05-29-19 PC Minutes 7800 Golden Valley Road�Golden Valley,MN 55427 ' �,:e:- �
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Planning Commission �,�
May 29,2019—7 pm
Council Chambers
REG U LAR M E ETI N G M I N UTES Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Chair Blum.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: Rich Baker, Ron Blum, Adam Brookins, Andy Johnson, Ryan Sadeghi
Commissioners absent: Lauren Pockl, Chuck Segelbaum
Staff present: Planning Manager Jason Zimmerman, Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman
Council Liaison present: None
Approval of Agenda
MOTION made by Johnson, seconded by Baker to approve the agenda of May 29, 2019, as submitted
and the motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
May 13, 2019, Regular Planning Commission Meeting
Johnson referred to the subject of open spaces during the Mixed Use Zoning District discussion. He said
the minutes didn't seem to reflect the discussion as it related to public versus private open spaces.
Blum asked if the default mentioned by staff is that the open space referred to in the Mixed Use Zoning
Districts were private, not public. Zimmerman said yes and referred to page three of the minutes where
the discussion was about how it would be difficult to require open space to be dedicated for public use.
MOTION made by Baker, seconded by Johnson to approve the May 13, 2019, minutes as submitted and
the motion carried unanimously.
1. Public Hearing
Applicant: Andy Snope
Address: 1030 Angelo Drive
Purpose: A Conditional Use Permit to allow for a boathouse within the Shoreland Overlay District
Zimmerman referred to a location map and explained the applicant's request to construct a boathouse
within the Shoreland Overlay district. He stated that boathouses are the only structures allowed within
the Shoreland Overlay district and by conditional use only. He referred to aerial photos of the property
and noted that there is currently an 8' x 8' shed on the property, also in the Shoreland Overlay district
that would be removed as part of this proposal.
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May 29, 2019 —7 pm
Zimmerman stated that the applicant did an extensive rear yard landscaping project last year which
included plans for a boathouse and that the applicant worked closely with the City to address Shoreland
Overlay, Floodplain, and many other regulations.
Zimmerman referred to the language in the Shoreland Overlay District code and stated that the purpose
of the District is "to regulate the development of the shorelands of public waters." The language also
states that boathouses shall be allowed if"certain conditions are met which eliminate or minimize the
incompatibility of the conditional use with other permitted uses of the district," and that the DNR
Commissioner must be notified.
Zimmerman referred to a landscaping plan and discussed the location of the floodplain and the
Shoreland Overlay district. He showed where the boathouse is proposed to be built and stated that it
would be 12' x 14' in size, would be located further away from the lakeshore, and would be used to store
kayaks and other boating equipment. He added that the proposed boathouse would meet the setback
requirements which are 75 ft. from the ordinary high water mark of Sweeney Lake, and 5 ft. from the
side yard property line. The proposed boathouse would also meet the engineering requirement that the
lowest floor opening be at least 2 ft. above the floodplain elevation (831.7')
Zimmerman referred to the evaluation factors used when considering conditional use permits and said
that the vast majority of them aren't applicable for a boathouse. He said staff is recommending approval
of the Conditional Use Permit with two conditions. The first is that the boathouse is to be used solely for
the storage of boats and boating equipment and the second is that the boathouse construction must
include 2' of freeboard above the base floor elevation of 831.7'.
Baker asked if there is a DNR permit required, or just notification. He also asked if the notice went to the
DNR Commissioner or to a hydrologist. Zimmerman stated that the City Code requires notification be
sent to the DNR Commissioner and that was done on April 29.
Baker referred to the staff report where it states "...within the Shoreland Overlay District, boathouses
are listed as uses that shall be allowed if certain conditions are met which eliminate or minimize the
incompatibility of the conditional use with other permitted uses of the district." He said he is wondering
about the word "incompatibility" and the words "certain conditions" and he thinks there should be a
finding about certain conditions having been met outside of the Conditional Use Permit. Zimmerman
said his reading of that language is that the City can impose conditions to make this use (boathouse)
compatible and the only conditions staff thought were appropriate were about the use and the
elevation. He added that otherwise, the boathouse use is compatible with the single family homes up
and down the shore. Baker said the word "incompatible" is undefined and depends on staff subjectively
deciding on compatibility. Zimmerman said yes, but this is an allowed use unless the City finds it so
incompatible that there needs to be conditions or other regulations added.
Johnson asked how a boathouse is different than a shed or other structure. Zimmerman said all
boathouses are sheds, but not all sheds are boathouses so if it is storing boats and boating equipment by
definition it is a boathouse. He added that a structure built in the Shoreland Overlay District that wasn't
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May 29, 2019—7 pm
used for boating related activities wouldn't be allowed. Johnson asked if a site plan review is required.
Zimmerman said no.
Baker asked if there are any limits to the size of a boathouse. Zimmerman said not specifically for
boathouses, but once an accessory structure is more than 200 square feet in size a building permit is
required and that detached accessory structures are not allowed to be larger than 800 square feet.
Andy Snope, Applicant, said he is proposing a simple boathouse and that he is trying to do restorative
measures to the lakeshore by removing the old shed and hopefully creating more of a buffer than what
is currently there.
Baker referred to the photos submitted and said it looks like there is blue grass down to shore. He asked
Snope if he is going to change that to include more natural vegetation. Snope said the existing conditions
include sod down to the lake but he has been working on creating a buffer by letting the area grow
naturally and encroach into the existing grass.
Blum opened the public hearing. Hearing and seeing no one wishing to comment, Blum closed the public
hearing.
Baker said he is supportive of the proposal. Sadeghi agreed.
Johnson referred to the second factor of evaluation listed in the staff report where it states that the
proposed use is not inconsistent with the Low Density Residential designation in the Comprehensive Plan
and asked if they've always used a double negative. Zimmerman said staff has tried to use the language
from the Code and that he thinks it gives the Planning Commission some room to point issues out as
needed.
Blum asked staff to comment as to whether a boathouse is a common structure in this particular location
on the shoreline in that neighborhood. Zimmerman said boathouses are not uncommon structures but
he knows of only one other newly constructed boathouse that has gone through the Conditional Use
Permit approval process. He added that the others have been there a long time and are probably
grandfathered-in. Blum said he thinks having a boathouse on a shoreline is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan in regards to wanting to maintain areas that useful to the public, or for social or
other reasonable uses.
MOTION made by Brookins, seconded by Johnson to recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit
166 allowing for a boathouse in the Shoreland Overlay District at 1030 Angelo Drive subject to the
findings and recommendations listed below. Blum added that he finds that the discussion of the factors
of evaluation are well reasoned and point definitively towards being in favor of recommending approval
of the application and he would make similar findings in all regards as they've been presented to the
Planning Commission and the motion carried unanimously:
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May 29, 2019—7 pm
Findings:
1. Demonstrated Need for Proposed Use: Standard met. The applicant currently utilizes a shed that is
non-compliant and within an area restricted because of the elevation of the floodplain. The
proposed boathouse would replace the shed in a conforming location and would be used to house
boats and other boating equipment.
2. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan: Standard conditionally met. The proposed use is not
inconsistent with the Low Density Residential designation in the Comprehensive Plan. The Zoning
Code allows for boathouses in the Shoreland Overlay District.
3. Effect upon Property Values: Standard met. There are no anticipated impacts from the construction
of a new boathouse.
4. Effect on Traffic Flow and Congestion: Standard met. There are no anticipated impacts on traffic
flow or congestion.
5. Effect of Increases in Population and Density: Standard met. Due to the nature of the proposed
use,there are no anticipated increases in population or density.
6. Compliance with the City's Mixed-Income Housing Policy: Not applicable.
7. Increase in Noise Levels: Standard met. The proposed use is not anticipated to generate excessive
noise.
8. Generation of Odors, Dust, Smoke, Gas, or Vibration: Standard met. The proposed use is not
anticipated to generate excessive odors, dust, smoke, gas, or vibrations.
9. Any Increase in Pests or Vermin: Standard met. The proposed use is not anticipated to attract pests.
10. Visual Appearance: Standard met. The new boathouse, combined with recent landscaping on the
property, is likely to provide an enhanced visual appearance compared to the existing structure.
11. Other Effects upon the General Public Health, Safety, and Welfare: Standard conditionally met. If
constructed at the proper elevation above the floodplain, the proposed use is not anticipated to
have any other impacts on the surrounding area.
Conditions:
1. The boathouse shall be used solely for the storage of boats and boating equipment.
2. The boathouse shall be constructed to include two feet of freeboard above the base flood elevation
of 831.7 feet (NGVD29 vertical datum).
3. This approvat is subject to all other state, federal, and local ordinances, regulations, or laws with
authority over this development.
--Short Recess--
Council Liaison Report
No report was given.
Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning
Appeals, and other meetings
Johnson reported on the May 28, 2019, Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.
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May 29, 2019—7 pm
Other Business
Zimmerman stated that the developer for the Central Park West Office building and ramp have said they
are ready to move forward. Johnson said he would like to be involved in the public art process.
Adjournment
MOTION made by Johnson, seconded by Baker and the motion carried unanimously to adjourn the
meeting at 7:26 pm.
� '+
�� Adam Brookins, Secretary
Lis ittman, Administrative Assistant