HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.11.93 Planning Packet1. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M.
2. APPROVE MINUTES APRIL 13, 1993
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. 7:00 P.M. Rezoning Riverside Plat
b. 7:10 P.M. Northern Natural Gas Conditional Use
c. 7:20 P.M. Front Yard Fence Variance in Dakota County Estates 6th
d. 7:40 P.M. Height Requirement Variance in Chateau Manor
e. 7:50 P.M. Front Yard Fence Variance for FAA Center
4. DISCUSSION
a. Comprehensive Plan Amendment MUSA Expansion
5. ADJOURN
AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR
MAY 11, 1993
1. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M.
2. APPROVE MINUTES APRIL 13, 1993
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
AGENDA REPORT
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR
MAY 11, 1993
a. Rezoning of Riverside Plat 7:00 P.M.
While Riverside Plat, when approved in preliminary form, was accomplished following
the close of a public hearing and the Planning Commission recommended rezoning
the property to conform with the proposed plat, the public hearing notice did
not specifically mention that a zoning decision would be made. This hearing was
advertised as a proposed zoning change discussion. If acted upon favorably, the
City Council, following its own deliberation, may rezone the property.
Recommendation
Request that the City Council rezone the property from R -3 High Density to R -1
Low Density.
b. Conditional Use for Northern Natural Gas Company 7:10 P.M.
The attached information was provided by Northern Natural Gas Company, along with
its request to add a third building to its metering complex at the northeast corner
of the intersection of Highway 50 and Pilot Knob Road. Staff looked upon it as
an opportunity to introduce some landscaping at this important intersection. However,
between the time that the conditional use hearing was advertised and the hearing
notice was published, Northern Natural figured a way to put the new facility in
an existing building. The request has been withdrawn and, therefore, no action
is required.
c. Variance Front Yard Fence Dakota County Estates 6th Addition 7:20 P.M.
Lot 8, Block 6 in Dakota County Estates 6th Addition is one rare example of a
unique platting situation that prevents a landowner the same use of his property
that most other people within the same zoning district enjoy. A block arrangement
was settled upon which maximized the number of lots in a given land area. This
was accomplished by offsetting the turn around. Ordinarily this can be used effectively
when the dead end street is longer. However, when it is short like Elm Tree Circle
and offset, it means that one lot, in this case Lot 8, has three front yards.
If the applicant is forced to keep his fence at the 20 foot setback line, he will
lose the use of a substantial portion of his backyard. On the'other hand, if
the Commission decides to grant a variance authorizing a 6 foot fence up to the
property line, the owners of Lot 7 will likely feel that they have been put in
a box.
The site plan for Lot 7 filed with the building permit application provides mitigating
information in that the garage location of this house already cuts of visibility
to and from Lot 7. It would, therefore, be reasonable for the 6 foot fence on
Lot 8 to be placed up to the utility easement in the rear and side yard even with
the front of the house. The lot is 70 feet in width and, since many lots in this
plat are 60 feet in width, this property owner will have the same opportunity
for a rear yard that others in the neighborhood enjoy.
Planning Commission Agenda Report 5/11/93 Page 2
Recommendation
Grant a 10 foot variance for a 6 foot fence to be built within a front yard in
order that this property may have the use of a rear yard.
d. Variance Height Requirements Chateau Manor 7:40 P.M.
The applicant has requested a variance from the height limits of the zoning ordinance
of 25 feet. Section 10 -5 -1 (B) of the code indicates that the Board may grant
variances for radio towers in any district. The applicant is a "ham" radio operator
and is concerned that he will not have enough height to receive from great distances.
The neighborhood is middle aged and has trees that soon will be mature. The Commission
should question the applicant closely about "how high is high enough since the
neighborhood also needs some assurance that the tree cover will provide some protection
from a tower in full view of everyone living there.
Recommendation
Grant a variance to the height requirements of the zoning ordinance that will
allow a reasonable level of communication without creating an unnecessary disturbance
to the neighborhood.
e. Variance Fence in Front Yard FAA Center 7:50 P.M.
In Farmington, fences eight feet (8') in height are permitted only within buildable
areas. As noted in the letter from Stephan Arnold from Raytheon Service Company,
the FAA does not believe that variances are required because of Federal Order
1600.6B. However, after the staff responded that the gravel staging area was
not covered by this order, Mr. Arnold agreed to submit to the City Code. The
attached plan shows that the FAA is willing to plant lilac bushes inside of the
fence adjoining the staging area and some 2" caliper shade trees within the day
care site adjoining the parking lot. The justification for the variance involves
a reasonable attempt to screen the gravel staging area and parking lot and that
both land uses which will be using the Locust Street turnaround are owned by the
FAA. While the ordinance requirements are not fully followed, the staff believes
that the proposal does attempt to comply with its underlying objectives. This
is a major departure from dealings with the FAA prior to the day care center.
The FAA does not have a good history in dealing with the requirements of local
units of government.
Recommendation
Approve the variance for an 8 foot fence in a front yard because of its location
at the end of a cul -de -sac which serves only FAA property.
4. DISCUSSION Comprehensive Plan Amendment MUSA Expansion
The attached letter from Donald Burgardt is the information which will be forwarded
to the Metropolitan Council staff regarding a plan amendment based upon a MUSA
expansion rather than a swap. Staff will provide an update of our meeting with
the Farmington Metropolitan Council representative and staff and outline the land
area being recommended for additional MUSA acreage.
we 140,-.
Charles Tooker
City Planner