09-4-13-PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Variance Findings: 9.The proposal is in harmony withthe purpose and intent of the ordinance because the request minimizes the impact of the parking area by adding additional screening along County Road E. 10.The proposal is consistent withthe comprehensive plan because it allows thereasonable use of commercial property. 11.A parking lot is apermitted and reasonable usewithin the B-2 Zoning District. 12.The lot is comparably unique in the City. Prior property owners created a building that does not allow for expansion due to the size constraints of the lot. The parking areas on this particular lot are further from the ROW than the parking areas on the adjacent lots to the east and west. 13.Since the proposed expansion does notencroach into therequiredfront yard setbackfor the structure,or place parking directly in front of the building,theexpansionis unlikely to have a negative impact on theproperty or the neighborhood. 14.The parking lot expansion would be visible from the frontof the property, which abuts County Road E; however,the applicant would add additional trees and landscaping to the front of the property. 15.The proposedvariances for the additional parking spaces donot appear to be based on economic considerations alone. Staff Analysis The findings of fact for this variance request support a recommendation for approval.However, if the Planning Commission choosesto make a recommendation for denial,the Findings of Fact would need to be amended to reflect the reasons for the denial. If the Planning Commission recommends approval on this variance, Staff recommends the following eight(8) conditions: 1.That a maximum of sixteen (16) additional parking spaces shall be allowedto be constructed on the property. 2.That the parking spaces shall be constructed in accordance with the submitted site plan. 3.That that parking spaces shall be constructed of a hard surface and shall meet the City’s standards for hard surfacing. 4.That the property owner shall maintainshared parking agreement(s) with adjacent property owners in order to provide a minimum of twenty-eight (28) additional parking spaces. 5.That a minimum of four (4) additional pine trees and two (2) additional flower beds shall be provided along County Road E as depicted in the landscaping/parking plan. 6.That all additional trees planted shall betwo and one-half (2.5) caliper inches for deciduous trees and six (6) feet in height for coniferous trees. 7.That a decorative rod iron fence four (4) feet in height shall be provided immediately south of the southern parking area. City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for September 4, 2013 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2013\PC 13-015 -Staples Parking Variance Page 6of 8