October 10^th, 2023 – MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF

VALLEY CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday October 10^th, 2023.

Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Bill Carlblom, Jeff Erickson, Dave Carlsrud

Absent: Tim Durheim

Others: City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, City Planner Joel Quanbeck, City Engineer Chad Petersen (KLJ),              Mike Strom (KLJ), Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit, Lynn Pederson, Derrick Bopp

Commissioner Bill Carlblom moved to approve the minutes from the July 11^th, 2023 and             August 29^th, 2023 meetings, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report

Building Inspector Lance Coit reported there has been two homes taken down recently. Quentin Murray has started on his garage. Lance also asks the board to think about tiny houses. Lance has got some questions on the guidelines for tiny homes.

Public Hearing regarding application for a variance Clark Erickson – Petro 870 Main ST West.

Chair Mike Schell opened the public hearing. There was no one present to speak on the variance request. City Planner Joel Quanbeck reported his findings.  The variance request was to allow construction of a sign within the area of the Petro parcel that is regulated by VCMC Section 11-06-07. – Corner visibility.  Based on the findings presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission in the meeting packet, the five criteria for variance approval are met.

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Dave Carlsrud.

Internal discussion was had about the variance. Chair Mike Schell felt the variance was not an unreasonable request.

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to approve the variance for 870 Main ST West. seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom. Followed by a roll call vote and unanimous approval.

Public Hearing regarding application for a variance Lynn Pedersen – 902 6^th Ave NE.

Chair Mike Schell opened the public hearing. Lynn Pedersen spoke about the variance request. Lynn described her driveway and asked for a variance to widen driveway by 8 – 10ft for better accessibility.

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Wright.

Internal discussion was had about the amount of green space. The current impervious surface already exceeds the maximum allowable impervious surface of 40%. The additional impervious surface on the lot would be approximately 200 more square feet, raising the total impervious surface to approximately 46.25% of the lot area.

Commissioner Wright made a motion to deny the variance request seconded by Dave Carlsrud followed by roll call.

Roll Call:  Wright – aye   Carlsrud – aye   Carlblom – nay   Erickson – aye   Schell – aye

Public Hearing regarding New TC Subdivision plat. – Tim and Diana Logan

Chair Mike Schell opened the public hearing. There was no one present to speak on the plat.

Commissioner Wright made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Carlsrud.

Internal discussion was had about the TC Subdivision plat. City planner Joe Quanbeck reported his findings. The plat would also need to have a variance request and there was not enough time to submit the public notices for the variance. Quanbeck suggested to table the plat until the next meeting. The next meeting the plat and variance can be looked at together.

Commissioner Wright made a motion to table the TC Subdivision plat, seconded by Commissioner Carlsrud. Followed by a roll call vote and unanimous approval.

Public Hearing regarding Valley School Addition plat – Valley City School District.

Chair Mike Schell opened the public hearing. Derrick Bopp from the Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology Center spoke about the plat. The Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology center would like to add an addition to the building. They have received a grant and had some land donated to the center. The plat is with the donated land added.

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Wright.

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to approve the plat as presented, as long as the following conditions are met:

1. Any utility easements determined by the City Engineer as necessary be added to the plat.

2. The applicant shall give satisfactory assurance of the provision of all site improvements for the            proposed development as required by VCMC Section 16-01-06.

3. The applicant shall ensure that all site improvements are consistent with all applicable design   standards and infrastructure requirements.

seconded by Commissioner Carlsrud. Followed by roll call vote and unanimous approval.

Other Business

Chair Schell asked if there has been any interest in the opening on the planning and zoning board.

Joel Quanbeck talked about changing the November meeting date, the board agreed to change the November meeting to Thursday Nov 16^th at 4:00

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:30pm.

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday May 9^th, 2023. Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Bill Carlblom, Joe Faure and Tim Durheim                     Absent: Dave Carlsrud                                                                                                                       Others: City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Acting Secretary Brandy Johnson and Brenda Gehlhoff, Building Inspector/Asst. Fire Chief Lance Coit Building Inspector Mike Blevins and Nick Blevins, City Engineer Chad Pederson (KLJ) Mike Strom (KLJ) City Planner Joel Quanbeck

Commissioner Jim Wright moved to approve the minutes of the April 12^th, 2023 regular meeting seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report                    

Building Inspector Mike Blevins emailed a report of current permits. The building inspectors did not have anything to add

Public hearing on new subdivision plat Diamond B Subdivision.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. Mike Strom explain the changes to the plat from the previous plat brought to the planning and zoning commission.

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom.  

Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve with notch for roadway and the conditions are met recommended by City Planner Joel Quanbeck. Seconded by Commissioner Erickson

Barring additional information presented prior to or at the March 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, it is recommended that the preliminary plat be recommended for approval to the Board of City Commissioners as long as the following conditions are met:

A.  Any utility easements determined by the City Engineer as necessary be added to the plat.

B. The applicant shall give satisfactory assurance of the provision of all site improvements                          for the proposed development as required by VCMC Section 16-01-06.

C. The applicant shall ensure that all site improvements are consistent with all applicable design standards and infrastructure requirements.

D. Applicant shall provide assurance that potable water and on-site septic systems are adequate to serve both parcels.

Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Public hearing on rezone from R1 Single – Family Residential to Agricultural – Diamond B Subdivision.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing.

Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Joe Faure.  

Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve the rezone of Lot 2 from R1 to Agricultural seconded by Commissioner Wright. Followed by roll call and unanimous approval

Public hearing for a variance to allow septic system – Diamond B Subdivision.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing.

The variance request is to have a private septic system and not connect to city sewer.

Commissioner Faure made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Carlblom.  

Commissioner Durheim made a motion to approve with the condition that any other further development in Diamond B Subdivision needs to be connected to city sewer. Seconded by Commissioner Wright.

Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Other Business

Mike Schell stated we will advertise for Joe Faure set.

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 4:27pm.

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday March 14^th, 2022. Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Jeff Erickson, Bill Carlblom, and Tim Durheim             Attending by zoom Commissioner Dave Carlsrud and City Administrator Gwen Crawford     Absent: Joe Faure                                                                                                                         Others: City Attorney Carl Martineck, , City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit City Planner Joel Quanbeck Audience members: Roslyn Johnson, and David Bjornson

Commissioner Jim Wright moved to approve the minutes of the December 13^th, 2022 regular meeting seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report                     

Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit gave a report in the last month there has been 4 permits given. The permits were for one addition, one drain tile, and two signs.

Public hearing regarding replat of lots 13 & 14, Grangers Sub – New plat Eric Johnson Subdivision.  

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. Roslyn Johnson explain to the commission she platted the lots to be able to sell. The property is to much for her to maintain. Roslyn will be making three lots and the lots do have city water and sewer.

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Jeff Erickson.  

Internal discussion was had about the replat. City planner Quanbeck report recommend minor requirements for the preliminary plat are addressed by providing adjoining land ownership information, indication the area of each lot in square feet, and providing a drawing showing how stormwater drainage is managed. Chair Mike Schell asked City Planner Joel Quanbeck to verify that the conditions are addressed.

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to approve the replat with conditions recommended in the City Planners report. Seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom. Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.      

Discussion and recommendation for replat and variance subdividing auditor’s lot into 5 lots to allow sale of portions of the land. New subdivision to be named “Diamond B Subdivision”

Dave Bjornson spoke about his replat and the modifications he has made to it since the last meeting. Bjornson would like to sell the property in pieces and sell lot one. He would like to separate the house and the shop from the rest of the property. The plat has been modified from the original plat brought to the commission.

Internal discussion was had about the area for replat. This area is in the floodplain and some floodway. The commission also has concerns if someone would buy this property. The commission talked about having the land owner getting a LOMR done. City Attorney Carl Martineck recommendation was to table the discussion to do more research on if we can legally require the LOMR. Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to table this discussion. Seconded by commissioner Carlblom

Discussion on parking and storage of a vehicle in the rear yard of residential lot                  (V.C.M.C 11-16-16(4))

Discussion was had allowing two vehicles in the back yard with no restrictions. If the home owner has three vehicles in the back yard an improved surface or fence would be required. A vehicle is items such as a trailer, boat, car, or anything that can be used to transport something. Home owners would still have to follow the improved surface and fencing requirements.

 Commissioner Erickson made a motion to approve the changes allowing two vehicles in the back yard with no restrictions. If more than two vehicles an improved surface or a fence needs to be in place. Seconded by Commissioner Carlblom.

Roll Call:Erickson – aye: Carlsrud – aye; Carlblom – aye; Schell – aye: Durheim – aye: Wright – nay Motion carried.

Other Business    

Commissioner Joe Faure will be moving to Fargo in July. Planning and Zoning Commission will be looking for a new member in the extraterritorial area of Valley City.                                                                                                                      

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 5:01pm.

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order at 4:00 on Tuesday December 13^th, 2022. Commissioners present: Jim Wright, Bobby Koepplin, Jeff Erickson, and Bill Carlblom Commissioners Absent: Dave Carlsrud, Joe Faure                                                                      Others: City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit                                                                                      Attending by Zoom City Planner Joel Quanbeck                                                                      Audience members: Josh Nathan, Bob McCallister, Dan Miller

Commissioner Jim Wright moved to approve the minutes of the November 8^th, 2022 regular meeting seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report                     

Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit gave a report in the last month the city has only had demo permits.

Public hearing regarding alleged violation of VCMC § 11-06-18 – Automobile Repair; consider assessment of fee(s). Zoning Code Violation – 444 3^rd St. NE.  

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. City attorney Carl Martineck explained the violation of a motor vehicle parked in the driving way for weeks if not months at Josh Nathan residence at 444 3^rd ST NE. The vehicle has been on blocks and the hood up and clearly being worked on. Notices were sent out stating he was in violation of the zoning code and no action was taken. Vehicles were also parked in the front yard which is also violation. Josh Nathan said the vehicle is no longer on blocks and is not being worked on.                                                                                         

Commissioner Jim Wright made a motion to closed the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom.            

Commissioner Bobby Koepplin made a motion to wave the fine if the vehicle is moved off the sidewalk within two days. Seconded by Commissioner Bill Carlblom. Followed by roll call and unanimous approval.

Public hearing for replat and variance subdividing auditor’s lot into 5 lots to allow sale of portions of the land. New subdivision to be named “Diamond B Subdivision”

Chair Schell opened the public hearing. Bob McCallister asked questions about the septic system and also asked who is going to take care of the road. McCallister also brought in pictures of the area of the replat during flooding. City Planner Joel Quanbeck explained the area for replat is zoned R1. Commissioner Carlblom made a motion to close public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Wright.

Internal discussion was had about the area for replat is in the floodplain and some floodway. Decision continued about the lot sizes and the lots size needed to build on. The lot size needed for a septic system. The current size of lots would be restricted. David Bjornson who submitted the replat and variance application was not at the meeting. Commissioner Bobby Koepplin move to table the replat. Seconded by Commission Jim Wright. Motion passed unanimously.

Discussion of zoning for outdoor self-storage rental space.

Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit explained that a business in B2 is also renting out spaces for storage. The business is on main street. Coit would like the commission to clarify if a business in B2 can rent self-storage spots.  Discussion was also had about if self-storage can be inside and outside storage. The recommendation was to have Coit require a conditional use permit for a business in B2 to have self-storage.

Approval of Updated Zoning Map

Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve the updated zoning map. Seconded by Commissioner Koepplin. Motion passed with unanimous approval.

Planning and Zoning Commission Approved the April meeting date to Wednesday April 12^th,2023

Other Business                                                                                 

Commissioner Bobby Koepplin has given his notice to resign from the planning and zoning commission as of December 31^st, 2022

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called the meeting to close at 5:31pm.

Chair Mike Schell presided and called the meeting to order 4:00pm on Tuesday, November 8^th, 2022. Commissioners present: Dave Carlsrud, Jim Wright, Bobby Koepplin, Jeff Erickson, Joe Faure and Bill Carlblom

Others: City Attorney Carl Martineck, City Administrator Gwen Crawford, City Planner Joel Quanbeck, City Assessor/Acting Secretary Tina Current, Building Inspector/ Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit, City Engineer Chad Peterson (KLJ), Tracy Eslinger (Moore Engineering)

Bill Carlblom moved to approve the minutes of the October 11^th, 2022 regular meeting seconded by James Wright. Motion passed unanimous approval.

Building Inspector Report

Building Inspector/Asst Fire Chief Lance Coit gave a report of one commercial permit, and five demo permits in the last month. The permits are starting to slow down.

Public hearing and recommendation regarding amendment to sections 11-03-08, 11-03-09, and 11-03-10 of the Valley City Municipal Code related to rear-yard setbacks in residential zones.

Chair Schell opened the public hearing

City attorney Carl Martineck explain the code reads 25% or 25ft as a rear setback. The discussion is to remove the 25% and leave the 25ft only.   

Commissioner Carlsrud made a motion to eliminate the 25% and only have 25ft for the setback amount. Seconded by Commissioner Joe Faure. Followed rolled call and unanimous approval.

Discussion on parking and storage of vehicles in rear yard of residential lot.

The board discussed the parking and storage of vehicles in rear yard of residential lot. The board decided to table the topic and do more research.  

Discussion of improved parking surface.

The board discussed options for improved surfaces. The board does not want to limit the improved surface to asphalt and concrete only. The board would like some other options. Martineck will work with City Planer Joel Quanbeck and City engineers to come up with a definition of improved surface for the next meeting.

Discussion of accessary buildings

The board discussed the definition of an accessary building. The recommendation was any building 120 square ft or more is considered an accessary building.

Adjourn

With no other items to discuss, Chair Schell called for the meeting to close at 5:08pm.