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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-13 PC Minutes Approved: January 8, 2014 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013 6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Clayton Larson called to order the regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Clayton Larson, Commissioners Brent Bartel, Janet Stodola (Alternate), Roberta Thompson, Clayton Zimmerman, and Sam Scott (arrived at 6:45 P.M.). Absent: Commissioners Angela Hames and Andrew Holewa. Also present were: City Planner Ryan Streff; Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler; Councilmember Dave McClung; and Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher. APPROVAL OF AGENDA DECEMBER 4, 2013 Chair Larson stated the agenda will stand as published. APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 9, 2013 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to approve the October 9, 2013, Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). November 6, 2013 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Bartel moved, seconded by Commissioner Stodola, to approve the November 6, 2013, Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 20132 PLANNING CASES A.Planning Case 13-020; Variance; 3324 Lake Johanna Boulevard Not a Public Hearing City Planner Streff stated the applicant in this case owns the property located at 3324 Lake Johanna Boulevard. The property is zoned R-2 Single & Two Family Residential District and is generally positioned north of Beckman Avenue, south of Stowe Avenue, east of New Brighton Road and west of Lake Johanna. City Planner Streff explained that the applicant is proposing to replace the twenty-two (22) foot by twenty-two (22) foot existing non-conforming accessory structure/detached garage on the property. As proposed, the structure would be rebuilt within its current footprint with a modified roof design and extended roof overhang along the north façade. The overhang is being proposed in order to protect the stairs, which provide access to the dwelling on the property, from undesirable weather conditions such as ice, rain and snow. To provide further protection from unfavorable weather, the applicant is also proposing to add a slated wooden screen that would extend from the overhang. The screen would be suspended from the roofline and anchored to the concrete stairway. The new roofline is also being designed so that the property owner can collect the maximum amount of rainwater for landscaping purposes. City Planner Streff indicated the applicant has submitted a narrative of the proposed addition, a response to the variance evaluation criteria, a survey and a site plan of the property, building elevations and building plans. Site Data Future Land Use Plan: Low Density Residential Existing Land Use: Single Family Detached Home Zoning: R-2: Single & Two Family Residential District Size: .41 acres (17,860 square feet) Topography: The property drops approximately 29 feet from west (Lake Johanna Boulevard) to east (Ordinary High Water mark on Lake Johanna). City Planner Streff reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and the Variance Evaluation Criteria. City Planner Streff explained that the existing detached garage is considered a non-conforming structure because of its location within the 40-foot front yard setback and its height based on the vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface. As indicated on the survey, the structure is approximately fifteen (15) inches from the west property line. The proposed overhang would encroach no further into the setback than the existing structure on the property. A variance is being requested to encroach into the front yard setback in order to construct the four (4) foot stairway overhang along the northern side of the structure. City Planner Streff commented that the existing accessory structure is twenty-two (22) feet by twenty-two (22) feet, an area of 484 square feet. The structure has one (1) foot overhangs on all sides making the area of the roof twenty-four (24) feet by twenty-four (24) feet or an area of 576 square feet. The proposed structure would not increase the footprint of the existing garage; ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 20133 however, the roof would increase in size due to the addition of the overhang over the stairway. The roof as proposed would be approximately twenty-seven (27) feet by twenty-four (24) feet, an increase of 72 square feet. A variance is being requested to change the design of the roof in order to incorporate the overhang and slated wooden screen. City Planner Streff indicated the property is unique when compared to many properties in Arden Hills because of its topography. From Lake Johanna Boulevard to the High Water Mark on Lake Johanna, the property slopes approximately 29 feet from west to east. Because of this structure to an area that meets the setback regulations is very limited. The proposed overhang is a reasonable solution in order to provide protection of the stairs from undesirable weather conditions such as ice, rain and snow. Due to the scope of the project and the proposed changes to the structure, the character of the neighborhood is not expected to be negativity affected. City Planner Streff provided the Findings of Fact for review: General Findings 1. The property is in the R-2 Single & Two Family Residential Zoning District. 2. The lot is 17,860 square feet in size. 3. The existing garage is a non-conforming structure within the R-2 Zoning District. 4. The existing garage encroaches approximately thirty-eight (38) feet and nine (9) inches into the forty (40) foot front yard setback along Lake Johanna Boulevard. 5. The footprint of the existing structure and the proposed garage is approximately 484 square feet. The overall footprint does not change with the proposed construction. 6. The proposed addition of an overhang along the northern façade of the structure would not encroach any further into the front yard setback along Lake Johanna Boulevard than the existing structure. 7. The Zoning Code permits detached accessory garages on lakeshore lots as long as they meet the minimum front yard setback. 8. The proposed overhang adds an additional 72 square feet to the area of the roof. 9. The existing and proposed lot coverage meets the requirements of the R-2 Single & Two Family Residential Zoning District. 10. The height of the structure would remain the same as the existing structure. 11. Detached garages or accessory structures are permitted structures within the R-2 Single & Two Family Residential Zoning District. 12. Non-conforming structures may be continued through repair, replacement, restoration, maintenance, or improvement. Variance Findings: 1. The proposal is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the ordinance because the ordinance generally allows flexibility for unique parcels when impacts to surrounding properties are minimized. 2. The proposal is consistent with the comprehensive plan because it allows the reasonable use of residential property. 3. Accessory buildings are generally permitted and a reasonable use within the R-2 Single & Two Family Residential Zoning District. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 20134 4. The lot is comparably unique in the City. The property is situated on a lot that slopes significantly from west to east approximately 29 feet, therefore creating a lot where the placement of an attached or detached garage within the setback requirements is exceptionally difficult. 5. Since the proposed addition would not encroach any further into the front yard setbacks than the existing structure, the construction of this accessory structure (with overhang addition) is unlikely to have a negative impact on the property or the neighborhood. 6. The addition would be visible from neighboring properties; however, the proposed design and the use of high quality materials for the detached structure should minimize the impacts on surrounding property owners. 7. The proposed plans and requested variances for the accessory structure do not appear to be based on economic considerations alone. City Planner Streff stated the findings of fact for this variance request support a recommendation for approval. However, if the Planning Commission chooses to make a recommendation for denial, the Findings of Fact would need to be amended to reflect the reasons for the denial. If the Planning Commission recommends approval of this variance, Staff recommends the following four (4) conditions: 1. That the project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted, as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. That the new structure shall not encroach any further into the front yard setback than that of the existing structure. 3. That the new structure shall not exceed the height of the existing structure, which is based on the vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface as defined by the building code. 4. That the color and roof material of the detached garage shall match or complement the existing primary residential structure, and shall conform to all other requirements in the R-2 Zoning District. City Planner Streff reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1.Recommend Approval with Conditions. 2.Recommend Approval as Submitted. 3.Recommend Denial. 4.Table. Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Bartel asked if the garage door size would be increased. City Planner Streff commented that this was not specified in the request and would not require a variance if the size were altered. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 20135 Commissioner Thompson questioned what the height of the new garage would be. City Planner Streff explained that the new garage would be 12 feet 9 inches in height along Lake Johanna Boulevard, which is the height of the existing garage. Commissioner Thompson questioned if the proposed building materials for the garage would match the house. City Planner Streff reported the homeowners would be updating the home to match the proposed building materials that would be used on the garage. Scott BarsnessOtogawa-Anschel Design and Build , , explained how the proposed garage would be refinished. He clarified that the lower portion of the garage would remain in place. The structural concerns were with the second level. He noted a steel beam would be added for support. The proposed building materials were then addressed. Chair Larson reported the applicant was obligated to match or complement the garage building materials to the principle structure. He recommended the applicant review this matter further with staff. Commissioner Bartel expressed concern with the proposed expansion of the garage given the fact the property was on a lake lot. Commissioner Zimmerman appreciated the use of impervious pavers and that the rainwater would be collected for landscaping purposes. Commissioner Stodola stated the aging housing stock in Arden Hills would require updates similar to what was being proposed by the applicant. She encouraged the Commission to be flexible given the fact the City had a large number of non-conforming structure. She supported the proposed design and improvements. Commissioner Scott moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 13-020 for a Variance at 3324 Lake Johanna Boulevard based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the four (4) conditions in the December 4, 2013, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). Planning Case 13-021; PUD Amendment and Site Plan Review; Boston Scientific; B. 4100 Hamline Avenue N Public Hearing Chair Larson recused himself from discussion on this planning case as his firm was the architect for this project. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that Boston Scientific is requesting a Master Plan PUD (10th) Amendment and Site Plan Review to construct a 1,310 square foot addition to the west side of Building 14, which is located in the northwest quadrant of the Boston Scientific Campus. Building 14 is also identified on the campus Master Plan as Building N. The purpose of ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 20136 the addition is to house mechanical equipment used for manufacturing. The new system is designed to improve system reliability. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that specific pieces of equipment would include three air compressors, two air dryers, two vacuum pumps, one compressed air storage tank, and one vacuum storage tank. Upon completion of the addition, Boston Scientific will discontinue the use of three pieces of equipment (two vacuum pumps and an air compressor) in the existing mechanical room on the north side of Building 14. One piece of equipment (an air compressor) will be relocated and used in the new addition. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated the single story addition would match the existing adjacent roofline at approximately 22 feet above grade. The structure of the building will be concrete masonry with steel joists and a deck roof structure. EIFS with color and reveal pattern to match the existing construction will be used as the principal exterior finish. Other exterior materials will include prefinished metal building vents and wall capping. Community Development Intern Bachler commented that the existing landscaped area where the addition will be constructed is turf grass. All areas disturbed by the construction will be requirements will be planted in the vicinity of the addition near the western property line. Site Data Future Land Use Plan: Light Industrial and Office Existing Land Use: Light Industrial and Office Zoning: I-1: Limited Industrial / PUD Overlay Size: 92.8 acres Proposed Density: N/A Topography: Level Community Development Intern Bachler reviewed the surrounding area, past Planning Cases for Boston Scientific and the Plan Review. Community Development Intern Bachler explained the Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed PUD Amendment and Site Plan Review at 4100 Hamline Avenue North would adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood or the community as a whole based on the aforementioned factors. Staff offers the following eight (8) findings of fact for consideration: 1. A Master PUD was approved for 4100 Hamline Avenue North in Planning Case #02-025. 2. The proposed 1,310 square foot addition to Building 14 was not included in the approved Master PUD and an amendment to the PUD is therefore required. 3. The Master PUD requires that a Site Plan Review be applied for prior to the construction of any building or addition. 4. The property is located in the I-1: Limited Industrial District. 5. The proposal is in substantial conformance with the zoning and design standard requirements for the I-1: Limited Industrial District. 6. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 20137 7. The proposal is not expected to exceed noise limits set by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 8. The proposal will not adversely impact the surrounding neighborhood or the City as a whole. Community Development Intern Bachler stated based on the submitted plans and findings of fact, staff recommends approval of Planning Case 13-021 for a Planned Unit Development Amendment and Site Plan Review at 4100 Hamline Avenue North. Staff recommends the following five (5) conditions to be included with the approval: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. A PUD Amendment drafted by the City Attorney shall be executed prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. The applicant shall acquire a Grading and Erosion Control Permit prior to commencing land disturbing activities on the site. 4. The Master PUD Amendment and Site Plan Review shall automatically expire and become void one (1) year after the date on which the Council granted such approval if work on the project has not begun. 5. If noise from Building 14 exceeds MPCA noise regulations for residential areas at the property line, the applicant shall reduce noise levels in order to be in compliance with MPCA regulations. If the City receives complaints regarding noise levels, the applicant shall be responsible for providing decibel measurements from the property line and reducing noise levels to be in compliance with MPCA regulations. Community Development Intern Bachler reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1.Recommend Approval with Conditions. 2.Recommend Approval as Submitted. 3.Recommend Denial. 4.Table. Acting Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Zimmerman questioned why the additional two parking spaces were needed. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that based on the proposed use of the area is required. Acting Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. Acting Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 20138 Todd Vanderburgh , 1266 Wayne Ridge Drive, explained that his home abuts the Boston Scientific campus. He expressed concern with the noise levels created at Boston Scientific. He commented that the proposed addition would bring the facility closer to his home. He requested that the noise levels at this site be reviewed. Acting Chair Thompson explained that one of the conditions for approval did address the noise levels on the Boston Scientific campus. There being no additional comment Acting Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. Commissioner Zimmerman understood the noise concerns at this property. It was his understanding that the proposed reconfiguration could minimize the amount of noise coming from the facility. This would greatly benefit the surrounding neighborhood. Judd BraschRSP Architects , , explained he has been working with Boston Scientific for a number of years. He discussed the new equipment that would be added, noting it should be quieter than existing equipment in the building. He explained that Boston Scientific would do its best to contain and control noise within the new addition. He reported measurements were taken earlier that week and the goal would be to reduce or meet the current levels. Commissioner Bartel questioned how the noise levels were tested. Mr. Brasch discussed how the noise levels were captured stating Boston Scientific was currently within the MPCA limits. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if sound-deadening panels would be used. Mr. Brasch indicated a plenum would be used instead to reduce the sound levels. He noted the ducts could be lined to muffle the sound as well. It was his opinion that the noise generated from the site was coming from the roof-mounted units and the equipment located within the proposed addition would not contribute to the noise concerns. Commissioner Stodola inquired if the two new trees could be relocated to provide more screening for the adjacent residents. Mr. Brasch stated there was a bare spot on the landscaping plan, which led to the proposed location. He did not object to moving the trees. Acting Chair Thompson recommended that Mr. Brasch work with the neighbors to find the best location for the two new trees. Commissioner Bartel moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 13-021 for a Planned Unit Development Amendment and Site Plan Review at 4100 Hamline Avenue North based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the five (5) conditions in the December 4, 2013, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0) (Chair Larson abstained). ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 20139 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A.Report from the City Council Councilmember McClung reported that at the November 12, City Council Work Session meeting, Charles Carlson (Senior Manager, BRT Small Starts Metro Transit) presented information on the Snelling Avenue Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, which has been approved by Metro Transit. Ramsey County and the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce have been meeting with Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council to discuss the possible extension of the Snelling Avenue BRT line from its proposed terminus at the Rosedale Mall to serve the TCAAP site. The extension would run north on Snelling and Hamline Avenues, and could serve University of Northwestern, Bethel University, the County Road E business district, Land Councilmember McClung reported that at the November 18, City Council Work Session, staff presented two concept reviews for projects that have been proposed on County Road E in the B-2 District. The first is a proposed PUD Amendment at 1201 County Road E for a retail building at the corner of County Road E and Lexington Avenue. The property owner has been working closely with Goodwill on the building design and site layout. Staff is expecting to receive an application for the proposal by the deadline date for the January 2014, Planning Commission meeting. Councilmember McClung explained that the second project was a proposed reuse of the and retail center. The applicant plans to make improvements to the bui the existing signage on the property. A concern raised by the Council was the limited number of parking spaces that would be provided for the anticipated uses of the building. Creative Catering has proposed mitigating the parking deficiency by securing shared parking agreements with adjacent properties and others located in the area. Staff has determined that a Site Plan Review application will be required for the proposed reuse of the property. At this time, Creative Catering has not indicated whether they will be submitting an application. Councilmember McClung reported that at the November 25, City Council meeting, the Council approved (5-0) three Ordinances to amend the Zoning Code: Ordinance 2013-010 establishes a new Conservation District, Ordinance 2013-011 establishes a new Parks and Open Space District, and Ordinance 2013-012 amends the existing design standards for the B-2 and B-3 Districts. The Planning Commission reviewed the ordinances at the October 9 and November 6, 2013, meetings and unanimously recommended approval of each. Councilmember McClung stated that the Council reviewed two Site Plan Review applications for the Gradient Financial building at 4105 Lexington Avenue North. The request for a sign standard adjustment allowing for a 126 square foot sign on the northeast wall of the building was approved (5-0). The Council voted to table (5-0) the proposal for an accessory structure that would be located in the northwest corner of the lot. Staff was instructed to work with the ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 201310 applicant to find an appropriate exterior building material that is compatible with the principle building before bringing this item back to Council. The Planning Commission reviewed these cases at their November 6, 2013, meeting and unanimously recommended approval of each. Councilmember McClung reported that the Council voted to approve (4-1, McClung) Planning Case 13-013 for a conditional use permit to allow Bethel University to use the existing office building at 2 Pine Tree Drive for a higher education use. The Council approved three amendments to the proposal to require Bethel to annually submit a parking plan for City approval; to push back the start of Phase II of the project from 2014 to 2015; and to limit the total classroom space in the building to 19,000 square feet. The Planning Commission reviewed this case at their October 9, 2013, meeting and unanimously recommended approval. Councilmember McClung thanked the Planning Commission for allowing him to serve as the Council Liaison for the past year. He reported that Councilmember Fran Holmes would be acting as the Council Liaison in 2014. B.TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that in collaboration with the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, the City held an on- Thursday, November 7. This was a pilot project designed to determine whether the City could reach a younger and more diverse demographic with targeted, on-site events. The twelve participants generally r Comments received included the following: Participants wanted to be able to walk to bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues from their homes, but acknowledged that cars will still be their primary mode of transportation. Participants suggested that a transit center or park and ride should be included to provide transportation options. Participants felt that professionals moving to the area and starting careers would be most interested in townhomes and condominiums, but young families would prefer single-family homes. Participants mostly (but not unanimously) favored public open space over large Participants wanted to minimize their time spent on household chores and maintenance association to take care of mowing and shoveling. When asked how to reach a younger demographic, attendees responded that events such as the makes them want to seek additional opportunities to be involved. Attendees also suggested using social media tools such as Facebook, Instagram, and Linked-In. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that given the success of the event and the positive feedback received, the City is working with SPACC to schedule additional on- site master planning workshops at major employers in January and February. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 201311 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the Snelling Avenue Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route will connect the 46th Street (Blue Line) and the Snelling Avenue (Green Line) light rail stations with Rosedale Mall. Arterial BRT operates in regular traffic without dedicated lanes. Stops are more widely spaced than regular bus routes and bus stops have more amenities such as substantial shelters, ticket vending machines, radiant heat, and real-time bus information. s $25 million cost, Metro Transit has secured $15 million in funding. Pending final funding, Metro Transit plans to construct improvements in 2014 and begin operation of the Snelling Avenue Arterial BRT line in 2015. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the Metropolitan Council has announced that it will evaluate a future extension of the Snelling Avenue BRT line from Rosedale Mall to TCAAP via Snelling and Hamline Avenues. The extension would run north on Snelling and Hamline Avenues and could serve University of Northwestern, Bethel University, the County to determine the feasibility of BRT extension to TCAAP. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported an open house to gather public feedback on the design options for the Highway 96/I-35W and County Road H/I-35W interchanges was held at the Ramsey County Public Works facility on November 19, 2013. Attendees were encouraged to view the concepts for both interchanges and ask questions of the staff present. The event was well attended with 66 members of the general public signing-in at the welcome table and more who declined to sign-in. Staff were present from Arden Hills, Ramsey County, MnDOT, and Kimley-Horn and Associates. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented a handout was given to attendees that included a general project summary and project timeline. Sixteen boards were displayed showing area constraints, concepts for both interchanges, and a basic overview of TCAAP. Eleven comments were submitted in writing at the open house. The nature of the comments consisted mostly of concerns with bicycle and pedestrian access, access to TCAAP, pros and cons of roundabouts, and the construction impacts of the interchanges. Verbal feedback was generally positive about the momentum to improve the interchanges and raised concerns similar to those submitted in writing. The concept designs are posted on the TCAAP Master Plan page of the City Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the City Council will review the first Master Plan draft on December 16, 2013. The next TCAAP open house is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Master Plan consultants will also ask for feedback from the JDA and the Planning Commission on January 6 and 8, 2014, respectively. The final Master Plan and the draft AUAR are both expected to be completed in spring 2014. C.Planning Commission Comments and Requests Chair Larson wished Commissioner Stodola all the best and thanked her for her years of service to the City of Arden Hills. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 201312 Commissioner Stodola encouraged other residents of the City to volunteer their time and serve on the Planning Commission. ADJOURN Commissioner Stodola moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to adjourn the December 4, 2013, Planning Commission Meeting at 7:35 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).