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Nowthen Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, May 23, 2023

Planning & Zoning

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 · 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

Open PDF ↗

The official record of what happened.

One-line summary

The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed its policy, kept Ames as Chair, postponed a tied Vice Chair election, recommended approval of the Newport Cardens used auto sales IUP, and discussed fencing/landscaping and septic ordinance updates.

What was on the agenda

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

  1. CALL_TO_ORDERCalled to Order

    Chair Ames called the meeting to order at 7:05pm.

    • meeting_opening
    No action
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)City of Nowthen PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023 AGENDA 7 PM Called to Orderp. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Chair Ames called the meeting to order at 7:05pm.
  2. PLEDGEPledge of Allegiance

    The pledge of allegiance was recited.

    • meeting_opening
    No action
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)· Pledge of Allegiancep. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Those assembled recited the pledge of allegiance.
  3. ROLL_CALLRoll Call

    Ames, Carlson, Haapala, Jorgensen, Pearo, and Bies were present; Lewis was absent.

    • meeting_opening
    No action
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23). Roll Callp. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Present: Ames, Carlson, Haapala, Jorgensen, Pearo, Bies Absent: Lewis
  4. APPROVE_AGENDAApprove/Amend tonight's meeting agenda of May 23, 2023

    The agenda was approved by six ayes.

    • agenda_approval
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)· Approve/Amend tonight's meeting agenda of May 23, 2023.p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)MOTION BY PEARO SECOND BY HAAPALA TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR TONIGHTS MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. SIX (6) AYES
  5. APPROVE_PRIOR_MINUTESApprove/Amend meeting minutes of October 25, 2022

    The minutes in this bundle do not record action on the October 25, 2022 minutes.

    • minutes_approval
    Outcome unrecorded
    p. 2Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)OCTOBER 25, 2022 CALL TO ORDER Chair Ames called the meeting to order at 7:05pm. Those assembled recited the pledge of allegiance. Present: Ames, Carlson, Haapala, Jorgensen, Bies, Absent: Lewis, Pearo Also Present: Liaison Mayor Pilon, Pla
  6. 1Review of Planning and Zoning Commission Policy on Commission Structure, Meeting Order and General Procedure

    Review of Planning and Zoning Commission Policy on Commission Structure, Meeting Order and General Procedure

    The Commission reviewed its policy on structure, meeting order, and general procedure. Chair Ames pointed out that the compensation section referred to a 9-member board and said it needed to be changed to reflect a 7-member board.

    The Commission reviewed the policy; Chair Ames said the compensation language needed to reflect a 7-member board rather than a 9-member board.

    • commission_policy
    Discussion only
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)1. 7:00 PM: Review of Planning and Zoning Commission Policy on Commission Structure, Meeting Order and General Procedurep. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Chair Ames states the compensation is for a 9 member board. States needs to change to reflect a 7 member board.
  7. 2Election of Planning and Zoning Commission Chair and Vice Chair

    Election of Planning and Zoning Commission Chair and Vice Chair

    The Commission held officer elections. Ames remained Chair after a voice vote. The Vice Chair vote tied between Jorgensen and Haapala, with Lewis absent, so the Commission planned to re-vote at the next meeting.

    Ames remained Chair after a voice vote. The Vice Chair vote tied and will be re-voted at the next meeting.

    • commission_election
    Continued
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)2. 7:10 PM: Election of Planning and Zoning Commission Chair and Vice Chairp. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Motion for chair nomination Ames by Jorgensen and Haapala by Bies. Voice vote is Ames, Jorgensen, Haapala, Carlson For Ames. Pearo, Bies for Haapala. Ames stays in as Chair.p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Vice chair nomination Jorgenson by Ames and Haapala by Bies. Voice vote for Jorgensen is himself, Carlson, Ames. For Haapala is himself, Bies, Pearo. This ends in a tie with commissioner Jamie Lewis not voting. Will re- vote next meeting.
  8. 3Public Hearing - Consider Approval of an Interim Use Permit for Used Auto Sales at 20088 Ferret Street PID: 20-33-25-41-0010

    Public Hearing - Consider Approval of an Interim Use Permit for Used Auto Sales at 20088 Ferret Street PID: 20-33-25-41-0010

    The Commission held the public hearing for an Interim Use Permit to allow used auto sales at 20088 Ferret Street. Planner Stockman recommended approval, the minutes note that no members of the public were present other than owners, and the Commission voted six ayes to approve the request as written and send it to the June 13, 2023 City Council meeting.

    The Commission recommended approval as written and forwarded the item to the June 13, 2023 City Council meeting.

    • newport_cardens_iup
    Approved with conditions
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)3. 7:20 PM: Public Hearing - Consider Approval of an Interim Use Permit for Used Auto Sales at 20088 Ferret Street PID: 20-33-25-41-0010p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Motion: Pearo to approve as written. Second the motion, Haapala. Six (6) ayes motion carries to city council meeting on June 13 2023
  9. 4Discussion, Continued - Zoning Ordinance Changes to Fencing, Screening and Landscaping Requirements

    Discussion, Continued - Zoning Ordinance Changes to Fencing, Screening and Landscaping Requirements

    The Commission continued discussion of zoning ordinance changes related to fencing, screening, landscaping, decks, swimming pools, and related structures. The Mayor suggested Haapala write out his proposal because the full city code was not in front of the Commission, and no final action was recorded.

    The Commission discussed proposed changes related to decks, swimming pools, fencing, and related definitions; no final action is recorded.

    • fencing_screening_landscaping_ordinance
    Discussion only
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)4. 7:30 PM: Discussion, Continued - Zoning Ordinance Changes to Fencing, Screening and Landscaping Requirementsp. 2Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Haapala states code 11-4-2A decks page 7 and page 11-2 swimming pools. Proposed swim pool fencing changes. Mayor suggests that Haapala write his proposal out as the city code is not in front of commissioners at this time. Discussion on what is considered a deck. Pool decking? Free standing platform in yard? Gazebos ?. …
  10. 5Discussion - Consider Changes to the City's septic system ordinance pertaining to maintenance records and general updates to reflect the MN 7080 rules

    Discussion - Consider Changes to the City's septic system ordinance pertaining to maintenance records and general updates to reflect the MN 7080 rules

    The Commission discussed updates to the septic ordinance, including outdated language, three-year pumping, inspection and pumping requirements, what triggers a nonconforming rebuild, and how the City could hold homeowners accountable for required pumping. No final action was recorded.

    The Commission discussed septic ordinance updates, including pumping every three years, inspections, and homeowner accountability; no final action is recorded.

    • septic_ordinance
    Discussion only
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)5. 8:00 PM: Discussion - Consider Changes to the City's septic system ordinance pertaining to maintenance records and general updates to reflect the MN 7080 rulesp. 2Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Planner Stockman talks about septic out of date. Item #5. Pumping every three (3) years. Changes to pages 2 and page 3 item f #2 and 3 to change. Changes to inspections pumping requirements.p. 2Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)How does the city hold homeowner accountable for pumping every 3 years? Sending postcards as reminders? Reminding of health risk to residents of non-conforming septic systems.
  11. ADJOURNMotion to Adjourn

    The meeting adjourned at 8:55pm.

    • adjournment
    Approved
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)Motion to Adjournp. 2Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)MOTION TO ADJOURN. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:55PM

Motions and votes

6 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.

  • M1MOTION BY PEARO SECOND BY HAAPALA TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR TONIGHTS MEETING.

    moved by Pearo, seconded by Haapala

    Passed
    • YAmes
    • YCarlson
    • YHaapala
    • YJorgensen
    • YPearo
    • YBies
    • ·Lewis
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)MOTION BY PEARO SECOND BY HAAPALA TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR TONIGHTS MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. SIX (6) AYES
  • M2AMotion for chair nomination Ames by Jorgensen and Haapala by Bies.

    moved by Jorgensen

    PassedSplit vote
    • YAmes
    • YJorgensen
    • YHaapala
    • YCarlson
    • NPearo
    • NBies
    • ·Lewis
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Motion for chair nomination Ames by Jorgensen and Haapala by Bies. Voice vote is Ames, Jorgensen, Haapala, Carlson For Ames. Pearo, Bies for Haapala. Ames stays in as Chair.
  • M2BVice chair nomination Jorgenson by Ames and Haapala by Bies.

    moved by Ames

    FailedSplit vote
    • YJorgensen
    • YCarlson
    • YAmes
    • NHaapala
    • NBies
    • NPearo
    • ·Jamie Lewis
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Vice chair nomination Jorgenson by Ames and Haapala by Bies. Voice vote for Jorgensen is himself, Carlson, Ames. For Haapala is himself, Bies, Pearo. This ends in a tie with commissioner Jamie Lewis not voting. Will re- vote next meeting.
  • M2CVice chair nomination Haapala by Bies.

    moved by Bies

    FailedSplit vote
    • YHaapala
    • YBies
    • YPearo
    • NJorgensen
    • NCarlson
    • NAmes
    • ·Jamie Lewis
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Vice chair nomination Jorgenson by Ames and Haapala by Bies. Voice vote for Jorgensen is himself, Carlson, Ames. For Haapala is himself, Bies, Pearo. This ends in a tie with commissioner Jamie Lewis not voting. Will re- vote next meeting.
  • M3Motion: Pearo to approve as written.

    moved by Pearo, seconded by Haapala

    Passed
    • YAmes
    • YCarlson
    • YHaapala
    • YJorgensen
    • YPearo
    • YBies
    • ·Lewis
    p. 1Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)Motion: Pearo to approve as written. Second the motion, Haapala. Six (6) ayes motion carries to city council meeting on June 13 2023
  • M4MOTION TO ADJOURN.

    Passed

    MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:55PM

    p. 2Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Minutes (2023-05-23)MOTION TO ADJOURN. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:55PM

Prior history on this business

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

  • The applicants wish to keep the collector vehicle sales separate from the truck sales and leasing operation approved in 2018.

    — Planner Stockman

    What this is about
    Prior approval of the truck sales and leasing operation at the same property now requesting a used auto sales IUP.

    p. 21Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)The applicants wish to keep the collector vehicle sales separate from the truck sales and leasing operation approved in 2018.

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching the recollection that a truck sales and leasing operation was approved at this property in 2018. The search results provided are for unrelated 2025–2026 items, including minor subdivisions and other interim use permit conditions, and do not identify the property, applicant, or a 2018 approval for truck sales/leasing. Based on these results, I cannot confirm the prior approval from the records provided.

    • Dec 23, 2025DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends ap
    • Sep 23, 2025Option A: The cul-de-sac can be installed in substantial compliance with the Approved Plans and an easement acceptable t
    • Apr 14, 20266\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area a
    • Mar 24, 20265\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the fut
    • Dec 23, 2025<figure> </figure> <table> <tr> <th colspan="2">form of agreement as determined by the City Attorney shall be executed b
  • Has a Conditional Use Permit or interim Use Permit ever been approved for this business or property? If so, when? Yes- TEMG- Newport (attach a copy if you have one)

    — Applicant

    What this is about
    Prior permit history for the Newport business or property.

    p. 29Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)Has a Conditional Use Permit or interim Use Permit ever been approved for this business or property? If so, when? Yes- TEMG- Newport (attach a copy if you have one)

    Related history

    The records searched do not show a prior Conditional Use Permit or Interim Use Permit specifically for “TEMG–Newport.” The relevant records found are for the Volunteers of America/Bar None property, not a Newport business by that name. For the Bar None property, the April 28, 2026 packet says City and Anoka County records did not locate an original Conditional Use Permit or other land-use approval for the long-running residential treatment use. However, the records do show that on October 3, 1984, the Anoka County Board of Adjustment granted an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit to allow construction of a proposed dormitory on the site, which was then described as a facility for autistic children. The April 28, 2026 packet also includes an Amended Conditional Use Permit for a state-licensed residential treatment facility and on-site education services, with conditions, including that it would replace and revoke any previous CUPs or amended CUPs for the property within the City. No vote outcome was included in the search excerpts provided.

    • Apr 28, 2026d. No conversion to a Minnesota Department of Corrections licensed facility will be permitted. e. Any new structures bey
    • Apr 28, 2026Bar None April 23, 2026 The Applicant states in their Application that they have operated a state licensed residential t
    • Apr 28, 2026### Background Volunteers of America in Minnesota ("VOA") have submitted an application for an amendment to the zoning o
    • Apr 28, 2026## EXHIBIT B TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION ### Narrative for Conditional Use Permit Application Volunteers of Am
    • Apr 28, 2026# Health Locked Setting, Restrictive Techniques Specialized Setting Certifications: Qualified Residential Treatment Prog
  • It was also stated that a 100-foot setback Variance was issued for a property on Bass Lake a few years ago.

    — Planner Stockman

    What this is about
    A prior shoreland variance on Bass Lake discussed in the October 25, 2022 minutes included in the packet.

    p. 3Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting — Agenda Packet (2023-05-23)It was also stated that a 100-foot setback Variance was issued for a property on Bass Lake a few years ago.

    Related history

    The records I searched do not contain a prior decision matching the recollection that a 100-foot setback variance was issued for a Bass Lake property a few years ago. The search results did not include the October 25, 2022 minutes or any entry identifying a Bass Lake shoreland variance, vote, or approval tied to a 100-foot setback. The closest materials in the results are general variance-review standards and later 2026 variance packet excerpts, including discussion of small lakefront lots, but those do not document the earlier Bass Lake decision Planner Stockman was referring to.

    • Feb 24, 20268\. Section 11-11-2.C of the Nowthen City Code specifically addresses variances: C. Review Criteria: A variance request
    • Apr 28, 2026### Variance Review Criteria. The purpose of the Variance is to provide the City with an opportunity for amelioration of
    • Apr 14, 20267\. Pursuant to Section 11-4-2A1 of the City of Nowthen's Zoning Ordinance, accessory structures shall comply with all s
    • Mar 24, 20267\. Pursuant to Section 11-4-2A1 of the City of Nowthen's Zoning Ordinance, accessory structures shall comply with all s
    • Mar 10, 2026Council.(Ordinance #2, adopted November 14, 2006; Ordinance 2013-03, adopted April 9, 2013) 10-9-6: VARIANCE: A. The Cit

Where this came up before

  1. Dec 23, 2025
    City Meeting

    DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the Minor Subdivision subject to the following conditions: 1\.

    DocDECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the Minor Subdivision subject to the following conditions: 1\.
  2. Sep 23, 2025
    City Meeting

    Option A: The cul-de-sac can be installed in substantial compliance with the Approved Plans and an easement acceptable to the City Attorney recorded prior to the recording of the lot split. A pr

    DocOption A: The cul-de-sac can be installed in substantial compliance with the Approved Plans and an easement acceptable to the City Attorney recorded prior to the recording of the lot split. A pr
  3. Apr 14, 2026
    City Meeting

    6\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area as shown on the Site Layout. All cultivation shall occur not less than 200

    Doc6\. The approved total outdoor cultivation area shall not exceed 7000 square feet that is in a fenced and secured area as shown on the Site Layout. All cultivation shall occur not less than 200
  4. Mar 24, 2026
    City Meeting

    5\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the future, these activities may not be commenced or undertaken under this Interi

    Doc5\. No extraction, production, or retail endorsements have been issued by the OCM. Even if granted by the OCM in the future, these activities may not be commenced or undertaken under this Interi
  5. Dec 23, 2025
    City Meeting

    <figure> </figure> <table> <tr> <th colspan="2">form of agreement as determined by the City Attorney shall be executed by the property owner prior to the recording of the minor subdivision t

    Doc<figure> </figure> <table> <tr> <th colspan="2">form of agreement as determined by the City Attorney shall be executed by the property owner prior to the recording of the minor subdivision t

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?