Planning Commission

MAPLE GROVE PLANNING COMMISSION September 28, 2020 CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Maple Grove Planning Commission was held at 7:00 p.m. on September 28, 2020 at the Maple Grove City Hall, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Chair Colson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Planning Commission members present were Chair Larry Colson, Vice- Chair Chris Ayika, Lorie Klein, Craig Lamothe, Susan Lindeman, Chuck Lenthe, and Joe Piket. Present also were Karen Jaeger, City Council Liaison; Peter Vickerman, Planning Manager; Jesse Corrow, Associate Planner; and Justin Templin, City Attorney. ITEMS TO BE None. REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA CONSENT ITEMS The following Consent Items were presented for the Commission’ s approval: MINUTES A. Regular Meeting – August 10, 2020 Motion by Commissioner Ayika, seconded by Commissioner Piket, to approve the Consent Items as presented. Upon call of the motion by Chair Colson, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. CONSIDERATION None. OF ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA REVIEW OF THE Mr. Vickerman reviewed with the Commission what items the City CITY COUNCIL Council approved that was given direction at the Planning Commission level. MINUTES FROM Maple Grove Planning Commission September 28, 2020 Page 2 THEIR REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 OLD BUSINESS No items to present. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Corrow stated the applicant is requesting a variance to the PUBLIC HEARING shoreland setback for the purpose of constructing a family room addition and small deck on the east side of the house. The property VARIANCE is located on the north shore of Rice Lake with access to 91st 14969 91ST Avenue North. The house was constructed on a relatively shallow AVENUE NORTH lot, and at its closest point, is 64.4 feet from the Ordinary High Water level of Rice Lake. The location of the house does not meet SICORA INC. the 75-foot lakeshore setback requirement and there is not an existing variance on record for this property. Therefore, the VARIANCE FOR A location of the house is considered a legal nonconformity and any PROPOSED addition to the house within the lakeshore setback would require FAMILY ROOM variance approval. Staff reviewed the variance language in City ADDITION AND Code with the Commission and described the proposed addition in DECK further detail. It was noted the addition would not create any sight line concerns with the surrounding neighbors. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to recommend that the City Council direct the City Attorney to draft a Resolution approving the Variance 14969 91st Avenue North, subject to: 1. The applicant addressing to the satisfaction of the City any remaining applicable comments contained in the memorandums from: a. The Director of Building Inspection Services dated August 24, 2020 The applicant shall acknowledge that Park Dedication requirements are based on staff review and recommendation to the Park and Recreation Board and their subsequent board action. Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. Maple Grove Planning Commission September 28, 2020 Page 3 Discussion Chair Colson stated he supported the variance request. He clarified that the variance would bring the property into conformance. Mr. Corrow reported this was the case because a variance would establish a new lakeshore setback of 62.0 feet. Commissioner Lamothe asked if any of the adjacent neighbors have provided City staff with positive or negative feedback. Mr. Corrow explained staff received one email of support from an adjacent neighbor. He indicated staff also received a phone call from a different neighbor that questioned what the side yard setback was. The applicant was at the meeting to answer questions. Amber Shimpa, 14969 91st Avenue North, thanked the Commission for considering her variance request. Commissioner Lindeman asked if other properties in the area had the same setback concern. Mr. Corrow explained it was unknown why this house was allowed to be constructed this close to the lake. He commented this was a shallow lot, but noted the neighboring lots met the standard setback due to the variation in the lakeshore. He indicated it appears there were some nearby homes that share the same lakeshore setback challenge. Chair Colson explained every property in the City was unique which meant this variance request was being considered based on its own unique circumstances. City Attorney Justin Templin reported this was the case. Chair Colson opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. The public was asked by Chair Colson if they had any comments to make regarding this application. Mr. Vickerman read an email staff received from Dave Wirig at 15039 91st Avenue North stating this resident supported the applicant’ s variance request. Motion by Chair Colson, seconded by Commissioner Klein, to close the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Chair Colson, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Maple Grove Planning Commission September 28, 2020 Page 4 Motion by Chair Colson, seconded by Commissioner Ayika, to recommend that the City Council direct the City Attorney to draft a Resolution approving the Variance 14969 91st Avenue North, subject to: 1. The applicant addressing to the satisfaction of the City any remaining applicable comments contained in the memorandums from: a. The Director of Building Inspection Services dated August 24, 2020 The applicant shall acknowledge that Park Dedication requirements are based on staff review and recommendation to the Park and Recreation Board and their subsequent board action. Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. Upon call of the motion by Chair Colson, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. DISCUSSION There were no discussion items. ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chair Colson, seconded by Commissioner Lamothe, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. Upon call of the motion by Chair Colson, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Chair Colson adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for October 26, 2020.