CCP 10-25-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - OCTOBER 6, 1999 DRAFT 2 that location. The applicant has also considered a location to the east ofthe building, however, there is a drainage system which flows through this area, . The applicant plans to run the generator during power failures and on a monthly basis for approximately 20 minutes for maintenance and testing purposes, The applicant is hoping to have a generator in place as soon as possible in order to meet government regulations. They currently have a temporary generator on a trailer to meet these requirements. Staff found that there are circumstances unique to the property in that the property is bordered by public right-of-way on three sides, creating a relatively small buildable area for this site, The applicant lists several other sites that they have considered which would all require variances. The only side available that would not need a variance is next to the building along the sidewalk. This site, however, would eliminate landscaping, a portion of sidewalk, and windows. This site is adjacent to the junction box which is where the generator is connected to the building. The applicant took great steps to find an alternative location. The generator is as far from the property line as it can be without taking out parking spaces. Per Code requirement, the applicant is willing to screen the generator with a 10-foot high cedar wood fence or an alternative 10-foot high block wall with a cedar wood gate. The applicant prefers the cedar wood fence. The generator is enclosed in a protective box which screens the generator and reduces the noise level. Ms. Randall advised that staff recommends approval of Planning Case 99-12, Site Plan, to allow for the construction of a 5 foot 6 inch by 13 foot 6 inch generator and 13 by 25 foot fence . enclosure, along with a 37 foot variance, with the following conditions: 1, The generator only be run a maximum of five hours per month for servicing or during the duration of power failures. 2. The temporary generator on a trailer be removed. Ms. Randall noted that the entire generator would be within the sidewalk pad. The fence enclosure would extend beyond the sidewalk pad. This would leave 24 feet of driveway area for traffic flow. Additionally, bollards will be placed to protect the fence and generator from potential damage. If the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on this Planning Case, then it would heard at the Monday, October 25,1999, regular meeting of the City Council. Chair Erickson opened and closed the public hearing at 7:41 p,m., as no one wished to address the Planning Commission. Chair Erickson stated that he preferred a block wall rather than a cedar wood fence, since a block wall could be made to match the exterior wall of the existing building. This would allow the generator to blend in with the building and would reduce the noise level of the generator better than a cedar wood fence. Commissioner Sand agreed that, if the block wall was the same material and color as the building, a block wall would be preferable. . Mr. Bob Beck, Midway National Bank, stated that he understood the screening issue and was willing to abide by the regulations. Because of the circulation required around the generator, he believed that a large enclosure would be more dominant than the generator itself. The generator