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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/20/2020••e •••• ••••• Ge Meeting Location: Municipal Center Apple 7100 147th Street West Valley Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124 May 20, 2020 PLANNING COMMISSION TENTATIVE AGENDA 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Approve Agenda 3. Approve Consent Agenda Items Consent Agenda Items are considered routine and will be enacted with a single motion, without discussion, unless a commissioner or citizen requests to have any item separately considered. It will then be moved to the land use/action items for consideration. A. Approve Minutes of March 25, 2020, Special Meeting 4. Public Hearings 5. Land Use / Action Items A. Heritage Lutheran Sign Variance - PC20-04-V 1. Consideration of a Variance Reducing the Setback from 13' to 10' (3' Variance) for a Ground Sign Location: 13401 Johnny Cake Ridge Road Petitioner: Heritage Lutheran Church 6. Other Business A. Meeting procedures and access information due to Pandemic Emergency Orders are posted on the City's website. B. Review of Upcoming Schedule and Other Updates Next Planning Commission Meeting - Wednesday, June 3, 2020 - 7:00 p.m. Next City Council Meeting - Thursday, June 11, 2020 - 7:00 p.m. 7. Adjourn Regular meetings are broadcast, live, on Charter Communications Cable Channel 180 and on the City's website at www cityofapplevalley. org 0*0 00*0 0000 00000 ITEM: 3.A. 000 Apple PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 2020 Valley SECTION: Consent Agenda Description: Approve Minutes of March 25, 2020, Special Meeting Staff Contact: Department / Division: Mari Salamanca, Department Assistant Community Development Department ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes of special meeting of March 25, 2020. SUMMARY: The minutes of the last Planning Commission meeting are attached for your review and approval. BACKGROUND: State statute requires the creation and preservation of meeting minutes which document the official actions and proceedings of public governing bodies. BUDGET IMPACT: N/A ATTACHMENTS: Minutes CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 25, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Melander at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Chair Tom Melander*, Tim Burke*, Jodi Kurtz*, Paul Scanlan*, David Schindler*, Ken Alwin*, and Keith Diekmann*. Members Absent: City staff members attending virtual meeting: City Attorney Sharon Hills, Community Develop- ment Director Bruce Nordquist, City Planner Tom Lovelace, and City Engineer Brandon Anderson. * Present via remote technology 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the agenda. MOTION: Commissioner Schindler moved, seconded by Commissioner Kurtz, approving the agenda. Rollcall vote: Ayes - 6 - Nays - 0. 3. CONSENT ITEMS MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Schindler, approving the minutes of the meeting of March 4, 2020. Rollcall vote: Ayes - 5 - Nays — 0. Ab- stained — 1 (Alwin) 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE — Commissioner Diekmann joined meeting via remote technology at 7:15 p.m. 5. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS A. Orchard Place — PC19-22-ZS City Planner Tom Lovelace is recommending the following actions: 1. Recommend approval of the rezoning of Lots 1-4, and Outlots B and C, Orchard Place, accord- ing to the proposed preliminary plat; from "SG" (Sand and Gravel) to "RB" (Retail Business); subject to the removal of the property from the Fischer Property Mining Conditional Use Permit CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes March 25, 2020 Page 2 of 5 2. Recommend approval of the Orchard Place preliminary plat; subject to conditions outlined in the staff report [as presented in Agenda]. SUMMARY.• For consideration is a request from HJ Development, LLP and Rockport, LLC for approval of a re- zoning of a 35-acre parcel from "SG" (Sand and Gravel) to "RB" (Retail Business) and the subdivi- sion of 45 acres into four (4) lots and three (3) outlots. The proposed preliminary plat has been re- vised to include an additional lot, which has been carved out of Outlot B. The site is located at the northwest corner of 157th Street West and Pilot Knob Road. BACKGROUND: Comprehensive Plan: The subject property is currently guided "C" (Commercial) on the approved 2030 and proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan Land Use Maps. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan shows the subject property in the South Central Planning Area (SCPA). This area is to be considered an expansion area, which is located in the northeast corner of 157th Street West and Pilot Knob Road. Mr. Lovelace reiterated that the proposal is consistent with the 2030 Comp Plan Goals that was ini- tially introduced at the February 5t" Public Hearing. [Public Hearing Comments: A public hearing on this proposal was held on February 5, 2020. The hearing was opened, no comments were re- ceived and the hearing was closed.] The subject property, with exception of the ponding area, is currently guided "C" (Commercial) on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map. In each district land use and performance standards such as parking, building setbacks, storm water infiltration, access, and lot coverage set the parame- ters for development. The ponding area has an open space/water designation. The proposing ponding area is consistent with the designation. Included in Orchard Place Concept Plan, 400 acres of Fischer Sand and Aggregate mining operation located at the south side of County Rd 42, west of Pilot Knob Road, east of Flagstaff Ave — shows what likely development will occur at location of project and ponding area Zoning: The subject property is currently zoned "SG" (Sand and Gravel) mining. The applicant has indicated that they would like to rezone the property to "RB" (Retail Business). Rezone 34 of 45 acres; excludes ponding area Outlot A. [Section 155.155 of the] zoning ordinance describes the "RB" zoning district as "areas that are centrally located to serve the need for general retail sales." Initial construction in new shopping centers in the "RB" zoning district shall include a minimum of 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area (described in Section 155.155). An overall concept plan shall be submit- ted and approved by the city, which shall include the following: CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes March 25, 2020 Page 3 of 5 • The architectural style of all the structures • Parking • Driveways • Landscaping and screening • Adequate spaces for future community facilities (when the facilities are to be part of the center) Applicant's sketch plan for review by the Planning Commission showed four (4) retail buildings and one (1) car wash operation. The Phase I property summary shows restaurant and retail area, as well as additional square footage of space and a future development pad. Preliminary Plat: The applicant originally proposed to subdivide 45 acres of property into three (3) lots and three (3) outlots. They have revised their plat to include an additional lot, which has been carved out of Outlot B. The four (4) lots, which are located in the southeast corner of the 45-acre parcel will be used for commercial/retail development. Public street right-of-way will be dedicated for a section of 155th Street West, the west 115 feet of Pilot Knob Road, and a portion north of 157th Street West. Lots 1, 2 and 4 will be next to a public street, but will not have any direct access to those public streets. Lot 3 will have no public street frontage. A lot such as this is described as a landlocked par- cel, which is defined as a lot or parcel without direct access to a public street. As a general rule landlocked parcels that are served by private easements will not be permitted. The City may permit landlocked parcels in a commercial complex provided they have access to a public street by an easement over another parcel within the same complex. Access to the property contained in the preliminary plat will be via an internal private roadway sys- tem. These roadways are located over and across Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, and Outlots B and C. There- fore, cross access easements will be required for all the lots and Outlots and B and C. Two access driveways currently exist along the north side of 157th Street West and are identified on the site plan. The most westerly access is a full access and the easterly driveway, [located across from English Avenue] will allow right -in only access to the site. An easement, which will restrict direct driveway/private street access restricts any additional access from 157th Street West. The site plan shows three (3) access driveways along the south side of 155th Street West, which will be extended approximately west from Pilot Knob Road and will have a temporary cul-de-sac. Two (2) are proposed as full access intersections while a third access is proposed as a right-in/right- out only. The property next to 155th Street West will be platted as outlots and will be reserved for future development. An access restriction easement should be established that will limit access from the plat area to 155th Street West except at the location of a private street access located along ei- ther side of the common lot line of Outlots B and C. This easement can be amended when the out - lots are replatted for future development. A temporary easement shall be dedicated over and across CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes March 25, 2020 Page 4 of 5 the cul-de-sac outside of the 155th Street West right-of-way. This easement will remain in place un- til the public street is extended further west. Finally, the original plans showed a proposed right -in only access from Pilot Knob Road, which is a county road. The Dakota County Plat Commission has reviewed this proposal and stated that they would not allow the proposed access. The applicant has removed that access from their revised plans. The County will restrict any access from Pilot Knob Road to the property within the plat. Outlot A will be used for storm water ponding purposes, while Outlots B and C will be reserved for future commercial/retail development. A drainage and utility easement will be dedicated over all of the Outlot A. The original plat showed drainage and utility easement along the common boundary line of Lots 1 and 2 and Outlots B and C. This easement area will be the location of utilities that will serve the plat. Dakota County Review: Because the proposed subdivision is located adjacent to a County road, it is subject to review by the Dakota County Plat Commission. Grading Plan: Minor changes to be addressed — Developer to continue to work with City engineer and consultant. The Pond Landscape plan shows a pathway that will connect to the existing tunnel under 157`h Street West in the southwest corner of the proposed development and extend north through Outlot A to the south side of 155th Street West. This trail section will be part of the North Creek Greenway. There have been no comments from the City Engineer or Natural Resources Coordinator concerning the plan. Petitioners attending virtual meeting: Will Matzek, Kimley-Horn; Chris Moe, HJ Development LLP; Liza Robson, Rockport LLC Mr. Matzek wished to add to the record regarding the traffic signal on 157th Street: A study of the intersection does not seem to warrant a traffic signal at this time. Although the "developmentee" has a vested interest in a smooth traffic flow of the street network, there are no foreseen problem[s]. If the City should warrant a traffic signal in the future, the petitioners "are certainly open to a signal at that location." MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Scanlan recommending approval of the rezoning of Lots 1 thru 4, and Outlots B and C, Orchard Place, ac- cording to the proposed preliminary plat; from "SG" (Sand and Gravel) to "RB" (Re- tail Business); subject to the removal of the property from the Fischer Property Min- ing Conditional Use Permit. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota Planning Commission Minutes March 25, 2020 Page 5 of 5 MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Schindler recommending approval of the Orchard Place preliminary plat; subject to the 16 conditions outlined in the staff report. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0. 6. OTHER BUSINESS A. Review of upcoming schedule and other updates. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist stated that the next regular Planning Commis- sion meeting was scheduled to take place Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. 8. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further comments from the Planning Staff or Planning Commission, Chair Melander asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Commissioner Schindler moved, seconded by Commissioner Dickman to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 p.m. Rollcall vote: Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0. Respectfully Subm'tted, Mari alamanca, Planning Department Assistant Approved by the Apple Valley Planning Commission on 5/20/2020 Tom Melander, Chair 000 0000 0000* ITEM: 00 0 Apple PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE Valley SECTION: Description: Heritage Lutheran Sign Variance - PC20-04-V 5.A. May 20, 2020 Land Use /Action Items Staff Contact: Department / Division: Alex Sharpe, Planner and Economic Dev. Spec. Community Development Department Applicant: Project Number: Heritage Lutheran Church PC20-04-V Applicant Date: 4/21/2020 60 Days: 6/20/2020 120 Days: 8/19/2020 ACTION REQUESTED: If the Planning Commission concurs, staff is recommending approval of a 3' setback variance for a ground sign at Heritage Lutheran Church subject to the following conditions: 1. The variance shall be applicable to the property legally identified as Lot 1, Block 1, Heritage Lutheran Church. 2. If the sign permit fee is not paid for or not issued within one (1) year of the date of approval, the variance approval shall lapse. 3. Prior to issuance of the sign permit, the petitioner shall record the variance with Dakota County and provide evidence to the City. 4. A private utility locate shall be performed prior to any work commencing on the site. 5. Installation shall be generally consistent with the sign plan dated 4-17-20. SUMMARY: Heritage Lutheran Church has applied for sign setback variance for a new ground sign. City Code requires ground signs to be setback 13' from the property line, the applicant is seeking a 3' variance to allow the sign to be placed 10' from the property line. Heritage Lutheran Church has an existing ground sign that they are seeking to update to include an electronic message. An encroachment between the City and Heritage Lutheran has allowed the existing ground sign to exist within a drainage and utility easement. A condition of this agreement stated that if the existing sign is updated the sign must be removed from the easement, and come into compliance with all City requirements. The applicant, Heritage Lutheran Church, has sought to place the sign in a location which would not require a variance. However, several site characteristics limit the location and visibility. The applicant's proposed location is outside of the drainage and utility easement, but would require a 3' setback variance. The site is limited by a large stormwater pond and grade changes that limit the location of a sign. Additionally, there is an existing light pole for the parking lot that would be required to be relocated for the sign to meet the required setback. Relocation of the light pole and placing the sign in the code compliant location would also require the removal of trees and other vegetation surrounding the stormwater pond. The visibility of this location would be limited from north -bound traffic, the predominate path of visitors. Normally, with a variance the "practical difficulties" measure is used. However, in the case of a sign variance the City Code lays out different standards which are below: (1) All of the following requirements must be met: (a) Special conditions exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district; (b) The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant; (c) A literal interpretation of the provisions of these regulations would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district and the terms of these sign regulations; (d) That granting the variance requested would not confer on the applicant any special privilege for a use not common to other lands, structures or buildings in the same district; and (e) The proposed use of the property shall have an appearance that will not have an adverse effect upon adjacent properties and there will be no deterrence to development of vacant land. (2) Any proposed signage beyond the maximum square footage permitted would have the primary function of providing a public service. Staff is recommending approval of the variances based on the following. (a) Special conditions exist on the property; the site is limited due to grade changes and a large stormwater pond that affects grades on the site, preventing locations that would not require a variance from being visible. (b) These conditions are not caused by the applicant. The applicant has an existing sign within the easement, but replacement of this sign is inevitable. By moving the sign outside of the easement a new sign is an improvement on existing conditions. (c) A literal interpretation would limit the applicant due to the grades and vegetation on the site. There are several religious institutions adjacent to Johnny Cake Ridge Road, many of their signs meet the required setbacks, but are not on sites that are constricted by a stormwater pond, grade changes, and an oddly shaped site. (d) Granting of this variance would not confer any special privilege not common to other properties. The church already has a sign that has not met setback requirements. By moving the sign outside of the easement and to a location which requires a 3' setback variance the church is reducing any potential advantage it had in the past. (e) The proposed sign will not have an adverse appearance and will be required to meet all digital sign requirements. BACKGROUND: Staff has reviewed sign placement for other religious institutions adjacent to Johnny Cake Ridge Road. South Suburban Evangelical Free Church's sign is setback 15' and Shepard of the Valley Lutheran Church's sign is setback 13'. The existing sign at Heritage Lutheran Church is setback 6' and has been in place since the church was constructed. Heritage Lutheran Church's site is unique in both lot shape, and the grades on the site. The other institutions along this corridor have relatively flat sites and large areas adjacent to their driveway entrances. Heritage Lutheran Church's site has limited space near street entrances, where the signs are most needed. BUDGET IMPACT: N/A ATTACHMENTS: Area Map Applicant Letter Survey Plan Set A .1 April 21, 2020 City of Apple Valley Planning Department 7100 147th Street W Apple Valley, MN 55124 Sign Permit Variance Application Heritage Lutheran Church and School is seeking a Sign Code Variance: 0 Reduce the Property Line Setback Requirement from 13' to 10' • Our sign would be placed completely outside the Drainage & Utility Easement A portion of our current monument sign sits inside the Drainage & Utility Easement. We are replacing the monument sign which requires us to move the sign to comply with a 13' setback from the property line. The 13' setback requirement creates a hardship in finding a location for our sign that is visible to automobile traffic on Johnny Cake Ridge Road. Option (A) is to move the sign closer to the parking lot. This location places the sign very close to a light pole. The light pole inhibits viewing of the sign for southbound traffic. The church was required to place the light pole in its current location. The church is unable to relocate the light pole. Option (B) is to move to a location at the northern end of the property. The problem with this location is that it is in a significantly lower grade level. The sign is too low to be easily visible and read by street traffic. Option (C) is in its current location but move westward far enough to be outside the Drainage & Utility Easement. This location would be setback 10' from the property line, but completely outside the Easement. Our Variance Application is to reduce the 13' Property Line Setback requirement to 10' (3' reduction). Thank you for your consideration of our request. Sincerely. Pastor Karl Anderson Heritage Lutheran Church 13401 Johnny Cake Ridge Road Apple Valley, MN 55124 EASEMENT EXHIBIT FOR: HERITAGE LUTHERAN CHURCH 13401 JOHNNY CAKE RIDGE ROAD, CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA � I NORTH LINE O -OT F ��- 255.58 N89-42'524 - Easment Lin (Green) , 3' 10' (Normal Post Setback) Footing T I Variance 2' New ign (Request fl a.f 3' into 111— 8'-9'1 ---- 1 1 Setback Setback Line (Red) eo SCALE: 1 " = 80' sa CN �oW�STRE� / L—RaG L 1921SCRZ00TION. Significantly Lower El6vation ° Pov�er line 014 -'"/- 0 I to60.32 0 I w v I o I Y E-- i I - I } I I Z o = I ,41 o I I Q 7 o EXIST. SIGN - --�� o rn PPoPoSED SIGN ------- j � z m p9� C' ") 1p`LNOp : 'GF, �V 0 z v II --Z=157.40 o a 1?=564.3 40.16 d=15'59 00 S89'40'18"E LOT 1, BLOCK 1, HERITAGE LUTHERAN CHURCH ADDITION ACCORDING TO THE PLAT ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA. CERTIFICATION: I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS SURVEY WAS PREPARED BY ME OR UNDER MY DIRECT SUPERVISION AND THAT I AM A DULY LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. �SIGNED THE 17TH OF APRIL, 2220020. DENNIS M. HONSA MINNESOTA LICENSE No. 22440 FOR: HONSA SURVEYING :1a96y��1�bYbIIrLIIt�9[H� ALTERATIONS TO THIS DRAWING ARE PROHIBITED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF HONSA SURVEYING COPYRIGHT 2020. � I I � I LEGEND d'I......... FIRE HYDRANT ® .... WATER VALVE MANHOLE ® ... CATCH BASIN . . . . POWERPOLEI .. . .. UGHT POLE . . . . IRON MONUMENT FOUND q. . IRON PIPE MONUMENT SETT . EXISTING SPOT ELEVATION JOB NO: 2020 DIGITAL SIGN 001 HONSA SURVEYING 1592 PACIFIC AVENUE, EAGAN, MN 55122 (651) 492-6725 O U f6 p[ V � � � � N t Lr) 111 ro m Z U C V rj O 0 c6 N I ro v M Q v Q oa =�Q o36-0 Y Y Y Y N c-I ci ci C 0 W U1 C Y [V U ( 66 X V 00 L i C U_ X X W N O 00 i C M N U CC C X ------ �-� _x----------------- U_ �----------- \ - v N ------------------v -X 0 dl O M Q C_ M COCLO Ln 00 d w w w U 7 N N E X 00 00 00 _-- _______E_-G_________ ------------ -__ih------------------------------ __ Y O Z_m C M T 00 _ Q Q N E (6 0 vrqV Q � Y Q N O C K W L � 0� �N M Q� C C Y 00 X o 0 N 0 00 N X (10 C O O LL C C C Ql O M aj L 00 U X N o 3 o0IRMO Y Y Y W � W N c-I ci C (D w W W � O N �� M L Q) r �_ C (00 Q� � N Y X o 0 N vi 0 0 U C a Ln 3 v C6 i c 3 0 m s U N Q d 4- kn cV m %+— II N o Qp U X II E t U 2 aj w Q o U X L11 s N Q ca i � a G� p a� x � V a� x ��•00000 ITEM: 6.A. 000 :::• Apple PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May20, 2020 Valley SECTION: Other Business Description: Meeting procedures and access information due to Pandemic Emergency Orders are posted on :he City's website. Staff Contact: Department / Division: Mari Salamanca, Planning Department Assistant Community Development Department ACTION REQUESTED: N/A SUMMARY: In order to adhere to the Governor's #StayHomeMN Order, live on-line/video meeting procedures and access information are posted on the City's website. BACKGROUND: N/A BUDGET IMPACT: 0*0 00*0 0000 00000 ITEM: 6.B. 000 Apple PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 2020 Valley SECTION: Other Business Description: Review of Upcoming Schedule and Other Updates Staff Contact: Department / Division: Mari Salamanca, Planning Department Assistant Community Development Department ACTION REQUESTED: N/A SUMMARY: Next Planning Commission Meetings: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 - 7:00 p.m • Public hearing applications due by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 • Site plan, variance applications due by 9:00 a.m on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Wednesday, June 17, 2020 - 7:00 p.m • Public hearing applications due by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 • Site plan, variance applications due by 9:00 a.m on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Next City Council Meetings: Thursday, May 28, 2020 - 7:00 p.m Thursday, June 11, 2020 - 7:00 p.m BACKGROUND: N/A BUDGET IMPACT: N/A