HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-11 P&Z Work Session MinutesCITY OF KENAI
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 1 1, 1997
LAND USE TABLE-WORK SESSION
* * *MINUTES* * *
Members present: Carl Glick, Phil Bryson, Barb Nord, Karen Mahurin,
Michael Christian
Members absent: Ron Goecke, Teresa Werner-Quade
Others present: City Engineer Jack La Shot, City Attorney Cary
Graves, Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull
LAND USE TABLE-DISCUSSION:
Bryson suggested reviewing the zoning requirements for each zone and then
going through the draft that was sent.
Mahurin asked if they are to assume the N's are ordinance mandated.
Graves stated there are some that are not ordinance mandated. Graves
stated for example, in the conservation zones.
Bryson suggested separating the residential dwellings at 2/3 family dwelling
and then 4 family dwellings. Christian asked if Bryson was suggesting a
separate line for three and four family dwelling? Bryson stated yes and
Christian commented that he agreed. Bryson stated that would make the
table split where the ordinance does. Agreement to split at 2/3 family
dwellings and then another category at 4 family dwellings.
Glick asked how the group would like to proceed with the review. Mahurin
stated it is easier for her to deal with one zone before proceeding to another.
Bryson asked the group to keep in mind that if a use was potentially
considered a CUP and they make it not permitted (N) that it could be viewed
as a taking. Bryson stated he would defer to the attorney on this subject.
Graves stated it could be argued as a regulatory taking. Graves stated that
in the past to be viewed as a regulatory taking, you must take all economic
use of the property. Graves added there are attempts in the legislator now
to lessen that standard so any restriction on a property would have to be
compensated. Graves advised that when the administration first reviewed
the table, they were going to put N's where it showed no use. Graves noted
1 the only other N's added were gas manufacturing and storage noting it is
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obvious you don't want a liquid gas plant in a residential zone. Graves
commented that the administration had been very restrictive about placing
N's on the idea that it is the Commission's job to weigh whether a particular
conditional use is appropriate in a particular instance. Graves noted this was
the administration's philosophy when going through the table.
Mahurin asked if it is a correct premise if there is a C, in essence P&Z should
approve the use unless there is evidence or public outcry to the contrary.
Graves stated not in every case. Graves added he feels it perfectly
appropriate for instance, if no one shows up for a hearing, if the Commission
feels it is not appropriate, it is within the Commission's authority to deny
based on the record. Graves noted this is even if the neighbors are not in
opposition. Christian commented that at the same time if it is turned down
and they appeal it becomes a political decision. Graves noted the council,
when hearing appeals, is not acting as political body. They are aquasi-
judicial body. Christian commented that political moods can affect decisions.
Christian noted he would like to see not too many C's based on the intent of
zone. Christian added that a person who doesn't agree with an N can
appeal. Graves clarified that an N doesn't allow for an appeal. Graves
stated if they decide on the N, there is nothing to apply for and nothing to
appeal. Graves noted they would have to change the zone which would
require a code change. Graves noted that is why administration put few N's
because it eliminates any possibility of allowing the use. Christian
questioned if a variance wouldn't allow for the use. Graves advised that
variances are not a land use table mechanism instead it is more for land
development issues such as side yard setbacks, etc. La Shot commented
that the C designation leaves the power with the Commission. La Shot
noted that more N's make administrations job easier but that it is probably
not appropriate.
Glick noted that council will have to approve the revision and may look and
decide they don't like all N's. La Shot noted the way the table is presented it
gives some latitude where there is a use that could be compatible.
Christian noted then that technically before they added the N's there has
always been a chance for the use but placing an N does not allow for the
use. Graves clarified that is the correct assumption.
Glick asked how would the Commission like to proceed. Mahurin
recommended taking each zone in total before proceeding to the next.
CONSERVATION ZONE:
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Discussion on whether or not any development should be allowed in the
Conservation zone. Mahurin stated it was her opinion that the conservation
zone was for preservation and she didn't feel any housing development was
appropriate for the zone. Christian concurred. Bryson stated that there are
areas with that zone designation that are private property. Bryson asked if
the Commission was prepared to not allow development on private property.
Graves stated he felt that if they planed N's all the way down the column
that it would be a taking. Graves further explained the takings law again.
Christian asked if the land could be rezoned. Graves stated they could do
that but if the rezone was denied, then they would have a case. Christian
commented he felt at this point the option to rezone would still be available
to them. La Shot stated there are several areas where the conservation zone
does include private property. Nord stated she believed it would be a taking.
Mahurin asked what the concept of conservation is? La Shot stated he has
found the boundaries of the zone to be somewhat arbitrary. La Shot stated
if he knew the boundaries were clear cut from uplands to wetlands, he
wouldn't have a problem.
Christian commented that a person looking at the table and seeing all the C's
would view the restrictions light on conservation. Christian added that they
may think that, "sure it's conservation but you can do anything except
commercial businesses with Commission approval." Bryson stated that
perhaps the Conservation zone should be government land only. Bryson
noted that the original zoning map was painted and didn't follow property
lines and nominally followed topography.
Christian suggested a C for private property and N for public. Graves stated
he felt that would be appropriate.
Commission decided that all the C's under conservation for Residential
section be noted with a footnote stating conditional use only allowed on
private property.
No other changes on first page of draft.
On page 2, Conservation, agreement that Churches be denoted as "C."
On page 2, Conservation, agreement that Crematories, Lodges/Fraternal
Organizations, Nursing/Convalescent/or Rest Homes, Private Clubs, Social
Halls, and Union Halls be denoted as "N." No other changes noted.
Note to Legal: Correct "exists" to "exits" on Footnote 12, Page 14-69.
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RURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE:
Discussion on multi-family dwellings and compatibility with Land
Development Table.
Decision to change Rural Residential Zone 5/6 Family Dwelling and 7 or
more Family Dwelling to "N" to reflect Land Development Table
requirements.
LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT TABLE DISCUSSION:
Christian commented that the RR1 zone is supposed to be more restrictive
than the RR zone. Christian stated the implication is that they don't want
four family dwellings or more in the zone. Nord agreed. Christian stated he
felt the intent was to keep the large size dwellings out of that zone. Nord
stated that she felt with the minimum square footage in the development
table that it should at least be conditional. Bryson commented that he felt
that as you get into the larger lot sizes that five, six, and seven family
dwellings become less objectionable as far as impact unless you just don't
want them in the RR zone. Christian that since the RS and RR zones are
larger lots they are suited for larger size buildings. Christian added that the
RR1 and RS1 and RS2 are smaller lots. Nord noted that the RS1 are larger
lots. Christian noted that is correct but that it was supposed to be a more
restrictive zone and not as congested. Christian stated he felt the blanks
were in the Land Use Table because they hadn't wanted something there.
Nord noted that when she completes a contract if she doesn't want
something, she runs a line through it. Nord drew attention to the Land
Development Table and the lines that are in it. Group discussion on how the
Land Use Table and Development Table had developed over time and
opinions as to how it was interpreted at various times. Bryson noted that
RS1, RS2, and RR1 didn't exist at one time. Bryson added that there was a
difference between RR and RS.
Discussion on the Development Requirements Table. Graves asked La Shot
what he would tell someone who requested a CUP for the RR zone (how
many square feet)? La Shot noted they would need 40,000 square feet
minimum unless they had city water or sewer according to the table. Graves
noted the table being blank for five family dwellings in the RR zone.
Kebschull drew attention to Footnote C3 . La Shot stated it would require
the number of dwelling units times the 7,200 square feet required in the RS
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zone. Mahurin noted she felt that they all agreed that the requirements of
the Land Development Table should be reflected in the Land Use Table.
Christian commented that he wondered if they would need to allow for
separate two and three family dwelling categories when they look at the
other zones. Bryson stated that the development criteria is noted in the Land
Development Table. Christian questioned the table noting it does not
specifically list one, two, or three family dwellings. Bryson commented he
didn't feel they should start changing the table other than what is interpreted
as the original intent. Agreement from the other Commission members.
Commission returned to review of the RR residential section. Glick asked if
they needed to change the designation for four family dwelling. Bryson
noted that the four family dwelling required 40,000 sq. ft. without water and
sewer. Glick stated then it would be the five, six, and seven that would
need changed. Kebschull asked if Footnote C3 took care of the requirements
for development. Glick stated he thought it may cover it. Discussion again
that this would require the number of dwellings times 7200 sq. ft. Graves
noted this would be less than would be required for a four plex. La Shot
asked Graves if he would interpret it as five times the 7200 or if you would
go down to the five family dwelling in the table for the RS zone which
requires only 10,000 sq. ft. Review and discussion of the Land Use
Development table. Graves stated he would interpret it as the five times the
7200 sq. ft. Kebschull noted they could change the footnote to reflect
whatever they wanted. Christian commented that it seems appropriate that
40,000 without water or sewer is appropriate in RR, but 9,600 for RS
without water and sewer does not seem appropriate. Christian stated he felt
that needed to be changed. Christian stated if they changed the Land
Development Requirements Table to something more appropriate, then the
footnote may fit. La Shot stated that perhaps the footnote needs to be
clarified. Christian noted they would probably need a footnote to clarify if it
was with or without sewer and water. Kebschull noted they could have two
development requirements, one with water and sewer and one without.
Glick asked if that would be agreeable with everyone. Glick clarified that
Kebschull was recommending an additional footnote. Kebschull commented
they could have one listing the requirements for water and sewer and one
with square footage requirements without water and sewer. Kebschull noted
that Footnote C3 also requires that water and sewer facilities meet all health
regulations. Kebschull asked what DEC would require? Discussion on what
may be required. Bryson stated he felt that the physical area requirements
would not be that much different for the sewer system. Bryson added the
same buffer would be required for the well. Bryson noted they could
probably satisfy the requirements with 40,000 sq. ft. Kebschull offered the
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suggestion that they could make it conditional where water and sewer is
allowed and not allowed where water and sewer not available. Graves noted
that water and sewer is required within 200 feet of all mains. Graves asked
if there is any place in TSH zone that is not on water and sewer. La Shot
stated he thought perhaps in the back behind the church.
Christian suggested they have the Land Use Table reflect N's for now and it
could be reviewed later. Mahurin stated she agreed that the Table should
reflect the Land Use Development requirements.
Note, at this point, decided to place the N designation in 5/6 and 7 or more
family dwelling categories for the RR zone.
Bryson asked for clarification if they were going to make changes on the
Land Development Requirements Table. Agreement that they would not
make changes at this time.
RURAL RESIDENTIAL 1:
Decision to place an "N" in the 4, 5/6, and 7 Family Dwelling sections.
Christian commented that if they didn't want four, five, six, or seven family
dwellings why would they want a townhouse. Mahurin read a portion of the
code relating to townhouses. Graves noted that Section 160 is a separate
ordinance for townhouses. Christian questioned how they could allow a
townhouse when don't allow a four plex in the RR1 zone. Kebschull
commented that townhouses are privately owned which may make a
difference. Graves noted the code stated that total lot coverage should not
cover more than 30 percent of the lot in the RR and RS zones and 40
percent in the RU zone. Bryson asked what the code would require for the
remaining zones. Bryson commented it may have been written before those
zones were created. Graves stated they could amend the code to include all
zones. Bryson asked if that would be reasonable. Graves stated he felt it
was consistent noting they will need to have ordinance to clarify.
NOTE: Clarify Section 160 by ordinance to include all zones.
OTHER CHANGES TO RR1 ZONE:
Commercial all N's
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Kebschull questioned the footnote under the RR section for restaurants.
Agreement that it is unnecessary. Agreement to remove C8 footnote from
Restaurants.
Industrial all N's.
No changes under Public/Institutional.
Crematories - N.
Radio/TV Transmitters - C.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Discussion on how to proceed with completing the review of the table.
Agreed to continue scheduling work sessions until review is complete. Work
session scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 23'd prior to regularly scheduled
meeting. Mahurin noted she would be unavailable.
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:10 p.m.
Resp ctfully submitted:
Marilyn Kebschull
Administrative Assistant