HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/05/2006CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 5, 2006
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to Order by Chair Tom
Melander at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Tom Melander, Keith Diekmann, Jeannine Churchill, David Schindler,
Tim Burke, and Frank Blundetto
Members Absent: Thomas Helgeson
Staff Present: Acting Community Development Director Tom Lovelace, City Attorney
Sharon Hills, Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer, Associate City Planner Margaret
Dykes, City Engineer Colin Manson, and Planning Intern Jeff Thomson
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the Agenda. There being none, he called
for approval of the Agenda.
MOTION: Commissioner Churchill moved, seconded by Burke, to approve the Agenda.
The motion carried 6-0.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 15, 2006
Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the minutes. There being none, he called
for approval of the Minutes.
MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Churchill, to approve the minutes of
the March 15, 2006, meeting. The motion carried 6-0.
4. CONSENT ITEMS
None.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Megellan Pipeline Company, L.P., Subdivision -Consider Subdivision of an 80-
Acre Parcel Into One Lot and One Outlot
Chair Melander opened the public hearing with the standard comments.
Associate City Planner Kathy Bodmer presented a request from Magellan Pipeline
Company, L.P., for a subdivision by preliminary plat of the Magellan property to
create one lot for the tank farm and one outlot for future development.
Bodmer reported the preliminary plat shows that the southern 47-acre parcel, Lot 1,
Block 1, will be created for the existing tank. The 27.2-acre parcel north of the
newly dedicated 147th Street will be Outlot A, and will be available for future
development. Right-of--way is shown dedicated for 147th Street, County Road 42
(150th Street), and Flagstaff Avenue. Bodmer reported that dedication of 147th Street
is important because it is a community collector roadway with a 100' right-of--way.
A 200' wide pipeline easement is retained along the west side of Outlot A for
pipelines that continue north from the tank farm.
Bodmer reported that the extension of 147th Street to the east will require the
lowering of the west side of the Magellan property. The grade difference between
147th Street at Flagstaff Avenue and the top of the hill of the Magellan property is
over 20'. The lowering of the west side of the property will require the lowering of
pipelines that exist along the west property line. The City has an easement over the
sliver of the Fischer property that is located between Flagstaff Avenue and the
Magellan property. The easement is 100' wide and will be used to make the
connection between the existing portion of 147th Street on the Fischer Marketplace
property to the Magellan property. Bodmer stated that eventually 147th Street will
extend from West of Pennock Avenue to Pilot Knob Road and act as a reliever for
County Road 42.
Bodmer stated that the plans indicate that a future tank is to be constructed on the
east side of Lot 1. No official request has been received to review a new tank, so no
approvals will be given for one at this time. A separate request will be required for
construction of a new tank.
The applicant indicates that the Apple Valley tank farm is an important facility for
their pipeline system. They stated that they have no plans to redevelop the southern
lot in the foreseeable future.
Commissioner Churchill asked what conditions could be placed on this subdivision
in order to improve Flagstaff Avenue going north. Bodmer responded that the
grades and sections of the pipeline will have to be lowered. Bryan Young,
representing the applicant, stated that the elevation of the pipeline would not impact
Flagstaff Avenue.
Chair Melander asked if anyone from the public would like to speak, and if so, they
may do so at this time. No comments were taken from the public.
Chair Melander closed the public hearing with the standard comments.
It is the policy of the planning Commission not to act on an item the same night as its
public hearing.
B. Sign Code Amendment -Consider an Amendment to Allow Motor Feel Digital
Price Signage
Chair Melander opened the public hearing with the standard comments.
Associate City Planner Margaret Dykes presented an ordinance amendment for
changeable signs regulated by Section 154 of the City's Code of Ordinances.
Dykes reported that currently the City defines a changeable sign as "A sign or
portion of a sign with separate insert letters and/or symbols which can easily be
removed and which are periodically changed." Staff and the City Attorney's office
have interpreted the code to mean that changeable signs consist of signs that have
only individual letters/numbers that are manually changed. The definition does not
include signs that have digital display or other LED conducted letters or numbers.
Changeable Signage is used for gas station price signs, as well as restaurant signs,
some retail signs, and signs for institutional uses such as churches, and City
recreation centers.
The City's sign regulations also define and regulate "illuminated sign." An
illuminated sign is defined as "any sign which has characters, letters, figures, design,
or outline illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes as part of the sign proper."
Signs with digital displays or LED letters do not clearly fall within the definition of
an illuminated sign.
Dykes reported that the Phillips 66/Conoco convenience store/station located at
15550 Cedar Avenue applied for and received a sign permit in May 2005. The
approved sign showed the pylon sign would contain changeable copy for the price
sign for the gasoline, as well as a "readerboard" area used to advertise special sales.
However, the sign that was actually installed included a digital board for the gasoline
price sign and not the individual changeable letters. Staff informed the property
owner and sign company that the sign did not comply with the existing ordinance at
which time they decided to request an amendment to the sign ordinance in order to
bring the gas price sign into conformance. The applicant is requesting that the sign
code be amended so that digital gas price signs will be permitted. The applicant is
not requesting that any other part of the sign code be amended.
Dykes reported that staff did a survey of other cities similar to Apple Valley. The
survey revealed that many cities do not have specific regulations for changeable
signs but they do prohibit flashing signs.
It is staff's opinion that if the City were to proceed with the requested amendment,
the language should be crafted so that it specifically applies to price signs for motor
fuel sales only and could not be interpreted to allow other types of commercial
digital Signage.
Chair Melander asked if the City Attorney was comfortable with the language
proposed. City Attorney Sharon Hills responded that she is comfortable and referred
to her memo that was included in the Commission's packet.
Commissioner Blundetto stated that he feels that the City is opening a can of worms
by allowing digital signage. He is concerned about how the City will control it for
motor fuel sales only. Commissioner Churchill stated that given the fluctuation of
motor fuel sale prices, this would be a good move and that the ordinance language
could be specific and apply to motor fuel sales only.
Commissioner Churchill asked the City has other digital signage in the community.
Dykes stated that there is some in the City, for example, Ryan Real Estate, some
banks, and the City's Community Center.
Commissioner Diekmann commented that he is worried about the gas stations using
the signage for other things, such as advertising cigarette prices, etc. Dykes stated
that the signage would be limited to motor fuel sales only.
Commissioner Schindler stated that he shares the concerns of some of the other
Commissioners in regards to enforcement of the ordinance, but feels that the
language is specific to motor fuels sales only and, therefore, he is comfortable with
the proposed amendment.
Dareld Meggitt, with Kath Fuel Oil Service, stated that the signage is better for
maintenance and less of a headache for employees to change. Meggitt added that
LED signage looks good and is similar to back lit signage.
Duane Downey, with Amtech Lighting commented that they have not had an issue
anywhere else getting the sign code amendment, particularly since it is limited to
motor fuel sales only.
Chair Melander closed the public hearing with the standard comments.
It is the policy of the planning Commission not to act on an item the same night as its
public hearing.
6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS
A. The Village at Founders Circle (formerly Harmony Commons) -Consider
Proposed Subdivision of a Mixed-Use Project into 5 Lots and One Outlot; Site
Plan/Building Permit Authorization for 3 Buildings with 197 Residential Units
and Approximately 52,000 sq. ft. of Retail; and Site Plan/Building Permit
Authorization for the Grand Stay Hotel, a 78-room Hotel with 11,000 sq. ft. of
Retail
Associate City Planner Margaret Dykes presented the request from Pedersen
Ventures for preliminary plat subdividing 19 acres into 5 lots and one outlot, site
plan building permit authorization for three buildings with 197 residential units and
approximately 52,000 sq. ft. of commercial uses.
Dykes reported that the property is currently platted into four outlots. The
preliminary plat for The Village at Founders Circle shows the subdivision of the
property into five lots and one outlot. The lot areas and configurations conform to
the City's subdivision ordinance. The plat shows the dedication ofright-of--way for
Founders Lane as is required, and the dedication of anorth-south aligned street
between 152°d Street W. and 153rd Street W., which the applicant is calling Founders
Boulevard. The street will have a planted boulevard separating travel lanes. The
applicant is proposing angled on-street parking spaces on this road, in addition to
one-way travel lanes. Motorists parking in the angled parking will back out into
traffic. There is sufficient right-of--way for all public roads, including atwo-lane
roundabout shown in the intersection of 153rd Street W. and Founders Lane. The
City's Traffic Engineer has reviewed the plan and states the roundabout is
appropriate for this development and would provide better access in this area.
Private streets and/or drives will handle the remaining internal circulation of
vehicles. The proposed plan will require cross-access and cross-parking easements
to be filed with the final plat. lnfrastructure has been installed for this development,
but there aze a number of details that will need to be worked out prior to the approval
of the final plat, including the phasing of the road construction for the roundabout,
the construction of the underground garage for the Triangle Buildings, snow storage,
and the construction of on-street pazking spaces. The development will require
dedication of pazk land or cash-in-lieu of land, as well as storm water pond
easements. Any site plan building permit authorization approval is contingent upon
approval of the final plat and development agreement.
Dykes reported that the three buildings on the Triangle piece, the proposed Lot 1,
Block 1, will have three mixed-use buildings on the site that will actually function as
one building. The buildings will have 197 residential units on four floors above
approximately 52,000 sq. ft. of commercial uses located on the ground level floor.
The buildings are constructed up to the property line as is required by the planned
development ordinance. The Landmark Building is a 5-story building located on the
southwest corner of 153`a Street and Galaxie Avenue. The Concourse Building is a
4-5 story building located on the corner of 153`a Street and Founders Lane. The
Southport Building is a 4-5 story building located on the corner of Founders Lane
and Galaxie Avenue. The revised plans show a bank on the street level but the bank
layout has been reconfigured so that it now wraps the corner of Galaxie Avenue and
153~d Street W.
Dykes reported that the residential units range in size from 600-800 sq. ft. studios to
1,350-1,945 sq. ft. 2-bedroom plus den units. A common plaza for residents of the
buildings will be located above the retail pazking lot, with amenities such as a pool, a
gathering room for use by the residents, pergolas, and decorative paving to enhance
the livability of the buildings.
The site plan shows sidewalks along all public streets. The plan has been modified
so that all public sidewalks are entirely located in the public right-of--way. There will
be internal sidewalks around the buildings to connect to the public sidewalks. There
aze, however, two mid-block crossings that the City will not permit -the access on
153rd Street W. and the southern-most access on Founders Lane.
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The revised plans show that the bank will be located in the retail space that wraps the
comer of 153'd Street W. and Galaxie Avenue. The plan shows that customers will
enter from the main driveway access of 153rd Street W., and will now have only two
drive-thru lanes as is required by the planned development ordinance. The stacking
lanes, with enough space for 6 cars each, are now configured horizontally rather than
vertically as was shown in previous plans. The use will still require a Conditional
Use Permit.
The site plan shows there will be an underground garage and an at-grade parking lot.
The revised plan shows that the underground garage will have 357 parking spaces
and 164 covered surface spaces in the at-grade parking lot, which totals 521 off-
streetparking spaces. There is sufficient parking for the proposed uses.
The revised plan shows there will only be left-in/left-out only access for the
driveway on 153rd Street, one left-in/left-out only access driveway on Founders Lane
and one right-in/right-out only access driveway on Galaxie Avenue. All of the
entrances are to the surface lot only. The entrance to the underground garage has
been moved so that it is internal to the surface parking lot. This may create some
confusion so ample signage indicating the location of the residential parking garage
will be crucial. There is a truck loading bay, which is approximately 45 feet from
the entrance to the surface lot. The City's Traffic Engineer states that the removal of
the number of curb cuts on 153rd Street W. is an improvement. He would like to see
the driveway entering at the at-grade lot align with the private street west of Galaxie
Commons. However the applicant has modified the plan to intensity the retail
presence on 153rd Street W. as requested by the neighboring property owners, which
pushed the driveway further to the west. Staff is comfortable with the revised layout
of the parking lot and underground garage.
The City Engineer believes that the site is feasible but will continue to work with the
applicant on the plan details and phasing. The City will design the public utility
plan. A Natural Resources Management Permit will be necessary prior to any
grading on the site, and will require the submission of a footing plan for the garage,
erosion control measures, a traffic control plan, and a plan for the piling for the
garage. Building permits will not be issued until the applicant has provided these
plans.
Dykes reported that the applicant did not submit a revised landscape plan for review
for the Triangle Building. The City's Natural Resources Coordinator has reviewed
an earlier landscape plan and stated that the applicant would need to submit a more
detailed plan with the location of specific species in the plaza. The property owner
must submit a materials list that shows landscaping materials and other amenities
such as the plaza equal at least 2.5% of the cost of the building materials based on
Means Construction Data.
The buildings will be a combination of brick, stucco, and stone. Each building will
have different combinations of these materials and different colors will be used on
each building to create a different feel for each corner.
Commission Churchill stated that she is concerned about the roundabout as it relates
to Founders Boulevard going to the north and the private drive east of the hotel.
Churchill asked if there is potential for public parking on the private drive behind
Culvers. Churchill stated that staff needs to spend a little more time thinking about
this unnamed private road and the potential for making it a public street.
The City's Traffic Engineer, Tom Sohrweide, gave an overview of the street layout
for the plan. Sohrweide discussed in detail the proposed roundabout. Sohrweide
also explained why 153rd Street W. could not be a 2-way street. Commissioner
Churchill stated that she is concerned that there are no stop signs in the roundabout
and only yield signs on the entrances. Churchill stated that she has seen many
roundabouts on the east coast and there are not many that were located in a
pedestrian crossing.
Commissioner Blundetto stated that he is concerned about the single truck loading
dock blocking traffic to back in. He also raised the question what if there were more
than one truck waiting to unload in the dock area. Dykes stated that restricting the
hours the dock could be used could alleviate some of these issues.
Commissioner Churchill asked if the post office traffic has been taken into account
in the overall traffic plan of the proposed development. Churchill would like staff to
take a thorough look at traffic at the intersection of 153`a and Galaxie Avenue.
Commissioner Diekmann asked if the private street (behind Culvers) was taken out
of the mix, how would it impact traffic. Sohrweide responded that it would not have
a significant impact on traffic.
Commissioner Diekmann stated that he would like to see how traffic is going to flow
during construction. Commissioner Schindler is also interested in traffic flow,
especially as it relates to 153`a Street W. and Founders Lane.
Chair Melander stated that this is a difficult project and that the Commission could
be over-analyzing it. Melander stated that staff need to be trusted for their
professional analysis.
Frangoise Paradise, partner at Enjoy! Restaurant, addressed the Commission.
Paradise stated that roundabouts do work having previously resided in Europe where
roundabouts are quite common. He stated that signage is an issue in the Central
Village and that staff need to ensure that there is proper signage for the existing
businesses in the area.
Sheryl Petersburg, of Dunn Bros. Coffee Shop, stated that the lack of signage to
existing businesses is an issue for her business. The City has installed directional
signage to her business but it is orange, which is the same color as the construction
signage. Petersburg also stated that she would like to see 153`d Street W. turn back
into atwo-way street. She stated that the one-way street has resulted in a decrease in
revenue for her business and the other businesses located in Galaxie Commons.
Eric Pedersen, of Pedersen Ventures, addressed the Commission. Pedersen stated
that he will try to address some of the concerns brought forth tonight and that he
would like an opportunity for all of the key people of this development a chance to
speak to clear up some of the issues. Pedersen stated that he has followed all of the
guidelines of the Central Village Plan while developing this proposal.
Commissioner Blundetto told Pederson that he feels as if he is taking control of the
meeting at this point. Blundetto asked staff if the Central Village Plan is in line with
the development Dykes gave a brief overview of the Central Village Plan and
responded that the proposed plan is in line with the Central Village Plan. Chair
Melander allowed Pederson to proceed with discussing details of the plan.
The following people spoke on behalf of the development: Dean Dovolis of AJR
Architecture, Chris Sarda and Vernon Swing of RLK, Inc., Bart Bodway with PCL
Construction, Matt Brinza of DTR Architecture, Ron Lindquist with the Grandstay
Hotel, and other members of the development team.
Commissioner Diekmann stated that he feels as though the project is a moving
target and is not close enough to completion for the Commission to make a
recommendation. Diekmann stated that he would like to see final details of the
project, in particular building elevations.
After discussing the project in great length and hearing from the developers of the
project, the Cormission felt that they were comfortable with staff s report and
recommendations to act on the project.
MOTION: Commissioner Churchill moved, seconded by Blundetto, to recommend
approval of the subdivision of approximately 19 acres into five (5) lots and one (1)
outlot as shown on the preliminary plat of The Village at Founders Circle received in
City offices February 22, 2006, subject to compliance with all applicable City codes,
and the following conditions:
• Right-of--Way for 153rd Street W. and Founders Lane must be dedicated as
a one-way coupler system as required by the Central Village Plan.
• Right-of--Way for Founders Boulevard must be dedicated to meet City
standards.
• All municipal sanitary sewer, water, storm sewer, public street
improvements and internal private roads as necessary to serve the plat
shall be installed and constructed in accordance with adopted City
standards, including the acquisition of any necessary easements outside
the boundaries of the plat which are needed to install connections to said
necessary improvements.
• Cross-access and cross-parking, and joint-ownership agreements for the
parking lot located on Lot 1, Block 1, and the underground garage shall
be executed and recorded with the final plat. The subject agreements
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shall be submitted to the City for verification prior to release of any
building permits. Such agreements shall not be amended or terminated
without prior written approval by the City.
• A Planned Development Agreement concerning performance standards
and appropriate uses shall be executed prior to the filing of the final plat
of The Village at Founders Circle.
• Trailways and sidewalks that comply with City standards must be
constructed on the public roads and internal private streets as required.
• No building construction may begin until the City approves Site Plan
ReviewBuilding Permit Authorization for each structure or structures in a
particular phase.
• Engineering designs and calculations must be completed to ensure that
complete infiltration of a 0.5-inch rainfall event will occur over the project
site in aggregate.
• Drainage and utility easements shall be placed over all appropriate utility
connections.
• A shared parking model, if deemed necessary by the City, shall be
submitted prior to the City's approval of site plan building permit
authorization for any use within the subject subdivision.
The motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Commissioner Churchill moved, seconded by Blundetto, to recommend
approval of site plan building permit authorization for an underground garage, and an
at-grade parking lot, as shown on the plans received in City offices on March 6, 2006,
and revised March 29, 2006, in conformance with all applicable City codes and
standards, and subject to the following conditions:
• No building permit shall be issued until the final plat for the proposed
The Village at Founders Circle Addifion is filed with Dakota County, and
all the conditions of the required executed Development Agreement have
been met by the applicant, including the execution of an amended
Planned Development Agreement.
• No building permit shall be issued until a Natural Resources Management
Permit has been approved by City Council. As part of the NRMP, a
footing plan, piling plan, and full structural engineering plans for the
underground garage, and a traffic control plan for site grading shall be
submitted and reviewed and approved by the Public Works Director and
City Engineer.
• The grading and utility plans received in City offices on March 6, 2006,
shall be revised to meet City standards and shall be subject to final review
and approval by the City Engineer.
• There shall be a minimum of 150 parking spaces in the at-grade parking
lot open to the public, and 350 residential garage parking spaces.
• The applicant shall submit a landscape plan, subject to review and
approval by the Natural Resources Coordinator, for the roundabout
located in the Founders Lane/153rd Street W. split.
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• The applicant shall subrnit a commercial truck traffic plan subject to
review and approval by the City's traffic consultant.
• A master sign plan shall be submitted for review and approval by City
staff.
• A master lighting distribution plan shall be submitted for review and
approval by City staff.
• An emergency vehicle access plan for the garage and at-grade parking lot
shall be submitted for review and approval by City staff.
The motion carried 6-0.
MOTION: Commissioner Churchill moved, seconded by Blundetto, to recommend
approval of site plan building permit authorization for the Landmark Building, the
Concourse Building, and the Southport Building, and an approximately 45,000 sq. ft.
residenfial plaza as shown on the site plan received in City offices on March 6, 2006,
and revised March 29, 2006, in conformance with all applicable City codes and
standards, and subject to the following conditions:
• No building permit shall be issued until the final plat for the proposed The
Village at Founders Circle Addition is filed with Dakota County, and all the
conditions of the required executed Development Agreement have been met
by the applicant, including the execution of an amended Planned
Development Agreement.
• There shall be no more than 64,050 gross sq. ft. of commercial and other
ancillary uses located on the ground floor. The net leaseable retail and
commercial space shall not exceed 50,902 sq. ft.
• There shall be not more than 197 residential units in the buildings comprised
of the following unit types: 33 studio, 50 one-bedroom, 63 one-bedroom plus
den, 17 two-bedroom, and 34 two-bedroom plus den.
• The applicant shall submit a nursery bid list that confirms the landscape
materials, irrigation system, decorative paving and other common area
amenities meet or exceed 2'/2 percent of the value of the construction of the
building based on Means Construction Data.
• The elevations shall be modified to reflect the building perspective submitted
as part of the Sketch Plan request on January 23, 2006.
• The applicant shall submit a master sign plan for the development subject to
compliance with the City code.
• City staff shall explore the possibility of using alternate colors for the public
street improvements.
• City staff shall work with the applicant and existing businesses surrounding
the proposed development to craft a sign plan so that traffic flow is not
impeded during the construction period.
The motion carried 6-0.
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B. Grandstay Hotel -Site PlanBuilding Permit Authorization to Allow for the
Construction of a 78-room Hotel with 11,000 sq. ft. of Retail in the Village at
Founders Circle Development
Associate City Planner Margaret Dykes presented the request from ETC Enterprises,
Inc., for site plan building permit authorization for the Grandstay Hotel, a 78-room
hotel with 11,000 g.s.f. ofretail.
Dykes reported that the "L" shaped Grandstay Hotel, which was to have been
constructed on the Landmark Corner, has been relocated to Lot 2, Block 2, north of
the Triangle. The building meets all required setbacks. Access to the site is gained
from driveways along Founders Boulevard and the private driveways on the north
and east of the lot. No access is permitted from 153`d Street W. due to sightline
concerns.
Dykes reported that the. hotel is a 4-story building with 78 rooms and approximately
11,000 sq. ft. ofretail uses on the ground floor. The retail uses will face 153`d Street
W. A sports court is shown on the site plan but the plan does not indicate if a fence
is used to delineate or screen the court. Any fencing must be decorative and should
complement any other fencing used on the site. The two trash enclosures shown on
the plan must be entirely screened with masonry walls constructed of the primary
building materials used for the hotel.
Dykes reported that the site requires a total of 113 parking spaces (88 for the hotel
and 28 for retail) and 117 are shown on the plan. There are also 6 angled parking
spaces on Founders Boulevard. The surface parking lot must be screened from all
streets as required in the Central Village Plan. The applicant is proposing to install
deciduous plantings along all sides of the parking lot. This does not comply with the
planned development ordinance or the Central Village Plan. Staff is recommending
that a minimum 4-foot masonry wall be constructed along the west property line
abutting the private streets. The property north of the site is proposed to be a 60-unit
residential building, and the screening of the headlights on the north side of the hotel
property is necessary. Staff is recommending that evergreen vegetation be installed
to give the site more of an open feel.
The site plan shows sidewalks along all public streets as is required and connections
from the hotel to the public sidewalks. There are no sidewalks along the private
driveways or along the private streets. The revised landscaping plan indicates that
the public sidewalk along Founders Boulevard would be located on the hotel
property.
The applicant did not submit revised grading plans for the site. The City Engineer
reviewed the March 6`h plan and stated that all utilities will be available to the site,
but that further details will be necessary as the City completes its public
infrastructure plan. In general, the plan appears to be feasible.
The Natural Resources Coordinator Jeff Kehrer reviewed the revised landscaping
plan and states that some of the species chosen should be replaced and some of the
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trees must be moved. The plan must be revised to address the concems listed in the
Natural Resources Coordinator's memo and must comply with the planned
development ordinance.
Dykes reported that the applicant did not submit revised elevations. The March 6,
2006, elevations show a mix of brick and stone veneer, and EFIS as the primary
building material. The ordinance requires that all commercial buildings be
constmcted of 100% masonry material such as brick and stone, but excluding
concrete or similar materials.
It should be noted that most of the discussion by the Planning Commission for this
Agenda item was brought up during the previous agenda item, The Village at
Founders Circle. This plan is part of the overall plan for The Village at Founders
Circle.
MOTION: Commissioner Churchill moved, seconded by Blundetto, to recommend
approval of site plan building permit authorization for the Grandstay Hotel as shown
on the site plan received in City offices on March 6, 2005, and revised March 27,
2006, in conformance with all applicable City codes and standards, and subject to the
following conditions:
• No building permit shall be issued until the fmal plat for the proposed
The Village at Founders Circle Addition is filed with Dakota County, and
all the conditions of the required executed Development Agreement have
been met by the applicant, including the execution of an amended
Planned Development Agreement.
• The site plan shall be revised so that all public sidewalks are located
within City Right-of--Way.
• The site plan shall be revised so that there is only one row of parking on
the west side of the building.
• No building permit shall be issued until a Natural Resources Management
Permit has been approved by the City Engineer.
• The grading and utility plans shall be revised to comply with City
standards and address the concems of the City Engineer.
• There shall be a minimum of 117 parking spaces. The parking area shall
be screened by a combination of masonry bollards, wrought-iron fencing,
and visually impervious evergreen hedges along Founders Boulevard and
continuous visually impervious evergreen hedges along the north and east
sides of the property so that all parking areas are screened from view.
• The 78-room hotel, and the 11,000 g.s.f. of retail uses shall remain in
their original use as long as the property continues to be used for a hotel.
• The landscape plan shall be modified to address the concems of the
Natural Resources Coordinator as listed in his memo dated March 31,
2006; the sod along 153rd Street W. shall be removed and replaced with
decorative paving; and a nursery bid list shall be submitted with the
building plans to confirm that all landscape materials, irrigation system,
decorative paving and other common area amenities meet or exceed 2%2
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percent of the value of the constmction of the building based on Means
Constmction Data
A master lighting distribution plan shall be submitted for review and
approval by City staff.
Sidewalk shall be installed along the east property line.
The elevations shall be modified so that masonry stucco and brick shall
be the primary building materials; EIFS shall not be used except as an
accent material.
The motion carried 6-0.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
A. L. A. Fitness Sketch Plan -Review of a Proposed 45,000 sq. ft. Health and
Fitness Facility
Planning Intern Jeff Thomson presented a sketch plan from Continental
Properties/L.A. Fitness, for a proposed 45,000 sq. ft. health club and fitness facility
on a 5.1-acre site.
Thomson reported that the site is located on the northwest comer of Galaxie Avenue
and 152"a Street. The site plan shows the constmction of a 45,050 sq. ft. health club
at the far southeast corner of the site. The building would be oriented towards the
intersection of Galaxie Avenue and 152aa Street W. The first floor would have a
floor area of 42,050 sq. ft. and the second floor area of 3;000 sq. ft. The applicant
indicates that the facility will have an indoor pool, spa, basketball court, racquetball
courts, free-weight area, locker rooms and an exercise machine area.
Thompson stated that staff identified two potential zoning districts that would be
appropriate for the site - "PD-739" (Planned Development) and "PD-244". After
examining the two zoning districts, staff s opinion is that "PD-244" would be more
appropriate because it provides for a mix of shopping centers, freestanding retail, and
limited business uses. It would also be more appropriate for auto-oriented
commercial development.
Thompson reported that the elevations show that the building would be comprised of
brick masonry, plaster/stucco, and glass. The northern elevation is comprised mostly
of brick with a perforated metal rotunda over the main entrance. The east, south and
west elevations are comprised of a mix of building materials, and have brick arcade
features on each end of the building containing sports art graphic panels. The south
and east elevations also have a brick arcade in the center containing spandrel glass.
The applicant has stated that only one main entrance to the building is appropriate
given the internal layout and security issues.
Thomson reported that staff is concerned about the massing of the building and
elevations, especially the elevation that fronts Galaxie Avenue. Staff would like to
see the elevations broken-up horizontally by incorporating additional building
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material along the base of the building and adding windows and banding to delineate
the two floors. It is staff s opinion that if the Planning Commission determines that
"PD-244" is a more appropriate zoning district for the facility, the elements of the
design guidelines should be incorporated into the site plan and elevation drawings.
Furthermore, the downtown design guidelines require that streetscape feature,
pedestrian amenities, and diverse building materials be incorporated into the
development. The guidelines also require that all sides be treated as the front of the
building with equally attractive fascia.
Patrick Hurst, representing the applicant, addressed the Commission. Hurst stated
that the building is basically asingle-story building with a 3,000 sq. ft. mezzanine
that will be used for cardio equipment.
Commissioner Diekmann likes the building close to Galaxie Avenue so that it will
align similar to the recently approved CVS Pharmacy. Commissioner Churchill likes
the placement of the building but suggested that perhaps it could be pushed back a
little to allow for more green space.
Commissioner Diekmann asked if 152"a Street W. will have full access to the
facility. He is concerned about traffic flow and parking. Dykes stated that 152"a
Street W. will allow for full access.
Commissioner Schindler likes the plan although he feels that the site layout is less
attractive for walkers. He would also like to see the building pulled further back
from 152na Street W. and Galaxie Avenue.
Commissioner Melander suggested a combination of masonry pillars instead of the
wall suggested in the staff report.
Cormmissioner Burke asked staff if there are any plans to install a traffic light at the
intersection of 152"a Street W. and Galaxie Avenue. City Engineer Colin Manson
stated that the intersecfion does not warrant a traffic light in the foreseeable future.
Eric Thom, representing the applicant, stated that he is willing to work with staff on
the issues brought forth from the Commission.
8. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Commissioner Churchill moved, seconded by Melander to adjourn the meeting
at 11:00 p.m.
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