PC-03-02-10
CITY OF SHOREWOOD COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
TUESDAY, 2 MARCH 2010 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Geng called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Geng; Commissioners Arnst, Hasek, Hutchins, Ruoff, Vilett, and Davis; Planning
Director Nielsen; and Council Liaison Turgeon
Absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 16, 2010
Hutchins moved, Arnst seconded, Approving the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of
February 16, 2010 as presented. Motion passed 6/0/1 (Vilett abstained).
1. ZONING PERMITS
Director Nielsen explained that there are a number of activities, such as driveways, patios, temporary
signs, etc. that are not covered by the Building Code, or are inappropriately handled by Building Permit.
These activities are however regulated by the Zoning Code. In an effort to ensure these regulations are
followed, it is being recommended that a system of Zoning Permits be established.
In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Hutchins regarding fences and docks, Nielsen said that only
fences that are six feet or higher are covered by the Building Code, whereas zoning regulations apply to
all fences. The issue of docks was studied just a few years ago when it was decided not to require permits
for them as they are also regulated by the LMCD.
Director Nielsen said currently sheds under 100 square feet or less do not require a permit. Therefore,
they would become subject to a Zoning Permit. Furthermore, the code should be amended so that it refers
to sheds 120 square feet or less, making it consistent with the Building Code. Commissioner Arnst asked
if the plastic or canvas “garages” are regulated. Nielsen said they are subject to the same rules as sheds or
other buildings, and any violation of the rules is subject to enforcement on a complaint-basis. Chair Geng
suggested having something on the City website informing people about the requirements for these
canvas structures.
Commissioner Hasek said he thought the $20 fee is too low and suggested it be at least $30. Nielsen said
he hadn’t suggested raising the fee because he didn’t want it to become a deterrent. Arnst said she
thought it should be based on actual cost to some degree. Nielsen said he would find out what the loaded
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labor rate is for the Building Inspector and report that information at the next meeting on March 16
along with a draft ordinance for review.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
2 March 2010
Page 2 of 3
Hasek moved, Hutchins seconded, Approving staff’s recommendation to schedule a Public Hearing
for April 6, 2010 for consideration of a Code Amendment to establish a system of Zoning Permits.
Motion passed 7/0.
2. BYLAWS
Director Nielsen stated that, as suggested at January’s training seminar, the rules, or by-laws, of the
Planning Commission should be reviewed annually to ensure they are up to date. He provided a model
ordinance published by the League of Minnesota Cities for review. He said the main item that stands out
to him is that Shorewood’s rules, as contained in Chapter 201 of the City Code, does not have a residency
requirement for Planning Commission membership.
Chair Geng suggested that the Code state that the Commission’s Liaisons interact with the other
Commissions on an as-needed basis, which would reflect what they actually do.
The Commissioners discussed the merits of the model ordinance, deciding to incorporate some of its
subsections into the current Chapter 201 of the City Code. A draft amendment of the Chapter will be
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reviewed at the next meeting on March 16.
3. DISCUSSION – SMITHTOWN CROSSING REDEVELOPMENT
Director Nielsen shared his thoughts regarding the advantages of a unified approach rather than a piece-
meal form of development of the Smithtown Crossing area parcels. He said it may be helpful to have the
benefits laid out when presenting the concept for the area to landowners. The unified approach would
maximize exposure to County Road 19; maximize the view of Gideon Glen; allow drainage to be more
efficient and less expensive; be developed as a P.U.D. which would allow flexibility with setbacks;
parking could be shared; hardcover would be less restricted; access could be consolidated; more
pedestrian-friendly; businesses would be better identified; City assistance could be available via T.I.F.
and other incentives. These benefits would generally not be available with a piecemeal approach.
Nielsen presented a slide show of photographs of commercial business buildings which contain certain
elements that create residential character to various degrees.
Commissioner Ruoff inquired about the plan for the southeast quadrant and landscaping requirements.
Nielsen responded that it has its own set of issues, so the focus has been on the northwest quadrant for the
time being. As for landscaping, he said from the LRT Trail crossing to the north, and all the way to
Excelsior, commercial properties shall be landscaped consistent with the Co. Rd. 19 Corridor Study.
4. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
Commissioner Arnst distributed a handout containing examples of sustainability. Commissioner Hasek
requested that the Work Program schedule be adjusted to allow discussion of sustainability throughout the
year and to be a common thread in all topics of discussion.
5. DRAFT NEXT MEETING AGENDA
The March 16, 2010 Agenda will include review of draft Ordinance amendments regarding Zoning
Permits and By-laws; appointment of a Chair and Vice-Chair for 2010; determine Liaisons to Council for
remainder of the year; continued discussion of Smithtown Crossing.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
2 March 2010
Page 3 of 3
6. REPORTS
• Liaison to Council
Commissioner Arnst reported on items discussed and actions taken by the City Council at their meeting
of February 22, 2010.
• SLUC
st
Commissioner Arnst noted the next Sensible Land Use Coalition program on March 31 is “Cap & Trade
Demystified: What does it mean for Development?”
• Other
Chair Geng had attended an LMCD meeting regarding dock shade and provided a recap of the discussion.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Hasek moved, Arnst seconded, Adjourning the Planning Commission Meeting of March 2, 2010 at
8:47 P.M. Motion passed 7/0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Patti Helgesen, Recorder