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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 8, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING – JULY 8, 2025 The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairperson Loehlein on June 10, 2025, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Chairperson Nick Loehlein, Commissioners Roger Grout, Scott Hudson, Jonathan Weinhold, and Ryan Winge. Commissioners absent: Commissioners Chuck Naughton and Pat Shuman Jr. Also present: Planning Intern Emma Remillard and Associate Planner Aidan Breen. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 10, 2025, Regular Meeting Motion. The Chair assumed a motion to approve the June 10, 2025, Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as corrected. The Motion passed on unanimous consent. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider City Code Amendment – City Code 12-7 – Fences and Walls – City of Andover (Applicant) Planning Intern Emma Remillard reviewed at the May 27, 2025, City Council workshop, the Council discussed a residential fencing proposal for additional language to allow for fabric privacy screens on chain link fences. After discussion, the Council directed City staff to draft a City Code Amendment that would clarify that this type of material is allowed and provide conditions for its use. In response, City staff have drafted the City Code Amendment for review and discussion. A copy of the draft was provided for Commission review. The Ordinance includes: 1. Language to allow fabric privacy screens on chain link fences. 2. Specifications on fabric color and maintenance. Staff requests that the Planning & Zoning Commission is requested to hold a public hearing and make a recommendation on the City Code Amendments to the City Council. Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes – July 8, 2025 Page 2 Commissioner Hudson asked if someone had an existing chain link fence; they would need to obtain a permit, and Ms. Remillard stated they would for the fabric privacy screen. Commissioner Hudson asked if the screening would be put on the inside or the outside of the fence, and Associate Planner Breen stated there is no provision in the Code, but it would make sense to put it on the inside of the fence. Commissioner Winge asked for clarification on the height of the screen and assumed it would not change the height of the fence. Ms. Remillard stated it would have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. The dimensions of the fence cannot be altered. Commissioner Grout asked what drove the amendment and asked if there had been a demand for screening. Ms. Remillard stated that a local business made a request. Chair Loehlein opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Mr. Breen stated that no comments have been received regarding this matter. No one appeared to address the Commission during the public hearing. Chair Loehlein closed the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Commissioner Grout stated he believes there is some confusion about the height of the screening. The wording gives the impression that the screening could be higher than the fence height. He recommends that the wording be revised. Commissioner Winge stated he would like to see that the screening cannot be higher than the fence. Mr. Breen stated he will add a clause before it is brought to Council that the dimensional standards of the fence do not change. Mr. Breen stated that a permit is required and will be reviewed when the application is received. Chair Loehlein asked if there would be a consideration that the fabric needs to be in the dimensions of the existing fence, and we do not allow fences to be supplemented by adding height. Commissioner Weinhold stated the permit process would address some of the concerns that have been mentioned. Commissioner Hudson questioned if any other Commissioners are concerned with the side of the fence the screening is installed on, and Mr. Breen stated it makes most sense to be on the property owner’s side of the fence (inside). Commissioner Hudson recommended that the wording be added so that it be installed on the inside of the fence. Mr. Breen stated it would need to be maintained. Mr. Breen noted that in their research the screening fits better on the flat side of the fence than the interior where there are posts. He also noted that the City allowed fence maintenance, and the fence and screening would need to be maintained. Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes – July 8, 2025 Page 3 Motion by Commissioner Winge, seconded by Commissioner Weinhold, to recommend that the City Council approve the City Code Amendment – City Code 12-7: Fences and Walls – City of Andover (Applicant) to include that the screen must be the same height as the existing fence and that the existing dimensions of the fence do not change with the application of the screening fabric/mesh. Motion carried on a 5-ayes vote. OTHER BUSINESS. Chair Loehlein invited all residents to Andover Family Fun Fest. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Grout, seconded by Commissioner Winge to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried on a 5-ayes vote. Chair Loehlein adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.