Planning Commission Minutes

Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
August 2, 2006
7:00 p.m.

Members Present: D. Brown, S. Versluis, M. Ferris-Young, M. Houseman,

J. Hickey, Chairman; C. Rypma, M. Huizenga, and T. Greeno. Absent: C. Gornowich. Also Present: F. Wash, Planning Director, and P. Dlouhy,

Planning Assistant.

Chairman Hickey opened the meeting, and Member Rypma gave the invocation.

Approval of Minutes – July 5, 2006

Motion by M. Houseman, supported by S. Versluis, to approve the minutes of July 5, 2006, as printed. Motion carried.

Case #06-464 – Text Amendment/Architecture and Building Design Standards – tabled 7-5-06

Chairman Hickey read the proposed text amendment, which would amend Section 94-5 and to add Sections 94-357, 94-223, and 94-291 of Chapter 94 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Walker with respect to building facade requirements for commercial, office, and industrial buildings, with the intent of implementing higher and creative building design standards, utilizing a tool box of architectural treatments and materials.

Motion by C. Rypma, supported by M. Houseman, to remove the item from the table. Motion carried.

Planner Wash related that he gave the Planning Commission a red-lined version of the draft building design ordinance and a corrected/cleaned copy for review.

He reviewed the cleaned copy with the proposed changes in red, beginning with Page 3, under PUD districts, Nos. 1. 2. & 3 were added as follows:

The PUD process, however, shall not be used only as a means to avoid or reduce the intent, purpose and standards of this section.

Under (1) Façade materials and colors, the following were added:

b. Smooth-faced gray concrete block and smooth-faced tilt-up concrete panels are discouraged as primary façade materials.

c. Pole-barn style, metal siding, vinyl siding and aluminum side are prohibited as primary façade materials. This siding may be used as façade trim material.

d. Façade colors should complement existing or adjacent structures, as determined by the planning commission.

It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the above item d. should read as follows:

d. Façade colors should complement existing or adjacent structures.

After discussion, the Planning Commission felt that if it finds the proposed facade color to be objectionable, it could then be modified.

Under (2) Wall designs and features, the following was added per suggestion by Member Gornowich.

Recessed entryways

Under (3) Building entrances, the following was added:

xi. Other applications as approved by the Planning Commission

Under (4) Based and top treatments a. and b. the following was added:

vi. Other applications as approved by the Planning Commission.

Other applications as approved by the Planning Commission.

Under (5) Roofs, a. should read as follows:

a. Screening devices shall be used to conceal flat sections of roofs and rooftop equipments such as HVAC units, from public view.

With regard to (&) Building elevation plan submittal requirements the following wording was added:

At the time of application for site plan review or PUD site plan review, the applicant shall submit the appropriate number of copies of the proposed building elevation plans and colored renderings and a materials list to the planning director. These will be distributed to the planning commission.

Presentation of material samples to the planning commission is encouraged.

Discussion by Planning Commission regarding either bringing material samples or pictures of samples to the meeting if warranted, per the discretion of the planning director.

Member Ferris asked Planner Wash if he was comfortable with these changes to the proposed ordinance? Wash stated that this is codification of what we do. Most site plans already meet the standards, the codification is for those who do not.

Wash related that the forthcoming proposed sign ordinance is the final piece to this puzzle and will restrict the height and size of signs while making sign design part of the building design.

Motion by M. Houseman, supported by T. Greeno, to forward a recommendation on the Text Amendment/Architecture and Building Design Standard Ordinance, to the City Commission for approval. Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner and Staff Update

Wash reminded the Planning Commission about the upcoming South Alpine Avenue Master Plan on Wednesday, August 30, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. at the former Lear Plant, located at 2150 Alpine Ave., N.W.

Wash outlined the items for the next Planning Commission meeting on August 16th, including the application from Visser involving building the section of Northridge from Fruitridge, one-quarter east into the property.

Chairman Hickey asked if the Planning Commission could review future tower requests? He indicated that he and the DDA are upset about the recent placement of a tower in Standale.

Chairman Hickey related that the Wellers and Shoemakers are considering an industrial park from the far end of the Fenske property to 150’ north of the American Legion building.

Chairman Hickey asked about getting badges for some of the newer Planning Commissioners.

Adjournment

Motion by T. Greeno, supported by D. Brown, to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried.

__________________________ __________________________

Administrative Approval Carol Gornowich, Secretary

Walker Planning Commission

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