Rochester Planning Commission Meeting - July 16, 2018

The City of Rochester Planning Commission met on July 16, 2018. It approved St. John’s final site plan and special exceptions by roll-call vote, with all recorded votes in favor. Staff reported that the revised plan restored the approved landscaping and included a signed shared-parking agreement covering a total of 316 on-site and off-site spaces, exceeding ordinance requirements; wording in a second agreement was still to be revised administratively. No contract award, purchase, or spending allocation was identified.

The Commission received a development-process flowchart outlining review steps and estimated timelines; members suggested clarifying application checklists, timing, and construction inspection follow-up. Staff said a permit-coordinator position would be posted and the process refined. Commissioners discussed possible changes to office-district zoning standards and uses, but took no action; staff expects to return with a draft ordinance. A revised River Place concept was also discussed, with the applicant expected to submit formal materials for a future public hearing.