02-05-14 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION February 5, 20142 Vice Chair Thompson administered the Oath of Office to Steven Jones and welcomed him to the Planning Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 8, 2014 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Hames moved, seconded by Commissioner Jones, to approve the January 8, 2014, Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). January 8, 2014 Planning Commission Work Session Meeting Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Hames, to approve the January 8, 2014, Planning Commission Work Session Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PLANNING CASES A.Planning Case 14-004; Zoning Code Amendment Ambulance Dispatch Facility Public Hearing Associate Planner Bachler stated that the applicant has requested a Zoning Code amendment to include ambulance dispatch facility as a new land use category and to allow the use as a conditional use within the B-2 General Business District. This request is being processed in conjunction with Planning Case 14-005, which is an application from Allina Health Emergency Medical Services for a Conditional Use Permit to operate an ambulance substation at 1209 County Road E West. In order to grant the Conditional Use Permit in Planning Case 14-005, the Zoning Code amendment being reviewed would first need to be approved. Associate Planner Bachler stated Allina Health Emergency Medical Services (AHEMS) provides ambulance response service for much of the north metro region, including Arden Hills, under a license granted by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. In December 2013, AHEMS applied for a building permit to complete interior modifications at 1209 County Road E West for an ambulance substation. Staff determined that the proposed use did not clearly fall under any of the permitted land use categories for the B-2 General Business District and recommended that an amendment to the Zoning Code be completed to permit ambulance dispatch facilities as a conditional use in the district. Associate Planner Bachler indicated AHEMS previously operated an ambulance station at 3760 Dunlap Street for several years beginning in 1991. The City approved this use for the property on an interim basis in Planning Case 91-013, as the facility was not seen as being in line with the long-term vision for the B-4 Retail Center District. At that time, the facility functioned as the main ambulance base for the area and deployed crews to three substations. The main AHEMS ambulance base is now located in Mounds View. Associate Planner Bachler provided an overview of the request. The Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed application would adversely affect the