01-14-2026 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Kimley-Horn, on behalf of Metro Transit, proposes construction of a small operator facility at the northern terminus of the METRO G Line to provide restroom and break accommodations for bus operators. The facility is planned adjacent to the station along Market Place Drive to support safe bus layovers without impeding traffic and to maintain direct, convenient access for operators. The parcel is constrained by an existing City-owned drainage pond that occupies much of the site and includes steep slopes. The applicant states that locating the building farther south would require significant grading and potential retaining walls within the pond, increasing site disturbance and construction impacts. The proposed location places the structure on a flatter portion of the site while maintaining accessible pedestrian connections between the facility and the station platform. Staff Findings Front Setback Variance 1. The request is in harmony with the purposes and intent of this ordinance Staff finds that this criterion is met. The purpose of the front setback standard is to promote orderly development and a consistent streetscape along public rights-of-way. In this instance, the proposed operator facility is being constructed in coordination with improvements to the adjacent G Line station and right-of-way. Locating the facility closer to the property line aligns with the planned transit infrastructure and streetscape improvements, avoids unnecessary disturbance to the remainder of the site, and does not detract from the functional or visual intent of the setback standard. 2. The variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Staff finds that the variance is consistent with the land use and transportation policies of the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Land Use chapter designates the area for core mixed-use, and the proposed governmental building is a permitted use within that designation under the City’s zoning code. While the parcel is designated for mixed-use, its function as a stormwater pond serving the Market Place area substantially limits its ability to accommodate conventional mixed-use development. The proposed facility represents a reasonable and compatible use of the site given these physical constraints and supports the function of the surrounding mixed-use district. The Transportation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan expresses the City’s intent to promote expanded transit service and to cooperate with the Metropolitan Council in the implementation of new transit investments. The proposed operator facility directly supports the METRO G Line, which advances these transportation objectives. In addition, the plan includes a policy to design transportation facilities in a manner that conserves natural resources and existing infrastructure to minimize long- term public investment. The requested variance allows the facility to be sited in a location that reduces disturbance to the existing stormwater pond, thereby furthering this policy objective. 3. The applicant can demonstrate that there are “practical difficulties” in complying with the regulation(s) in question. Determination of whether practical difficulties exist shall be based on the following: a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner permitted by this ordinance. The applicant is proposing to use the property for a “governmental building”, which is a permitted and reasonable use in the zoning district.