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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [03] Mar 07March 7, 2005 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, March 7, 2005 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Gary Utsch. Commissioners: Sister Kathleen Kalinowski, Marge Lesnick, Jim Graeve, Bob Loso, Mike Deutz. City Administrator Judy Weyrens. Approve Agenda: Lesnick made a motion to approve the agenda with the following addition; seconded by Kalinowski and passed unanimously. Add 3 Update on Projects Ordinance Amendments: R4 Ordinance Consideration: (Section 52.30: R4 Townhome/Patio Home Residential District) Weyrens stated that they discussed the possibility of an R4 in December 2004. At that time, the concern was whether or not a developer could apply for R4 zoning and then construct "traditional" homes using small lots. As a result, the provision for detached family homes has been removed. The proposed ordinance would allow for the following types of structures: ^ Patio Homes - 1 Level ^ Townhomes -Attached Common walls Weyrens also stated that if the Planning Commission wishes, R4 Zoning can be limited to PUD Developments. Graeve questioned why a PUD would be needed to allow for this type of zoning as he was of the understanding that in a PUD the developer could build whatever they wanted. Weyrens stated that having this type of Ordinance would allow the developer to build on smaller lots. She also stated that if this is not controlled, an entire development the size of Arcon could be R4 creating a dense neighborhood. Kalinowski requested that they make the wording consistent rather than having both townhome and townhouse listed. The Commissioners came to a conclusion to change it to townhome and rowhome. Loso stated that he was confused about the sharing of a common wall for townhomes and rowhomes. Utsch stated that this type of structure is normally build on larger lots rather small parcels combined. Subd. 5: Lot Area Requirements Utsch suggested that the minimum lot width be 60' rather than 50' and the minimum depth be 100' rather than 120'. This would still result in a total lot area of 6,000 square ft. Subd. 6 Setback Requirements Weyrens questioned if they would like to keep the setbacks at 10'. Utsch stated that he recommends keeping the setbacks at 10'. Subd. 11 Yard Cover Utsch also stated that he has some questions pertaining to the following: ... within 3 months of issuance of the certificate of occupancy, be provided with lawn or combined lawn cover of vegetation, gardens, hedges, shrubbery, and related decorative materials...." He questioned whether the builder or homeowner is responsible for providing yard cover as required by ordinance. Weyrens stated that when the Certificate of Occupancy is issued outstanding issues are listed and the closing company escrows an amount to cover the costs. Lesnick questioned whether or not patio homes could have a basement. Weyrens stated that they cannot have a full basement, however, they can have storm shelters or mechanical rooms. Kalinowski stated that the requirement for this is located under Subd. 7 k. Amendment to Business Sign Ordinance: Weyrens stated that the proposed amendment has definitions of the different business signs as requested at the December meeting. The amendment also provides for landscaping. Lesnick questioned the "wind loading requirement of the Building Code" as discussed in the Ordinance. Weyrens defined that as how much wind the structure can tolerate before damage will occur. March 7, 2005 Page 2 of 2 Building Permits in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts: Weyrens stated when discussing the proposed amendment to not require Planning Commission approval for additions with the City Attorney, she recommended the Planning Commission determine a percentage of addition be included. For example, in the Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts building additions increasing the facility more than 50% would be required to receive Planning Commission approval. The Planning Commission had discussed the use of the cost of the addition, but the Attorney indicated that using a cost figure is subjective. The Planning Commission agreed that the percentage for the amendment should be 25%. Therefore the Planning Commission will not review building permits in an B1, B2,B3 or L Zoning district unless the addition is more than 25% of the existing structure. It is further understood that building permits adding less that 25% must meet all Ordinance requirements. If they cannot, the matter will be referred to the Planning Commission. After discussing all three Ordinance Amendments, Weyrens stated that a Public Hearing will be required and will be set for April 4, 2005. Project Updates Northland Heights: Weyrens stated that it is anticipated that the Preliminary Plat Hearing for Northland Heights will be held on April 4, 2005. Liberty Pointe &Graceview Estates: Weyrens stated that the Developers for Liberty Pointe and Graceview Estates are requesting to modify their PUD/Preliminary Plat. Both have been having difficulty selling some of the homes that were designed for the developments, as a result, they have decided to try something different. Weyrens stated that the amendments to the PUD will still meet the original intent of the PUD when it was first approved, but they are changing housing styles. Graceview Estates will be removing the ten-plexes and replacing them with Townhomes and Liberty Point will remove the attached townhomes and construct detached townshomes. Other Matters Provision to allow Rental in a B2 Zoning District: Deutz suggested that the City look at something different for the B2 district along 75. He stated that the houses that are currently there, and for sale, are not adequate homes for families and he suggested the possibility of allowing rental houses along 75 on an interim basis. If the rentals do not end up as a good idea, the City would simply take away the rental license. Weyrens stated that she would contact the City Attorney on this matter and report back to the Planning Commission. Any change to the B2 Zoning District will require a public hearing. Adjourn: Utsch made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Lesnick and passed unanimously. G ~~~ ~~~ Ju y We rens ministrator