Rochester Planning Commission Meeting - Feb. 4, 2019

The Rochester Planning Commission’s February 4, 2019 meeting focused on land-use planning and proposed zoning and permitting changes. Commissioners supported considering the proposed expansion of the potential-intensity-change boundary near 1000 West University Drive as part of a broader master-plan review, rather than changing it solely in response to the medical-building proposal. The discussion addressed the proposed skilled-care use, building height and site design, and concerns raised by current tenants about uncertainty over their leases and the building’s future. The commission also reviewed a draft parks and recreation survey and discussed possible revisions to rules on lot coverage, impervious surfaces, and trailway setbacks. A draft office technology research district ordinance was presented for further review.

The commission discussed allowing the city manager to administratively renew outdoor-dining approvals when the setup is unchanged, while retaining the initial approval process; a unanimous roll-call vote followed, and the proposal was to proceed toward a public hearing. Staff also presented a development-review flowchart and discussed a possible joint meeting with the historic commission and DDA. No contracts, vendor selections, purchases, or procurement-related spending approvals were identified. The parks plan was noted as a prerequisite for eligibility for certain state grants, but no grant funding was awarded or allocated at this meeting.