07-15-97 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

M/S/P Hunt/John — to direct the staff to call a public hearing as soon as possible for consideration of a Development Moratorium in the Browns Creek Watershed District. (Motion passed 3-0). C. Appeal to administrative decision to not process application for improvement of non -conforming buildings. Applicant: Stephen Johnson, 2945 Lake Elmo Avenue N. On June 26,1997 the City received an application from Steve Johnson to move the existing storage buildings south of Upper 33rd Street and modify them into a single, commercial storage building. He also proposed to improve the area for west of the storage building by paving the area for 20-25 parking spaces and rent the area to the Lake Elmo Inn and landscape the area. Planner Terwedo reported Mr. Johnson has purchased the railroad right-of-way and would like to purchase the west 400 feet north of this area from Lake Elmo Hardwood Lumber. Presently there are no zoning regulations for old railroad right-of-way. The Lake Elmo Hardwood Lumber Company parcel has remained in an Industrial Zoning District Storage is a permitted use in Industrial District but was repealed in 1987. The parcel does not meet the minimum district requirements of 1.5 acres and none of the setback requirements of the Industrial Zone. Planner Terwedo concluded that by moving the buildings and modifying them into a commercial storage use is not allowed and could not process his application. Mr. Johnson appealed this decision. Mr. Johnson stated he would leave the building intact or move it down 120' and add additional parking spots. Buildings are used weekly for storage now and his use would be less. He bought the potato shed which was in Industrial Zone and moved it to the East and feels this request has identical circumstances. Mr. Johnson was amenable to Councilor DeLapp's suggestion of using this area for a Farmer's Market, but felt this location wasn't as visible as on Hwy 5 or 36. The 400' strip owned by Joe Rogers has Industrial zoning and the railroad property has no zoning. Attorney Filla explained that no property in the City could be developed unless it's consistent with the code. This property needs to be rezone to a zoning category or a zoning classification would have to be drafted to fit this use. The staff should check if there are other strips of land in the City similar to this. The Council felt this request bad a unique set of circumstances and asked that staff take a look at conditions and research where we have similar parcels of railroad property and come back with a recommendation on how to proceed. Councilor DeLapp suggested the Village Committee look at this at some stage. M/S/P Hunt/DeLapp — to support the staffs actions on not allowing the application of Steve Johnson to be processed and direct the staff to investigate some possible options that the Council could adopt for areas similar to this and come back with recommendations and conditions on how the City can handle this if the Council would like to proceed with a proposal such as this. (Motion passed 3-0). D. I-94 Fiscal Analysis (Update) Planner Terwedo reported she has met with Springsted and clarifications of the analysis will be coming in and then she will set up some dates for public meetings. Land Use In the Undeveloped Portion of the Old Village: Councilor DeLapp had a concern on the land use in the undeveloped portion of the City and asked they look at the Design Team recommendations and concept of creating a strong downtown for our City. He strongly urged the Council for direction and convey to Village Committee their goals and encouraged a workshop. M/S/P Hunt/DeLapg - to set up a Village Committee, City Council, and Planning Commission workshop the week of July 28 , prior to August 5" Council meeting to discuss the work program, schedule and mission statement (Motion passed 3-0). LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 15, 1997