City Plan Commission

CITY OF MONROE CITY PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 TIME: 5:00 PM PLACE: CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 1110 18TH AVE A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Mayor called the Plan Commission meeting to order on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Present at roll call were Mayor Douglas, Alder Matt Shaeffer, Dave Wartenweiler, Ben Voss, and Ron Spielman. Absent were Bill Bethke and Luis Carus. B. CORRECTION OF MINUTES - JANUARY 11, 2026 The January 11, 2026 minutes were accepted as presented. C. BUSINESS 1. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Common Council for Certified Survey Map for James & Jeffrey Larson at 2715 & 2717 6th Avenue - Parcel 23251 3723.0000 The applicants proposed a Certified Survey Map to split the existing lot and structure into two separate fee-simple parcels, creating a zero-lot line to allow individual ownership of each unit, and staff recommended approval. The request involves a nonconforming structure on an existing lot, and commissioners raised concerns about creating nonconforming parcels, structural issues, fire separation, and maintenance responsibilities, though the zoning code allows the Plan Commission to grant exceptions. The Commission directed that Council consideration be contingent upon confirmation of easement details and completion of firewalls that meet code requirements. A motion was made by Ron Spielman, seconded by Dave Wartenweiler, to approve and recommend approval to the Common Council of the CSM contingent upon confirmation that no utilities are located beneath the structure within the easement area and that current firewall requirements for a twin home are met. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Common Council Regarding Zoning Text Amendment to MR-15 and MR-30 to Relax Restrictions on the Number of Units per Multi-Family Building  Shannon provided a brief update on the proposed zoning code changes, outlining different housing unit types that would be permitted by right based on zoning classification, and reviewed what would be allowed within the MR-15 district. She led discussion on the impacts of Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), noting that they can add time, cost, and uncertainty to projects, potentially delaying development by several months. Commissioners discussed balancing flexibility with oversight, with Dave noting that a short delay for a CUP may not be significant and Ron expressing that while he does not want the CUP process to hinder development, he would still like review of larger or multi-unit projects. Consensus supported allowing one building with up to eight units by right in MR-15, while requiring a CUP for multiple buildings on a lot. 3. Conceptual Discussion of Allowing Drive-Thru Services in the CMU District Commissioners discussed the potential for allowing drive-throughs in the CMU district as a conditional use and identified several considerations for review, including site design, pedestrian safety, lighting, signage, traffic flow, vehicle stacking, noise from speakers, possible limits on certain uses, and hours of operation. Staff will prepare draft text and visual examples for the Commission to review before presenting anything formally to the Plan Commission. It was noted that the Commission has not ruled out the concept entirely, but that reviewing a specific site plan at this time would be premature. D. BUSINESS PRESENTED BY MEMBERS E. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Matt Shaeffer, seconded by Donna Douglas to adjourn at 6:18 PM. Motion passed by unanimous vote. This Commission may take any action it considers appropriate related to any item on this agenda.