HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.12.24 Planning Packet
Meeting Location:
Farmington City Hall
430 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
7:00 PM
Page
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.1. Approve Planning Commission Minutes
Approve the minutes from the February 13, 2024 regular meeting.
Agenda Item: Approve Planning Commission Minutes - Pdf
2 - 7
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1. Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Title 10, Chapters 2 and 6 of the
Farmington City Code
Recommend the City Council approve Ordinance Number 2024-04, and
ordinance amending Title 10, Chapters 2 and 6 of the Farmington City
Code.
Agenda Item: Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Title 10, Chapters 2
and 6 of the Farmington City Code - Pdf
8 - 12
4. DISCUSSION
5. ADJOURN
Page 1 of 12
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Planning Commission
From: Tony Wippler, Planning Manager
Department: Planning Commission
Subject: Approve Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting: Planning Commission - Mar 12 2024
INTRODUCTION:
Attached, are the minutes from the February 13, 2024 regular meeting.
DISCUSSION:
Not applicable
BUDGET IMPACT:
Not applicable
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the minutes from the February 13, 2024 regular meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
PC Minutes 021324 signed
Page 2 of 12
CITY 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
Page 3 of 12
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
Page 4 of 12
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
Page 5 of 12
• 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
Page 6 of 12
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
Page 7 of 12
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Planning Commission
From: Jared Johnson, Planning Coordinator
Department: Community Development
Subject: Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Title 10, Chapters 2 and 6 of the Farmington
City Code
Meeting: Planning Commission - Mar 12 2024
INTRODUCTION:
Staff is proposing additional zoning ordinance amendments to Title 10, Chapters 2 and 6 of the
Farmington City Code.
DISCUSSION:
At the November 2023 Planning Commission meeting, staff presented a laundry list of minor zoning
code amendments for discussion only. After receiving positive feedback, staff has been bringing
forward these zoning code amendments for approval at the last two Planning Commission
meetings. The City Council has since formally approved both rounds of zoning code amendments.
Staff is bringing forward another round of zoning code amendments. This round focuses specifically
on performance standards in relation to utility trailer parking and fences. A table outlining the
proposed amendments with their rationale is attached. The amendments are summarized below:
Adding utility trailers to the recreational vehicle parking section, requiring them to be parked
on a hard surface.
Adding a definition for utility trailers.
Removing the requirement that a site plan or legal survey showing a proposed fence must
be submitted to the building inspection division.
o Staff initially discussed with the Planning Commission on keeping this requirement
and be to required be would form a zoning that language adding verification
submitted. In further discussion with building inspections, staff is proposing to remove
this requirement completely to make it easier for residents and staff.
Adding language prohibiting electric fences on residential lots.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Not applicable
ACTION REQUESTED:
Recommend the City Council approve Ordinance Number 2024-04, and ordinance amending Title
10, Chapters 2 and 6 of the Farmington City Code.
Page 8 of 12
ATTACHMENTS:
2024-04 Amending Peformance Standards
Code Update Table - March Only
Page 9 of 12
CITY OF FARMINGTON
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE 2024-04
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTERS 2 AND 6 OF THE
FARMINGTON CITY CODE AS IT RELATES TO PEFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKING AND FENCES
The City Council of the City of Farmington ordains:
SECTION 1. Title 10, Chapter 2, Section 1 of the Farmington City Code is hereby amended by
adding the following underlined language:
10-2-1: ZONING DEFINTIONS
UTILITY TRAILER: A trailer, enclosed or unenclosed, used to transport personal
property, materials, or equipment.
SECTION 2. Title 10, Chapter 6, Section 4 of the Farmington City Code is hereby amended by
adding the following underlined language:
10-6-4: OFF STREET PARKING
(F) Recreational Vehicle Parking: Recreational vehicles parked on residential property
shall be registered to the owner or lessee of the property and display a current license and
may be parked or stored on the lot as follows:
1. In the front yard, provided they are kept on a hard surfaced driveway.
Recreational vehicles may not be parked in front of the principal building on a residential
lot. Recreational vehicles may not be parked or stored on public property. Recreational
vehicles parked on street right of way must comply with section 9-1-9 of this code.
2. In the side or rear yard, recreational vehicles shall be parked or stored on asphalt,
concrete, or decorative landscape rock.
(a) All hard surfaced parking areas in the side or rear yard shall maintain a five
foot (5') setback from the side or rear lot lines.
(b) All decorative landscape rock parking areas may be located in the side or rear
yards abutting the property line. The decorative rock parking areas shall be installed to a
depth of four inches (4") and lined with a commercial grade weed preventative mesh
under the rock to impede the growth of weeds. No class V(5) rock or gravel is allowed.
Edging shall be installed to prevent the rock from spreading from the designated parking
area. The designated parking area may not impede the drainage within the side or rear
yard utility easements or inhibit access to the easements. (Ord. 002-476, 5-6-2002)
(c) The above section shall also apply to utility trailer parking.
SECTION 3. Title 10, Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Farmington City Code is hereby amended by
adding the underlined language and deleting the strikethrough language as follows:
Page 10 of 12
Ordinance 2024-04
Page 2 of 2
10-6-12: FENCES:
(F) Site Plan; Building Permit: A site plan or legal survey with location of the proposed
fence shall be submitted to the building inspection division for approval for all fences
over four feet (4’) in height. An application for a building permit is required for all fences
exceeding six feet (6’) in height.
(G) Materials: Fences in all districts, except agricultural, shall be constructed of materials
widely accepted in the fencing industry. No plywood boards, canvas, plastic sheeting,
metal sheeting or similar material shall be used for any fence construction. Electric fences
are prohibited.
SECTION 4. SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 412.191, in
the case of a lengthy ordinance, a summary may be published. While a copy of the entire ordinance
is available for inspection and without cost by any person at the office of the City Clerk, the
following summary is approved by the City Council and shall be published in lieu of publishing
the entire ordinance.
This ordinance includes the following changes relating to Title 10, Chapters 2 and 6:
• Adding utility trailers to the recreational vehicle parking section, requiring them to be
parked on a hard surface.
• Adding a definition for utility trailers.
• Removing the requirement that a site plan or legal survey showing a proposed fence
must be submitted to the building inspection division.
• Adding language prohibiting electric fences on residential lots.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and
publication according to law.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Farmington, Minnesota, this 18th day of March 2024.
ATTEST:
____________________________ ______________________________
Joshua Hoyt, Mayor Shirley R Buecksler, City Clerk
Page 11 of 12
CODE UPDATES - MARCH
City Code Section
Existing Language/Summary Proposed Change Comments/Rationale
10-6-4
Off-Street Parking –
Recreational Vehicles
(F) Recreational Vehicle Parking: Recreational vehicles parked
on residential property shall be registered to the owner or
lessee of the property and display a current license and may be
parked or stored on the lot as follows:
1. In the front yard, provided they are kept on a hard
surfaced driveway. Recreational vehicles may not be parked in
front of the principal building on a residential lot. Recreational
vehicles may not be parked or stored on public property.
Recreational vehicles parked on street right of way must
comply with section 9-1-9 of this code.
2. In the side or rear yard, recreational vehicles shall be
parked or stored on asphalt, concrete, or decorative landscape
rock.
(a) All hard surfaced parking areas in the side or rear
yard shall maintain a five foot (5') setback from the side or rear
lot lines.
(b) All decorative landscape rock parking areas may be
located in the side or rear yards abutting the property line. The
decorative rock parking areas shall be installed to a depth of
four inches (4") and lined with a commercial grade weed
preventative mesh under the rock to impede the growth of
weeds. No class V(5) rock or gravel is allowed. Edging shall be
installed to prevent the rock from spreading from the
designated parking area. The designated parking area may not
impede the drainage within the side or rear yard utility
easements or inhibit access to the easements.
(F) Recreational Vehicle Parking: Recreational vehicles parked
on residential property shall be registered to the owner or
lessee of the property and display a current license and may be
parked or stored on the lot as follows:
1. In the front yard, provided they are kept on a hard
surfaced driveway. Recreational vehicles may not be parked in
front of the principal building on a residential lot. Recreational
vehicles may not be parked or stored on public property.
Recreational vehicles parked on street right of way must comply
with section 9-1-9 of this code.
2. In the side or rear yard, recreational vehicles shall be
parked or stored on asphalt, concrete, or decorative landscape
rock.
(a) All hard surfaced parking areas in the side or rear yard
shall maintain a five foot (5') setback from the side or rear lot
lines.
(b) All decorative landscape rock parking areas may be
located in the side or rear yards abutting the property line. The
decorative rock parking areas shall be installed to a depth of
four inches (4") and lined with a commercial grade weed
preventative mesh under the rock to impede the growth of
weeds. No class V(5) rock or gravel is allowed. Edging shall be
installed to prevent the rock from spreading from the
designated parking area. The designated parking area may not
impede the drainage within the side or rear yard utility
easements or inhibit access to the easements.
3. The above section shall also apply to utility trailer parking.
There has been confusion if utility
trailers count as recreational vehicles
when it comes to parking them in
grass. Explicitly adding the term in
code will help clarify this code
enforcement issue.
10-2-1
Zoning Definitions
There is no definition for utility trailers. UTILITY TRAILER: A trailer, enclosed or unenclosed, used to
transport personal property, materials, or equipment.
The definition should be added due
to the above change.
10-6-12 (F)
Fences – Site Plan
(F) Site Plan; Building Permit: A site plan or legal survey with
the location of the proposed fence shall be submitted to the
building inspection division for approval for all fences over four
feet (4') in height. An application for a building permit is
required for all fences exceeding six feet (6') in height.
(F) Site Plan; Building Permit: A site plan or legal survey with the
location of the proposed fence shall be submitted to the
building inspection division for approval for all fences over four
feet (4') in height. An application for a building permit is
required for all fences exceeding six feet (6') in height.
There is currently no formal process
for residents to submit the required
site plan or legal survey for a fence.
Since we don’t require any fence
permit in general, staff proposes
removing this language for clarity.
10-6-12 (G)
Fences - Materials
(G) Materials: Fences in all districts, except agricultural, shall
be constructed of materials widely accepted in the fencing
industry. No plywood boards, canvas, plastic sheeting, metal
sheeting or similar material shall be used for any fence
construction.
(G) Materials: Fences in all districts, except agricultural, shall be
constructed of materials widely accepted in the fencing industry.
No plywood boards, canvas, plastic sheeting, metal sheeting or
similar material shall be used for any fence construction. Electric
fences are prohibited on residential lots.
This was a recent code enforcement
issue. Electric fences in residential
areas are considered public
nuisances. Pa
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