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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 10-13 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 13, 2005 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Eric Berns, Graydon Boeck, Rachel Lund, Rex Newman, Sean Rahn, and Tim Roche were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 There was a motion by Commissioner Roche, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to approve the minutes of the September 29, 2005 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioners Boeck and Lund abstained as they were not present at the meeting. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Willson explained the Planning Commission's role as an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is to hold public hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these matters. DISCUSSION ITEM: PARKING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES IN THE FRONT YARD OF R -1 ZONES Chair Willson stated that after review of the information provided regarding the parking and storage of vehicles in the front yard of R -1 zones, there was nothing that would influence his decision to make any changes to the city ordinances regarding this subject. He added that he felt the issues being addressed could be resolved by better enforcement by the city. Mr. Warren pointed out that the items listed in Section 19 -103, Subdivision 12, 13 and 14 of the City's Public Nuisance ordinance describes vehicles that are both allowed and prohibited. He gave a history of the ordinance at its inception to include the city arriving at the decision as to what vehicles would be allowed in the R -1 residential zone. Mr. Warren also summarized what is known as the City's `junk vehicle' ordinance (Section 19 -1303 & 1304) which addresses the storage and screening of junk vehicles, inoperable vehicles and collector vehicles. Commissioner Rahn referred to Councilmember Carmody's remarks in City Council minutes regarding questions she received from residents during National Night Out related to this subject and asked if it was known if a lot of residents had concerns regarding the parking of vehicles. 10 -13 -05 Page 1 Chair Willson stated that he was aware of only one person that had come before the City Council and had not been approached himself by any residents. Commissioner Rahn stated that he doesn't feel that there is a need for any additional verbiage in the ordinance and agreed that better enforcement could resolve the problems that currently exist. Mr. Warren reminded the Commission that the Housing Commission had discussed rather extensively the possibility of requiring paved or `hard surfaced' driveways. He added that the city requires that space must be provided on residential property to park up to a minimum of two vehicles per dwelling unit. He added that you can have a dirt driveway that leads to an accessory building (garage) but if it is expanded to provide additional parking, it must be an improved surface with Class 5 gravel or better, concrete or black top. After much review and discussion, the Housing Commission recommended requiring paved surfaces. The City Council did not act on the Housing Commission's recommendation. Commissioner Roche agreed that the problem with driveways and parking is enforcement but wondered if there is a way to communicate to new homeowners what is required of property owners regarding maintenance of their property. Mr. Warren stated that such communication is extended by city staff particularly in the spring prior to the city wide sweep. Commissioner Rahn asked for clarification on requirements for the expansion of driveways. Mr. Warren explained that the expansion of a driveway must be on an improved or hard surface regardless of what the existing driveway is. Chair Willson invited Mr. Will Dahn for additional input. Mr. Dahn reviewed the city's requirements for parking and driveway surfaces. Mr. Warren explained that vehicles must be parked or stored on authorized parking or driveway areas OR a paved or graveled extension of an authorized driveway. The way the ordinance is written, the only part required to be paved or gravel is the extension of the driveway. Mr. Dahn stated that his interest in being before the Commission was to discuss the number of vehicles allowed to be parked in a residential zone. Mr. Dahn asked the Commission to note his proposed changes which places parking requirements found in other areas of the ordinance under Permitted Uses in R -1 zones. The Commission discussed his proposal further. Mr. Warren stated that Mr. Dahn's proposals would be better placed in the nuisance regulations rather than the zoning ordinance because of non - conforming use provisions. Chair Willson called for action from the Commissioners. Commissioner Boeck suggested that there be no changes regarding the parking and storage of vehicles in R -1 zones. Commissioner Rahn suggested that a recommendation to the City Council include more consistent enforcement of the ordinances regarding parking of vehicles in R -1 zones. The Planning Commission was polled on the recommendations suggested by Mr. Dahn: • Regarding recommending requiring paved or hard surfaced driveways, two Commissioners were in favor, five were opposed. 10 -13 -05 Page 2 • Regarding recommending limiting the number of vehicles allowed to be parked in a front yard or yard abutting a public street to no more than six; four Commissioners were in favor, three were opposed. • Regarding limiting corner lot secondary access; no Commissioners were in favor. • Regarding screening of more than six vehicles parked in a front yard; Commissioners unanimously believed this was already addressed in the ordinance and no change was needed. • The Commission recommended no other changes to the existing ordinance. The Commission further discussed and unanimously agreed to draft a document to the City Council to limit the number of vehicles in the front yard or a yard abutting a public street to six. Mr. Warren stated that he would he would draft an ordinance amendment for the Commission's review at a future meeting. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Roche, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. I Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass 10 -13 -05 Page 3