MONROE - Zoning change request caused much discussion but little action at Wednesday night's Monroe Planning Commission meeting.
The commission spent much time trying to work out a zone change for 215 Third Street. The potential purchaser of the property, last used in 2004 as a residential care facility, requested the change from an R-3 (multi-family resident district) to B-2 (general business district), in order to create two apartments with a floral shop in between.
B-2 zoning allows for the permitted use of property for business, from automotive supplies to fast foods.
The commission first thought granting a "conditional use permit" would allow a flower shop in a residential district.
However, City Inspector Dave Powers said conditional use permits in residential zones allow for only human-type business, such as daycares, lodging, schools, shelters and charitable organizations. The only businesses allowed are home-businesses; that requires the resident-business owner to live in the building.
The commission also considered recommending a change in city ordinances to the City Council, which would allow residences in a B-2 general business district. Powers said the change would "cure some other problems" that he inherited in the city.
There has been an increase in the "trend toward mixed use," commission member Paul Sniff said.
However, commission members were not ready to open the neighborhood to every kind of B-2 businesses.
The commission was also not ready to open the one piece of property to future changes in the type of business the property might house, with an unlimited commercial conditional use permit.
The only option City Attorney Rex Ewald could offer the commission is that they control the conditional use permits, and limit the types of businesses they allow in a residential area.
Member Nate Klassy finally made a motion to recommend to council a change in the city ordinances to allow for Conditional Use Permits for mixed commercial business in R-3 zones.
Under that change, the Third Street property could apply for a R-3 conditional use permit for a floral shop, which commission members said they had no problems allowing.
Unfortunately for the potential purchaser of the property, who wished to start remodeling by the end of June, ordinance changes have to go through two council meetings and a public hearing. The process will probably take until July 15.
In another item, the commission took the advice of Powers and Director of Public Works Kelly Finkenbinder to remove the "Permitted and Conditional Uses" of property in M-1 and M-3 (Industrial Park District), and sent the recommendation to council.
Finkenbinder said the provisions weaken industrial districts, which become business districts.
The limitation would "get industrial districts back to pure industrial districts," he said.
Much easier for the commission to decide was a request from Niko and JD Leonard who own the old JP's Auto building at 1723 11th St. They requested a conditional use permit in the central business district for the assembly and sale of utility trailers and sale of used economy vehicles.
Niko Leonard told the commission they would have only a couple vehicles at a time on display to use with the trailers they assemble.
He also said their intent for the building is to return the "atmosphere of the 50s and 60s" to it with paint and repairs.
Commissioners expressed their pleasure that the property would be spruced up and more presentable to the public, and granted the permit.
Fastenal's plans for a metal building on the corner of County DR and 29th Avenue in the North Business and Industrial Park (NBIP) were approved, with the condition that the front facade (facing 29th Avenue) be carried around to the north side of the building (facing DR).
Commissioners approved a request for a change in zoning from M-3 to B-2 for NBIP Lot 2 for the purpose of surveying it in conjunction with an adjoining lot.
Commission member Ron Spielman was absent and William Bethke arrived late.
The commission spent much time trying to work out a zone change for 215 Third Street. The potential purchaser of the property, last used in 2004 as a residential care facility, requested the change from an R-3 (multi-family resident district) to B-2 (general business district), in order to create two apartments with a floral shop in between.
B-2 zoning allows for the permitted use of property for business, from automotive supplies to fast foods.
The commission first thought granting a "conditional use permit" would allow a flower shop in a residential district.
However, City Inspector Dave Powers said conditional use permits in residential zones allow for only human-type business, such as daycares, lodging, schools, shelters and charitable organizations. The only businesses allowed are home-businesses; that requires the resident-business owner to live in the building.
The commission also considered recommending a change in city ordinances to the City Council, which would allow residences in a B-2 general business district. Powers said the change would "cure some other problems" that he inherited in the city.
There has been an increase in the "trend toward mixed use," commission member Paul Sniff said.
However, commission members were not ready to open the neighborhood to every kind of B-2 businesses.
The commission was also not ready to open the one piece of property to future changes in the type of business the property might house, with an unlimited commercial conditional use permit.
The only option City Attorney Rex Ewald could offer the commission is that they control the conditional use permits, and limit the types of businesses they allow in a residential area.
Member Nate Klassy finally made a motion to recommend to council a change in the city ordinances to allow for Conditional Use Permits for mixed commercial business in R-3 zones.
Under that change, the Third Street property could apply for a R-3 conditional use permit for a floral shop, which commission members said they had no problems allowing.
Unfortunately for the potential purchaser of the property, who wished to start remodeling by the end of June, ordinance changes have to go through two council meetings and a public hearing. The process will probably take until July 15.
In another item, the commission took the advice of Powers and Director of Public Works Kelly Finkenbinder to remove the "Permitted and Conditional Uses" of property in M-1 and M-3 (Industrial Park District), and sent the recommendation to council.
Finkenbinder said the provisions weaken industrial districts, which become business districts.
The limitation would "get industrial districts back to pure industrial districts," he said.
Much easier for the commission to decide was a request from Niko and JD Leonard who own the old JP's Auto building at 1723 11th St. They requested a conditional use permit in the central business district for the assembly and sale of utility trailers and sale of used economy vehicles.
Niko Leonard told the commission they would have only a couple vehicles at a time on display to use with the trailers they assemble.
He also said their intent for the building is to return the "atmosphere of the 50s and 60s" to it with paint and repairs.
Commissioners expressed their pleasure that the property would be spruced up and more presentable to the public, and granted the permit.
Fastenal's plans for a metal building on the corner of County DR and 29th Avenue in the North Business and Industrial Park (NBIP) were approved, with the condition that the front facade (facing 29th Avenue) be carried around to the north side of the building (facing DR).
Commissioners approved a request for a change in zoning from M-3 to B-2 for NBIP Lot 2 for the purpose of surveying it in conjunction with an adjoining lot.
Commission member Ron Spielman was absent and William Bethke arrived late.