05-04-22 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 4, 2022 6 Commissioner Zimmerman commented this situation would require flexibility on an ongoing basis. He supported the homeowners association come forward and asking to change the requirements for lot sizes and setbacks for the overall development in order to eliminate the need for future variances within Hunter’s Park. Chair Vijums stated he understood this concern but reported this neighborhood would still require variances because the lots would never comply with City requirements. He believed it would be very difficult to establish any type of rules at this point for the Hunters Park development. Commissioner Wicklund moved and Commissioner Blilie seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 22-004 for a Variance at 1152 Benton Way based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the two (2) conditions in the May 4, 2022, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). B. Planning Case 22-007; 4440 Round Lake Road West – Site Plan Review – Public Hearing Not Required City Planner Jagoe stated at their March 21, 2022 meeting the City Council reviewed a concept plan for a company called Saltbox. Saltbox offers flexible warehouse and office suites that are leased by individual businesses, usually startup/small digital commerce companies. The intent of Saltbox is to provide an all-inclusive collaborative workspace to small businesses by providing the essential operations and logistical infrastructure that enables a business to start and scale its growth. City Planner Jagoe reported Saltbox will be remodeling the interior of the building to construct flexible work spaces that can be used as either warehouse, office, or some combination of the two. Suites will range in size from 76 sq. ft. up to approx. 2,000 sq. ft. The suites are constructed with 10’ high modular walls that are open above with no ceilings. Each suite is equipped with power, HVAC, and Wi-Fi as well as access to a shared central loading dock for shipping/delivery needs. Each Saltbox facility is designed with conference rooms, huddle rooms/lounges, bathrooms, main entry/welcoming area, and a break room that are shared by the small business tenants. The facility is open seven (7) days a week from 6 AM to 11 PM. City Planner Jagoe explained Saltbox employs Operations Specialists that handle the on- demand logistical services for receipt and delivery of packages, plus they are able to provide order fulfillment assistance to the small business owners. A package that is delivered to Saltbox is received by the Operations Specialist at the loading dock. The Saltbox employee then distributes smaller boxes to the individual suites or there is secured warehouse space for larger packages. Saltbox employees are onsite from 8 AM to 6 PM. The Applicant has stated this window of time is when 95% of their activity is expected to occur. City Planner Jagoe indicated the Arden Hills location would be for 214 warehouse and office suites with an estimated maximum occupancy of 398 members and 15 Saltbox employees. Saltbox would say that their flexible business model means that the 398 members would not be at the facility at the same time, but rather come and go at the needs of their individual business. As part of the improvements to the property, the Applicant is proposing to reconfigure the parking lot layout that would result in the immediate addition of 36 parking spaces and also