City Planner Brian McCann presented the church’s variance requests, emphasizing the need to reduce the front setback from 30 feet to 5 feet. This change would allow for more burial plots and improved access to a proposed columbarium from Victoria Drive, driven in part by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The church’s property covers approximately 26.5 acres, surrounded by residential areas, a park, and a lake, all zoned for residential use with allowances for cemeteries.

The proposal included a new access point from Victoria Drive, facilitating parking for 17 vehicles and accommodating an additional 250 grave sites. The church argued that this access is necessary to meet ADA requirements, as the property’s slopes make alternative routes impractical for wheelchair users.

Neighborhood feedback played a role in the commission’s considerations. Concerns about lighting, parking congestion, and the maintenance of privacy for neighboring properties were voiced. A neighborhood representative queried the plans for site illumination and the potential to restrict access after hours. The commission discussed the possibility of installing a gate, although it was noted that managing such a facility could be logistically challenging for the church.

One proposal recommended approval of the access variance but denial of the setback variance, maintaining the required 30-foot setback for burial plots. Another suggestion involved planting additional trees for privacy, though this would result in the loss of approximately 40 burial plots.

Ultimately, the commission moved to recommend approval of the access variance due to its public safety benefits while denying the setback variance, citing insufficient justification for its necessity. The motion received support despite two dissenting votes, with commissioners acknowledging the need for compromise and adherence to city standards.

In other business, the commission reviewed a variance request for a property on Virginia Drive, which proposed exceeding the maximum impervious surface allowed by the shoreland district. The staff presentation outlined the property’s history and the impact of a previous city road project. The commission noted that the road accounts for a portion of the impervious coverage, and the proposed project would not negatively affect the community. A motion to recommend approval of the variance was made, allowing coverage to exceed 25% only if included in a city street project.

The meeting also addressed the preliminary plat annexation and comprehensive plan amendment for West Creek Village Residential Development. The proposal outlined developing approximately 89 acres into single-family homes, twin homes, and townhomes, with considerations for wetlands and density guidelines. The commission discussed deviations from standard zoning requirements, such as lot sizes and setbacks, to accommodate the site’s natural features. The proposal included a mix of public and private streets and emphasized stormwater management and pedestrian connectivity.

Throughout the discussions, concerns about environmental impact, traffic management, and residential design were prevalent. The commission highlighted the importance of maintaining natural habitats and ensuring that new developments align with city growth plans. The meeting concluded with a motion to recommend approval of the West Creek Village Residential Development application, passing unanimously.