3. Draft minutes 02-04-2020 Planning Commission
February 4, 2020
The Scandia Planning Commission held their regular monthly meeting on the above date.
The following were in attendance: Commissioners Jan Hogle, Travis Loeffler, Perry Rynders and
Chair Dan Squyres. Absent: Commissioner Greg Amundson. Staff present: City Planner Merritt
Clapp-Smith, City Administrator Ken Cammilleri and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund. City
Council liaison Jerry Cusick was also present.
Chair Squyres called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA, MINUTES
Loeffler, second by Rynders, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 4-
0.
Hogle, second by Rynders, moved to approve the January 7, 2020 meeting minutes as
presented. Motion carried 4-0.
ELECTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR
Rynders, second by Hogle, moved to elect Dan Squyres as Chairperson and Travis Loeffler
as Vice Chairperson of the Planning Commission from February 2020 to January 2021,
subject to approval by the City Council. Motion carried 4-0.
The recommendation will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on February 18,
2020.
DISCUSSION OF ZONING PROCESS FOR DEEP ROOTS WINERY – GREG AND
ANDREA SANDAGER
Greg Sandager was present to explain the proposed operation at 20168 St. Croix Trail known as
Deep Roots Winery. The business has plans to grow 15 acres of grapes this first year (11,000
plants) on the 78-acre parcel, to begin production of wine using purchased grapes grown in
Minnesota, to renovate the existing structure on the property as the tasting room and potentially
expand to operate an event center on the grounds. The business will operate as a Farm Winery
under the state program. The acreage is currently enrolled in the Agricultural Preserves program,
expiring in February 2021, when it will revert to the underlying zoning district of Agricultural
Core. Mr. Sandager explained that the family-owned business Abrahamson’s Nursery is located
directly across Highway 95.
Planner Merritt Clapp-Smith described the zoning approaches under which the farm winery may
operate and stated that it is most consistent with uses as Winery and Rural Event Center;
however, the development code does not allow these uses in the same district and noted
inconsistencies in the zoning code. Clapp-Smith recommended updates to the code to reconcile
the proposed activities.
The Commissioners discussed various routes under which the City could permit the winery
operation, and concluded that uses in the Ag Core district be expanded to include
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wineries/cideries as an allowed use with a Conditional Use Permit. A CUP will allow the city to
put conditions on the intensity of the use.
Limits on sign requirements for the business were also discussed. The maximum size allowed in
the Ag Core is 10 square feet, not adequate for travelers along the state highway. Mr. Sandager
is proposing a sign not to exceed 200 square feet, and would be similarly sized to the nursery
sign across the street for that business which is zoned Rural Commercial. Commissioners
recommended amending the sign ordinance only for Ag Core districts along roadways based on
automotive speeds.
Staff will present the recommendations to the City Council at their February 5th Work Session
for direction back to the Planning Commission.
DISCUSSION ON MANUFACTURED/MODULAR HOMES AS HOUSING OPTIONS
Planner Clapp-Smith explained that there is a growing trend in the construction industry for
modular homes as an affordable and sustainable housing option, and there is potential that
Scandia will see an increasing number of building permits for these as either primary or
accessory dwelling units. Clapp-Smith asked the Commissioners if they felt it was prudent to
consider Scandia’s code as it relates to these types of units.
Planner Clapp-Smith provided several ordinance citations for the Commissioners to consider:
• “The minimum width of a residential structure shall not be less than 20 feet.” Is this the
right standard?
• “All dwellings shall be placed on a permanent foundation.” Does this requirement
distinguish between mobile homes and modular homes?
• “No more than 6 persons not related shall reside in a residential dwelling.” Shared living
arrangements among unrelated people are more common today. Should this be removed
or expanded?
• Detached accessory dwelling units have design requirements. Is this necessary?
Clapp-Smith said there is nothing imminent needing action, but the Commissioners could think
about clearer terminology, and the approach and policy for these units, also known as “tiny
homes”.
Commissioners concluded that zoning should reflect the Comprehensive Plan, and the zoning
code rewrite would be the proper time to address the suggestions and flag them for an update.
COMMENTS ON REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE ZONING CODE REWRITE
Administrator Cammilleri presented a draft for a Request for Proposals for the development code
update to reflect the newly adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Commissioners voiced
support for the document, which provides a timeline of contracting with a firm and beginning the
project this May.
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ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
The City Council will be providing direction on zoning amendments related wineries/cideries
and sign requirements.
ADJOURNMENT
Loeffler, second by Rynders, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk