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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-07-10 CPC MIN PLANNING COMMISSION July 10, 1995 Present: Glenna Bealka, Duane Elliott, Dorothy Foster, Rob Hamlin, Kirk Roetman, Darwin Wald and Terry Zoller Absent: Chairman Jerry Fontaine and Don Valsvik Others Steve Russell, community development director Mr. Hamlin served as acting chairman and called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Darwin Wald, seconded by Dorothy Foster, moved approval of the minutes of June 12, 1995; all in favor. Case No. DP/SUP/V/95-47. Continuation of a design permit and special use permit and variances to the side yard and front yard setbacks (0 feet requested, 15 feet required for the side yard and 0 feet requested, 10 feet required for the front yard) and for parking requirements (5 spaces • required, 2 spaces requested) for construction of a structure containing three residential units and 16x16 office space at 311 S. Third St. in the CBD, Central Business District. Brian Larson, applicant. Mr. Nolde and Mr. Larson, architect, appeared regarding the requests. Mr. Russell pointed out there is a provision in the ordinance which allows structures in the downtown district to be up to the property line; granting the variance is up to the determination of the Planning Commission. Mr. Larson said the "footprint" of the new structure will be similar to the existing structure. Mr. Elliott raised a question about parking and asked whether the below grade lot of the building to the north could be expanded. He said he felt the steep slope of the drive as proposed would be impossible to maneuver. Mr. Nolde noted there is a city parking lot available for use. Later in the discussion, it was pointed out that two spaces are provided for tenants; the existing dwelling units have no on-site parking. Mr. Russell said the city tries to maximize parking in the downtown area, but not to the point of discouraging development/redevelopment. Fred Kalinoff, owner of a nearby apartment building, said he thought the proposal would be an improvement over the existing building, and he said parking in the area is always a problem. Ken Weissner, resident of Val Croix Condominiums said he would like to see an improved building, but one that is no closer than the existing building and that would not infringe on the existing space. Marlin Eiklenborg, owner of the adjacent property, said his only concern was the easement the Noldes have on his property for driveway purposes. He said he would not want to have to dig up his existing driveway. Mr. Nolde agreed to raise the elevation of the common driveway so Mr. Eiklenborg will not have to dig up his drive. Richard Kilty, 118 W. Oak St., said he would like to see more on-site parking. David Hanson, also owner of an apartment complex, agreed that off-street parking should be provided. Mr. Zoller asked whether the developers were aware of the recommendations made by the Heritage Preservation Commission. Mr. Larson said he felt the HPC's recommendations/concerns can be addressed as more detailed plans are developed. Mr. Hamlin expressed his concern • about giving approval; the final building product is often totally different than indicated in preliminary sketches, he said. He said he would like to see a more solid commitment regarding materials and design. Mr. Russell suggested the Planning Commission could give concept approval with the condition that the developers return to the commission with specific details as final plans are developed. Concept approval does not commit the commission to giving final approval, he noted. Mrs. Bealka, seconded by Mr. Roetman, moved concept approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No. V/95-49. A variance to the sign height (25 feet required, 30 feet requested) for the replacement of the Stillwater Inn sign at 1750 W. Frontage Road in the BP-C, Business Park Commercial District. Tim Balstad, applicant. Mr. Balstad said the requested is due to a new logo identity Best Western adopted last year. The request is to remove the existing sign and place the new sign in the same location. 10 Mr. Elliott noted that because the existing sign is placed about five feet below grade, a variance technically probably isn't needed. He moved approval of the 30 foot sign height, with the consideration that the sign posts are 5 feet below grade. Mr. Wald seconded the motion, all in favor. Q.. This case was continued until the August meeting. This case was continued until the August meeting. Case No. SUP/95-52. A special use permit for construction of a 12'x20' storage shed at 900 N. Owens St., Stonebridge Elementary School, in the RB, Two Family Residential District. John Johnson, applicant. Mr. Johnson said the request is to construct a shed to allow for storage of gas engine equipment -- lawn mowers, snowblowers, etc. -- at least 20 feet away from the school building. The shed will be a Lampert's type shed and will not be visible from the street. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Roetman, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No. SUP/95-53. A special use permit to conduct a massage therapy is business out of the home at 1202 W. Myrtle St. in the RA, Single Family Residential District. Lauren A. Fouks, applicant. Ms. Fouks said a portion of her business will be conducted at area health clubs and golf courses. The home portion of the business would be limited to treating clients at her home two or three days per week. No more than one client would be treated at one time; there is adequate off-street parking. Kay Boyce, 1222 W. Myrtle St., asked Ms. Fouks about her training, how she gets clients, proposed hours of operation and signage. Ms. Fouks said she is certified through the Minneapolis School of Massage and Body Work; clients are obtained primarily through referrals from physical therapists. Ms. Fouks said her home business hours would be variable - probably Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning and some evenings. Ms. Fouks requested that she be allowed to place a small business sign above her mailbox. She agreed to a sign no larger than 6"x12". A concern was raised regarding the transferability of the special use permit should Ms. Fouks sell the residence. The special use permit would not transfer to the new owner. 10 is Mr. Roetman moved approval as conditioned, with the additional condition that the special use permit is not transferable to a new owner should the residence be sold and allowing a 6x12" sign on the mailbox. Mrs. Bealka seconded the motion; all in favor. Case No. V/95/43. A variance to the side yard setback (14 feet requested, 30 feet required) to expand an existing garage at 212 Sixth St. So, in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Brent and Wendy Johnson, applicants. Mr. Johnson said plans for the garage addition had been scaled back 8 feet since he first appeared before the commission. He said he had talked with all neighbors and no one objected. He also said Barry Stack had been contacted to confirm the property line; the property line does extend out into the street at one corner of the lot and has been become part of the roadway over the years. Mr. Johnson said he thought the unique situation represented a hardship. And he said he thought expanding the garage to the front would have less of an impact than expanding to the rear due to drainage issues. There was some discussion as to the benefit of defining the corner property line. Mr. Elliott suggested the cheapest way to accomplish that would be to have Public Works lay a small strip of bituminous up to the garage. Mr. Roetman suggested adding a condition that the garage not be used as a dwelling unit, as well as having the property line definition be reviewed by the Public Works Department and Mr. Russell. Mr. Elliott, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved as conditioned; all in favor. Mrs. Bealka, seconded by Mrs. Foster, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording secretary 0