10-29-2018 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 29, 2018 VARIANCE FOR The Associate Planner explained that Aldi, Inc. located at 2350 Rice Street, FRONT YARD is seeking approval of a variance for a reduced front yard setback on the SETBACK & Fest property line, as well as architectural review of the exterior ARCHITECTURAL enhancements that are being completed as part of the proposed 1,617 square REVIEW FOR 1,617 foot building expansion. She stated that the property is zoned B-3 and the SQUARE FOOT existing building was constructed in 2003. She explained that as part of EXPANSION; Aldi's efforts to refresh their buildings, this expansion will create additional ADDRESS: 2350 RICE internal space between shelving, checkout lanes, and an indoor cart area. In STREET; APPLICANT: addition to exterior improvements, the applicant has indicated that they will ALDI, INC, be installing all new mechanical and lighting within the building, plus adding matching brick to the existing pylon sign pole and re -facing the existing signage. She noted that all of the improvements proposed are consistent with the requirements of the Architectural Guidelines. The Associate Planner explained that the applicant indicated in their narrative that the variance setback they are seeking is 20 feet on the west property line, however, the site plans show the encroachment into the required front yard setback to actually be less than that. She stated the applicant is seeking a 26.3 foot variance to allow for some wiggle room during construction, but staff has recommended up to 25 feet, which the applicant has agreed to. The Associate Planner stated that Aldi, Inc. is seeking a variance for a reduced front yard setback on the west property line. She explained that they are limited in which direction a building expansion could go. She stated that the north elevation has grade variations between the property line that prohibit expansion; the east elevation has the stormwater pond and loading docks, and the irregularity of the lot also became a challenge for expansion, especially when reviewing the east elevation. She noted that it may appear that the south elevation could be an option for the building expansion, but there are issues with that side also. She explained that a building expansion to the south would reduce the number of parking spaces, and without those spaces abutting the building, the property would not meet the minimum parking requirement. 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 7