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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/01/12 SpecialPlanning Commission Minutes Special Meeting November 1, 2012 1. Call to Order Chair Rotty called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Rotty, Franceschelli, Kuyper, Bonar, Primmer Members Absent: None Also Present: Lee Smick, City Planner, Tony Wippler, Assistant Planner, Ed Gerten and Gail Reimnitz— Empire Township 2. Approval of Minutes None 3. Discussion a. Zoning Comprehensive Plan Guidance for the Empire Orderly Annexation Area (OAA) Chair Rotty reviewed the history of the OAA. He explained that we are here to discuss the land uses and recommendations. Mr. Gerten noted properties that are adjacent to the city were reviewed and recommendations were made by the Planning Commission based on conversations with township officials. Assistant Planner Wippler indicated that we are only looking at land use. Staff noted that they are to assist in zoning and comprehensive plan guidance of the township properties that are adjacent to the city's boundaries. Mr Wippler referenced Exhibit A which outlines the areas referenced as follows: Area A Consists of approximately 9.03 acres of land at the southwest intersection of CR 66 (Vermilion River Trail) and Cambodia Avenue and is divided over seven residential properties. Potential Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Guidance: Area A has an existing residential density of 0.78 dwelling units per acre therefore, it would seem reasonable to guide the property as Low Density Residential and zone it as R -1 (Low Density Residential) where the units per acre range from 1 -3.5. Area B Consists of approximately 166.38 acres of land and is generally located at the northwest intersection of Biscayne Avenue and 210 Street W and contains 5 parcels of land ranging from 5 acres to 80 acres. A majority of the acres in this area are currently utilized for farming operations. There are three residential parcels in this area as well. Potential Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Guidance: A Low Medium Residential guidance and zoning of R -2 (Low/Medium Density Residential) would be appropriate for the three residential properties in this area given their proximity to existing land zoned and guided as such and a zoning and comp plan guidance of A -1 (Agriculture) and Agricultural, respectively, for the remaining farmland in the area. Comments: A resident of the township asked if they are required to be annexed in to the City. Mr. Wippler indicated the property owner has to petition to come into the city. 2032 is when the orderly annexation agreement would expire. Area C Consists of 24.78 acres of land spread over four parcels and contains two cemeteries owned by the Corinthian Lodge and St. Michaels Church. Approximately half of the property is currently utilized for farming The area is generally located at the southeast intersection of Cantata Avenue and 208 Street W. Potential Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Guidance: Due to this areas location, a zoning designation of R -2 (Low /Medium Density Residential) would be appropriate (cemeteries are a conditional use in this zone; however, these cemeteries would be grandfathered in). Due to the current and anticipated future use of the properties as cemeteries the appropriate comprehensive plan guidance would be Public /Semi- Public. Comments: A member of the audience asked if individually, residents can come into the city. Mr. Wippler, replied yes they can. They are not tied to a neighboring property. How cast in stone is grandfathered in? Mr. Wippler stated that the current use would not be changed by coming into the city. Planner Smick stated that a business could not expand if not an approved use within the zoning, but could continue the current use. The audience member noted that they are currently leasing a portion of St. Michaels cememetery as farming, would they be able to continue this, and would they be able to construct a structure for cemetery use? Mr. Wippler replied, yes to both questions. Area D This area consists of two parcels totaling 2.54 acres of land. Two commercial businesses (Farmington Plumbing and Heating and what used to be Zarbok Construction) are contained on the properties. The parcels are generally located on the east side of Trunk highway 3 directly north of the formerly American Legion property. Potential Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Guidance: It was previously discussed that a B -1 (Highway Business) zoning and a comprehensive plan guidance of Commercial for this area would be appropriate. Area E This area consists of four parcels of land totaling 1.39 acres. Two of the parcels contain single- family residences, one is a vacant lot, and one contains a commercial building. The properties are located on the east side of Trunk Highway 3 off of Chippendale Court. Potential Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Guidance: Even though a majority of this area is currently utilized as residential, it was previously discussed that this areas highest and best use, long term, would be Commercial due to its proximity of TH 3. It was suggested to guide these properties as Commercial with a zoning of B -1 (Highway Business). It should be noted that there are two other existing homes on Chippendale Court that are currently within the City's municipal boundary and that they are currently guided Commercial and zoned B -1. Area F This area consists of six parcels of land totaling 122.48 acres. The majority of the acreage in this area is utilized for agricultural purposes. There are two residences also located within the area. The area is generally located off of Minnesota State Highway 50, north of Fountain Valley Golf Course. Potential Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Guidance: It was previously discussed that the two existing residences within the area should be zoned R -2 (Low /Medium Density Residential) with a comp plan guidance of Low /Medium. The remaining farmland in the area should be guided Agricultural and zoned A -1 (Agriculture). Area G This area consists of a portion of five parcels of land totaling 248.22 acres. The property is generally located south of 190 Street, west of the railroad tracks, and east of the Mystic Meadows subdivision. The area consists of floodplain and agricultural land. Potential Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Guidance: It was previously discussed that the northern most parcel of this area does contain a significant amount of floodplain and would be suitable for park and open space. It was discussed that the remainder of the property should be zoned and comp guided as agricultural until development is imminent. It should be noted that Dakota County is proposing a regional greenway and trail that would bisect this area. It is anticipated that the widths of this greenway will vary from 100 to 300 feet. This would be a nice amenity for future adjacent residential properties. 4. Process: Wippler asked if the township is looking for the city to zone and guide these areas through public hearing or at time of petition? Mr. Gerten indicated that the zoning designation is already there. Intentions were that the City would come up with the best potential use and zone accordingly. Mr. Wippler stated any rezoning and comp guidance requires a public hearing by the Planning Commission that could be done at the December meeting. It would go to City Council for action after that and if approved, the zoning maps are updated. Property Owners would be notified of the public hearing and be invited to attend. Comp plan would be sent to the Met Council for their review. It will then go to City Council for final adoption of Comp Plan amendment 5. Commission adjourned at 7:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sue Miller Administrative Assistant Approved