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Planning commission approves fence and setback variances, rezoning of Lincoln School parcel and a TIF conformity resolution
Summary
The commission voted to forward approvals to the Community Development Committee and City Council for a 6‑foot front-yard fence variance at 1397 Burrows Road (applicant Kathy Kinnanen), a 5‑foot side-yard setback variance for 150 Shorewood Drive, the rezoning of 204 & 220 Willow Street to multifamily, and a resolution finding TIF District 45-1 conforms to the comprehensive plan.
At its meeting, the Detroit Lakes Planning Commission considered multiple public hearings and approved motions to forward recommendations to the Community Development Committee and City Council.
Fence variance (1397 Burrows Road): Staff (Larry, speaker 6) explained Kathy Kinnanen requested a 6‑foot front-yard privacy fence on a lot with three street frontages and a lower elevation that would make a 3‑foot fence ineffective. Kathy (speaker 5) said she has planted 18 trees but it will take years for them to screen Highway 10 traffic. Commissioner Nancy (speaker 3) moved to approve the variance limited to the east side and to remove the staff’s 5‑foot setback requirement so the fence may be placed nearer the property line; a second was made and the motion carried by voice vote. The commission will forward the recommendation to CDC and council for final action.
Side-yard setback variance (150 Shorewood Drive): Staff summarized a request from Drew Larson to allow 5‑foot side-yard setbacks on a 50‑foot wide lot for a proposed 36-by-40 house. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about existing setbacks; a motion to approve the variance with the staff findings passed by voice vote and will be considered by CDC and council.
Rezoning (204 & 220 Willow Street): Circle North Properties asked to rezone the former Lincoln School properties from R-2 to RM multifamily residential. Chelsea Manky (speaker 13) clarified that the square-footage and density figures in the staff report should include both addresses. Neighbors asked about potential unit counts and subsequent review steps; staff explained further development that complies with the RM district could proceed by building permit, while any noncompliant proposal would require conditional-use permitting and additional hearings. The commission voted to rezone the parcels and will forward the item for readings at council.
TIF conformity resolution (TIF District 45‑1): Staff reported TIF District 45‑1 (the Port on Little Detroit, the former bowling-alley property) is consistent with the comprehensive plan and reiterated plans to construct 14 townhome units on the site. The commission approved a resolution finding the TIF conforms to the plan.
Each of these recommendations will be considered by the Community Development Committee at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10 and by the Detroit Lakes City Council at 5 p.m. that same day for final decisions.
