HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/9/09
Planning Commission
Minutes
Workshop
June 09, 2009
1. Call to Order
Chair Rotty called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Vanderbeck, Bonar, Rotty, Stokes
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Tony Wippler - Assistant City Planner, Lee Smick - City Planner
Jeff Thelen - EGC
2. Discussion
a) Downtown Commercial District Design Standards
At a previous work session, discussion was had regarding applying the design
standards for the Downtown Commercial District (DCD) only to new construction.
There was also discussion regarding building additions and major renovations. It
was the consensus at the last meeting that the group would work to develop
standards rather than guidelines. Staff will be researching how other communities
address the issue of absentee landlords. Staff reviewed some of the details of the
design standards that will need to be determined. Staff will check with other
communities to see if awning colors are restricted. Signage on awnings was
discussed. The question was asked, how the commission wanted to see the
downtown look, and what end result is desired. Chair Rotty stated that he does not
wish to over-regulate. The commission agreed that two or three story buildings
would be acceptable. The current maximum height is 45 feet. Regarding roof
styles, the commissioners stated that they would be open to the types of roof lines
that are currently in the district. Staff will look further into this item. The current
building width limit is 45 feet. There was discussion regarding requiring that wide
buildings be broken into varying facades to make them appear to be more than one
building front. Staff stated that detailing allowable building materials will be
important. The participants stated that some of the decisions regarding materials are
dependent upon where they are used. Staff will do more research on available
materials. Jeff Thelen suggested requiring that more than one material be used on
the fa9ade. Staff did not recommend restricting color choices as part of the design
standards. Streetscaping and lighting have already been established in the DCD.
There was discussion regarding requiring a maintenance code for the rear entrances
of businesses in the downtown.
b) Industrial Park Design Standards
Staff would like to determine if the Commissioners are in favor of the low impact
development (LID) type of development, or if they would like to have curb and
gutter as was the case in the existing industrial park. This item will also need to be
discussed with the City Engineer. Commissioner Vanderbeck asked if there are
maintenance issues with the LID curbing. Commissioner Bonar stated that he
would like to look into surmountable curbs as an option. The other Commissioners
seemed to be in favor of that option as well. Exterior materials were also discussed
with regard to industrial park buildings. Jeff Thelen stated that it is important to
follow whatever standards are created or there is no point to having them.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 9, 2009
Page 2
Commissioners Bonar and Vanderbeck agreed that they would be in favor of
allowing 50% of the upper portion of the building to be metal. Staff is working with
solid waste regarding standards for trash enclosures. There was discussion
regarding not having loading docks facing Pilot Knob Road or Highway 50. There
are currently some rear parking areas that are lime rock. Jeff Thelen stated that the
lime rock creates runoff issues in the existing park. Screening of storage areas was
discussed previously, and the consensus was to require screening of storage areas
that face Pilot Knob Road or Highway 50. There are currently inconsistencies to
screening throughout the current industrial park. The group decided that they would
like to look at requirements for screening in the interior lots as well.
c) Discussion of Ordinance Amendments - Recreational Vehicle Parking and
Parking in Residential Areas
Staff would like recommendations regarding modifications to the ordinance
governing recreational vehicle parking and parking in residential areas. Chair Rotty
stated that he is fine with the ordinance as is and possibly adding the allowance for
"Easy Roll". Staff will be removing the requirement for a paved driveway to
detached garages from that ordinance.
5. Adjourn
Respectful ,submitted,
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Lisa Dargis/ (-
Administrative AsSist
Approved