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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 11-21 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 MEETING CITY HALL November 21, 1974 Call to Order: The Planning Commission met in study session and was called to order at 8 : 00 p.m. , by Chairman Pro tem Robert Grosshans. Roll Call: Chairman Pro tem Grosshans, Commissioners Engdahl, Pierce, Scott and Horan. Also present was Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere. Approve Minutes 11-7-74 Motion by Commissioner Engdahl, seconded by Commissioner Pierce to approve the minutes of the November 7, 1974 , meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Draft Resolution The first item of business was consideration Regarding Application of a draft resolution regarding the disposition No. 74054 of Application No. 74054 submitted by Douglas Quady. The Secretary explained that the item had been considered at a public hearing on November 7 , 1974, and that the draft resolution was a result of action taken by the Commission at that time. An extensive discussion ensued. Commissioners Scott and Grosshans reiterated their concern as to the need to clarify the ordinance provisions regarding non-conforming uses as they applied to non-complying structures. They stated that while it was apparent the subject application did not meet the standards for a variance, the deliberation of the application had raised the non-conforming issue which applied to many structures throughout the City. The Secretary commented that while the concern as to clarification of the non-conforming use language had merit, the subject application had been and should be viewed on its merits, namely as a variance from the established ordinance standards, with the factor of a non-complying structure serving as input to the deliberation. Commissicner Engdahl commented that the concerns for possible policies regarding waterfront properties, while possible valid, did not seem appropriate for the subject resolution which was directed as a recommendation for a specific application. A brief discussion ensued. The Secretary explained that when the present zoning ordinance was adopted in 1968 , consider- ation apparently had been given to the issue of whether waterfront properties should be comprehended under a specific setback policy, and that it had been the determination such a policy was not warranted. He noted this action had been consistent with the City Council ' s elimination of the"averaging formula" which served as the basis for permitting the attached garage at the applicant' s premises. -1- 11/21/74 Commissioner Horan stated that it seemed the issue involving non-complying structures was whether a precedent was established when the subject garage, which could serve as a foundation for an addition to the house, was once permitted. The Secretary responded that the specific request should be dealt with on its merits, as a variance from existing ordinance standards, since to grant a variance from the non-conforming use provisions would be to establish an undesirable planning precedent for utilizing the defunct "averaging formula" in a variety of circumstances where structures had been built at other than existing setback standards. Following further discussion, Member Gilbert Resolution No. 74-6 Engdahl introduced the following resolution Regarding Disposition and moved its adoption: of Application No. 74054 (Douglas Quady) PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 74-6 RESOLUTION REGARDING DISPOSITION OF APPLICATION NO. 74054 SUBMITTED BY DOUGLAS QUADY WHEREAS, Application No. 74054 was submitted October 30 , 1974 , by Mr. Douglas Quady, 4725 Twin Lake Avenue; and WHEREAS, said petition requests a variance from Section 35-400 for permission to construct a house addition which would encroach into front and side yard setbacks; and WHEREAS, the item was considered by the Commission on November 7 , 1974 , at which time the required public hearing was held; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Brooklyn Center Planning Commission: That denial of Application No. 74054 submitted by Mr. Douglas Quady is hereby recommended to the City Council , noting the following: 1. The petition and supporting evidence do not clearly meet the "Standards for a Variance" set forth in Chapter 35 . 2. A variance of the subject proportions would represent an undesirable precedent in departing from yard setbacks established throughout the community. 3 . The location of the subject parcel is not deemed a basis for granting the variance from existing ordinance standards . The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Cecilia Scott And upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Members Grosshans, Pierce, Scott, Horan and Engdahl . And the following voted against the same: None. Whereupon said resolution was duly declared passed and adopted. Dated: Secretary Chairman The meeting recessed at 9 : 00 p.m. and resumed at 9 : 20 p.m. -2— 4 Comprehensive Plan The next item of business was an extensive Review: Southeast discussion as to land subdivision policies in Neighborhood Land the Southeast Neighborhood. The Secretary Subdivision Policies stated that the item had been discussed period- ically at several study meetings and that the issue was: in recognition of the many platted and unplatted parcels which were of dimensions less than those established by the ordinance, should particular policies be developed with respect to permitting existing and future vacant properties in this area to be subdivided with smaller land areas. The Secretary then reviewed the provisions of the Comprehensive Plan with respect to the Southeast Neighborhood and further discussion ensued relative to the intent of that plan and the sub- sequent zoning ordianace to retain the single family character of the area. The Secretary stated that before specific amendatory approaches to existing ordinance standards as well as to principles of the Comprehensive Plan could be established, it would be necessary to determine the status of the land uses in the neighborhood including an accounting of the amount of land which was undeveloped. He stated that additional ramifications would include the future of the area in light of recently adopted housing and redevelopment legislation and the establishment of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority by the City Council. In further discussion, the Commission noted that while the intent of the Comprehensive Plan to retain the single family character of the area was still paramount, it was apparent that the implementation tool of zoning the subject area R-2 had not stimulated the expected development. Further discussion ensued as to the possibility of developing means by which the single family or two family density could be retained through other innovative subdivision regulations as they would apply to a specified area. Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commiss�-_over Pierce to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 10 : 45 p.m. 11/21/74 i 1 1