HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 13, 2001CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692
Visit Our Website at: www. ci. columbia-heights, mn. us
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION- MINUTES
February 13, 2001
MEMBERS
Torn Romsdell, Chair
Donna Schmitt
Ted Yehle
Stephan Johnsen
Tarnrnera Ericson
The February 13, 2001 work session of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by
Chairperson Ramsdell. Members present were Schmitt, Ericson, Johnson, Yehle, and Ramsdell. Also present were
Marlaine Szurek (City Council Liaison), Kathryn Pepin (Secretary to the Planning and Zoning Commission), and Tim
Johnson (City Planner).
The Commission began on Page 8-1, Section 8. Planner Johnson informed the Commission that the Mixed Use
Development District, as outlined in Section 8, was added for future use, not as an overlay, per the SRF consultant
that drafted the rewrite. He stated that this district can be implemented at the time a development is proposed
and rezoning can proceed. He added that this would not constitute "spot zoning" as at least two existing uses
would be included in the Mixed Use Development District.
In his conversation with SRF, Mr. Johnson stated that SRF claims they are obligated only for a few additional
hours but would provide graphic assistance for the upcoming public hearing. It is Staff's intent to publish a public
hearing notice for review of the proposed zoning ordinance to be held at the regular meeting of the Planning and
Zoning Commission on March 8, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. with an informal gathering beginning at 5:30 p.m. to answer
any questions, view graphics, etc. and to solicit public input.
On Page 9-2, Section 9.903 in reference to the chart for Lot Dimension, Height and Bulk Requirements, the
Commission added Twin Home between Two Family Dwelling and Multiple Dwelling for Minimum Lot Area, under
the R-2, the R-3 and R-4 Districts with the minimum lot area to be 9,000 s.f.
Twin Home shall also be added under Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit between Two Family Dwelling and Multiple
Dwelling under R-2, R-3, and R-4, the lot area per dwelling unit shall be 4,500 s.f.
The definition of Twin Home shall be added to the definition section of the proposed ordinance as drafted by
Planner Johnson.
Under residential building setbacks, the Commission recommended the rear yard in R-1 be amended to 20% of Lot
Depth, in the R-2 to 20% of Lot Depth and in the R-4 to 15 feet.
On Page 9-3, Section 9.905(3)(b) amend Covenant to read Convent.
On Page 9-4, Section 9.906(2) add (c) Twin Home after (b) Two Family Dwelling and realign rest of items
accordingly.
On Page 9-4, Section 9.906(3)(b) amend Covenant to read Convent.
On Page 9-5, Section 9.907(2) add (c) Twin Home after (b) Two Family Dwelling and realign rest of items.
THE CiTY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS Of DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION - MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2001
PAGE 2
On Page 9-6, Section 9.907(3)(b) amend Covenant to read Convent.
On Page 9-6, Section 9.907(3), Chairperson Ramsdell requested that the Conditional Uses be aligned to read in the
same or similar order as the Conditional Uses in the R-4 District on Page 9-7, Section 9.907(3).
On Page 9-7, Section 9.907(2) add (c) Twin Home after (b) Two Family Dwelling and realign rest of items.
On Page 10-3, Section 9.1004(2) delete (h) and realign accordingly. Add new (j) for Service, Professional.
On Page 10-3, Section 9.1004(3) delete (o), (t) and (u) and realign accordingly. Add new (s) for Hotel or motel.
On Page 10-4, Section 9.1005(2) delete (t), (u) and (v).
On Page 10-5, Section 9.1005(2) delete (jj) and (mm).
On Page 10-5, Section 9.1005(3)(c) amend to read "Firearms dealer/Shooting range".
On Page 10-5, Section 9.1005(3) add (k) Club or lodge; (I) Consignment/secondhand store; (m) Currency exchange.
On Page 10-6, Section 9.1006(2) delete (q), (r) and (s).
On Page 10-7, Section 9.1006(2) delete (ee) and (gg).
On Page 10-7, Section 9.1006(3) delete (d) Firearms Dealer and add Club or lodge.
On Page 11-3, Section 9.1104(2) add (u) Adult Entertainment Use; (v) Pawnshops; (w) Tatoo Shop; (x) Body
Piercing Shop.
Discussion was held regarding the distance that should be required between pawnshops, secondhand stores,
currency exchanges. On Page 7-7, under Consignment/Secondhand Stores the Commission recommended the
following languaoe amendment: (a) "The use shall be located at least 1999 3000 feet from all existing
consignment/secondhand stores, currency exchanges and pawnshops".
In addition, on Page 7-8, under Currency Exchange, the (a) shall be amended to read: "The use shall be located at
least 1999 3000 feet from all existing currency exchanges, consignmentlsecondhand stores and pawnshops". And
on Page 7-10, under Drop-in Facility, (a) shall be amended to read: ""The use shall be located at least 1999 3000
feet from all existing drop-in facilities, currency exchanges, consignment/secondhand stores and pawnshops".
On Page 11-3, Section 9.1104(3)(f) amend to read "Salvage operationlTrander ~tation".
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION - MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2001
PAGE 3
On Page 11-4, Section 9.1105(2) add (v) Pawnshops; (w) Tatoo Shops; (x) Body Piercing Shops.
On Page 11-4, Section 9.1105(3) (f) amend to read "Salvage operation/Transfer station".
On Page 14-1 Section 14: Subdivision Regulations, substitute the amendments submitted by Kevin Hansen, Public
Works Director in his memo dated January 11, 2001 rewriting Sections 9.1403, 9.1404, 9.1405. Amend
numbering as necessary in this section.
Planner Johnson reverted back to some previously addressed items for clarification.
On Page 6-34 under General Sign Standards, he recommended amending (4)(a) to read: "Construction
Requirements. All signs shall be constructed in such a manner as to present a professional appearance and be
maintained in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes. The site on
which the sign is constructed shall utilize existing finished grade and shall not be raised, bermed or
otherwise elevated abeve surrounding grade te achieve a greater height than allowed by this Ordinance.
It was his opinion that this would cover the problem previously addressed by changes made to the Sign
Restrictions language in the Limited Business, Central Business, General Business and Industrial Districts regarding
the height of signs above grade at street level or at base of sign, whichever is greater. Therefore, the following
sections shall be amended:
Page 6-42, for the Limited Business District, Section 9.616(10)(b)(ii) shall be amended to read "The maximum
height of a pylon sign, including its structure, shall not exceed twenty (20) feet above grade at street level or at
the base of the sign, whichever is greater. The maximum height of a monument sign, including its structure, shall
not exceed eight (8) feet above grade at street level or at the base of the sign, whichever is greater".
On Page 6-43, for the Central Business District, Section 9.616(11)(b)(ii) shall be amended to read: "The maximum
height of a pylon sign, including its structure, shall not exceed twenty (20) feet above grade at street level or at
the base of the sign, whichever is greater. The maximum height of a monument sign, including its structure, shall
not exceed eight (8) feet above grade at street level or at the base of the sign, whichever is greater".
On Page 6-45, for the General Business District, Section 9.616(12)(b)(iii) shall be amended to read: "The maximum
height of a pylon sign, including its structure, shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet above grade at street level or
at the base of the sign, whichever is greater. The maximum height of a monument sign, including its structure,
shall not exceed eight (8) feet above grade at street level or at the base of the sign, whichever is greater".
On Page 6-46, for the I-1 and I-2 Industrial Districts, Section 9.616{13)(a)(ii) shall be amended to read: "One
freestanding pylon sign only if the building or structure is located twenty (20) feet or more from the front lot line,
not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet per surface and limited to two (2) surfaces. Where the twenty (20)
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION - MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2001
PAGE 4
foot building setback cannot be met, one monument sign not to exceed fifty (50) square feet in size, limited to two
sides, not to exceed ten (10) feet in height, and set a minimum of five (5) feet from any property line".
On Page 6-46, for the I-1 and I-2 Industrial Districts, Section 9.616(13){b){ii) shall be amended to read: ~The
maximum height of a pylon sign, including its structure, shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet above grade at
street level or at the base of the sign, whichever is greater. The maximum height of a monument sign, including its
structure, shall not exceed ten (10) feet above grade at street level or at the base of the sign, whichever is oreater
and not to exceed 50 square feet per surface and limited to two surfaces".
Chairperson Ramsdell suggested that a definition for a monument sign be added to the definition section. Planner
Johnson will draft an appropriate definition.
Planner Johnson also returned to Section 9.614(3) Building Materials and Design. Previously, a new item (d) was
added to read: "All structures over 120 square feet shall have full perimeter footings". He was going to research
additional language regarding brick/masonry front. It was his recommendation, and the Commissioners concurred,
to add the following additional language to the new item (d): "All otruotures aver 120 square feet =hall bare
full perimeter footings. Steel frame buildings with metal siding and roof shall be allowed provided that
50% or more of the front of the building is of masonry type veneer and windows, and the side walls are
at least four feet from grade with the gem. type of masonry veneer".
Planner Johnson referred to Page 5-2, Section 9.502(9) and referred to previous language to rewrite this paragraph
to read: "Damaged or Destroyed. A structure containing or relating to a non-conforming use of land that is
damaged or destroyed by :~y fire or natural cause, :: .'cc,~.:, to the extent that the cost of repair is more than
fifty (50) percent of the assessed market value, shall not be restored unless to a conforming use. However, if a
principal single family structure located in a Limited Business (LB) District is destroyed by over fifty (50) percent of
assessed value due to fire or natural cause, the principal single family structure may be reconstructed in the same
footprint as the original structure but may not be expanded in size". It was his opinion that the Commission should
reconsider the exception language as there a more residences in the LB Districts along University and Central
Avenue than originally thought at the February 1 work session. After much discussion on how to limit the
rebuilding of a non-conforming residential structure in the LB District, specifically along 40th Avenue, the following
language will be added: 'Damaged or Destroyed. A structure containing or relating to a non-conforming use of
land that is damaged or destroyed by :c;' fire or natural causc, c: mc:~:, to the extent that the cost of repair is
more than fifty (50) percent of the assessed market value, shall not be restored unless to a conforming use. In any
LB, Limited Business, District that falls within the Town Square Concept of the City's Master Redevelopment Plan,
a residential structure that is destroyed by over fifty (50) percent of assessed value due to fire or natural cause,
may be reconstructed in the same footprint as the original structure but may not be expanded in size".
In addition, Section 9.503{5) shall be amended to read: "Damaged or Destroyed. A non-conforming structure that
is damaged or destroyed by ~' fire or natural cause ~: ..~c=.'~= to the extent that the cost of repair is more than
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION - MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2001
PAGE §
fifty (50) percent of the assessed market value, shall not be restored unless it is brought into conformance. In any
LB, Limited Business, District that falls within the Town Square Concept of the City's Master Redevelopment Plan,
a residential structure that is destroyed by over fifty (50) percent of assessed value due to fire or natural cause,
may be reconstructed in the same footprint as the original structure but may not be expanded in size".
Discussion was held on how to add a section pertaining to the regulation of vacant residential structures that are
left untended and/or abandoned for over six months with the exception of homes owned by persons who flee to
warmer climates during the winter months. The Commission directed Planner Johnson to survey other cities to see
if they have any language that we could use to require regular maintenance and upkeep of the structure.
Reference was made to the City of Minneapolis.
Motion by Yehle, seconded by Ericson, to adjourn the work session at 8:40 p.m. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion
passed.
Respectfu~v/Submitte~
Secretary to the Planning and Zoning Commission
kp