CCP 02-26-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 7, 2001 6 . Commissioner Sand questioned if the ramp could be placed in lieu of an existing hard surface lot within the campus. He asked if the proposed location was the best location. Ms. Chaput noted if Guidant needs an additional ramp, Guidant would need to go through another master PUD review. Mr. Reimer stated the site was located as suggested because the manufacturing plant adjacent to this ramp has the most employee traffic and would allow for the most use, Commissioner Sand noted on past site plan reviews he has requested photographs ofthe site to give the Commissioners an idea of the visual impacts of the proposal. Ms. Chaput noted this request. Commissioner Erickson asked why there was an assumption that the proposed parking ramp would exceed the height of 35 feet and require a variance. Ms. Chaput indicated she was not aware of this assumption but stated this was her feeling after conversations with staff. Commissioner Erickson indicated the original footprint of the parking ramp showed a larger footprint and decreased height, which would have met the height variance, He questioned the change in the request from the applicant and if there were any options for meeting the zoning requirements. Mr. Reimer stated again that the location was chosen for the convenience of the employees. He noted the economics ofthe parking ramp brought Guidant to the size and height proposed within this application. . Mr. Brasch stated the ratio of build structure on the campus site is limited at this time as they are at 19% coverage, He noted due to this concern it led Guidant to creating a taller structure than originally planned within the Master PUD. Commissioner Erickson explained he was having a hard time finding hardship with this case, He asked for the number of parking stalls per level of the parking ramp, Mr. Reimer noted there would be roughly 150 parking spaces per level. Commissioner Erickson indicated he feels Guidant has a nice campus within the City but stated concern for the height of the parking ramp at the far comer of the campus. He asked for the building materials that would be used with this structure. Mr. Brasch indicated the bottom of the structure would be masonry brick with precast beams, Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the 44 feet was at the highest point. Ms. Chaput stated after reviewing the plan the 44 feet was the top height of the structure. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the elevation would be altered surrounding the proposed ramp. Mr. Brasch stated he is only suggesting to slightly lower the elevation surrounding the ramp to allow for the existing trees to maintain their foundation. . Commissioner Sand stated the economics behind this issue cannot drive the hardship for this case as stated within the City Zoning Ordinance. He stated the previous ramp request would sufficiently meet the parking requirements and not require the height variance. Commissioner Sand asked if the larger, taller ramp was warranted at this time, He noted by overbuilding the ramp at this time, an additional ramp would still be needed in other locations