02/12/2003 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board February 12, 2003 APPROVED MINUTES Page 32 A primary concern related to site circulati on involves the potential traffic conflicts that may exist west of the retail building. As proposed, a motor fuel station customer traveling north on Hodgson Road will be forced to encounter the backing of vehicles and pedestrian traffic within the retail center pa rking area. This situation is considered problematic from a circulation a nd traffic safety standpoint. In response to staff’s concern in this area, the applicant has submitted a site plan alternative and supportive na rrative addressing this issue (see attached correspondence). To address such concerns, the applicant has proposed to install traffic calming devices as a means of reducing area traffic speeds. Sp ecifically, textured co lored concrete paving has been proposed in two areas within parking lot. While staff appreciates such efforts, the actual influence such paving will ha ve upon area traffic speed is considered questionable particularly in the winter months when they will not be visible. It is the opinion of staff that the circulation pattern to the west of the retail center needs to be re-examined and possibly re-designed to ad dress these concerns. It is understood that resolution of this issue (as well as the impe rvious surface coverage concern) may require the downsizing of the building. Lot Size and Setbacks. While the Planned Development Overlay designation can provide flexibility from the strict terms of the Ordinance, the requirements of the underlying GB, General business District are c onsidered an appropriate guideline. The lot and building performance standards for pr operties within the GB District are listed below. While it is recognized that the motor fuel station, fast food restaurant and office building/daycare facility are con ceptual in nature and will be subject to a future site and building plan review process, their inclusi on in the submission is considered positive by allowing a comprehensive review of the pr oposal and an overall setback evaluation to take place. As shown above, all applicable GB District lot area and setback requirements have been satisfied. Architecture/Build ing Materials. At this time, building details have only been provided for the retail center. The building’s architecture is characterized by varied gable roof forms and column features (wood and stone). As shown on the submitted building elevations , the building is to be finished in a combination of cement- based lap siding (p ainted), stone and faux cedar shakes (in gabled roof areas). The build ing’s roof is proposed to be finished with asphalt shingles. The proposed building materials are consistent with the material requirements of the Ordinance. As a condition of site and building plan approval however, building colors should be specified and approved by the City. Parking. The standards for calculating the o ff-street parking requirements for shopping centers are outlined in Secti on 3, Subdivision 5 of the City Code. For the purposes of