Minutes - Planning Commission - 02/01/2018

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Maria Gobernath, 5880 177th Avenue NW, stated she has the youngest child on the block, age four. She noted Travis Longfield has two young children. She expressed concern with letting her son play at the Longfield property given number of large vehicles coming and going from the property. She feared the roadway would prematurely need repairs given the high volume of commercial trucks. She explained she didn't have a problem with Travis or his family, but stated she did have concerns with the business operations. Rob Shaneus, Attorney for Travis Longfield, addressed the Commission. He described how the neighborhood was structured and the lots were oriented. He reported the neighboring property was a working farm and had much of the same traffic the neighbors were concerned about. However, because this property was zoned agricultural, the traffic was allowed. He stated his client had no intention of parking trucks on the street long-term. He noted this was a short-term situation during construction on the property. He commented on his client's intention to store all company vehicles within an accessory structure which would be built on his property. He stated his client received a letter from the City identifying two options to bring the property into compliance and explained his client had chosen to build an accessory structure. Mr. Longfield stated it was not his intention to drive recklessly down his street and explained he was unaware of any beer can throwing incident. He indicated he was not trying to make anybody mad. He noted he has allowed to have a fire on his property and explained he had all the necessary permits in place. Commissioner Gengler asked if all employees would be living onsite during the 2018 landscaping season. Mr. Longfield stated his plan was to have his employees staying on his property. Vice Chairperson VanScoy commented traffic was a concern for him. He noted the applicant was allowed eight trips per day without becoming excessive. He understood that only six trips were being generated at this time. He encouraged employees to carpool into and out of the site in order to reduce the traffic to the property. Community Development Director Gladhill recommended that the applicant pursue a home occupation through the conditional use permit process and that this not be approved by staff administratively given the complexity of the request and location of the employees. He anticipated the request would require conditions. Vice Chairperson VanScoy and the entire Planning Commission supported this recommendation. Mr. Shaneus expressed concern that a conditional use permit was being proposed when home occupations are entitled if an applicant complies with a list of conditions. He stated applicants have three options with home occupations, one being staff can approve home occupations administratively with conditions. He reported that only if an applicant does not comply with these conditions, is a conditional use permit required. He explained that his client has made every effort to comply with City Ordinance. He stated if Mr. Longfield installs a garage and Planning Commission/February 1, 2018 Page 9 of 14