East Bethel City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Approval of Minutes and Corrections
Packet Size and Enforcement of Approved Site Plans/Permits
Votes (4)
Public Hearing on Rental Property Ordinance Amendments Chapter 50
Moved by Brian [0:16:55] · Seconded by Brandon [0:17:20]
The proposed amendments to Chapter 50 aim to clarify the distinction between long-term and short-term rental properties. Chapter 50 will regulate long-term rentals (30+ consecutive days), while short-term rentals are anticipated to be regulated under a new Chapter 51. The update is primarily for clarity rather than substantive changes to existing regulations. Public input was minimal, with one question clarifying the relation to VRBO discussions.
Public Hearing on the Decart Variance Requests at 19533 East Front Boulevard Northeast
Moved by Brian [0:49:10] · Seconded by Brandon [0:49:36]
The Decart family requested several variances to build a garage and living space above, including reduced setbacks from the street (17.2 ft where 25 ft is required) and side property line (3 ft where 7 ft is required), a setback for exterior stairs from the ordinary high watermark, and a minor impervious surface exceedance (25.1%). Staff recommended approval with conditions, such as limiting roof projections, removing an existing shed, and redesigning the lakeside stairs for a minimum setback of 60-65 feet. Neighbors spoke strongly in favor, emphasizing the need for a garage and the aesthetic improvement it would bring to the neighborhood. One commissioner expressed concern about setting a precedent for a 3-foot side setback, but ultimately supported the motion.
Site Plan Review for Outside Storage of North Country Concrete at 23035 Ulysa Street Northeast
Moved by Brian [1:12:12] · Seconded by Brandon [1:12:44]
The Planning Commission reviewed a site plan for an exterior storage yard for North Country Concrete, which had previously received conditional use approval from the City Council. The plan includes various features such as storage for crushed asphalt milling, perimeter fencing (decorative wood on the north, chain link with slats elsewhere), landscaping, site lighting, grading, and storm water improvements. Staff recommended approval, noting minor adjustments needed for lighting compliance and drainage finalization. Commissioners expressed strong support for the project, citing the applicant's good reputation and the community's need for such a business.
Soda Storage (Tabled/Continued from last meeting)
Moved by Brian [1:14:14] · Seconded by Brandon [1:14:40]
The Soda Storage item, previously tabled, was brought back for discussion. The city planner indicated that the applicants had not responded to inquiries regarding issues discussed at the prior meeting. Given the lack of applicant presence and outstanding questions (e.g., about fencing, barb wire removal on the Highway 65 side), the commission decided to table the item again. The city had already extended the review period under state statute to allow more time for resolution.
Notable Quotes (12)
the update is not substantive relative to the ordinance uh and who it's trying to regulate or what it's trying to regulate. Um other than to make a distinction between short-term in one hand and long-term or more traditional uh on the other.
My question is is this in relate in relation to the VBO that is there are several on the lake. Is this in relation to that or is it in relation to something different?
everyone has a garage, but Dan doesn't have one, and he certainly needs one because to put his things in there like everybody else. So, it's not an isore for the neighborhood.
This construction will make their property look like all the others in our neighborhood. It will it will improve it. It will beautify the neighborhood.
don't grant too much that that is not necessary for the project. Just grant the minimum amount necessary to to accomplish what you feel is reasonable.
The one thing though that probably makes me the most nervous is the three-foot setback. And here's why. We've passed a fair amount of these, and I'm usually for all four of them, but we've never had one that close. So, it just makes me a little nervous that now we're setting precedent of three feet, which we've never done before.
the city council already approved this as an exterior storage use through resolution 202466 in fall October 2024... Therefore tonight's uh discussion is focused on site plan review.
I'll just say I remember the biggest thing, you know, it was a big deal for this city because the road is between the two properties and they can't combine them and stuff and but they're great neighbors. They're going to it's it's going to look awesome. They need it. They're going to stay in the community and I I I I'm excited for voting for it.
The people came in and applied just like a building permit to build this building. They build a building, they get a certificate of occupancy, they move in. So our people, staff are looking at it and then allowing them to use it. Well, they came in, they applied for this process. We approved it, council approved it. Is there no followup on the process being completed?
I did send an email to them on the 11th of August, but I have not received a response to either of my inquiries to them.
I would make the recommendation we table it because I have a question about after going past it on the fencing and I know Eric can't answer. So I would like to table the issue.
So a lot of them have this faux row iron black aluminum. So when when there's a conversation that says, 'Oh, there it's barb wire.' Yeah, sure it's still out there, but the more modern theme is not.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
City ordinance regulating rental properties, proposed for amendments to clarify long-term rentals.
Proposed new city ordinance to regulate short-term rentals.
Resolution recommending approval of the amendments to Chapter 50 rental properties.
Resolution recommending approval of the Decart variance request with specific conditions.
City Council resolution from October 2024, approving North Country Concrete's exterior storage use.
Resolution recommending approval of the site plan review for North Country Concrete.
Resolution related to the Soda Storage conditional use permit that was tabled.
Type of permit required for exterior storage uses, previously approved for North Country Concrete.
Permit type mentioned in discussion about enforcement and follow-up.
Statute allowing cities to extend review periods for land use questions.