10-11-2018 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 11, 2018 The Associate Planner explained that the expansion to the south is inhibited due to the impact to the existing north access drive from Rice Street. She stated that this is a shared drive aisle with the Tri-State property at 71 Minnesota Avenue. She reported that the Aldi's parcel, Arby's, and Tri- State properties were all under one ownership when they were originally platted, and these sites were established with shared access drives between all three properties, so any modifications to that drive aisle would impact traffic circulation on this property and the two adjacent parcels. She stated that planning staff has confirmed with Ramsey County that they would not permit a shift in this access drive location given the proximity to the south access drive. She noted that both the loss of parking and access conditions demonstrate that the south elevation is also not feasible for expansion. The Associate Planner stated that planning staff recommends approval of the architectural review and front setback variance as staff believes that the practical difficulty threshold has been met. Ryan Anderson, ISG, 7900 International Drive, representing ALDI as the engineer for the project, stated that this expansion is part of a nationwide effort to improve their stores and this location performs well and they want to stay in Little Canada. Johnson recommended approval of architectural review as submitted by Aldi's, Inc. and subject to review and comments by the City Engineer which includes submission of grading plan. Motion seconded by George. Motion carried 6 — 0. Johnson recommended approval of a Variance from the 40 foot front yard setback to 25 feet on the west elevation based on the findings of fact that a building expansion in a different elevation is not feasible due to circumstances not created by the landowner as reviewed in this report, and the proposed building setback is in character with the area and does not negatively impact surrounding properties. Motion seconded by Schwalbach. Motion carried 6 — 0. AMENDMENT TO The Associate Planner explained that in August, the Planning Commission THE ZONING CODE and City Council recommended an amendment to the sign ordinance which ON SIGNAGE FOR R- would allow for Public District signage to fall under the commercial district 1, SINGLE FAMILY instead of the residential district regulations, and Ordinance 830 was RESIDENTIAL & R-2, adopted modifying Section 903.110.E. She stated that city staff discovered MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL -8-