01-11-2005 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Meeting Notes January-ll,2005 Page 2 Commissioner Lemke asked what the current rear yard setbacks were and how floodplain requirements would impact the buffer area. Ms. Haug stated that floodplain requirements are usually greater. Mr. Lemke asked why residents couldn't mow to the wetland edge, and does not regular lawn filter pollutants as well as native plants. Ms. Haug stated that native wetland plants do a better job of filtering pollutants from storm water runoff due to the depth of their roots. Commissioner Offerman asked how changes in delineation and water levels would impact the buffer areas. The Commissions concurred that the ordinance was appropriate, but noted that they were concemed about the ability of the City staff to enforce proper use of the buffer area. Ms. Haug noted that the Council requested that developers be given an opportunity to comment on the ordinance prior to its adoption. 2. Review Bed and Breakfast Ordinance The Commission reviewed the draft definition and standards for bed and breakfast establishments. Much discussion ensued regarding placing bed and breakfast establishments in all commercial districts. The consensus of the Commission was to allow bed and breakfast establishments in only the C1 and C2 areas in existing residential structures. The Commission also discussed a permit process specifically to require registration of these types of uses, similar to the permitted home occupation that is currently in place. This will allow communication between Planning and Building & Environmental for code compliance, specifically, egress windows. Councilmember Motin felt that this was too restrictive. 3. Discuss Transportation Priorities The Planning Commission reviewed the transportation priorities in the context of the Natural Resources Inventory Map. The Commission illustrated its priorities on the Natural Resources Inventory Map. The Commission discussed at length the appropriate place for the southerly-most interchange on Highway 169; School Street versus Main Street. After much discussion, the consensus of the Commission was that Main Street and Highway 169 is the appropriate place for the full interchange. The Commission then went on to discuss the east-west connectors east of Highway 169 at 193rd Avenue, 197th Avenue, and School Street, and the County Road 33 to Nowthen Boulevard connection. The consensus of the Commission was that School Street should be done first, as it will provide an alternate access from Line Avenue, allowing people to access the Dodge Street commercial area south of School Street. The Commission also felt the County Road 33 to Nowthen Boulevard connection was more appropriate versus 197th Avenue, as much of the traffic traveling along this corridor will be coming from Anoka County and it did not appear to make sense to funnel those commuters into a residential area versus maintaining their presence on a County road with an interchange access at Highway 169. The Commission felt that the 193rd Avenue extension should be completed, either concurrently or shortly after completion of the School Street extension.