HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/05/1996
MIivus.nS OF MEETING
September 5, 1996
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order
by Chairperson LANGDON at 7:30 p.m., on September 5, 1996
in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 7500 West
29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
2. ROLL CALL;
MEMBERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Robert Eckhardt -
Harry Williams
Carolyn Griffith
Jay Rasplicka
Carl A. Cerveny
George Langdon
Janice Thompson
Warren Johnson -
EXCUSED ABSENCE
EXCUSED ABSENCE
Glen Gidley, Director of
Planning & Development
Meredith Reckert, Planner
Sandra Wiggins, Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING
The following is the official copy of Planning Commission minutes
for the Public Hearing of September 5, 1996. A copy of these
minutes is retained both in the office of the City Clerk and in
the Department of Planning and Development of the City of Wheat
Ridge.
•
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2
September 5, 1996
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
Commissioner WILLIAMS moved to approve the order of the agenda
for the meeting of September 5, 1996 as printed. Commissioner
RASPLICKA seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner RASPLICKA moved to approve the minutes for the
meeting of August 15, 1996 as printed. Commissioner CERVENY
seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners
GRIFFITH and THOMPSON abstaining.
6. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for anyone to-speak on any
subject not appearing under Item 7 of the Public Hearing
section of the agenda.)
No one had signed the roster nor came forward to speak at that
time.
• 7. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Case No. WZ-96-9e An application by Daniel R. Dearing
for approval of an amendment to a PID final development
plan at 10501 West I-70 Frontage Road North.
Meredith Reckert presented the staff report, which included
slides. Entered into the record and accepted by the Chairperson
were the Zoning Ordinance, case file and packet materials.
Commissioner THOMPSON asked if the proposed amendment would
decrease parking on_the sits.
Ms. Reckert answered the owner was looking a remedial measures to
gain additional parking on the east and north sides of the
building.
Daniel R_ Dear.ina, 10501 West 48th Avenue, was sworn in. Mr.
Dearing stated the proposed addition would be utilized to house
new parts storage, and would be a metal, prefabricated building.
He elaborated.
Commissioner THOMPSON asked the applicant if the proposed
addition would eliminate the used parts currently being stored on
site?
. Mr_ Dearing stated the addition would be for new body parts.
• Planning Commission Minutes Page 3
September 5, 1996
Commissioner WILLIAMS asked if the addition would match the
existing building?
Mr. Dearing stated it would.
Commissioner CERVENY moved that Case No. WZ-96-9, an application
by Daniel R. Dearing for approval of an amendment to a PID final
development plan at 10501 West I-70 Frontage Road North be
approved and forwarded to City Council for the following reasons:
1. The property is within the City of Wheat Ridge and all
posting and notification requirements have been met.
2. It meets the requirements of a Planned Industrial
Development.
With the following conditions:
1. All requirements for a final development plan have been met;
and
2. There will be no reduction of landscaping on the property.
• Commissioner WILLIAMS seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
2. Case No. MS-96-8: An application by Keith M. Daly for
Wheat Ridge Congregation, UCC for approval of a two-lot
minor subdivision on R-1 land located at 6310 West 29th
Avenue gad 2777 Kendall Street.
Meredith Reckert presented the staff report. Entered into the
recorded and accepted by the Chairperson were the Comprehensive
Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, case file. and
packet materials.
Commissioner THOMPSON asked Ms. Reckert if Wheat Ridge property
owners dedicated land to Kendall Street at the time Terra Village
was developed?
Ms. Reckert answered that through research staff had discovered
that the street was equally dedicated from two parcels on either
side-of Kendall, which would indicate that land was dedicated
from the western (Wheat Ridge) parcel.
Commissioner THOMPSON stated she was having difficulty
understanding why the church should be required to dedicate the
five feet. She stated she also had concerns about exiting the
driveway.
Ms. Reckert stated that the standard section for a local street
in Wheat Ridge is 25 feet from centerline. Presently, she added
there was only 20 feet dedicated from centerline, which is why
Planning Commission Minutes Page 4
September 5, 1996
the City is requesting the additional five feet. Staff feels the
20 feet requested by the City of Edgewater is unreasonable.
Commissioner RASPLICKA noted that Kendall Street, if aligned
properly, would be further east.
Ms. Reckert stated that it appears that the right-of-way is
offset. She elaborated, utilizing the aerial map projected
overhead.
Commissioner THOMPSON noted that it appeared, with rationale, all
the benefits would be Edgewater's. She was concerned about
traffic from Terra Village pouring out onto 29th Avenue.
Commissioner THOMPSON stated she could not understand why the
City of Wheat Ridge was requesting the five-foot dedication from
the--Church.
Chairperson LANGDON asked Ms. Reckert to explain why the City was
asking for the dedication from the Church at this time.
Ms. Reckert answered because the Church is in the process of
subdividing and it "opens the door" for staff to examine
• standards such as street widths.
Commissioner THOMPSON asked if the City of Edgewater, when the
six acres is developed, could request from the City of Wheat
Ridge right-of-way for street improvements in Edgewater?
Ms. Reckert answered that if the development should occur, then
the City of Wheat Ridge would likely participate utilizing any
right-of-way available in our jurisdiction. She elaborated.
She agreed that Edgewater would be the one to gain.
Mr. Gidley stated that Wheat Ridge does cooperate with
municipalities bordering the City and expects them to do the
same. He elaborated, explaining the benefits of a full-width
dedication.
Commissioner CERVENY asked if the 25-foot setback met R-1 zoning
requirements. -
Ms. Reckert stated that because of the existing adjacent right-
of-way, it was substandard. Typically, even though the street
has not yet been developed, the City would require a 30-foot
setback.
Commissioner CERVENY-noted that requiring the five-foot
dedication would not make them nonconforming.
•
Planning Commission Minutes Page 5
September 5, 1996
Ms. Reckert answered that there would be an implied variance
because it was a City action. Therefore, it would be a legal,
nonconforming setback.
Commissioner CERVENY asked if the church burned down, could it be
rebuilt?
Ms. Reckert answered yes, it could.
Mr. Gidley stated that by virtue of a public taking, a
nonconforming situation is created, then that line is established
as a conforming line and they could build back to that line.
Commissioner CERVENY that the property was currently
nonconforming because the setback is 25 not 30 feet, as required.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Gidley agreed with Commissioner CERVENY that the property, if
it burned down, would have to comply with the 30-foot setback.
Keith Daly, 2001 Otis Street, Edgewater 80214, was sworn in.
Ron Hoisinaton, 3281 Alkira Court, Golden 80401, was sworn in.
Mr. Hoisington stated he was a planning consultant as well as a
member of the Wheat Ridge Church of Christ. He gave a brief
history of the church and stated he felt the request by Edgewater
was unfair and unnecessary. Mr. Hoisington stated the church
would have no problem dedicating the five feet, if the City felt
it was important to cooperate with the City of Edgewater. The
20-foot dedication was out of the question, he stated, since it
would make the church. sideyard nonconforming. Mr. Hoisington
stated the 15-foot corner radius would be no problem however, it
was a matter of timing. He was not certain that Edgewater had
plans to extend Kendall Street toward 29th Avenue. Should
Edgewater decide to build Kendall Street, the church would go on
record and submit an irrevocable letter stating that 11i.f the
street is to be built, the Wheat Ridge United Church of Christ
would dedicate five feet of its' eastern property line for the
extension and at that time would dedicate the 15-foot corner
radius. He felt the dedication should be done at the time the
street is built.
Commissioner RASPLICKA asked if the City requires the 5-foot
dedication and 15-foot corner radius, and the street is not
extended, who would maintain the land?
Mr_ Hoisinaton stated that if the church dedicates the land for
public purposes it becomes City-owned land.
• Planning Commission Minutes Page 6
September 5, 1996
Commissioner THOMPSON stated her concern regarding the
maintenance of the property, should it be dedicated to the City.
What if Kendall Street is never extended? The street, she added
could also be moved in order to align with Kendall Street to the
north and then there will be the process to return the
unnecessary 5-foot strip to the Church.
Mr. Gidley mentioned another option and that is to notify
Edgewater that the street is off-set and that the dedication
should be made from the Edgewater (east) side, not the Wheat
Ridge (west) side. He elaborated.
Commissioner WILLIAMS asked if the land dedication was
reversible?
Mr. Gidley stated anything is reversible.
Commissioner WILLIAMS noted that should the church change hands
the land dedication would remain and create a possible °glitch".
Ms. Reckert pointed on the map projected overhead why she thought
Edgewater was pushing for a 20-foot dedication.
• Commissioner THOMPSON asked if the City would have input
regarding aligning Kendall Street extended with Kendall Street on
the north.
Mr. Gidley stated it is Staff's responsibility to report to
Commission other agencies' responses. He added the City does
make recommendations regarding street alignment when requested to
do so by other municipalities. He elaborated.
Commissioner THOMPSON asked Mr. Gidley what would be the
appropriate distance to develop an off-set street?
Mr. Gidley answered 150 feet or about one-half a city block, is
the. appropriate distance.
Commissioner GRIFFITH asked if the 20 feet had been requested by
the City of Edgewater, or by the Public Works Department?
Mr. Gidley answered it was the City of Edgewater Public Works
Department making the request. He explained further.
Chairperson LANGDON asked if Wheat Ridge would be sending a -
message to Edgewater in favor of straightening the street, if the
five feet was not dedicated?
Mr. Gidley stated that could be made a part of Commission's
findings in the motion. He explained how the motion could
reflect that decision.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 7
September 5, 1996
Chairperson LANGDON stated it made sense for safety reasons.
Mr. Hoisinaton reiterated that the church was willing and wanted
to cooperate once the street is developed.
Mr. Gidley noted that the church would not be the owner of Lot 2
and noted that the time for dedication is when parcels are
platted..- He explained.
Discussion followed.
Boh Malouf, 2596 Fenton Street, was sworn in. He stated he would
have no objection to a wedge-shaped dedication and explained why.
Commissioner CERVENY stated he had no recollection seeing an
"irrevocable letter of ..intent" as part of a title commitment. He
added that he understood that if the land was dedicated, the home
owner maintained it. He elaborated. Commissioner CERVENY asked
about the dotted line across the parcel.
Ms. Reckert answered that was the property line of Terra Village
line.
Commissioner CERVENY was uncertain if it was practical to request
the five-foot dedication. He didn't understand why "tapering"
the-dedicated land amount would be beneficial.
Ms. Reckert drew a line on the map projected overhead showing
where the "tapered" land dedication would begin and end.
Commissioner CERVENY was uncertain what good tapering the land
dedication would do. He added that as drawn, it did not
accomplish anything. He elaborated.
Ms. Reckert asked if the church would be agreeable to a tapered
land dedication?
Mr_ Hoisinaton stated that the church was agreeable to doing
whatever is appropriate at the right time. He added that until
the street is developed, the time was not right for land
dedication. Mr. Hoisington stated he agreed with the City's
intent and elaborated.
Commissioner RASPLICKA stated it seemed to him that Edgewater had
made the original error by not getting adequate land. Now they
want the City of Wheat Ridge to help them correct their error.
Commissioner RASPLICSZA asked if the land is not dedicated now and
the street is developed sometime in the future, would the City of
• Wheat Ridge have to purchase the necessary land? -And, he added
the City could be responsible to maintain it.
• Planning Commission Minutes Page 8
September 5, 1996
Commissioner THOMPSON stated she felt it would be poor planning
to require the church to dedicate land so that a dangerous off-
set street could be constructed. Good planning, she added, would
be to obtain land dedication from the south parcel, so that the
street could be aligned with Kendall Street at the north. She
elaborated.
Commissioner CERVENY asked Mr. Hoisington to mark on the map
projected overhead, the church driveway on the south side.
Mr_ Hoisinaton pointed out the parking lot.
Commissioner CERVENY asked where was the driveway exiting the
property?
Mr. Hoisinaton stated the one-way going out was on the eastern
side of the church going north.
Mr_ Hoisinaton asked Mr. Gidley if there was an easement on the
eastern property line?
Mr. Gidley answered yes, it was a 10-foot easement.
Mr. Hoisinaton suggested that the language of the easement to
future right-of-way dedication for street purposes.
Mr. Gidley stated normally the City uses five feet of right-of-
way for sidewalk and signage. Therefore, it could be a sidewalk
and signage easement. The curb, gutter and street (with the
exception of the sidewalk) could be outside that area, he added.
He noted that if it is an easement, the property owner continues
to pay taxes on it. If dedicated, it is taken off the tax roles
and placed in the street system. He elaborated.
Commissioner CERVENY asked what length dedicated would it take to
taper from zero to five feet? Could it be done in 50 feet?
Mr. Gidley said a five-foot taper could be accomplished in a
fairly short distance. He would like it in less than 100 feet.
Discussion was heard regarding how the tapered land dedication
could/should occur.
Commissioner THOMPSON moved that Case No. MS-96-8, an application
by Keith M. Daly for Wheat Ridge Congregation, UCC for approval
of a two-lot minor subdivision on R-1 land located at 6310 West
29th. Avenue and 2777 Kendall Street, be approved for the
following reasons:
• 1. The subdivision is required to allow sale of the southern
portion; and
Planning Commission Minutes Page 9
September 5, 1996
2. All requirements of the Subdivision Regulations have been
met.
With the following condition:
1. A five-foot right-of-way be dedicated for Kendall Street,
beginning at the common boundary between Lot 1 and 2,
starting at zero at that point and tapering to five feet to
the southern boundary of Lot 2.
Commissioner CERVENY seconded the motion.
Commissioner THOMPSON asked if City staff would notify Edgewater
regarding Commission's recommendation.
Ms. Reckert answered City staff would be in contact with
Edgewater.
Commissioner CERVENY made a suggestion for a friendly amendment,
which would add to Commissioner THOMPSON's motion the reasons for
Commission's recommendation to taper the land dedication from
zero to five feet. One reason being the Church was in existence
prior to the dedication of Kendall Street and the current problem
exists because the street was incorrectly aligned by Edgewater.
The Church, which is not located within the city limits of
Edgewater, should not be required to correct that mistake.
Chairperson LANGDON asked if that addition could be a friendly
amendment, or simply add it to the motion?
Mr. Gidley stated it was an amendment to the motion. Both the
motion-maker and the individual who seconded would have to accept
the amendment.
Commissioner THOMPSON stated she agreed with the amendment,
however, felt Commission should send a message to both city
councils, Edgewater and Wheat Ridge, that it is an undue hardship
on the Church and good planning requires, if possible, street
alignments to occur. In this case, there is vacant land to the
east which could be utilized. It is Commission's desire to see
Kendall Street aligned, both north and south.
Motion carried 6-0.
3. Case No. WA-96-26c An application by John Medved for
approval of a master sign plan with variances for
progerty located at 11001 and 11201 West 2-70 Frontage
Road North. (Continued from 07-18-96)
•
• Plenn~ng Commission Minutes Page 10
September 5, 1996
Staff recommended and the applicant agreed, that this case be
continued to our first regular meeting in October, October 3,
1996.
Commissioner CERVENY moved to continue Case No. WA-96-26 to
October 3, 1996. Commissioner THOMPSON seconded the motion.
Motion carried 6-0.
4. Case No_ ZoA-96-9: An amendment to the Wheat Ridge
Code of Laws, Zoning Code, Section 26-30 (P) pertaining
to Group Homes for Haadicappeda Developmentally
Disabled, Elderly Persons and Children. (Continued
from 08-15-96).
Mr. Gidley gave a brief overview of this case.
Commissioner RASPLICKA asked if there was a limitation of the
number of group homes in a particular area?
Mr. Gidley stated that state law requires 750 feet of separation,
which is about a block and a quarter apart. Additionally, there
is a separation requirement between homes. He explained further.
• Commissioner CERVENY asked Mr. Gidley how the number 1111"
developmentally disabled was_chosen.
Mr. Gidley stated it could be any number. It was chosen because
it was a number customarily associated with a "family'° situation.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner CERVENY moved to continue Case No. ZOA-96-9 to our
next regular meeting, September 18, 1996 to allow the City
Attorney time to answer the following questions:
1. Is it possible to generically limit the number of residents,
based upon an area requirement per person?
2. Regarding other provisions that limit other kinds of group
homes to one per district, is it legal?
3. If a group home resident becomes rowdy, noisy, etc., is that
person treated by the police as a nuisance like any other
resident?
Commissioner THOMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
5. Case No. ZOA-96-10: Amendment to the Wheat Ridge Code
• of Laws, Zoning Code, Section 26-6(D)(2)(c) pertaining
to VARIANCE CRITERIA. This case had been continued
from August 15, 1996.
• Planning Commission Minutes Page 11
September 5, 1996
Mr. Gidley gave an overview of the proposed amendment. He read a
proposed addition to the amendment, which would be added at the
end of paragraph 10:
", or would graating of the variance result in a reasonable
accommodation of a person with disabilities?"
Mr. Gidley explained the term "reasonable accommodation" for
Chairperson LANGDON.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner CERVENY moved to approve as amended, Case No. ZOA-
96-10, a proposed amendment to the Zoning Code, Section 26-
6(D(2)(c) and forward to City Council for their consideration.
Commissioner RASPLICKA seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
6. Case No. ZOA-96-8: Amendment to the Wheat Ridge Code
of Laws, Zoning Code, Chapter 26. Zoning Code regarding
FENCES, WALLS and OBSTRUCTIONS TO VIEW.
. Mr. Gidley asked Commission if they had the memo from Bob Goebel,
Public Works Director. He summarized Mr. Goebel's position for
Commission. Mr. Gidley gave an overview of the proposed
amendment explaining the current ordinance and the proposed
changes.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner WILLIAMS moved to retain a 36-inch fence height
limitation in the sight distance triangle, a 48-inch fence height
limitation in the front yard, and a six-foot fence height
limitation in the back and side yards.
Commissioner CERVENY suggested that each of the items be
considered separately.
Issue A (Sight Triangle)
Commissioner CERVENY seconded Commissioner WILLIAMS' motion to-
retain 36-inch fence height limitation in the sight distance
triangle.
Motion carried 6-0.
Issue B (Front Yard)
• Commissioner WILLIAMS moved to retain a 48-inch fence height
limitation in the front yard outside the sight distance triangle.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 12
September 5, 1996
•
Commissioner GERVENY seconded the motion.
Commissioner THOMPSON asked if that height would include pillars.
Mr. Gidley answered that pillars were allowed to be one foot
higher than the fence height, provided the pillars measure no
more than one foot by one foot.
Commissioner CERVENY offered a friendly amendment to the motion,
stating the reason for the limitation:
1. A higher than 48-inch fence would be detrimental to the
aesthetic value of the City of Wheat Ridge, which would
over-shadow any benefit to any individual.
Commissioner WILLIAMS agreed to the friendly amendment. Motion
carried 6-0.
Issue C (Grade Determination)
Commissioner WILLIAMS moved that the "natural grade" be utilized
when determining the overall height of fences and walls. Natural
grade will be determined by City staff.
Commissioner GRIFFITH seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
8. CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. Commissioner THOMPSON asked Mr. Gidley for an update on
the Kipling Master Plan idea discussed previously by
Commission.
Mr. Gidley answered that Staff was working on two additional
ideas. Further, he noted that there was some "movement" in the
area with several parcels of land. Discussion followed.
B. Chairperson LANGDON asked for an update on the bus stop
project.
•
Mr. Gidley stated the City was waiting for Outdoor Productions to
fill out applications for each of the individual locations. They
have provided the City with a site location map. As required,
all locations have been posted for 25 days. Approval from Public
Works, RTD and State Highway Department will be necessary, once
the applications are completed.
10. NEW BUSINESS
• Planning Commission Minutes Page 13
September 5, 1996
A. Commissioner CERVENY informed Commission that he would
be unable to attend the October 3, 1996 meeting.
11. DISCUSSION AND DECISION ITEMS
A. Commissioner RASPLICKA asked for items to take to the
PWAC meeting.
12. COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, by consensus, the meeting
adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
t
h F~
Sandra Wiggins, Sec e y
•