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Home My WebLink About04-06-22 PC Agenda PacketOATH OF OFFICE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 8, 2021 Planning Commission Regular Meeting 12 -08 -21 PC.PDF PLANNING CASES Planning Case 22 -003 - 1682 Wedgewood Circle - Conditional Use Permit (Public Hearing Required) MEMO.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF ATTACHMENT B.PDF ATTACHMENT C.PDF ATTACHMENT D.PDF ATTACHMENT E.PDF ATTACHMENT F.PDF UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS COMMENTS AND REPORTS Report From The City Council Planning Commission Comments ADJOURNMENT ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair: Paul Vijums Commissioners: Jonathan Wicklund Marcie Jefferys Kurt Weber Arlene Mitchell Joshua Collins Shelley Blilie Clayton Zimmerman (Alt) Steven Jones (Alt) Council Liaison: Fran Holmes Planning Commission April 6, 2022 6:30 p.m. City Hall Address: 1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone: 651 -792 -7800 Website : www.cityofardenhills.org City Vision Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. This meeting will be streamed live on local Cable Channel 16 and available for playback on our website Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. 2. 3. 3.A. Documents: 4. 4.A. Documents: 5. 6. 6.A. 6.B. 7. OATH OF OFFICEAPPROVAL OF THE AGENDAAPPROVAL OF MINUTESDecember 8, 2021 Planning Commission Regular Meeting12-08 -21 PC.PDFPLANNING CASESPlanning Case 22 -003 - 1682 Wedgewood Circle - Conditional Use Permit (Public Hearing Required)MEMO.PDFATTACHMENT A.PDF ATTACHMENT B.PDF ATTACHMENT C.PDF ATTACHMENT D.PDF ATTACHMENT E.PDF ATTACHMENT F.PDF UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS COMMENTS AND REPORTS Report From The City Council Planning Commission Comments ADJOURNMENT ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair:Paul VijumsCommissioners:Jonathan WicklundMarcie JefferysKurt WeberArlene MitchellJoshua CollinsShelley BlilieClayton Zimmerman (Alt)Steven Jones (Alt)Council Liaison:Fran Holmes Planning Commission April 6, 2022 6:30 p.m. City Hall Address:1245 W Highway 96Arden Hills MN 55112Phone:651 -792 -7800Website:www.cityofardenhills.orgCity VisionArden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting,strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirableCity in which to live, work, and play.This meeting will be streamed live on local Cable Channel 16 and available for playback on our website AgendaCALL TO ORDER1.2.3.3.A.Documents:4.4.A.Documents: 5. 6. 6.A. 6.B. 7. Approved: April 6, 2022 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021 6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Paul Vijums called to order the regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Paul Vijums, Commissioners Marcie Jefferys, Kurtis Weber, Jonathan Wicklund, and Clayton Zimmerman. Absent: Commissioners Steven Jones and Subbaya Subramanian. Also present were: City Planner Jessica Jagoe, Planning Consultant Jane Kansier, and Councilmember Fran Holmes. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – DECEMBER 8, 2021 Commissioner Wicklund moved, seconded by Commissioner Jefferys, to approve the December 8, 2021, agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 3, 2021 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Jefferys, to approve the November 3, 2021, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PLANNING CASES A.Planning Case 21-028; 1901 Lake Valentine Road – Planned Unit Development Amendment – Public Hearing Planning Consultant Kansier stated at their May 22, 2019 and subsequently amended on April 27, 2020, the City Council approved Planning Case 18-014 for a Planned Unit Development with Mounds View Public Schools for Mounds View High School. The approved PUD allowed for ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 8, 2021 2 several additions to the existing high school, a reconfiguration of the existing parking lot, and the use of the property at 1901 Lake Valentine Road, for parking and other school purposes. The amendment approved in April, 2020, added 14 additional conditions to the existing Planned Unit Development to address existing traffic and pedestrian safety issues based on the findings contained within the traffic study report, an evaluation of existing site conditions, and the Planned Unit Development Agreement. The terms of the PUD approval require the School District to implement safety improvements on Lake Valentine Road to address traffic and increased pedestrian crossings between the school building and the north parking lot, including installation of turn lanes and other access improvements, trail and sidewalk improvements, pedestrian signal, signage and striping modifications, and drainage and utility improvements. Planning Consultant Kansier explained the Applicant originally proposed two separate phases of traffic and pedestrian safety improvements for Lake Valentine Road. Phase 1 safety improvements, installed in 2020, included installation of a pedestrian traffic signal system, crosswalk markings, temporary painted center median, curb ramps and sidewalk pedestrian routes to the front of the school. Planning Consultant Kansier reported the Phase 2 traffic and pedestrian safety improvements were scheduled for construction in 2021 in order to allow the School District to acquire additional property from the State of Minnesota. This additional property would have allowed the relocation of the west entrance to the north parking lot to align with the drop-off/pick-up lot on the south side of Lake Valentine Road. Additional improvements include construction of a center median at the crosswalk, modifications to the south boundary of the north parking lot, and the construction of dedicated right turn lanes for westbound traffic accessing the east parking lot entrance and for the eastbound traffic accessing the drop-off/pick-up lot. The Applicant worked with the State of Minnesota for nearly two years on purchasing property, but has been unsuccessful in obtaining an easement or acquisition of land. The State indicated they were at least another year out in considering the sale of this land. As a result, the Applicant believes this option is no longer feasible and asked the City Council to consider a revised alignment. The City Council reviewed this issue at their May 17, 2021, workshop. The Council noted the use of the State property is preferred; however, they understand there is no guarantee the school district will be able to purchase that land. Safety is the most important factor. In August, 2021, the City Council approved an extension of the original Phase 2 construction to 2022. Planning Consultant Kansier reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. The properties located at 1900 and 1901 Lake Valentine Road are located in the R-1 Single Family Residential District. 2. The proposed conditions when implemented will create a safer environment for pedestrian movement across Lake Valentine Road. 3. The proposed roadway improvements will improve traffic flow through the road section adjacent to the school. 4. With the applied conditions, the application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. 5. The traffic and pedestrian study was reviewed as part of the April 2020 Amended PUD application by City and School District staff. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 8, 2021 3 6. The City and School District staff concur on the proposed conditions and recommended improvements. Planning Consultant Kansier stated staff recommends approval of Planning Case 21-028 for an Amended PUD at 1900 and 1901 Lake Valentine Road, based on the findings of fact, as amended by the conditions in the December 8, 2021, Report to the Planning Commission: a) The road construction and realignment as shown on the approved plans must be completed prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year. b) All other conditions of the original Planned Unit Development and Amended Planned Unit Development shall remain in full force and effect. Planning Consultant Kansier 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 Vijums opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Jefferys asked if these changes were due to the addition of the north lot. Chair Vijums discussed how the school property had been renovated over the past few years, noting they made more room for parking and was also working to improve pedestrian safety. Mike Tierney, Bolton & Menk, representing the applicant, explained the school acquired the bus garage property and was working to bring it into compliance. He reported the drop off at the front entry has been working well. Commissioner Jefferys questioned how the City calculated the number of parking spaces a school needed. Planning Consultant Kansier stated the required number of parking stalls was based on the number of students and staff members. She explained there were approximately 1800 students plus staff which led the City to recommend 622 spaces. She noted the additions were not expected to increase enrollment but rather were to manage the students currently in the school. Commissioner Wicklund asked if the applicant was supportive of Condition A. Planning Consultant Kansier commented she believed the applicant supported this condition. Commissioner Weber indicated he was not supportive of the colorized concept plan. He noted this did not match with the submittals within the engineering plan. He stated he would prefer to see a concept plan that resembles what would be done. He reviewed the overhead plan and explained he did not see value in having cars from the west turn to go east out of the west exit. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 8, 2021 4 He suggested these be restricted during school hours to keep traffic from crossing in front of the signal. Jake Bongard, Traffic Engineer with Bolton & Menk, indicated this was something that was discussed and he understood how important it was to keep people away from the crossing. He stated the difficulty was that when trying to control movements, this had to be done with raised surfaces, otherwise it becomes an enforcement issue. He noted signing could be looked at. He reported the other thing that was discussed was that it would be easier for people to use the east access to go east. His hope would be that people would attempt to avoid the crossing signal. Commissioner Weber commented the last time he saw this he recommended medians be installed. He stated signage would be another option. He then reviewed ADA requirements regarding curb ramps. He recommended the ramps be changed to one directional ramps. Mr. Bongard indicated this was something he could review. Commissioner Zimmerman suggested the area have runway lights in order to delineate the walkway for the pedestrians using the crosswalk. Planning Consultant Kansier reported there were street lights in this area. Commissioner Weber stated ground lighting may be difficult and wouldn’t work in the winter months when covered by snow and ice. He noted the crosswalk would be painted and illuminated by street lights. Chair Vijums asked if Commissioner Zimmerman was making a suggestion or would he like the lighting be made a condition for approval. Commissioner Zimmerman commented he would like this to be a suggestion that the applicant looks into further. Tyler Erdahl, Wold Architects and Engineers, believed the new light poles within the parking lot, along with the street lights would provide adequate light the site. He noted the striping would also be improved. Chair Vijums asked how 119 parking spaces were lost from the original plan. Planning Consultant Kansier stated these spots were lost due to the islands and drive aisles. Chair Vijums questioned if the Commission supported the applicant providing additional parking spaces if the landscaped islands were eliminated. Commissioner Wicklund commented he would like to hear from the applicant regarding this matter. He wanted to better understand if the school would appreciate having more parking spaces, or was the 591 parking spaces sufficient. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 8, 2021 5 Mr. Erdahl stated currently the area north of the bus garage was not being used for student parking. He discussed how the school issued parking permits and noted the entire north lot was not being used at this time. He indicated the 591 parking spaces was sufficient at this time. Chair Vijums commented he supported the loss of the parking spaces for safety reasons. He explained he appreciated the proposed changes and believed they would assist with improving both traffic and pedestrian safety. Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Chair Vijums invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Elizabeth Garsky, 1795 Lake Valentine Road, reported she was the last house on Lake Valentine Road in Arden Hills. She noted she sees a lot of traffic passing her home and she was concerned about the safety of this traffic. She explained she sees danger with how many cars are backed up in this area in the morning and afternoon and then there are students crossing into the parking lot to get to their vehicles. She stated she was worried about the gas pump islands. She asked if the trees that were previously planted near the tennis courts would be eliminated. She recommended that everyone using the north lot be forced to turn right for safety reasons. Planning Consultant Kansier reported the gas pump islands would be removed and the area would be graded and the only thing that would remain on that site would be the building. Chris Paquetteicket, Director of Operations for Mounds View Schools, discussed the plans for the site noting the building would be reroofed and resided to make it aesthetically pleasing. He reported any ground contamination would be corrected prior to the parking lot being completed. Councilmember Holmes explained the City Council was concerned about the traffic coming to and from the school. She indicated the Council asked the Ramsey County Sheriff to observe this area for two weeks and made some findings. She reviewed these findings noting the traffic deputy believed the traffic flowed smoothly and safely. Rich Beardsley, 1771 Janet Court, stated he has lived in his home for over 25 years. He asked questions about student enrollment noting the enrollment at Mounds View has declined over the years. He reviewed numbers noting in 2005 the school had 1900 students and in 2013 the school had 1600 students. He questioned if the City took into consideration the declining enrollment when considering these projects. He noted he walked the parking lot and there were an average of 85 empty parking spaces in the morning. He asked if this kind of data was taken into consideration. Chair Vijums reported the City was being asked to alleviate a concern that was occurring right now in order to help traffic flow more smoothly. He noted the number of parking spaces being provided by the school was dictated by City Code. There being no additional comment Chair Vijums closed the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. Commissioner Zimmerman moved and Commissioner Weber seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 21-028 for an Amended PUD at 1900 and 1901 ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 8, 2021 6 Valentine Road, based on the findings of fact, as amended by the conditions in the December 8, 2021 Report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A. Report from the City Council Councilmember Holmes provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. She thanked the residents that came out to provide comments this evening. She commented on the Scannell Property project, noting the Council discussed this matter at length and recommended approval. She reported the City Council would be holding a Truth in Taxation Hearing on December 13. She noted the State of the City address was available on the City’s website. She encouraged people to visit the City’s light displays and vote for the best display by December 13. She encouraged residents with broken holiday lights to recycle them at City Hall. She explained Councilmember Dave McClung passed away several weeks ago. She indicated the Council would be holding interviews for this open position the first week of January. B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests Chair Vijums thanked Commissioner Subbaya Subramanian for his dedicated service on the Planning Commission and to the City of Arden Hills. ADJOURN Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Wicklund, to adjourn the December 8, 2021, Planning Commission Meeting at 8:02 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for April 6, 2022 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2022\PC 22-003, 1682 Wedgewood Circle - CUP Page 1 of 7 Requested Action Richard Spicer (“Applicant”) has submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation at 1682 Wedgewood Circle. The Applicant is the sole owner and operator of Crimsontech Industries, LLC, a business related to repair, maintenance, and restoration of firearms including online sales. A home occupation is allowed in residential zoning districts, but a Conditional Use Permit is required when there is the delivery of products other than those delivered by private passenger vehicle. The Applicant anticipates one to two deliveries per week by a commercial courier which triggered the Class II designation requiring a Conditional Use Permit. Background 1. Existing Site Conditions: 1682 Wedgewood Circle (“Subject Property”) is zoned R-3, Townhouse and Low Density Multiple Dwelling District, and is designated for Medium Density Residential Uses in the 2040 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Subject Property is the site of a single-family dwelling owned by Wendy Wei Wang. All surrounding parcels are also zoned R-3, Townhouse and Low Density Multiple Dwelling District, and designated for Medium Density Residential Uses in the 2040 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. 2. Site Data 2040 Future Land Use Plan: MDR – Medium Density Residential Existing Land Use: Single Family Dwelling Zoning: R-3 Townhouse and Low Density Multiple Dwelling District Lot Size: 0.38 acres PC Agenda Item – 4A MEMORANDUM DATE: April 6, 2022 TO: Planning Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Planner SUBJECT: Planning Case # 22-003 – Public Hearing Required Applicant: Richard Spicer Property Location: 1682 Wedgewood Circle Request: Conditional Use Permit _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for April 6, 2022 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2022\PC 22-003, 1682 Wedgewood Circle - CUP Page 2 of 7 Proposed Use: The Applicant submitted a Conditional Use Permit application to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation on the Subject Property for the operation of Crimsontech Industries, LLC. Crimsontech Industries, LLC is a Minnesota registered limited liability company (the “Company”) that was opened on February 16, 2022. The company’s business activities are related to the repair, maintenance, and restoration of firearms via an online portal. In addition, the online store shall carry a small amount of inventory for sale. All customer communications and business activity is conducted online and through deliveries to the subject property, up to one per day. No advertisement shall be placed on the property. The company is a small scale operation and is solely owned and operated by the Applicant, CEO and Owner Richard Spicer. Approvals: 1. Conditional Use Permit A Conditional Use Permit is required for Class II Accessory Home Occupations. A home occupation is allowed in residential zoning districts as an accessory use, but it becomes a Class II Home Occupation when there is the delivery of products other than those delivered by private passenger vehicle. City Code Section 1355.04 Subd. 3 of the Arden Hills Zoning Code lists the criteria for evaluating a Conditional Use Permit. The Planning Commission and City Council should consider the effect of the proposed use upon the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the owners and occupants of the surrounding land and the community, in general, including but not limited to the following factors: 1. Existing and anticipated traffic and parking conditions; 2. Noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air pollution, heat, liquid or solid waste, and other nuisance characteristics; 3. Drainage; 4. Population density; 5. Visual and land use compatibility with uses and structures on surrounding land; 6. Adjoining land values; 7. Park dedications where applicable; 8. Orderly development of the neighborhood and the City within the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City. Under state law, a conditional use is a use that is generally allowed in a designated district upon showing by the applicant that the standards and criteria stated in the ordinance will be satisfied. Conversely, if the applicant is unable to show that the ordinance standards are met, the application can be denied, but because the use is listed as permitted, the City’s discretion is more limited in these matters than in a comprehensive plan or rezoning application. Plan Evaluation 1. Chapter 13, Zoning Code Review _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for April 6, 2022 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2022\PC 22-003, 1682 Wedgewood Circle - CUP Page 3 of 7 Section 1325 – General Regulations, 1325.02 Accessory Uses, Subd. 3 Home Occupations A. Home occupations are allowed as either accessory uses or conditional uses depending on the characteristics of the operation. All home occupations shall comply with the following conditions: 1. It shall not result in traffic, parking, noise, light, fumes and odors to such an extent that it is noticeable that the property is being used for non-residential purposes. The proposed home occupation will not result in increased traffic or a need for additional parking. All business is completed through an online portal. From the initial contact all the way to the end delivery of product, there is no in-person interaction and customers will not be visiting the subject property. The Class II Home Occupation allows only one delivery to be made per day. The Company is a small-scale business. As repairs could possibly take a week or more to perform, a large volume of deliveries is not required. The Applicant expects one to two deliveries per week by FedEx or UPS. 2. It shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling. Repair, maintenance, and restoration of the firearms is conducted entirely within the dwelling. The Applicant will perform the business operations in a dedicated workshop in the basement of the dwelling. A floor plan is included below. 3. There is no exterior evidence of the home occupation. All business operations will take place inside the dwelling. All advertisement of services will be conducted online only, through Google Ads and SEO. No advertisement shall be placed on the property noting that there is a business being operated on the property. Photos of the exterior dwelling are included as an attachment. 4. It does not require any special entrances to the dwelling. Workshop Building Floor Plan - Basement Sauna Bathroom Stairwell Furnace Living Room To Outside _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for April 6, 2022 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2022\PC 22-003, 1682 Wedgewood Circle - CUP Page 4 of 7 The proposed home occupation will not require any additional entrances to the dwelling. B. Class II Conditional Accessory Home Occupations. Home occupations may be allowed by Conditional Use Permit as regulated in Section 1355.04 Subd 3.C.1 if they meet the conditions stipulated above for all Home Occupations and the following conditions: 1. The primary business activity shall be conducted by an occupant of the residence; The Applicant is an occupant of the Subject Property and is the sole owner and operator of Crimsontech Industries, LLC. 2. One person not residing in the residence may be employed to assist in the business activity; The company is a small scale operation and does not employ any persons not residing in the residence. Furthermore, the company does not have any employees other than Mr. Spicer. 3. It does not occupy more than thirty-three (33) percent of the floor area of the dwelling; The total floor area of the dwelling is 2,665 square feet. The proposed home occupation will occupy 231 square feet of the dwelling, or 8.7%. The Applicant will perform the business operations in a dedicated workshop in the basement of the dwelling. 4. It has a limited number of patrons visiting the premises; All company business is conducted solely through an online portal and no customers will be visiting the subject property. There is no in-person interaction between the Applicant and business patrons. 5. Off-street parking for no more than two (2) additional vehicles other than those required by the occupants shall be permitted. On-street parking shall not be used to satisfy required parking; and, The proposed home occupation will not result in the need for any off-street parking. All business is completed through an online portal. From the initial contact all the way to the end delivery of product, there is no in-person interaction and customers will not be visiting the subject property. The company is solely operated by the Applicant. 6. It requires delivery of products to the premises no more than once per day. The Company is a small-scale business. As repairs could possibly take a week or more to perform, a large volume of deliveries is not required. The Applicant expects one to two deliveries per week by FedEx or UPS. C. Class II Conditional Accessory Home Occupations. Applications for a Class II Home Occupation as stipulated by Section 1355.04 Subd 3.C.2 shall be accompanied by the following information: 1. A photograph of the residence. Included in submission _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for April 6, 2022 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2022\PC 22-003, 1682 Wedgewood Circle - CUP Page 5 of 7 2. A floor plan indicating the floor area to be used by the home occupation along with a tabulation of the total floor area and the floor area to be used for the home occupation. Included in submission 3. A statement describing the home occupation and the compliance with the required conditions. Included in submission 4. A copy of the state or county license or permit if such a license or permit is required by the state or county for the proposed home occupation. Recommended condition of approval. For the proposed home occupation, the Applicant would be required to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The Applicant as part of the FFL application process is required to comply with applicable local regulations within 30 days of the ATF approval. Due to the processing time for the Conditional Use Permit review, the Applicant is seeking City approval in advance of submitting the FFL paperwork. The Applicant is aware of the FFL licensing requirements and will satisfy all federal procedures and regulations necessary for the issuance of the license. 2. Sign Code – Chapter 12 This approval does not include signs. Staff recommends adding a condition that prohibits signage as part of the approval. Additional Review Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department has been forwarded the land use application and is currently reviewing the materials. Suggested Findings of Fact Staff offers the following findings of fact for consideration: 1. The subject property located at 1682 Wedgewood Circle is zoned R-3, Townhouse and Low Density Multiple Dwelling District and is designated for Medium Density Residential uses on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 2. A home occupation is allowed in residential zoning districts, but a Conditional Use Permit is required when there is the delivery of products. 3. The Applicant is the sole owner and operator of Crimsontech Industries, LLC, a business related to repair, maintenance, and restoration of firearms including online sales. 4. Crimsontech Industries, LLC is a Minnesota registered limited liability company that was opened on February 16, 2022. 5. All company business is conducted through an online portal and no customers will be visiting the subject property. There is no in-person interaction between the Applicant and business patrons. 6. The company requires only one delivery per day. 7. The company is a small scale operation and is solely owned and operated by the Applicant, CEO and Owner Richard Spicer. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for April 6, 2022 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2022\PC 22-003, 1682 Wedgewood Circle - CUP Page 6 of 7 8. Repair, maintenance, and restoration of the firearms is conducted entirely within the dwelling. Options and Motion Language Staff has provided the following options and motion language for this case. The Planning Commission should consider providing additional findings of fact as part of the motion to support their recommendation for approval or denial. 1. Recommend Approval with Conditions: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 22- 003 for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation at 1682 Wedgewood Circle, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, subject to the following conditions: 1. The Applicant shall obtain, maintain, and provide evidence upon request of applicable County, State or Federal licensing for the proposed home occupation following City Council approval. 2. The Applicant shall for the duration of the Conditional Use Permit continue to provide evidence to the City of issuance of FFL renewal licenses and/or Letters of Authorization from the Federal Firearms Licensing Center prior to the expiration of the federal firearms license. 3. The number of daily deliveries associated with the home occupation shall be limited to one per day. 4. No exterior evidence of the home occupation shall be permitted. 5. No exterior signage shall be permitted. 6. The home occupation shall be conducted only by the occupants of the premises and may not employ any person not residing in the residence. 7. There shall be no patrons visiting the premises and all home occupation engagement and sales must be exclusively conducted online. 8. The premises shall at all times be protected by a contracted security service and all firearms and ammunition shall be kept secured in heavy duty gun safes. 2. Recommend Approval without Conditions: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 22-003 for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation at 1682 Wedgewood Circle, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans in the April 6, 2022, Report to the Planning Commission. 3. Recommend Denial: Motion to recommend denial of Planning Case 22-003 for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation at 1682 Wedgewood Circle based on the following findings of fact: the Planning Commission should identify findings to deny should specifically reference the reasons for denial and why those reasons cannot be mitigated. 4. Table: Motion to table Planning Case 22-003 for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation at 1682 Wedgewood Circle for the following reasons: the _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for April 6, 2022 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2022\PC 22-003, 1682 Wedgewood Circle - CUP Page 7 of 7 Planning Commission should identify a specific reason and/or information request should be included with a motion to table. Notice and Public Comments Notice was published in the Pioneer Press on March 22, 2022. Notice was prepared by the City and mailed to property owners within 1000 feet of the subject property. As of March 30, 2022, staff has received one public comment that was not in favor of the Conditional Use Permit due to the proximity to their residence. Deadline for Agency Actions The City of Arden Hills received the completed application for this request on March 9, 2022. Pursuant to Minnesota State Statute, the City must act on this request by May 8, 2022 (60 days), unless the City provides the petitioner with written reasons for an additional 60 day review period. The City may, with the consent of the applicant, extend the review period beyond the initial 120 days. Attachments A. Land Use Application B. Accessory Home Occupation Permit Application C. Location Map D. Application Narrative E. Building Floor Plans F. Exterior Photos Richard Spicer 1682 Wedgewood Cir, Arden Hills, MN 55112 +1 (612) 423-7265 n/a richard@crimsontechindustries.com Wendy Wei Wang 128 Everett Dr, Newtown, PA 18940-3810 +1 (215) 310-8516 1682 Wedgewood Cir, Arden Hills, MN 55112 x Residential 0.38 Single Family Home Class II Accessory Home Occupation (see attached) March 1, 2022 March 1, 2022 128 Everett Dr, Newtown, PA 18940-3810 215-310-8516 Wendy Wei Wang 2/16/2022 2/20/2022 1682 Wedgewood Circle Lege nd Muni ci pal Bou nda ry City Mask March 23, 2022 Map P owered By DataLink 1 in = 376 ft ± Page 1 of 4 Request for Conditional Land Use – Class II Accessory Home Occupation Permit Requested by Crimsontech Industries LLC March 1, 2022 Contents Section 1: Overview ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Section 2: Details of Business Operation and Model .................................................................................... 2 Section 3: Customer Interaction ................................................................................................................... 2 Section 4: Advertisement of Services ........................................................................................................... 3 Section 5: Deliveries ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Section 6: Security ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Section 7: FFL Permit .................................................................................................................................... 3 Section 8: Business Commencement ............................................................................................................ 4 Section 9: Other Considerations ................................................................................................................... 4 Section 10: In Summary ................................................................................................................................ 4 Section 1: Overview Crimsontech Industries LLC is a Minnesota registered limited liability company (the “Company”) that was opened on February 16, 2022 (EIN 88-0710491). The company’s business activities are related to the sale of service for the repair, maintenance, and restoration of firearms via an online portal. In addition, the online store shall carry a small amount of inventory for sale. The company also creates reviews and how-to videos related to the business for posting on its website and on Youtube (crimsontechindustries.com). The company is a small scale operation and is solely owned and operated by the CEO/Owner, Richard Spicer. The company wishes to obtain a Class II Accessory Home Occupation Permit to conduct its business activities at the below location: 1682 Wedgewood Circle Arden Hills, MN 55112 Page 2 of 4 Section 2: Details of Business Operation and Model All business is done via online portal. There are three ways the company makes business. Below are the details of the operations: A) Firearm Repair 1. Customer visits crimsontechindustries.com 2. Customer fills an online form for inquiry on firearm repair, maintenance, or restoration 3. The Company replies back to the request for further inquiry on the request, and any additional information is obtained via online meeting software, either Skype, Facebook, or Zoom. 4. After confirming the customer issue and providing a quotation, the customer sends the firearm to the Company via FedEx OR UPS, with signature being required by Crimsontech. 5. After delivery, the firearm is repaired in the at-home workshop (see floorplan). 6. The firearm is then packed and shipped via FedEx OR UPS, with pickup being required at the door. B) Online Sales 1. Customer visits crimsontechindustries.com 2. Customer visits the online store and makes a purchase from available inventory. 3. In the case of firearm related sales, the customer would provide a merchant close to them with an FFL license to receive the item. In the case of non-firearm related items, this is not required and would ship direct to customer. 4. The item is packed and either arranged for pickup at door (required for firearms), or brought to a shipping center for shipping (for non-firearm items). C) Sponsors and Advertisement Revenue a. Video content is made either off-site or in the area noted “Workshop” in the floor plan b. Crimsontech releases said content via Youtube, of which this video is linked to on the crimsontechindustries.com website. c. Crimsontech Industries is paid for advertisement by other companies within the video, either by paid sponsorship, by the Youtube Partner Program, or via an affiliate link, such as Amazon’s Affiliate Program. Section 3: Customer Interaction All business conducted is online only. From the initial contact all the way to the end delivery of product, there is no in-person interaction. Page 3 of 4 Due to this, there is no need to add additional parking, etc, to the property, as no customers will be visiting. The only exception to this is in the case of Gun Shows or Remote Events. In those cases, customer interaction will be face to face, but these interactions would not be taking place on the property. Section 4: Advertisement of Services All advertisement of services will be conducted online only, through Google Ads and SEO. No advertisement shall be placed on the property noting that there is business being operated on the property. Section 5: Deliveries The Company is a small-scale business; repairs could possibly take a week or more to preform, so a large volume of deliveries is not required. We expect one to two deliveries per week by FedEx OR UPS. However, we would like to propose the acceptance of having the allowance of ONE delivery per day to be made by FedEx OR UPS. Section 6: Security Please note that the following security measures are already in place: • Home security system installed and monitored by ADT. • Heavy duty safe for firearm storage. • Locked storage for ammunition. • Locked storage for additional inventory. Section 7: FFL Permit Please note that at the time of this application, the following is true: Crimsontech Industries has not applied for a Federal Firearm License. Related to the above, the ATF, as part of its approval, will require applicants to have all approval and proper permits to conduct business by the city/township of the company’s location. The type of FFL Permit being applied for is a Type 7 – Manufacturer of Firearms – The reasoning behind this Permit Type is due to the gunsmithing activities. In cases where a replacement part or new component is required, either by cutting steel or 3D printing fabrication, in some cases these components may be considered a firearm by ATF definitions. To avoid any conflicts, the FFL license would cover these specific cases. This type also encompasses the regular sale of firearms. Page 4 of 4 A copy of the FFL permit application that is sent to the ATF is required to be sent to the local sheriff’s office per Section 4 of the Application for Firearms License Instructions. When this application is submitted, it will be sent to the Arden Hills Sheriff’s Office so they will be aware of the application on the business activities. Section 8: Business Commencement Please note that although the Company has been opened and registered, it will not commence business until the following is true: 1. Approval is given by the Arden Hills Planning Commission of the Class II Accessory Home Application, and 2. The ATF gives approval of the Type 7 FFL Permit Section 9: Other Considerations • The ATF requires an extensive background check as part of the application process. • The ATF requires an in-person interview to ensure that the applicant is aware of all laws and regulations regarding the handling and sale of firearms and their related activities. • The ATF requires any firearms in the possession of an FFL holder shall be secured and locked and must be shown to have facilities to accommodate this, which the Company already has in place as per Section 5: Security. Section 10: In Summary • The Company is an online only business. • The Company does not have any employees other than the Owner/CEO Richard Spicer • The Company will not have customer facing at the residence. • The Company will not advertise on the property of the residence. • The Company shall only allow one delivery per day for business operations. • The Company shall obtain an FFL permit prior to conducting business. • The Company requires city approval prior to obtaining the FFL permit. Section 11: Contact Information Richard Spicer 1682 Wedgewood Cir Arden Hills, MN 55112 PH: 612-423-7265 EM: richard@crimsontechindustries.com Stairwell to Downstairs Laundry Room Living Room Kitchen Study Room Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2 Bathroom To Garage To Outside 1CM = 1FT Total Area: 2,665 ft Total for Business: 231 ft Area for Business: UPSTAIRS workshop Furnace Room Living Room/Den Bathroom Sauna (non-functional) Stairwell to Upstairs To Outside DOWNSTAIRS