03-28-1990 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Agenda Item 7 Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. U R B A N P L A N N I N G • D E S I G N • M A R K E T R E S E A R C H PLANNING REPORT TO: Little Canada Planning Commission FROM: Stephen Grittman DATE: 5 March 1990 RE: Little Canada - Fuel Economy Accessory Building Variance FILE NO: 758.09 - 90.12 BACKGROUND Fuel Economy Contracting is proposal to construct two additional structures on their property on Woodlyn Avenue. The proposed structures are intended for storage and would be accessory buildings. The Code allows a maximum accessory building coverage of 30 percent of the principal building. Their proposal would exceed the 30 percent limitation and Fuel Economy is requesting a variance from this restriction. ANALYSIS The 30 percent maximum accessory building allowance is imposed to maintain the principal use - accessory use distinction. In this case, the principal use is the contracting business while the storage of materials and equipment is an accessory activity, although it is an integral part of the operation. Fuel Economy's principal structure is 11,352 square feet in area. Two existing storage buildings account for 4,110 square feet. The two new structures would add 3,840 square feet, for a total accessory building area of 7,950 square feet. This would be 70 percent of the principal building. One issue is that of site conditions and parking supply. This parcel, as with others in the Woodlyn Avenue area, has poorly defined access points and some parking is required to back directly into the street, contrary to Ordinance requirements. In addition, much of the parking and circulation area is unpaved. We would recommend that the site be brought into conformance with paving, curbing, landscaping and circulation requirements as a part of any project approval which may be granted. This would 4601 Excelsior Blvd. • Suite 410 • Minneapolis, MN 55416 • (612) 925 -9420 • Fax 925 -2721 Page 50