2012-07-10 PC Minutes1
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APPROVED MINUTES
July 10, 2012
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Frank Kocon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Olson, Edgren, Kocon, Totman, and Lindberg were present. Absent Council
Member Wagner.
Staff members present: Alan Brixius
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was approved as submitted.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 8, 2012 and June 12, 2012 minutes from the Joint
Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council workshop.
Olson moved, second by Totman to approve minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CENTER CUT MEATS, 11646 BARTHEL INDUSTRIAL DRIVE IN ALBERTVILLE, MN TO CONSIDER
A VARIANCE FOR SIGN AREA AND HEIGHT FOR A FREESTANDING SIGN
City Planner Brixius presented the variance request and analysis from the July 3, 2012 planning
report. The applicant was requesting a 128 square foot sign area and a sign 16 feet in height.
The property is allowed two freestanding signs due to the site’s shared boundaries with I-94
right-of-way. The second freestanding sign, however, is limited to 60 square feet and a 12 foot
height by district standards. As such, the variance is requested. Planner Brixius cited the
following findings in support of the variance request:
1. The site has an irregular shape which is set at a lower grade to the I-94 freeway,
complicating sight lines.
2. Poor site visibility complicates attracting customers to the site.
3. The variance would represent a reasonable use of the site and the variance is necessary to
overcome practical difficulties unique to this property.
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
July 10, 2012
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Based on the aforementioned findings, City staff recommended approval of the sign variance
with conditions outlined in the July 3, 2012 planning report.
Chair Kocon opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m.
The Commission discussed the issue. Chair Kocon asked the applicant, Gary Lies, if the sign is
obstructed by traffic control signs along Industrial Drive. Mr. Lies felt the sign would be
adequate to address his needs.
No public comments were offered.
Motion to close the public hearing by Lindberg at 7:25 p.m., seconded by Olson and passed
unanimously.
Motion by Lindberg, second by Olson to recommend approval of the variance request for
Center Cut Meats sign area and sign height subject to the conditions of the July 3, 2012
planning report. Motion carried unanimously.
ZONING AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4600 (I-1 DISTRICT) AND SECTION 4700 (I-2 DISTRICT)
REPEALING THE MAXIMUM BUILDING COVERAGE ON A LOT
City Planner Brixius presented the proposed zoning text amendment that will repeal the
maximum building coverage per lot in both the I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts. City staff reviewed
the zoning provisions and determined that the maximum building coverage standard works
against the City’s goal to promote the in-place expansion of local industries and economic
development. City staff recommended approval of the proposed text amendment.
Chair Kocon opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
Commissioner Lindberg was concerned that without the building coverage standard that
development may overwhelm the specific site. Planner Brixius outlined that the maximum
building coverage serves little purpose in that the City has the following standards to prevent
over building an individual lot:
• Maximum industrial lot coverage of 85 percent.
• Stormwater regulations.
• Setback standards.
• Parking standards.
• Landscape standards.
Motion to close the public hearing by Olson, seconded by Totman and passed unanimously.
Motion by Olson, second by Edgren to recommend approval of the zoning text amendment
per the findings of the July 3, 2012 planning report. Motion carried unanimously.
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
July 10, 2012
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6. OTHER BUSINESS
Planner Brixius presented the goals and policies of the Albertville Vision Study. These goals
and policies represent the findings and directives of the Council/Planning and Zoning
Commission workshop. With the Planning and Zoning Commission’s permission, Planner
Brixius will bring the goals and policies to public hearing at the August 2012 Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting. The Commission agreed this was an acceptable schedule.
7. ADJOURN
Edgren moved, second by Lindberg to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
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Alan Brixius, Acting Recording Secretary