HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-03 PACKET 04.A.ii. REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM # U • .
DATE 6/3/15 �"• ./� .
PREPARED BY: Community Development Jennifer Levitt
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR
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COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST:
Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Planning Commission's meeting on
April 27, 2015.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the request.
BUDGET IMPLICATION: $N/A $N/A N/A
BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION:
DATE REVIEWED APPROVED DENIED
� PLANNING 5/18/15 ❑ � ❑
❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ PUBLIC WORKS ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ PARKS AND RECREATION ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
❑ MEMO/LETTER:
❑ RESOLUTION:
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
� OTHER: Planning Commission minutes from meeting on April 27, 2015
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS:
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� !�9`"
City Administrator Date
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COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
City of Cottage Grove
Planning Commission
April 27, 2015
A meeting of the Planning Commission was held at Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Park-
way South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on Monday, April 27, 2015, in the Council Chambers and
telecast on Local Government Cable Channel 16.
Call to Order
Chair Brittain called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Members Present: Ken Brittain, Justin Fox, Adam Graf, Kimberly Graff, Wayne Johnson,
Kathy Kline, Jim Rostad, Roger Zopfi
Members Absent: Chris Reese
Staff Present: Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director/City Engineer
John M. Burbank, Senior Planner
John McCool, Senior Planner
Justin Olsen, City Councilmember
Approval of Agenda
Gratf made a motion to approve the agenda. Rostad seconded. The motion was approved
unanimously(8-to-0 vote).
Open Forum
Brittain asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission on any non-agenda item.
No one addressed the Commission.
Chair's Explanation of the Public Hearing Process
Brittain explained the purpose of the Planning Commission, which serves in an advisory capacity
to the City Council, and that the City Council makes all final decisions. In addition, he explained
the process of conducting a public hearing and requested that any person wishing to speak should
go to the microphone and state their full name and address for the public record.
Public Hearings and Applications
6.1 Walmart Garden Center— Case ICUP2015-010
Walmart has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow a temporary outdoor
garden center in the parking lot of their property at 9300 East Point Douglas Road South.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 27, 2015
Page 2 of 6
Burbank summarized the staff report and recommended approval subject to the conditions
stipulated in the staff report.
Zopfi asked if the applicant agrees with the ten conditions and if they are going to remedy the
storage issues behind the screened garden center area, in the unfenced area, and the storage
containers behind the store.
Jeanna Elliott, 3933 30th Street South, Minneapolis, responded that if they are required to
remove the metal racks and if the home office gives her that direction, she will follow that. She
has already reduced the number of outside storage containers to one from the three that were
there when she took over the store; her plan is to get the final one removed. She will also
comply with the signage requirements.
Graf asked if there should be a condition added to remove the exterior pallets from behind the
store. Burbank responded that exterior storage is not allowed by ordinance and staff is working
with Walmart to bring the property into compliance, but that could be added as a condition.
Brittain noted that the ICUP would be valid from May 7, 2015 through July 1, 2020 and asked
if there could be language added to better specify the specific period each year that the garden
center is allowed. Burbank responded that there is a sentence in the conditions that the start
date in subsequent years is April 1, but that could be modified by adding the end date for each
year.
Rostad noted that the way the conditions read this ICUP would be for a six-year period. McCool
stated that the expiration date should be changed to July 1, 2019.
Brittain opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Brittain closed the public hearing.
Graff made a motion to recommend approval of the interim conditional use permit sub-
ject to the conditions in the staff report with changes so the end date would be 2019
and that the ICUP runs from April 1 through July 1 each year. Johnson seconded.
Motion passed unanimously(8-to-0 vote).
6.2 Gallo Garage— Case CUP2015-011
Darrick Gallo applied for a conditional use permit to allow for the expansion of a non-con-
forming use to include a 992 square foot addition to an existing 1,008 square foot detached
accessory structure at the current setback lines and structure height for a total of 2,000
square feet at 11645 West Point Douglas Road South.
Burbank summarized the staff report and recommended approval subject to the conditions
stipulated in the staff report.
Fox asked what a two-point survey is. Burbank responded that instead of having to survey the
whole yard, which would be four points or more, it would only require it for the property line
where the boundary is in question.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 27, 2015
Page 3 of 6
Johnson asked what happens if the two-point survey finds the structure is closer to the prop-
erty line than 10 feet. Burbank responded the approval would be to allow the expansion at the
current setback location. If it is on the neighbor's property, then they would have to work that
out with the adjacent property owner. Johnson wants to ensure that everything stops if it is
found that the structure is on the other property. Burbank stated that if it is on the neighboring
property, the City would not issue the building permit. If it is within the property boundary, the
approval would be for the existing condition.
Zopfi asked if this is a platted subdivision. Burbank said it was. Zopfi asked if the neighbors
are agreeable to adjust the lot lines. Burbank responded that would be a civil issue between
the neighbors; the City Code does allow for minor boundary adjustments so if both property
owners agree, they could apply for a minor subdivision.
Brittain asked if the intent is whatever the setback is currently after the two-point survey that
will be the number used. Burbank responded that was correct unless the survey shows that
the structure is on the neighbor's property, which will be addressed at the time of the building
permit.
Rostad asked if the new portion of the structure would be closer to the property line. Burbank
stated it will not be closer to the property line than the existing structure.
Graf asked where the new portion will be located. Burbank stated that it will be added onto the
front of the garage.
Darrick Gallo, 11645 West Point Douglas Road South, stated that he found the rear property
stake 10 feet from the building right on the fence line but he could not find the front one. The
neighboring property owner thinks it may be under the maple tree. He is agreeable to getting
the two-point survey if it is needed.
Brittain opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Brittain closed the public hearing.
Rostad made a motion to approve the conditional use permit subject to the conditions
listed in the staff report. Kline seconded.
Motion passed unanimously(8-to-0 vote).
6.3 Renaissance Fireworks at Grove Plaza — Case ICUP2015-012
Renaissance Fireworks has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow the retail
sale of Minnesota-approved fireworks in the parking lot at Grove Plaza, 7282 East Point
Douglas Road South.
McCool summarized the staff report and recommended approval based on the findings of fact
and subject to the conditions stipulated in the staff report. He noted that the last condition is
no longer needed as the applicant has received written approval from the property owner.
Rostad asked if a specified time period to remove the tent and storage container for each year
of the interim conditional use permit could be added to condition #1. McCool responded yes.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 27, 2015
Page 4 of 6
Johnson asked if there could be issues with approving a three-year ICUP as the building is
currently vacant and the future plans for the area are unknown. McCool responded that all the
parking for that area is shared parking and there are no designated spaces for each of the
tenants. If the conditions have changed, including the building being occupied or parking is-
sues, the City can require them to come back and reapply for their permit. He noted that staff
would administratively attempt to modify any problems but if an agreement couldn't be
reached, they would require the applicant to come back to the Planning Commission and City
Council.
Zopfi asked about the safety of the storage container if the inventory explodes inside. McCool
responded that staff will provide additional information to the City Council.
Kline asked if there are other fireworks operations within the City. McCool responded typically
there is a fireworks tent in the Cub Foods parking lot but they have not yet filed for a building
permit application. They were granted a three-year approval last year.
Brittain opened the public hearing. No one spoke, Brittain closed the public hearing.
Kline made a motion to approve the interim conditional use permit subject to the con-
ditions listed in the staft`report minus condition #12, Fox seconded.
Graf offered an amendment to the motion that safety information on the storage unit be
provided to the City Council. Kline and Fox agreed with the amendment.
Graff asked that the language in condition #1 be clarified before it goes to the City Council to
reflect the time period for removal of the tent and storage container. She also would like to add
a condition that if the building usage changes or construction starts on the property that they
must come back for approval from the Planning Commission and City Council. Brittain asked
if there are any issues that City staff foresees that could trigger that. Graff believes they should
reapply in those circumstances even if there are no issues. Her concerns include not knowing
what the future uses could be, possible parking issues if the space is occupied, and conflicts
during construction. Brittain asked if language could be added to make it clear to the applicant
that this could happen. Levitt suggested leaving condition #12 in the conditions approving the
interim conditional use permit since it is not specific to the owner or tenant. The City will then
have written approval from whoever is the owner each year. Graff agreed. Brittain asked if
Kline and Fox were agreeable to leaving condition #12 in the conditions approving the interim
conditional use permit. They agreed.
Graf pointed out that the first part of the amendment also included termination dates for the
upcoming years for the three-year period. Brittain asked if Kline and Fox are agreeable to
adding that language to condition #1. They agreed.
Motion passed unanimously(8-to-0 vote).
6.4 ACGO Preliminary Plat with Variance — Cases PP2015-013 and V2015-014
South St. Paul Agri-Properties, LLC has applied for a preliminary plat to re-subdivide three
taxing parcels with a combined land area of 43.427 acres into finro lots and one outlot and
a variance to Title 11-3-9(D), General Parking Provisions, to reduce the ten-foot minimum
Planning Commission Minutes
April 27, 2015
Page 5 of 6
side yard setback for a parking/drive aisle to zero feet. The proposed plat and variance
request pertain to the properties located at 7800 and 7900 97th Street South and the 31.9
acres of land west of 7800 97th Street South.
McCool summarized the staff report and recommended approval subject to the conditions
stipulated in the staff report.
Brittain asked about the reason for moving the boundary line and asked if parking spaces
would be lost due to this. McCool responded that the property line will bisect parking spaces
but the existing parking will continue to be used. The operation on both AGCO properties does
not change, it is just that the property boundary line will bisect those spaces. He explained that
the reason the boundary line needed to be moved was due to the size of the new 96,000
square foot building addition onto the building at 7800 97th Street. The building code requires
a 60-foot minimum setback from the property line. He further explained that they will be com-
bining two lots into one parcel and there will be one existing lot to the east. Brittain asked what
happens with the parking if Lot 2 is sold. McCool stated that they would be able to sell Lot 2,
Block 2 without City approval, and AGCO would need to address the parking encroachment
with a future buyer. Brittain asked if there is room on Lot 2 to provide additional parking spaces.
McCool responded that there is no room for additional parking between the two structures.
Brittain asked if the parking that is being bisected is not needed to satisfy parking require-
ments. McCool stated that there are about 12 spaces along the side property line and they
have an area between the buildings for equipment to transport materials back and forth
between the two buildings. The number of parking spaces on Lot 2, Block 2 exceeds the ordi-
nance minimum number of parking spaces for the existing building at 7900 97th Street.
Fox asked if the building at 7800 97th Street is setback far enough from the proposed property
line. McCool stated that it does comply with its minimum setback of 40 feet.
Brittain opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Brittain closed the public hearing.
Graff made a motion to approve the preliminary plat and variance based on the findings
of fact and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. Graf seconded,
Motion passed unanimously(8-to-0 vote),
Approval of Planning Commission Minutes of March 23, 2015
Rostad made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 23, 2015, Planning Com-
mission meeting. Johnson seconded. Motion passed unanimously(8-to-0 vote).
Reports
8.1 Recap of April City Council Meetings
Levitt reported that on April 1, the City Council approved the park dedication fee increase from
$3,200 to $3,400. At the April 15 meeting, the Council approved the comments for the AUAR
with the final adoption on June 3; held the public hearing and approved the TIF District for the
Planning Commission Minutes
April 27, 2015
Page 6 of 6
AGCO parcel; approved the AGCO site plan with variance; and approved the variance for the
accessory apartment as part of an accessory structure at 10990 Manning Avenue.
Olsen stated that on Saturday, April 25, there was a ribbon cutting and Arbor Day tree planting
event at Sunnyhill Park on Ideal Avenue in the Pinecliff neighborhood, and the Chamber of
Commerce Business Expo was held at the Ice Arena. He noted that there will be a business
expo as part of the Strawberry Festival in June. He reported that the City's Annual Volunteer
Banquet was held on April 21, and the Volunteer of the Year is Rick Constable, who is in
charge of the Cottage Grove Police Reserve program. Olsen stated that the City Council held
a special meeting on April 22 to interview and select a search firm for the City Administrator
position, which was awarded to Springsted. At that meeting, the Council appointed Public
Safety Director Craig Woolery as the Interim City Administrator effective June 1.
Johnson asked what is happening at The Rush. Levitt responded that the City provided direc-
tion to the property owner to take care of the hazardous conditions on site.
8.2 Response to Planning Commission Inquiries
None
8.3 Planning Commission Requests
Brittain asked about the open house regarding 70th Street. Levitt responded that Washington
County will host their second open house regarding the 70th Street corridor project. This ses-
sion will focus on 70th Street from Jamaica Avenue to Manning Avenue (TH95). The open
house will take place at the Washington County South Service Center on Wednesday, April
29, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Adjournment
Graff made a motion to adjourn, Kline seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:12
p.m, (8-to-0 vote).