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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 10-11 PCM C � � MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDTFGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MI1rNESOTA SPECIAL SESSION CITY HALL OCr10BER 11, 1973 Call to Order: The Planning Commission met in special session and was called to order at 7:40 P.M. by Chairman Robert Jensen. Roll Call: Chairman Jensen, Commissioners Bogucki, Foreman, Scott, Gross, and Engdahl. Also present were Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Fignar, and Kuefler ; City Manager Donald Poss, Director of Public Works James Merila, Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere, and Administrative Assistants Daniel Hartman. and Jim Lacina. Chairman's Explanation: Chairman Jensen explained that the meeting had been called as a joint session with the City Council to discuss two pending study matters: a Freeway Development District concept and proposed c: anges in the ordinance provisions for Home Occupations and Special Home Occupations. Freeway Commercial The Director of Planning and Inspection in- District Concept troduced the first item of business which was a consideration of the Planning Commission's proposed ordinance amendment comprehending certain commercial uses as special uses in the I-1 (Industrial Park) district. He explained that virtually all of the C-1 and C-2 commercial uses were in- cluded with the exception of retailing. An extensive discussion ensued centering particularly on the exception of C-2 retail uses from the proposed Freeway Commercial District. Chairman Jensen recognized Mr. Steven Krogness, who represented the Brooklyn Center Industrial Park, and a discussion ensued following Mr. Krogness ' remark that retailing was considered a vital aspect to the pro- posed Freeway Development District. Mr. Krogness also noted a specific example of a large retail business which the ordinance would define as commercial-retail, but which had the intensity of a typical use in the Industrial Park. In further discussion there was a review of the types of permitted commercial uses in the proposed special use concept. There was a brief discussion between Cor:4missioner Gross and the City Manager, relative to the need to differentiate the definition of "wholesale sales" versus "retail sales" in the ordinance. -1- 10/11/73 T M In further discussion, Councilman Britts stated that he could see merit in establish- ing a Freeway Zone or District, which was related primarily to the proximity of the subject lard to a freeway. Mayor Cohen com- mented that he felt the concept of a special use in the existing I-1 District had ad- vantages over the creation of a new zoning district. He stated it appeared the basic issue is what special uses should be in- eluded the ordinance provision. Recess The meeting recessed at 9:00 P.M. and resumed at 9:25 P.M. In further discussion of the proposed com- mercial freeway district, the Mayor thanked the Planning Commission for their input and extensive study of the matter, and he sug- gested that the staff be asked to examine the issue of retail uses in such a district in terms of the intensity of the uses and the merit of locating such uses to provide a freeway exposure. Home Occupations and Chairman Jensen stated the second item for Special Home Occupations consideration was current and proposed ordinance provisions for home occupations and special home occupations. He stated that the Commission had spent substantial time evaluating the current ordinance defini- tions, and had referred the matter to an Ad Hoc group comprised of Neighborhood Advisory Group Chairmen and several Com- missioners. He stated the recommendation had been processed through four drafts and in- cluded, besides revised definitions of home occupations and special home occupations, a definition of rummage sales. The Director of Planning and Inspection re- viewed the proposed ordinance amendments and an extensive discussion ensued. The City Manager noted the basis for the study and recommendations was whether the Council was satisfied with controlling such uses in the residential districts, and whether such controls should be as stringent as those proposed. Commissioner Gross re- sponded that the proposed amendments reflected the Commission's desire to provide defini- tions and criteria which would not only clarify the subject uses and special uses for the general public, but would also give ® the staff the substance, through definition and guidelines, to effectively enforce the ordinance intent. The City Manager noted that the County Day Care Unit Office had expressed a desire to have the Council eliminate day care centers or day nurserys from the special home occupa- tion provisions. He stated the County felt the City's administrative and approval pro- cesses, as well as the application fee, -2- 10/11/73 served as impediments to the County's effort in licensing such facilities. During the ensuing discussion, the City Manager stated that a basic question which should be examined, was whether the City deeded to govern such operations, since the County licensed such facilities; and, since the City's main needs were to be aware of the location and number of family day care units in the City. He stated that perhaps family day care centers could be recognized . as home occupations, which do not require a special use permit, with the proviso that such facilities be properly licensed by the State or County authorities. Mayor Cohen stated that the suggestion had merit and he raid. it was important to develop an appropriate administrative check or procedure, rather than a formal special use hearing, at least until a significant need for the hearing process was perceived. Councilman Kuefler stated that he felt there was a definite need for some local control or check on such uses. Chairman Jensen stated that it was a matter of having some control or nothing, and he stated he could not see how a middle ground or. special con- sideration for day care centers could be made, relative to other recognized home oc- cupations and special home occupations. In further discussion, Commissioner Bogucki stated that he felt the provision for employ- ing not more than one person who is a non- resident of the premises should be eliminat- ed. He stated that no allowance should be made for any employees in a home occupation situation or special home occupation situa- tion other than the immediate family. A brief discussion ensued. There was also a brief_ discussion relative to the proposed ordinance amendment defining rummage sales. Mayor Cohen thanked the Commission for its deliberation and recommendation regarding this issue and stated that the Council would be giving the matters further deliberation at up-coming meetings. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Scott seconded by Commissioner Gross to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The special study meeting adjourned at 10;45 p.M. Chairman -3- 10/11/73