09-26-1995 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 26, 1995 Page 3 . Chair Kuester opened the public hearing. Dale Mordahl, 21059 Meadowvale Road, expressed his support for his neighbor, Mr. Kramer's request. He stated that he also collects tractors and stressed the importance of indoor storage. He stated that collecting antique tractors was a way of preserving Elk River's past. Arne Engstrom, 20800 Meadowvale Road, stated he farms 100 acres to the west of Mr. Kramer's property. Mr. Engstrom explained that Mrs. Kramer (his sister) owns the 23 acres east of County Road 32 and he owns 32 acres on the west side of County Road 32, and that both parcels are part of the original 80 acres purchased by their grandparents in 1889. Mr. Engstrom explained that the reason Mr. Kramer's property was 2 separate parcels was because the properties were purchased at two different times. He felt that the proposed building would have no adverse affect on adjacent properties because it was heavily wooded. Mr. Engstrom stated quality of life means different things to different people. He felt that being able to continue collecting tractors was part of Mr. Kramer's quality of life. Chair Kuester closed the public hearing. . Commissioner Kreger questioned whether the ordinance would allow placement of an accessory structure on a vacant piece of property. Steve Ach explained that the principal structure would have to be constructed first, which would be a single family home. Commissioner Minton stated that he did not see any way the Planning Commission could approve this variance and that the only way the structure could be allowed would be if the zoning were changed to agricultural. Discussion followed regarding the proposed ordinance amendment increasing the size of allowed accessory structure and the affect this ordinance would have on Mr. Kramer's request. COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED TO RECOMMEND DENIAL OF THE VARIANCE REQUEST BY DENNIS KRAMER, PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. V 95-18, BASED ON THE LACK OF FACTS TO SUPPORT THE ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF A VARIANCE, AND URGED THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT BE EXPEDITED TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF ACCESSORY STRUCTURE AREA ALLOWED ON LOTS WITH AN AGRICULTURAL NATURE. COMMISSIONER SULLIVAN SECONDED THE MOTION. Chair Kuester asked that Mr. Kramer continue to work with staff regarding his request for an accessory structure. Commissioner Kreger explained that the Planning Commission would like to approve Mr. Kramer's request, but that according to the city ordinance, there are not enough facts to support the variance, and also, that state law requires them to follow the ordinance. . THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.