02-23-2005 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes February 23, 2005 Page 4 Commissioner Offerman asked if the only issue for the interim use was the office use. Mr. Rohlf stated yes. Commissioner Anderson asked why this lot was chosen. Greg Holst, representing the applicant, stated that the house was chosen because of its location and utilities that are available for the site. Commissioner Stevens stated that he understood the neighbors' concerns, but that he was not sure the use would have the impact that they are expecting. He felt Energy Houses I and II had little neighborhood impact, and there was little difference between having this use and two residential uses. Commissioner Anderson stated that he also lives on a cul-de-sac and understood the potential impacts. He stated he was disappointed that the applicant chose this lot at the end of a long cul-de-sac, since all of the residents living along it would be affected. But, he was aware there were not easy to find a lot for this purpose. He stated that since this was an interim use, there would be a beginning and ending date. He felt that Mr. Rohlf did a good job addressing the neighbors' concerns through the proposed conditions. Commissioner Anderson stated that he felt it was important for the home to be built, since Elk River is an Energy City and that it should be built in an area with more visibility than the two previous homes. He stated he supported a recommendation for approval. Chair Ropp stated that he also shared Commissioner Anderson's views, although it was unfortunate that the lot was located at the end of a cul-de-sac. He stated that the City has already approved many home occupations and there don't appear to be any problems. Commissioner Offerman stated he also concurred with Commissioner Anderson's and Commissioner Stevens' comments. He felt that the conditions have adequately addressed the residents' concerns and supported the Energy House as a valuable educational tool. It was the consensus of the Commission to recommend that staff review the need for a three-way stop at the intersection of 194m Avenue and Zumbro Court. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STEVENS TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY SUBURBAN NORTHWEST BUILDERS ASSOCIATION FORA CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW USE OF HOME AS OFFICE, CASE NO. CU 05-03, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. ENERGY HOUSE III SHALL CEASE BEING USED AS THE SNBA OFFICES AND AN ENERGY CITY DEMONSTRATION ON MARCH 20, 2008 2. NO TWO EVENTS OR MEETINGS SHALL BE SCHEDULED AT ENERGY HOUSE III AT THE SAME TIME, EXCEPT THAT ENERGY CITY'S GRAND OPENING WILL COINCIDE WITH THE 2005 FALL PARADE OF HOMES. 3. NO ON-STREET PARKING IS ALLOWED AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS ARE LIMITED IN SIZE BY THE AMOUNT OF PARKING AVAILABLE UNLESS PARTICIPANTS ARE SHUTTLED-IN FROM OFF- SITE PARKING AREAS.