Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/07/13City of Wheat j�idge PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting February 7, 2013 1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair TIMMS at 7:02 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29 Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Commission Members Present: Amanda Weaver Anne Brinkman Dick Matthews Monica Duran Scott Ohm Steve Timms Tracy Guildner Commission Members Absent: Alan Bucknam Staff Members Present: Lauren Mikulak, Planner I Meredith Reckert, Senior Planner Kim Waggoner, Recording Secretary 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA It was moved by Commissioner MATTHEWS and seconded by Commissioner OHM to approve the order of the agenda. Motion carried 7 -0. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — December 6, 2012 It was moved by Commissioner MATTHEWS and seconded by Commissioner WEAVER to approve the minutes of December 6, 2012, as written. Motion carried 5 -0 with Commissioners GUILDNER and MATTHEWS abstaining. 6. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda.) No one wished to speak at this time. Planning Commission Minutes February 7, 2012 7. PUBLIC HEARING A. Case No. WZ- 12 -11: An application filed by James Frisk for approval of a zone change from Agricultural -Two (A -2) to Mixed Use Neighborhood (MU -N) for the property located at 12390 W. 44` Avenue. This case was presented by Meredith Reckert. She entered into public record the case file, the zoning ordinance, the Comprehensive Plan, and the digital presentation. The property is within the City of Wheat Ridge and all posting requirements have been met. The Planning Commission does have jurisdiction to hear this case. She reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. The purpose of the zone change is to expand possible uses for the property, including the option of converting the structure to a commercial occupancy. Staff recommends approval of the zone change. Commissioner OHM asked if there was another property zoned MU -N further to the east on W. 44` Avenue. Ms. Reckert confirmed the RV America property at W. 44` Avenue and Tabor is zoned MU -N and MU -C Interstate. Commissioner OHM asked if the access easement accommodates any required landscape buffers on the west side. Ms. Reckert stated no. Commissioner BRINKMAN asked if there were any historical planning cases before the city on this property that would help with making a decision on this case. In response to Commissioner BRINKMAN's question, Ms. Reckert stated that the property has not been the subject of any previous land use cases. Commissioner BRINKMAN asked how large a building could be on the property, especially considering the small size of the lot and the mixed use development and parking requirements. Ms. Reckert explained that the City does not utilize a floor area ratio (FAR), but given the small size of the site, a building could not feasibly be very large. A second story, however, could be added. Commissioner BRINKMAN inquired about the maximum height for building. Ms. Mikulak replied 35 feet for any residential use and 50 feet if the building is completely commercial. Chair TIMMS asked about the large amount of pavement and parking in the front of the property. Ms. Reckert stated that when the owner acquired the property, the front yard was a maintenance problem. The parking area is probably larger than needed, but it was installed to reduce maintenance issues. Janelle Frisk 5060 Youngfield St., Wheat Ridge, CO The applicant stated that she and her husband have no plans to change the building on the property. The purpose of the zone change is to allow a small business to occupy the property. This could include an accounting firm, attorney, or hair salon, but they have no desire to include a drive through. Mrs. Frisk stated that they own the Longshots Bar & Grill up the street and are invested in the City of Wheat Ridge. The property and the City Planning Commission Minutes -2— February 7, 2012 will be better served by the site being zoned mixed use; there is no desire to use the site residentially or agriculturally. Commissioner BRINKMAN asked the applicant if they have considered signage. Ms. Frisk said the best location may be in the landscaped strip along W. 44th Avenue. This would provide visibility from W. 44` Avenue and Ward Road. In response to a question from Commissioner BRINKMAN, Ms. Mikulak stated that the sign code applies to properties zoned MU -N, in addition, monument signs are limited to 7 feet in height and changeable copy or LED signs are not permitted. Chair TIMMS closed the public hearing as no members of the public were present. It was moved by Commissioner OHM and seconded by Commissioner GUILDNER to recommend approval of Case No. WZ- 12 -11, a request for approval of a zone change from Agricultural -Two to Mixed Use - Neighborhood, for property located at 12390 W. 44` Ave., for the following reasons: 1. The proposed zone change is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and the I- 70 /Kipling Corridor Urban Renewal Plan. 2. The proposed zone change is compatible with the surrounding area and will serve as a neighborhood buffer between existing commercial and residential uses to the south and southeast. 3. The proposed zone change will not adversely impact the public health, safety, or welfare. 4. The subject property is currently underutilized, and a zone change will increase the permitted uses of the site. Motion carried 7 -0. Ms. Reckert stated that this case will go to City Council for first reading on February 25 and that the public hearing is scheduled for March 25. 8. STUDY SESSION A. Zoning Code Amendments Discussion Ms. Mikulak and Ms. Reckert summarized the memo from the agenda packet regarding proposed zoning code updates. They stated that staff s priorities for 2013 will be updating the subdivision regulations and sign code. These will be time consuming and complex since each comprise a full article within Chapter 26 and sign code amendments include many stakeholders. Mid -range proposed code amendments would be related to accessory dwelling units, microbreweries and exterior lighting standards. Planning Commission Minutes -3— February 7, 2012 After a brief discussion, Commissioner TIMMS directed staff to move forward with the amendments as they are proposed. 9. OTHER ITEMS A. Resolution Designating a Public Place for Posting of Notices of Public Meetings It was moved by Commissioner BRINKMAN and seconded by Commissioner MATTHEWS to approve the Resolution Designating a Public Place for Posting of Notices of Public Meetings. Motion carried 7 -0. Ms. Reckert invited the Planning Commission to the first public input meeting of the NW Subarea Plan Update on Tuesday, February 12 at the Recreation Center from 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. Chair TIMMS asked staff about openings on the Planning Commission. Ms. Reckert stated three appointments have come up: Scott Ohm, Alan Bucknam and Dick Matthews. Commissioners Ohm and Bucknam have reapplied. Commissioner MATTHEWS stated he will not reapply. 10. Adjournment It was moved by Commissioner DURAN and seconded by Commissioner GUILDNER to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m. Motion carried 7 -0. Steve Timms, Chair l Kim Waggoner, R ding Secretary Planning Commission Minutes February 7, 2012 -4—