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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/12/10 Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 12, 2010 1. Call to Order Chair Rotty called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Rotty, Bonar, Franceschelli, Kuyper, Vanderbeck Members Absent: None Also Present: Lee Smick - City Planner, Tony Wippler - Assistant City Planner 2. Approval of Minutes a) September 14, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Franceschelli, second by Kuyper to approve the minutes. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Public Hearings a) A Conditional Use Permit to allow accessory / temporary structures on commercial property within the B-2 (Downtown Business) Zoning District. Applicant: Farmington City Center, LLC 28120 Boulder Bridge Drive Excelsior, MN 55331 The applicant would like to locate temporary accessory structures to the west of the former Mr. Movies location on the site of the City Center Development which is located at 115 Elm Street. Another business on the site, Pellicci's Ace hardware currently has two accessory storage structures on the site that are technically non-compliant. Accessory structures within the business district require a conditional use permit. The accessory structure being proposed would be no taller than 12 feet in height and no larger than 240 square feet in size. There are two containers at Pellicci's and a prospective tenant for the former Mr. Movie's space, NAPA Auto Parts, would also like to have two structures. An additional curb cut would be added along the north drive to allow access to the structures. The current loading doors would also be increased in size. They would be adding an asphalt drive and pad for unloading. The potential tenant has indicated that they would not be receiving shipments on semi-truck, they would be smaller vehicles. A 100% screen must be installed in the rear yard due to the residential lots adjacent to the site. The options for screening are: a six foot to 8 foot wooden opaque fence and landscaping, landscaping and berms, or a combination of both. The applicant is proposing a landscaped screen. Staffis proposing that only two accessory structures be allowed on each of the lots in the development. Staff is also recommending a one year expiration for the CUP. Staff is recommending the approval of the accessory structures with the following contingencies: 1. The accessory structures be limited to two per lot, including Lot 1, Block 1, and Lot 3, Block 1, and shall be allowed to remain on the lot for one year upon Lot 3, Block 1 upon approval of the accessory structure CUP. 2. A sign permit must be obtained for any signage to be put on the site. 3. All necessary building permits must be obtained as required for the accessory structures or any renovation of the existing building. Planning Commission Minutes October 12, 2010 Page 2 4. A landscape plan for screening be submitted and reviewed for code compliance by the Planning staff. 5. Fifty-one percent of retail is a requirement for the existing structure and any future expanSIOns. 6. The accessory storage containers are kept in good condition. 7. Vehicular access must be allowed at all times from First Street to the east. Mr. Tom Wartman, Farmington City Center LLC, stated that he was approached about NAPA Auto Parts leasing the former Mr. Movies space. The business would receive deliveries twice daily via panel truck. They would also like to have some outdoor storage containers for overstock. They use smaller vehicles for their own deliveries. Some of those deliveries would be via the front door. He stated that the storage containers are made to match the existing building. He stated that he did not have an issue with having the CUP renewed but wondered exactly how that should best be handled. He stated that there would be landscaping to screen the view from the neighbors. Chair Rotty asked what would be stored in the storage containers and how often they would be accessed. Mr. Wartman stated that it will be mainly excess stock. The store is over half retail and the other half is warehousing of stock. Chair Rotty also asked if there would be semi's at this location and if deliveries will conflict with those ofEcono Foods or other tenants. Mr. Wartman stated that he did not see an issue with conflicts and NAP A will not have semi deliveries. Chair Rotty asked if there were any other NAPA stores being considered for this community. Mr. Wartman stated that the owner had at one tine been looking at other locations but is not any longer. City Planner Smick stated that in this location the business would be required to be over 50% retail. Commissioner Bonar asked for further clarification regarding the one year term limit suggested by staff. Staff stated that they wanted to make sure that they had good control over the duration of the accessory structure permit. There is not a requirement for the size of the structures in the commercial zone. The process for extension would be for the applicant to come in for an extension 30 day before the expiration date. Commissioner Franceschelli asked what kind of signage was being considered by the applicant. Mr. Ken Sbota stated that he would be using signage developed by NAP A that meets the code requirements. He will submit the information to staff once it is available. Staff will provide the sign requirements for the applicant to follow. Commissioner Franceschelli stated that he is not sure that 51 % is an adequate amount of retail and he suggested that the warehousing/ storage element be reduced further to perhaps 25 %. Staff stated that there is not a requirement currently in the code, so after this item is addressed the code should be updated. Commissioner Kuyper asked if the delivery vehicles would be entering from First Street. Mr. Sbota stated that they would use First Street and the smaller vehicles would probably utilize the shopping center entry. The volume of deliveries will vary daily. Chair Rotty asked if there was a potential fro business expansion in the future. Mr. Wartman said that they have considered that option and will have to determine in the future if the storage containers are needed or if there is additional storage space required. He stated that the new model for NAPA stores functions as a retail environment with a racking storage areas on site. Mr. Ferrel Pellicci, Pellicci's Ace Hardware, stated that he is concerned about their accessory structures because they have larger containers on site already. He stated that most of their customers and delivery trucks access them from First Street and he is concerned about congestion if a driveway is added there. Commissioner Vanderbeck asked what time the deliveries would be. M. Wartman stated that they will fluctuate. The driveway area Planning Commission Minutes October 12, 2010 Page 3 will be long enough to accommodate the delivery trucks. The driveway is on private property so there is no requirement for a turn around. Mr. Pellicci stated that he did not feel that parking a truck parallel along the street would be possible and it would block the traffic flow. Mr. Wartman stated that he did not agree. Commissioner Franceshelli asked if the driveway issue turns out to be a problem, can the deliveries be done through the front. Mr. Wartman stated that he will require the delivery vehicles back into the drive to unload if there is any type of issue. Staff stated that there can be contingency added to the CUP to require that vehicular access is continually maintained. Mr. Bob Richardson, 35 Elm Street, stated that he agrees with Mr. Pellicci about the access and he does not feel that backing in will be a good option either. He also asked what condition the outside storage containers would be in. He also wanted to know if the landscaping coverage would be seasonal or 100% year round. He asked if the area was in the flood plain. Staff stated that the building is not. The paved area can be in the flood plain. Mr. Wartman stated that the containers would be in very good condition. Commissioner Vanderbeck asked if there was future expansion would we still require 51 % retail. Staff stated that they would need to maintain the 51 % retail. Chair Rotty stated that he thinks the storage units are fine, but he feels that having some conditions is appropriate to address some of the concerns that have been raised. Commissioner Bonar asked what the available sizes are for the storage units. Staff stated that they will bring back information on that item. MOTION by Franceschelli, second by Vanderbeck to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Franceschelli, second by Bonar to approve the conditional use permit with the seven contingencies. APIF. MOTION CARRIED. b) A Conditional Use Permit allowing a manufacturing facility in the B-3 (Heavy Business) Zoning District. Applicant: J.R.B. Incorporated 1323 Southview Boulevard, Suite 202 South St. Paul, MN 55075 The applicant is applying for a conditional use permit for the site located at 22068 Canton Court, to allow a manufacturing facility in the B-3 Heavy Business Zoning District. The business would be distributing foundry products and will be manufacturing ceramic fiber riser sleeves. There would be 6-10 trucks either delivering or shipping products per day. The Fire Marshall has reviewed the plans and is comfortable with the proposal. Outside storage was previously approved for this site in 2008. The conditional use permit would be based upon the following contingencies: 1. A building permit must be obtained from the City's Building Official. 2. A sign permit will be applied for an approved for any external signage that may be placed on the premises. 3. Other condition as may be recommended by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Vanderbeck asked if this tenant would be utilizing the entire building; the applicant stated that it would only be half of the building as there is a tenant currently utilizing the other side. MOTION by Vanderbeck, second by Kuyper to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Kuyper, second by Franceschelli to approve the conditional use permit with the stated contingencies. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Planning Commission Minutes October 12, 2010 Page 4 c) Ordinance amending Section 10-5-25,10-6-17,10-6-18, and 11-4-7 relating to Floodplain Overlay District, Wetland Standards, Shoreland Management Regulations, and Storm Drainage. Applicant: City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 The proposed changes would amend the Floodplain Overlay District, Wetland Standards, Shoreland Management Regulations, and Storm Drainage sections of the City Code. The reason for the update is in response to updates made by the Vermillion River Watershed JPO. We are required to update our ordinances to be in compliance with theirs. Most of the changes are general housekeeping items. Two of the items are more substantive. One would eliminate the exemption for agricultural properties with regard to wetland conservation. The second is pertaining to storm drainage and modifies the runoff rates baselines and flow rate standards for storm water runoff. Commissioner Bonar asked if there were any properties in Farmington that would be affected by the changes to the agricultural exemption. Staff stated that there are some properties. Staffwill notify the property owners of the changes. MOTION by Franceschelli, second by Kuyper to close the public hearing. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Kuyper, second by Franceschelli to approve the proposed amendments. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Discussion a) Site Plan Review - Pizza Man - 409 Third Street The applicant has submitted a site plan for a proposed 800 square foot expansion at their location at 409 Third Street. The expansion would allow space for dine-in eating and the addition of a bar area. There would also be outdoor seating added for up to 20. Parking would be located behind the building and would be paved. The sidewalk area indicated will be concrete. The bulk requirements and lot coverage requirements have all been met. The outdoor facade will be a combination of brick veneer and hardi-board panels. Staff would like the Commission to indicate if they feel that hardi-board meets the downtown design standards. Hardi-board is not actually addresses in the standards but ornamental concrete is allowed. Staff noted that the wall signage proposed is currently at about 16%, however only 14% is allowed per the Code. The applicant is aware that they will need to reduce the amount of signage space and has submitted a revised plan. Engineering has reviewed the plan and has requested further information be submitted regarding drainage on the site. Staff is recommending approval of the site plan with the following contingencies: 1. Submittal of additional information to the City's Engineering Department regarding how storm drainage will be handled on this site. 2. The off street parking must be graded appropriately and surfaced with concrete or bituminous in accordance with the 10-6-4 of the zoning ordinance. 3. The fencing around the outdoor seating area must be constructed of wrought iron, vinyl, or ornamental aluminum. Planning Commission Minutes October 12, 2010 Page 5 4. The overall signage area proposed will have to be reduced to 14% of the fac;ade coverage requirement. A sign permit will have to be submitted to and approved by the Planning Division for all exterior signage. 5. The Planning Commission making a determination regarding if the hardi-board panels being proposed meet the DCD design standards. 6. Submission and approval of a building permit. Commissioner Kuyper felt that the hardi-board would be fine. Commissioner Bonar stated that he is fine with the hardi-board. Commissioner Vanderbeck was fine with the hardi-board. Commissioner Franceschelli stated that he feels that the hardi- board item should be addressed by the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) and would refer not to have this issue decided until the HPC has reviewed the design. Chair Rotty also supports the hardi-board. Chair Rotty asked staff if there would be the opportunity to have the HPC review the plans after the Planning Commission has approved the site plan. Staff will forward this item to the HPC when they meet on the 26th of October. MOTION by Kuyper, second by Vanderbeck to approve the site plan. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. b) Minnesota GreenStep Program Staff has been looking into the Minnesota GreenStep Program as a guideline for creation of a sustainability plan for the City. The program is a menu-style listing of categorized best practices that can be implemented based upon the community's sustainability goals. Some of the requirements have already been implemented in Farmington. This program will serve as an outline for the sustainability chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. The City's Green Team will be a part of these discussions. A resident asked if there would be a residential plan for sustainability and if it will address wind turbines. Staff stated that there will be more discussion on this topic as part of the sustainability chapter. Chair Rotty said that residential wind turbines will be addressed as part of the discussion. 5. Adjourn MOTION by Kuyper, second by Vanderbeck to adjourn. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 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