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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-24 PACKET 06.3.STAFF REPORT CASE: CUP2022-012 ITEM: 6.3 PUBLIC MEETING DATE: 1/24/22 TENTATIVE COUNCIL REVIEW DATE: 2/16/22 APPLICATION APPLICANT: VanMeter, Inc. REQUEST: A conditional use permit to allow the construction of a 10-foot tall privacy fence for exterior storage around their property (former Werner Electric). SITE DATA LOCATION: ZONING: GUIDED LAND USE: 7450 95th Street South 1-2, General Industry Industrial LAND USE OF ADJACENT PROPERTIES: CURRENT GUIDED NORTH: Park Park/Open Space EAST: Industrial Industrial SOUTH: Residential Low Density Residential WEST: Residential Low Density Residential SIZE: N/A DENSITY: N/A RECOMMENDATION Approval, subject to the conditions stipulated in this staff report. Cottage Grove COTTAGE GROVE PLANNING DIVISION � here Pride and Prosperity Meet Planning Staff Contact: Mike Mrosla, Senior Planning; 651-458-2825; mmrosla(c-)_cottagegrovemn.gov Cody Flannery, Planning Consultant; �flannery _cottagegrovemn.gov Application Accepted:. 12/23/2021 60-Day Review Deadline: 2/21/2022 City of Cottage Grove Planning Division • 12800 Ravine Parkway South • Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Planning Staff Report VanMeter Inc. — Exterior Storage Planning Case No. CUP 2022-012 January 24, 2022 Proposal VanMeter Inc., formerly Werner Electric, has submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the construction of a 10-foot privacy fence around their existing semi- trailer storage and loading dock area on the east side of their property located at 7450 95th Street South. 1 Location Map Review Process Application Received: December 23, 2021 Acceptance of Completed Application: December 23, 2021 Tentative City Council Date: February 16, 2022 60-Day Review Deadline: February 21, 2022 Background Werner Electric began operating the 122,000 square foot facility in 2008. In 2015, an additional 49,800 square feet of space was added to the distribution center and an additional 16,700 square feet was added to the office area. The site also received previous approvals for rooftop solar and a wind turbine. Planning Staff Report 2022-012CUP VanMeter Conditional Use Permit January 24, 2022 Page 2 of 6 In 2011 Werner Electric applied for an ICUP to allow for exterior storage. The original 2007 ap- provals for the development prohibited exterior storage (Resolution No. 07-158). Werner Electric at the time stated that the exterior storage was related to business growth and a modification in their business model since the building was constructed. At their October 5, 2011, meeting the City Council approved an ICUP (Resolution No. 11-139) allowing the applicants to construct an 8- to 12-foot-tall black chain link fence with an opaque fabric material. The proposed 21,437 square foot bituminous exterior storage area was located at the northeast corner of the building. The approved ICUP had an expiration date of October 1, 2016. However, in 2015, Werner Elec- tric constructed a 49,800 square foot addition eliminating the need for the exterior storage. Recently Werner Electric was acquired by VanMeter Inc. The facility has since transitioned from a corporate headquarters to a local branch facility that offers warehousing, distribution, demos, and training services. The Applicant has been impacted by supply chain issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The supply chain issues are requiring the Applicant to purchase and store larger quantities of excess materials needed for their business operations. At this time, the Applicant is requesting to construct a 10-foot-tall fence around their existing semi -trailer storage and loading dock area on the east side of their property. The proposed fence will allow for in- creased security and screening of their exterior storage and yard operations. Planning Considerations Conditional Use Permit City Code requires a CUP for any fence over eight feet tall in business and industrial districts. The Applicant is proposing to construct a 10-foot tall fence around the their existing semi -trailer storage and loading dock area on the east side of their property. The criteria for issuance of a CUP are as follows: 1. The use will be in conformity with the City's Comprehensive Plan and with the pur- pose, intent and applicable standards of this Title. 2. The use shall be located, designed, maintained and operated to be compatible with the existing or intended character of that zoning district in which it is located. 3. The use shall not depreciate values of surrounding property. 4. The use shall not be hazardous, detrimental or disturbing to present and potential sur- rounding land uses due to noises, glare, smoke, dust, odor, fumes, water pollution, vibration, general unsightliness or other nuisances. 5. The use shall generate only minimal vehicular traffic on local streets as defined by the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan. The use shall not create traffic congestion, unsafe access or parking needs that will cause inconveniences to the adjoining properties. 6. The use shall be served adequately by essential public services, such as streets, police, fire protection and utilities. 7. The use shall not create excessive additional requirements at public cost for public fa- cilities and services and shall not be detrimental to the economic welfare of the City. 8. The use shall preserve and incorporate the site's important natural and scenic fea- tures into the development design. Planning Staff Report 2022-012CUP VanMeter Conditional Use Permit January 24, 2022 Page 3 of 6 9. The use shall cause minimal adverse environmental effects. 10. The use shall not adversely affect the potential development of adjacent vacant land. Upon review, the proposed use meets the forementioned criteria. Site Detail The Applicant is proposing to erect approximately 900 linear feet of vinyl -coated chain link fence with opaque screening around the existing semi -trailer storage and loading dock area as shown in the image below (outlined in red). The Applicant is also proposing to include an electronic access gate for incoming and outbound trucks. An additional a gate will be constructed on the northern perimeter of the fence to aid in maintenance and snow removal operations within the area. The area north of the existing loading and semi -trailer storage lot shall be used for green space or snow storage. No other modifications are requested or permitted. JL Site Plan 4• 1 Land Use and Zoning The proposed use of the property is consistent with permitted and conditioned uses allowed within this district. Hours of Operation It is recommended that the placement or movement of materials in the approved exterior product storage area be limited to 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Planning Staff Report 2022-012CUP VanMeter Conditional Use Permit January 24, 2022 Page 4 of 6 Noise The current storage use has minimal noise generating capabilities. It is recommended that the standard City and State noise rules be applicable to the site. If the City receives noise com- plaints, the property owner must bring the noise on the site into compliance upon notification by the City. To further prevent noise issues, it is further recommended that the placement, movement, or stockpiling of materials in the approved exterior storage stockpiling area be limited to 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Screening The applicant is proposing to screen the area with the installation of a 10-foot tall black vinyl -coated chain linked fence. The fence will be covered with an opaque fabric screen as shown below. As a condition of approval, the fabric shall conform to the finish of the fence and complement the princi- pal structure. The fabric shall be securely fastened to the fence and kept in good condition. Any fabric showing signs are wear and tear as identified by the Applicant and/or City shall be removed and replaced in a timely manner. vroposea rencing material Landscaping The subject site has existing landscaped screening, and as part of this project the Applicant has proposed planting additional conifer trees to assist in breaking up the fencing elevation. The appli- cant has agreed to install approximately 10-15 trees. As a condition of approval, the Applicant shall work with City staff to determine the planting location of the proposed 10-15 trees after the installa- tion of the fence. Planning staff shall approve the final location in writing prior to planting. Parking The proposal does not impact any current or proof of parking areas. However, the Applicant is pro- posing to store excess materials in the semi -trailer storage and loading dock area. As a condition of approval, any exterior storage in the semi -trailer storage and loading dock area shall be kept to a minimum and shall not impede site operations. No semi -trailers or exterior storage is permitted outside of the proposed fenced in area. Planning Staff Report 2022-012CUP VanMeter Conditional Use Permit January 24, 2022 Page 5 of 6 Setbacks The existing storage and loading area is adjacent to the eastern exterior of the facility. This area is setback 144 feet from the northern property line (Hamlet Park), 47 feet from the eastern property line (Public Regional Holding Pond), and 568 feet from the southern property line (95th Street). It is recommended that these setbacks be maintained by the proposed permanent fence. Surface Water Management The applicant's engineer and the City Engineer reported that additional impervious areas added to the site can be accommodated by the original storm water design. Public Hearing Notices A public hearing has been scheduled for the Planning Commission meeting on January 24, 2022. The notice announcing this public hearing was published in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press and mailed to 61 property owners within 1,000 feet of the property on January 13, 2022. Recommendation That the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council approve a Conditional Use Permit to allow VanMeter Inc. to construction of a 10-foot-tall black vinyl coated chain linked fence with an opaque fabric to assist in screening and securing the existing semi -trailers storage and loading dock area at their property located at 7450 95th Street South, subject to the following conditions: 1. All applicable permits (i.e., building, electrical, grading, mechanical) must be completed, submitted, and approved by the City prior to the commencement of any construction ac- tivities. Detailed construction plans must be reviewed and approved by the Building Official. 2. All fencing shall be black vinyl coated chain linked and complement the principal structure. 3. All opaque screening fabric shall conform to the finish of the fence and complement the principal structure. The fabric shall be securely fastened to the fence and kept in good con- dition. Any fabric showing signs of wear and tear as identified by the Applicant and/or City shall be removed and replaced in a timely manner. 4. The Applicant shall work with City staff to determine the planting location of the proposed 10-15 trees after the installation of the fence. Planning staff shall approve the final location in writing prior to planting. 5. No signage is permitted on the fencing. 6. Exterior storage shall not exceed the height of the fence. 7. Any exterior storage in the semi -trailer storage and loading dock area shall be kept to a min- imum and shall not impede site operations. No semi -trailers or exterior storage is permitted outside of the proposed fencing area and on access drives. 8. The placement, movement, or stockpiling of materials in the approved exterior storage area shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Planning Staff Report 2022-012CUP VanMeter Conditional Use Permit January 24, 2022 Page 6 of 6 9. No liquids or hazardous materials can be stockpiled within the enclosed storage area. 10. The standard City and State noise rules will be applicable to the site. If the City receives noise complaints, the property owner must bring the noise on the site into compliance upon notification by the City. 11. Repeat violations related to exterior storage outside of approved areas, noise, unsightliness, or permit criteria will require additional review of the CUP by the City Council, with possible revocation of the CUP as a remedy. Prepared by: Cody Flannery Planning Consultant Mike Mrosla Senior Planner Attachments: A. Applicant's Project Narrative and Plans B. Resolution No. 07-158 C. Resolution No. 11-139 City of Cottage Grove Community Development Department 112800 Ravine Parkway South O Cottage Grove, MN 55016 VAN METER INTRODUCTION VanMeter is committed to expanding and growing their business in all its locations including Cottage Grove. As VanMeter grows, they find that our truck yard activity is increasing, therefore VanMeter would like to improve the aesthetics with our neighbors by installing a ten -foot -tall privacy fence. This will reduce visibility of activities making them less intrusive. SUMMARY The Applicant, VanMeter Inc., is seeking to construct a privacy fence for the commercial purpose of improving visual ascetics of the business with our neighbors. Acting as lead agency, the City of Cottage Grove Department of City Planning required preparation of this proposal describing the project specifications and impact to residential properties located near VanMeter's site. PROJECT LOCATION The Project Site is located at 7450 951h Street South. Figure 1, Project Location Map. The Project Site includes approximately 2 acres of parking lot on the West side of the building (truck yard) Figure 2. The Project Site is generally bound by Hemmingway Ave S to the east; Hamlet Park S to the north; 95th Street S to the south (Pine Glenn); and Pine Hill Acres to the west. PROJECT TIMING To coincide with business objectives, the project would start in January of 2022. Weather conditions may hinder parts of the project i.e., tree planting. But most of the work could commence at the specified time. 1 d P/ 1.800.247.1410 ® vanmeterinc.com Everything you need to succeed. Figure 1 VM VAN METER P/ 1.800.247.1410 ® vanmeterinc.com Everything you need to succeed. Figure 2 0 VAN METER P/ 1.800.247.1410 ® vanmeterinc.com Everything you need to succeed. 0 VAN METER SPECIFICATIONS The specifications to construct a privacy fence consist of. 1. 10' high black chain link fence. 2. Dark green or Black privacy covering over chain link. 3. Automated gate at entrance. 4. Snow gate at back side (North) of enclosed area away from residential areas. 5. Trees planted outside the fence approximately every 20 feet. See sample pictures of fence and gate in Figure 4. IMPACT TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES The impact to residents will be less than it is today. Currently, the truck yard can be seen from the east and south. By installing this privacy fence the view will be reduced by approximately 90%. Thereby improving the area ascetics to our neighbors, Figure 3. Also, the color chosen for the fence is meant to blend with the environment assisting in making the fence less obtrusive. There will also be additional trees planted improving the environment both astatically and for carbon absorption. 4 d P/ 1.800.247.1410 ® vanmeterinc.com Everything you need to succeed. Figure 3 VM VAN METER P/ 1.800.247.1410 ® vanmeterinc.com Everything you need to succeed. Figure 4. Samples of Fence VM VAN METER d P/ 1.800.247.1410 ® vanmeterinc.com Everything you need to succeed. RESOLUTION NO. 07-158 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SITE PLAN REVIEW OF A 158,000 SQUARE FOOT OFFICE AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY ON PROPERTY LOCATED NORTH OF 95TH STREET AND APPROXIMATELY 570 FEET WEST OF HEMINGWAY AVENUE WHEREAS, Werner Electric applied for a site plan review of a 158,000 square foot office and distribution facility to be located in the Industrial Park. The property is legally described as: {Legal Description} WHEREAS, Werner also applied for a zoning amendment to rezone approximately 6.7 acres of land from R-5, Medium Density Residential, to 1-2, General Industry; and WHEREAS, public hearing notices were mailed to property owners within 500 feet of the property and a public hearing notice was published in the South Washington County Bulletin; and WHEREAS, a planning staff report, which detailed specific information on the property and the application request, was prepared and presented; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on these applications on February 26, 2007; and WHEREAS, the public hearing was open for public testimony and testimony from the applicant and the public was received and entered into the public record; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend to the City Council that the zoning amendment and site plan review be approved. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota hereby approves the site plan review of a 158,000 square foot office and distribution facility to be located in the Industrial Park on the property legally described above, subject to the following conditions: 1. All building and site development must conform to the plans dated August 21, 2007. Resolution 07-158 Page 2 of 4 2. All applicable permits (i.e., building, electrical, grading, and mechanical) and a commercial plan review packet must be completed, submitted, and approved by the City prior to the commencement of any construction activities. Detailed construction plans must be reviewed and approved by the Building Official and Fire Marshal. 3. All outdoor lighting must be directed downward with cut-off fixtures. Reflected glare of spill light must not exceed five -tenths (0.5) foot-candle as measured on the property line. An outdoor lighting plan must be submitted to the Planning Division before a building permit is issued. The parking lot light poles must not be taller than 20 feet. 4. The grading and erosion control plan for the site must comply with NPDES II Permit requirements. Erosion control devices must be installed prior to commencement of any grading activity. Erosion control must be performed in accordance with the recommended practices of the "Minnesota Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Planning Handbook" and the conditions stipulated in Title 10-5-8, Erosion Control During Construction of the City's Subdivision Ordinance. 5. A final grading plan and stormwater calculations must be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval before a building permit will be issued. 6. Final exterior construction materials and colors must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Division prior to the issuance of a building permit. 7. All curbing for the project must be B612 concrete design and the concrete drive aprons compliant with city standards. 8. The applicant must provide the City with an "as -built" survey of all private utilities 9. The developer is responsible for the cost of installing a "STOP" sign at the exit lane. The "STOP" sign must be ten feet from the roadway edge and two feet from the driveway edge. The bottom of the sign must be six feet from the ground. The "STOP" sign must be a 30-inch sized sign having a high intensity reflective face. Said sign should be mounted on a six-foot No. 3 and eight -foot No. 2 steel post. The applicant may request the City's Public Works Department to install this sign, but must pay the City for actual costs incurred by the City. 10. All signs must comply with the provisions of the sign ordinance and the comprehensive sign package submitted by the applicant. A building permit must be obtained prior to the installation of any new signs. 11. A landscaping plan must be revised to include additional trees, shrubs, grasses, and/or perennials. The revised landscape plan must be submitted to the Planning Division before the building permit is issued. Resolution 07-158 Page 3 of 4 12. A plan showing the underground irrigation system must be submitted to the City. Once the irrigation system is installed, the landowner is required to maintain and operate the irrigation system so that all yards and landscaped areas continue to thrive. 13. A bona fide cost estimate of the landscaping improvements must be submitted in conjunction with a letter of credit approved by the City in the amount of 150 percent of such estimate. Upon completion of the landscaping requirements, the applicant must submit to the city in writing City,that said improvements were completed. The City will retain the financial guarantee for a period of one year from the date of notice to insure the survival of the plantings. A building permit will not be issued until the required letter of credit has been received and accepted by the City. 14. Rooftop mechanical equipment and final exterior screening materials and colors must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Division prior to the issuance of a building permit. 15. A radio -read water meter(s) must be installed. 16. All ground -mounted mechanical equipment accessory to the principal structure over 30 inches or greater than 12 cubic feet must be screened from public views with landscaping, berming, or a screen wall/fence. Screening materials must be similar to or compatible in design and color with those used on the principal structure. Screening materials may include property maintained wood, vinyl, or metal screens or fencing as required in City Code Title 11-6-4(3). 17. The property owner must agree to allow city personnel to enter upon the property to maintain, repair, and inspect all public utility systems that exist on the property. Flushing the fire hydrant internal to the property is the city's responsibility. 18. Semi-truck/trailers and delivery trucks are allowed to be parked on the east side of the warehouse building. Exterior storage, display, or merchandise sales items outside the building are prohibited. 19. When the property is re -platted in the future, all property owners must sign the plat so that it can be recorded at Washington County Recorder's Office. 20. The developer must comply with all City ordinances and policies. 21. A stormwater system improving stormwater quality before leaving the site must be provided on -site. 22. Only one access drive connecting to 95th Street is permitted for this property. 23. The south 40 feet from the south line of the Northeast Quarter of Section 20 will be required to be dedicated as public right-of-way. Resolution 07-158 Page 4 of 4 24. A 30-foot wide drainage and utility easement is required to be centered on the existing trunk sanitary sewer at the time the property is platted. 25. The access drive at the front property line is required to be 32-feet with a 50-foot curb radius. 26. If a trash dumpster is provided outside the principal structure, the exterior walls of the trash enclosure must be constructed with the same exterior materials and color as the principal structure and contain a metal opaque gate. Passed this 5th day of September, 2007. Y Sandra Shiely, ayor ATTACHMENT A Legal Description — Resolution No. 07-158 That part of the Northwest Quarter of �ection 20, Township 27, Range 21, Washington County, Minnesota, described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of said Northwest Quarter of said Section 20; thence North 00 degrees 07 minutes 30 seconds East, assumed bearing along the East line of said Northwest Quarter, 1303.00 feet; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West, 820.05 feet; thence South 00 degrees 07 minutes 30 seconds West, 591.24 feet; thence South 39 degrees 42 minutes 41 seconds East, 436.89 feet; thence South 24 degrees 00 minutes 42 seconds East, 181.43 feet; thence South 00 degrees 11 minutes 40 seconds East, 211.55 feet to the south line of said Northwest Quarter; thence easterly along said south line, 464.81 feet to the point of beginning. Said description contains ±20.54 acres or ±894,871 square feet. • fV \• 1 WHEREAS, Werner Electric has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow for limited exterior storage of material within an enclosed area, on property legally described as: That part of the Northwest Quarter of Section 20, Township 27, Range 21, Washington County, Minnesota, described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of said Northwest Quarter of said Section 20; thence North 00 degrees 07 minutes 30 seconds East, assumed bearing along the East line of said Northwest Quarter, 1303.00 feet; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West, 820.05 feet; thence South 00 degrees 07 minutes 30 seconds West, 591.24 feet; thence South 39 degrees 42 minutes 41 seconds East, 436.89 feet; thence South 24 degrees 00 minutes 42 seconds East, 181.43 feet; thence South 00 degrees 11 minutes 40 seconds East, 211.55 feet to the south line of said Northwest Quarter; thence easterly along said south line, 464.81 feet to the point of beginning. Said description contains ±20.54 acres or ±894,871 square feet. Commonly known as 7450 95th Street South South, Cottage Grove, Washington County, State of Minnesota. WHEREAS, public hearing notices were mailed to property owners within 500 feet of the property and a public hearing notice was published in the South Washington County Bulletin; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 26, 2011; and WHEREAS, the public hearing was open for public testimony and testimony from the applicant and the public was received and entered into the public record; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission unanimously (7-to-0 vote) recommended approval of the application, subject to certain conditions listed below. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota hereby approves an interim conditional use permit to allow for limited exterior storage of material within an enclosed area, on the property legally described above, subject to the following conditions: 1. The Interim Conditional Permit shall expire on October 1, 2016. 2. An administrative review shall be completed by the City after the first year of the permit duration to determine conformance to permit conditions. Resolution 2011-139 Page 2 of 2 3. All applicable permits (i.e., building, electrical, grading, mechanical) must be completed, submitted, and approved by the City prior to the commencement of any construction activities. Detailed construction plans must be reviewed and approved by the Building Official. 4. The storage area shall be constructed with a bituminous surface to control dust and erosion. 5. Impervious improvements on the site must not negatively impact the drainage of the site or adjacent properties. 6. The constructed exterior storage area is required to be reviewed and approved by Planning Staff prior to use. 7. Fencing utilized on the site for screening will be constructed from heavy duty opaque woven material. Prior to installation, fence materials must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Division. 8. The placement, movement, or stockpiling of materials in the approved exterior storage area shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 9. The exterior storage areas are limited to the areas identified in the staff report dated September 26, 2011. 10. No liquids or hazardous materials can be stockpiled within the enclosed storage area. 11.The standard City and State noise rules will be applicable to the site. If the City receives noise complaints, the property owner must bring the noise on the site into compliance upon notification by the City. 12. Repeat violations related to exterior storage outside of approved areas, noise, unsightliness, or permit criteria will require additional review of the CUP by the City Council, with possible revocation of the ICUP as a remedy. Passed this 5th day of October, 2011. IV yron B y ypr Attest: � Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk