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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/12/2000 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 12, 2000 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Plazming Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Kazen Edgeton at 7:OOPM. Members Present: Karen Edgeton, John Bergman, Tim Burke (amved at 7:20 p.m.), Tom Melander, Jeannine Churchill Members Absent: Frank Blundetto, Jim Hadley Staff Present: Community Development Director Rick Kelley, City Planner Tom Lovelace, Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer, Assistant Planner Mazgazet Milton, Consulting Engineer Pat Wrase, City Attorney Mike Dougherty 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Churchill, to approve the agenda. The motion carried 4-0. 3. APPROVAL OF JUNE 21, 2000 MINUTES MOTION: Churchill moved, seconded by Bergman, to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried 4-0. 4. CONSENT ITEMS -None - 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Conditional Use Permit for Staging Trailer at GoodwilllEaster Seals, 7320 153'" Street Chair Edgeton opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. with standazd remarks. Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer introduced the item. Bergman asked if the petitioner had considered modifications to the building to allow for an additional trailer, foregoing the need for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Churchill questioned whether there was any mechanism for a time limit if a CUP was approved. Bodmer stated it could be limited to certain times of the yeaz, but could not be limited in terms of years. Bergman queried how easy that would be to enforce and said he had an issue with a freestanding trailer. Edgeton said that newer buildings are required to build screening walls, etc. and that approval of one CUP could open up the City for a lot of trailers in the retail azea. She stated if it could be done for a limited period of time, like one year, it maybe all right. Kim Ziesemer of Goodwill/Easter Seals, the petitioner, stated they are requesting a CUP as a temporary solution. On a peak weekend Goodwill receives up to 100 gaylord boxes of donations in a day. They are looking at options, including expanding the dock area and adding stores at sites south of the river. As always, they need to minimize their expenses, and they do not want to turn away donations that provide the revenue to carry out their mission. Commissioner Burke amved at 7:20 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes July 12, 2000 Page 2 Bergman asked if the trailer would be loaded with donations where it sits. Ziesemer replied in the affirmative, that loading could be done with a forklift. They would like to keep it as close to the donation receiving azea as possible to move items as quickly and efficiently as possible. There being no public comments, Edgeton closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Staff will explore options, including an Interim Use Permit, with the petitioner. A. Conditional Use Permit for Revised Outdoor Display/Sales Area; Setback Variance for Building Addition for Valley Oldsmobile Pontiac GMC at 7500 145`" Street Assistant Planner Margaret Milton introduced the prof ect. She explained that building permit authorization is not needed because the addition is less than 50% of the existing structure. The petitioner has agreed to submit a landscape plan to enable staff review of the 2 'i/s% landscaping requirement. Edgeton reported on the favorable recommendation of the Economic Crrowth Partnership Committee. Bergman asked if Dakota County has agreed to the decreased setback along Cedar Avenue. Milton stated that County review is not required. Bernie Wagnild of Valley Oldsmobile introduced himself and Quinn Hutson, the architect for the project. Hutson said there were three goals in planning this addition: (1) to improve the pazking lot, close the entrance close to Cedaz, and improve the flow through the site; (2) to consolidate the sales areas, including an indoor used car showroom; and (3) to improve the image of the store and update building materials. Edgeton asked Hutson to address the importance of the 200 s.f. entryway requiring the setback variance. Hutson responded that the distance is too shallow for a showroom to house cazs. A drawing illustrating businesses in the azea with reduced setbacks to Cedar Avenue was shown. Hutson closed by describing the building materials to be used. Michelle Huck of 7381 146°` Way West stated no opposition to the building upgrade, but did express concern with hearing the Valley Oldsmobile public address speaker system in her neighborhood. Wagnild said he would be happy to work with the neighborhood to find a solution. MOTION: Bergman moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of a reduced building setback along Cedar Avenue from 50 feet to 40 feet to accommodate the building expansion which provides a more pleasing street presence, and is consistent with other businesses in the azea. Motion carried 5-0. MOTION: Bergman moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of a conditional use permit to expand the existing lot for outdoor storage and sales of automobiles. Motion carried 5-0. 6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS A. Sideyard Setback Variance for New Deck at 15829 Harwell Avenue by Robert Skelly Assistant Planner Maggaret Milton imroduced the item. In response to Commissioners Melander and Bergman, Milton pointed out that the stoop is about 3 feet wide and conformed that the encroachment of the stairs/stoop into the easement ranges from 6 inches to 18 inches. Planning Commission Minutes July 12, 2000 Page 3 The petitioner Bob Skelly submitted a letter from his neighbor for the record. The neighbor has no objections to the project. Skelly stated there are no footings under the landing. He went onto describe the finish plans of expanding the landscaping and putting a concrete pad at the bottom of the steps. MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of a reduced side yazd setback of 3 %: feet to insure the safe use of the landing by allowing an adequate width, and to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan which encourages improvements to homes built before 1980. Motion carried S-0. B. Rezoning From "RB" to "GB", Site PlanBuilding Permit Authorization, and Site Coverage Variance for 81,928 s.f. Self-Storage Facility by Superior Storage at Garrett Avenue and 155`" Street City Planner Tom Lovelace introduced the item. Discussion occurred about the proposed color of the concrete walls. Lovelace circulated photos showing examples of other colors within Apple Valley, as well as the color at Superior Storage's Burnsville facility. Melander said he personally has no problem with the proposed color. Todd Jones of Superior Storage pointed out the revisions to the plan: moving the entrance, increasing the amoum of brick by about 1S%, the addition of detailing to the west elevation. He stated they would show tme integrally colored brick samples that aze a dazker grey color. Jones also pointed out that the Apple Valley building has a much lower profile than the Burnsville facility, so there will not be the same expanse of the grey color. Paui Strother, azchitect for the project, showed the block samples. He stated a common concrete block was used in Burnsville. Strother said he met with Anchor Block to arrive at the options shown. Bergman asked if the fencing between buildings was painted. Strother said a white painted wood fence is shown. Bergman stated he would like to see the whole project maintenance free. Jones responded he is fine using wrought iron throughout. MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Churchill, to recommend approval of rezoning of the property from "RB" (Retail Business) to °GB° (General Business) to allow for storage facilities as a permitted use. Motion carried S-0. MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Bergman, to recommend approval of a preliminary plat that will subdivide the existing 4.34 acre parcel into one 3.6-acre lot. The remaining .74 acres will be dedicated as half right-of--way for 1SS`" Street West and Garrett Avenue. Motion carried S-0. MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval of a variance from the maximum building coverage in the "GB" zoning district of 2S%to allow for an increased building coverage of S2%, given the total impervious surface resulting from the calculation still does not exceed a comparable Retail Business site. Motion carried S-0. MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Churchill, to recommend approval of a site plan building permit authorization to allow for the constmction of six single-story mini-storage buildings, totaling 81,928 s.f. on 3.6 acres, subject to the following conditions: (a) replacing the "Burnsville" grey block with a darker gray; (b) providing a detailed planting list; (c) wrought iron fencing in place of the wood fencing, given the Fire Mazshall's approval. Motion carried S-0. Planning Commission Minutes July 12, 2000 Page 4 C. Amendment to Planned Development No. 646 for Pharmacy Drive-Through & Site Planlbuilding Permit Authorization for 36,723 s.f. Mu15-Tenant Retail Building in Fischer Market Place Outlot E Lovelace introduced the item. He noted adrive-through facility is currently permitted in this Planned Development (PD) in conjunction with a bank facflity. There was discussion regazding the elevation options. Community Development Director Rick Kelley explained that it provides flexibility to negotiate with a variety of tenant situations. Edgeton wondered about stacking for the drive-through. Paul Biloita of Centres Group, the petitioner, noted they had added brick up the facade and additional landscaping in response to the comments at the public hearing. He stated the proposed pharmacy operation only requires three spaces for stacking. The Kohl's lease requires five spaces for any drive-through in the development. Bilotta went on to say that the landscape island is wide enough so that it could be narrowed down to provide for a second drive aisle in the future, and the building will be reduced in size to meet the parking requirements. Because Fischer has indicated a desire to hold the property long term, the elevation options aze given to provide a building that is adaptable. City Attorney Mike Dougherty stated the City can require removal of the drive-through if it is not used by a drug store/pharmacy, if the PD amendment is adopted as proposed. MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Churchill, to recommend approval of an amendment to Planned Development Ordinance No. 646 to allow for drive-up windows in conjunction with drug stores/pharmacy retaii operations within zone 1 as a permitted accessory use, and requiring the removal of such adrive-through if drug store/pharmacy operations cease. Motion carved 5-0. MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Churchill, to recommend approval of the site plan/building permit authorization for the construction of a 34,980 s.f. retail building with 178 vehicle pazking spaces on Outlot E, Fischer Mazket Place, subject to the following conditions: (a) approval shall be contingent upon the replat of Outlot E and subsequent approval and recording of the replat; (b) an undulating berm construction to the specifications set forth in PD 646 shall be constructed along Florence Trail to provide screening for the loading azea; (c) the landscape plan shall be revised to identify a foundation landscaping azea along the south elevation of retail spaces B and C. A detailed planting list shall be submitted for verification of the City's 2 '/:% landscaping requirement at the time of building permit application. Motion carried 5-0. D. Site Plan/Building Permit Authorization for Sterling State Bank in Prairie Crossing Commercial Bodmer introduced the project, noting the only outstanding issue is the exterior building design's compatibility with the master architectural plan for Prairie Crossing. Tom Winkels of Sterling State Bank stated he thought there was a difference in taste, and that the colors of the building, as well as the stone, coincide with the housing products offered in Prairie Crossing. Discussion of the matter ensued. Churchill verified that the Commission was within its authority to impose a color standazd, noting the special performance standards within the Planned Development ordinance. The Commission agreed that the Kwik Trip and Sterling State Bank buildings needed to be brought closer together in design. Bodmer suggested a meeting with the developers of the two projects to find a solution. Planning Commission Minutes July 12, 2000 Page 5 MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Burke, to table consideration of the matter until the next meeting on August 2"d. Motion carried 5-0. Edgeton called fora 5-minute break at 9:40 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:45 p.m. D. Dahle Pines -Rezoning, Preliminary Plat and Site P1anlBuilding Permit Authorization for Townhome Development at Galaxie Avenue & 132"d Street by The Solvoll Corporation Bodmer introduced the item. She pointed out the exterior building materials as proposed would require a variance from the 50% masonry requirement. There was some discussion about the 50% masonry requirement for multi-family developments. Both Bodmer and Edgeton said they felt it was important to adhere to the set standard. Burke asked for clarification of the 5-foot sidewalk requirement. Chuck Ryan, representing the petitioner, said they would abide by the 50% masonry standard if required to do so. They would probably then either go to 75% or 100% stucco. Burke expressed his appreciation to the developer in working with the Williamsburg )II Association. Dave Ernster of Williamsburg III stated their Association vote was based on a drawing. He would like to put the agreements in writing that have been made verbally. ivi0 T ION: Bergman moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval of the rezoning from "R-1" to "M-3C" (Multiple family at 3-6 units per acre). Motion carried 5-0. MOTION: Bergman moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval of the preliminary plat of Dahle Pines, creating 35 lots for townhouse development, with the following conditions: (a) Outlot A shall be incorporated into Lot 9, Block 1, on the final plat; (b) a 5-foot sidewalk shall be constructed along 132°' Street; (c) at time of final plat developer shall provide the city with copies of executed cross-access easements between the Dahle Pines and Williamsburg III developments. Motion carved 5-0. MOTION: Bergman moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval of the site plan and give building permit authorization for construction of 35 townhome units with the following conditions: (a) final plans shall include a total of 14 visitor pazking spaces; (b) the landscape plan shall be amended to include a greater variety of plantings, along with a foundation planting plan, to be reviewed and approved by the City's Natural Resources Coordinator; (c) a nursery bid list shall be submitted at the time of application of building permit confirming that the landscape plantings meet or exceed 2 '/:% of the value of the construction of the buildings based on Means Construction Data; (d) no land alteration or tree removal activities may begin u~rtil a Natural Resources Management Permit has been issued by the City. Motion carried 5-0. MOTION: Bergman moved, seconded by Melander, to recommend approval of the following variances: (a) a 10' variance from the 50' setback requirement from Gakrxie Avenue for units 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 due to the hazdship caused by the recently upgraded designation of Galaxie Avenue to a B Minor Arterial roadway; (b) a 15' variance from the 25' setback from the northem property line for unit 27 due to the excess property between the iwo developments resulting from the unused right-of--way; (c) a 10' variance from the 25' setback from the northern property line for unit 5 due to the excess property between the two developments resulting from the unused right-of--way; (d) a 5' variance from the 25' setback from the public street extension of 131` Street to preserve additional mature trees along the west property line. Motion carried 5-0. Planning Commission Minutes July 12, 2000 Page 6 MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Burke, to recommend approval of a variance to allow less than 50% masonry building materials. Motion denied 0-5. 7. OTHER BUSINESS A. Sketch Plan for 84-Unit Apartment Complex on the Southeast Corner of German & 128`" Street by Duffy Development and Frank Kleckner Milton introduced the project, stating approximately 41% of the trees would be saved as proposed. She noted the applicant has applied for funding from the Metropolitan Council to help reduce some of the development costs. As part of the grant requirement, any savings would be passed on to renters in the form of reduced rents, thus providing affordable housing. Edgeton asked what assurances there aze that the builder passes along the savings to the renters. Kelley explained that pursuant to new legislation promoting affordable housing the City enters into a contractual agreement. Annual reports must be submitted, and funds have to be paid back if the criteria aze not met. There was some discussion about the pond and high water levels, given the recent storm and significant rains. Milton stated the storm sewer system is designed fora 100-year event. Consulting Engineer Pat Wrase said the City would not allow any water from the parking lot or roofs to flow overland into the pond, but must run into catch basins with a piped discharge. Bergman asked if the petitioner was willing to eliminate Building 4 or Building 1. Milton responded that the number of units and buildings has been reduced from the original plan. According to the zoning ordinance the base allowed is 77 units, and an additional ?units comes from a density bonus. Edgeton said it was her recollection that the "neck" parcel would be used as an entrance. Melander also stated he recalled there would be no buildings on that piece. He also indicated a zero setback request was inappropriate. Bergman commended the petitioner for going with affordable housing, but said he felt there was too much building for the site. Burke agreed. Churchill stated that they listened to people say there would not be any buildings, that the northern portion would be a driveway. John Duffy, the petitioner, stated that the City Council approved a rezoning and final plat, saying they would like as little building as possible on the rezoned piece, which involved approximately the eastern half of the northern neck of the property. He went onto say he thought the proposed small buildings would be more appropriate for the neighborhood, and that City Code allows 84 units, which is what is proposed. Duffy also stated they could probably reduce the road and parking to save more trees. He explained that the units aze designed so a firetruck turn-azound is met; they just thought it would be easier for a firetruck to go out through the lift station driveway. Duffy said there is sheet drainage on the site now. They have proposed a storm sewer system so drainage is picking up in a system so there would be less erosion than there is today. He also noted in regazd to the grant that they have to provide an audit, and the lender holds their reserve accounts. Duffy went on to say they asked the architect to design what he thought looked the best, and he came up with 40% masonry, but they will do whatever is required. The lender is asking for a site office. Planning Commission Minutes July 12, 2000 Page 7 Duffy also stated they could eliminate the variance for Building # 1 by not including the play area in between the buildings. He showed a scaled drawing of how the proposed buildings would fit into the current neighborhood. Duffy said they aze asking for the other variances because it seems like a good use of the property. He noted the homeowners to the west aze over 350 feet from the site, and that there is 82 feet from the DOT fence to the property line. They are proposing three handicap accessible units, which take a little more ground space. Bergman said he would like to heaz MnDOT's reaction to the proposal and to receive more information from Mr. Kelley about affordable housing. Edgeton pointed out that ifthe plan eliminated all the variances, the ordinance does allow the 84-unit project. Melander said he wants no variances and feels taken advantage of. Milton noted if the firetnrck turnaround is used, probably about three pazking spaces would need to be moved. B. Sketch Plan for Schlotzsky's Drive-Through Window Bodmer introduced the item. Kim Gazland, co-owner of Schlotzsky's, said they receive a lot of requests for adrive-through from their regular customers who include mothers with small children and the elderly. The drive-through would be on the north side to offer convenience to their customers. Gazbage would not be a problem as their staff is already instructed to pick up garbage daily. Based on other Schlotzsky locations, Gazland estimates 70 carsiday utilizing the drive-through, or about 6-8 cars%hour. Bergman questioned a stacking problem if orders take 2 '/: minutes to prepare. Gazland stated stacking of 6 cars is provided. There was some discussion about the restaurant classifications -- the differences between fast food and casual, where drive-through's aze currently located. Edgeton noted that the ordinance was amended to allow Schlotzsky's to locate there in the first place. Kelley gave a history of the site and adjacent development. He said the Commission could look at whether wnditions have changed and amend the Planned Development ordinance, if deemed appropriate. Burke said he was in favor ofhaving adrive-through, looking at lifestyles and the increase in traffic on Couniy Road 42. Bergman stated he liked it the way it is, but would consider looking at more information. Churchill said she would consider a formal request, but felt torn on the issue. C. Set August Work Meeting Kelley introduced the item of a special meeting to discuss development timing in the South Central Planning Area. He informed the Commission of a meeting of the interested parties, including Williams Pipe Line. The City encouraged them to work together on the issues of making things fit together. A series of meetings with various subgroups will likely be held. The City will be faced with decisions about who goes first. Edgeton said she was not available on August 24. Planning Commission Minutes July 12, 2000 Page 8 MOTION: Burke moved, seconded by Bergman, to set a work session for Thursday, August 24, 2000, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and that the City Council be invited to attend. Motion carved 5-0. 8. ADJOURNMENT Bergman moved, seconded by Burke, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m.