CC 02-26-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 26,2001 9 ideas from the Parkway System plan into their plans. The only information provided on . "Community Gateways" in the 1998 Comprehensive Plan was as follows: "The intent is that special attention be paid to enhancing intersections where there is an entrance to the community. Special attention may include street and curb realignments, signage, burying overhead utility lines, berming and landscaping. Design parameters need to be developed to help define each intersection." Mr. Lynch noted this language was vague and provided little direction for potential applicants. If the City wishes to have specific design guidelines for "Community Gateways", they should be developed and adopted into the City's Zoning Ordinance as a separate district or overlay district. Additionally, the properties identified as "Community Gateways" were not City owned parcels. If the City intends to have entrance signs on any of these properties in the future or have special landscaping, the City would have to purchase land, replat as substandard lots for a sign or obtain a permanent easement from the private property owner, if willing. . Mr. Lynch stated the City of Arden Hills received a completed application for this request on December 6, 2000, pursuant to Minnesota State Statute, the City must act on this request by February 4, 2001 (60 days), unless the City provided the petitioner with written reasons for an additional 60-day review period. The applicant was notified, in writing, that the application would be extended sixty days to AprilS, 2001. The City may, with the petitioners' consent, extend the review period beyond the AprilS, 2001 date. He noted that if the City denies the petitioners' request, "... it must state in writing, the reasons for denial at the time that it denies the request." Mr. Lynch advised that the Planning Commission recommended approval of Planning Case #00- 45, for the following applications, each contingent on the other's approval: 1. Lot split of the property at 1201 County Road E from one lot into two lots, for the following reason and with the following conditions: a) The proposal met the minimum requirements of Section 22-12, (e) of the City Code; b) The subdivision shall be recorded with Ramsey County within sixty days of approval from the City Council; and c) Following recording with Ramsey County, the applicant would provide a final plat plus evidence of recording to the City of Arden Hills. . 2. Variance from Section 6 (D) #1 (b), proximity to drive-in businesses, for the following reasons: a) The drive-in was required for the operation of the business and the property could not be put to a reasonable, approved use within the District without it; b) The granting of the variance would not alter the essential character of the District; c) The application met the spirit and intent of the Zoning Ordinance; and d) The Special Use Permit application, as required for drive-in businesses, gave the City the opportunity to review and address any future potential problems on the property on an ongoing basis.