HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 13, 1993
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CITY of ANDOVER
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING - JULY 13, 1993
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Planning and zoning
Commission was called to order by Chairperson Bonnie Dehn on July 13,
1993, 7:30 p.m. at the Andover City Hallr 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW,
Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners absent:
Also present:
Maynard Apel, Bev Jovanovich, Becky Pease,
Randy Peek (arrived at 7:34 p.m.), Jay
Squires
Marc McMullen
City Planner, David Carlberg
Others
Commissioners present:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 22, 1993: Correct as written.
MOTION by Apel, Seconded by Jovanovich, to accept the Minutes as
written. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (McMullen, Peek) vote.
() VARIANCE: AUTO REPAIR GARAGE IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT - 2814 134TH
AVENUE NW, JOHN KUNZA
(Commissioner Peek arrived at this time, 7:34 p.m.)
Mr. Carlberg reviewed the request of John Kunza to continue operating a
commercial use known as Crooked Lake Tire in a residential district. He
noted Ordinance No.8, Section 5.04 establishes the variance procedure
which must have to do with the characteristics of the land and not the
property owner. Because repair garages are not permitted in residential
areas and have not been allowed since the ordinance was adopted on
January 1, 1971, Staff is recommending denial of the request.
During the discussion, it was understood that the business had been in
operation for 18 years and that it was brought up now at a Council
meeting and Staff pursued it further. Mr. Carlberg stated Staff has
received not received complaints, though the issue has been raised.
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John Kunza, 2814 134th Avenue NW - started the business 18 years ago.
Because of an accident, he was not able to be employed, so he started
this. He sells new and used tires, mounts and balances them; that is
all. The only oil he changes is for his own trucks. The City has
purchased tires from him over the 18 years, including as recently as a
week ago Friday. Last october the City granted a permit to expand his
garage by 18' x 24' because he needed more room. Three days after the
last inspection, he received a letter from the City saying he was
supposed to cease business by October 28. He didn't think that was fair.
He also reviewed the use of the other buildings on his parcel, one being
used to store used tires, lawn mower and equipment, and the other to
store wood and old rims until there is enough to haul away.
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 2
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(Variance: Auto Repair Garage in Residential Business, Kunza, Cont.)
Mr. Kunza stated he has had no complaints from his neighborsr plus he is
supported by the other businesses in Andover. He presented a petition
signed by residents who wish to see him continue his operation. He also
had pictures of several residences and challenged the Commission to
determine which one is his. He stated there have never been tires
stacked outside on his premises and that one cannot even tell that he
runs a business there. There are no signs, no junk, never a lot of cars
around, and he works normal hours. The number of cars daily varies,
probably around ten, though many are there just to talk to him because
they know he is home all the time.
Mr. Carlberg researched the building permit application and found that
it did not request the expansion for commercial purposes.
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Ken Orttel, 2772 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW - has lived at this address
for three years, but for the prior ten or so years he lived next door
to Mr. Kunza. He lived there for a period of time before he knew about
the business, which speaks to the type of business Mr. Kunza runs. Mr.
Kunza has also told him that he received a summons this last Friday
giving him 20 days to respond. At first Mr. Orttel didn't think that
was right because the hearing wasn't until today. He didn't know how
this happened that a summons was served before the hearing, but that is
unacceptable in the City of Andover.
Mr. Orttel stated the City ordinance adopted in 1971 was basically
cloned from the City of St. Louis Park. Over the years it has been
amended frequently as needed to keep up with changing times and the
changing community standards. Basically local ordinances are a
codification of the standards and the values of the residents of the
City. Initially no businesses were allowed in the homes, and it was
amended over the years to allow more and more businesses in the homes.
Today more and more businesses start in the homes. When recent changes
in the ordinance were made to allow service-type businesses, the
automobile type uses were eliminated. This resulted from the City's
"autophobia" because of what happened in the early days with the
junkyards; and in some cases the bandage has been bigger than the wound
ever was. The other reason they were not allowed is auto repair garages
were determined not to be able to operate in a residential type setting
and wouldn't be acceptable. It is interesting to note that Mr. Kunza
operated in a residential area for 18 years and he is not aware of a
single complaint from the neighborhood.
Mr. Orttel stated the ordinances aren't keeping up with the standards
and values of the community. He related a past practice of several
Planning Commission members seeking out and reporting on their
neighbors, and the Council said no. The neighborhood sets the
standards, and that has worked well for years in Andover. He felt Mr.
Kunza gives the best example of how this can exist in the neighborhood.
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Mr. Orttel felt the variance procedure is not the best way to handle
this situation. He proposed allowing it under a Special Use Permit
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Andover Planning and zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 3
(Variance: Auto Repair Garage in Residential Business, Kunza, Cont.)
which allows the City to set up the parameters on an individual basis to
allow this use in a neighborhood. He was also concerned that the person
on the Planning Commission years ago is now a Councilmember, and he was
told it was that Councilmember who submitted the complaint based on
receiving a complaint from a competitor in another city. He felt it is
outrageous conduct for a person to use his political office to ruin a
person's livelihood. Mr. Orttel stated the Commission has the ability
to recommend to the City Council that the ordinance be changed. He
recommended the definition of auto repair garages be changed to allow
other types of uses by special Use. He would also like to see a message
sent to the City Council that the procedure by which this was handled
stinks, both the summons before the hearing and doing a favor for a
business in another City by finding against a resident in Andover. He
asked to return to the policy that the neighbors impact the activities
of the neighborhood and are the ones that should file the complaints.
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Charlie Veiman, 13646 Crooked Lake Boulevard NW - agreed with Mr.
Orttel. He has known Mr. Kunza for 16 years and has used his service.
The facilities are very clean. The customers are treated well, the way
they liked to be treated. A Special Use Permit was given to another
business in the area, Sloth Brothers Nursery, plus others in the City.
About 70 percent of the new jobs are being created by small businesses,
and more jobs are needed in the United States and in Minnesota. He
asked what is the business doing to the neighborhood. It is
beneficial, and the residents want to see the City do what is right and
allow him to continue.
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Marvin Davis, 2829 134th Avenue NW - can see everything that goes on in
Mr. Kunza's yard from his front window. There has never been a problem
with traffic or unsightliness. He has lived there since 1980, and one
of the things he likes about having the business there is that it brings
people to the neighborhood during the day. There is a row of empty
houses without it. His wife has said it is nice to have someone around
during the day and has eliminated the problem of burglaries found
elsewhere in the City. He has never observed Mr. Kunza changing oil or
antifreeze or anything else that would lead to the general complaints of
a service garage. No hazardous material, parts, or broken vehicles lie
around there. When the garage door is closed, there is no way to tell
there is a business there. Mr. Davis appreciated the fact that Mr.
Kunza operated his business in the neighborhood and would be
disappointed if he were not allowed to operate.
Mr. Orttel - noted when the business was started, the area directly
across the street contained the Crooked Lake Store and a bar, which
until ten years ago was one of the roughest bars in Anoka County. There
is also Millie's down the street and the Crooked Lake Park, which is
almost a commercial-type business. When he lived there, the traffic from
Crooked Lake beach was parked all the way up Crooked Lake Boulevard. He
also noted that one of Anoka County's largest employers, Medtronics, was
started in a garage in Columbia Heights; and the City allowed them to
continue. There are many, many businesses operating out of garages and
basements throughout the United States. It is not all bad.
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 4
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(Variance: Auto Repair Garage in Residential Business, Kunza, Cant.)
Jack McKelvey - stated he is not before the Council as Mayor, but as a
resident and friend of John Kunza for at least ten years. He has spent
many hours at Mr. Kunza's place and has never seen tires setting outside
and never more than one or two cars in the driveway at a time. Half of
the people there just stop by to visit. Mr. Kunza runs a clean
business, and Mr. McKelvey agreed with Mr. Orttel that some changes need
to be made to the ordinances to allow businesses that are not offensive
to the area. In this case, everyone in the neighborhood would like to
see this remain. Mr. Kunza's one mistake was to place an advertisement
in the yellow pages this year. A competitor from another city saw it
and made the complaint, and this is the first time they could complain
because they didn't know the address. Mr. Kunza sells tires to everyone
much cheaper than anyone around. When he first found out about the
business, he couldn' t even find the place. In talking with City
employees, he found only three who had not purchased tires from Mr.
Kunza. Mr. Kunza has a few employees since he cannot do the heavy work
because of his back. It was his opinion that the ordinance should be
changed to protect businesses like this if the neighborhood wants them.
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Gary Roley, 2815 135th Circle - would like to see Mr. Kunza stay there.
Mr. Kunza is a service to the community. Mr. Roley stated he didn't
even know where the business was until one of his neighbors told him;
and he had to be told several different times because he couldn't find
the place. He has been doing business with Mr. Kunza four to five times
a year. Mr. Kunza is very congenial and helps everybody. It is a
convenience to have him located just down the street. He felt it would
be a real loss for his family and for all neighbors that do business
with Mr. Kunza if he is not allowed to continue. Mr. Kunza deserves to
be there, that he should be allowed to retire there. That would be true
justice and the American way.
Hare Stuart, Fox Street, Harefield Farms - is a small businessman in
Andover. He can relate to what Mr. Kunza is going through and it
sickens him. He expressed great frustration and anger that the City
would put a man through this kind of grief; and if he found that a
representative of the City Council did this, he would demand a
resignation. This is a good community business that is hard to find.
He felt that this treatment based on some political whim should be
investigated and not allowed. And he asked that his agenda item for a
Special Use Permit be cancelled for this evening because he was too
upset to deal with it.
Pat Adrians, 155 Round Lake Boulevard - stated she uses the services of
Crooked Lake Tires. She cannot afford the higher-priced tires. She has
been going to Mr. Kunza for tires because he takes good care of her, and
her livelihood depends on him. She couldn't see a community doing this
to a resident and felt it is very low if the City forces him to stop.
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Jim McCarthy - has the car dealership on Highway 10. Mr. Kunza does all
their work on an appointment basis. It is the cleanest business Mr.
McCarthy has ever seen in the tire business. He has sent all his
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 5
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(Variance: Auto Repair Garage in Residential Business, Kunza, Cant.)
friends and relatives to Mr. Kunza, and he has to draw a map to get
there because no one can find it by just driving by. It is not an eye
sore in the community. Mr. Kunza does a good job for his business,
fixing flats very quickly.
Laurie Kunza - stated her dad has been in the business for a long time.
When people can't afford the tires, he gives them tires. She thought it
is really sad that somebody wants to shut him down.
Cindy Kunza - stated her dad has been in business for a very long time.
It has always been family members that work there. She works for him
part time, and it is never going to get any bigger. Her dad has also
employed some people who really needed the money, and that was his way
to help them without hurting their feelings. She has taken her children
down the street to the store, and tons of people ask where Crooked Lake
Tire is because they can't find it. The tire shop is not an eye sore
nor do the neighbors want him shut down. This business is more to help
the community that to make a dollar.
Greq Kulenskv
for 16 years.
is an asset to
- lives two doors down from Mr. Kunza and has lived there
He stated Mr. Kunza is a caring, considerate person who
the community.
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Clarence? - lives next door to Mr. Kunza. He does a lot of business
with Mr. Kunza and has never seen a more clean, courteous, or helpful
place. It is a help to the community and he'd like to see Mr. Kunza
stay there.
Steve Klimouskv, 3512 135th Lane - has known Mr. Kunza for 25 years. Mr.
Kunza is a unique individual who is there when needed. He got involved
with Mr. Kunza early in the business. Being in the construction trade,
he took this issue to his attorney because as a small businessman, Mr.
Kunza cannot afford legal counsel. He found that this type of business
is permissible in other cities, asking why not Andover. The local
government should be dealing with the concerns of the local citizens,
who are endorsing this business. Take it away and the City will be
hurting their community. The alternative is to look at a Special Use
Permit. Why isn't there consideration to amending the definitions
because the existing statute is hurting small businessmen. He does not
want to see Mr. Kunza go.
Roqer Noves, 13329 Eidelweiss stated he has been on the Fire
Department for the past 12 to 13 years. If all tire businesses were run
like Mr. Kunza's, they would not have had fires like the one they had at
the tire pile, which was the biggest fire the Department ever fought.
Mr. Kunza keeps his business neat and clean. He stopped by today and
saw seven tires ready to be recycled. That is all he had in there.
) There were no tires laying around anywhere.
Harold Larson, 2839 134th Avenue - met Mr. Kunza since he first moved
there. He stated Mr. Kunza is a heck of a guy who runs a clean place.
He "dittos" everything everyone has said this evening.
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 6
(Variance: Auto Repair Garage in Residential Business, Kunza, Cont.)
Ernie Phannenschmidt, 1710 Third Avenue, Anoka - does not know Mr. Kunza
but wants to know where he is located! Chairperson Dehn stated she has
looked for Crooked Lake Tires and couldn't find it either. She felt
that the ordinance needs to be amended and expressed disappointment that
the City issued the summons. She felt Mr. Kunza provides a service to
the community and is very, very conducive to the area. She was also
bothered by the fact that he has been in business for 18 years and that
the City has purchased tires from him, so why is this an issue now?
Commissioner Apel stated the important issue is that just because
something is legal per the ordinance doesn't make it ethically or
morally good. He felt more common sense is needed and a willingness of
the people to take direct responsibility for decision making rather than
hide behind the rules. Here is a man who was disabled 18 to 20 years
ago; and rather than go on welfare, he decided to do something with the
rest of his life and go into this business. As long as it is not
bothering anybody, he felt Mr. Kunza should be left alone and in no way
would he be a party to closing Mr. Kunza down.
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Commissioner Squires noted the Commission has no option but to enforce
the ordinances. This is a case where there are a lot of facts which
support no other conclusion than that Mr. Kunza hasn't been treated very
fairly. Under State statute, they are not allowed to grant use
variances; and this is a use variance. By granting the variance, they
would be in violation of the State law. He suggested to Staff that
between now and the next meeting, that they take a closer look at the
ordinance to see if there is any other way to deal with this or to
suggest a change in the ordinance to accommodate this situation.
The Commission discussed the current ordinance, with Mr. Carlberg noting
the Staff interpretation is that the use is clearly a repair garage and
definitely is not permitted. He also argued the question of why such
businesses should be allowed in residential areas and not pay commercial
taxes when the City is trying to interest similar businesses to its
commercial area where commercial taxes are paid. He also noted that
Staff followed the procedure for a business operating in violation of
the ordinance and that he has been attempting to work something out with
Mr. Kunza since last fall. The legal proceedings were started a long
time ago and notices were not answered. Several Commissioners indicated
a possibility of a different interpretation or to amend the ordinance to
make it a permissible use in a residential area. However, everyone
should have the same protection even if they don't have the same
neighborhood support. It was agreed that a use variance cannot be
issued.
Discussion was also on the summons, as Mr. Kunza was given 20 days to
respond and a decision probably will not be made within that time
period. Commissioner Squires suggested Mr. Kunza call the City attorney
and ask for an extension.
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 7
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(Variance: Auto Repair Garage in Residential Business, Kunza, Cont.)
MOTION by Squires, Seconded by Apel, that the item for a variance be
tabled because it cannot be legitimately granted. In the mean time,
have Staff look at potentially fitting it in the ordinance. Suggest to
the City Council that the City Attorney grant an indefinite extension to
the summons to allow Mr. Kunza to continue while the Commission is
resolving this issue; and have Staff bring back some recommendations and
ideas with suggested restrictions for this use to be allowed in a
residential area. Suggest that the item be laid on the table for an
indefinite period until the Commission has time to consider those
suggestions and that the variance application come back at the same time
that the other alternatives are brought back. Motion carried on a 6-
Yes, I-Absent (McMullen) vote.
The Commission urged residents to get involved in any ordinance change.
The Commission recessed at this time; 8:44. Reconvened at 8:47 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED: SPECIAL USE PERMIT - COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSE,
COMMERCIAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESSORY
) STRUCTURE PRIOR TO PRINCIPAL, 17154 SEVENTH AVENUE NW - HARE STUART
8:47 P.M. Mr. Carlberg stated he received a corrected sketch plan from
Mr. Stuart just a few minutes before this evening's meeting, and he has
not had time to review it. Because of this and because of Mr. Stuart's
request while speaking in the last agenda item to table the item, the
Commission agreed to table this to the next meeting.
MOTION by Apel, Seconded by Peek, that since we do not have the updated
sketch plan and we have a real long agenda, and Mr. Stuart indicated
previously to table, that we table this until the next regularly
scheduled meeting. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, I-Absent (McMullen) vote.
Item tabled to July 27, 1993. 8:49 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING: PRELIMINARY PLAT - WOODLAND POND, 14114 ROUND LAKE
BOULEVARD NW - UPTOWN CONSTRUCTION AND FINEST HOMES
8:49 p.m. Mr. Carlberg reviewed the preliminary plat of Woodland Pond
located off Round Lake Boulevard in the vicinity of 141st Lane NW. The
plat consists of 11 single family urban residential lots. A variance is
required for Lot 1, Block 1 for lot depth to allow 141st Lane NW to
align with the street located on the east side of Round Lake Boulevard.
The Park and Recreation Commission is recommending cash in lieu of land.
There will be no permanent monument signs.
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plat and asked if there has been any comment from Woodland Development.
Mr. Carlberg had not received any comment, but he will look into it
prior to the City Council meeting.
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 8
(Public Hearing: Preliminary Plat, Woodland Pond, Continued)
The hearing was opened for public testimony.
Torn Zurn, 3670 142nd Avenue NW - understood there would be an
abutting his back yard. Mr. Carlberg explained the utility
extends along the southern edge of the plat. Abutting his yard
the normal five- or ten-foot easements for drainage and
purposes.
easement
easement
would be
utili ty
MOTION by Pease, Seconded by Jovanovich, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried on a 6-Yes, l-Absent (McMullen) vote.
There was some concern about the setback for a possible deck on the side
of the lots facing Round Lake Boulevard. Mr. Carlberg stated that would
be determined at the time the sketch is done for the building permit,
though possibly something could be included in the legend so it is known
at the time of the sale. The setback off Round Lake Blvd. is 40 feet.
MOTION by Peek, Seconded by Pease, that the Andover Planning and Zoning
Commission recommend to the City Council adopt of the Resolution
contained as an exhibit in the Planning Commission's packet with the
following change, Item 1, Lot 11 is changed to Lot 1. Motion carried on
a 6-Yes, l-Absent (McMullen) vote. This will be on the August 3, 1993,
City Council agenda. 9:05 p.m.
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PUBLIC HEARING: AMENDED SPECIAL USE PERMIT - EXPAND KENNEL OPERATION,
16422 HANSON BOULEVARD NW - JEFF BERGERON (DOVER KENNELS)
9:05 p.m. Mr. Carlberg reviewed the request of Jeff Bergeron, owner of
Dover Kennels to expand the kennel operation from 45 dogs to 60 dogs.
The original Special Use Permit was granted in 1988 for 26 dogs. It was
amended in 1992 to expand to 45 dogs, and the request is now to increase
to 60 dogs. There have been no complaints regarding his operation. The
applicant has indicated there is a real need for his services and this
request is needed to provide further service to the community.
The hearing was opened for public testimony.
Jeff Berqeron, 16422 Hanson Boulevard NW - stated he will not be
expanding his building to accommodate the 60 dogs. He currently has 48
runs in the facility, but many are dog families where more than one dog
is kept in the same run. If he remains a family business, 60 dogs would
be his capacity. If he wants to expand, he would have to hire
employees. He stated there is a real need for dog kennels in Andover,
and he is not even beginning to meet it. Over the Fourth of July
weekend, he turned away 60 dogs. The more the City grows, the more his
business will grow. There is still buffering around his entire
operation.
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MOTION by Apel, Seconded by Pease, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried on a 6-Yes, l-Absent (McMullen) vote.
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
" Page 9
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(Public Hearing: Amended Special Use Permit, Bergeron, Continued)
MOTION by Apel, Seconded by Pease, that we send the Resolution to the
City Council granting the Amended Special Use Permit request of Jeff
Bergeron, and the request will take the exact form of the Resolution No.
161-92. The only change we will make on it goes from 45 dogs to 60
dogs. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (McMullen) vote. This will
be on the August 3, 1993, City Council agenda. 9:16 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED: AMEND ORDINANCE NO.8, SECTION 8.08, PARKING
REQUIREMENTS - CURB CUT STANDARDS
9:16 p.m. Mr. Carlberg explained the amendment is to require a maximum
of a 24-foot driveway width at the street curb to the right-of-
way/property line. Other residential driveway widths shall not exceed
30 feet. Because the City's standard is now for surmountable curbs, the
term "curb cub" has been eliminated. The right-of-way line and the
property line are one in the same.
Chairperson Dehn opened the hearing for public testimony.
none.
There was
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/ MOTION by Pease, Seconded by Jovanovich, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (McMullen) vote.
MOTION by Jovanovich, Seconded by
of Ordinance No. 8 as written.
(McMullen) vote. This will be
Council agenda. 9:21 p.m.
Squires, to adopt the ordinance change
Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent
placed on the August 3, 1993 , City
PUBLIC HEARING: AMEND ORDINANCE NO., 8, SECTION 4.21, FENCES AND WALLS
- FENCE MATERIALS AND LOCATION OF FENCING
9:21 p.m. Mr. Carlberg stated the Commission has been asked by the City
Council to consider the materials and type of fencing permitted, as
currently the ordinance does not specify the type of materials a fence
can be constructed of in residential districts. In 1992 the Commission
recommended no change to this provision of the ordinance. To his
knowledge there has not been a problem.
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Mr. Carlberg also stated that in addition, the Public Works Department
has asked the Commission to consider placing a provision in Section 4.21
that would not allow fencing on drainage and utility easements when the
City deems it necessary to access the area for the maintenance of City
utilities. They have a problem getting in to maintain storm drainage
situations in backyards if it is all fenced in. The current ordinance
allows fencing on the property line, and an amendment would not allow
fencing on the easements when the City deems it necessary to access that
area for maintenance.
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 10
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(Public Hearing: Amend Ordinance 8, 4.21, Fences & Walls, Continued)
The Commission discussed the two requests. Because there has been no
complaints on fencing materials and because of the difficulty of writing
an ordinance which would list all acceptable materials, the Commission
felt the ordinance as is works well and should not be changed at this
time. There was some discussion on the possibility of specifying a
minimum and maximum height for security arm fences, such as from six to
eight feet. The Commission acknowledged the difficulty of storm
drainage maintenance when the area is fenced in.
Chairperson Dehn opened the public hearing.
MOTION by Pease, Seconded by Apel, to continue the public hearing and
direct Staff to re-advertise. DISCUSSION: The Commission discussed
various scenarios where storm drainage areas may need to be cleaned.
Mr. Carlberg was asked to establish some cases and examples where no
fencing is needed and warranted. Mr. Carlberg stated no permit is
needed for a resident to fence property; however, the majority do call
the City prior to installing a fence to obtain the requirements.
Possibly something will have to be tied to the platting process as to
where fencing can or cannot be placed. He will also ask Staff to
consider a change as proposed versus requiring fences to be outside of
drainage easements unless the City gives permission to put it on the
property line. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (McMullen) vote.
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VARIANCE: CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESSORY STRUCTURE CLOSER TO FRONT LOT LINE
THAN PRINCIPAL/DESIGN AND EXTERIOR FINISH - 1054 161ST AVENUE NW, JANIE
AND ALLEN HEMMELGARN
Mr. Carlberg reviewed the request of Janie and Allen Hemmelgarn to allow
the construction of a pole building closer to the front lot line than
the principal structure that is not constructed in similar design and
exterior finish as the principal structure. The home faces west, but
the front lot line is considered on 161st to the north. Staff is
recommending approval based on the fact that a variance was granted in
a similar situation on Ward Lake Drive. The accessory building would
not be visible from the road. Being closer to the front lot line than
the principal structure is not the problem; it is the exterior material
that requires the variance.
The Commission determined there is no buildable area on the east side of
the principal structure, and there is a definite barrier to placing it
behind or to the south.
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MOTION by Apel, Seconded by Jovanovich, to recommend that we send to the
City Council a recommendation of approval of the Resolution for the
variance for the accessory building as presented by Staff. Motion
carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (MCMullen) vote.
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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 13, 1993
Page 11
VARIANCE: CONSTRUCT SINGLE FAMILY HOME ON PARCEL WITHOUT FRONTAGE ON A
PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY - 175XX ROUND LAKE BOULEVARD NW, ARTHUR SWANSON
Mr. Carlberg reviewed the request of Arthur Swanson to vary from the
frontage and width requirements on a parcel. He noted the lot does not
have frontage on a public street right of way which has been accepted
and is currently maintained by the City. Plus it does not meet the
minimum requirement for lot width at the front setback line of 40 feet
since the property line is 300 feet from Round Lake Boulevard. Because
the parcel does not have the frontage on a publicly maintained and
dedicated right of way, the front lot line cannot be established. Mr.
Swanson has legal access to the property through an easement access, but
he does not own that access. Staff is recommending denial. All
similiar requests where only an easement provides access to a parcel
from a dedicated street have been denied.
Mr. Carlberg stated when the property around this parcel was developed,
the owner at that time was asked to develop as well. He did not want to
participate. This problem could have been resolved at that time.
Arthur Swanson - stated he owns the parcel in fee, having purchased it
last year. That is the only parcel not built on. He has letters from
all the neighbors indicating agreement with the construction of a house.
He stated along Seventh Avenue there are a lot of parcels at the end of
stub streets. The Commission indicated those were allowed prior to the
ordinance. Mr. Carlberg explained the different requirements between
the metes and bounds subdivisions and platted areas. He felt Mr. Swansen
has two options, to construct a City street that meets rural
specifications or to sell the property to the adjacent property owner,
combine it and utilize it.
Mr. Swanson - explained he has a statement made by the City Attorney to
the owner in 1986 that the City would not issue a building permit on
that parcel until a driveway was constructed to City standards. He is
prepared to do that. At the time of the purchase he was assured by the
seller in the purchase agreement that the road situation was taken care
of. He then gave some background on the creation of that lot. The
Commission noted a driveway was to city road standards in those days.
Now the requirement is for a standard city street which has been
dedicated and accepted by the City. Mr. Swanson would have to pay those
costs. They suggested he talk with the Acting City Engineer as to the
procedure for constructing a standard City street to his property.
MOTION by Apel, Seconded by Squires, the Resolution denying the variance
as prepared by Staff. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (McMullen)
vote. This will be on the August 3, 1993, Council agenda.
/
no further business, Chairperson Dehn declared the meeting
10:19 p.m.
e GLuL
Peach, Recording Secretary