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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.01.21 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION MARCH 1, 2021 Call to Order Mayor Hoyt called the joint work session with the Planning Commission to order at 5:00 p.m. Chair Rotty called the Planning Commission to order at 5:00 p.m. Roll Call Present-Hoyt, Bernhjelm, Pearson, Porter and Wilson Absent-None Planning Commission-Rotty, Lehto,Tesky,Windschitl and Franceshellli Also Present-Administrator McKnight, Public Works Director Gehler, Community Development Director Kienberger and Planning Manager Wippler Agenda Motion by Wilson,second by Porter,to approve the agenda as presented.APIF, motion carried. Zoning Code Update Planning Manager Wippler presented the zoning code updates that are a product of the work performed with the creation of the 2040 Comp Plan. With the approval of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan the city must update its zoning code to comply with the Comprehensive Plan. Attached for review,comment and suggestions are portions of the city code related to zoning that are being proposed to be updated to reflect changes that have been identified within the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as well as other planning documents that have been recently approved (i.e., Downtown Redevelopment Plan and the Trunk Highway 3 Corridor Small Area Plan). The attached documents are in draft form and the intent of bringing this information to the City Council and Planning Commission at this work session is to introduce the draft changes and to ensure that both the City Council and Planning Commission are comfortable with the code modifications that are being proposed prior to staff setting the public hearing for the various code amendments and rezonings. The Planning Commission will hold the public hearing regarding the changes and will make a recommendation to the City Council who will take formal and final action on the changes. Staff reviewed the following draft amended codes: • Title 10,Chapter 2 DEFINITIONS • Title 10,Chapter 5 DISTRICTS AND DISTRICT PROVISIONS • Title 10,Chapter 5,Section 24 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY • Title 10,Chapter 5,Section 26 DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL(DC) OVERLAY DISTRICT • Title 10,Chapter 5,Section 27 HIGHWAY 3 OVERLAY(HWY3-0) DISTRICT • Title 10,Chapter 5,Section 28 SPRUCE STREET OVERLAY(SS-0) DISTRICT • Title 10,Chapter 6,Section 4 OFF STREET PARKING • Title 10,Chapter 6,Section 18 SHORELAND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS Below is an outline of the changes proposed in each of the above referenced zoning code sections: Title 10,Chapter 2 Definitions The residential dwelling definitions have been adjusted to make sure that more housing types were included and that references were the same between the various zoning districts. A couple examples of changes made in this section include changing MULTIPLE—FAMILY DWELLING to APARTMENT DWELLING and adjusting the number of units that would make up an apartment dwelling from 3 to 5;and adding a definition for TWO—to FOUR-UNIT DWELLINGS. Title 10, Chapter 5 DISTRICTS AND DISTRICT PROVISIONS Chapter 5 of Title 10 lists the various zoning districts that can be found within the city and outlines the purpose, bulk standards (i.e., lot sizes and setbacks),and allowable uses—permitted and conditional for each of these districts. Uses identified as conditional require approval by the Planning Commission after a public hearing is held. There are currently 18 different zoning districts within the city. These zones are: A-1 Agriculture R-1 Low Density Residential R-2 Low/Medium Density Residential R-3 Medium Density Residential R-5 High Density Residential R-T Downtown Transitional Mixed Use R-D Downtown Residential B-1 Highway Business B-2 Downtown Business B-3 Heavy Business B-4 Neighborhood Business SSC Spruce Street Commercial Business/Commercial Flex Mixed Use MUCR Mixed Use Commercial/Residential IP Industrial Park 1-1 Industrial P/OS Parks and Open Space A number of these districts are being proposed to be consolidated. The R-T, B-4,SSC, Mixed Use, and 1-1 are proposed to be repealed with the code update. Some of the more substantial changes proposed to the zoning districts are as follows: The R-T and R-D codes were so similar it was logical to combine them into one zone,that zone being R-D (Downtown Residential). The B-4(Neighborhood Business)district currently consists of five parcels. It is proposed that these properties be rezoned as part of this exercise to the B-3 (General Business) zoning district. The current B-3 (Heavy Business) zoning district is proposed to be rebranded into the B-3 (General Business)zone and would again combine the properties that are currently zoned B-4 and B-3 into a single zoning district. The purpose statement for the B-3 (General Business) zoning district is"The B-3 General Business District accommodates existing areas with commercial and industrial businesses that incorporate site design measures to ensure their compatibility with adjacent properties." The existing Mixed Use District,which consists of portions of two parcels,is located to the south and southwest of the Vermillion River Crossings development(see attached zoning map). The Mixed Use district and Spruce Street Commercial zone are being proposed to become a part of the existing Mixed-Use Commercial Residential (MUCR)district. The purpose statement of the MUCR district is "to provide a flexible framework for the creation of high quality,comprehensively designed commercial neighborhood development with a multi-family component. A variety of developments are encouraged,with developments designed to promote walking, bicycling and potential transit use." Similar to what is proposed with the R-T and R-D districts,the properties zoned 1-1 and IP will be consolidated into a single zone labeled I (Industrial). The purpose statement for the I (Industrial) district is "District provides areas for existing and future industrial uses and promotes high quality architecture, landscaping and site plan development standards in order to increase the City's tax base and employment opportunities. This district requires that exterior industrial activities and storage are limited and fully screened to minimize impacts on adjacent properties and public rights- of-way." It should also be noted that the existing Industrial Park Design Standards as outlined in Title 10,Chapter 6,Section 20 is proposed to be eliminated. The design standards in turn have been placed within the I (Industrial) code provisions in Chapter 5 of Title 10. The intent of this particular change is to make the zoning code more user friendly by incorporating multiple provisions/sections into a single provision for easier use. The existing Business/Commercial Flex zone is proposed to be changed to what is proposed as the MUCI—MIXED USE COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT. The purpose statement for this district is "provides for the development of larger mixed business areas along major roadways, including services, offices, research laboratories,and light manufacturing uses without any exterior activities, as well as compatible commercial uses. This district is intended to be flexible to accommodate a mix of non-residential uses and development formats." This district will consist of parcels of land at the northeast, northwest and southeast intersections of Pilot Knob and CSAH 50. Please note that the attached zoning map will also have to be updated to reflect the changes contemplated above. This will require the rezoning of a number of properties. The intent is to do the rezonings in concert with the code updates. Title 10,Chapter 5,Section 24 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY The changes that are proposed to this portion of the zoning code are intended to simplify and condense this code for easier interpretation and implementation by the development community and city staff. These changes help to clarify and streamline the Planned Unit Development process. The purpose statement for the Planned Unit Development Overlay is intended to result in new development that benefits the city and its residents. The PUD overlay provides a development alternative that allows for greater flexibility and creativity in site and building design than would be possible under the strict application of a zoning district's requirements. This overlay district adopts the underlying zoning district uses. In return for having greater flexibility in site and building design requirements,a PUD approved under this ordinance shall achieve one or more of the following purposes: 1. Greater utilization of new technologies in building design,construction,and land development. 2. Variety in the organization of site elements, lots sizes, housing types, and land uses. 3. Preservation and enhancement of environmental resources, including flora and fauna, scenic views,screening, access,and open space. 4. More efficient and effective use of land, and public infrastructure to support higher-quality development at a lesser cost. 5. Establishment of recreational, public, and open spaces which may be more useable, more suitably located,and higher quality than would be provided under development standards. 6. Increased environmental sustainability in the development of land, building construction, and building operations. 7. Higher level of integration of pedestrian and bicycle facilities to and within a PUD. 8. An increase in the supply of low-income and moderate-income housing. Title 10,Chapter 5,Section 26 DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL(DC)OVERLAY DISTRICT The changes proposed within this section of the zoning code are largely non-substantial and are for clarification purposes only. One area of change to note is the addition of apartments and mixed apartment/commercial structures (mixed use buildings)as needing to meet the requirements and standards of this overlay district. One and two-family residences,twin homes and townshomes are exempt from meeting the standards. Title 10,Chapter 5, Section 27 HIGHWAY 3 OVERLAY(HWY3-0) DISTRICT This section is a new overlay district for the Highway 3 corridor as defined with a northern limit of Vermillion River Trail(CR 66),and a southern limit of 225th Street W, and extending one block east to 7th Street and one block west of Highway 3 to 9th Street. A recommendation came out of the Trunk Highway 3 Corridor Plan that was approved by the City Council on June 3,2019 to establish an overlay district for this corridor. The overlay district outlines building materials and design standards for certain project types within the corridor, such as acceptable building materials,amount of transparent glass on street facades. The overlay district also addresses signage and exterior commercial lighting standards. Title 10,Chapter 5,Section 28 SPRUCE STREET OVERLAY(SS-O) DISTRICT This existing Design Standards for Spruce Street Commercial, Mixed Use and Business/Flex Zoning Districts (Section 10-6-1 of zoning code) is proposed to be converted into the Spruce Street Overlay District. The boundary of this district is proposed to be northern limit of CSAH 50, a southern limit of Spruce Street(including mixed use zoning districts south of Spruce Street),an eastern limit of the Vermillion River Corridor, and a western limit of Pilot Knob Road. This proposed overlay district outlines the applicability of the standards identified in the overlay; provides specific design standards for such things as sidewalks, lighting, required amenities; provides for building architectural standards such as exterior building materials,facade design, awnings/canopies Title 10,Chapter 6,Section 4 OFF STREET PARKING Most of the text changes shown on the attached Section 10-6-4 are format or location related changes within the section itself. Some of the more substantive changes in this section involve the required parking spaces based on uses;some of the more pertinent examples are: • Auto Sales: 1 space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area for indoor display area • Bed and Breakfast: 1 per room plus 1 per employee at maximum shift • Brewery,Small Brewery, Distillery, Microdistillery,with or without Cocktail Room or Taproom: 1 space per 1,500 square feet of manufacturing,fabrication, processing,or warehousing area. Plus 1 space per 200 square feet of taproom or cocktail room floor area. • Grocery Stores: at least 1 off-street parking space for each 200 square feet of floor area up to a total floor area of 10,000 square feet. At least 1 off street parking space for each 250 square feet of floor area in a building that has between 10,001 and 30,000 square feet. At least 1 off street parking space for each 300 square feet of floor area in a building that has more than 30,000 square feet. • Non-profit recreational,cultural/entertainment: 1 per 4 customers to a maximum seating capacity. • Research Facility: 1 per 600 square feet. • Apartment Dwellings: 1.5 per dwelling unit(current code requires 2.5 per dwelling unit for multi-family dwellings). • Senior Care Facilities: 1 per 3 beds plus 1 for each 3 employees on maximum work shift. • Sexually Oriented Business: 1 per 200 square feet. • Supply Yards: 1 per employee at the largest shift. Title 10,Chapter 6,Section 18 SHORELAND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS This section of code is being updated to align the city code with the Minnesota DNR model ordinance. The most substantive changes to point out with this proposed amendment is in regards to Special Provisions for Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). This is new language added to the Section and outlines the following: • Processing PUDs in the shoreland • Density Determination for PUDs in the shoreland • Design criteria for PUDs in the shoreland City councilmembers and planning commission members discussed a variety of issues related to the information shared by city staff. Some of the issues discussed in detail included some specific definitions,the desire to see a revised proposed new zoning map,tiny homes,auto sales and their location/future in Farmington, how the decisions made as a part of this process will shape what the community looks like in 20 years and more. Other items discussed included potential changes to impervious coverage,side yard setbacks,the purpose/results of the planned unit development process,front yard setbacks and the next steps in this discussion. The desire of both groups was to continue these discussions at an additional work session. Vita Attiva Development Administrator McKnight provided the city council with an update on the proposed Vita Attiva development. Staff has shared some estimated street construction costs on a portion of the future Pilot Knob section on the west side of the development and a portion of a future Spruce Street on the north side of the development. The city council asked for this information at their last work session. Mayor Hoyt asked about how the county transportation funding policy would apply to the portion of the future Pilot Knob. Public Works Director Gehler stated that the county does not have plans to extend Pilot Knob south of County Road 50 until County Road 70 is extended into Farmington. The city cannot require the developer to set aside money for the future Pilot Knob because of recent court cases. Hoyt asked if this is about the one access issue. Member Francesshelli stated he felt since it was a gated community one access is not significant but the health and safety issues is our top priority. Hoyt stated that this development is really two to four year out,the county shop will likely be sold in that timeframe. Are we willing to say no today and bet nothing else will occur to improve this development? Councilmember Bernhjelm felt that this development is premature with only once access and city investment is an issue. Councilmember Wilson agreed. The city has paid for infrastructure in the past that has not panned out. Councilmember Porter agreed and that safety is not negotiable. Councilmember Porter shared that the estimated costs are a concern along with the health and safety risks of one access. Hoyt asked that staff approach the county about the possible extension of Pilot Knob south of County Road 50. The city council recessed the work session at 6:47 p.m. The planning commission adjourned their meeting at 6:47 p.m. Mayor Hoyt called the work session back into session at 7:56 p.m. Downtown Liquor Store Update Administrator McKnight provided an update on the possible relocation of the downtown liquor store. City staff has been working with APPRO Development and a property owner on a possible new space for the downtown store. McKnight shared that we have estimated moving costs, a draft lease, a proposal for design services for the new space,are waiting on a construction management proposal, have developed a rough budget estimate for the move and have provided an opportunity for our current property owner to provide an updated proposal. McKnight shared with the city council that it is expensive to move a liquor store and wanted to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Councilmembers discussed the options currently available and were in support of continuing to move forward with the potential move. McKnight shared that a draft lease along with an agreement for design services will likely be on the March 15th city council agenda. City Administrator Update City Administrator McKnight updated the city council on the number of fans allowed into high school hockey games and the approach taken by the city and school district for the remainder of the ice season. McKnight asked for two city councilmembers to participate in the Parks and Recreation Director second round interviews in March. Mayor Hoyt and Councilmember Bernhjelm agreed to participate. Adjourn Motion by Wilson,second by Porter,to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. APIF, motion carried.