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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.11.01 Planning Packet . '. . 2. a) b) CITY OF FARMINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Regular Meeting September 11, 2001 at 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 14,2001 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS a) Variance Permit Application - Encroach into Required Six (6) Foot Side-yard Setback Applicant: Chester & Darlene Grabowski, 608 Ash Street Variance Permit Application - Exceed Maximum Lot Coverage within B-3 (Heavy Business) District by 1.8% Applicant: Press Line Industries - Michael Dantzer, 525 First Street c) Variance Permit Application - Encroach 60 feet into loo-foot "Protect" Wetland Setback along a Designated Trout Stream Corridor ~ Applicant: Thomas B. Wartman, 28120 Boulder Ridge Drive, Shorewood, Minnesota 4. DISCUSSION a) None 5. ADJOURN Planning Chair: Planning Commissioners: City Staff: Dirk Rotty Todd Larson, Chaz Johnson, Ben Barker, Dan Privette David L. Olson, Community Development Director Lee Smick, Planning Coordinator Michael Schultz, Associate Planner . . . City of Farmington 325 Oak Street, Farmington, MN 55024 (651) 463-7111 Fax (651) 463-2591 www.ci.farrnington.rnn.us TO: City Planning co~mis . on Michael Schultz Associate Planne FROM: SUBJECT: Variance Permit Application - Encroach into Required Six (6) Foot Side-yard Setback DATE: September 11, 2001 INTRODUCTION The applicants, Chester & Darlene Grabowski, are seeking approval of a variance to encroach into the required six (6) foot side yard setback with a proposed garage and family room addition to their home. The applicants are also seeking approval to exceed the maximum size for attached garages (1,000 sq. ft.) by twelve (12) square feet. Planning Division Review Applicant: Chester & Darlene Grabowski 608 Ash Street Farmington, MN 55024 Attachments: 1. Application 2. Site Plan 3. Building Diagram 4. Site Photos 5. Letter from Lucilla & Vernon Johnson Property Location: 608 Ash Street Variance Setback Request: To be determined with submittal of survey (the applicants were awaiting a copy from surveyor) Approximate Distance to Adjacent Structure: +/- 27 feet Proposed Addition Size: 908 square feet . . . Proposed Garage Size (with Proposed Addition): 1,012 square feet Surrounding Land Uses: Single-family residential surrounds the property Existing Zoning: R-2 (Medium Density) Comprehensive Plan: Low/Medium Density Residential DISCUSSION The applicants, Chester & Darlene Grabowski, are seeking variance approval to encroach into the required six (6) foot side yard setback and also to exceed the maximum garage size of 1,000 square feet by twelve (12) square feet. (Note: As of Friday afternoon the applicant's property survey had not arrived from the registered land surveyor, but will be available prior to Tuesday night's meeting.) The home, constructed in 1955, was built approximately three (3) feet off the easterly property line (according to Dakota County GIS information). The applicant'slotdimensions measure 93.5 feet wide by 150 feet deep, equating to 14,025 square feet. At the time the home was constructed the City did not have any adopted setback requirements. The property owners to the east, Lucilla and Vernon Johnson, have submitted a letter expressing that they are opposed to the variance but did not give a reason for their objection. Also, directly to the east of the property, and located within Castle Rock Township, isa 24 foot wide sliver of property. Staff has been unable to determine the proposed use of this property and could only suggest that it was intended to be an alley (directly across from Ash Street is an existing alleyway) after the Reinardy Addition was platted; ownership of the property has been assumed by the Johnson's (see the attached GIS map). The applicant's are also seeking a variance to exceed the maximum square footage for attached or detached garages by twelve (12) square feet. The applicants would prefer the additional attached garage space then to have to provide it through a detached garage or shed. The actual "floor area" of the garage would be 957 square feet (calculating the interior floor dimensions instead of the required exterior wall dimensions). The following requirements need to be justified to allow a variance to encroach into the side- yard setback and to exceed the maximum garage size by 12 square feet: 1) Literal enforcement of this Title would result in undue hardship with respect to the property. The property owners are restricted to any additions on the east side of the home to allow for anything more than a two stall garage. . . . 2) Such unnecessary hardship results because of circumstances unique to the property. The sliver of land located directly to the east of the property may have been intended for alley way, which may have been an influence to construct the home closer to the easterly property line. 3) The hardship is caused by provisions of this Title and is not the result of actions of persons presently having an interest in the property. The City Code requires a six (6) foot side yard setback, this provision was adopted well after the home was constructed in 1955. Section 10-1-4 of the City Code restricts attached or detached garages to 1,000 square feet. 4) The variance observes the spirit and intent of this Title, produces substantial justice and is not contrary to the public interest. The variance request observes the spirit and intent of the City Code in that the property owner would be permitted an addition to the home that is no closer than the home currently exists. The Planning Commission will need to decide if the. additional garage floor space observes the spirit and intent of the City Code. 5) The variance does not permit a lower degree of flood protection than the flood protection elevation for the particular area or permit standards lower than required by State law. , The site does not contain any flood plain. ACTION REQUESTED Staffrecommends the Planning Commission consider the variance (the amount to be determined upon submittal of the survey) to encroach into the required side-yard setback and the variance application to exceed the maximum garage area by twelve (12) square feet based on the above proposed findings. ;i~ Michael Schultz Associate Planner cc: Chester & Darlene Grabowski . CITY OF FARMINGTON VARIANCE APPLICATION Farmington, MN 55024 651-463-7111 FAX 651-463-1611 ApplicantName C}.;ES'TE.e G/A8()t4~/< / Applicant Address ~O go A..s;./ ST, .,c;;~NC;7d",j Mil I Street City State Phone Number &S-I - Y(,O-~oo7 Legal Description of Subject Property: (lot, block, plat name, section, township, range) 1H~ E/r-s, Q3. S" .f~e:t o~ t Ju. JJO(J.:TH 1.5:0 feet c;f LOI 3/ A LEX t= M.p€ Y ~ A Dj) I n DI" 10 FA P-M v.l b 77J 11 . Current Land Use irES; tJC'7IF71fi-C- Current Zoning District . (j) Specific Nature of Request / Clai.med Hardship: IN ()J?{)E~ -TO c/llL.+~Gr:: /'1 y GA-A~ .I Ncel') 'To Bi.';.:.J) ,,-J/ Ti+l"/ / I /\~. ' mE <.:> SEtA/kit:: tJF -rih;; l;tS7 f"h-'/J":::;!rr {J/v;::::. f/f/5 d iJi.Je TO rHE P/h-T rflAT mE E'iISII/Vh C,,/fRA6i: ,< . '2:- AulEA ;111//11 "if!E ~' SR' \.::'.' !;"~U-$I IU KUI... 1 ~ARAb(; of 101 s .ft. Following Attached: (please check) _ Proof of Ownership _ Boundary/Lot Survey _ Application fee ($150) _ Copies of Site Plan _ Abstract/Resident List (adjoining property owners only) Torrens (Owner's Dublicate Certificate of Title Required) Property Owner's Signature {! j~ /1 J~/~ Date 8/.:2.~/o( /" . . EDGE OF 8ITUMINOUS-~ . l- (/) <( Wr") WI- ro I-....J u..u.. 00 WI- zW :::it:: tnLn ~~ \ ~. v . ~ [~::TER LINE OF_ STREET P ASH STREET r-- NORTH LINE OF LOT 3 \. 93.47 89.32'09" \ \ 90.34'4 " co ".... <:t (/)>- I :J<( I 0:= Zw ~> , :J- 1-0::: I -0 t CD ,~20 23.5 t= 23.0 U'll 0 :?I ,... HOUSE N 220 45.3 GARAGE (0 N N 00 23.2 ~. ~ ~ z ow z w- u--' z>- WI- u..Q:: W 00.. 00 00::: 3:0... () C__ WOOD FENCE ---; SHED -~ tW 93.77 SOUTH LINE OF THE .NORTH 150 FEET OF lOT 3 /' - I"i I-'- o --' .t:5. w Z. . ..:1 t- (j) <(. w .:.. _-. ...:--..;<~..; ,...~_ r_ ._:~_~'.:' -? :.....~~$..... . "Z .. 0 z - Q. 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Section 10-1-4: Definitions GARAGE, PRIVATE: An accessory building or accessory portion of a principal building not more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in area which is intended for and used to store the private passenger vehicles and trucks not exceeding twelve thousand (12,000) pounds gross weight, of the family or families resident upon the premises, and in which no business service or industry is carried on. . September 2, 2001 City of Farmington Plaflfling Commission City Hall Council Chambers 325 Oak Street Farmington, MN 55024 He: Hequest for a variance into the six foot side yard setback and to exceed the maximum square footage for private garages by Chester and Darlene Grabowski at 608 Ash Street Farmington, MN. l~ar Plaflfling Commission: . Since we are unable to attend the public hearing on the above matter you are hereby advised we are opposed to the variance into the six foot side yard set back on the above described property in the NE~ of the NE~ Sect- ion 6, Township ll3N, Hange 19 W, Dakota County, Town of Farmington. Sincerely, Y?.)~~~~ ~tt..JO n 612 Ash Stree Farmington, MN 55024 / .~ t:/./~/ ~pt%;~.,-c/;Y- Vernon E Johnson 612 Ash Street Farmington, MN 55024 . . 6 o tb ..c ...... ;:j o en b.O c: :..Q o o ,-..... ...... ..c b.O .\: c: o '-' >-. t:: (]) 0... o :- 0... :..Q-v en (]) ~ .b ou) ..0 e~ CO~ . . . City of Farmington 325 Oak Street, Farmington, MN 55024 (651) 463-7111 Fax (651) 463-2591 www.ci.farmington.mn.us TO: City Planning commiS~S' Michael Schultz 0 Associate Planner FROM: SUBJECT: Variance Permit Application - Exceed Maximum Lot Coverage within B-3 (Heavy Business) District by 1.8% DATE: September 11, 2001 INTRODUCTION The applicant, Michael Dantzer, Press Line Industries, is seeking approval of a variance to exceed the maximum 35% lot coverage by 1.8% percent within the B-3 (Heavy Business) zoning district. Plannin!! Division Review Applicant: Press Line Industries Michael Dantzer 525 First Street Farmington, MN 55024 Attachments: 1. Application 2. Property Survey 3. Site Plan 4. Building Diagram/Elevation Drawings 5. Site Photos Property Location: 525 First Street Variance Request: 1.8% or 443 square feet Property Area: 24,335.3 square feet Proposed Addition Size: 2,000 square feet Existing Lot Coverage: 6,960 square feet Surrounding Land Uses: Heavy Business to the north and south, Single-family residential to the west, railroad right-of-way to the east . . . Existing Zoning: B-3 (Heavy Business) Comprehensive Plan: Business DISCUSSION The applicant, Michael Dantzer, Press Line Industries, is seeking variance approval to exceed the maximum lot coverage by 1.8 percent within the B-3 (Heavy Business) Zoning District which allows for 35% coverage by structures (coverage does not include paved surfaces). The original building was constructed in 1993 by Bauer Countertops on approximately 11,660 square feet of property. In 1995 it was petitioned that the Walnut Street right-of-way be vacated and a 3,680 square foot addition was constructed on the north side of the building (within the 40-feet of the vacated Walnut Street right-of-way); the calculated coverage after the addition was 35%. In 1999 the applicant acquired a 20' x 223.94' (4,478.8 square feet) strip ofland parallel to the railroad right-of-way from the adjacent property owner to the north. The intent of the applicant was twofold - to obtain an ingress/egress access to the rear of the property and to gain enough property for future building expansion. Even with acquired property added to the overall calculation, the applicB'l1t was unable to obtain enough property for the expansion desired for the business, exceeding the permitfud 35% of lot coverage by 443 square feet. Heavy business exists to the north and south of the property with a 100-foot wide railroad right-of~way to the rear. Currently City Code allows for 35% lot coverage in both the B-3 (Heavy Business) and 1-1 (Light Industrial) Districts. Because the property is confined to existing businesses and railroad ROW, a hardship exists in that it would be difficult for the property owner to acquire any additional land to meet coverage guidelines. Also some "open space" is being provided in the form of the railroad ROW. The following requirements need to be justified to allow a coverage variance of 1.8% to the maximum 35% lot coverage within the B-3 (Heavy Business) zoning district: 1) Literal enforcement of this Title would result in undue hardship with respect to the property. Currently the City Code provides some relief in the form of setbacks for property abutting railroad right-oi-way, comparatively some relief could be allowed for cover4ge given the expanse of the 100~ foot railroad right~of-way. 2) Such unnecessary hardship results because of circumstances unique to the property. The business/property owner is restricted to any additional land acquisitions to provide the necessary land area to make the 35% land coverage. 3) The hardship is caused by provisions of this Title and is not the result of actions of persons presently having an interest in the property. . e . The property owner purchased the property in 1998 after the previous expansion had taken place, the property owner attempted to purchase enough property to meet several needs, including coverage guidelines as outlined in the City Code. Although the City Code allows relief in the form of setbacks when abutting a railroad right-ofway, no such language exists concerning lot coverage in similar situations. 4) The variance observes the spirit and intent of this Title, produces substantial justice and is not contrary to the public interest. The variance request observes the spirit and intent of the City Code in that the property owner would be permitted an addition to his business in an otherwise restricted piece of property. 5) The variance does not permit a lower degree of flood protection than the flood protection elevation for the particular area or permit standards lower than required by State law. The site does not contain any flood plain. ACTION REQUESTED Staff recommends the Planning Commission consider the variance to exceed the maximum lot coverage of 35% by no more than 1.8% (or 443 square feet) with the proposed 2,000 square foot expansion contingent upon the following: 1. A landscape plan be submitted and approved by the Planning Coordinator that involves planting to the south and rear sides of the property in order to soften the additional hard surface. cc: Michael Dantzer . CITY OF FARMINGTON VARIANCE APPLICATION Farmington, MN 55024 651-463-7111 FAX 651-463-1611 For office use Permit Number Applicant Name Pre s s L i n E! Applicant Address 52 5 Fir s t Street Phone Number 651-463-2671 Legal Description of Subject Property: (lot, bloc~ plat name, section, towuship, range) Indui"ltrip!,: St Farminqton, MN City 55024 State Zip Code Current Land Use Commercial Current Zoning ~istrict B-3 . Specific Nature of Request I Claimed Hardship: Bui lding 'expansion will sliqhtl y exceed green space requirement by 1.8%. We have purchased additional property to try and achieve green space requirements but fell short. Property Owner's Signature Date _ BoundarylLot Survey Following Attached: (please check) Michael Peter Dantzer For office use only Request Submitted to the Planning Commission on Public Hearing Set for: Advertised in Local Newspaper: Planning Commission Action: Comments: _ Approved _ Denied Conditions Set: . Planning Coordinator: Date: - - - f- - f-- - . 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Town1ofFannington; . of the South HalfofV8Cated Walnut Street lying easterly oflhe northerly extension of the west \ Original Town of Farmington and lying westerly ofa line parallel to and 50 feet northwesterly 'cd perpeixlicular to. the Soo Line Railroad Company's main track centerline. -- 185.aO S89.58'35"E - - CENTERLINE OF VACATED WALNUT STREET /.7 o ~ STRE T PAR:EL ~ rARCEL 3 50 I I I , I , I I I , I I I I I I I , I , I >- I <: I i , I EXISTING BUILDING z -------r-------=:J u LOT 1 EXISTING BUILDING BI_OCK ~) 1- '" u ,..... ;;'0 CO"lCRETE '.:; at ~ -/ u,- ,;j~ c; SCALE . o FOil SET DRIV WAY "ofland 50 feet in width, heing a part of the properly of the funner Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul ailroad Company in the Town of Farmington. Ioc:ale-tl in the Northea~t Quarter of the Southwest Yo ofSW 'A) ofSeclion 31. Township 114 North. Range 19 West. Dakota County, Minnesota. ",nows: The ea.~erly twenty (20) feet of lhe fullowing dem:ribed parcel: A ~rj, \1cing 8 part "rthe property ofthe fhnner Chicago, Milwaukee, ~l. Paul and I' 'I own of Fannington, Ioc:ated in the Northeast Quarter orthe Southwest Quarf Township 114 North, Range J9'West, Dakota County, Minnesota, described " Beginning atlhe southeast comer of Lot 7 in Died: 6. Originld Town (1 along the soulherly projection of the east line of 118id Lot 7 a distance of 40 feel of vacated. Walnut Street: thence ea<rtedv 11lona ,.... __I" ftIWl.....ln.. ^f'.... ~r - 186.17 NS9.5S'35.W- . . . ~ z () ~i - s+ l- Irs + \ ( I i I j I I I I ! , , i i i , I r-~ I i I IL I I I EX1S,'!INC1 eUll..OINa. ~,ze~ ~ EX1S>"IN~ eUII..OINa. 3ce~ =- -----.---- 9 9 40'-0" 40'-0" ~t" ") I I I . j I .' ~'.':I RAMP DOY'IN .~-----~- t i 1 " '.: "j b lL I ! t-'...- HARD5tlRrA~E" . ~~ ~- ~~ ~ . ----~ ~ r / I I ~ . " TS:6~H .(-t_U~'-O~-+ 31'-0" 11._ ! U I '-1 I I I I I I - -- ". - .- ~- - .-- - - ---,. --- .._- ._.- --- -- -- - - . 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City of Farmington 325 Oak Street, Farmington, MN 55024 (651) 463-7111 Fax (651) 463-2591 www.ci.farmington.mn.us TO: City Planning Commission Lee Smick, AICP n({) Planning Coordinator Y FROM: SUBJECT: Variance Permit Application - Encroach 60 feet into 100-foot "Protect" Wetland Setback along a Designated Trout Stream Corridor DATE: September 11, 2001 INTRODUCTION Thomas Wartman, 28120 Boulder Ridge Drive, Shorewood, Minnesota is seeking a sixty (60) foot variance to encroach into the 100-foot protect wetland setback along the designated trout stream corridor of the Vermillion River near the Farmington City Center commercial area in downtown Farmington. The 6O-foot variance would encompass the proposed expansion of a 15,900 square foot building to the Econo Foods Store and the construction of an improved accessway to 1 st Street. Plannine Division Review Applicant: Thomas B. Wartman Farmington City Center LLC 28120 Boulder Ridge Drive Shorewood, MN 55331 Attachments: 1. Variance Application 2. Applicants site plan/details 3. Staff Pictures 4. Section 10-9-7 Location of Property: 115 Elm Street Proposed Encroachment Distance: 60 feet Current Land Use: Commercial Zoning District: B-2 (General Business District), F-2 (Flood Fringe District) Area Currently Bounded by: Single-Family Residential on the west and Commercial surrounds the remainder of the property. . DISCUSSION . . The applicant, Thomas Wartman, is seeking a 60- foot variance to the 100- foot protect wetland setback along the designated trout stream corridor of the Vermillion River. The applicant is claiming hardship on the property because I) there is no alternative to expanding the grocery store without reducing the amount of parking spaces in the City Center complex and 2) with the additional commercial areas proposed to the east of Econo Foods, an additional accessway to Elm Street is needed, thereby necessitating an improved access to 1 st Street. The following requirements need to be justified to allow the 60- foot variance: I) Literal enforcement of this Title would result in undue hardship with respect to the property. Locating the expansion outside of the 100-foot setback area would cause undue hardship because parking would be eliminated for business owners who do not have an interest in the expansion. 2) Such unnecessary hardship results because of circumstances unique to the property. With the expansion of business in the City Center, additional outlets are required to access Elm Street. The improvement of the northerly access within the 100-foot setback would add a third access option. 3) The hardship is caused by provisions of this Title and is not the result of actions of persons presently having an interest in the property. Section 10-9-7 (H) of the City Code requires minimum buffer area sizes to be 100 feet along designated trout stream corridors. 4) The variance observes the spirit and intent of this Title, produces substantial justice and is not contrary to the public interest. The variance request produces substantial justice because the property owner could not utilize the property to its best and highest use if the variance was not granted. The variance is not contrary to the public interest because plans call for the reclamation of the buffer area as a public space where native grasses and forbs will be planted along the designated trout stream. 5) The variance does not permit a lower degree of flood protection than the flood protection elevation for the particular area or permit standards lower than required by State law. The FEMA Map shows the flood elevation at 901. The developer proposes thefinishedfloor elevationfor the building expansion to be 905.9 feet, thereby locating the building above the flood protection elevation. . . . ACTION REQUESTED Consider the variance request granting an encroachment of 60 feet into the 100-foot protect wetland setback along the designated trout stream of the Vermillion River. Respectfully Submitted, ~~ Lee Smick, AICP Planning Coordinator cc: Thomas Wartman, 28120 Boulder Ridge Drive, Shorewood, MN 55331 . . . CITY OF FARMINGTON VARIANCE APPLICATION F:umington, r-AN 55024 651-463-7111 FAX 651-463-1611 For office use Permit Number Zip Code sh..!l>, range) S~.3 B-Z ~-z. 1 7~ ~ r /~ ~ l:'"i ~Af~r/. _ Proof of Ownership _ BoundarylLot Survey _ Application fee ($150) _ Copies of Site Plan _ Abstract/Resident List (adjoining property owners only) _ Torrens (Owner's Dublicate Certificate of Title Required) Property Owner's Signature Date For office use only Request Submitted to the Planning Commission on Public Hearing Set for: Advertised in Local Newspaper: Planning Commission Action: Comments: _ Approved _ Denied Conditions Set: Planning Coordinator: Date: 10-9-6 10-9-7 . ~..... (H) A wetland alteration permit shall not be issued unless the proposed development complies, within the provisions of the mitigation section of this Chapter, as well as the standards, intent, and purpose of this Chapter. (Ord. 099-433, 6-7-1999) 10-9-7: WETLAND BUFFER AREAS: (A) For lots of record created after June 7, 1999 (date of ordinance adoption), a buffer area shall be maintained abutting all wetlands. Buffer area vegetation shall be established and maintained in accordance to the following requirements: (see illustration filed in the office of the City Clerk). (B) Buffer area vegetation shall be considered adequate when the buffer has a continuous, dense layer of perennial grasses, flowers, trees and/or shrubs that have been undisturbed for at least ten (10) consecutive years. Vegetation shall be considered unacceptable if: 1. It is composed of noxious weeds; or . 2. Topography or sparse vegetation tends to channelize the flow of surface water; or 3. For some other reason the vegetation is unlikely to retain nutrients and sediment. (C) Where buffer areas, or a portion thereof, are not vegetated or have been cultivated or otherwise disturbed within ten (10) years of the permit application, such areas shall be replanted and maintained according to each of the following standards: 1. Buffer areas shall be planted with a seed mix containing one hundred percent (100%) perennial native plant species, except for a one-time planting of annual nurse or cover crop such as oats or rye. 2. The seed mix to be used shall consist of at least fifteen (15) pounds pure live seed (PLS) per acre of native grass seed and one pound PLS per acre of native forbs. Native grass and native forb mixes shall contain no fewer than four (4) and five (5) species respectively. 3. The annual nurse or cover crop shall be applied at a rate of twenty (20) pounds per acre. . 899 City of Farmington 1 0-9-7 10-9-7 . 4. Native shrubs may be substituted for forbs. Such shrubs may be bare-root stock and shall be planted at a rate of sixty (60) plants per acre. Shrubs shall be distributed so as to provide a natural appearance and shall not be planted in rows. 5. Buffer area plantings along the Vermillion River corridor or other areas of buffer area plantings along trout stream habitat shall follow planting guidelines included in the Farmington Surface Water Management Plan. (Approved tree species are listed on Figure 4-5 in the Farmington Surface Water Management Plan filed in the office of the City Clerk.) 6. Native grasses and forbs shall be planted by a qualified contractor by using a drill designed for native grass seeding or by broadcasting or hydroseeding at Minnesota Department of Transportation rates (1995 MNDOT Standard Specifications for Construction). 7. No fertilizer shall be used in establishing new buffer areas. 8. All seeded areas shall be mulched immediately with clean straw at a rate of 1.5 tons per acre. Mulch shall be anchored with a disk or tackifier. . 9. Buffer areas (both natural and created) shall be protected by erosion control measures as determined by the City. These must be employed during construction until permanent ground cover is established to prevent siltation of the buffer area and wetland. 10. A walking trail may be established within a wetland buffer area. The trail should be constructed to minimize erosion. An undisturbed area of vegetative buffer at least ten feet (10') in width should remain between the trail and the wetland edge. (See illustration 10-9-7(C)10 filed in the office of the City Clerk.) 11. Applicants may obtain from the City a set of standard seeding and planting specifications for buffer areas, which meet all the City requirements. (D) Buffer areas shall be identified by permanent monumentation acceptable to the City. In residential subdivisions, a monument is required for each lot. In other situations, a monument is required for each three hundred feet (300') of wetland edge. (E) The clearing and removal of vegetation in the buffer area is prohibited, except for selective clearing and pruning, of individual . May 2000 City of Farmington 1 0-9-7 . (F) (G) cry . (I) (J) . 10-9-7 trees and shrubs which are dead, diseased, noxious weeds, or hazards. Where acceptable to adjacent properties, owners are encouraged to leave dead trees and branches in the buffer area, because they are part of the native natural environment and provide necessary habitat to many birds and native wildlife. All buffer areas are measured from the wetland edge as marked in the field. (Ord. 099-433, 6-7-1999) The following buffer area sizes are minimum requirements: Wetland Tvpe: Manaae 1 Utilize Manaae 2 Protect Average buffer width 75 feet 50 feet 25 feet 0 feet .+ 100 feet "protect" wetlands in the designated trout stream corridor Minimum buffer 75 feet 30 feet o feet 20 feet Structure setback from outer edge of buffer 1 0 feet o feet 1 0 feet 1 0 feet (Ord. 000-450, 3-20-2000) Any wetland restored, relocated, replaced or enhanced because of wetland alterations should have at least the minimum buffer area required for the class of the wetland involved. The City may recommend buffer area averaging in instances where it will provide resource protection to wetland or to valuable adjacent upland habitat, or allow for reasonable use of property as described in Section 10-9-4 of this Chapter, provided that the total buffer area on-site contained in the buffer remains the same. (K) For roadways, trails, and driveways, or portions thereof, that are routed across wetlands and are subject to WCA replacement requirements, no buffer areas shall be required. Public trails that are routed through wetlands for specific interpretive purposes shall also be exempted from this requirement. (See illustration 10-9-7L filed in the office of the City Clerk.) May 2000 City of Farmington 10-9-7 . (L) 10-9-8: (A) (B) . . 1 0-9-8 If the area of the buffer has a preconstruction slope of twelve percent (12%) or greater, the buffer shall be at the maximum width for the applicant's wetland classification. The use of a meandering buffer area to maintain a natural appearance is encouraged but not required in areas of flat topography. (Ord. 099-433, 6-7-1999) WETLAND AND BUFFER AREA MITIGATION: Where wetland alteration is approved and mitigation is required, mitigation must result in equal or improved wetland function and value. Mitigation plans must address water quality improvement, and maintenance of preexisting hydrological balance and wildlife habitat. The wetland function and value will include improvement of water quality, maintaining hydrological balance, and provision of wildlife habitat. Mitigation will be performed at ratios required by the Wetland Conservation Act to achieve replacement of the wetland function and value. The following criteria shall be required for wetland or buffer area mitigation. 1. Wetland mitigation will be performed at a ratio required by the Wetland Conservation Act. Buffers will be required to be replaced on the fill slope. When a wetland is completely filled, the buffer area requirement associated with the classification of the wetland that was filled will be required for the replacement wetlands unless replacement is occurring adjacent to a wetland with a higher classification. In this case, the buffer area requirement for the higher wetland classification will apply. 2. Mitigation should always result in equal or improved wetland function and value. The wetland function and value will include improvement of water quality, maintaining hydrological balance, and provision of wildlife habitat. 3. Mitigation shall provide a buffer area as set forth in this Chapter. 4. Mitigation shall maintain or enhance the wetland hydrological balance through the following: (a) Restoration of partially drained wetlands. (b) Creation of new wetlands. (c) Restoration of buffer area functions. 899 City of Farmington . DAKOTA COUNTY SOIL & WA TER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center 4100 220th Street West, Suite 102 Farmington, MN 55024 Phone: (651) 480-7777 FAX: (651) 480-7775 September 7, 2001 Mr. David Olson Community Development Director City of Farmington 325 Oak Street Farmington, MN 55024-1358 Ref: 01-FRM-066 RE: CITY CENTER PUBLIC SPACE CONCEPT PLAN REVIEW OF NATURAL RESOURCE ISSUES Dear David, . Thank you for sharing the concept plan for the proposed City Center Public Space in Farmington. We appreciate how long the City has been working to address the dump issues on the property, make the site developable, and tie it all together with the Rambling River Park trail system. The site is adjacent to the Vermillion River, which is a DNR Designated Trout Stream in this area. The following comments are provided to give our perspective on how additional natural resource issues can be addressed during the development review process and focus on: storm water management, river buffer enhancement, and trout stream fishing access. The City has some extra leverage to require the developer to focus on these issues because of the variance required to expand the existing Econo Foods. Stormwater Management Because of the site's proximity to the Vermillion River, storm water management is an obvious concern. Multiple site constraints make the construction of traditional ponding facilities difficult. Accordingly, we suggest requiring a two-step approach to storm water management: Impervious area reduction and source control. Impervious area reduction can be most easily achieved by closely scrutinizing parking lot requirements and configurations. Looking at actual parking lot usage at the Econo Foods and sharing parking requirements with the proposed building can greatly reduce impervious areas and development costs. Stormwater source control includes a variety of practices ranging from rainwater gardens, grassed swales, roof cisterns, recessed parking lot islands, and green roofs. These practices can be used to provide functional landscaping; wherever landscaping is installed, it should be designed to serve multiple benefits including stormwater management. The Dakota SWCD has cost-share grants available to promote some or all of these approaches. In addition to these innovative approaches, there may also be space to incorporate traditional pondinglwetland practices. We look forward to working with the City and developer to identify specific stormwater management options and minimize runoff from the site to protect the Vermillion River. River ButTer Enhancement and Trout Stream fishing Access . The concept plan includes trail connections and formal gardens to provide recreation opportunities for the residents of Farmington. The SWCD commends the City for providing this greenway corridor along the . . . Farmington City Center Public Space 2 Vermillion River. To maximize the environmental benefits of the greenway, we encourage the City to minimize disturbance of existing vegetation within the 100' river setback and promote the establishment of native floodplain vegetation. Trails should be routed at the outside portion of the 100' buffer to retain as wide a buffer as possible. To provide fishing access, low maintenance, natural surface trails could be provided. These trails should access the river at riffles and outside bends of the river. Please call me at 651.480.779 to discuss these issues in more detail. Respectfully, ~~ Jay Riggs, CPESC Urban Conservationist Cc: Jason Moeckel, MDNR Brian Watson, SWCD District Manager . . . 'i ~ '1 ..~'.,.I:.. "- '_& ~.~ - -. . , '" ~ of ~ . . . ,0"1 :. .! , t# - ...~ . . ! ... . \, . . . . I 'l . rt .. ...... ~.-\ . ,t t , ri -~~ '. ..~~ . ;;r- '.. ..., : ~L~ '-.9~ ~ II; , . . . -I