CCP 02-26-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Lot Split The applicant requests a lot split from the property located at 1201 County Road E, creating two parcels from one (see existing Site, Exhibit A 2/12). The Holiday Inn remains on one parcel, splitting off a second parcel, 78,515 square feet in size, for a proposed Walgreens (see proposed subdivision, Exhibit A 7/12). The remaining Holiday Inn parcel, as proposed, is sufficient for its parking and operating requirements (Exhibit B). The lot split application meets all of the requirements of Section 22-12 (e) of the City Code, division of platted lots of record. Variance The applicant requests a variance from Section 6 (D) #1 (b) of the Zoning Ordinance, proximity to drive-in businesses, 200 feet (from parcel to parcel) where 1320 feet is required. This Section of the Ordinance states that a drive-in business can not be located within 1320 feet of another drive-in business. The City Attorney has advised staff that this business does meet the definition of a "drive-in business" (Section 2, #42) since it offers a service without entering a building and there is a separate definition identifying "restaurant, fast food" (Section 2, #126). Therefore, a variance application for distance from another drive-in business is required. The following findings of fact can be made: . The drive-in is required for the operation ofthe business and the property can not be put to a reasonable, approved use within the District without it; . The granting of the variance will not alter the essential character of the District; . The application meets the spirit and intent of the Zoning Ordinance; and . The Special Use Permit application, as required for drive-in businesses, gives the City the opportunity to review and address any future potential problems on the property on an ongoing basis. Special Use Permit/Site Plan Review The applicant requests a special use permit (SUP) for a drive-in business (as required by Zoning Ordinance Section 6 (D)) and a site plan review for a Walgreens. The application meets all of the minimum dimensional requirements (lot area, size, setbacks), lot coverage, floor area ratio, landscape lot area, building height, parking requirements and aesthetics. The grading and utilities plan was reviewed by the City Engineer and comments have been incorporated into the conditions of approval. The Ordinance requires that drive-in businesses have two accesses to public streets (Section 6 (D)#2 (h)), which it does, plus a third requiring a permanent access easement through the Holiday Inn parcel. Ramsey County has confirmed their preference for the access through the Holiday Inn parcel for better access to and from County Road E. A portion of the permanent access agreement with the Holiday Inn is provided in Exhibit C. The majority ofthe discussion ofthis application at the Plarming Commission focussed around the impact of this business on traffic (see letters of opposition, Exhibit D) and the designation of this parcel as a "Community Gateway" as it relates to signage requirements. Commissioner Sand 2