Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/28/2022

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account the residents. He recognized the comments of the residents that live nearby but noted that there are also thousands of other residents in Ramsey and the school would be good for the community as a whole. He stated that he has spoken to residents that are excited for the school and he is comfortable moving forward. Commissioner Walker asked how many of the members of the Commission would trade their home with someone that lives in this area. Acting Chairperson Gengler commented that she would. Commissioner Walker stated that he is simply trying to put himself in the position of those residents. He recognized that the residents already deal with Central Park but purchased their home knowing the park was there. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Gengler, Commissioners Anderson, Peters, and Hunt. Voting No: Commissioner Walker. Absent: None. Abstain: Chairperson Bauer and Commissioner VanScoy. City Administrator Hagen replied that this is tentatively scheduled to go forward to the July 12th City Council meeting. Chairperson Bauer and Commissioner VanScoy rejoined the Commission. 7.02: Zoning Code Update Preliminary Discussion Presentation Planning Manager Larson presented the Staff Report requesting direction on any areas that the Planning Commission would like to discuss or explore. Time will be scheduled over the next several months, keeping in mind other public hearing and development proposed on the agenda, to discuss various topics the Commission has interest in. Commission Business Chairperson Bauer stated that many of the districts have specific uses allowed but other things are not mentioned specifically. He encouraged staff to ensure that the list is comprehensive or has allowances for certain things. Planning Manager Larson stated that zoning establishes rights and very little of what is reviewed by the Planning Commission is discretionary. He stated that something cannot be denied simply because it is not liked. He stated that if there is a Comprehensive Plan amendment or change of that nature, it would provide the Commission with more discretion. He explained that parameters should then be included in the zoning code to ensure that the Commission would be happy with the allowed use. He also provided details on nonconformities and the ability to expand through a CUP, which then makes it a conforming use. Commissioner Gengler asked if any other municipalities have aligned their Code to other codes, such as those used by the IRS, that provide specificity to the business use. Planning Manager Larson commented that while some of those codes can be specific, some are very simple. Planning Commission/ June 23, 2022 Page 17 of 19