10/11/1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Shirley Kaye's October 11, 1999 page 5 The new plan includes 78 parking stalls. This would require a variance to allow 10 fewer spaces than required by ordinance (an 11% difference). The initial submittal included only a very rough building plan. Based on that, an estimate by staff of the floor area calculated out to 70 required parking spaces. Based on that, the P & Z recommended a variance to allow a minimum of 60 spaces. However, later plans included more complete and accurate floor area data, which allowed a better analysis. The physical configuration of the property results in limited space. Staff supports the variance to allow 78 parking spaces, 10 fewer than required by ordinance. Stormwater Management: The project will need approval from the Rice Creek Watershed District and the City Engineer. RCWD has not approved the wetland delineation. The Environmental Board expressed concern about the drainage design. Due to the physical characteristics of the site, there is no space for infiltration methods. All parking runoff will go into the new stormwater pond. This provides some treatment, which is an improvement over the present situation. Currently, runoff goes directly into the lake. As a point of interest, the grading plan does not indicate the locations of the existing soil stockpiles. These piles must be gone when the project is complete. Sign: An existing sign is in the County right -of -way. The applicant has obtained permission from the County for the sign to remain. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD COMMENTS At its April 1 meeting, the Environmental Board commented that they did not like the precedent of the shoreland setback variance and that the drainage design should be re- examined. As noted above, the drainage design has been reviewed. FINDINGS FOR VARIANCE Before approving a variance request, the City must make the following findings. 1. That the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls. 2. That the plight of the landowners is due to physical circumstances unique to his property not created by the land owner.