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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.F.1 City Council Action Request 7.F. Meeting Date 1/17/2024 Department Community Development Agenda Category Action Item Title Lumbermen’s Inc. – Outdoor Storage Staff Recommendation Adopt Resolution 2024-004 approving the Conditional Use Permit allowing for the outdoor storage of materials incidental to the principal use at 7601 100th Street South. Budget Implication N/A Attachments 1. Lumberman's Outdoor Storage CC Memo 2. Lumberman's Outdoor Storage Resolution 3. Lumberman's Outdoor Storage Narrative 4. Lumberman's Outdoor Storage Site Plan 5. Lumberman's Outdoor Storage Fence Rendering 6. Lumberman's Outdoor Storage Fence Detail TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Jennifer Levitt, City Administrator FROM: Conner Jakes, Associate Planner DATE: January 17, 2024 RE: Lumbermen’s Inc. – Outdoor Storage Proposal Lumbermen’s, Inc. (Applicant), with approval from Northpoint Development (Property Owner), has submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the outdoor storage of materials incidental to the principal use at 7601 100th Street South. The materials will be fully screened by a 6-foot tall privacy fence that will enclose 25,000 square feet of the southwest parking area to be used for material storage. Site Location Review Schedule Application Received: November 22, 2023 Application Accepted: November 22, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting: December 18, 2023 City Council Meeting: January 17, 2024 60-Day Review Deadline: January 21, 2024 Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Lumbermen’s Inc. – Outdoor Storage January 17, 2024 Page 2 of 5 Planning Commission The Planning Commission reviewed the request at their December 18, 2023 meeting. The Com- mission asked for clarification on the following: x The space is being leased by the current applicant/tenant; if the current tenant no longer leases the space, would the fence be removed? o The property owner stated the fence will either remain on site or be taken down depending on the state of the market and what is desirable for a future tenant. Staff stated there is a condition that states if the approved outdoor storage area is unused for material storage for a period of 12 months or more, the fence shall be removed upon notification by the City. x If a future tenant occupies the leased space and desires to utilize the outdoor storage area, would a new Conditional Use Permit be required? o Staff stated that a Conditional Use Permit is a property right that attaches to and benefits the land and is not limited to a particular landowner. Therefore, a new tenant and/or property owner would not need to reapply for a new Conditional Use Permit. One resident participated in the public hearing: x A 6-foot privacy fence would screen the building materials at street level, but not from above. The City approved the development application for Norhart Apartments for the par- cel directly to the west, which will be a five-story building and would overlook the proposed fenced area and materials being stored. o Staff stated Norhart Development did receive approvals for a five-story apartment building; however, a building permit and further steps have not been taken at this time. In addition, as part of the original approvals for the landscape plan of the sub- ject site, there are numerous trees (coniferous and overstory) planted along the western property line that will create a screened buffer at maturation. The Planning Commission unanimously (7-to-0 vote) recommended approval of the application. Background The subject site is located within the Master Site Plan for the Cottage Grove Logistics Park, which was approved by the City Council at their December 8, 2021, meeting and included approximately 252 total acres of land. In 2022, NorthPoint Development submitted an application for a Site Plan Review that was approved for the Phase 1 development, which allowed for the construction of two buildings (approximately 700,000 square feet) for warehouse, manufacturing, distribution, and office space. The Applicant, Lumbermen’s, Inc., is a building materials distributor that is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is working with the Property Owner to occupy the western portion of the available tenant space at 7601 100th Street South. The Applicant is proposing to utilize the tenant space (approximately 89,000 square feet) for material storage. In addition to the interior Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Lumbermen’s Inc. – Outdoor Storage January 17, 2024 Page 3 of 5 space, the Applicant is proposing to fence in an exterior area (approximately 25,000 square feet) for the outdoor storage of materials. The range of materials to be stored in the exterior area in- cludes composite and PVC decking, engineered wood siding and trim, PVC trim, asphalt shingles, and various exterior sheathing products. Planning Considerations Land Use and Zoning The subject site is currently zoned I-1, General Industrial, and is guided as Industrial in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed use of the property is consistent with permitted and condi- tional uses allowed within this zoning district. Conditional Use Permit City Code Title 11-9-2 requires a CUP for any outdoor storage areas incidental to the principal use exceeding 5,000 square feet and that the area be fully screened. The Applicant is proposing to construct a 6-foot tall privacy fence to enclose approximately 25,000 square feet of the south- west parking area to be used for outdoor storage. The criteria for issuance of a CUP are as follows: 1. Compliance with and effect upon the Comprehensive Plan, including public facilities and capital improvement plans. 2. The establishment, maintenance, or operation of the conditional use will promote and enhance the general public welfare and will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, or comfort. 3. The conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood. 4. The establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district. 5. Adequate public facilities and services are available or can be reasonably provided to accommodate the use which is proposed. 6. The conditional use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located. 7. The conditional use complies with the general and specific performance standards as specified by the Zoning Code. Upon review, the proposal meets the forementioned criteria. Fence Detail The Applicant is proposing to erect a 6-foot tall cedar plank fence to enclose approximately 25,000 square feet of space to be used for the outdoor storage of materials that are incidental to the principal use. City Code Title 11-3-6 allows for fences in industrial districts to be a maximum of 10 feet in height. The fence is proposed to be constructed in the southwest corner of the site with two gates that allow for access to the storage area. Both gates open to the north, with one gate proposed to be located on the west side of the storage area and one gate proposed to be located on the east side. The fence as constructed may not impede on the approved drainage patterns Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Lumbermen’s Inc. – Outdoor Storage January 17, 2024 Page 4 of 5 within the site, and the storm sewer infrastructure within the enclosure must be protected from any stored materials washing into the storm sewer system. Site Plan The fence will be stained to compliment and be similar in color to the existing architecture and site. A condition of approval will require that the exterior storage of materials not be permitted outside of the approved area, that no materials be visible from public view, and that no materials exceed the height of the fence. In addition, a condition will also require that the exterior surface of the fence be maintained in sound and good condition, and that exterior wood surfaces shall be protected from the elements and decay by paint or other treatment. Proposed Fence Detail Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Lumbermen’s Inc. – Outdoor Storage January 17, 2024 Page 5 of 5 Visual Rendering from Interior Southwest of Site Parking Parking requirements for Phase 1 of the Cottage Grove Logistics Park were satisfied at the time of Site Plan Review approval by the City Council at their April 6, 2022, meeting. For the subject building site, the Property Owner proposed 306 total parking stalls when 141 parking stalls were required. The proposed fence encloses 33 semi-trailer parking stalls that will be unavailable for trailer storage due to being used for material storage. The Applicant has indicated that the stalls are not necessary for site operations and the provided onsite parking is sufficient for the proposed use. Truck and/or truck and trailer parking and idling within the right-of-way of 100th Street, 105th Street, and Ideal Avenue is prohibited per Condition 15 of Resolution 2021-166. The proposed tenant space and use meets current parking requirements as the Property Owner intends to allo- cate 150 parking spaces to the Applicant. City Code Title 11-3-4 states one parking space is required for 250 square feet of office and one parking space is required for 2,000 square feet of storage. The tenant space consists of approximately 2,605 square feet of office space and 87,154 square feet of storage space. Proposed Use Square Footage Parking Spaces Required Office 2,605 13 Storage 87,154 44 Public Hearing Notices The public hearing notice for the December 18, 2023, Planning Commission meeting was pub- lished in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press and mailed on December 6, 2023, to 65 property owners that are within 500 feet of the proposed project. Staff has not received any comments at the time of writing this report. Recommendation That the City Council adopt Resolution 2024-004 approving the Conditional Use Permit allowing for the outdoor storage of materials incidental to the principal use at 7601 100th Street South. Attachments A. Applicant & Property Owner Narrative B. Site Plan C. Rendering – Interior Southwest of Site D. Proposed Fence Detail CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2024-004 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE OUTDOOR STORAGE OF MATERIALS INCIDENTAL TO THE PRINCIPAL USE TO BE LOCATED AT 7601 100TH STREET SOUTH WHEREAS, Lumbermen’s, Inc. applied for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the outdoor storage of materials incidental to the principal use at 7601 100th Street South, at the property legally described below: Lot 1, Block 1, Cottage Grove Logistics Center, according to the recorded plat thereof, Washington County, Minnesota. Commonly known as 7601 100th Street 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 St. Paul Pioneer Press; and WHEREAS, a planning staff report, which detailed specific information on the property, and the application request was prepared and presented; and WHEREAS, the public hearing was open for public testimony and testimony from the appli- cant and the public was received and entered into the public record; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission unanimously (7-to-0 vote) recommended that the City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit application for the proposed outdoor storage of materials incidental to the principal use at their December 18, 2023, meeting. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, hereby approves the Conditional Use Permit for the outdoor stor- age of materials incidental to the principal use at the property legally described above, subject to the following conditions: 1. All applicable permits (i.e., building, electrical, grading, mechanical) must be com- pleted, submitted, and approved by the City prior to the commencement of any con- struction activities. 2. The exterior surface of the fence shall be maintained in sound and good condition. Exterior wood surfaces shall be protected from the elements and decay by paint or other treatment. Peeling, flaking, chipped, or fading paint and/or stain shall be elim- inated and surfaces repainted/re-stained. 3. The exterior surface of the fence shall complement and be similar in color to the principal structure and site. 4. The fence shall be 100 percent opaque with boards, if applicable, abutting each other without any gaps. City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota City Council Resolution 2024-004 Page 2 of 3 5. The fence shall not impede drainage patterns as they have been proposed and ap- proved as part of the original site development, unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer. 6. Signage is not permitted on the fence. 7. Exterior storage of materials shall not be permitted outside of the approved area. Material storage shall not be visible from public view and shall not exceed the height of the fence. 8. The placement, movement, and/or stockpiling of materials in the approved exterior storage area shall be limited to 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 9. No liquids or hazardous substances shall be stockpiled within the enclosed outdoor storage area. 10. The storm sewer infrastructure encompassed within the enclosure shall be pro- tected from stored materials being washed into the storm sewer system. Inspections should be completed by property owner/tenant to ensure stored materials and pack- aging are in sound condition and will not wash into the storm sewer system. 11. The standard City and State noise rules shall be applicable to the outdoor storage area. If the City receives complaints related to noise, the property owner shall bring the noise onsite into compliance upon notification by the City. 12. Any substantial changes to the fence (i.e., height, material, etc.) shall be reviewed and approved by planning staff prior to the commencement of any onsite construc- tion. Fences exceeding 7 feet in height require a building permit per State Building Code. If the proposed changes substantially alter site operations, planning staff may refer the proposal to the Planning Commission and City Council for review. 13. If the approved outdoor storage area is unused for material storage for a period of 12 months or more, the fence shall be removed upon notification by the City. 14. Repeat violations related to exterior storage outside of the 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. Passed this 17th day of January 2024. Myron Bailey, Mayor City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota City Council Resolution 2024-004 Page 3 of 3 Attest: Tamara Anderson, City Clerk Northpoint Development | 3315 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64116 | 816.888.7380 November 22, 2023 RE: Conditional Use Permit Application – Lumbermen’s Description of Proposal: We are delighted to announce that Lumbermen’s Inc. is a new lessee in the Cottage Grove Logistics Park, securing space within the smaller of the two existing buildings situated in the southwest corner. Lumbermen’s is currently in the process of applying for a conditional use permit to enable outdoor storage encompassing an area of approximately 25,000 square feet. In delineating the designated outdoor storage space, our proposed fencing solution involves the use of cedar fencing, as depicted in the accompanying rendering. This choice of fencing is preferred for its durability and ease of maintenance. The slats of the cedar fence will be strategically designed to provide screening for the stored products, with a height exceeding that of the stored items. The range of products to be stored includes composite and PVC decking, engineered wood siding and trim, PVC trim, asphalt shingles, and various exterior sheathing products. Sincerely, Ryan Zickel Development Manager NorthPoint Development 12977 North Outer Forty, Suite 203 St. Louis, MO 63141 cc: Steve Peterson – President of Lumbermen’s AVAILABLE±88,038 SF AREA±88,176 SF (RENTABLE)10 DOCKS10 FUTURE15 TRAILERS64 CARSDRIVE-IN 284'-0"364'-0"52'-0"TYP.56'-0"TYP.60'-0"UTILITYROOMINTERNET DEMARC(441 SF)LUMBERMAN'S±89,619 SF AREA±89,759 SF (RENTABLE)8 DOCKS3 DRIVE-INS33 TRAILERS150 CARS8 DOCKS25,0000 square feetSPECOFFICE W/ADDITIONS±2,605SF158 CARSLEASED±104,127 SF AREA±104,290 SF (RENTABLE)9 DOCKS14 FUTURE1 DRIVE-IN14 TRAILERS92 CARSDRIVE-IN(4) FORKLIFTCHARGERSDRIVE-IN DRIVE-IN N:\01 PROJECTS\COTTAGE GROVE\BUILDING 1\PROSPECTS\LUMBERMAN'S\CG1_PREMISES PLAN_SPEC OFFICE_OPTION D.DWG : 10/17/2023 2:25:19 PM : ltanLumberman's Premises Plan Option D x Cottage Grove - Building 1 x Minneapolis, MN x 10.17.2023 x 1:80NOverall Building DataBuilding Area: ± 282,225 SFBuilding Clear Height: 36' clearDrive-In Doors: 2 doorsDocks: 28 docksFuture Docks: 35 docksTrailer Parking: 76 spacesCar Parking: 306 spaces %8,/',1*“6) [  ))(  )212%(50%(50%(50)8785(&,7<675((785(&,7<675281':$//281' :$3523(57</,1(758&.&2857352326('6725$*(35,9$7('5,9(38%/,&5,*+72):$<%8,/',1*¶&('$5)(1&(7232)¶6281':$//¶6281':$//6,*+7/,1()520$3352;,0$7(&$5/2&$7,21352326('6725$*(