06/12/1996 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • PLANNING & ZONING BOARD JUNE 12, 1996 Mr. Dwayne Cardinal, who was seated in the audience, stated that he had changed his mind and requested that his issue be discussed. It was the consensus of the Board to add Mr. Cardinal to the agenda as item No. K. B. 96 -14 -S, Lino Lakes Family Dentistry, Blue Heron Road, Site Plan Review Ms. Wyland stated that the applicant is seeking a site plan review and Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of a 3,800 square foot office building on Outlot A of Rice Lake Estates. The outlot was zoned Neighborhood Business in 1985, and permits professional office development with a Conditional Use Permit. The applicant is requesting a variance setback of 28 feet from the adjacent residential district. City ordinance currently requires 35 feet. Staff is recommending approval of the variance based on the following findings: 1) the applicant has determined that the building requested is at the minimum size for its intended use; 2) the lot is an odd shape with unique circumstances not created by the property owner; and 3) the hardship justifying a variance includes the shape and configuration of the lot. Mr. Dunn asked if consideration was given to reversing the location of the parking area and building so the parking area would be further away from the residential area. Ms. Wyland stated that the City Engineer did not recommend access off Hodgson Road. The access has to be off Blue Heron Drive. Because the lot is narrow, it was difficult for the applicant to design the building and parking to fit the lot. Mr. Dunn asked if the local residents have responded to this development. Ms. Wyland stated that the City has received no written responses, but several neighbors are present to speak. Mr. Scott Mower, Progressive Architecture, stated that he is the Architect of record for this project. The site is in a residential area on the busy corridor of Highway 49. Rice Lake is across the road. The shape of the lot is difficult, and there are some bad soil conditions. In positioning the proposed building, all of these factors were considered. Setback requirements would not allow a reversal of placement of the building and parking lot. The parking lot will be buffered with vegetation, berms, and a fence that will be placed behind heavy pine trees so as not to block the neighbors' view. The roof line of the building will be low and broken up as much as possible to blend in with the neighborhood. The building exterior will also blend in to keep a residential feel without a lot of glass or commercial materials. Ms. Dahl asked the placement of the fence, what material will be used to build it and the height. 4