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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-03-1988 Planning Commission Agenda-Minutes AGENDA REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING VILLAGE OF ARDEN HILLS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1988 - 7:30 P.M. VILLAGE HALL 1. Call to Order and Roll Call . 2. Approval of Minutes of January 6, 1988, Planning Commission Meeting. 3. Case #88-02, Site Plan Review for American Family Mutual Insurance Company by Opus Corporation) on Northwood Drive, Parcel A, Lot 2, Block 1, Northwoods. 4. Case #88-01, MnDOT Truck Station, status report. 5. Discussion on driveway widths. 6. Discussion on Planning Study at Northeast I35W and I694. 7. Council report. 8. Adjournment. • 1k1UTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING "*Wednesday, February 3, 1988, 7:30 p.m. - Village Hall CALL TO ORDER Pursuant. to due call and notice thereof Chairman Robert Curtis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. • ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Robert Curtis, Calvin Meury, Paul Malone, Ray McGraw, Dorothy Zehm and Dennis Probst. Absent: Peter Martin, Richard Savage, Scott Petersen and Gary Thorn. Also Present: Councilmember Jeanne Winiecki, Planner John Bergly and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. OATH OF OFFICE Councilmember Winiecki administered the oath of office to Member Zehm. APPROVE MINUTES Malone moved, seconded by Meury, that the Minutes of the January 6, 1988, Planning Commission meeting be approved as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) CASE #88-02; SITE Commission was referred to Planner Bergly's report of PLAN REVIEW, AMER. 2/3/88, outlining the Site Plan Review for the FAMILY INS. , OPUS proposed American Family Insurance Claim Center to be CORP. , NORTHWOODS located on Parcel A, Lot 2, Block 1, of the Northwoods Development. Bergly explained the initial platting and master planning for the overall Northwoods Development was accomplished in the fall of 1985; a redivision of one of the lots and a concept development plan were approved in the fall of 1987. He advised the current request is for approval of the site plan for development on one of the recently created lots. • The Planner noted that the plans submitted for approval include lighting, signage, landscaping, site drainage utilities and buildings plans and elevations; the plan generally conforms with the concept plan submitted with the request for a lot split in 1987. Bergly noted that the proposed development meets all ordinance requirements and he reviewed the seven points outlined in his report which related to: Circulation, Traffic Analysis, Building, Landscaping, Signage, Lighting, and Site Drainage. The following points were outlined: - Relocation of the drive-thru claims improves the circulation pattern on the site. - Traffic study upon initial platting and master planning of the entire site was found to be acceptable by the Village Engineer. - Plan was revised to relocate a sign originally located on an island near the entrance to the site. This was done to eliminate a variance request and two signs will now be placed on the building; one facing Highway 694 and one facing Northwoods Drive. Both signs are permitted and meet requirements. - Berming of the front yard has- been included in the revised plan. This was done because the mechanical equipment has to be located on the ground; there is not space for screen walls to provide adequate air circulation and, therefore, developers have sized and located plant materials to serve as screening of the equipment. Plants have been sized and located to provide a dense screen within two years. Bergly stated that the landscaping plan was well done; effective berming and detailed plant materials should make the building entrance attractive. He noted that the City will require a landscape bond. Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, February 3, 1988 Page 2 y, CASE #88-02 (Cont'd) The Planner advised that a recommendations for approval should of the drainage plan andthelandscapeect bondo the submissioneer's review and approval • for the American Family Insurance Claims Center would begin the second phase of Robert Worthington, representing Opus Corporation,explained the proposed plan development of the Northwoods site. Commission questioned plans for the third phase development; asked if the Daycare facility, mentioned at the time of the lot split request, was still a consideration for the adjacent site. Worthington explained plans are pending for the third phase; the site was been targeted for an enlarged office building on the adjacent site or a daycare facility and smaller office building, as was discussed at a previous meeting. Worthington reviewed the relocated driveway and stated that was the only deviation from the original concept plan; the relocation improved traffic circulation on the site. He displayed plans outlining the building interior and exterior design. Worthington pointed out the berming at the front of the site was included to screen the mechanical equipment, which is located on the ground rather than the rooftop. He advised there would be two cooling towers, 4 feet in height, which would be appropriately screened from view by plantings and the berming. Worthington stated the pedestal entrance sign was eliminated due to the 25 ft. sign setback requirement; placement of the sign at the required setback may have hampered sign visibility from Northwoods Drive, since the driveway entrance setback requirement is only 20 feet. The signs are proposed for •attachment to the building, however, Worthington advised they would prefer to locate the sign at the entrance to the site, closer to the ground and the street. He asked for Commission comments relative to signage preference, and if the request would qualify under the variance criteria set by City Code. Member Meury questioned if the claims center would serve only passenger vehicles. Worthington explained that it has been modeled after the claims center in Eden Prairie; to his knowledge it would serve only standard automobiles, vans and pickup trucks. He further explained that inoperative damaged vehicles would not be brought to this location and no vehicles would be stored on the site. Member Probst questioned the screening of the mechanical equipment; requested elevations of the berm and the mechanical equipment, also questioned if the applicant had considered placement of an extended brick wall for screening purposes. He was not opposed to the "soft" berming concept, however, preferred assurance that the units would not be visible from Northwoods drive. After review, it was determined that the top of the berm would be higher than the transformer height along the entire front perimeter of the site. Bergly noted the plantings would be mature in two years and reach a height of 3 to 4 ft. ; he further explained the area around the mechanical units will be landscaped, and combined with the berm the units should be effectively screened. Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, February 3, 1988 --� Page 3 CASE #88-02 (Cont'd) There was discussion regarding painting of the mechanical equipment, or extension of the berm along the front perimeter if necessary. Worthington advised they would be agreeable to a stipulation to paint the units, or they are willing to address this matter • when the adjacent site is developed or should problems/complaints arise. Worthington requested input from Commission members relative to the signage located on the building; questioned if consideration would be given for a variance request to locate the sign closer to the entrance driveway. Commission determined that criteria may exist to qualify the variance request for sign location; advised the applicant of the procedures for variance application. Moved by Meury, seconded by Zehm, that Commission recommend to Council approval of Case #88-02, Site Plan Review for American Family Insurance Claims Center, Opus Corporation, Northwoods Drive, Parcel A, Lot 2, subject to applicant provision of a landscape bond for the project, and the Engineer's review and approval of the site drainage plan. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) CASE #88-01; MN/DOT Planner Bergly reported on the status of the Mn/Dot TRUCK SITE; CO RD I Truck Site proposal; advised Commission the Attorney and Zoning Administrator had recommended Council initiation of a Rezoning of the property from R-1 to I-2 District. The Planner prepared a letter outlining the rationale for the recommendation and submitted same to Council at their 1/25/88 Regular meeting; Council was agreeable to the proposal, however, they did not have the four votes necessary to initiate a rezoning petition. The Council has delayed action on the matter until their Regular meeting of 2/8/88. Bergly advised that the driveway width variance matter would need to be resolved, and a public hearing would be held at the March Planning Commission meeting. DISC. DRIVEWAY The Planner reviewed his report of 2-3-88, regarding WIDTH REQMENTS permitted driveway widths as required by State, County, and Arden Hills standards. Bergly advised he had discussed the survey results with the traffic consultant at SEH; Arden Hills Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum of 25 ft. driveway widths, which doesn't meet the minimum County driveway widths for access. After review of the information, both Planner and Engineer concurred it would be more appropriate for the City to adopt the same regulations as the County or State, as they would require those widths for driveways into properties which abut County or State Highways. Planner and Engineer recommend the following modifications to the Zoning Ordinance: DRIVEWAY WIDTHS Residential Commercial (1) Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minor Streets 10, 22' 22' 32' City Collector Streets 2 and County Highways 3) 12' 22' 26' 32' State Highways(3) 12' 24' 32' 32' (2) (1) Radius adequate for traffic conditions. (2) or as recommended by the County or State. (3) Access permit required from Ramsey County or MnDOT Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, February 3, 1988 Page 4 ,.- DRIVEWAYS (Cont'd) Member Malone questioned if there are numerous requests for driveway variances to necessitate an amendment to the current requirements; after discussion Commission determined that regulations should be standardized. • Moved by Zehm, seconded by Meury, that Commission recommend Council initiate action to modify the Zoning Ordinance to include the driveway widths as outlined and recommended by the Planner and Traffic Engineer. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) DISC. UNDEVELOPED Planner Bergly distributed copies of his report titled; LAND STUDY, HWYS. "Planning Study for NE I-694 & I-35W, Part 1, Planning I-694 & I-35W Issues & Optional Development Approaches. Bergly reported that Commission had discussed the formation of a subcommittee to study the matter; he suggested the Commission should thoroughly review the report prior to further discussion, as it contains substantial information Commission concurred to continue this matter to the next Regular meeting scheduled for March 2, 1988. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Winiecki reported on items of interest to the Commission. STREET LIGHTING Member Malone reported on the status of the Street Lighting Plan; he advised the first phase, 50 lights at the main intersections, are in the process of being installed. ADJOURNMENT Meury moved, seconded by Malone, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) .Robert Curtis, Chairman MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, February 3, 1988, 7:30 p.m. - Village Hall CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof Chairman Robert Curtis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Robert Curtis, Calvin Meury, Paul Malone, Ray McGraw, Dorothy Zehm and Dennis Probst. Absent: Peter Martin, Richard Savage, Scott Petersen and Gary Thorn. Also Present: Councilmember Jeanne Winiecki, Planner John Bergly and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. OATH OF OFFICE Councilmember Winiecki administered the oath of office to Member Zehm. APPROVE MINUTES Malone moved, seconded by Meury, that the Minutes of the January 6, 1988, Planning Commission meeting be approved as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) CASE #88-02; SITE Commission was referred to Planner Ber.gly's report of PLAN REVIEW, AMER. 2/3/88, outlining the Site Plan Review for the FAMILY INS. , OPUS proposed American Family Insurance Claim Center to be CORP. , NORTHWOODS located on Parcel A, Lot 2, Block 1, of the Northwoods Development. Bergly explained the initial platting and master planning for the overall Northwoods Development was accomplished in the fall of 1985; a redivision of one of the lots and a concept development plan were approved in the fall of 1987. He advised the current request is for approval of the site plan for development on one of the recently created lots. The Planner noted that the plans submitted for approval include lighting, signage, landscaping, site drainage utilities and buildings plans and elevations; the plan generally conforms with the concept plan submitted with the request for a lot split in 1987. Bergly noted that the proposed development meets all ordinance requirements and he reviewed the seven points outlined in his report which related to: Circulation, Traffic Analysis, Building, Landscaping, Signage, Lighting, and Site Drainage. The following points were outlined: - Relocation of the drive-thru claims improves the circulation pattern on the site. - Traffic study upon initial platting and master planning of the entire site was found to be acceptable by the Village Engineer. - Plan was revised to relocate a sign originally located on an island near the entrance to the site. This was done to eliminate a variance request and two signs will now be placed on the building; one facing Highway 694 and one facing Northwoods Drive. Both signs are permitted and meet requirements. - Berming of the front yard has been included in the revised plan. This was done because the mechanical equipment has to be located on the ground; there is not space for screen walls to provide adequate air circulation and, therefore, developers have sized and located plant materials to serve as screening of the equipment. Plants have been sized and located to provide a dense screen within two years. Bergly stated that the landscaping plan was well done; effective berming and detailed plant materials should make the building entrance attractive. He noted that the City will require a landscape bond. Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, February 3, 1988 Page 2 CASE #88-02 (Cont'd) The Planner advised that a recommendations for approval should be subject to the Engineer's review and approval • of the drainage plan and the landscape bond submission. Robert Worthington, representing Opus Corporation,explained the proposed plan for the American Family Insurance Claims Center would begin the second phase of development of the Northwoods site. Commission questioned plans for the third phase development; asked if the Daycare facility, mentioned at the time of the lot split request, was still a consideration for the adjacent site. Worthington explained plans are pending for the third phase; the site was been targeted for an enlarged office building on the adjacent site or a daycare facility and smaller office building, as was discussed at a previous meeting. Worthington reviewed the relocated driveway and stated that was the only deviation from the original concept plan; the relocation improved traffic circulation on the site. He displayed plans outlining the building interior and exterior design. Worthington pointed out the berming at the front of the site was included to screen the mechanical equipment, which is located on the ground rather than the rooftop. He advised there would be two cooling towers, 4 feet in height, which would be appropriately screened from view by plantings and the berming. Worthington stated the pedestal entrance sign was eliminated due to the 25 ft. sign setback requirement; placement of the sign at the required setback may • have hampered sign visibility from Northwoods Drive, since the driveway entrance setback requirement is only 20 feet. The signs are proposed for attachment to the building, however, Worthington advised they would prefer to locate the sign at the entrance to the site, closer to the ground and the street. He asked for Commission comments relative to signage preference, and if the request would qualify under the variance criteria set by City Code. Member Meury questioned if the claims center would serve only passenger vehicles. Worthington explained that it has been modeled after the claims center in Eden Prairie; to his knowledge it would serve only standard automobiles, vans and pickup trucks. He further explained that inoperative damaged vehicles would not be brought to this location and no vehicles would be stored on the site. Member Probst questioned the screening of the mechanical equipment; requested elevations of the berm and the mechanical equipment, also questioned if the applicant had considered placement of an extended brick wall for screening purposes. He was not opposed to the "soft" berming concept, however, preferred assurance that the units would not be visible from Northwoods drive. After review, it was determined that the top of the berm would be higher than the transformer height along the entire front perimeter of the site. Bergly noted the plantings would be mature in two years and reach a height of 3 to 4 ft. ; he further explained the area around the mechanical units will be • landscaped, and combined with the berm the units should be effectively screened. Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, February 3, 1988 Page 3 CASE #88-02 (Cont'd) There was discussion regarding painting of the mechanical equipment, or extension of the berm along • the front perimeter if necessary. Worthington advised they would be agreeable to a stipulation to paint the units, or they are willing to address this matter when the adjacent site is developed or should problems/complaints arise. Worthington requested input from Commission members relative to the signage located on the building; questioned if consideration would be given for a variance request to locate the sign closer to the entrance driveway. Commission determined that criteria may exist to qualify the variance request for sign location; advised the applicant of the procedures for variance application. Moved by Meury, seconded by Zehm, that Commission recommend to Council approval of Case #88-02, Site Plan Review for American Family Insurance Claims Center, Opus Corporation, Northwoods Drive, Parcel A, Lot 2, subject to applicant provision of a landscape bond for the project, and the Engineer's review and approval of the site drainage plan. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) CASE #88-01; MN/DOT Planner Bergly reported on the status of the Mn/Dot TRUCK SITE; CO RD I Truck Site proposal; advised Commission the Attorney and Zoning Administrator had recommended Council initiation of a Rezoning of the property from R-1 to I-2 District. The Planner prepared a letter outlining the rationale for the recommendation and submitted same to Council at their 1/25/88 Regular meeting; Council was agreeable to the proposal, however, they did not have the four votes necessary to initiate a rezoning petition. The Council has delayed action on the matter until their • Regular meeting of 2/8/88. Bergly advised that the driveway width variance matter would need to be resolved, and a public hearing would be held at the March Planning Commission meeting. DISC. DRIVEWAY The Planner reviewed his report of 2-3-88, regarding WIDTH REQMENTS permitted driveway widths as required by State, County, and Arden Hills standards. Bergly advised he had discussed the survey results with the traffic consultant at SEH; Arden Hills Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum of 25 ft. driveway widths, which doesn't meet the minimum County driveway widths for access. After review of the information, both Planner and Engineer concurred it would be more appropriate for the City to adopt the same regulations as the County or State, as they would require those widths for driveways into properties which abut County or State Highways. Planner and Engineer recommend the following modifications to the Zoning Ordinance: DRIVEWAY WIDTHS Residential Commercial (1) Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minor Streets 10' 22' 22' 32' • City Collector Strees (2) and County Highways 3) 12' 22' 26' 32' State Highways(3) 12' 24' 32' 32' (2) (1) Radius adequate for traffic conditions. (2) or as recommended by the County or State. (3) Access permit required from Ramsey County or MnDOT Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, February 3, 1988 Page 4 DRIVEWAYS (Cont'd) Member Malone questioned if there are numerous requests • for driveway variances to necessitate an amendment to the current requirements; after discussion Commission determined that regulations should be standardized. Moved by Zehm, seconded by Meury, that Commission recommend Council initiate action to modify the Zoning Ordinance to include the driveway widths as outlined and recommended by the Planner and Traffic Engineer. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) DISC. UNDEVELOPED Planner Bergly distributed copies of his report titled; LAND STUDY, HWYS. "Planning Study for NE I-694 & I-35W, Part 1, Planning I-694 & I-35W Issues & Optional Development Approaches. Bergly reported that Commission had discussed the formation of a subcommittee to study the matter; he suggested the Commission should thoroughly review the report prior to further discussion, as it contains substantial information Commission concurred to continue this matter to the next Regular meeting scheduled for March 2, 1988. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Winiecki reported on items of interest to the Commission. STREET LIGHTING Member Malone reported on the status of the Street Lighting Plan; he advised the first phase, 50 lights at the main intersections, are in the process of being installed. ADJOURNMENT Meury moved, seconded by Malone, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (6-0) Robert Curtis, Chairman •