06.01 Planning Commission Report

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PEQUOT LAKES PLANNING COMMISSION/ BOARD OF AJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING July 20, 2017 PRESENT: Todd Engels, Bill Habein, Mark Hallan, Mark Mortenson, Nathan Norton, Brian Wallin and Wesley Wilson. ABSENT: None. COUNCIL MEMBERS: Mayor Adams, Council Members Pederson, Swanson and Akerson. ABSENT: None. CITY PLANNER: Justin Burslie, NJPA ZONING SPECIALIST: Dawn Bittner COUNCIL LIAISON: Randy Loukota. Chair Engels called the meeting to order at 6:0o PM. SPECIAL MEETING with City Council State Building Code Discussion Mr. Burslie explained this joint meeting resulted from the Thriving Communities Initiative feedback to possibly adopt the state building code to ensure quality housing and the Planning Commission being at a stalemate to make a recommendation to the Council. Communities under a population of 5,00o have the option to enforce the building code. All construction in the state is required to be built to code. Those on the Planning Commission who voted in favor of adoption of the Code referenced consistency in quality and consistency with bids from contractors. The other was public safety. We received a memo from the Fire Chief stating he is in favor of code enforcement and we also had a resident speak at one of our meetings who had same safety concerns with the construction of a project. Those who spoke against adopting the State Building Code pointed out increased cost. On average permits would be 4— 6 times more expensive if you adopt the State Building Code. Mr. Burslie displayed a chart using local municipalities and their fees for permits. Council Member Akerson inquired whether or not you can repeal the State Building Code and Mr. Burslie stated you can if you are under 2,500 population. The population of Pequot Lakes is 2,300. MINUTES i Pequot Lakes Planning Commission July 20, 2017