THE CITY OF HEPPNER

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

MARCH 3, 2003

PRESENT:  City Manager, Jerry Breazeale; Chairman, Jerry Gentry; City Attorney, Bill Kuhn;  Dan Dunnett, Rod Wilson, Dave Fowler

ABSENT:  Bill Green, Deborah Kendrick, Susanne Jepsen

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:  Tom Wolff, Jerry Healy

1.  General Business.

      A)  Call to order.  The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM.

      B)  Introductions.  Mr. Dave Fowler was introduced as a new member of the Planning Commission. 

      C)  Announcements.  Approval of the minutes of the January 6, 2003, meeting was tabled at the February 4, 2003, meeting.  These are being submitted for approval at this meeting, and incorporate changes submitted at the February 4 meeting.    

      D)  Approval of Minutes.

            (1)  The minutes of the January 6 meeting were submitted for review/correction/approval.  Mr. Wilson questioned the fact that the minutes had already been corrected.  According to Mr. Breazeale, the minutes are not adopted as final until approved by the commission.  A motion to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2003, meeting of the Planning Commission was made by Mr. Dunnett.  Seconded by Mr. Wilson.  Motion carried.

            (2)  Minutes of the February 4 meeting were reviewed and corrections submitted.  A motion to accept the corrected minutes of the February 4 Planning Commission was made by Mr. Wilson.  Seconded by Mr. Dunnett.  Motion carried.

2.  Public Hearings. 

      A)  Conditional Use Permit – Leland and Barbara Ansotegui.  Request Conditional Use Permit for operation of an automobile repair facility in Central Commercial (C) Zone.  238 N. Chase Street, Map No. 2S 26 35 BB, Tax Lot 2300. 

            (1)  Mr. Breazeale has the original paperwork for the request, and stated that he preferred a more detailed justification; however, the owners are currently out of town and time delays are involved in transmitting information back and forth.  In the past the property had been used as an auto repair facility, but has not been occupied for some time.  Heppner’s zoning ordinance does not allow any automotive facilities except under Conditional Use Permits.  All property occupants within 250 feet of subject property were notified and no comments received.  Subject property is located on Chase Street. 

            (2)  Concerns discussed by the Commission.

                    (a)  Water Service.  Mr. Gentry expressed concern as to whether the property had water service.  According to Mr. Breazeale, water and sewer are available.  Additionally, Mr. Gentry felt that water service should be required since a business will be located on the property.  Mr. Breazeale stated that water and sewer services could be required as part of the Conditional Use Permit.  Mr. Dunnett asked whether the Ansotegui’s residence is near the property, and according to Mr. Wilson, it is not.  Mr. Fowler stated that he was uneasy as to the Commission’s goal in approving the permit and that if water is not a requirement based on the zoning code, he felt that the Planning Commission needed to be concerned.  According to Mt. Breazeale, this is an issue to be considered and Mr. Gentry would like it discussed by the Commission.  In answer to Mr. Dunnett’s question as to whether the building had been plumbed previously, Mr. Gentry stated that it was at one time.  Mr. Wolff asked if there was a toilet in the building when it was previously occupied.  Mr. Kuhns stated that according to the provisions of the City Code, Section 8-3-2-D, all buildings to have occupancy are required to have sewer and water.  Mr. Gentry would like to grant the conditional use with the stipulation that plumbing and sewer service are available on the property. 

                        (b)  Off-Street Parking.  Mr. Fowler had concerns about off-street parking and ground cover, and assumes it is within the guidelines for off-street parking.  He stated that there appears to be adequate parking space.  According to Mr. Gentry, there are other issues since the property is in the flood plane, i.e., spare parts and storage of vehicles being repaired, and what recourse the city has if the permit is granted now and problems develop in the future.  Additionally, all members agreed that they don’t want to see the property used as a stockpile for vehicles.  Members felt that the permit should contain a definite time limit that a vehicle could remain on the property, and a motion needs to be made stipulating hours and time frame that the vehicles and parts can be allowed behind or in front of the business.  In answer to Mr. Fowler’s questions on the current ordinances on business hours, according to Mr. Breazeale, the “quiet hours” are between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, when a business of this type cannot be in operation.  Mr. Gentry wondered if we are able to review the Conditional Use Permit and include the wording that no excessive noise would be allowed between the hours of 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

                    (c)  Stockpile of parts and vehicles.  Mr. Gentry is of the opinion that there should be a set time limit.  Mr. Fowler would like to limit the time limit to vehicles only.  Mr. Wilson stated that the operator of the business, Darren Bradford seems to be willing to please his customers and Mr. Wilson feels he is a reputable business person.

            (3)  Motion.  Mr. Dunnett moved that the Conditional Use Permit be approved with the stipulation that operating hours will be 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, storage of vehicles will be no longer than 45 days, and water and sewer be available in the shop.  Seconded by Rod Wilson.  No public testimony.  Motion carried.

      (B)  Variance Request – Jerry Healy.  Request for relief from setbacks.  645 Hager Street, Map No. 2S 26 35CA, Tax Lot 500.

            (1)  Mr. Healy is submitting a variance request for relief from setbacks on his property at 645 Hager Street, in order to construct an addition to his personal residence.  Mr. Breazeale has reviewed the packet and ensured that it is complete.  Mr. Gentry read Mr. Healy’s letter requesting setback relief so that he can add a 20’ x 12’ dining room area to the front of his existing residence.  The current side setback on his property is 10’ and Mr. Healy is requesting a variance to decrease the front setback by 50% which would leave a 7’ front setback.  According to Mr. Breazeale, there has been no opposition to the request and the new setback does not cause a problem on Hager Street.  The sidewalk is included in the setback.  Mr. Gentry stated that everything appeared to be in order, but felt that an elevation drawing should have been included in the packet, so that he could ensure that there was no opposition to the design of the structure.  Mr. Healy stated that he has previously considered this. 

            (2)  Other discussion.  In the past, the commission has approved decreased side setbacks, but on decreasing front setbacks, there needs to be assurance that it is to public benefit and that there is a public need.  Mr. Healy also stated that there is no physical way that the addition could be added to the rear of the present structure, due to the topography of the lot.  Water and sewer lines will be located under the new addition and are currently being redone.  Additional details to be included are:  The siding and type of roof need to match what is currently installed.

            (3)  Mr. Fowler moved that we accept the application for the variance with the stipulation that the roofing and siding compliment what is currently installed on the house.  Seconded by Dan Dunnett.  Motion carried. 

3.  New Business.  None.

4.  Old Business. 

      A)  TGM Grant, Downtown Development Plan – Next meeting April 7^th, to discuss ordinance revisions.

            (1)  At this point, Mitchell Nelson has drafted some ordinances to be reviewed.  The whole study is scheduled to be completed in June.  The April 7 meeting will be the regular Planning Commission Meeting.

      B)  Planning Commission Issues. 

            (1)  RV Parking.  Mr. Wilson stated that most of the discussion on the information presented by Mitchell Nelson at the February 4 meeting concerned RV parking.  This is an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately and the commission should also attempt to determine how to assist visitors to the city in locating parking for their RVs.  According to Mr. Breazeale, the city is working to find out if the State will allow a sign on the highway giving directions to RV parking.  Possible wording for such a sign was discussed, i.e., RV’s, Oversized Vehicles, etc.

5.  Information Items. 

      A)  Correspondence:  Notice of public meeting on March 10, 7:00 PM (City Council).

      B)  Communications from Commissioners:

            (1)  Planning Commission Representative for March 10 City Council Meeting:  Jerry Gentry will represent the planning commission vice Susanne Jepsen.  Mrs. Jepsen will represent the planning commission at the April City Council Meeting.  Mr. Breazeale will prepare a tentative list for the remainder of the year. 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:05 PM.