HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/07/1990L e°e y
1. CALL TO ORDER
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
MARCH 7, 1990
The March 7, 1990 meeting of the Apple Valley Planning Commission was
called to order by Chairman Robert Erickson at 7:35 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers of the City of Apple Valley City Hall.
Members Present:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Erickson, Members Carlson, Felkner,
Sterling, Kleckner, Gowling, and Weldon.
Richard Kelley, Meg McMonigal, Keith Gordon, and
Linda Brinkhaus.
Greg Zeno, 6105 W. 130th, Apple Valley,
Minnesota.
MOTION: A motion was made by Member Gowling, seconded by Member
Sterling, to amend the agenda to read "location of the Coady south
property is in the southeast corner of Cedar Avenue and the Zoo Road."
The motion also included adding Item 7A - to discuss the gravel article in
today's Countryside newspaper. The motion carried unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 21, 1990
Page 5, paragraph 3, second sentence, should read, "Kelley noted that
such standards may increase the cost by as little as 5%."
Page 6, paragraph 2, should read, "Reid Hansen of McMenomy, Hansen,
Carroll and McCann Law Firm, representing the Carroll family..."
MOTION: A motion was made by Member Felkner, seconded by Member
Sterling, to approve the minutes as amended. The motion carried 6 - 0,
Kleckner abstained.
4. CONSENT AGENDA (One motion sends items needing no discussion on to
the City Council with staff recommendations.)
01I'iTdA
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 7, 1990
Page 2
6. LAND USE /ACTION ITEMS
A. Render Development - Rezoning from "A ", Agriculture,
to "R -3 ", Single Family and Residential Plat
LOCATION: Johnny Cake Ridge Road, South of Highway #77
PETITIONER: Render Development, Inc. (PC90- 009 -PZ)
STAFF REPORT: March 7, 1990 by Associate Planner Meg McMonigal
Associate Planner Meg McMonigal provided a background report
reviewing the rezoning and preliminary plat requirements by Render
Development, Inc. for an 8.28 acre parcel of land adjacent to Johnny Cake
Ridge Road and Finch Way. She described the proposal for 23 lots and the
extension of roads and pathways through the project. Three issues were
identified regarding this land action item.
The first issue involved the continuation of the trailway to Finch
Way from Johnny Cake Ridge Road. The Staff requests that an easement be
dedicated to the City for trailway placement. The exact location of the
trailway would be identified after the grading plan is finalized.
The second issue revolved around the outlot along Finch Way on the
southwest corner of the property. This outlot is owned by the City. The
plans submitted by Render show this outlot added to Lot 1, Block 1, of the
property. Staff investigated the history of this outlot and found that
the parcel had been acquired by tax forfeiture and according to the terms
of the deed cannot be sold. It is to be used for access only and continue
to be the property of the City. A discussion followed between a Render
Development representative, Planning Staff and the Planning Commission
Members. Meg McMonigal pointed out that a problem would arise with Lot 1
meeting the required minimum lot size. She stated that it would be
acceptable to Staff to allow a variance to the lot size due to the open
space provided by the outlot. Member Gowling questioned who would
maintain the lot. Member Carlson stated that it would be the City's
responsibility to maintain. Member Kleckner asked whether any request for
a variance had been made. McMonigal responded, no.
The third issue on this property dealt with street access. McMonigal
reviewed three alternatives. The first alternative connected a new street
through the property with the second entrance to the Christ Church
property. The church property was required to dedicate a 100 foot long
and 30 foot wide road access to be used as a joint road onto Johnny Cake
Ridge Road. The second alternative was to allow a straight road through
the property as was planned by Render Development. The third development
involved the creation of a cul -de -sac with lots backing onto Johnny Cake
Ridge Road. Staff recommended that the street be connected straight
through to Johnny Cake because of 1) the City's desire to limit the use of
cul -de -sacs where possible, 2) the City's policy to connect streets
wherever possible to provide the most alternatives for traffic, and 3) to
reduce the mixing of residential traffic with church traffic, so that
Planning Commission Minutes
March 7, 1990
Page 3
church traffic exits directly onto Johnny Cake Ridge Road rather than
winding through neighborhoods. A general discussion followed on the three
alternatives by members of the Planning Commission. Concern was raised by
Member Kleckner on the close proximity of the southern church access and
the new roads in this development. Chairman Erickson asked City Engineer
Keith Gordon for his opinion on this issue. Gordon felt that access from
this new street would always involve low volumes of traffic and the church
would only produce heavy traffic at certain times of day and week. Gordon
also added the possibility of requesting that the church move their
southern access farther north to increase the distance between the two
access points.
NOTION: A motion was made by Member Sterling, seconded by Member
Kleckner, to rezone the property from "A ", Agricultural, to "R -3", Single
Family Residential. The motion passed unanimously.
NOTION: A second motion was made by Member Kleckner, seconded by
Member Gowling, to adopt the second alternative for street placement as
recommended by Staff and in the planning process require the trail
easement to be granted to the City and that the outlot be used purely as
access to the development.
Another discussion followed on the street access. Chairman Erickson
took the motion to a vote and the motion carried 6 - 1. Chairman Erickson
requested that the Staff work with the Developer and City Attorney to
identify alternatives to the outlot use and have the matter resolved
before the March 22nd City Council Meeting.
B. Coady South - Comprehensive Plan Amendment from "MD ",
Medium Density, to "LD ", Low Density, and Rezoning
from "R-I" to "M -3A"
LOCATION: Southwest Corner of Cedar Avenue and Zoo Road
PETITIONER: City of Apple Valley (PC89- 040 -ZP)
STAFF REPORT: March 7, 1990 by Associate Planner Meg McMonigal
Associate Planner Meg McMonigal presented this land action item to
the Planning Commission. There is an inconsistency between the compre-
hensive plan and the zoning on this parcel. The zoning allows for large
single - family lots, while the comprehensive plan designates the area for
medium density, residential 6 to 12 units per acre. Mr. Coady has
indicated that he thinks the designation should be changed to limited
business on this site. Apple Valley's development policy has been to
concentrate commercial development in the downtown area. Although some
limited business has been designated along Cedar Avenue, it has only been
designated as far north as 140th Street. To gain such designation, it
must be demonstrated to the City that it is a viable use for the site and
that it would not deter from the downtown area. An office building might
be a reasonable use of this parcel in the future. The office market in
Planning Commission Minutes
March 7, 1990
Page 4
Apple Valley is currently saturated and unless a building is almost fully
leased, the lender will not provide financing. Several buildings have
been approved, but not built because of space available.
Because it has not been demonstrated that limited business is a
viable use on this site and to change the designation to limited business
would deviate from the City's policy of containing commercial development
of the downtown area, it was recommended, by Staff, that this site
continue to be designated for residential purposes. It was recommended
that the comprehensive plan be changed from "MD ", Medium Density, 6 to 12
units per acre, to "LD ", Low Density, 3 to 6 units per acre, and the
zoning be changed from "R -1" to "M -3A ", Multiple Residential, 3 to 6 units
per acre.
Following the Staff presentation, Chairman Erickson led a discussion
concerning the low density designation at the busy intersection of Cedar
and the Zoo Road. Chairman Erickson felt that there needs to be more of a
buffer between the single - family, the low density, and this intersection.
Possibly, a moderate density area could further buffer the single- family
area. Member Kleckner felt that the owner needs the opportunity to be
flexible to attract development to this site and therefore, would
recommend zoning change for the eastern half of the parcel to a "M -3"
designation and the western half of the parcel to a "M -4" designation.
More discussion followed.
MOTION: A motion was made by Member Carlson, seconded by Member
Weldon, to change the comprehensive plan designation from moderate density
to low density. The motion failed 2 - 5, with Carlson and Weldon voting
for the motion.
MOTION: A second motion was made by Member Kleckner, seconded by
Member Sterling, to leave the comprehensive plan designation of moderate
density on the western half of the parcel and to change the eastern half
designation from moderate density to low density. The motion carried 6-
1, with Carlson voting against.
Further discussion ensued on the zoning change for the parcel. City
Planner Richard Kelley informed the Planning Commission that a change in
zoning to any other designation than the "M -3A" that had been proposed for
the parcel, and the proposal would have to be advertised for another
public hearing.
MOTION: A motion was made by Member Carlson, seconded by Member
Weldon, to hold another public hearing and to change the zoning proVer_t.j!
to "M -4" for the western half and "M -3A" for the eastern half and to hold
this item back from the City Council until that has been completed.
The motion carried unanimously 7 - 0.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 7, 1990
Page 5
C. Apple Ponds Exceptions - Rezoning from "A ".
Agriculture, to "M -6B" or "C" and "M -8B" or "C"
LOCATION: East Side of Cedar Avenue Between 155th and 156th
Streets West
PETITIONER: City of Apple Valley (PC90- 008 -PZ)
STAFF REPORT: March 7, 1990 by City Planner Richard Kelley
City Planner Richard Kelley presented this comprehensive plan /zoning
consistency issue. The property is zoned for agriculture uses, but desig-
nated on the comprehensive plan for multiple residential uses at
respective densities of 6 to 12 units per acre and 12 plus units per acre.
Staff recommended the residential zoning category for this property and
the high density area be rezoned to "M -8C" and the moderate density area
be rezoned to "M -6B ". Regarding commercial uses along the south side of
155th Street, the small area of "NCC ", Neighborhood Convenience Center
designation, might be acceptable directly abutting the intersection.
Staff recommended that the City await a specific development proposal
before any change to the comprehensive plan and zoning be considered.
Member Carlson was concerned that the 36 units per acre on the high
density portion of the property may be too high. Chairman Erickson posed
the question whether the City should require all apartment buildings to be
brick construction due to maintenance problems with wooden structures as
they age.
MOTION: A motion was made by Member Carlson, seconded by Member
Sterling, to change the zoning for the high density area to a "M -7B" and
for the moderate density area to a "M -6B ". City Planner Richard Kelley
informed the Planning Commission that the "M -7B" was not previously
considered at the public hearing held on this issue and therefore, another
public hearing must be set to reconsider the zoning change. Carlson
withdrew his first motion.
MOTION: A second motion was made by Member Carlson, seconded by
Member Gowling, to reopen the public hearing on this issue to change the
zoning to "M -7B ". The motion passed unanimously.
D. Building Permit Authorization - Kennedy Transmission
Remodeling
LOCATION: 14620 Glenda Drive, Apple Valley, Minnesota
PETITIONER: Kennedy Transmission (PC90- 011 -B)
STAFF REPORT: March 7, 1990 by City Planner Richard Kelley
City Planner Richard Kelley presented this project summary to the
Planning Commission. The proposal involves a building permit
authorization to remodel a portion of an existing commercial building.
The remodeling would entail the installation of two overhead doors
adjacent to Cedar Avenue for the purposes of creating attendant space for
Planning Commission Minutes
March 7, 1990
Page 6
glass installation business. The visual exposure to Cedar Avenue requires
extensive treatment of the overhead door installation. The doors should
be as unobtrusive as possible and additional landscape materials could
help to soften their appearance.
Therefore, the Staff recommends that the building permit
authorization be approved subject to additional evergreen plantings, a
minimum of six feet in height, and additional deciduous tree plantings as
recommended by the City Forester. A representative from Kennedy
Transmission spoke to the Planning Commission and felt that their
screening was adequate in comparison to other screening present.on Cedar
Avenue. Member Kleckner pointed out that the City is spending many City
dollars on the ring route construction and that downtown businesses will
benefit from these improvements. Therefore, businesses must meet the
City's requirements in terms of landscaping and design elements. Member
Sterling brought up the parking issue. The Kennedy Transmission repre-
sentative assured the Planning Commission that there was adequate parking
for the building.
MOTION: A motion was made by Member Carlson, seconded by Member
Kleckner, to approve the building permit with the stipulation that a
landscape plan be submitted and approved by the City Staff. The motion
cleared unanimously.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Planning Staff reviewed Planning Commission liability issues and
clarified that the members were covered up to one million dollars.
Chairman Erickson expressed concern over the gravel article in the
March 7, 1990 addition of the "Countryside" newspaper. City Planner
Richard Kelley assured the Planning Commission that the printed material
was in fact incorrect.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: A motion was made by Member Carlson, seconded by Member
Sterling, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. The motion carried
unanimously.
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