9. Code Amendment for Computer Generated Images for Subdivision and Site PlansTO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJ:
Background
CITY OF `-=-
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
Don Ashworth, City Manager
Kate Aanenson, Planning Director
Bob Generous, Planner 11
March 30, 1994
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Date Submitted to Council
Code Amendment for Computer Generated Images for Subdivisions and Site
Plans
The Planning Commission requested that staff prepare a code amendment for the requirement
of photo imaging. This will be a requirement for subdivisions as well as site plans.
The amendment will be placed in two sections of the City Code. The photo imaging should
provide the level of detail that was provided with the photos of the ISTEA pedestrian bridge.
These photos enhanced the city's ability to analyze not only the size and scale of the bridge,
but also the visual presence of the bridge and its impact on surrounding development.
Enclosed is information from Macromedia Technologies explaining about computer graphics
and the different formats that can be presented. Staff is recommending photocomposite or
artistic renderings that depict the visual impact.
I Planning Commission Update
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on Wednesday, March 16, 1994 regarding
the proposed ordinance. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the
code amendment to City Council.
' Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the first reading of the code amendment to
require computer generated images for subdivisions and site plans as shown in the attached
amendment and that a second reading of the code amendment be scheduled for April 25, 1994.
MEMORANDUM
I
Don Ashworth, City Manager
March 30, 1994
Page 2
' Attachments
1. Code amendment
2. Information from Macromedia Technologies
3. Minutes of the Planning Commission for 3/16/94
LJ
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 18 AND 20 OF THE
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE,
CONCERNING SUBDIVISION DATA REQUIREMENTS
AND SITE PLAN APPLICATIONS SITE AND BUILDING PLANS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN ORDAINS:
F1
1
Section 1 . Section 18 -40 (4) of Chapter 18 Subdivision, Division 2. Platting
Procedures of the Chanhassen City Code is amended to add subsection
m..
(4) Supplementary information:
M. Computer generated photocomposite images or artistic renderings which depict
the visual impact of the proposed development's design, landscaping, street
layout, signage, pedestrian ways, lighting, buildings, or other details that affect
land use within the city shall be submitted. Such images and renderings shall
be from key vantage points and provide an undistorted perspective of the
proposed development from abutting properties, less intensive land uses, and /or
from entryway locations. Appropriate levels of resolution for the visualization
shall be used from flat shading for massing studies and preliminary design to
photorealistic imaging for final design.
I
Section 2. Section 20 -109 of Chapter 20 Zoning, Division 6. Site Plan Review of
the Chanhassen City Code is amended to add subsection, o:
Sec. 20 -109. Applications. Subsection (5) Site and Building Plan:
(o) Computer generated photocomposite images or artistic renderings which depict
the visual impact of the proposed development's design, landscaping, street
layout, signage, pedestrian ways, lighting, buildings, or other details that affect
land use within the city shall be submitted. Such images and renderings shall
be from key vantage points and provide an undistorted perspective of the
proposed development from abutting properties, less intensive land uses, and/or
from entryway locations. Photorealistic imaging or renderings are the
appropriate level of resolution.
i
Section 3 . This ordinance shall be effective immediately following its passage and
publication.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of , 1994, by the City
Council of the City of Chanhassen.
ATTEST:
Don Ashworth, Clerk/Manager
Donald J. Chmiel, Mayor
0 3/01/94 09:32 GALT I ER PLASH
NO. 001
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MAC"MEDiA
Technologies Incorporated
1
A Computer Graphics Primer
Introduction
003
Most people cannot Imagine what the Interior and exterior of structures will look like
before they are built. Some of these people are the same people that are making
critical structural and financial decisions from plans they do not understand,
Macromedia Technologies Incorporated has developed a unique line of visualization
products that can save people and organizations significant amounts of time and
money by allowing them to see and tour through unbuilt structures.
This paper is a brief description of some of what is possible with computer
visualization In relation to the built environment. It is Intended to describe some of the
terms and techniques commonly used In the computer graphic business.
3- 01mensional Computer Generated Models
A 3- dimensional computer generated model is a digital model which can be created
from a variety of input data. This data can Include, but is not limited to: a sketch on
paper, site plans, topographic maps, GIS files, blueprints, elevation drawings, or CAD
files, The computer model Is responsive to any proposed design changes.
Presentation Formats
A 3- dimensional computer model Is interactive with a wide array of presentation
mediums, or formats. Because the computer model has been created digitally it can
be stored or presented on any available medium. These can include:
Photographic prints (sized from 3x5 inches up to mural size)
VHS video cassette (for both still transfers and animations)
Overhead transparencies
35mm presentation slides
Interactive C -D disk
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Computer Renderings
' A computer rendering is an image created from any position or perspective within or
around the computer model, Rendering a computer model into a image is the process
the computer uses to take digital information and create an image which we
' understand as a visual representation of the proposed structure or development.
Photocomposlte Images
A hotocom osite Is an image that takes a computer model n
P p g p and places it within a
' photograph of a proposed site. We normally refer to these as "Photorealistic Images"
since it is practically impossible to tell that the structure or development in the
photograph is a computer image and not the real thing. It is Imperative that
' professional photographs be taken from precise locations using certain techniques,
This assures perfect perspective meshing of both the photograph and the computer
rendering of the structure or development.
' Animations
' An animation is normally produced on a VHS video cassette. Animations are a series
of still Images taken of the computer model and shown at 30 frames per second. The
net effect is the illusion of motion or movement through or around the computer model.
This technique is very effective when showing intricate parts of the computer model at
certain perspectives that can only be achieved using this technique. Other possible
applications of this technology are; tours through unbuilt structures, massing studies,
and evaluation of performance standards for interchanges, bridges, or other traffic
pattern areas.
I
Levels of Resolution
A 3- dimensional computer model can be rendered and output at various levels of
resolution. These options can be applied to fill the needs of the persons who are
analyzing a proposed development. Different levels of resolution are available for
each of the presentation formats discribed earlier.
Flat Shading A level of resolution that utilizes basic colors to form the shape of a
proposed structure. There is no texture on the computer model.
Flat shading is a cost effective level of resolution used for;
massing studies, preliminary designs, or any time a detailed
rendering is not required.
Textured A level of resolution that applies textures, and colors to the model.
It has light sources and casts shadows. It is approaching
photorealism.
C17 C11 ? 1 09 • JJ GALT I ER PLA?A NO. 001 C�05
Photorealism A level of resolution that when output onto p hotographic rint
p p
material is practically Impossible to distinguish from a real '
photograph.
Concluelon
Macromedia Technologies Inc. visualizations' are applied at many of the various
stages of project management, They can help clients review design alternatives and
make final presentations. In municipal applications they can be critical to a unified
understanding by all decision makers of complex development plans. In public forums
Macromedia graphics convey complex ideas to large and diverse audiences quickly
and distinctly. For residentlal development they can make the difference between a
sale and no sale. Call us if you need more information or this extremely effective
communication approach.
This material has been prepared by:
Macromedia Technologies Inc.
4590 Scott Trail
Eagan, MN 55122
Ph. (612) 683 -0579
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ANEW SOLUTION
ACHIEVE A UNIFIED VISION Achieving a unified vision
among everyone involved in a building project is parambunt
to its success. Because those who approve projects are often e existing Wabasha y treot__qr�e in St. Paul, Minnesota A i-R pho
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This age old need has a new solution: Digital Imaging ftom
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accurqcy of CAD models, - the skilled eyes of graphic artists byTM corn ut t r a nat!6-ns� , planning �on ls help
� phQt�giaphe s,- and the experience -of architects and clients,
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engin&e - m ice vyisval -tols that turn
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fb�4 Ocft � c that just concepts into -, underst� c mp ex design issues that o
reality. . . L I -- visualize �
L .arty }h ay.
DIGITAt - IMAGING -The process of creating digital images
begins by first unders project and its
_�Ommunications needs. A simple sketch, blueprints, CAP
files, -or GIS data will allow us to create a 3-D computer model
that is accurate to your vision of the proposed structure In
every dimension and detail:- The computer model can then be
seen in several different ways, each mane . tailored to your
specific communications needs.
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YOU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO USE DIGITAL IMAGING
The Digital Imaging process is flexible and affordable. The
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the same computer model is used for an infinite number of
viewing positions, digital images cost far less than
traditional visualization methods like cardboard models
and conceptual artist renderings.
VERY SIMPLE STEP BY STEP Hi -Rez images begin with an
original photograph of the site. The computer model is
colored and textured in accordance with your
specifications, then precisely oriented and imported into
the scene. Props and other elements are added to create
the final image. The resulting image leaves little to the
imagination - or misinterpretation. Computer animation
can be created at different levels of sophistication,
depending on its intent. Simple flat shading is helpful
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understanding.
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A 3 -D computer model is imported into a real photo of the proposed site,
then artfully rendered to match your vision of the finished project.
I
Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994
staff report. I would like to see the staff evaluate the drainage patterns within the
Timberwood Estates neighborhood to make sure that the patterns of drainage are maintained
and specifically in the vicinity of Lots 4 thru 12. And I'd also like to add that the
consideration for the sanitary sewer stub for Timberwood Estates, the siting of that stub
minimize topography disruption and tree loss to the extent possible.
Scott: Do you guys want to take a 5 minute break before we do the next?
(The Planning Commission took a short break at this point in the meeting.)
PUBLIC HEARING:
AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CODE REGARDING A REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT
COMPUTER AIDED GRAPHICS OR MODELS FOR SITE PLAN REVIEWS AND
SUBDIVISIONS.
Public Present:
Name Address
' Vemelle Clayton
425 Santa Fe Circle
Kate Aanenson presented the staff report on this item.
Scott: Any questions or comments?
' Mancino: Is this a public hearing?
Scott: It will be. I don't know, I just have one comment. In the section 1(4) where you
talked, item number (m) where you talk about computer generated photocomposite images or
artistic renderings. I personally would like to see computer generated photocomposite images
only and the reason, I was quite struck by the pedestrian bridge. I mean that, I think as a
Planning Commission we were able to make some decisions based upon some fairly minute
differences I think in the pylon size and different materials and then also they were able to do
a time progression and say well here's what it's going to look like now and here's what it's
' going to look like in x number of years. From an artistic rendering standpoint, I don't see
that as being as valuable. So I would rather not have both. The question does come in
though, do you have an idea of what this costs somebody to do a photocomposite versus an
artistic rendering?
' Generous: I don't know the artistic rendering. Now they gave me some examples of the
31
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Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994 1
costs for the photocompositioning ... $3,000.00 for the standard site. The example he used was
the high bridge in St. Paul which was a $35 million to $55 million project depending on their
final design. And they said that the final cost was, I believe it was $35,000.00 or $40,000.00.
Scott: Yeah, because that's my concern is if somebody's got a quarter of a million dollars in '
a lot and then they're going to be building a $20.00 a square foot building, I'm just trying to
figure out if there's a way to give us the scale without having.
Aanenson: As you recall when we looked at the hotel project, what they did, I'm sorry. ,
What they did is take actual photographs and tried to superimpose it. I think that helped you
to give a bit of perspective from Highway 5 and West 78th.
Scott: That worked really well.
Aanenson: Right, and I think that's what we're talking about in this artistic rendering. '
Scott: So it's a photographic process but not just somebody drawing something? I
Aanenson: Right.
Ledvina: Question. When you say artistic rendering, do you mean a computer artistic '
rendering or is that what you're requiring though? I mean can somebody sketch it out? Is
that adequate? '
Scott: That, at least in my mind, that doesn't really give an appropriate view or doesn't give
me a good idea. '
Mancino: Well they can change scale all the time. When it's a hand drawn artistic
rendering, a lot of times they'll get the building and the trees out of scale you know with '
each other or they'll give a funny perspective that isn't real realistic and I think that that's the
problem with the Yeah, they do whatever they want to do.
Scott: I like the idea of if there's some existing, I mean I don't expect someone to spend
$3,000.00 on something but I think it is important, if they can take an existing photograph '
and use that as the scale point and then do something with it. So I don't know what the
language is. Maybe photocomposite image. I mean that to me says it's a couple of
photographs stuck together. It doesn't have to be anything extremely expensive, unless '
someone that has a very large scale development feels they can invest the money but anyway.
Farmakes: You're going to drive the cost up of demanding a building that's not built as a I
32 1
I Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994
photocomposite where it becomes an illustration—versus if they scan in an elevation drawing
and then drop in some color and then show the signage. They can do that like a photo shop
' or something relatively inexpensively. If they have to render the building in 3 dimensional
form, it gets to be fairly expensive.
Scott: What's the middle ground that gives us what we want but doesn't cost?
Generous: Well it depends on the resolution you ask for too. John was telling me that if you
' go with a flat shaving, it's less expensive than going to the photo realistic images.
Farmakes: The memory capabilities get very high and then you get into work station type
t breaks where you have a much more sophisticated computer to hold a lot of memory from an
illustration. Some of them might be 100 megabytes just for an illustration. So it's a lot of
more expensive equipment.
Scott: What language do we want?
Farmakes: Well aren't we interpreting, Kate can you go over what the benefit again is
supposed to be here? If we're looking at photocomposites, we're looking at the relationship
' of the building to existing buildings? We're looking at possible signage or landscaping. That
sort of thing. When we're looking at signage or whatever, I think that certainly working from
a working elevation and seeing the maximum development is sufficient. I don't know if it
needs to be a photo rendering or that cost when you're dealing with PUD's where there's
substantial amount of money and it's a large scale development. This is fairly small
percentage.
' Mancino: Yeah, I was going to say. It might have to do with cost of the project and having
staff make that decision because we couldn't have visualized the bridge. I mean if somebody
explained it in verbiage, here's the difference between the you know, the bridge. We couldn't
visualize that and the picture obviously.
' Aanenson: I think that kind of language, what Bob has put in there, the appropriate levels of
resolution for the visualization. I mean that's something we're going to have to develop you
know as we go through this process. Say that this project demands this level of detail and
this project ... but we want to have something in there where if we do need it to make a good
decision, that we can ask for it.
Farmakes: So the criteria then would be that if you thought it was necessary, then you could
ask the developer for that expense?
33
Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994
Aanenson: Right. Because we don't have it in there right now. Right now we can't ask for
it.
Mancino: That makes sense. That makes sense.
Ledvina: So the terminology, appropriate levels of resolution, that's really your discretion.
Aanenson: Well if it comes to you, you could say we can't tell the details and we're going
to have...
Generous: Also you should know that once they have the first one done, the next levels are
less expensive. He was giving me like $800.00 for a different angle or picture...
Ledvina: A question. Now does this apply to all subdivisions that will come through?
Aanenson: No, that's what I'm saying. We'll have them to do in subdivisions and sign
plans.
Ledvina: But what do we have in front of us? Is this.
Aanenson: You're amending two sections of the code.
Generous: 18 -40 is the subdivision section and 20 -109 is the site plan review.
Ledvina: So you said subdivisions so this is for subdivisions, just like what we, like a
residential subdivision.
Aanenson: Or maybe along Highway 5 ... some instances where you may want to...
Ledvina: I see that it's a very powerful tool for analysis and I really like what we did with
the pedestrian bridge. I couldn't agree with you more on that but for a residential
subdivision, I'm having a hard time seeing the application.
Mancino: What about an apartment building?
Aanenson: You don't have to have it This is something if you feel like it's necessary,
you've got the language in there. Again, we're going to have to on a case by case basis, and
it may be something that ... a multi- family project.
Generous: He also said they could do like a video so if you have a subdivision it would be
like coming into the entrance on the street. Going up the street seeing the various housing
types placed in there.
34
I
r�
Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994
Farmakes: A walk thru program.
Generous: Yeah, exactly.
Mancino: So it gives us the option.
Aanenson: What it does is gives you the option.
Scott: The option to ask for it. Okay.
Ledvina: I guess I would like to see that clarified. I don't think that... appropriate level of
resolution. Another question though. Section 20 -109. That's the site plan review?
' Aanenson: Yes.
Ledvina: Okay. I think it's certainly appropriate there. I don't know, I think it has a lot of
application there but I'm not so sure, certain as it relates to subdivisions, how important it
might be.
Nutting: But they're also not making it mandatory.
Ledvina: Yeah. How can we change that language to make that clearer? Appropriate levels
of resolution.
Scott: Appropriate levels of resolution as determined by City planning staff.
Ledvina: Can you throw that in there?
Scott: So it's clear as to who makes that?
Aanenson: Well this is part of a laundry list that you look at. When you come in for an
application to build a subdivision, we give you a checklist, these are the things you need to
provide. And so these fall into that checklist. Okay so if someone was coming in and we'd
say well this obviously, you probably wouldn't need this on this subdivision or take a site
plan, this may or may not. It's one of those things you could check...
Nutting: You want to say it's a requirement but you have the flexibility to say you don't
need it.
Generous: Yeah, you're too small and we don't really...
35
Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994 1
I
Aanenson: Or when it comes to you and ... and you feel like you need it, then we've got a I
method to say, we're not going to approve it until we get a visualization.
Scott: Yeah but I wouldn't see us getting to that point until the development is going ahead
but then we're getting down to maybe some of the finer details. Okay. Good. Are we done
'
with the discussion with the staff? This is a public hearing. Is there anyone here who would
like to speak on behalf of the public hearing? Yes. Please identify yourself.
Vemelle Clayton: I'm Vernelle Clayton and I live at 422 Santa Fe Circle ... just have some
questions. We haven't had much of a chance to look at the report and we had some of the
,
same questions that you did. Particularly did it really mean that you could have a rendering
such as we used on the motel, and apparently it does. And I think that's important. The
process is not incredibly well developed yet for computer visualization. It's sort of going
,
through the process, as I understand. The computers and calculators and everything... probably
in a couple years everybody will have it but right now not too many people do. And I have,
ever since I worked in State government, always felt that it was somewhat an uncomfortable
position for any unit of government to find themselves in to be requiring something that is
only provided by a few. And so one of the questions that we had was, would like to have
answered too I guess before we know whether we're even concerned about this is, how many
people really can provide this service? And that is kind of ... and that then, let me go back.
How many people can provide it at the level that you want? There are a lot of people that
can provide a certain amount of ... go in and assume that you're requiring a whole lot. So I
guess that would be something that should be clarified so there aren't any misunderstandings.
The other thing is that sometimes I think what we did with the motel, when we took a picture
and then Tim Howell, as you may recall, painted in what we proposed to build, could be done
,
by somebody like Tim Howell but the others couldn't. I like to be able to see folks like Tim
Howell be able to ... business of being an architect, one of the few remaining businesses where
you don't have to be a...if you don't want to. So I mean ... but basically we had a couple
'
questions like that. When would it be applied? There are some small projects that really
couldn't afford it. And whatever you ask these folks to do, they pass it on to the price of the
home or the price of the product that's sold in the commercial buildings so I think you need
to think about that. I believe that's all I had. But maybe if you have the answers to those
questions and you know that ...that's fine but we didn't have the answers and we were
wondering, since we find ourselves appearing before you from time to time with various
projects but.
Scott: Maybe the intent, especially on the, like an addition to an existing structure. In my
,
mind that's just fine. We just want to see how is it going to look. How's it going to play
out and so forth. From a signage standpoint, an elevation drawing, you know 2 dimensional I
36 1
I Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994
is fine but I think when we start getting into something like, and I don't know if you had a
chance to see the computer generated piece that they did for the pedestrian bridge but we
' were asked to make some decisions that I don't think we really could have made.
Vernelle Clayton: I think that's perfectly reasonable and that's a very ambitious project ... so
it's a very small percentage of the total cost.
Scott: So that's why we want to make sure that it's optional and it's only used in case of a
tie or if you will, but just something where we feel we need it or city staff needs it. But
we're not going to be requiring this willy nilly and I think that was one of our concerns. It's
1 like what does this stuff cost? But no, your points are well taken.
Vemelle Clayton: I would suggest you might want to ... obviously it's got to be not the
' planning staff but the City Planner. I've never read anything from the staff on their own...
reports signed off by the planners. I think it would be the city planner that would be making
the decisions. I would think she'd be more comfortable with some sort of a guideline... and I
' would think you would be in the future, should you hire some ... if she decides to go to South
America or something. It's easy to be comfortable with the people you know and their
judgment. You're comfortable and so am I with Kate's judgment but this is a law on the
books that doesn't always, I've been around here a whole lot longer than probably any-of you
and some of the things that we all thought we just a given you know 5 or 10 years ago,
people don't even remember now. And some of the things that happened 20 years ago, it's
so easy to have a good idea while you're doing it and then another group of people interprets
it differently.
Scott: I think someone at the planner level would be appropriate. I don't know if we need to
have the Planning Director but you know city, when you talk about planning staff, I'm not
thinking of an administrative individual. I'm thinking of someone who's business it is to plan
and to make decisions of that thing so we need to specify planner level I and H on up or
whatever but we're talking about somebody who's in the business of planning can make that
decision. Are there any more comments from the public for the public hearing? May I have,
seeing none, may I have a motion to close the public hearing?
Mancino moved, Farmakes seconded to close the public hearing. All voted in favor and
the motion carried. The public hearing was closed.
Scott: Matt.
Ledvina: Well, I have a few questions. I guess one other thing that I wanted to know was,
it says and provide a perspective. This is in the middle of the paragraph. And provide a
1 37
Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994 1
perspective of the proposed development from abutting properties. Outlying properties? All
sides? At the property line?
Aanenson: We do that right now when we ask for perspectives. We make the judgment call ,
on what we feel is the most important—maybe on a small project, it's ... maybe on one project
it's so sensitive that you need a perspective from all. So really. '
Ledvina: Sure. Okay, so it's your discretion on that. That's fine but it's just, it begs to
question I guess. '
Aanenson: Maybe there's a...
' k
Ledvina: Sure, I'm okay with that.
Aanenson: There's just so many variables with each project. I guess I don't want to tie it i
down and then leave something out.
Ledvina: Okay. Well I think things do change with time and I can see 5 years from now
people looking at this ordinance saying geez, that was in the Stone Age. The Jurassic type of
things... But we have to make a stab at it and I guess, as I said before, it is a powerful tool '
and I would support the passage of this ordinance.
Scott: Okay. Ron. I
Nutting: I guess I also would support it. I guess the issue is coming down to discretion to
apply on a case by case basis to the level that's appropriate and I guess the only question I
have is, the language as it sits, appropriate levels of resolution for the visualization shall be
used from flat shading etc. Does that leave appropriate open to interpretation from the
applicant side as opposed to planning side? And do you want to say as determined by so my
comment is, if we want to refine that. Otherwise I'm in favor of approving this.
Scott: Okay, Nancy. I
Mancino: I'm in support of approving this as is. The only words I would change is artistic
renderings and I don't know what we came up with. And I don't know what the right jargon
is. Jeff, what was the right, you came up with something.
Farmakes: I don't remember what it is.
Mancino: Did someone write it down?
38
I Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994
Generous: I wrote photocomposite but I don't know.
' Mancino: Well I think that Joe you said just leave out artistic renderings and say
photocomposite images.
' Farmakes: Because the photocomposite that's where you took two photos together into a
single image. A rendering, a 3 dimensional rendering is just that. It's a rendering. A
drawing in CAD where you do.
Mancino: Oh a computer generated rendering.
Farmakes: Correct. Which is far more elaborate and far more costly. You can use photo,
canned photo or library photo textures like for instance... have a lot of different kinds of brick.
And you can design a dimensional drawing and the computer will apply it dimensionally. So
again it's the amount of, that's far more elaborate and time consuming and expensive than
scanning an elevation drawing and dropping in some color in the background.
Scott: Or taking a photograph of the existing area and then superimposing either a line
drawing or a photograph.
' Farmakes: That's easy.
I Scott: Yeah, and that may be appropriate in those instances.
Farmakes: That's an easy issue. Two scans and you put them right together. That's easy.
Mancino: Well then let's leave it up to the discretion of.
1
Ledvina:
I'm comfortable with artistic rendering...
Mancino:
Then we'll leave artistic rendering.
1
Ledvina:
...but again, I'm sensitive to.
Mancino:
Cost.
Ledvina:
Well cost, yeah. And narrowing the realm of possibility and also the vendors that
can provide the service. I think that's important.
39
Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994 1
Mancino: Then let's leave both in and so either are an option. Whatever is appropriate for
the particular site. I
Scott: As determined by.
Farmakes: And I would add the verbiage of provide an undistorted perspective of the '
proposed development.
Mancino: Where would you put that?
Farmakes: Well you were talking about distortion of perspective which can be used to create '
a distortion of scale so the purpose of comparison, you would want like a normal lens. A
view of the surrounding area.
Ledvina: Depict the undistorted visual impact. Whatever.
Farmakes: My comments on this are that the city staff should have discretion because the '
negotiation and development takes place prior to us seeing the staff report and that's therein
where the preparation of presentation takes place. Before we see it. For us to set up a
criteria, again you get into the problem of trying to come up with a criteria that is applicable '
to every type of development. And as we've seen with the sign ordinance type situation, it's
a very complicated process and I would go with the judgment of city staff on this and not
hinder the, as to individuals changing on city staff, I don't think that that makes any '
difference. An ordinance is an ordinance and whoever is in the city staff at the time I believe
will, it's their job to project whatever the city ordinances are through their interpretation so '
time marches on and I'm sure we may get other people here but I wouldn't expect that they
would go outside the realm of what the current ordinance is and if it needs to be changed, it
will be changed. We do it all the time as our needs arise.
Aanenson: Or as technology changes.
Mancino: Jeff, you're limiting it just to staff. I mean if it got to City Council and somebody
on City Council said you know, you guys I really think we should see a photo image
composite, I mean.
Aanenson: It's not limited to staff. All we're saying is this is a requirement. If we don't
require it, what we're saying is it could be a requirement. Okay what we've done by not,
everybody... when a developer comes in they'll say, can you hand us a checklist to see what
we need to do. We can say, we probably don't think that this project requires ... so all it is is
it's on the checklist. Is it appropriate? You may be required to put them on notice... 1
40 1
1
I Planning Commission Meeting - March 16, 1994
' Scott: Okay. Well I support that code amendment and can I have a motion please?
Mancino: I move that, oh I'm going to need your help on this. I move that we approve the
code amendment to require computer generated images for subdivisions and site plans as
shown in the attached amendment, attachment. Is that what I want to say? With the addition
of provide, you're wanting to provide an undistorted perspective.
' Farmakes: Provides an undistorted perspective of the proposed development.
Mancino: Thank you.
' Scott: Is there a second?
' Nutting: Second.
Scott: It's been moved and seconded that we accept the code amendment as amended. Is
1 there any discussion?
Mancino moved, Nutting seconded that the Planning Commission recommend approval
of Code Amendment for Computer Generated Images for Subdivisions and Site Plans
amended to include a statement that it provides an undistorted perspective of the
proposed development. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.
Scott: Does this have a life after us now?
Aanenson: It goes to Council.
LANDSCAPING APPROVAL FOR MINNEWASHTA LANDINGS AND LOCATED AT
THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 7 AND
MINNEWASHTA PARKWAY.
Kate Aanenson presented the staff report on this item.
Scott: Any questions for staff or comments?
Mancino: A couple questions. Kate, where are you, and I'm sorry if I mussed it when you
I gave the report and you talked about the conservation easement. You're going to take that
directly to the City Council?
' Aanenson: That would be part of the conditions. You had asked that's one of the things we
41
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690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. 150� 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(6 12) 937.1900 • FAX (612) 937.5739
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LU D GRE1 A pril ll 1994
' BROS . Honorable Mayor Don Chmiel
CONSTRUCTION
Members Chanhassen City Council
' INC.
' 935 E. Wayzata Blvd.
' Wayzata
Minnesota 55391
' (612)473 -1231
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City of Chanhassen
690 Coulter Drive
P. O. Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Dear Mayor Chmiel and City Council Members:
Recently Lundgren Bros. Construction, Inc. learned of a proposed amendment to the City
Code regarding a requirement to submit computer -aided graphics or models for subdivision
and site -plan reviews. The purpose of this letter is to clearly state our opposition to such a
change. Our reasons for Lundgren Bros.' opposition are many.
The first reason is cost. This will add thousands of dollars to the cost of a development that
must be passed through to the home buyer. Also we believe that the citizenry when weighing
any (and we do not believe there is one) benefit against the additional cost would not approve.
Secondly, there will be increased time associated with this additional submittal requirement.
The subdivision process is lengthy enough. Thirdly, there is a theoretical nature to this
exercise when buildings are included in the graphics. It is premature to theorize how a
building within a subdivision will look knowing it will be highly customized. Furthermore,
Chanhassen for the most past has developed quite well without this.
The fourth reason is the monopolistic nature of this action. We know of only one firm that
can provide the computer capability and only one firm that has topographic of the City. If this
is the case, such companies would control time and money. In the fifth place, the design can
be only as good as the information available. The topographic maps of a subject property are
developed in the early stages of the development process. These are only of the site and not
the surrounding area. But for some views, topos of adjacent areas are necessary. Lundgren
Bros. understands that such topo may be purchased and , it is also our understanding from one
of our consulting engineering firms that has used this material that this topo is of poor quality.
Our last objection is that to Lundgren Bros. knowledge, this is not a requirement in any other
city.
Mayor, members of the City Council, we ask that you hear our opposition to this Code
Amendment. We ask that this item be turned down or at least tabled until developers and
home providers can meet with City Staff and City Council members to discuss the dilemmas
and problems attributable to implementing this new ordinance.
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Presi Vice
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