HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-08-10 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes b° CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday,August 10,2017—Oak Park Heights City Hall
Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:
Following the conclusion of the 6:00 p.m. Planning Commissioner Interview Worksession,
Chair Kremer called the meeting to order @ 7:15 p.m. Present: Commissioners Kremer,
Bye&Freeman; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards, and City
Councilmember Dougherty. Absent: Commissioner Anthony.
II. Approval of Agenda:
Commissioner Bye, seconded by Commissioner Freeman,moved to approve the Agenda as
presented. Carried 3 —0.
III. Approval of July 20, 2017 Meeting Minutes: Commissioner Freeman, seconded by
Commissioner Bye,moved to approved the Minutes as presented. Carried 3 - 0.
IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports:
V. Visitors/Public Comment: None.
VI. Public Hearings: None.
VII. New Business:
A. Commission Appointment Recommendation: Discuss and make recommendation for
appointment to Planning Commission vacancies.
Chair Kremer explained the process of recommendation to the City Council for
appointment and noted that five candidates were interviewed and that all of the
candidates were great. The sitting Commission commented on how nice it was to
have so many interested and willing individuals to express interest and hoped that
those who were not appointed will continue to remain interested and come back
again when there are openings.
Commissioner Freeman, seconded by Commissioner Bye moved that City Council
appoint Jennifer Giovinazzo and Jennifer VanDyke to the Planning Commission.
Carried 3-0.
B. Accessory Structure Ordinance
City Planner Richards reviewed his August 2, 2017 Planning Memorandum
regarding accessory structures and noted that the issues of focus are whether the
current allowances for height and size are appropriate and also whether temporary
structures such as fabric carports and shelters should be allowed.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 10,2017
Page 2 of 3
The current regulations were reviewed and discussion was had as to how an
accessory structure is defined and sizing requirements. It was noted that the current
ordinance is working more or less and whether there is a simple change that might
work to allow people more space. It was expressed that a simple change that allowed
for a larger area would be desired as would be having people place their vehicles,
boats, etc. inside a storage area and a preference to not see accessory buildings to
exceed the height of the house.
Discussion was had as to the height criteria for accessory structures and how roof
pitches from different construction time periods can change things,how size of a lot
could be considered for regulation, and whether or not there were problems with
accessory structure regulations now or if it is the differences being looked at.
Council Liaison noted that the increased number of vehicles,boats and similar
needing to be stored are part of the conversation. Chair Kremer suggested that 20
foot height and 1,200 square feet sizing allowance as a start for public hearing
conversation.
City Planner Richards noted that the additional part of this issue is for carport and
temporary structure allowance in residential neighborhoods and discussed the same
in relation to possible permitting and enforcement utilized in other communities.
Discussion ensued as to situation where a temporary tent may be used such as a
graduation party and whether or not it is desirable to have a covered car parked in a
driveway. Campers being parked in the driveway year round was noted and
discussed. City Administrator noted that the City strives to create ordinances that
balance the needs of its community and that the bulk of temporary structure permit
requests that come in are from commercial properties and that tents for things such as
graduation parties at homes have not required a permit. City Planner Richards
clarified that the temporary structures of inquiry are those that are placed next to a
garage for a longer duration. Discussion continued as to possible permitting for
temporary structures,how permitting of those used by commercial structures is done.
Consensus was to include the conversation at a public hearing and see what kind of
feedback is received on the issue.
VIII. Old Business:
A. Oak Park Heights—Comprehensive Plan 2018:
City Planner Richards noted that community survey results are being collected and
reviewed and discussed feedback collected to date. He noted that surveys will be
collected until August 25, 2017. Final results will be shared at the September meeting.
Richards noted to the viewing audience the August 251 timeline to get surveys in and
noted where the survey could be found.
Richards reviewed his August 3, 2017 memorandum and discussed the same
with the Commission. Discussion ensued as to land use,potential annexation areas
shown on map, showing bridge element on maps, land uses shown on proposed land
use map with regard to current use and proposed use classifications, and projected
residential density of land uses up to 2040.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 10,2017
Page 3 of 3
IX. Informational:
A. Upcoming Meetings:
• Tuesday, August 22, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
• Tuesday, September 12, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
• Thursday, September 14, 2017 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m./City Hall
• Tuesday, September 26, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
Discussion was had as to the Commission Liaison to the City Council meetings and
whether or not it was needed given that there are several people in attendance at the
Planning Commission meetings who are also in attendance at the City Council meetings.
Chair Kremer noted that he found the Council Worksession's more informative than the
City Council meetings in that you get a feel where the Council is coming at things from.
B. Council Representative
• Tuesday, August 22, 2017—Commissioner Kremer
• Tuesday, September 26, 2017—Commissioner Bye
X. Adjourn. Commissioner Bye, seconded by Commissioner Freeman,moved to
adjourn at 7:38 p.m. Carried 3 —0.
' •:= tfull submitted,
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Plann : & Code Enforcement
Approved by the Planning Commission: 09-14-17/5-0