HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.13.24 Planning MinutesCITY OF FARMINGTON
PLANNING COMMISION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Rotty at 7:00pm
Members Present: Rotty, Lehto, Tesky, Snobeck
Members Absent: Windschitl
Staff Present: Tony Wippler, Planning Manager
Jared Johnson, Planning Coordinator
Chair Rotty introduced new commissioner Mitch Snobeck
1.1 Election of Officers
NOMINATION for Chair by Lehto, second by Teske nominating Dirk Rotty as Chair.
APIF
NOMINTATION for Vice Chair by Lehto, second by Rotty nominating Tesky as Vice
Chair APIF
1.2 Appointment to Committees
Empire/Farmington Planning Advisory Committee (EFPAC)-Windschitl
Castle Rock Discussion Group- Lehto
Eureka Farmington Planning Group-Tekse
MUSA Review Committee- Rotty & Snobeck
MOTION by Teske, second by Lehto to approve appointments to committees. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Lehto, second by Rotty to approve minutes of Planning Commission for
January 9th 2024 regular meeting. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chair Rotty opened all public hearings
3.1 - Application for Conditional Use Permit and Variance to allow the
construction of an accessory structure within the B-2 (Downtown Business)
zoning district – 306-312 Oak Street-Planning manager Tony Wippler notified
committee that the applicant has requested the applications be withdrawn due to
decision to do an addition to existing building instead of an accessory structure.
MOTION by Teske second by Lehto to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED
MOTION by Teske second by Lehto to withdraw the application for Conditional Use
Permit and Variance. APIF, MOTION CARRIED
3.2 - Request for a Conditional Use Permit to Construct Storage Shed at 705
Willow Street (Dairy Queen)- Planning Coordinator Jared Johnson explained city
code requires any proposed accessory structure on commercial property go through
the Conditional Use Permit process regardless of size. He then reviewed details of
the proposed structure: 8’x12’ storage shed in northwest corner of the lot near the
existing dumpster. The applicant is proposing a setback of 12 feet from west
property line and 18 feet from north property line (10ft setback requirement). The
overall high of the shed will be 9 feet 3inches. The proposed shed meets all zoning
code requirements. Planning coordinator Jared Johnson requested approval of
Conditional Use Permit to construct a storage shed at 705 Willow Street with the
condition that the storage shed must be anchored to the ground.
Member Tesky asked if the shed will be locked, Mr. Paul Clemons responded that it
is a locked shed.
Member Lehto asked if there are any additional lighting requirements, Planning
Coordinator Jared Johnson responded there are no additional lighting requirements.
Chair Rotty asked Mr. Clemons what the purpose of shed is, he responded it is for
snowblower, storage, mops etc.
MOTION by Teske second by Snobeck to close public hearing. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED
MOTION by Teske second by Snobeck to approve Conditional Use Permit for
construction of storage shed at 705 Willow Street with the following condition:
1. The shed be anchored to the ground, the applicant agreed to the condition
APIF, MOTION CARRIED
3.3 – Ordinance Amendments to Title 10, Chapters 2 and 5 of the Farmington
City Code – Planning Coordinator Jared Johnson explained they are seeking an
amendment to Title 10, Chapters 2 and 5 of the city codes. The amendments in
zoning district and uses include:
1. Adding window tinting service into definition of “Auto Repair, Minor”.
2. Removing “Group homes, commercial” as allowable use from R-2, R-3, and
R-4 residential zoning district.
3. Increase maximum lot coverage from 25% to 40% in B-1 Highway
business zoning district.
4. Adding “mixed use buildings” with “retail sales and services” as permitted
use in B-1 Highway zoning district
5. Replacing “retail facilities” with “retail sales and services” as a permitted
use in B-2 and B-3 business districts with the 3000 square feet requirement
removed in B-3 district
6. Replacing “dwellings, multi-family” with “dwelling, apartment” as a
conditional use in SSMU (Spruce Street mixed use district).
7. Removing “hotels” as a conditional use in MUCI (mixed use commercial
industrial district).
8. Replacing “dwellings, multi-family” with “dwellings, apartment” in MUCR
(mixed use commercial residential zoning district).
9. Removing “retail sales and services, less than 3000 square feet” as a
permitted use, but keeping it as conditional use without the 3000 square feet
requirement in MUCR (mixed use commercial residential zoning district).
Chair Rotty asked what rationale was for increase from 25% to 40% in B-1 highway
business zoning district. Planning Manager Tony Wippler responded after reviewing
The Trunk Highway 3 Study, it will allow for larger buildings on smaller parcels.
Chair Rotty asked where the 3000 square feet comes from. Planning Manager Tony
Wippler responded that has been in code prior to his being in position, possibly
since the year 2000. No further questions.
MOTION by Teske, second by Lehto to close public hearing. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED
MOTION by Teske, second by Lehto for a recommendation to City Council to
approve Ordinance 2024-03, an ordinance amending Title 10, Chapters 2 and 5 of
the Farmington City Code. APIF, MOTION CARRIED
4. DISCUSSION
4.1 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Rita Trapp from HKGi presented an update
to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Project Recap and Purpose:
• Update Vision
• Confirm Future Land Use
• Identify needed major public improvements
This project was undertaken to update the 2040 Comprehensive Plan vision and
align future land use and major public improvements (roadways, utility corridors,
parks, and trail) with that vision. The update process will involve a formal
amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. At this time, the Planning Commission is
being asked to review and confirm the draft direction so that the proposed
amendments can be prepared.
Celebrating Our Past. Boldly Defining Our Future.
Guiding Principals
Quality and sustainable growth
• Guide the location and form of development to ensure growth
is managed in a sustainable manner and natural resources are
protected
• Create interesting neighborhoods that strengthens
Farmington’s hometown feel.
• Preserve and protect historical and cultural resources.
Complete and Connected Community
• Create high-quality neighborhoods that are connected by
parks, open spaces, and trails.
• Provide a transportation system that supports the efficient and
effective movement of people and goods for all modes of
transportation.
• Recognize that all people have inherent value and are
celebrated and welcomed.
Vibrant and Resilient Economy
• Promote and support a dynamic economy that distinguishes
itself in the region.
• Enhance the vitality and vibrancy of Farmington’s commercial
districts.
Opportunities and Investments
• Maintain a positive and proactive approach to the City budget,
ensuring investment decisions are cost-effective and provide a
long-term benefit.
Chair Rotty questioned the Preserve, Protect, Enhance Woodlands requirement(s)
and what the developers’ thoughts may be. Planning Manager Tony Wippler
explained we already have the Woodland Tree Preservation ordinance in place.
Regarding Wetlands and Greenways, SWDC has existing rules and regulations for
setbacks. We are in a good position to enforce existing rules.
Chair Rotty questioned if 2B is referring to density. Ms. Trapp explained it can be
density and it can be having diverse housing types including smaller lot single
family, townhomes and rowhomes.
Chair Rotty asked for clarification on what 5C means. Rita Trapp explained it would
be transportation like Ride Share, Dial-a-Ride and working on private opportunities
since no public transportation is currently offered.
Land Use
1. Existing Land Use Map- uses county assessor data to categorize how all
properties within the City are currently used.
2. Development Constraints
a. Lakes, Rivers, and Wetlands
b. Right of Way (ROW)
c. Utility Easements
3. Future Land Use Map- A new land use category, Downtown Mixed-Use, is
being proposed with this amendment. The proposed description for the
Downtown Mixed-Use District is “Land guided to support a variety of uses
including pedestrian friendly commercial, office, residential, institutional,
and limited, small-scale manufacturing. Development may be mixed
either vertically or horizontally with residential densities between 12 and
65 units per net acre.”
4. Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA)
5. Development Staging
6. Focus Areas
Chair Rotty asked how difficult it is to obtain MUSA, Planning Manager Tony
Wippler stated due to us being served by the Empire Treatment Plant that we are
not near capacity in this community.
Rita Trapp finished presentation and Planning Manager stated they will work on
getting the work session with City Council set up to continue working on this plan.
4.2 Open Meeting Law- Planning Manager Tony Wippler discussed League of
Minnesota Cities handout for the Open Meeting Law that includes general
information outlining requirements of what Planning Commission as public body
have to abide by. No questions at this time
5. ADJOURN
MOTION by Teske, second by Snobeck to adjourn at 8:12 p.m. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Tony Wippler
Planning Manager