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Home My WebLink About2009-06-09-Planning and Zoning Commission MinutesMINUTES OF THE TUESDAY JUNE 9,2009 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING. Chairman Mook called the June 9,2009 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call.Chairman Mook asked for a roll call and the following Connnissioners were present: Hassebroek,Sclnnidt,Hoifeldt,Dutcher and Steele,and Mook.Absent:Airhart.Others in attendance: Beth Richardson,Brad Deets,Ben Landhanser,Dennis Dowell,and John Kursitis. Agenda Approval.Motion by Commissioner Schmidt,seconded by Commissioner Hoifeldt,to approve the agenda for June 9,2009."Ayes:Schmidt,Hoifeldt,Hassebroek,Dutcher,Steele,and Mook.Nays: None.Motion carried. Approval of May 26,2009 Regular Meeting Miuutes.Motion by Conunissioner Hoifeldt,seconded by Commissioner Steele to adopt the May 26,2009 Regnlar Meeting Minutes."Ayes:Hoifeldt,Steele, Dutcher,Hassebroek,Schmidt and Mook.Nays:None.Motion carried. Approval of the May 26,2009 Workshop Meeting Minutes.Motion by Commissioner Hoifeldt, seconded by Commissioner Dutcher to adopt the May 26,2009 Workshop Meeting Minutes."Ayes: Hoifeldt,Dutcher,Steele,Hassebroek,Schmidt,and Mook.Nays:None.Motion carried, Open Forum.No one appeared to address the Commission during the Open Forum. Approve the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Sections 301.11(C)and 301.12 (C)provisions regarding minimum square footage requirements for One and Two Family Residential Dwellings. Director of Development Services,Brad Deets,explained the current provisions for a minimum first floor square footage requirement for single family and two family dwellings.Currently within the R-I District, a minimnm of 800 square feet is required on the first floor of a two story single family home.Within the R-2 district,a minimnm of 750 square feet is required on the first floor of a two story single family home and a minimnm of 700 square feet is reqnired on the first floor of a two story two family home.Cnrrently only Waukee and the City of Clive reqnire a minimum first floor square footage for two-story homes. Additionally only two other communities within the metro area have minimnm residential squaI'e footage requirements at all (Urbandale and Altoona). The concern with the minimum square footage came to light when Stephen Grubb of Venture Homes discussed with the Commission his position on the current requirements and bis concerns abut the current residential market.Based on the minutes of the meeting,the Planning and Zoning Commission was open to looking at changing the provision. Within the proposed ordinance amendments,staff has proposed to reduce the minimum squaI'e footage requirements on the first floor of a two story home to 700 square feet within the R -I District and 600 feet within the R-2 District (500 s.f.on the first floor for two-family dwellings).Within the R-I District,staff proposes an increase in the total square footage for a two-story home from 1,050 square feet to 1,400 square feet.Within the R-2 District,staff proposes an increase in the total square footage for a two-story home from 950 square feet to 1,250 square feet. The proposed ordinance changes will allow for some flexibility in the design of two-story homes while at the same time providing some security that new homes constructed within the City will be consistent and complementary to the existing built environment. Motion by Commissioner Hoifeldt,seconded by Commissioner Steele to "Approve the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Sections 301.11(C)and 301.12(C)provisions regarding minimum square footage requirements for One and Two Family Residential Dwellings"Ayes:Hoifeldt,Steele,Schmidt, Hassebroek,Dutcher,and Mook.Nays:None.Motion carried. Discussion:Wind Energy Ordinance.Staff has prepared a wind energy ordinance based upon previous discussion with the Commission and the Green Initiatives Committee.The proposed ordinance would allow for certain types of wind energy systems of a non-commercial nature throughout all zoning districts within the City.The proposed ordinance would require an applicant to meet fairly substantial standards prior to moving forward through the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council process.A mechanism has also been built in regarding notification of adjacent property owners and those owners right to protest.If the Planning and Zoning Commission does not approve or the adjacent property oppose then it requires a super majority from the City Council to get the wind turbine approved. Commissioner Dutcher disagreed that a protest from a neighbor would require a super majority from City Conncil to get the wind turbine approved if all other requirements are met upon submittal.As compared to the City Zoning Ordinance,the denied approval of the wind turbine would not have the option to go to the Board of Adjustment rather would need to be taken to court.Commissioner Hassebroek questioned the maximum height of the roof mounted wind turbine.Brad explained that the maximum allowable height would be 10'above the height limit allowed in the corresponding zoning district.The Commission expressed concern on who was going to regulate the requirements if it no longer fits in the zoning district and who will be testing and inspecting the equipment once it is installed.Brad stated he would get it defined within the definitions. New Business.Director of Development Services,Brad Deets,briefed the Commission on future items that will be reviewed.The rezoning application approved at this meeting will go for Council approval on Monday,Thomas Place has submitted a site plan for review and have met on several other potential projects. Adjournment.Motion by Commissioner Schmidt,second by Commissioner Steele,to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 P.M.Ayes:Schmidt,Steele,Hoifeldt,Dutcher,Hassebroek,and Mook.Nays:None."""00 =,,,,1.M"",""adjourned.Mil hit'- Brian Mook,Planning &Zoning Chairman Attest: