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Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 <br />March 28, 2023 <br />----------------------------- <br /> Commissioner Beise wondered if the 2019 ordinance amendment allowing occupations occurring in <br /> accessory structures with a CUP has caused more of a nuisance. <br /> Mr. Leeseberg agreed that perhaps trying to be business-friendly and modify the ordinance to allow home <br /> occupations has created more nuisances and hurdles for the property owners while at the same time <br /> protecting the city. He stated many of these instances the businesses are already operating, and the city <br /> works with them to bringing them into compliance during the CUP process, but state building codes have <br /> always been in place and will continue to be required unless state statutes are changed. <br /> <br /> Chair Larson-Vito felt it was important to find a healthy balance to discourage businesses from going <br /> ‘underground’ to avoid having to comply with code requirements. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Westgaard discussed finding a way to determine the intensity of uses, like piano teacher or <br /> tax advisor versus auto mechanic, to separate requirements. He wondered if it might be helpful to share <br /> what the requirements would be for a homeowner to build a detached structure with plans and <br /> specifications to meet the building code, versus the requirements for a detached structure for a commercial <br /> construction business. What will the architect do to protect the city and resident? <br /> <br /> Mr. Pistulka stated an architect will do a code analysis to ensure the building meets the numbers of <br /> occupants, employees, how big the building can be for a sprinkler requirement, firewall, type of <br /> construction. To him, the question is what becomes more hazardous in the home, a piano teacher or tax <br /> accountant, or a mechanic working on vehicles. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Westgaard asked about the insurance industry views these questions, and at what point <br /> does the homeowner insurance coverage change as the use changes. <br /> <br /> The commission discussed ways of helping applicants streamline the application and permitting process, <br /> wondering if it is possible to assist with architect or engineer fees, can those fees be part of the permitting <br /> process? Can a contractor work with the city to aid in fulfilling requirements? The commission wondered if <br /> economic development could help with small business funds aiding the applicant with architect fees. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Booth suggested an intensity of use chart, such as type of work, location either in an attached <br /> garage or detached garage. Are there specific uses that are flat out prohibited or require setbacks. <br /> <br /> Mr. Leeseberg indicated the city attorney is also reviewing this topic and will bring back his legal opinion at <br /> the next meeting. <br /> <br /> The Planning Commission will continue discussion at next month’s meeting. <br /> <br />11. Motion to Adjourn <br /> <br />Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Beise to adjourn the meeting of <br />the Planning Commission. <br /> <br />Motion carried 7-0. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />