05-04-1988 Planning Commission Agenda-Minutes

Home Browse Search

Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, May 4, 1988 Page 5 CASE #88-11 (Cont'd) The Planner explained the plan meets all other ordinance requirements, proposed additional landscaping will soften the visual impact of the building on Pine Tree Drive, the parking spaces initially proposed between the addition and County Road E have been removed, therefore, the front yard will be retained as a landscaped area. Bergly referred Commission to the Board of Appeals minutes, 4-28-88, unanimously recommending approval. The Planner advised the only physical hardship that exists is the width of the parcel, however, he noted mitigating circumstances would be a considerably less severe setback variance is requested now than was allowed in first stage construction, and, landscaping is proposed to soften the impact of a reduced setback. Member Probst questioned if the proposed landscaping materials would be the same sizes as the existing materials shown on the plan. Architect Wally Daniels advised the applicant would try to match existing materials as closely as possible. Daniels reviewed the exterior and interior plan of the proposed addition; he noted the building materials would be the same and the existing exterior design format would be followed. He advised that with the proposed addition the bank building would be in alignment with the other businesses along County Road E. Moved by Malone, seconded by Carlson, that Commission recommend to Council approval of Case #88-11, Site Plan Revision and Front Yard • Setback Variance, Norwest Bank, County Road E and Pine Tree Drive, based on the following: 1. The applicant has no alternatives for expansion, due to the narrow parcel; 2. The applicant has shown sensitivity to soften the impact of a reduced setback by intensive landscaping and maintaining the exterior design and materials, and, 3. The applicant has assured they would endeavor to match the proposed landscaping materials as closely as possible with those currently on site. Motion carried unanimously. (9-0) CASE #88-12; SITE Planner Bergly referred Commission to his report, dated PLAN REVIEW, MAINT. 5-4-88, relative to the proposed site plan review for a BLDG. , BETHEL COLLEGE maintenance building at Bethel College. Bergly advised the proposed building location conforms to the campus Master Plan; it would be located in the extreme southeast corner of the campus. He noted the building will be effectively screened from Hamline Avenue by dense trees along the right-of-way and by 15 to 18 feet of elevation change, with the street being depressed adjacent to the site. The Planner advised a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees are proposed along the west and south elevations of the proposed building, to screen and soften the impact of the structure from adjacent homes located 400 feet to the southwest of the site. Bergly stated the existing metal storage building, located northwest of the proposed building, would be removed in the near future. He also noted the proposed building would be setback from Hamline Avenue approximately 80 ft. , which exceeds the required setback. The Planner recommended approval based on the fact the proposed building and level of site improvements seem appropriate for the use and remote character of the site, the building will consolidate and put under cover much of the equipment and supplies used by the college, and the proposed improvements are consistent with the approved campus Master Plan.