09-27-1994CITY OF RIOHFIELD
PLnnninG OOR1tT ssion
AGENDA
September 27, 1994
7:00 p.m. -- Regular Meeting
HORR C au
h r• c - 1 l c f' mi i 1 l u i t• s
Regular meeting of August 23, 1994 and Study Session of September 20, 1994.
INTU HI Wr
ev• l u inR
OPEN DISCUSSION Continue Review of Draft C -2
and C -3 Zoning Provisions
OPEN DISCUSSION Draft Schedule for Regulation
of Adult Uses
1)IcI 03 U,, I I e
MI.1.11tiU1 h C"l)(11itti
School Board
Community Services Advisory Commission
HRA
City Council
AdHoc 135/1494 Traffic Committee
Addo =immsnt
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96
hours in advance to the Administrative Service's Director at 861 - 9702."
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
4ji. ::::. :.x
Regular Meeting
August 23, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Daniel Linnihan; Commissioners: Pamela Dmytrenko,
Timothy Erlander, David Gepner, Thomas Scaglia, William Snyder,
and Kristal Stokes
MEMBERS ABSENT: Morris Nilsen II and Paul Wasko
COUNCIL LIAISON: Martin Kirsch, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT: Byron Wallace, Community Development Director; and
Shawn Drill, Zoning Administrator.
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Linnihan at 7:00
p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Snyder, S /Scaglia to approve the minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting
of July 26, 1994.
Motion carried: 7 -0
M/Erlander, S /Stokes to approve the minutes of the August 9, 1994 study session.
Motion carried: 7 -0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 23, 1994
Page 2
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM #1 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION HONORING
MICHAEL GALLAGHER FOR HIS SERVICE ON
THE RICHFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION
Mayor Kirsch read and presented a proclamation of appreciation to Michael Gallagher for
his assistance and service on the Richfield Planning Commission.
Michael Gallagher thanked the Planning Commissioners and Mayor for the opportunity to
serve on the Commission.
r'
ITEM #2 PLANNING COMMISSION LETTER #14,
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FINDING FOR 6428 -16TH AVE.
HRA ACQUISITION /DISPOSITION)
Zoning Administrator Drill reviewed the staff report, stating that this item is consideration
of a resolution finding that the proposed use of 6428 -16th Avenue as a single family home is in
conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Drill noted that this lot would be purchased by
the HRA for inclusion into the Richfield Rediscovered Program.
Mr. Drill stated that Minnesota State law requires that whenever a public agency buys or
sells land, the Planning Commission must find that the proposed use conforms to the
Comprehensive Plan. Mr..Drill noted that the subject lot was located in the single family district.
He also pinpointed the lot on the Comprehensive Development Plan Map, indicating that it has
been designated for single family use.
M/Snyder, S/Erlander that the following resolution be adopted; that it be spread in the
Planning Commission resolution book, and that it be made a part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 94
RESOLUTION OF THE RICHFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION
FINDING THAT THE ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF
CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR RICHFIELD REDISCOVERED IS IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Motion carried: 7 -0
Planning Commission Minutes
August 23, 1994
Page 3
ITEM #3 PLANNING COMMISSION LETTER #15,
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FINDING FOR 2819 W. 701/2 ST.
HRA ACQUISITION /DISPOSITION)
Zoning Administrator Drill reviewed the staff report, stating that this item is also
consideration of a resolution finding that the proposed use of 2819 West 70 1/2 Street as a single
family home is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Drill noted that this lot would
be purchased by the HRA for inclusion into the Richfield Rediscovered Program.
Mr. Drill said that Minnesota State law requires that whenever a public agency buys or
sells land, the Planning Commission must find that the proposed use conforms to the
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Drill noted that the subject lot was located in the single family district.
He also pinpointed the lot on the Comprehensive Development Plan Map, indicating that it has
been designated for single family use.
M/Erlander, S /Scaglia that the following resolution be adopted, that it be spread in the
Planning Commission resolution book, and that it be made a part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 95
RESOLUTION OF THE RICHFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION
FINDING THAT THE ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF
CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR RICHFIELD REDISCOVERED IS IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Motion carried: 7 -0
ITEM #4 OPEN DISCUSSION -- DRAFT ZONING CODE
REVIEW OF DRAFT "C -1" PROVISIONS
The Planning Commission conducted an open discussion to continue review of the draft
zoning code.
Following up on the August 9, 1994 review, Zoning Administrator Drill provided the
Commission with a hand out entitled "Discussion Responses ". He noted that pertaining to the
R -1" district, the maximum aggregate square footage for accessory buildings has been increased
from 1,250 sq. ft. to 1,300 sq. ft. He also noted that pertaining to the "MR -3" district, minimum
lot size has been increased from 45,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 23, 1994
Page 4
Mr. Drill presented the Commission with a hand out entitled "Proposed Zoning
Amendments" for the C -1 (neighborhood business) zoning district, which described the proposed
changes with explanatory statements.
The Commissioners reviewed each proposed change, item by item. Areas of discussion
included the following:
Neighborhood business defined -- Consider adding word "primarily" to provision.
Neighborhood business defined -- Consider changing "residential uses" to "residents ".
Mr. Drill said he would provide a response to these discussion items at the September 20
study session.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
LIAISON REPORTS
School Board: Roger Stern, School Board Liaison, reported on construction projects at
the schools. He said excellent progress is being made, however, much work is still needed before
school can open in about three weeks. He added that some of the auditorium additions will not
be completed until late fall or winter. Commissioner Dmytrenko commented on the taxing
structure with respect to the Hennepin County schools.
Community Services Advisory Commission: Commissioner Stokes reviewed topics of
the last CSC meeting. She discussed scheduling issues related to park improvement projects. She
also noted that the "Crazy Golf Tournament" is set for September 10, with proceeds to benefit
Wood Lake Nature Center.
City Council/HRA: Community Development Director Wallace reviewed the Phase II
presentations of CSM and Feldman, with respect to the Interstate/Lyndale/Nicollet (ILN)
Redevelopment Project. He also announced that Richfield will have its first ever "Parade Home"
this fall. The home is located at 6636 Sheridan and the builder is Marlin Grant Homes.
Ad Hoc Traffic Committee: None.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 23, 1994
Page 5
Chairperson Linnihan reminded the Commission that the next Study Session will be held
on September 20, 1994 at 6:00 p.m., pizza and pop to be provided. The Council chambers may
be available for this meeting. More info to come.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:00 p.m.
Timothy ErlancferV
Planning Commission Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Study Session
September 20, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Daniel Linnihan; Commissioners: Pamela Dmytrenko,
Timothy Erlander, David Gepner, Kristal Stokes, and Paul Wasko
MEMBERS ABSENT: Morris Nilsen II, Thomas Scaglia, and William Snyder
COUNCIL LIAISON: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Byron Wallace, Community Development Director; Bill Weaver,
City Planner; and Shawn Drill, Zoning Administrator.
The Study Session was called to order by Chairperson Linnihan at 6:00 p.m.
ITEM #I Review of Section 520 of the draft zoning code
Mr. Drill gave the Commissioners a hand -out entitled "Discussion Responses" which
outlined the discussion items relating to the draft C -1 District provisions. The hand -out also
provided staff responses and recommendations for making changes to the draft. The
Commissioners reviewed the hand -out and concurred with the recommended changes.
The Commissioners were given a hand -out entitled "Proposed Zoning Amendments" for
the C -2 and C -3 Districts. This hand -out described the proposed changes with explanatory
statements. The Commissioners reviewed each proposed change, item by item. Areas of
discussion included the following:
What is an "odor control plan'? Does this need ,to be expanded on?
Review queuing space needed for gas stations versus car washes.
Is 20 foot setback enough for pump islands?
Should restriction on canopy signage be removed?
How is icing of streets prevented? Should code specify how this is to be accomplished?
Should all references to heliport be removed?
Should cemeteries have limitations on headstones?
It being 7:00 p.m. (guest speaker arrived for next agenda item), the Commission decided to
continue the remaining C -2 and C -3 discussion until the September 27, 1994 regular meeting.
Study Session Minutes
September 20, 1994
Page 2
ITEM #H Study on Adult Uses and Regulations
Jim Thomson, Holmes and Graven, introduced himself and stated that he is very familiar
with regulations for adult uses.
Mr. Thomson gave the Commissioners a hand -out entitled "Regulation of Adult Uses" and
reviewed it with the Commissioners. He said an adult use is typically a business which derives its
revenue from materials, books, magazines, movies, novelties, etc. that are characterized by an
emphasis on "specified sexual activities" or pornographic activities. It also covers peep shows
and nude dancing. Businesses that deal in obscene material are not protected by the laws that
regulate adult uses (First Amendment).
Responding to Commissioner Erlander, Mr. Thomson said the it can be difficult to define
difference between pornographic and obscene materials. Pornography is protected by the First
amendment, while obscenity is a crime. State law defines obscenity as material which appeals
solely to sexual interests and has no redeeming social values. He said a jury may have to decide,
in some cases, whether material is pornographic or obscene.
Mr. Thomson said that sexually oriented businesses are protected by the First Amendment,
and therefore, enjoy greater protection under the law than other businesses.
Responding to Chairperson Linnihan, Mr. Thomson said that nude dancing may be
prohibited from establishments that serve liquor. He said that under the 21st Amendment, nude
dancing can be regulated under the constitution which allows you to regulate liquor licenses.
Mr. Thomson said adult uses could be regulated through zoning, licensing, public decency
laws, health ordinances, liquor ordinances, and "harmful to minor" laws. The "harmful to minors"
is in State Law and requires opaque covering and/or segregation of adult materials to areas not
accessible to minors. '
Mr. Thomson said that in order to regulate adult uses by either zoning or licensing, the
City must conclude that the businesses your trying to regulate would create adverse secondary
affects, such as neighborhood blight, diminished property values, and increased crime. That is
what gives you legal authority to regulate adult uses -- that they produce these adverse secondary
impacts. You cannot regulate them based on the type of material that they deal in.
Mr. Thomson said that a city can rely on studies which conclude that the uses have
adverse secondary impacts, even though such study was conducted by another city or agency,
provided that what your trying to regulate is reasonably related to what they were trying to
regulate.
Study Session Minutes
September 20, 1994
Page 3
Mr. Thomson said that if you want to regulate adult uses, you must review the studies and
make findings that they would have adverse secondary impacts. Mr. Thomson said the more data
you gather, which may include a hearing, the better off you will be to support the findings. Mr.
Thomson said that the findings should come from the Planning Commission with a
recommendation to the City Council.
Mr. Thomson said that staff could write the report or an outside consultant could be hired
to do the study and come up with ways to accommodate these uses. The City should come up
with findings that are designed to meet the specific and unique needs of the City of Richfield.
Mr. Thomson said the two primary types of regulations for adult uses are dispersal
regulations or concentration regulations. Concentration regulations haven't proven very effective
because of high crimes rates in the concentrated area. Dispersal regulations are more common
and can restrict the location of adult uses to certain zoning districts within the city, and can also
restrict them from certain distances within protected uses (e.g., schools, churches, daycares,
libraries, parks) and from other adult uses.
Mr. Thomson said a city must allow a reasonable opportunity area in the city for adult
uses to locate. Cities can determine what is a "reasonable opportunity area ". A percentage of the
city base is usually applied. Mr. Thomson said the city does not have to actually provide a
building, but has to provide an area. It would be up to the business to find a suitable building or
to build the building. He also said that adult uses must be classified as a permitted use in one or
some of the city's zoning districts. Because adult uses are protected by the first amendment,
conditional uses are viewed as unlawful prior restraints. The City could still place requirements
on the uses as a "permitted use ".
Licensing regulations must establish precise guidelines for the issuance of the license.
Responding to Commissioner Wasko, Mr. Thomson said that the City may be able to
justify locating adult uses at a required distance from pawn shops, gun shops and check cashing
businesses, if a finding of adverse secondary impacts can be made.
Responding to Commissioner Stokes, Mr. Wallace said the licensing and zoning
regulations would probably be considered simultaneously. Mr. Wallace also noted that it could be
possible to amend the liquor laws to regulate adult uses in those facilities.
Mr. Thomson said that if you want to regulate mainstream video stores which have an
amount of adult videos, you should be precise in the amount of floor area or percent of stock -in-
trade that it could have before being classified as an adult use.
Mr. Thomson stated that the current moratorium restricts adult uses during the study
period, and that it would be good to move quick to adopt regulations.
Study Session Minutes
September 20, 1994
Page 4
Responding to questions by Commissioner Dmytrenko, Mr. Thomson said the City may
want to review the signage issues associated with adult uses. Mr. Thomson also said that you
could restrict adult uses to no more than one per building.
Mr. Drill said that there is a tape recording of this discussion available for Commissioners
who wish to review it, or for those Commissioners not in attendance.
ITEM #III Site planning lesson project
Mr. Drill reviewed the City applications for off - street parking permits, rezonings, and
conditional use permits.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:25 p.m.
imothy Erl der
Planning Commission Secretary