Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Page 4 of 8 <br /> <br />B. Impervious Surface – Meets Requirements <br />The B-2 Zoning District allows impervious surface coverage up to 80% of the site. The <br />Applicant included in their application a breakdown of permeable and impervious surfaces for <br />the project area. The current concrete patio will remain as is. The expanded patio area would <br />square off the existing patio in front of the building and remove approximately 1,354 square feet <br />of green space (i.e. grass). There are no trees to be removed as part of this project. The <br />proposed artificial turf area for the commercial recreation outdoor space would be installed <br />immediately adjacent to the existing patio area with a permeable base material. This area is <br />currently a paved portion of the parking lot. The permeable surface area added as a result of the <br />proposed project is 1,357 square feet. Therefore, the impervious surface coverage that exists <br />today remains the same. <br /> <br />C. Design Standards for Existing Sites B2 District – Meets Requirements <br />In March 2008, the City completed a visioning and planning process for the B-2 District, which <br />generally includes the properties near County Road E between Lexington Avenue and Hamline <br />Avenue/Highway 51. The “Guiding Plan for the B-2 District” includes a long-term vision for the <br />future redevelopment of this corridor and addresses transportation issues, land uses, infrastructure <br />improvements, landscaping, pedestrian facilities, building design, and site layout among other <br />issues. To implement these goals, the City adopted Section 1325.05, Subd. 8 which applies to <br />New Development, Redevelopment, and Modifications in the B2 and B3 Districts for review of <br />architecture, landscaping, and site design. In this application, the Applicant is not proposing any <br />changes to the existing building. The Site Plan Review pertains to the site design elements of the <br />outdoor patio and commercial recreation area. <br /> <br />1. Fences - In the B2 District, fences shall blend into the landscape using finished materials <br />of either wood, brick, stone or wrought iron. <br />a. The Applicant is proposing the perimeter of these outdoor areas would be <br />combination of a three (3) foot-tall aluminum decorative fence with gates and a 34” <br />tall block retaining wall. <br /> <br />2. Site furnishings and seating areas – These features are encouraged and may include tables, <br />chairs, benches, plantings, and other outdoor amenities such as a plaza. These areas shall <br />be maintained for year-round use. Creativity is highly encouraged. These spaces shall be <br />connected to the sidewalk system. Benches and decorative plantings shall be provided near <br />the primary entrance of all buildings on a site. <br />a. The Applicant is proposing to expand the outdoor patio with the addition of four <br />(4) to six (6) tables. The patio area will have an outdoor lounge area with a <br />fireplace. Three (3) pergolas are shown in the design with one space featuring a <br />waterfall feature. Greenery will be added such as vines coming down the walls, <br />planters in front of the fencing, hanging ferns, and other potted plants hanging from <br />the arbors. A paver walkway will be added, connecting the patio area to the existing <br />sidewalk along County Road E. Lastly, there will be bike racks added adjacent to <br />this walkway. <br /> <br />3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation – Site designs in the B2 District shall facilitate <br />pedestrian connections and mobility within and between buildings, sites, and uses by