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Nowthen Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, November 24, 2020

Planning & Zoning

Tuesday, November 24, 2020 · 7:00 PM

This meeting on the city's website ↗

Agenda

Not on file

What was on the agenda.

Packet

Open PDF ↗

The supporting materials the board reviewed.

Minutes

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The official record of what happened.

One-line summary

The Planning & Zoning Commission continued the Leistico subdivision hearing, recommended conditional approval of the Swanson/Sonsteby Burns Auto IUP and variance, recommended several RRT/code amendment changes, canceled the December 22 meeting, and adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

What was on the agenda

10 items as recorded in the packet and minutes, each with a short summary of what was at issue.

  1. A1Call to order

    Meeting called to order.

    The minutes record the meeting being called to order at 7:17 p.m.

    • meeting administration
    No action
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24)Called to Orderp. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Meeting Called to Order at 7:17 pm by Chairman Ames. Roll Call was taken.
  2. A2Pledge of Allegiance

    Pledge of Allegiance.

    The agenda listed the pledge, but the minutes do not separately record whether it occurred.

    • meeting administration
    Outcome unrecorded
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24)· Pledge of Allegiance
  3. A3Roll call

    Roll call.

    The minutes record roll call and list Rob Schiller and Harold Jorgensen as absent.

    • meeting administration
    No action
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24). Roll Callp. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Absent: Rob Schiller Harold Jorgensen
  4. A4Approve/amend agenda

    Approve or amend the November 24, 2020 meeting agenda.

    The agenda was amended to add cancellation of the December 22, 2020 P&Z meeting.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24)· Approve/Amend tonight's meeting agenda of November 24, 2020.p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Planner Stockman added #4 to the Agenda to officially cancel the December 22, 2020 PZ Meeting. Motion by Ames; 2nd by Pearo to Amend tonight's meeting agenda of November 24, 2020.
  5. A5Approve prior meeting minutes

    Approve the October 27, 2020 Planning & Zoning meeting minutes and November 5, 2020 special meeting minutes.

    The minutes record a motion to approve both sets of minutes.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24). Approve the Planning & Zoning Meeting minutes of October 27, 2020 and November 5, 2020.p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Motion by Pearo; 2nd by Wagner to Approve the Planning & Zoning Meeting minutes of October 27, 2020 and Special Meeting minutes of November 5, 2020.
  6. A6Leistico Estate subdivision public hearing

    Continued public hearing on the Leistico Estate subdivision at 21413 Nowthen Blvd.

    The Commission did not take up the substance of the Leistico Estate subdivision. It continued the public hearing on the request to subdivide three existing lots at 21413 Nowthen Blvd into four parcels until the January 26, 2021 Planning & Zoning meeting.

    The public hearing was continued to the January 26, 2021 Planning & Zoning meeting.

    • Leistico Estate subdivision
    Continued
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24)1. PUBLIC HEARING, continued from October 27, 2020 meeting - A SUBDIVISION by the Leistico Estate at 21413 Nowthen Blvd to subdivide 3 existing lots into 4 parcels for the purpose of distributing land among family members and separating the farmstead from the balance of land.p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Motion by Ames; 2nd by Alders to continue the public hearing until January 26, 2021 Planning & Zoning Meeting.
  7. A7Swanson/Sonsteby IUP and variance for Burns Auto site

    Continued public hearing on the Swanson/Sonsteby Interim Use Permit and Variance for reuse of the Burns Auto site at 5340 199th Avenue NW for used auto sales.

    The Commission heard the continued public hearing on Rick Sonsteby’s proposed reuse of the Burns Auto site for used auto sales and the related 10.2-foot bufferyard variance. Staff reported on MnDOT’s planned apron, failed but non-imminent septic compliance inspections, lighting standards, Anoka County Environmental Services’ site inspection, and the stormwater pond. Neighbors continued to raise concerns about road wear, traffic, lighting, runoff, and neighborhood impacts. The Commission recommended approval with the 33 staff conditions, added a requirement that the applicant be responsible for the cost of paving to the west side of the first main driveway, added landscape-buffer language, and asked for yearly Sheriff-report review.

    The Commission recommended approval of the IUP and variance with 33 conditions, discussed changes, a paving-cost condition, a landscape buffer addition, and an annual Sheriff-report review.

    • Swanson/Sonsteby Burns Auto site
    Approved with conditions
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24)2. PUBLIC HEARING, continued from November 5, 2020 - Swanson/Sonsteby Interim Use Permit and Variance, 5340 199th Avenue NW (PID 24-33-25-34-0002) - Reuse of Burns Auto Site for used auto sales; a 10.2 foot Variance has been requested from the 100 foot bufferyard requirement.p. 5Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Alders made the Motion to approve the IUP with the 33 conditions presented by Planner Stockman and the changes that were discussed above, and an added condition that the Applicant shall be responsible for the cost of paving up to the west side of the first main driveway.p. 6Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Pearo 2nd. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
  8. A8City Code amendments for RRT, buildability, driveways, and single-family standards

    Continued public hearing on amendments to the City Code, including Rural Residential Transition district standards, lot buildability, parking and driveway setbacks, and single-family development standards.

    The Commission continued work on City Code amendments for the Rural Residential Transition district and related standards. It recommended lot-buildability language requiring 15,000 square feet with two feet of separation for the house area, one contiguous acre with one foot of separation and no wetland for the yard area, and groundwater verification by piezometer or an equivalent method. It also recommended allowing gravel second driveways regardless of location and allowing only architectural-grade steel with hidden fasteners as metal siding in the RRT district.

    The Commission approved recommendations on lot buildability, groundwater-verification language, second driveway surfacing, and metal siding language.

    • RRT code amendments
    • lot buildability
    • driveway standards
    • metal siding
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24)3. PUBLIC HEARING, continued from October 27, 2020 - To consider AMENDMENTS to the City Code regarding multiple subdivision and zoning ordinance changes including but not limited to establishment of a Rural Residential Transition (RRT) District with a density and minimum lot size of 2.0 acres (limited to the settlement…p. 7Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Alders made the Motion to approve 15,000 sq ft of land with 2 ft separation for the house structure, and 1 acre contiguous land area with 1 ft separation with no wetland for the yard area; to leave the piezometer requirement, but to include the wording "or some other equivalent method to determine highest ground water …p. 7Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Pearo made the Motion to change the 11-3-6 K.2.c verbiage to allow gravel surfaces on second driveways, regardless of the location, and to change the wording in 11-4-13 E. regarding metal siding to say "architectural grade steel with hidden fasteners" as the only metal siding allowed in the RRT District. Alders 2nd. Al…
  9. A9Cancel December 22, 2020 P&Z meeting

    Added agenda item to cancel the December 22, 2020 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.

    After amending the agenda to add the item, the Commission voted to officially cancel the December 22, 2020 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.

    The December 22, 2020 P&Z meeting was canceled by motion.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Planner Stockman added #4 to the Agenda to officially cancel the December 22, 2020 PZ Meeting.p. 7Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Pearo made the Motion to officially cancel the December 22, 2020 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting; Alders 2nd. All in favor; Motion Carried.
  10. A10Adjourn

    Adjourn the meeting.

    Before adjournment, Commission members thanked Barry Wagner for 13 years of service on the Planning & Zoning Commission. The meeting then adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

    The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2020-11-24)Motion to Adjournp. 7Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Motion to Adjourn by Wagner; 2nd by Ames. Unanimous Approval. Meeting Adjourned at 10:20 PM.

Motions and votes

8 motions on the record.

  • M1Motion by Ames; 2nd by Pearo to Amend tonight's meeting agenda of November 24, 2020.

    Exact transcript text

    Motion by Ames; 2nd by Pearo to Amend tonight's meeting agenda of November 24, 2020.

    moved by Ames, seconded by Pearo

    Passed
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Planner Stockman added #4 to the Agenda to officially cancel the December 22, 2020 PZ Meeting. Motion by Ames; 2nd by Pearo to Amend tonight's meeting agenda of November 24, 2020.
  • M2Motion by Pearo; 2nd by Wagner to Approve the Planning & Zoning Meeting minutes of October 27, 2020 and Special Meeting minutes of November 5, 2020.

    Exact transcript text

    Motion by Pearo; 2nd by Wagner to Approve the Planning & Zoning Meeting minutes of October 27, 2020 and Special Meeting minutes of November 5, 2020.

    moved by Pearo, seconded by Wagner

    Passed
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Motion by Pearo; 2nd by Wagner to Approve the Planning & Zoning Meeting minutes of October 27, 2020 and Special Meeting minutes of November 5, 2020.
  • M3Motion by Ames; 2nd by Alders to continue the public hearing until January 26, 2021 Planning & Zoning Meeting.

    Exact transcript text

    Motion by Ames; 2nd by Alders to continue the public hearing until January 26, 2021 Planning & Zoning Meeting.

    moved by Ames, seconded by Alders

    Passed
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Motion by Ames; 2nd by Alders to continue the public hearing until January 26, 2021 Planning & Zoning Meeting.
  • M4Alders made the Motion to approve the IUP with the 33 conditions presented by Planner Stockman and the changes that were discussed above, and an added condition that the Applicant shall be responsible for the cost of paving up to the west side of the first main driveway. He also wanted to recommend a yearly review with the Sheriff to determine if this car lot is driving crime in the area or not.

    Exact transcript text

    Alders made the Motion to approve the IUP with the 33 conditions presented by Planner Stockman and the changes that were discussed above, and an added condition that the Applicant shall be responsible for the cost of paving up to the west side of the first main driveway. He also wanted to recommend a yearly review with the Sheriff to determine if this car lot is driving crime in the area or not.

    moved by Alders, seconded by Pearo

    Passed

    All in Favor. Motion Carried.

    p. 5Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Alders made the Motion to approve the IUP with the 33 conditions presented by Planner Stockman and the changes that were discussed above, and an added condition that the Applicant shall be responsible for the cost of paving up to the west side of the first main driveway. He also wanted to recommend a yearly review with…p. 6Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Pearo asked if he also wanted to add the landscape buffer to Item #10. He agreed. Pearo 2nd. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
  • M5Alders made the Motion to approve 15,000 sq ft of land with 2 ft separation for the house structure, and 1 acre contiguous land area with 1 ft separation with no wetland for the yard area; to leave the piezometer requirement, but to include the wording "or some other equivalent method to determine highest ground water elevation" to the verbiage.

    Exact transcript text

    Alders made the Motion to approve 15,000 sq ft of land with 2 ft separation for the house structure, and 1 acre contiguous land area with 1 ft separation with no wetland for the yard area; to leave the piezometer requirement, but to include the wording "or some other equivalent method to determine highest ground water elevation" to the verbiage.

    moved by Alders, seconded by Ames

    Passed

    All in Favor. Motion Carried.

    p. 7Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Alders made the Motion to approve 15,000 sq ft of land with 2 ft separation for the house structure, and 1 acre contiguous land area with 1 ft separation with no wetland for the yard area; to leave the piezometer requirement, but to include the wording "or some other equivalent method to determine highest ground water …
  • M6Pearo made the Motion to change the 11-3-6 K.2.c verbiage to allow gravel surfaces on second driveways, regardless of the location, and to change the wording in 11-4-13 E. regarding metal siding to say "architectural grade steel with hidden fasteners" as the only metal siding allowed in the RRT District.

    Exact transcript text

    Pearo made the Motion to change the 11-3-6 K.2.c verbiage to allow gravel surfaces on second driveways, regardless of the location, and to change the wording in 11-4-13 E. regarding metal siding to say "architectural grade steel with hidden fasteners" as the only metal siding allowed in the RRT District.

    moved by Pearo, seconded by Alders

    Passed

    All in favor. Motion Carried.

    p. 7Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Pearo made the Motion to change the 11-3-6 K.2.c verbiage to allow gravel surfaces on second driveways, regardless of the location, and to change the wording in 11-4-13 E. regarding metal siding to say "architectural grade steel with hidden fasteners" as the only metal siding allowed in the RRT District. Alders 2nd. Al…
  • M7Pearo made the Motion to officially cancel the December 22, 2020 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting; Alders 2nd.

    Exact transcript text

    Pearo made the Motion to officially cancel the December 22, 2020 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting; Alders 2nd.

    moved by Pearo, seconded by Alders

    Passed

    All in favor; Motion Carried.

    p. 7Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Pearo made the Motion to officially cancel the December 22, 2020 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting; Alders 2nd. All in favor; Motion Carried.
  • M8Motion to Adjourn by Wagner; 2nd by Ames.

    moved by Wagner, seconded by Ames

    Passed

    Unanimous Approval.

    p. 7Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Motion to Adjourn by Wagner; 2nd by Ames. Unanimous Approval. Meeting Adjourned at 10:20 PM.

Prior history on this business

When someone referred back to earlier business, we found the matching prior discussion and tied it in here.

  • When the project started, they looked back at the minutes and determined that the City Council did not require the road to be updated in 2016 when they expanded their operations.

    — Liz Stockman

    What this is about
    Whether the City or the Burns Auto property owner had previously been required to pave 199th Avenue in connection with the 2016 expansion.

    p. 2Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)When the project started, they looked back at the minutes and determined that the City Council did not require the road to be updated in 2016 when they expanded their operations.

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior 2016 City Council decision matching this recollection. In the results provided, there is no meeting record showing that Burns Auto, or the property owner, was required to pave or update 199th Avenue as a condition of a 2016 expansion. The search results do include 2026 road-improvement assessment materials for other streets and a separate 2026 land-use discussion where residents raised concerns about traffic and road impacts, but those records do not reference Burns Auto, 199th Avenue, or a 2016 paving requirement.

    • Mar 10, 2026agreements related to those applications, including direct costs such as recording fees and third- party consultants (At
    • Mar 24, 2026be stored on the back slab on the south side of the property, which is screened by trees and not visible from roads or t
    • Feb 24, 2026be stored on the back slab on the south side of the property, which is screened by trees and not visible from roads or t
    • May 12, 2026## CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX ## AMENDED RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE
    • Apr 14, 2026# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED A
  • When he was at the meeting at 2016 and most of the neighbors were there, the decision was made to have the property owners pave the roadway to the 2nd driveway. After that meeting, it was decided by either the Commission or the Council that they did NOT have to pave the roadway because it was took expensive.

    — Ron Ostendorf

    What this is about
    Neighbor recollection that paving the road to the second driveway had been discussed or decided during the 2016 Burns Auto proceedings.

    p. 3Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)When he was at the meeting at 2016 and most of the neighbors were there, the decision was made to have the property owners pave the roadway to the 2nd driveway. After that meeting, it was decided by either the Commission or the Council that they did NOT have to pave the roadway because it was took expensive.

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior 2016 Burns Auto decision matching this recollection. The search results returned unrelated 2026 packet material, ordinance text, and other agenda items, but no meeting minutes or packet excerpt showing that the Planning Commission or City Council required paving to the second driveway and later removed that requirement because of cost. So, based on these search results, I cannot confirm that such a paving requirement was formally approved or later reversed in the city records provided here.

    • May 12, 2026#### F. Actuarial Methods and Assumptions The total pension liability for each of the cost-sharing defined benefit plans
    • Apr 28, 2026emphasizing the need to understand each situation thoroughly. Martell affirmed his belief in preserving wetlands and woo
    • Mar 10, 2026#### 3. Right to Provide Information after Receiving Test Results: Within three working days after notice of a positive
    • Mar 10, 2026<table> <tr> <th colspan="2">necessary.</th> </tr> <tr> <th colspan="2"></th> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">e. The resultin
    • Feb 24, 2026<table> <tr> <th colspan="2">necessary.</th> </tr> <tr> <th colspan="2"></th> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">e. The resultin
  • Johnson said that his understanding was that as part of the upgrade that was approved in 2016, the road was included in that recommendation to the City Council, and the Council removed it as a condition for approval. Planner Stockman verified that in 2016 the PZ did recommend paving of the road, but when it went to Council it was removed as a condition.

    — Roy Johnson and Liz Stockman

    What this is about
    Prior 2016 P&Z recommendation to pave 199th Avenue and the City Council’s later removal of that condition.

    p. 4Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2020-11-24)Johnson said that his understanding was that as part of the upgrade that was approved in 2016, the road was included in that recommendation to the City Council, and the Council removed it as a condition for approval. Planner Stockman verified that in 2016 the PZ did recommend paving of the road, but when it went to Cou…

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior 2016 Planning and Zoning recommendation or City Council decision matching this recollection about paving 199th Avenue, nor do they show a Council vote removing that paving requirement as a condition of approval. The search results do show related road-improvement material from 2026, including the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project discussed in the April 14, 2026 and May 12, 2026 packets, but those documents list other roads and do not include 199th Avenue. A March 10, 2026 packet also includes a general permit condition that site access be from a paved publicly accepted road unless gravel access is approved by the City Council and Fire Chief, but that is not the 2016 action described.

    • Apr 14, 2026## 9. Clerk's Update City Clerk Natalie Johnson reported that Miss Riley had returned, and is filling in while another e
    • Apr 14, 2026# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
    • Mar 10, 2026Council may also appoint a council liaison who shall be a non-voting member who is not counted for quorum purposes. B. T
    • May 12, 2026## 9. Clerk's Update City Clerk Natalie Johnson reported that Miss Riley had returned, and is filling in while another e
    • May 12, 2026## CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX ## AMENDED RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE

Where this came up before

  1. Mar 10, 2026
    City Meeting

    agreements related to those applications, including direct costs such as recording fees and third- party consultants (Attorney, Engineer, Planner, septic, or others). Escrow amounts for applica

    Docagreements related to those applications, including direct costs such as recording fees and third- party consultants (Attorney, Engineer, Planner, septic, or others). Escrow amounts for applica
  2. Mar 24, 2026
    City Meeting

    be stored on the back slab on the south side of the property, which is screened by trees and not visible from roads or to neighbors. Mayor Shane Hybben asked Planner Nash to display the property

    Docbe stored on the back slab on the south side of the property, which is screened by trees and not visible from roads or to neighbors. Mayor Shane Hybben asked Planner Nash to display the property
  3. Feb 24, 2026
    City Meeting

    be stored on the back slab on the south side of the property, which is screened by trees and not visible from roads or to neighbors. Mayor Shane Hybben asked Planner Nash to display the property on sc

    Docbe stored on the back slab on the south side of the property, which is screened by trees and not visible from roads or to neighbors. Mayor Shane Hybben asked Planner Nash to display the property on screen for better vis
  4. May 12, 2026
    City Meeting

    ## CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX ## AMENDED RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT AND NOTICE

    Doc## CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX ## AMENDED RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT AND NOTICE
  5. Apr 14, 2026
    City Meeting

    # CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT AND NOTICE OF ASSESSME

    Doc# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT AND NOTICE OF ASSESSME

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

The summary on this page is AI-extracted and may need correction. The PDFs and the meeting recording are the official record. What do the trust labels mean?