2002.08.12 PC Meeting PacketCRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA SUMMARY
August 12, 2002
7:00 p.m.
Crystal City Hall - Council Chambers
4141 Douglas Dr N
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- July 8, 2002 meeting
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Application 2002-14: Lot Division at 4059 Douglas Drive North to detach the
west 145 feet and incorporate it into the adjacent Hagemeister Pond Park.
Note: This public hearing has been continued from the July 8, 2002
meeting.
2. Application 2002-15: Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a salt
storage building at 6125 41St Avenue North (City of Crystal public works
facility), together with Variances to reduce the side yard setback and
increase the maximum allowable height.
D. OLD BUSINESS
E. NEW BUSINESS
F. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. City Council actions on Planning Commission items.
G. OPEN FORUM
H. ADJOURNMENT
July 8, 2002
CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m.
with the following present: Kamp, Krueger, Magnuson, Nystrom, Sears, and
Strand. Also present were the following: Planner Sutter and Community
Development Assistant Dietsche. Absent were K. Graham, T. Graham, and
VonRueden.
Call to order
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to
approve the minutes of the June 10, 2002 meeting with no exceptions.
Motion carried.
New Planning Commissioners Joseph Sears and Michelle Strand were sworn in by
Chair Magnuson.
2. Public hearings
❑ Consider Application 2002-08 for a Site Plan Review to construct a 9,978
sq. ft. office building at 3200 Douglas Drive N.
Commissioner Magnuson stated that the applicant has failed to submit a complete
application.
No one appeared to testify before the commission.
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Krueger to close
the public hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Krueger to
recommend to the City Council to deny Application 2002-08 for a Site Plan
Review to construct an office building at 3200 Douglas Drive N.
Findings of Fact are that the applicant has failed to submit a complete application.
Motion carried.
❑ Consider Application 2002-11 for Rezoning 3200 Douglas Drive N from B-
4 Community Commercial to R-3 Medium Density Residential and Site Plan
Review for a two-family dwelling.
Planner Sutter summarized the staff report and recommended approval, subject to
1111 the following conditions:
❑ This site plan approval shall not be effective until an ordinance rezoning the
subject property to R-3 becomes effective.
❑ The existing water service on 32"d Avenue shall be abandoned at the
applicant's expense, in accordance with the requirements of the city's utilities
division.
❑ No less than two garage stalls and four surface parking spaces shall be
provided, in accordance with sketch showing the layout recommended by
staff. In the event that parking demand exceeds the number of off-street
spaces provided, staff may order the applicant (or their successor) to install
additional spaces as necessary to accommodate all parking off-street.
❑ All turf and landscaped areas shall be irrigated with an underground system.
❑ Planting beds shall be filled with wood mulch, not landscaping rock.
❑ Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall enter into a Site
Improvement Agreement and provide financial surety in the form of a cash
deposit or letter of credit to ensure satisfactory installation of the site
improvements shown in the submitted plans.
❑ In the event that the facility ceases to be used in a manner similar to a state
licensed residential facility as described in M.S. 462.357, the Zoning
Ordinance prohibition on more than three unrelated people occupying a single
dwelling unit shall apply.
Several commissioners expressed concern about complications that may arise if a
second garage was proposed in the future.
Planner Sutter responded by stating that since a second garage is not included in
this specific application, the issue has not been discussed in detail. Dwelling units
require one indoor parking space. Since there is a two car garage on the property,
one indoor space is provided for each dwelling unit. Planner Sutter added that
there is indeed enough space for a second garage to be built (where the proposed
patio would be located) at a later date. However, permission would have to be
obtained through Hennepin County for the addition of a driveway and curb cut off
of Douglas Drive N. Also the lot would have to be divided so the north lot would
change from a rear yard to a side yard.
Commissioner Sears questioned whether or not soil studies had been done on this
property and if so, what the outcome was.
Representatives of Living Works Ventures confirmed that soil studies were done
last year and some fill will be required to correct the inconsistency in the soil.
Susan Rivard also gave a brief description of the type of residents that would be
living in the dwelling as well how the dwelling will be used.
Commissioners Sears and Magnuson were concerned about the use of the
basement of the dwelling and its proximity to the flood plain of Bassett Creek.
Planner Sutter replied by stating that although the dwelling is close to the flood
plain, it is not included in the designated 100 year zone. Therefore, the elevation
of the basement is not a concern. Commissioner Magnuson pointed out that the
installation of a sump pump may be something to consider, regardless.
Moved by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to
close the public hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Sears to
recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2002-11 for Rezoning
3200 Douglas Drive N from B-4 Community Commercial to R-3 Medium
Density Residential and Site Plan Review.
Findings of Fact are as follows:
Findings of Fact to approve Rezoning and Site Plan Review as stated in the staff
report.
The Planning Commission also recommended that the applicant address the issues
related to the addition of a second garage and the installation of a firewall
between the two dwelling units.
Motion carried.
❑ Consider Application 2002-12 for a Lot Division at 4957 Florida Ave N
and variances to increase the maximum rear yard coverage for both lots
from 30% to 40%.
Planner Sutter summarized the staff report and recommended approval, subject to
the following conditions:
❑ A street easement over the east 10' of the property shall be granted to the City
of Crystal.
❑ The existing garage shall be relocated as necessary to bring it into compliance
with Crystal City Code. If the garage is relocated to the rear yard, its
driveway shall connect to the alley, not Florida Avenue.
❑ The existing shed shall be removed or relocated in compliance with Crystal
City Code.
❑ The existing driveway and other paved areas in the north yard of 4957 Florida
shall be removed. This requirement does not apply to stoops, steps and
sidewalks needed for access to the house. Disturbed areas must be
landscaped.
❑ The existing curb cut on Florida Avenue shall be removed and new street curb
installed in accordance with city requirements.
❑ The city will not record the lot division resolution until it has received the
$1,000 park dedication fee for the new lot.
Rose Osbourne, 4957 Florida Ave N, stated that the survey does not indicate the
preferred driveway relocation for the existing parcel. She stated that she would
prefer the option discussed by staff to move the garage and provide access from
the alley instead of Florida Ave N. Ms. Osbourne also questioned if the location
of the new house could be moved back in order to prevent some trees from having
to be cut down to make room for construction.
Commissioners Magnuson and Kamp stated that the location of the house would
affect the rear yard coverage area, but that this public hearing was only to
consider the lot division and variances.
Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Kamp to close
the public hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Krueger to
recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2002-12 for a Lot
Division and Variances at 4957 Florida Ave N.
Findings of Fact are as follows:
1. Lot division would comply with city code
2. Strict application of the coverage requirement in this particular
case would constitute and undue hardship as follows:
• "The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable
use if used as required by this Zoning Code. "
• "The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances
unique to the property and not created by the property
owner. "
• "The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential
character of the locality. "
Motion carried.
❑ Consider Application 2002-13 for a Lot Division at 4060 Hampshire Ave N
to detach the east 173 feet and incorporate it into the adjacent Hagemeister
Pond Park.
Planner Sutter summarized the staff report and recommended approval.
Moved by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Strand to close
the public hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to
recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2002-13 for a Lot
Division at 4060 Hampshire Ave N.
Findings of Fact are as stated in the staff memo.
Motion carried.
o Consider Application 2002-14 for a Lot Division at 4059 Douglas Drive N
to detach the west 145 feet and incorporate it into the adjacent Hagemeister
Pond Park.
Planner Sutter summarized the staff report and recommended approval.
Commissioner Magnuson wanted to know how landlocking this parcel would
affect surrounding properties. Planner Sutter replied that it would not affect
neighboring properties. This was a voluntary acquisition by the property owner
and the division should not affect the value of the home the city is re -selling.
Nothing would be done with the parcel until access through other properties would
allow the parcel to be connected to the park.
Several commissioners were concerned how the city intends to gain maintenance
access to this parcel until it is directly connected to the park. Planner Sutter stated
that he was not exactly sure how the city intends to gain access for the short term,
but he guessed probably it would be with a temporary easement. For the long
term, the city would prefer to incorporate it into the park.
Commissioner Kamp suggested that the issue regarding maintenance access should
be resolved before the lot division is granted. All commissioners agreed that
without knowing where the temporary easement would be located, they cannot
anticipate how this may affect surrounding properties.
Denise Seth, 4047 Douglas Drive N, asked the Planning Commission what the
future plans are for this area and the park. She expressed concern that her property
would be affected by adjacent acquisitions.
Planner Sutter responded by stating that 4047 Douglas Drive N is a unique
property because of how the house is situated on the lot. If the property ever
became available for acquisition, the city could incorporate a smaller portion of the
lot into the park, or tear the house down altogether and add the entire parcel to the
park. However, lot configuration, etc. would be taken into consideration to
minimize the impact to surrounding parcels.
Moved by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Strand to close
the public hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Kamp to
recommend to the City Council to continue until the August Planning
Commission meeting, the discussion of Application 2002-14 for a Lot Division at
4059 Douglas Drive N.
Motion carried.
3. Old Business
❑ Set date for joint work session with the City Council.
The Planning Commission agreed to set Tuesday, July 23, 2002 as the date for the
joint work session with the City Council. The work session is scheduled from 7
p.m. to 9 p.m. Location to be determined by city staff.
4. New Business
5. General Information
• City Council actions on Planning Commission items
• Quarterly Development Status Report
6. Open forum
Discussion about the City Council's actions regarding the Planning Commission
Bylaws.
7. Adj ournment
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Sears to adjourn.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Chair Magnuson
Secretary T. Graham
G�
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 8, 2002
TO: Planning Commission (for August 12th meeting)
FROM: �ohnutter, Planner and Redevelopment Coordinator
SUBJECT: Application 2002-14: Lot Division at 4059 Douglas Drive North to detach the
west 145 feet and incorporate it into the adjacent Hagemeister Pond Park.
A. BACKGROUND
The City of Crystal is gradually acquiring property for Hagemeister Pond Park. The
subject property's western half is a low, wooded area. The city has acquired the subject
property and is requesting lot division to detach the rear 145' for eventual incorporation
into the park. The east 150' would be re -sold along with the existing house.
Between the subject property and the park are two other parcels. The city has
expressed its intent to acquire them for park purposes. Negotiations for these other
acquisitions are ongoing. The Planning Commission continued the public hearing at its
July 8th meeting so the city could secure an easement to provide access in the interim.
The following informational items are attached:
❑ plat map showing the area around the property; and
❑ survey showing the area to be detached.
B. STAFF COMMENTS
The parcel remaining with the house would be 150'x 86.72, or 13,008 sq. ft. (0.3 acres).
The existing house would easily comply with setbacks and other requirements of Crystal
City Code. The park parcel would be combined with the existing park property once the
city acquires the parcels in between it and the existing park.
Staff can foresee no negative impacts resulting from the request, as long as the city has
maintenance access to the new parcel until such time as it can be combined with the
park property. In the short term, access for maintenance will be available via a 15'
easement along the south side of the property.
C. RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Application 2002-14 for Lot Division at 4059 Hampshire.
Findings of fact are that the request is consistent with Crystal City Code, provided the
use of the new parcel is limited to park purposes.
The Planning Commission is asked to make a recommendation on the request for the
City Council to consider at its August 20th meeting.
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Established in 1962
LOT SURVEYS COMPANY, INC.
LAND SURVEYORS
REGISTERED UNDER THE LAWS OF STATE OF MINNESOTA
7601 73rd Avenue North (763) 560-3093
Fax No.560-3522
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55428
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Existing Legal Description:
Lot 1, Block 1, DOUG OSTMAN ADDITION
Hennepin County, Minnesota.
The only easements shown are from plats of record or information
provided by client.
We hereby certify that this is a true and correct representation of
a survey of the boundaries of the above described land and the
location of all buildings and visible encroachments, if any, from or on
said land.
Surveyed by us this 27th day of June 2002.
Rev G1r.,o o5E0 Drawn By `l. Auma lm
Board Fence
File Nome doa1-1fb92572inv63178.S90
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PARCEL;
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PROPOSED PARCEL: A
The West 145.00 feet of Lot 1, Block 1, DOUG OSTMAN
ADDITION, Hennepin County, Minnesota according to the
recorded plat thereof.
Subliect to easements and restrictions of record, if any_
PROPOSED PARCEL: B
That part of Lot 1, Block 1, DOUG OSTMAN ADDITION, Hennepin
County, Minnesota according to the recorded plat thereof
lying East of the West 145.00 feet.
Subject to easements and restrictions of record, if any.
INVOICE N0. 63178
F.B.N0. 925-72
SCALE: 1 " = 30'
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NOTE:
Q
Denotes Iron Monument
Denotes Wood Hub Set
for excavation only
Denotes Existing Elevation
Denotes Proposed Elevation
Denotes Surface Drainage
Proposed grades are subject
to results of soil tests.
Proposed building information
must be checked with approved
building plan and development or
grading plan before excavation
and construction.
Proposed Top of Block
Proposed Garage Floor
Proposed Lowest Floor
Type of Building
D� Proposed easement for irgress and
egress purposes over the South 15.00
�feet of that part of 1,ot 1, Block 1,
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DOUG OSIMAN ADDITION, Elennepin County,
Minnesota, according to the recorded
Q plat thereof lying East of the West
q 145.00 feet thereof.
Signed
Charles F. Anderson, Minn. Reg. NO.21753 or
Gregory R. Prosch, Minn. Reg. No. 24992
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 8, 2002
TO: Planning Commission (for August 12th meeting)
FROM:John Sutter, Planner and Redevelopment Coordinator
SUBJECT: Application 2002-15: Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a salt
storage building at 6125 41St Avenue North (City of Crystal public works
facility), together with Variances to reduce the side yard setback and
increase the maximum allowable height.
A. BACKGROUND
The City of Crystal is required by state law to enclose its road salt and salt/sand
stockpiles. Due to the necessity of having the stockpiles and street maintenance
vehicles in the same location, the city must locate the salt storage building on the
grounds of the existing public works facility at 6125 41St Avenue North.
The subject property is guided for Public/Institutional uses and is zoned R-1 Single
Family Residential. The construction of a building on the site requires a Conditional
Use Permit along with Site Plan Review. Because the proposed building would exceed
the maximum building height and it would not meet the required minimum setback,
variances from those standards are also being requested. The required public notice
for these items was mailed and published on August 2nd
The following informational items are attached:
❑ narrative from the Public Works Director describing the project;
❑ plat map showing the property;
❑ aerial photo showing the property;
❑ site plan showing the proposed location of the storage building;
❑ photographs showing what the building will look like; and
❑ proposed building elevations.
B. STAFF COMMENTS
1. Project Overview.
- The proposed building would have an enclosed 50'x 70' space (3,500 sq. ft.) for
materials storage plus a 25' x 70' lean-to (1,750 sq. ft.) for the parking of vehicles
impounded by the police department.
CRYSTAL PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY SALT STORAGE BUILDING - C.U.P., SITE/BLDG PLAN, AND VARIANCES
PAGE 1
The lower 10' of the walls would be poured concrete and the upper portion of the
walls would be painted wood siding. The roof will be asphalt shingled.
The building height would be 41 feet measured to the peak of the roof or 37 feet
at the midpoint of the roof (which is how height is determined in the Zoning
Ordinance.) Maximum height in the R-1 District is "two stories". Staff has
typically assumed that each story is the equivalent of ten feet. Therefore a
variance is being requested to increase the maximum building height from 20
feet to 37 feet.
The minimum setback from the west lot line is 15 feet. The building would be set
back five feet (measured from the outside of the support buttresses) or eight feet
(measured from the building wall). Therefore a variance is being requested to
reduce the minimum side yard setback from 15 feet to five feet.
2. Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review
Because it is a public utility complex, the existing use of the property would
require a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review if it were established
today. However, the existing use was established prior to enactment of the
Zoning Ordinance and therefore it is considered to be a lawful non -conforming
use. Only the proposed new building is subject to the requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance. The suggested findings of fact are as follows:
515.19 Subd. 4(a): Governmental and public utility buildings and structures
necessary for the health, safety and general welfare of the community provided
that.-
1)
hat:
1) Conformity with the surrounding neighborhood is maintained and required
set backs and side yard requirements are met.
The proposed building will have lower walls (more visible from within the
public works complex) of poured concrete and upper walls (more visible
from the surrounding area) of painted wood siding. The roof (more visible
from the surrounding area) will have asphalt shingles. The building
materials will therefore be consistent with the properties they will be
predominantly viewed from.
A side yard setback variance is being requested; see below.
2) Equipment is completely enclosed in a permanent structure with no
outside storage.
The existing outdoor storage on the site is lawfully non -conforming. The
proposals will reduce the non -conformity by enclosing materials stockpiles
that are currently outdoors.
CRYSTAL PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY SALT STORAGE BUILDING - C.U.P., SITE/BLDG PLAN, AND VARIANCES
PAGE 2
3) Adequate screening from neighborhood uses and landscaping is provided
in compliance with Subsection 515.07, Subdivision 9 of this Code.
Because the new building reduces the amount of lawfully non -conforming
outdoor storage on the site, the screening requirements do not apply.
4) The provisions of Subsection 515.53, Subdivision 1 e) of this Code are
considered and satisfactorily met.
515.53 Subd. 1(e): The Planning Commission shall consider possible
adverse effects of the proposed amendment or conditional use. Its
judgment shall be based upon (but not limited to) the following factors:
1) Relationship to municipal comprehensive plan.
The Comprehensive Plan guides the area for Public/Institutional
uses. The purpose of the proposed building is consistent with this
designation.
2) The geographical area involved.
The property is located at an elevation significantly lower than the
surrounding residential uses, and despite the R-1 zoning a majority
of the land abutting the site is not used for residential purposes.
Only 36% of the site's perimeter abuts residences; of the rest, 28%
abuts other public/institutional uses and 36% abuts low, wooded,
wetland areas.
3) Whether such use will tend to or actually depreciate the area in
which it is proposed.
The proposed building is not expected to depreciate the value of
property in the area because it is consistent with a longstanding
use that should have already been taken into account in the real
estate market.
4) The character of the surrounding area.
See #2 above
5) The demonstrated need for such use.
Removal of snow and ice from public streets is clearly an essential
function of a city, and road salt and salt/sand mixtures are
necessary for the city to perform this function. State law and
environmental concerns require that the stockpiles of these
necessary materials be enclosed.
CRYSTAL PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY SALT STORAGE BUILDING - C.U.P., SITE/BLDG PLAN, AND VARIANCES
PAGE 3
3. Variances — Maximum Building Height and Side Yard Setback.
Staff feels that both the requested variances meet the hardship test
because they are necessary for the city to carry out its essential municipal
function. There are no alternatives to constructing the building because
state law requires that the city enclose its road salt and salt/sand storage.
There are no alternatives to the proposed location of the building because
the material stockpiles need to be where the street maintenance
equipment is based. The height variance is needed for the roof to shed
snow and accommodate the height of the material stockpiles inside. The
side yard setback variance is needed to prevent the building from being
pushed into the middle of the maintenance vehicle staging and
maneuvering area.
The suggested findings of fact are as follows:
In accordance with 515.56 Subd. 3:
• The proposed building will not impair an adequate supply of light and
air to adjacent property.
• The proposed building will not unreasonably increase the congestion in
public streets.
• The proposed building will not Increase the danger of fire or otherwise
endanger the public safety.
• The proposed building will not unreasonably diminish or impair
established property values within the neighborhood, or in any other
way be contrary to the intent of this Zoning Code.
In accordance with 515.56 Subd. 4:
Strict enforcement of the literal provisions of the Zoning Ordinance
would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the
individual property under consideration. The city has no choice but to
construct the proposed building in this location. Street maintenance is
an essential function of the city, materials needed for this function must
be stored on the subject property, and new regulations require that
said materials be enclosed in a building.
In accordance with 515.56 Subd. 5:
• The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used as
required by this Zoning Code, because reasonable use of the property
CRYSTAL PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY SALT STORAGE BUILDING - C.U.P., SITE/BLDG PLAN, AND VARIANCES
PAGE 4
includes the city's public works facility which is an essential function of
the city.
• The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the
property not created by the property owner, because the State of
Minnesota is requiring that the city provide covered storage for its road
salt and salt/sand stockpiles.
• The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the
locality because the proposed building is consistent with the
longstanding use of the property as the city's public works facility.
C. RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a salt
storage building at 6125 41St Avenue North (City of Crystal public works facility),
together with Variances to increase the maximum allowable height and reduce the side
yard setback.
The Planning Commission is asked to make a recommendation on the request for the
City Council to consider at its August 20th meeting.
Suggested motions are as follows:
Approve the requested Conditional Use Permit for expansion of a public utility
use in the R-1 District, in accordance with the site and building plans submitted
for a 3,500 sq. ft. building for materials storage and a 1,750 sq. ft. lean-to for
covered vehicle parking. Findings of Fact are as stated in Section 13(2) of the
staff report.
2. Approve a Variance to increase the maximum building height from 20 feet to 37
feet, said building height to be measured as defined in the Zoning Ordinance.
Findings of Fact are as stated in Section B(3) of the staff report.
3. Approve a Variance to reduce the minimum side yard setback from 15 feet to 5
feet, said setback to be measured from the outside of the buttresses rather than
the building wall. Findings of Fact are as stated in Section B(3) of the staff
report.
CRYSTAL PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY SALT STORAGE BUILDING - C.U.P., SITE/BLDG PLAN, AND VARIANCES
PAGE 5
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 30, 2002
TO: City Manager, Community Development
FROM: Tom Mathisen, City Engineer
SUBJECT: Request for Variance, Public Works Salt Storage Building
State law requires that road salt and salt/sand mixture stockpiles be kept in an enclosed
structure to eliminate contaminated runoff that would pollute surface and groundwater
resources. The rule is enforced by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
The MPCA has been after the city for over five years to comply with the law. In
addition, the recent addition of Shingle Creek to a national list of compromised waters
due to high chloride levels makes it even more imperative that this work be completed.
For lack of any other location in the city for such a Public Works facility, and also for
reasons of efficiency and a central location, the only logical site is the current Public
,..� Works campus at 41" and Colorado. The building will be 50'X 70' with a 50'X25'
lean-to off the south end for additional covered storage of vehicles seized by the Police
Department. Due to the required geometrics of creating a stockpile inside a building, the
necessary overall height is 41 feet, which will require a height variance.
Based on the building footprint, and operational requirements for filling the building (in
the future with a conveyor) and loading trucks in the winter, there was only one location
on the property that would work. These storage buildings generally do not have a door
and should face east or south for protection from rain and snow. To minimize the impact
on other operational and storage activities at Public Works, the only location is to place
the building south of the Utilities building, and orient it facing east.
The existing Utilities building has a five foot side -yard setback, which was the
requirement in the early seventies when it was built. That rule was subsequently changed
to a fifteen foot setback. Public Works is facing a hardship based on the lack of an
alternative suitable site, the limited space and size of the overall facility, and the
operational requirements of the building. Pushing the new building ten feet further off
the property line into the main traffic and parking area will have a significant permanent
negative impact on the movement of materials and equipment around the Public Works
facility.
Also, there is currently is a six foot drop in grade from the backyards of the single family
homes facing Douglas Drive to the Public Works campus. Up until now this drop has
been maintained by concrete blocks used for materials storage bins. The bins will be
remove prior to construction. Because the new building has a ten foot high concrete wall,
it would be possible for this wall to double as a retaining wall against the private property
to the west, if the setback was reduced from fifteen to five feet, the second variance
request.
The Public Works Department has met with the two affected property owners. Their
initial impressions regarding the height and setback variance application were not
negative.
Public Works respectfully requests that both a 41 foot height and 5 foot setback variance
be granted.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas A. Mathisen
City Engineer
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CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS ON PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
(since last Planning Commission meeting on July 8, 2002)
July 16, 2002:
• DENIED: Application 2002-8: Site Plan Review to construct a 9,978 sq. ft. office
building at 3200 Douglas Drive North.
• APPROVED (first reading): Application 2002-11: Rezoning 3200 Douglas Drive North
from B-4 Community Commercial to R-3 Medium Density Residential, together with
Site Plan Review for a two family dwelling.
• CONTINUED: Application 2002-12: Lot Division at 4957 Florida Avenue North,
together with Variances to increase the maximum rear yard coverage on both lots
from 30% to 40%. Item continued to August 5th meeting to allow resubmittal as a
Preliminary Plat with no substantive changes.
• APPROVED: Application 2002-13: Lot Division at 4060 Hampshire Avenue North to
detach the east 173 feet and incorporate it into the adjacent Hagemeister Pond Park.
August 5, 2002:
• APPROVED (second reading): Application 2002-11: Rezoning 3200 Douglas Drive
North from B-4 Community Commercial to R-3 Medium Density Residential, together
with Site Plan Review for a two family dwelling.
• APPROVED: Application 2002-12: Preliminary and Final Plat to divide 4957 Florida
Avenue North into two lots, together with Variances to increase the maximum rear
yard coverage on both lots from 30% to 40%.