CCP 09-13-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 30,1999 DF". p "-1- :.Jt{t~~~ 10 Ms. Randall stated that the proposed Neighborhood Business District has not spelled out whether . the building is to be placed at the corner or to the rear of the lot. The applicant presented a plan within the parameters of the Neighborhood Business Zoning District, with the exception of the northern setback. She stated that, one negative aspect to the building being placed close to the street, would be that the parking lot would require intensive screening from the residential area. The proposed layout of the building allows the car lights to shine out towards the intersection. Mayor Probst confirmed that the basement would also be 6,336 square feet. Ms. Randall stated that the plan was for a full basement to be used for storage. With regard to the requirement for a 30-foot buffer to the north, Councilmember Larson stated if an additional I 0 feet of setback was established to the north, this would push the building down in front of the setback for the adjacent residence. Ms. Randall stated that, with a planned unit development, there is the option to change the setbacks. However, the guidelines that staffwas attempting to adhere to be the proposed Neighborhood Business District. Councilmember Malone stated that he was inclined to support the proposal as the numbers did meet the proposed Neighborhood Business Zoning District. He did not feel that the 20-foot setback to the north was a large issue since it was a rear yard for the adjacent neighbors. If the applicant was proposing a 20- foot side yard setback, he would not find this acceptable. He suggested that the City Council discuss the proposed access ramp to the lower level. . Councilmember Aplikowski asked if there would be no other way to get to the storage in the lower level without the access ramp. Ms. Randall stated that at this time she did not have the interior plans for the building. However, she did believe that there could be a stairwell inside, an inside ramp, or the outside ramp could be moved to another location. Mayor Probst invited the applicant to respond to the concerns regarding the access ramp to the lower level. Mr. Steve Nelson stated that the reason for the layout of the building was to allow enough buffering from the adjacent residences. He spoke with the neighbors to the north and east and the homeowners supported his plan as it would improve the appearance of the lot. The lot has been used as a dump for lawn clippings and tree branches and at this time there are tires and a 55-gallon barrel on the lot. Not knowing the future plans of County Road D, Mr. Nelson stated that keeping the building far away from the street made the most sense. He had initially considered locating the building on the corner. However, there is contamination in this area and any soil removed would have to be treated off-site. The east side of the lot contains no soil contamination. With regard to the access ramp, Mr. Nelson stated this would be used primarily for storage. He has over 8,000 files and the two other attorneys who would be occupying the office building currently pay for off-site storage. If an outside access ramp is not permitted, there would have to be two stairwells inside and he would prefer only one stairwell. Some personal items may be .