Crowley stated that the access will stay the same.

Mr. Nelson asked what the total square footage of the property will be.

Planner Grittman stated that the total space including the garages and shed will be 11,000 square feet, and that the living space will be around 7,000 square feet.

Chair Hendrickson asked for any additional public comment, hearing none, he closed the public comment section of the hearing and asked for comments from the Commissioner’s.

Commissioner Beckett stated that she feels strongly about the evergreen screening and feels it’s important and should be added.

Commissioner Spaulding asked how far is it from the property line to the trees being removed.

Mr. Crowley stated the he estimates it’s about 75-feet.

Charlie McGlynn, with Elevation Homes stated that the plan is to leave the trees in place during construction.

Commissioner Spaulding stated that it should be up to the property owner if they want to add deciduous, conifers, or prairie grass due to the large lot size.

Chair Hendrickson stated that he’s hesitant to add a condition that requires specific screening in a specific location and the owner and builder should make sure that everyone is well served.

Denis Svendsen, 1 Sunfish Lane, stated she liked using the phrase ‘in the interest of privacy’ and asked that the screening be added in the interest of privacy.

Chair Hendrickson stated that he’s comfortable adding a condition that we revisit the screening once the leaves have fallen.

Katie Nelson, 5 Sunfish Lane, asked about hours of operation.

Chair Hendrickson said that he’s not sure of the exact hours but believes it’s 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays.

Mrs. Nelson asked about site access and blocking access to other homes.

Chair Hendrickson stated that the contractor is responsible for ensuring access; and proving parking for onsite workers.

Chair Hendrickson asked if there were any additional questions or comments, hearing none, he closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Hendrickson moved to recommend approval of the Major Site and Building Plans, and the (2) two conditional use permit applications for the property located at 2 Salem Lane based on the findings that the project submittal meets performance standards within the City Zoning Ordinance and subject to the conditions as listed in the Planner’s report dated September 11, 2018 and the City Engineer’s reports dated August 22, 2018, and August 28, 2018 with the additional condition that the owner reviews the necessary screening upon the tree removal completion seconded by Commissioner Beckett and carried. (4-0)

6. OTHER/NEW BUSINESS: 2019 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule.

Planner Grittman stated that the Commission needs to approve the 2019 meeting schedule and that there are no meetings that need to be moved due to holidays or non-meeting dates.

Commissioner Spaulding moved to approve the 2019 Meeting Schedule, seconded by Commissioner Nelson and carried. (4-0)

ADJOURN:

Commissioner Spaulding moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Nelson and carried. (4-0)


Respectfully submitted,

________________________

Catherine Iago, City Clerk