HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-17-Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes129
MINUTES OF THE TUESDAY,MAY 17,2005 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL
MEETING.
Chairman Steele called the May 17,2005 special meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission to
order at 6:48 p.m.
Roll Call.Chairman Steele asked for a 1'011 call and the following Commissioners were present:Krantz,
Schmidt,Wilson.Absent:Hoifeldt,Korpanty,Mook.Commissioner Mook arrived at 6:56 p.m.Council
Representative Mertz arrived at 7:01 p.m.
Agenda Approval.Motion by Commissioner Schmidt,seconded by Commissioner Krantz,to "Approve
the Agenda for May 17,2005."Ayes:Krantz,Sclnnidt,Wilson,Steele.Nays:None.Motion carried.
Discuss the Lighting Ordinance (Draft).Commissioner Schmidt stated that he liked the proposed
ordinance as written,and that as time went on,changes could be implemented as necessary.Chad
Weaver asked for input specifically on the residential portion of the ordinance,and whether the City
should try to enforce lighting standards in single family residential districts.He stated that lighting
changes in existing single family residential districts could be implemented in phases.Commissioner
Schmidt favored a specific date by which to have all lighting in the City in compliance with the
ordinance.Commissioner Mook arrived at 6:56 p.m.Chairman Steele suggested the community be
educated about the ordinance and its importance in order to alleviate obj ections to its implementation.
Council Representative Mertz arrived at 7:01 p.m.Commissioner Mook voiced his approval of the
commercial aspect ofthe ordinance,but was more hesitant about mandating lighting standards for single
family residential districts,stating that he didn't see that it was much of an issue at this point in time.
Commissioner Schmidt stated that some people equate lighting with security,and that some already feel
that there isn't enough light on their property.Mr.Weaver asked the Commission to at least consider
including the portion of the ordinance stating that no lighting can be targeted onto another property.The
Commission agreed that it should be included.Commissioner Mook suggested a special lighting
consultant be hired to help draft the ordinance.Mr.Weaver asked if the ordinance should be specific
about what type or style of exterior lighting fixture or bulb should be allowed.Chairman Steele stated
that for the residential portion ofthe ordinance,lighting could be addressed in terms of wattage and not
lumens or candles,in order to be more easily understood.Council Representative Mertz stated that the
location of exterior lighting could be just as important as lighting intensity,and also stated that he was not
yet comfortable with the ordinance as written.Council Member Mertz also mentioned that fully shielded
light fixtures can be significantly more expensive than more common non-shielded fixtures.
Commissioner Krantz asked about landscape lighting,and stated that spotlights and floodlights are a
bigger issue in residential districts than porch lighting.Chairman Steele asked about lighting at sports
facilities,and suggested a time limit be set for when that type of lighting can be on.Commissioner
Schmidt suggested that the ordinance move forward for now without mention of single family residential
lighting standards,except for the portion stating that lighting cannot be targeted off-property.Mr.Weaver
will make the changes suggested by the Commission and then present the ordinance for passage by the
Commission.
Discuss the Outside Storage in all Commercial/Industrial Zoning Districts.Connnissioner Sclnnidt
stated that this item came about because of outside display of products at convenience stores.Chad
Weaver explained that outside display was expected for certain business due to the nature of the business
or the inclusion of outside display areas on site plans,but that a better definition of outside display and
storage may be needed to limit its use.He suggested limiting outside display either through the site plan
approval process or by issuing special permits similar to those issued for temporary signage.
Commissioner Mook voiced his confidence that City staff could evaluate what types of outside display
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and storage would or would not be permitted.Commissioner Krantz suggested that all outside display
areas be fenced.
Discuss the "Big Box"Ordinance.Chairman Steele stated his desire for specific architectural standards
for "big box"buildings.Chad Weaver suggested a minimum size be defined for "big box"development,
and then stricter design standards could be implemented.Commissioner Wilson was in favor of a 50,000
square foot minimum to define a "big box."Commissioner Schmidt suggested a new zoning district be
created for "big box"development in order to give the City more control over where such development is
located.The new zoning district could have its own specific requirements for building setbacks,open
space requirements and buffers.Commissioner Krantz and Council Representative Mertz voiced their
support for a new zoning district.
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Discuss the City of Overland Park,KS Ordinances.The Commission reviewed the changes made to
the residential portion of the ordinance.The Commission agreed to eliminate the section on crime
prevention unless the police department wished to pursue the option,to eliminate the parking standards as
those are already thoroughly addressed in the City's existing ordinance,and to add language forbidding
the use of carports.
New Business.Council Representative Mertz mentioned that it was National Bike to Work Week,and
encouraged the Commissioners to do so.He then stated that he and Chad Weaver had met with Ann Lane
with the City of West Des Moines,and that there could possibly be a joint P&Z workshop scheduled
involving the two communities.Council Representative Mertz went on to say that he would recommend
to the City Council that a "checklist"of sorts be created and used to track outstanding plat and site plan
issues that are urrresolved after Planning &Zoning Commission approval.He also informed the 1
Commission that the Site Plan for The Village at Grace Wood had not been approved by Council at their J'
May 16,2005 meeting,and that the Site Plan for Kum &Go #75/Mountain Mudd had been entirely
rejected.
Mark Arentsen stated that an update on the status of Warrior Plaza Phase III (Revised)would be on the
next regular meeting agenda,and would be on every agenda until all issues were resolved.
Adjournment.Motion by Commissioner Schmidt,seconded by Commissioner Mook,to adjourn at 9:15_
p.rn.Ayes:Krantz,Mook,Schmidt,Wilson,Steele.Nays:None.Motion carried.Meeting adjourned.
1 rry S eele,Planning &Zoning Chairman
Attest:
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