02-17-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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The Chairman re-opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.. Roll call: M.Jurchen,F.Martinson,G.Jenson, and G. Welu present. Absent: J.Thompson. The purpose of the public hearing was to give consideration to allow by conditional use permit animal hospital,veterinary in exempt commercial districts. Zoning Administrator M.Peisch stated that she did not receive correspondence or phone calls regarding the subject conditional use permit request. Neighboring resident G.Knutson stated that he does not want the veterinary clinic put in his neighborhood.The Chairman pointed out that it is a business owner's right to have a public hearing and explained that the Commission could set conditions and an outdoor kennel may not be allowed. The applicant was not present. Chairman M.Jurchen closed the public hearing and the commission members discussed the application. Discussion between the Commission members ensued. Of primary consideration was whether or not this conditional use permit would be granted in the best interest of the community,and if this would be the best use for that particular piece of property. G.Jenson recommended that the animal hospitals remain in areas zoned commercial. Motion by F. Martinson and seconded by G.Jenson to deny the request for a conditional use permit. Motion carried unanimously. The Chairman closed the public hearing on the conditional use permit for animal hospital veterinary at 7:20 p.m. D.Kennedy,the applicant,has the opportunity to appeal this decision. The Chairman reconvened the regular meeting at 7:23 p.m. The Chairman reported on a conversation with developer Dean Brandt and his new mini mall,North Lakes Center. Brandt requests a sign for each of the seven businesses and a master sign above the building, At this time the Sign Ordinance does not address a mini-mall concept such as this. All shops in the North Lakes Center have separate entrances. The mini mall will be ready to open May 1. At this time all signs must be under 25 sq.ft. The U-shape of North Lakes Center is unique,with a tremendous amount of wall space but only a smaller amount of footage. D. Misener pointed out that in Nisswa Square there is 25%frontage limit on signs.Commission discussion recommended a hearing to amend the ordinance,vote on it,and send the recommendation to the council. The Commission can go with either street frontage or wall frontage. Many tenants in a small space is the general trend right now. There was a question if the sign is attached or not. Currently,off-site signs are not permitted,signs cannot be painted directly on walls,but signs painted on the glass portion of a window or door are permitted. No projecting sign can project more than 96"out from the wall to which it is attached or can extend above the roof line.The intent has been to keep signage,regardless of where it is,reasonable.People need to advertise their business,but the Commission needs to control aesthetically how the city looks. Motion by F.Martinson and seconded by G.Welu to amend zoning Ordinance#163, Section 7.40 to read: On site signs for industrial,commercial,or service establishments shall be limited to 25%of exterior storefront wall square footage,advertising only goods or services for sale or produced on the property. Motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing on this amendment will be held during the next regular meeting of the Planning&Zoning Commission,6:30 p.m.on March 17, 1998. Motion by G.Jenson and seconded by G.Welu to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.