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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/05/2000CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 5, 2000 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Pkuuring Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Kazen Edgeton at 7:01 PM. Members Present: Karen Edgeton, Tim Burke, Tom Mekmder, John Bergman, Jim Hadley, Jeannine Churchill and Frank Blundetto. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Community Development Director Rick Kelley, City Planner Tom Lovelace, Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer, Assistarrt Planner Mazgazet Milton, Consulting Engineer Pat Wrase and City Attorney Shazon Hills. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Community Development Director Rick Kelley noted that item 7B had been withdrawn by the applicant, and requested an item 7D (Special City Council Work Session) be added. MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Burke, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carved 7-0. 3. APPROVAL OF MARCH 15, 2000 MINUTES MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Melander, to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried 7-0. 4. CONSENT ITEMS A. Setback Variance for Second-Floor Deck for Northwest Air Federal Credit Union MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Bergman, to recommend approval of a building setback variance of 85.5 feet from the required 97 feet from the east property line to allow for construction of a second-story deck. The granting of the variance is due to the hazdship created by the irregular east lot line and granting the variance will not alter the essential. character of the area. The motion carried 7-0. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Cobblestone Lake -Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Planned Development Rezoning & Preliminary Plat for Mixed Use Development (Retail; Institutional; High, Medium & Low Density Residential) Edgeton opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. with standazd remazks. City Planner Tom Lovelace introduced the project. Edgeton asked if mining was completed on the site, and about the proposed commercial azea. Kelley responded that the planned development agreement could include specifics as to phasing of the reclamation and sand and gravel mining. Because of its magnitude, he stated that agreement would come back to the Planning Commission Minutes April 5, 2000 Page 2 Planning Commission with more details for review. Lovelace noted that the commercial azea is expected to serve the neighborhood, Pilot Knob travelers, and users of the future pazk west of Pilot Knob. Burke asked how far north the future park lies, and queried as to locations of any nearby commercial retail areas. Melander wanted to know how large and how deep the detection pond would be, and whether any recreational uses would be allowed. Lovelace replied it would be close to Long Lake in size, 22 feet deep in some azeas, and would contain both soft and hard edges. Rob Wachholz of Tradition Development said they aze trying to accomplish a neighborhood of lifecycle housing linked with a trail system. Dwight Jelle of Westwood, also representing the petitioner, stated the current agreement calls out completion of mining by 2008. He went on to say they are working on ideas to enhance the pazk in the East Valley Neighborhood by enlarging it and making it more usable with some topographical changes. They are starting the AUAR (Alternative Urban Areawide Review) process, and that they aze cleaz on wetlands. Soil testing has been done. Current plans call for the pond to be about 32 feet deep. He closed by pointing out some of the Comprehensive Pkm goals this project complements. Grreg Kopischke, senior planner with Westwood, shazed their strategy as to land uses, including new urban approaches, different housing mixes, neighborhood commercial, creative features, pedestrian and transit friendly, as well as a true use of the public realm with differing levels of activity and density. Bergman asked if there was any consideration to increase the amount of single family, given it comprises only 20 acres of the 282 total acres, and asked for a description of the different housing products. Wachholz replied they aze still looking at different products, but what is shown refer to Rottlund designs. In addition to the acreages called out as single family, the "Traditions" aze also detached and aze not included in the 20-acre calculation. They anticipate having several builders, but with azchiteciural features that relate to each other. That common thread is being worked oh. Harvey Olson of 15451 Drexel Way stated his desire to have single family neat to single family. He wondered how kids would get from there to the park across Pilot Knob. Also, Apple Valley East Pazk could be overloaded, especially if the pazk west of Pilot Knob is not developed. Leslie Henschel of 15128 Dunbar Boulevadd said the Prairie Crossing Park consists of two swings and a slide so those kids come to Apple Valley East Pazk. She stated she would like to see a park within the proposed neighborhood rather than having them go to Apple Valley East Park. She also said that lower income and single family in Apple Valley East don't seem like a good mix. Al Joyce of 15443 Drexel Way asked if the City is under pressure by the Met Council to change the housing styles, that up to Prairie Crossing single-family on a fair-sized lot was dominant. He said that many people would cause transportation problems and wondered why the city is going to this high density. Charlene Joyce of 15443 Drexel Way asked if units will be owner occupied, rental or sublet. She also wondered about sidewalks, street widths, greenspace, and whether the county would allow another outlet on Diamond Path. She closed by stating the closure/reconstruction of Dodd should wait until 160x` is open. Dave Tomlinson of 15450 Dodd Boulevard stated the importance of looking at how this proposal fits into the city as a whole. Planning Commission Minutes April 5, 2000 Page 3 Hadley asked if the planned development (PD) would allow 4-story apartments. Kelley replied a PD acts like its own zoning ordinance and will probably be largely driven by design. Burke asked about the access to Diamond Path. Lovelace responded that the Dakota County Plat Commission would be reviewing the proposal at their neat meeting. There being no other public comments, Edgeton closed the hearing at 8:02 p.m. 6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS A. Pennock Place Senior Apartments -Preliminary Plat & Site PlanBuilding Permit Authorization wlParking & Density Allowances for 3-Story 106-Unit Building Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer introduced the item. Edgeton asked how the access issue would be handled if the site went to market-rate apartments. Kelley responded that market-rate would require much more parking, in which case so much of the site would be paved that a connection to Granite would not be significant. Additional discussion occurred regarding the access to 140' Street. Hadley asked how close the proposed gate could be put to the curb. Kelley answered that it could be put right up to the property line. The intent is to have it one foot from the sidewalk. Acar-length's distance would allow the Police to get in without impeding traffic on 140's Street. Bodmer said pavers that allow grass to grow up through them could be used to lessen the entrance's appearance and thus discourage public use. Burke said he liked the idea ofthe grass-through pavers. Churchill asked how fire protection is provided to the ends of the building. Burke noted that this is not the first building you cannot drive around with a fire truck. Gary Tushie, representing the applicant and owner, pointed out that the turnover is very low in senior buildings. He stated the owner Art Eaton is okay with providing anon-descriptive easement on the north- south, but not east-west. Bodmer confirmed the City couldn't demonstrate a need for the east-west non- descriptive easement so recommendation lb is being dropped. Tushie also stated that a gate and accompanying signage would be visible because that azea is entirely clear of vegetation. He stated their willingness to work with staff to address the safety concerns. MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Hadley, to recommend approval of the preliminary plat with the following conditions: a) The properly owner shall dedicate a 60' wide non-descriptive easement providing future north-south right-of--way connection of Granite Avenue to 140's Street and b) Installation of bituminous trail along 140' Street adjacent to Lot 1 in accordance with City's Trails and Sidewalk Plan. An escrow shall be required for future trail installation adjacent to Outlot A. Motion carved 7-0. MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Hadley, to rewmmend approval of the site plan shown as Option # 1 and give building permit authorization to construct a 106-unit apartment building for occupancy by seniors with the following conditions: a) Access to 140`s Street West shall be gated entrance for use by emergency personnel only. The Fire Marshall, City Engineer and Planning Staff shall review and approve the design of gate, lock box and signage. b) The private drive shall be constructed with a minimum turning Planning Commission Minutes April 5, 2000 Page 4 radius of 85 feet. c) A variance from the required pazking on the site to allow constmction of 106 parking spaces shall be granted conditioned upon the use of the building remaining as a senior housing facility and the filing of the variance with the deed at the Dakota County Recorder's Office. d) A variance to allow increased density on the property of up to 24 units/acre, based upon the amenities outlined in the staff report, shall be gramed conditioned upon the use of the building remaining a senior housing facility and filing of the variance with the deed at the Dakota County Recordei s Of&ce. Motion carried 7-0. Edgeton would like the City Council to look closely at the gate issue. B. Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for Regatta III (Mixed Residential) Lovelace introduced the item and highlighted the results of the study. Dennis Griswold of Pulte Homes said he was pleased there were no impacts or surprises regarding environmental concerns. C. Motor Fuel Sales, Car Wash & 24 Hour Operations Conditional Use Permits; Site P1anJBuilding Permit Authorization for 5490 s.f. Gas/Convenience Store Bodmer introduced the item and reviewed the public hearing comments. Edgeton asked about controls available to assure the car wash doors are closed. Bodmer confirmed that car lights would be below the berm on Diamond Path. Churchill wondered if it is possible to add fencing or brick to the berm on Diamond Path. Bodmer replied that the existing berm is not on the applicant's property, but that the applicant is willing to widen the berm to extend it to their property and place plantings atop it if the County would agree to that. Scott Teigen of Kwik Trip stated they aze in full agreement with what Bodmer has stated, including their willingness to widen the berm and place plantings, although they would rather not hide the store. Blundetto stated only the southeast corner would need to be done, thus not hiding the store. Edgeton said she would not want a car wash if she lived across the street, and that she thought it rare that doors aze closed on a car wash. Churchill stated the doors at Galaxie Caz Wash close automatically. Teigen stated he would hate to have Kwik Trip neighbors go to a competitor to get their caz washed. Bergman said he is not comfortable with a CUP to allow opening at 5 a.m. Melander stated there were no public comments opposed to the 5 a.m. opening. MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of a conditional use permit allowing motor fuel sales in conjunction with the convenience grocery store. Motion carried 7-0. MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Churchill, to recommend approval of a wnditional use permit allowing the constmction of an approximately 2200 square foot car wash conditioned upon the hours of operation limited to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and that doors close during washing and drying cycles. Motion carved 7-0. MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Churchill, to recommend approval of a conditional use permit allowing extended hours of operation, beginning at 5:00 a.m. Motion failed 1 (Blundetto)-6. Planning Commission Minutes Apri15, 2000 Page 5 MOTION: Blundetto moved, seconded by Churchill, to recommend approval of the site plan and give building permit authorization to construct 4,000 square foot convenience store, a 2,200 squaze foot caz wash and 3,625 squaze foot gasoline pump island canopy conditioned upon: a) The northern drive shall be a shared driveway with Lot 1. b) A landscape nursery bid list shall be submitted which confirms that the landscape plantings meet or exceed 5% of the value of the construction of the budding. c) A plan to extend berms on the southeast corner, subject to Councy approval. Motion carved 7-0. D. Site Plan/Building Permit Authorization for New Apple Valley City Hall Assistant Planner Margaret Milton introduced the item. Wayne Hilbert of CNH Architects showed color renderings of the proposal. Blundetto said the Council chambers look expansive. Hilbert said there would be some signage there, and that interior design issues, including audiovisual equipment, limit the placement of windows and other azchitectural features. MOTION: Bergman moved, seconded by Hadley, to recommend approval of the site plan building permit authorization to construct a 19,373 squaze foot city hall facility. Motion carried 7-0. 7. OTHER BUSINESS A. Sketch Plan for Sam's Club Discount Store and PD Amendment for Tire/Accessories Installation Bays, Located on the Northeast Corner of Foliage Avenue & Florence Trail in Fischer Market Place, by Walmart Corporation and Fischer Market Place LLP Milton introduced the item. She explained that Zone 3 of the planned development (PD) is for smaller retail uses, and Zone 1 is for larger retail. She also noted that the building would need to be attached to the Menards to comply with the current PD. Greg Frank of McCombs Frank Roos, representing Wahnart, explained that Sam's Club required a membership and most purchases are made in bulk. The auto service azea proposed would involve fire mounting and battery installation only. Frank noted that the buildings (Sam's Club and Menards) would be connected up to the fenced azea of Menazds. Burke asked if the miniature signs shown on the building are allowed. Bergman queried about the Fire Marshall's opinion of the proposed gap between the buildings. Hadley asked for clarification of the garage doors. Frank said four bay doors are being proposed. Frank also noted the fire/battery azea would occupy only 2000 s.f. of the total 130,000 s.f. building. The Commissioners made the applicant aware of the importance of treating three sides of the building as fronts in relation to azchitectm'al design and appearance, and that any outside storage issues be brought forward. Finally, adequate cart storage must be considered. B. Sketch Plan for Auto Service in Prairie Crossing Planned Development, Located in the Southwest Corner of C.R #42 and Diamond Path, by Linn Property Holdings Item withdrawn by the applicant. Planning Commission Minutes Apri15, 2000 Page 6 C. Sketch Plan for "BP" Zone Uses: Church and Daycare Kelley introduced the item. The Commission discussed the concerns outlined in the staff report, particulazly the adult use restrictions and the potential impact of a zoning amendment as proposed. Blundetto said he felt the City would be at risk by allowing such an amendment. Steve Schottler of Wispazk, the applicant, said there were neighborhoods on two sides, and he felt a church was a good fit. Greg Miller, also of Wispazk, stated they would not have invested in the business pazk had he known about the adult use situation. Tom Olander, Associate Pastor of River Valley Church, explained that they had outgrown the Falcon Ridge Middle School facility, but that they could not afford available land. He described their church's vision in providing outreach to the community and their desire to provide quality daycare by fairly compensated daycare employees. Melander said he was comfortable with church and daycaze uses in a "BP" zoning district. Bergman stated he didn't think daycare was a good fit. Michael Houge of Upland Real Estate, the leasing agent for Wispazk, said an adult use would not be a tenant in the Valley Business Park. 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Bergman moved, seconded by Burke, to adjourn. The motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 11:18 p.m.