CCP 09-13-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 30, 1999 DRAFT 12 down to the ramp. He wanted to be able to drive down the access ramp, however, there would be . no vehicles parked in the driveway. Councilmember Larson stated that he had no strong feelings about whether the driveway should be gravel or grass. He felt that the proposed building was very attractive and was concerned that a dirt or gravel road crossing the boulevard could detract from the attractiveness. Mr. Nelson suggested that concrete or brick could be used. The intent was to discourage traffic from using this access. He suggested installing private driveway signs or a chain. Councilmember Rem stated that she had attended the Planning Commission meeting when this Planning Case was discussed. She was puzzled by the concept of an office needing a drive down ramp for storage. The storage would be more secure with an inside access. With the changes being made to County Road D, and the amount oftraffic, the hope is to minimize the curb cuts off the road. She understood that the applicant did not intend to use this access ramp on a daily basis, however, her concern was how this may be used by the next owner of the office building. Additionally, the sunken driveway could become a collection point for rubbish. Mr. Nelson stated that he intended to remain in this office space for the next 15 to 20 years. He noted that he may use the lower level to store his private boat during the winter months. Additionally, he would not prefer to store his files off-site and would not want to have to carry them up and down stairs. He stated that he could not understand the objections to the proposed access ramp. He indicated that there could be three houses built on this lot and a driveway could be installed five feet from the eastern property line which would be much noisier than his . proposed use. Councilmember Rem asked if another intent of the storage area was for the applicant to store his boat. Mr. Nelson stated that he would primarily be storing his dead files in the lower level. Councilmember Rem noted that there have been many discussions regarding what will be allowed in the proposed Neighborhood Business Zoning District and not all aspects have been decided. Mayor Probst suggested that, rather than the curb cut off County Road D, paving blocks could be installed to wrap off the other entry drive to the access ramp. He indicated that boat storage underneath an office building did not feel right to him. He could not think of any reason to object other than, if the office were sold to someone else, he would not want this space to become a boat storage business. He suggested controls over how the lower level storage is to be used be added to the developer's agreement. Mr. Nelson noted that, in order for the building to be used primarily as boat or vehicle storage, the owner would have to apply for a building permit and comply with all underground parking requirements. He pointed out that the driveway will only be 10 feet wide which would not allow for vehicles to pass. Mayor Probst expressed concern for what others may use this area for in the future. If the applicant uses the storage space for the reasons he has indicated, he would not have objections. However, if the office building were sold, a new owner could try to use the building to sell storage space in the winter which would not be appropriate. He had been suggesting that there be restrictions in the developers' agreement on how the lower level is used. Mr. Nelson noted .