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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Adjustment 03-25-10 ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Thursday, March 25, 2010 8:45 a.m. Government Center, Hudson, Wisconsin- County Board Room AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL B. OPEN MEETING LAW STATEMENT C. ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES D. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS: April 22, 2010 E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Nordby — Special Exception/Variance Request — Tabled January 28, 2010 2. Murr F. PUBLIC HEARINGS — See Attached G NEW BUSINESS 1. Closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(l)(g) to confer with legal counsel concerning strategy to be adopted by the Board with respect to litigation in which it is involved. Reconvene in open session. H. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE I. ADJOURNMENT (Agenda not necessarily presented in this order.) SUBMITTED BY: St. Croix County Planning and Zoning Department DATE: March 17, 2010 COPIES TO: County Board Office County Clerk Board Members News Media/Notice Board * CANCELLATIONS /CHANGES /ADDITIONS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The St Croix County Board of Adjustment has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, March 25, 2010, at 8:30 a.m. at t9e Government Center, 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin, to consider the following request under the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. The Board will view the site in question, after which the Board will deliberate and vote on the request. SPECIAL EXCEPTION 1. APPLICANT: Russ Utecht LOCATION: NE' /4 of the NE' /4 of Section 21, T30N, RI 8W, Town of Richmond ADDRESS: 1454120 Street REQUEST: Special Exception request to locate a temporary hot -mix asphalt plant at the existing gravel pit in the Ag Residential District pursuant to Section 17.15(6)(n)of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 2. APPLICANT: David & Patricia Wachter LOCATION: NW t /4 of the NW '/4 of Section 18, T30N, R19W, Town of Somerset ADDRESS: 157632 d Street REQUEST: After - the -fact special exception permit to continue operating a retail fireworks business in the Commercial District pursuant to Section 17.18(1)(a) of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 3. APPLICANT: Town of Baldwin LOCATION: NE %4 of the NE 1 /4 of Section 21, T29N, R16W, Town of Baldwin ADDRESS: 2399 90 Avenue REQUEST: Special Exception permit for a new town hall in the Ag Residential District pursuant to Section 17.15(6)(s) of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. VARIANCE 4. APPLICANT: Mark G. Warnken LOCATION: Government Lot 1, Section 23, T28N, R20W, Town of Troy ADDRESS: 150 Cove Court REQUEST: Variance for filling and grading in the slope preservation zone in the Lower St. Croix Riverway District pursuant to Section 17.36 H.3.c of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing and be heard. Additional information may be obtained from the St. Croix County Planning and Zoning Department, Hudson, Wisconsin at (715) 386 -4680. Clarence W. Malick, Chairperson St. Croix County Board of Adjustment ORIGINAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING AND HEARING MINUTES March 25, 2010 The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Clarence "Buck" Malick at 8:45 a.m. A roll call was made. David Peterson, Joe Hurtgen and Sue Nelson were present. Jerry McAllister was absent. Staff included: Kevin Grabau, Code Administrator; Alex Blackburn, Zoning Specialist; Pam Quinn, Zoning Specialist; and Becky Eggen, Recorder. Staff confirmed to the Board that this was a properly noticed meeting. The Board and staff confirmed an April 2010 meeting was not necessary. The next meeting for the Board is scheduled for Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. in the County Board Room of the Government Center in Hudson. Application #1: Russ Utecht — Special Exception The applicant requested a special exception permit for a temporary hot mix plant in an existing non - metallic mine in the Town of Richmond. Staff presented the application and staff report. The Town of Richmond recommended approval with the following contingencies: 1.) Only one travel trailer /motor home on site, 2.) Having dust control measures in effect, and 3.) No truck traffic on 120 Street. St. Croix County Highway Department had no objection to temporary hot mix plant and recommended the application of the chloride dust control agent at the plant entrance and along the haul road. St. Croix Land and Water Conservation Department did not have any concerns with the temporary hot mix. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an air pollution control general operation and general construction permits for the proposed temporary hot mix plant. Staff recommended approval based on eight findings of fact and conclusions of law with 12 conditions. Ron Peterson of B.R. Amon & Sons, Inc. signed an oath and spoke in favor of the request. He stated they will have an ambitious schedule starting June 1, 2010. WisDOT would like the Highway done by July 16 He stated they would like to use water that is already kept on the site to reduce the dust rather than adding another expense and using Chloride. He testified he would like to use as many hours of the day as possible to work as their schedule will be very aggressive. He stated the hours and end date in the staff report are agreeable. Russ Utecht signed an oath and spoke in favor of the request. He testified the black top pad at the entrance would be a good thing for both parties as it will act as a driveway and /or tracking pad. He stated the tracking pad will help with the erosion issues at the entrance. He said the conditions shouldn't interfere with anything. No one testified in opposition. Application #2: David & Patricia Wachter — After - the -fact Special Exception The applicants requested approval of an after - the -fact special exception permit to continue operating a retail fireworks business on a parcel in the Commercial District in the Town of Somerset. Staff presented the application and staff report. The Town of Somerset Town Board and Plan Commission commented that: 1) driveway permit will have to be obtained, but shouldn't be a problem as it meets separation distance, 2) septic system will require County to review its compliance status, 3) driveway separation will need to be clarified. Town Board and Plan Commission recommended approval. St Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department stated the general stormwater retention basin appeared to be more than adequate for the site and functions quite well. There is a great deal of vegetated sheet flow prior to the stormwater basin that should function quite well in removing sediments and infiltrating a portion of the stormwater generated from the site. The Land and Water Conservation Department had no additional comments or concerns with the site as long as no additional grading takes place and all vegetation is maintained. Staff recommended approval based on nine findings of fact and conclusions of a law with nine conditions. Pat Wachter, Co- Owner, and Jason Wachter, Vice President, signed an oath and spoke in favor of the request. Jason testified the building does not have sprinklers as the State of Wisconsin does not require it. He stated the local fire chief inspects the building. Pat testified the building is closer to .6000 square feet rather than 1800 square feet that was stated in the staff report. She asked the Board to consider having hours of operation until midnight since the type of businesses around them are the Lockness and St. Croix National. She stated they would like to have options of being open later especially in the busy season from May to the end of July. They asked to be able to still have the light on the American Flag that is on the property. It was stated the flag is too large to take down at the end of the business day. Ann Wachter, signed an oath and spoke in favor of the request. She testified they have closed at 10 and they still have had customers so they have been open longer and they have not had any complaints from the Town. No one testified in opposition. Application #3: Town of Baldwin — Special Exception The applicant requested a special exception permit to construct a new town hall in the Ag Residential District in the Town of Baldwin. Staff presented the application and staff report. The Town of Baldwin is the applicant and therefore did not submit recommendations for its application. St. Croix County Land and 2 Water Conservation Department reviewed the application and found the stormwater and erosion control plans consistent with Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 151 requirements. They recommended the applicant provide an operation and maintenance plan referencing the stormwater management plan on the deed to the property. Staff recommended approval of the request based on 12 findings of fact and conclusions of law with 20 conditions. No one testified in favor or in opposition of the request. Motion by Nelson, second by Peterson to approve the special exception request to construct a new town hall in the Ag Residential District based on staff's recommendations. The findings of fact and conclusions of law are later found in the minutes. Motion carried unanimously with Hurtgen abstaining and McAllister absent. Application #4: Mark G. Warnken — Variance The applicant requested a variance in order to install a replacement private on -site wastewater treatment system (POWTS) within the slope preservation zone in the Lower St. Croix Riverway District in the Town of Troy. Staff presented the application and staff report. Town of Troy Plan Commission recommended the following additional items to be addressed: 1) Any proposed alteration of vegetation and topography; the applicant was asked to clearly mark on a photograph of any vegetation removed. If it is excessive, he was asked to consider replanting. 2) An erosion control plan. The site plan showed a silt fence on the downstream side of the project. The application should contain a statement that it will be erected to DNR standards. 3) A vegetation management plan. This should include what mitigation will take place, e.g. seeding, etc. 4) Additional information - how any damage to the access trail will be remediated, and a statement that if necessary, the site will be accessed by barge. St. Croix Land and Water Conservation Department had the following recommendations: 1) all vegetation that is destroyed as part of the excavation shall be reestablished with native vegetation. 2) Perimeter erosion control shall be installed and maintained on site until all disturbed areas have self - sustaining vegetation established. 3) Heavy equipment access to the site to be by barge to limit the amount of vegetation destruction in the slope preservation zone. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had no issues with the proposed project provided there will be a vegetative management plan in place per NR 118. Staff recommended approval based 13 findings of fact and conclusions of law with 14 conditions. Mark Warnken signed an oath and spoke in favor of the request. He stated he has owned the cabin for 10 -11 years and they did some interior remodeling and are spending more time there and the septic system is not adequate. He stated using the barge to get equipment to property will be an added cost of $1800 42000 and if there is an alternative he would rather use that. He stated using the Yacht club's property would all depend on the water level of the river. He said time is of the essence and if it is going to cost a little 3 extra, he would like to stay on the plumber's schedule. No one testified in opposition. Unfinished Business: Kat Nordy — Special ExceptionNariance — Tabled January 28, 2010 The applicant requested a reconsideration of a variance to the 700 -foot setback from property lines required for a kennel and a special exception for an animal boarding facility in the shoreland, floodplain, and Ag Residential Districts in the Town of Emerald. Staff presented a revised staff report with the data requested by the Board at the previous meeting. Kat and Rick Nordby signed an oath and spoke in favor of the request. She testified their closest neighbor to the East signed their approval letter. James and Vickie Treutel have a fortress of trees planted around their house and eventually will not even be able to see their property and they were in opposition. She stated the other neighbors have all been contacted and have no issues. She stated the public that comes forward to oppose an issue should have facts rather than making false accusations. Stephanie Swanson signed an oath and spoke in favor of the request. She testified she had questions regarding the ordinance and would like more history on this application as she may need to get a variance for a kennel as well. Vickie Treutel signed an oath and spoke in opposition to the request. She testified she did not have a fortress of trees; it is 80 acres and she likes to plant trees. She stated trees do not block noise. She testified she did not say the Nordbys were boarding dogs already; that was what she was told at the post office. She stated her neighbor has one dog currently and it concerns her when the dog is outside barking. She stated the application was denied for a reason and there is no hardship and asked the Board to not reconsidered and to keep the 700 foot setback as well. The Board recessed at 10:10 a.m. for site visits and lunch The Board Reconvened at 12:33 p.m. Decisions After hearing the testimony and reviewing the material in the record, the Board rendered the following decisions: Application #2: David & Patricia Wachter — After - the -Fact Special Exception Motion by Hurtgen, second by Peterson to approve the after - the -fact special exception to operate a retail consumer fireworks business in the Commercial District in the Town of Somerset based on the following findings of fact and conclusions of law: 1. The applicants are David & Patricia Wachter, property and business owners. 4 2. The site is located at 1576 32 Street in the NW % of the NW % of Section 18, T30N, R19W, Town of Somerset. 3. The applicant filed with the Board of Adjustment an application for after - the -fact special exception to operate a retail consumer fireworks business in the Commercial District pursuant to Section 17.18(l) of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 4. This request would not violate the spirit or general intent of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance in that a retail fireworks business is a reasonable and appropriate use in the Commercial District, which the property is currently zoned. The existing activities have proven to be compatible with existing adjoining commercial uses in the area and the site is located near the State Highway 35/64 exit at Cty. Rd. V, which is easily accessible to customers in both WI and MN. 5. The existing fireworks retail sales meet several goals and objectives of the St. Croix County Development Management Plan including locating commercial development where suitable conditions exist, pursuing quality of life that will attract and retain quality businesses and employment, promoting the development of new businesses in the County, and diversifying the County's economy. 6. The applicant's building has existing lighting for safety and security. With conditions for shielding any future light sources to prevent glare onto adjacent properties and for limiting noise and hours of activity on the site, this request would not negatively impact the health, safety, or welfare of the public, nor would it be substantially adverse to property values for nearby residences or businesses. 7. Existing screening with appropriate trees and/or shrubs, as well as an earthen berm on the north side of the building, reduces noise and visibility of retail traffic for adjacent properties. This request would not constitute a nuisance by reason of noise, dust, smoke, odor, or other similar factors. The site is surrounded by predominantly commercial uses and does not have a record of complaints by adjacent land owners. 8. The applicants' business provides adequate off - street paved parking pursuant to Section 17.57 (5) and has a permitted driveway access pursuant to Section 17.60 of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 9. The Town of Somerset Town Board and Plan Commission June 2, 2002 meeting minutes both Plan Commission and Town Board recommended approval. With the following conditions: 1. This special exception permit allows the applicant to continue operating a retail fireworks business on the site as indicated in the application and as provided in 5 the conditions below. This approval does not include any additional uses, structures, or activities. 2. Town of Somerset and any other aggrieved party may request a reconsideration of this decision 15 days prior to the next regularly scheduled Board of Adjustment meeting in accordance with the St. Croix County Board of Adjustment Rules and By -Laws. 3. The applicants shall be responsible for complying with any other local, state, or federal permit requirements, licenses and approvals. 4. Normal hours of operation may be from 8:00 AM to midnight. 5. The store employs one full -time manager and may employ additional seasonal employees, not to exceed the equivalent of four (4) full time employees in compliance with design wastewater sizing for the existing POWTS. 6. The applicants will continue to maintain adequate off - street parking in compliance with Section 17.57(5). 7. Upon complaints of regularly occurring, excessively loud noise at any time, the applicant shall work with the Zoning Administrator to abate the noise problem. In the event that the matter cannot be resolved administratively, the applicant shall take the matter before the Board of Adjustment at a public hearing. 8. The applicant shall be responsible for continuing to keep the property in a neat and orderly manner. 9. All lighting associated with the business shall be downward directed and shielded away from neighboring properties to prevent glare. Only lights on the building or building overhangs at a level not to exceed the height of the lowest eaves may be left on overnight for security purposes. The flag may be appropriately illuminated. 10. No signs are approved as part of this permit. Any signage for the business will require a land use permit and must comply with standards in the St. Croix County Sign Ordinance Section 17.65. 11. The applicants shall be responsible for contacting the Zoning Administrator to review this special exception permit in two (2) years from the approval date for compliance. These conditions may be amended or more conditions may be added if unanticipated circumstances arise that would affect the health and /or safety of citizens or degrade the natural resources of St. Croix County. Conditions will not be changed without notice to the applicant and opportunity for a hearing. 12. Any minor change or addition to the fireworks retail sales operations, including but not limited to a change in use or facilities, or the addition of services or staff shall 6 require prior review and approval by the Zoning Administrator prior to making the change or addition. Any major change or addition to the originally approved plan will have to go through the special exception approval process. 13. Accepting this decision means that the applicant has read, understands, and agrees to all conditions of this decision. Motion carried unanimously. Application #1: Russ Utecht — Special Exception Motion by Peterson, second by Nelson to approve the special exception permit for a temporary hot mix plant in an existing non - metallic mine in the Town of Richmond based on the following findings of fact and conclusions of law: 1. The applicant is Russ Utecht, property owner and Ron Peterson, agent. 2. The site is located at 1454 120` Street in the NE'/ of the NE'/ of section 21, T3 ON, R18W, Town of Richmond, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. 3. The applicant filed with the Planning and Zoning Department an application for a special exception permit for a temporary hot mix plant in the Ag Residential district pursuant to Section 17.15(6) (n) of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 4. This request does not violate the spirit or general intent of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance in that temporary hot mix plants may be allowed in the Ag Residential District with a special exception permit. 5. By operating within the parameters outlined in the DNR air pollution control permits and with conditions to properly contain all petroleum products associated with the operation, this request would not be contrary to the public health and safety or general welfare of the surrounding area. Since the surrounding land uses are primarily non metallic mining and concrete production, this request would not be adverse to the property values in the area. 6. With a condition limiting the hours of operation and the fact that this temporary hot mix plant will be in a depression and surrounded by similar uses, this request will not be a nuisance in terms of noise. With a condition to apply the chloride dust control agent and to install a tracking pad this request would not be a dust nuisance. With a condition to direct lighting downward, this request would not be a nuisance due to light glare. 7. Staff talked with Joe Brehm from the Wisconsin DNR in reference to the air pollution control general operation and general construction permits that they issued. The proposed hot mix plant equipment emissions are in compliance with 7 the standards outlined in those permits and therefore will not be nuisance in terms of smoke and odor. 8. Section 17.15 (6) (n) that states that temporary hot mix plants are allowed with a special exception permit if they are engaged in a public highway related project and do not exceed 120 days in operation. This request is for approximately 45 days and for State Highway 65 and complies with 17.15 (6) (n). With the following conditions: 1. This special exception permit allows the applicant to operate a temporary hot mix plant in the Ag. Residential district. Approval for this special exception permit does not include any additional uses, structures, or other activities. 2. The applicant shall be responsible for securing all other necessary local, state, and federal permits and approvals. 3. All petroleum products associated with asphalt production shall be properly stored and removed at the end of the project. 4. Hours of operation shall be 6 AM to 9PM Monday through Saturday. 5. Chloride dust control measures shall be used. 6. Any future lighting associated with this operation must be downward directed and shielded away from neighboring properties. In addition, lighting must be no higher than the lowest eaves of the buildings. 7. No signs are approved as part of this permit. Any future signage will require a sign permit. 8. Upon complaints of regularly occurring, excessively loud noise at any time, the applicant shall work with the Zoning Administrator to abate the noise problem. In the event that the matter cannot be resolved administratively, the applicant shall take the matter before the Board of Adjustment at a public hearing. 9. All buildings and property shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner. 10. These conditions may be amended or additional conditions may be added to address complaints or unanticipated circumstances that would affect the health, safety, or general welfare of citizens or degrade the natural resources of St. Croix County. Conditions will not be amended or added without notice to the applicant and opportunity for a hearing. 11. Any change in the use of the property; change in the building or facilities; or changes to the approved project details — including but not limited to structures, 8 landscaping, signs, lights, parking, or lot/access changes — shall require prior review and approval by the Zoning Administrator to ensure that all Ordinance requirements are met. The Zoning Administrator may determine that special exception approval is necessary. 12. Accepting this decision means that the applicant has read, understands, and agrees to all conditions of this decision. 13. This permit will expire on October 1S 2010. (120 days from June 1 S ) 14. Driveway / tracking pad shall be installed at entrance. Motion carried unanimously. _Application #4: Mark G. Warnken — Variance Motion by Nelson, second by Peterson to approve the variance for filling and grading in the slope preservation zone in the Lower St. Croix Riverway District in the Town of Troy based on the following findings of fact and conclusions of law: 1. The applicants are Mark G. Warnken, property owner, with Paul Steiner, Steiner Plumbing and Electric, Inc. and Ogden Engineering Co., acting as his agents. 2. The site is located in Government Lot 1, Section 23, T28N, R20W, Town of Troy, St. Croix County, WI. 3. Staff from the Planning and Zoning Department and the Land and Water Conservation Department conducted a joint site visit on March 4, 2010. POWTS- Certified staff has reviewed the plan and soil report data and find that the proposed replacement POWTS will be able to meet or exceed applicable standards in COMM 83 with conditions that the existing well is abandoned, an alternative water supply has been connected to the dwelling, the dispersal cell is 10' from the existing shed, and verification that no other wells are within 50 feet of the POWTS. Replacement of the existing wastewater system would eliminate the potential for groundwater or surface water contamination. The site limitations - including lot size, excessive slopes, and soil/bedrock conditions - preclude use of other portions of the parcel for POWTS installation. Holding tanks are not an option on this site due to the availability of on -site wastewater treatment per Section 12. LFA.b. of the St. Croix County Sanitary Ordinance. 4. The Town of Troy Plan Commission reviewed the concept application under its Riverway Ordinance during a March 4, 2010 meeting. The Plan Commission recommended the following additional items be addressed in the town Riverway permit application: • Any proposed alterations of vegetation and topography. The applicant was asked to clearly mark on a photograph any vegetation to be removed. If it is excessive, he was asked to consider replanting. 9 • An erosion control plan. The site plan shows a silt fence on the downstream side of the project. The application should contain a statement that it will be erected to DNR standards. • A vegetation management plan. This should include what mitigation will take place, e.g. seeding, etc. • Additional information. How any damage to the access trail will be remediated, and a statement that if necessary, the site will be accessed by barge. 5. The St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department has reviewed the plans and made the following recommendations: all vegetation that is destroyed as a part of the excavation shall be reestablished with native vegetation, perimeter erosion control must be maintained until self - sustaining vegetation is established, and heavy equipment access the site by barge to limit the amount of vegetation destruction in the slope preservation zone. 6. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has no issues with this proposed project provided there will be a vegetative management plan in place per NR 118. 7. The applicant filed an application with the Board of Adjustment for a variance for filling and grading in the slope preservation zone in the Lower St. Croix Riverway District to install a replacement POWTS for an existing legal, nonconforming seasonal residence, which is prohibited pursuant to Section 17.36 H.3.c of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. The applicant proposes to disturb an area of approximately 700 square feet within a slope preservation zone to install the septic tank, dose tank, and a drip - irrigation wastewater dispersal cell. With conditions to allow access to the site using a barge for transporting equipment and materials necessary to install the POWTS, the request will meet the purpose of Section 17.36.B for preventing soil erosion and pollution and contamination of surface water and groundwater. 8. According to the site plan submitted, a 10" diameter basswood and two 2" ironwood trees will be removed to install the replacement POWTS. Other existing ironwood, elm, basswood, and oak trees around the perimeter of the excavation will be preserved. The project will not entail the disturbance of any wetlands, nor will it add impervious coverage or change the drainage of the site. With conditions for protecting existing trees outside the POWTS excavation area, replacing any vegetation that is removed or that dies as a result of the replacement system with native vegetation, and properly implementing the erosion and sediment control plan, this request will meet the standards in Section 17.36 H.5 of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 9. This request would not be contrary to the public interest, which is to protect slope preservation zones in the Lower St. Croix Riverway District to prevent soil erosion, maintain property values, and preserve and maintain the exceptional 10 scenic, cultural, and natural characteristics of the water and related land of the Lower St. Croix Riverway. Replacing an aging POWTS would help prevent soil and water contamination from poorly treated wastewater discharge, which eliminates a potential public health hazard and helps to maintain the property value of an already developed parcel. As part of the project, erosion and sediment control measures would be employed, and efforts would be made to protect existing trees outside the POWTS area. With the conditions listed in Finding #8 above, the exceptional scenic, cultural, and natural characteristics of the Riverway would be preserved and maintained. 10. Literal enforcement of the provisions of the Ordinance would create an unnecessary hardship due to the unique physical characteristics of the property. The parcel is small, consisting of a substandard lot totaling less than 0.2 acre. The majority of the parcel slopes steeply toward the St. Croix River with slopes in excess of 25 percent, a small portion with less than 12 percent, and the remainder within slope preservation zones greater than 12 percent. These site characteristics were not self - created by any actions of the property owners. The replacement system would occupy an area within the parcel that is outside the 50' OHWM setback, above the floodplain elevation, and not on slopes that exceed 24.9 percent. Approximately 700 square feet would need to be disturbed within the slope preservation zone for installation of the replacement system to meet applicable state and county setbacks. 11. According to the applicant's agent and County POWTS- certified staff, the proposed replacement POWTS is the only type of system that will work well with the unique limitations of the site. A holding tank would not be appropriate on this site per Section 12.1 FA.b. of the St. Croix County Sanitary Ordinance, as well as the subsequent need for more frequent tank pumping. A POWTS generally has to be serviced once every three years (potentially less for a seasonal dwelling), while a holding tank generally would have to be pumped as often as once every two to three months during occupation. 12. The applicants are requesting minimal relief from the standards in the Ordinance. The amount of disturbance within the slope preservation would not exceed 700 square feet and is the minimum necessary to install the septic tank, dose tank, and the wastewater treatment cell in compliance with other applicable state and county standards. 13. Substantial justice would be done by allowing the applicant to continue using the existing legal, nonconforming seasonal residence on the property - which is a permitted use in the Lower St. Croix Riverway District - while reducing threats to public health and soil and water resources. Denying this variance would require the continued use of an aging POWTS that could fail and cause a public health hazard by contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water. The replacement POWTS has been designed to minimize tree removal, soil disturbance, erosion, and any other negative environmental impacts. 11 With the following conditions: 1. This variance approval allows the applicant's agent to install a septic tank, dose tank, and piping to a POWTS, which requires excavation of the tank holes and a 38' x 12' cell for dispersal of wastewater within the slope preservation zone. All work shall be done in accordance with the conditions below. The total disturbed area for the project shall not exceed 700 square feet. Approval of this variance request does not include any additional structures, vegetation removal, filling and grading, or other activities. 2. Access to the site for installation of the POWTS shall only be via barge and the owner's frontage on the river. Trees and vegetation that might be affected shall be included in the vegetation management plan for replacement with native plantings (see Condition #7 below). 3. Prior to commencing any excavating activities, the applicant shall develop a maintenance plan for servicing the septic and dose tank, including the logistics of getting pumping equipment to the site and removal of waste material by a licensed septic pumper. This plan must be included in the sanitary permit application submittal. 4. Prior to commencing construction, the applicant shall be responsible for obtaining all other required local, state, and federal permits and approvals, including but not limited to approval from the Town of Troy and a sanitary permit. 5. Prior to commencing any excavation activities, the applicant shall submit to the Zoning Administrator a construction timeline and contact information for all of the excavators, landscapers, plumbers, and other contractors working on the site. The applicant shall schedule an on -site pre - construction meeting with the Zoning Administrator to: • ensure that all pre - construction conditions have been met, including a compliance deposit; • ensure that all contractors involved are aware of the conditions of the approval; and • ensure that the applicant is aware of his roles and responsibilities as the property owner. 6. Prior to commencing any excavation activities, the approved erosion control measures shall be installed and shall be maintained in place until the entire site has been stabilized with permanent native vegetation consistent with the vegetation management plan (see Condition #7 below). During construction, the smallest amount of bare ground shall be exposed for as short a time as possible. Temporary ground cover such as mulch shall be used until permanent native groundcover is established. 12 7. Prior to commencing any excavation activities, the applicant shall submit to and have approved by the Zoning Administrator a vegetation management plan for the project. The plan shall include: • A description of the measures to be taken for protecting all existing trees outside the proposed excavation site (as shown on the applicant's site plan). • A list of replacement trees, shrubs, forbs, and/or grasses native to the area and suitable for stabilizing steep slopes, preventing erosion, and providing non - invasive cover. Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance with the replacement schedule in Section 17.36 H.81 of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. All replacement trees shall be at least two inches DBH (except on slopes exceeding 25 percent, where one inch DBH may be substituted to minimize disturbance) and planted no more than 12 feet apart and parallel to the river. 8. Prior to commencing an excavation activities, the applicant shall submit to the Zoning Administrator a Compliance Deposit equal to $500 to be held by the Zoning Administrator until all conditions of this approval have been met, at which time the deposit will be refunded in full along with a Certificate of Compliance. 9. Within 30 days of completing the project, the applicant shall submit to the Zoning Administrator photographs of the area disturbed by POWTS installation. The applicant shall be responsible for replacing any trees that eventually die as a result of the replacement system, and planting additional native trees, shrubs, and groundcover as determined necessary by the Zoning Administrator to meet the Lower St. Croix Riverway District vegetation standards in the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 10. Within 30 days of completing the project, the applicant must record an affidavit against the property with the County Register of Deeds that describes the approved POWTS maintenance plan for servicing the septic tank and references the vegetation plan. The intent is to make future owners aware of the responsibilities incurred in properly maintaining the POWTS and native vegetation on this site. The applicant must submit a copy of the recorded affidavit to the Zoning Administrator at this time 11. Any minor change or addition to the project, including but not limited to design of the project, shall require review and approval by the Zoning Administrator prior to making the change or addition. Any major change or addition to the originally approved plan will have to go through the variance approval process. 12. The applicants shall have one (1) year from the issuance of these approvals to commence installation of the replacement POWTS and two (2) years to complete it. Failure to do so may result in expiration or revocation of this decision, after which time the applicants will be required to secure a new variance before starting or completing the project. 13 13. These conditions may be amended or additional conditions may be added if unanticipated circumstances arise that would affect the health and /or safety of citizens or degrade the natural resources of St. Croix County. Conditions will not be amended or added without proper notice to the applicants and an opportunity for a hearing. 14. Accepting this decision means that the applicants and all property owners have read, understand, and agree to all conditions of this decision. Motion carried unanimously. Unfinished Business: Kat Nordby — Special Exception/Variance — Tabled January 28, 2010 Motion by Nelson, second by Hurtgen to approve the variance for a 700 foot setback from property lines required for kennels and motion by Peterson, second by Hurtgen to approve the Special Exception permit for an animal boarding facility in the Shoreland, Floodplain in the Ag Residential District based on the following finding of fact and conclusions of law: 1. The applicants are Richard and Kathleen "Kat" Nordby, property owners. 2. The site is located at 1394 230 Street in the NE '/ of the NE '/ of Section 29, T30N, R16W, Town of Emerald, St. Croix County, WI. 3. The applicants filed an application for a special exception permit to operate an animal boarding facility (kennel) and a variance to the requirement for a 700 -foot lot line setback in the Ag Residential District to pursuant to Section 17.15(6)(f) of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 4. Upon holding a public hearing on December 2, 2009, the BOA denied the variance request and subsequently the special exception request. The Board denied the variance request due to a finding that there was an absence of unnecessary hardship. The Board denied the special exception due to denial of variance. 5. At its regularly g scheduled meeting on December 22, 2009, the BOA heard and voted to approve a request for reconsideration of its decision to deny the variance and special exception permit requests based on a previous decision of a kennel (specifically Bonnie Tennessen, BOA #SE0138) and facts presented. The request for reconsideration was submitted by the applicants pursuant to Article VIII, Section 6 of the St. Croix County Rules and By -Laws Governing the St. Croix County Board of Adjustment. The BOA scheduled a hearing for reconsideration on January 28, 2010. 6. The applicants submitted additional information in response to the concerns and opposition expressed by two town residents. With regard to concern about noise 14 from barking dogs from a neighbor whose house is — 1900 ft. from the proposed kennel, the applicant re- stated their intention to keep boarded animals within the house or in an insulated pole barn and limit the number of dogs outside at any one time to two (2) that would be supervised by one of the applicants. With regard to the question of whether or not a hardship exists, refer to Finding #12 below. 7. On January 28, 2010 the Board voted to table the reconsideration decision to allow time for staff to research additional information regarding kennel standards and regulations in surrounding counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. 8. The Town of Emerald submitted a letter recommending approval of the requests dated November 19, 2009, which was faxed to the zoning department on 12/2/09, as well as a memo dated January 26, 2010 that reiterated the town's support of the requests. 9. The Land and Water Conservation Department has reviewed the Kat Nordby special exception permit and variance application and recommendations were included in the staff report for the December 2, 2009 hearing. 10. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Carrie Stoltz, DNR Water Management Specialist, reviewed the application and her comments were included in the staff report for the December 2, 2009 hearing. Item #1— Variance Request — Findings and Conclusions 11. The applicant's reconsideration request submittal compared their variance request and that of the Tennessen kennel, which was approved by the Board in 2007: • Neither kennel facility is able to meet the ordinance requirement for being located less than 700 feet from any lot line shared with property upon which a dwelling mgy be located, although Tennessen's kennel was >700' from the west and south lot lines; • Adjacent properties are zoned Ag Residential and feature predominantly agricultural uses, with limited low density residential development. The closest existing dwelling from Tennessen's kennel is 1000' away, the closest dwelling to Nordby's proposed kennel is — 480' away; • The hardship requests were stated identically in staff reports, that literal enforcement of the Ordinance would not allow the applicants to be able to use their property for a permitted purpose due to the dimensions and unique characteristics of the lot; • Unique physical characteristics on both parcels provide physical buffers between kennel sites and future development areas. Tennessen has a steep bluff separating them from vacant lots to the north and a creek floodplain to the south, as well as >700' distance to the west and south. Nordby's lot has creek floodplain and shoreland areas —350' wide to the north and west that buffer existing/future development and —700' distance to the south, however, there are no buffering features toward the east; 15 • A creek bisects both properties, which are within primary environmental corridors and require waste management plans to conserve and protect wetland, shoreland, and floodplains; • The kennels would be secondary to the principal use of the property as the applicants' residence. 12. As part of its December 2, 2009 denial, the Board of Adjustment found that there was an absence of hardship demonstrated. Unnecessary hardship is defined in Section 17.09 "where special conditions affecting a particular property, which were not self - created, have made strict conformity with restrictions governing areas, setbacks, frontage, height, or density unnecessarily burdensome or unreasonable in light of the purposes of this ordinance." On March 25, 2010 the Board reviewed the staff research, the applicant's additional evidence, and testimony from the hearing and determined that an unnecessary hardship has been demonstrated as a basis for changing their decision to approve the variance. 13. Granting the variance to the 700 -foot setback to lot lines would not violate the spirit and intent of the Ordinance, the primary purpose of which is to protect neighboring properties from negative impacts and nuisance factors such as noise, smell, and visibility of dogs on the site. The applicants' property is screened and buffered from existing dwellings to the northwest and west by trees and vegetation growing in wetlands along Carr Creek and one dwelling is — 700 feet south of the proposed kennel. Properties to the north and east currently feature agricultural cropland. Other existing residences are greater than 1000 feet from the applicant's site in any direction. With the conditions listed in Findings #14 below, which include additional plantings along the perimeter of the outdoor exercise area to buffer any potential noise from the dog training activities, negative impacts to adjacent properties and potential nuisance factors would be minimized. Item #2 Special Exception (kennel) Findings and Conclusions: 14. Kennels may be allowed as a special exception pursuant to Section 17.15(6)(f) of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. The applicants contend that there is a need for additional animal boarding facilities (kennel) in the area and have submitted letters of support from two local veterinary clinics who indicated the demand for boarding services exceed the number of licensed facilities available. This is the first kennel request submitted in the Town of Emerald. Written support for the kennel was submitted by neighbors who are immediately adjacent to the applicants' lot. With conditions to provide additional vegetative plantings along the perimeter of the outdoor exercise area, to limit the total number of boarded pets at any given time, to utilize sound -proof indoor animal housing, and to supervise a maximum of two (2) dogs during outdoor training or exercise, staff finds that the spirit and intent of requirements in Sections 17.155(6)(f) and 17.70(7)(a)3 will be met by providing an effective buffer from noise, visual, and /or odor nuisances. 16 15. In response to a request by the Board, research was conducted to compare St. Croix County's ordinance regarding kennels to those of surrounding towns and counties, both in Wisconsin and Minnesota. While conducting this research, additional information was obtained regarding 2001 Wisconsin Act 16 that requires corrections be made to finding #11 in the January 28, 2010 staff report. Act 16 aka "the puppy mills law" was to take effect on February 1, 2004, but was vetoed in 2003 prior to its implementation. Subsequently, 2003 Assembly Bill 536 proposed similar licensing requirements for kennels, but was not enacted. Current legislation, entitled 2009 Wisconsin Act 90, Section 173.41 regulates persons who sell dogs or operate animal shelters, but no longer includes the regulation of kennels. However, the applicants' proposed boarding facility will meet or exceed the Standards of Care described in Wis. Stats § 173.41(10). With conditions that all dogs and /or cats boarded at the proposed facility meet state and local licensing requirements, the request will not be contrary to public health, safety, or general welfare as required in Section 17.70 (7)(a)2. With the following conditions: 1. This special exception permit and variance allows the applicants to operate an animal boarding facility (kennel) on the site as indicated in the plans submitted and as provided in the conditions below. As part of this approval, the applicant shall not exceed the allowable animal units (including horses, ponies, dogs, and cats) as defined in Section 17.09 and pursuant to Section 17.15(1)(a) of the county ordinance. This approval does not include any additional uses, structures, or activities. 2. The applicants shall be responsible for complying with any other local, state, or federal permit requirements, licenses, and approvals. All animals to be boarded must have documentation of licensing and be up to date on vaccinations to prevent the spread of disease. 3. Within 30 days of this approval, the applicants shall submit to and have approved by the Zoning Administrator a management plan for all composted animal waste and bedding. As part of the plan, the applicants shall agree to store all stockpiled animal waste and bedding in a confined structure until land applied at acceptable agronomic rates. 4. Within 30 days of this approval, the applicants shall submit to and have approved by the Zoning Administrator a landscape plan that specifies location for native trees and /or shrubs that will provide additional sound buffer and screen the outdoor exercise area from adjacent properties to the west of their lot. 5. Normal hours of pick up and delivery shall be limited to 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays. No dogs shall be in outside enclosures after these hours. At such time as the applicants anticipate expansion of the boarding operations to 17 weekdays, the Zoning Administrator shall be notified of the change and the hours of pick up and delivery shall not extend beyond the hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM seven (7) days per week. 6. The applicants shall limit the total number of boarded pets at any given time to ten (10) dogs and eight (8) cats, to utilize sound -proof indoor animal housing, and to supervise a maximum of two (2) dogs during outdoor training or exercise. Upon complaints of regularly occurring, excessively loud noise at any time, the applicant shall work with the Zoning Administrator to abate the nuisance. In the event that the matter cannot be resolved administratively, the applicant shall take the matter before the Board of Adjustment at a public hearing and be responsible for any applicable fees. 7. The applicants propose a family -based business and shall have no additional employees assisting in the operation of the kennel. Existing buildings will be used to house the kennels and all lighting associated with the kennel shall be downward directed and shielded away from neighboring properties to prevent glare. Only lights on the building or building overhangs at a level not to exceed the height of the lowest eaves may be left on overnight for security purposes. 8. The applicants shall be responsible for keeping the property in a neat and orderly manner, which includes proper disposal of animal waste per Condition #3. 9. The applicants shall be responsible for contacting the Zoning Administrator to review this special exception permit in two (2) years from the approval date for compliance. Failure to comply with the conditions of this approval within the timeframes stipulated shall be grounds for revocation and forfeiture of the sureties. If the special exception permit is revoked, the applicant will be required to secure a new special exception permit to continue the activities. 10. These conditions may be amended or more conditions may be added if unanticipated circumstances arise that would affect the health and /or safety of citizens or degrade the natural resources of St. Croix County. Conditions will not be changed without notice to the applicant and opportunity for a hearing. 11. Any minor change or addition to the kennel operations, including but not limited to a change in use or facilities, or the addition of services or staff shall require prior review and approval by the Zoning Administrator prior to making the change or addition. Any major change or addition to the originally approved plan will have to go through the special exception approval process. 12. Accepting this decision means that the applicants and all property owners have read, understand, and agree to all conditions of this decision. Motion carried 3 -1; Malick opposed. 18 Application #3: Town of Baldwin — Special Exception Motion by Nelson, second by Peterson to approve special exception request to construct a new town hall in the Ag Residential District based on the following findings of fact and conclusions of law: 1. The applicant is the Town of Baldwin, property owner, with Joseph Hurtgen, Town Chair acting as their agent. 2. The site is located at 2399 90 Ave. in the NE % of the NE % of Section 21, T29N, R16W, Town of Baldwin, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. 3. The Town of Baldwin is the applicant and the town clerk sent an e -mail to document the Town Board's approval of building a new town hall at their March 4, 2010 meeting. 4. The applicant filed with the Planning and Zoning Department an application for a special exception permit to construct a new town hall in the Ag Residential District pursuant to Section 17.15(6)(s) of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 5. The new proposed town hall building will be located on a 2.5 -acre lot, part of which has served as the town hall site for over 50 years. The lot currently features a pole building that has been used for town hall activities and a shop building with an unpaved parking area. The proposed building will have a meeting room, office with file room, a kitchen area, and public restrooms (2) to support town government functions. The existing buildings will be used to house shop activities and store town equipment, as well as continue the recycling program. Holding tanks will be used to handle wastewater generated at the new building when events or meetings are scheduled at the town hall. 6. This request would not violate the spirit or general intent of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance in that a town hall is a reasonable and appropriate use in the Ag Residential District, which the property is currently zoned. Its location near the center of the town 2.5 miles east of State Highway 63 and northeast of the Village of Baldwin continue to make it accessible to residents. The existing building that houses the town hall and shop were established on the site as a legal use after the property was deeded to the Town of Baldwin in 1953. According to the applicant, the intensity and frequency of shop activities, recycling programs and town hall functions on the site will not increase with the proposed improvements. 7. With conditions for installing erosion control measures, maintaining the current level of off - street parking, prohibiting high- traffic activities at the site, and implementing the storm water plan, this request would not negatively impact the health, safety, or welfare of the public, nor would it be substantially adverse to property values for nearby residences. No full -time employees will work on the site. 19 Traffic will be intermittent and is not expected to have a detrimental impact on the road system. 8. With conditions for shielding light sources from adjacent properties, and planting native trees and shrubs to screen and buffer adjacent residential property to reduce noise and visibility, this request would not constitute a nuisance. 9. Based on seating capacity of —100 persons, a minimum 14 parking spaces are required pursuant to Section 17.57 (7). With conditions for maintaining at least 19 striped, paved, off - street parking spaces in the parking lot with additional gravel parking available on the site, the applicant will meet the minimum parking standards in Chapter V of the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. 10. The existing driveway on 90 Ave. will be replaced with one that meets the 200 - foot separation from the centerline of the intersection with 240 Street. 11. The proposed building will meet required road and building setbacks from 90 Avenue and the side- and rear yard setbacks specified in Sections 17.15 (4) & (5). 12. The St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department reviewed the Town of Baldwin special exception permit application and finds that the stormwater and erosion control plans are consistent with Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 151 requirements. The department recommends the applicant provide an operation and maintenance plan referencing the stormwater management plan on the deed to the property. With the following conditions: 1. This special exception permit is for the Town of Baldwin, property owner and applicant, to construct a new town hall in the Ag Residential District as provided in the conditions below. Approval for this special exception permit does not include any additional structures, impervious coverage, or other activities. 2. The applicant shall be responsible for securing all necessary local, state, and federal permits and approvals. With conditions that a holding tank servicing contract is established for proper disposal of domestic waste and an affidavit is recorded to assure ongoing tank maintenance, the request will meet requirements in Section 12.7.b.2a. 3. Prior to commencing construction of the proposed building, the applicant shall implement erosion control measures in accordance with the Wisconsin Construction Site Handbook and recommendations made by the Land & Water Conservation District staff. Immediately upon completing construction, temporary ground cover shall be used until permanent vegetation has been established. 20 4. The applicant submitted a parking plan showing the number, size, design and layout of parking stalls. The applicant shall be responsible for providing at least 19 paved, striped, off - street parking stalls, including two (2) that are handicap accessible, plus additional gravel off - street parking that can accommodate another 22 cars on the site in accordance with the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance. Additional space will be available on the existing gravel parking area in the event traffic exceeds the number of new off - street parking stalls. 5. Prior to commencing construction of the proposed building, the applicant shall submit to and have approved by the Zoning Administrator a landscaping plan to create a vegetative buffer at least 10 feet in width along the north property line that includes native evergreen trees and shrubs at least six feet in height at the time of planting. The buffer shall attain at least 80% opacity at maturity. Planting is not recommended along the south property line to maintain visibility for traffic entering and exiting the site. The plan should include the species, size, and location of all trees, shrubs, and groundcover to be planted on the site, as well as a timeline for the plantings and a maintenance agreement to ensure that all vegetation establishes successfully and is maintained. This condition shall be waived if the applicant submits to the Zoning Administrator a document signed by the adjoining property owner(s) to the north stating that they do not desire the vegetative buffer. 6. Prior to commencing construction of the proposed building, the applicant shall submit to and have approved by the Zoning Administrator an operation and maintenance agreement for the storm water pond. The applicant shall record an affidavit against the property referencing the storm water pond and operation and maintenance agreement, and submit a recorded copy of these documents to the Zoning Administrator at this time. The intent is to make present and future Town Board members and property owners aware of the responsibilities and limitations associated with runoff retention areas, and to ensure that they continue to function properly. 7. Prior to commencing construction of the proposed building, the applicant shall submit to and have approved by the Zoning Administrator a surety in the form of a compliance deposit in the amount of $1,100 to be held by the Zoning Administrator until the landscaping, site stabilization, and storm water management measures have been completed and approved to be in compliance with the conditions of this permit and all applicable provisions of the Ordinance, at which time the deposit will be refunded in full. 8. The access to the new town hall shall be from a new driveway on 90 Avenue that will meet standards contained in Section 17.60.7 for distance to the intersection with 240 Street. The existing gravel entrance and parking areas off 240 Street will remain to allow access to the shop and recycling center. 9. No signs are approved as part of this permit. Any future signage shall comply 21 with the standards and permit requirements of Section 17.65 of the St. Croix County Ordinance. 10. All lights on the site must be downward directed and shielded away from neighboring properties to prevent glare. Only lights on the building or building overhangs at a level not to exceed the height of the lowest eaves may be left on overnight for security purposes. Lights in the parking lot shall only be on during the hours of town meetings and special events. 11. Refueling and vehicle maintenance involving fluids shall be conducted on an impervious and properly contained surface in compliance with applicable state and federal standards. 12. No hazardous materials other than those associated with maintenance and use of the town vehicles and equipment shall be used on the site. Any fuel or hazardous materials stored on the site must be stored in proper containers and conditions in accordance with applicable state and federal standards. 13. General hours of operation for the town hall and shop shall not extend beyond 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM, with occasional extended hours for annual meetings and other special events. 14. Upon complaints of regularly occurring, excessively loud noise at any time, the applicant shall work with the Zoning Administrator to abate the noise problem. In the event that the matter cannot be resolved administratively, the matter shall be taken before the Board of Adjustment at a public hearing. 15. The property shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner. 16. Within six months of completing construction of the entire project, the applicant shall submit to the Zoning Administrator photos of all completed buildings, parking areas, storm water pond, lights, and landscaping, and certification that everything has been constructed as designed and as approved by the Board. 17. The applicant shall contact the Zoning Administrator to review this special exception permit in two years from the approval date (March 2012) for compliance with the conditions of this approval. These conditions may be amended or additional conditions may be added if unanticipated circumstances arise that would affect the health and /or safety of citizens or degrade the natural resources of St. Croix County. Conditions will not be amended or added without notice to the applicant and an opportunity for a hearing. 18. Any change in ownership of the property or change in project details — including but not limited to expansion, signage, landscaping, or lot /access changes — shall require prior review and approval by the Zoning Administrator and in some circumstances through the special exception approval process as stated in the 22 Ordinance. 19. The applicant shall have one (1) year from the approval of this permit to commence construction and two (2) years from the approval to complete the project. Failure to comply with the conditions of this approval within the timeframes stipulated shall be grounds for revocation. If the special exception permit is revoked, the applicant will be required to secure a new special exception permit. 20. Accepting this decision means that the applicant has read, understands, and agrees to all conditions of this decision. Motion carried unanimously with Hurtgen abstaining and McAllister absent Minutes Motion by Peterson, second by Hurtgen to accept the January 28, 2010 minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 1:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ... -✓`' Buor Sue Nelson, Secretary Becky Egg , Re66 ing Secretary 23