Crystal Lake Park

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Minutes

of the City of Crystal Lake Park, Missouri

Regular Meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment

                  April 24, 2008

Chairman David Evans opened the meeting by outlining the Agenda items which included new District D ordinances.  The first, a revised zoning ordinance for District D and, the second, a new ordinance regarding “burden of proof” as relates to variance requests.  Evans then asked City Clerk Lois La Driere to perform the roll call.

ROLL CALL:

Present:  David Evans, Martin Long, Rita Brinkmann, Dennis Bauer, Chris Kerckhoff, 
Barry Larson, Caili Balcer and Marianne Stuart.  Also attending were City Attorney Howard Paperner and Building Commission John Littlefield.  Absent:  Mary Jane Cusumano.

NEW BUSINESS:

Chairman Evans began the meeting by stating that the revised District D zoning ordinances had been approved at the last meeting of the Commission and had been submitted to the Board of Alderpersons for review and approval.  He asked attorney Paperner what the next step would be in the process and Paperner stated that the Board would hold a public hearing to allow input from residents prior to taking a vote on the issue.

Paperner then distributed a published article written by an attorney who specializes in municipal law which discussed the use of variances and their use only under exceptional circumstances.  He reiterated to the Commission that variance approval should be granted sparingly. 

Evans said that once the revised zoning ordinances in District D were approved, that the Commission should next discuss the role of the Commission in assessing reviews of plans, etc.  BC Littlefield then displayed elevations of homes that reflected the footprint of new homes that would be approved in District D in compliance with the new zoning codes.  He compared the elevations to those of photos of existing homes in the district.  A resident in attendance expressed concern that new homes built on her street have caused drainage issues which negatively affected her lot.  Commission member Long explained that the new zoning ordinances would eliminate that issue because of new requirements in the code.  Commission members also reiterated that  BC Littlefield would be aware of such potential issues prior to approving plans for new homes, ensuring that new homes built would have to adhere to the new zoning codes. 

Next on the Agenda was a discussion of the review of zoning ordinances in the City’s other districts, particularly in District C, referred to as Fairway Manors.  He noted that lots in District C were 100’ as opposed to the 50’ and 75’ lot sizes in District D.  He said that District C zoning ordinances currently required 5’ setbacks, less than the 6’ setbacks in District D.  He added that as a result of the larger lot sizes in District C, new homes built on those lots would be much larger in size and square footage and therefore should also require greater setbacks to create more green space between homes.  Attorney Paperner then said that he and the BC would review the District C zoning ordinances and provide recommendations as to changes in the code.  Further discussion ensued including discussion of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as issues such as green space and tree replacement, when builders raze established trees. 

Attorney Paperner then stressed to the Commission that there is no measurement for “character of a neighborhood.”  He reminded Commission members that if the zoning ordinances are too strict, more variance requests will ensue, making it more difficult for Architectural Board review.  After more discussion, Chairman Evans asked Commission members to take a vote on the issue of “burden of proof” as reflected in the new ordinance drafted by Attorney Paperner.  Larson then made a Motion to recommend the “burden of proof” ordinance to the Board of Alderpersons for review and approval.  A vote ensued with unanimous approval being made by Commission members. 

Evans then suggested that the May meeting of the Commission be cancelled since it was scheduled in a few weeks.  It was agreed to cancel the meeting and to readjourn on June 12, 2008, the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission.  Evans also encouraged  Commission members to attend the May 12, 2008 Board of Alderpersons’ meeting to provide input on the District D and “burden of proof” ordinances that had been recommended to the Board.

The next meeting of the Commission and Board of Adjustment will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Frontenac City Hall.  

VOTE TO CLOSE MEETING

There being no further business, a Motion was made to close the meeting, seconded and unanimously approved. 

MINUTES RECORDED BY:

Lois La Driere, City Clerk

ATTEST:

Chairman, David Evans