HomeMy WebLinkAbout#14 - CC Cover Report_Auto Owners_08-18-15
MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
-- page 1 --
DATE: 8/18/15
REGULAR
ITEM # 14 RESOLUTION 2015-065
AGENDA ITEM: Auto Owners Insurance Preliminary and Final PUD Development Plans
SUBMITTED BY: Ben Gozola, Consulting City Planner
THROUGH: Kyle Klatt, Community Development Director
REVIEWED BY: Planning Commission Nick Johnson, Former City Planner
Jack Griffin, City Engineer
SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS:
- Introduction of Item ...................................................... Consulting City Planner
- Report/Presentation ....................................................... Consulting City Planner
- Questions from Council to Staff ............................................. Mayor Facilitates
- Call for Motion ............................................................... Mayor & City Council
- Discussion ....................................................................... Mayor & City Council
- Action on Motion .................................................................... Mayor Facilitates
POLICY RECCOMENDER: The Planning Commission is recommending conditional
approval of preliminary and final development plans for an office building to be located within the Eagle Point Business Park. As a part of the Planning Commission recommendation and findings, the Commission did review the project for conformance with the Lake Elmo Design
Guidelines and Standards Manual.
FISCAL IMPACT: None – all utilities and improvements have either been installed as part of the Eagle Point Business Park or will be completed by the applicant at the time a building permit is issued for the building.
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED: The City Council is being asked to consider a
request from Auto Owners Insurance Company, 6101 Anacapri Boulevard, Lancing, MI, 48917, for approval of preliminary and final Planned Unit Development (PUD) plans associated with an approximate 30,000 square foot, one story, office building to be located within the Eagle Point
Business Park. Because the site under consideration has previously been platted as a buildable
City Council Meeting [Agenda Item 14]
August 18, 2015
-- page 2 --
lot, Staff is recommending that the City process its review of the preliminary and final
development plans simultaneously.
The Planning Commission is recommending approval of the preliminary plat with conditions of approval. The suggested motion to adopt the Planning Commission recommendation is as
follows:
“Move to adopt Resolution No. 2015-065 approving the preliminary and final
PUD plans for the Auto Owners Insurance Building.”
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY/PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: The attached staff
report to the Planning Commission, updated for the City Council, provides an overview of the
request and a detailed description of the issues associated with the request as identified by Staff.
The Planning Commission considered the PUD plans at its August 10th meeting and conducted a public hearing on the applicant’s request. The Commission did not receive any public comments concerning the proposed building. Representatives of the applicant addressed the Commission
and provided additional information concerning the design of the building and the future tenants
of the facility.
The Planning Commission reviewed the project for consistency with the Lake Elmo Design
Guidelines and Standards Manual, and found that the project complied with all applicable
provisions for development in the City’s BP – Business Park Zoning District. The one area of
concern voiced by the Commission was that roof articulation could be improved. The applicant’s appreciated the feedback, and will be adding additional articulation to the final design at the time
of building permit.
The Planning Commission adopted a motion to recommend approval of the preliminary and final
development with the findings and conditions as noted in the attached Resolution 2015-065. The motion passed unanimously.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION (SWOT):
Strengths • The proposed building is consistent with the Lake Elmo Design Guidelines and Standards Manual
• The project is consistent with the Lake Elmo Comprehensive
Plan and BP – Business Park Zoning
• The proposed development will occupy an existing, platted,
vacant lot within the Eagle Point Business Park
Weaknesses • Roof articulation meets minimum requirements, but will be improved with the final plans.
Opportunities • The proposed development will bring a significant employer to
the City of Lake Elmo (up to 255 jobs once complete).
City Council Meeting [Agenda Item 14]
August 18, 2015
-- page 3 --
• The proposed building and landscaping will be a nice addition to
the Eagle Point Business Park
Threats • None identified.
RECOMMENDATION: Based upon the above background information, Staff report and
Planning Commission recommendation, it is recommended that the City Council approve the preliminary and final PUD development plan for the Eagle Point Medical Center with the 15 conditions of approval as documented in the resolution of approval by taking the following
action / with the following motion:
“Move to adopt Resolution No. 2015-065 approving the preliminary and final PUD plans for the Auto Owners Insurance Building.”
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 2015-065
2. Area Map
3. Planning Commission Report (updated) (7/10/15)
4. City Engineer’s Memo
5. Applicant Submittals
a. Preliminary Plat
b. Final Plat
c. Grading, Drainage and Erosion Control Plan
d. Utility Plan
e. Paving and Geometric Plan
f. SWPPP
g. Landscape Plan
h. Lighting Plan
i. Color Renderings & Floor Plan
6. Eagle Point Business Park Development Standards
7. Lake Elmo Design Guidelines and Manual – Business Park Development
CITY OF LAKE ELMO WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 2015-065
A RESOLUTION APPROVING PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS
FOR THE AUTO OWNERS INSURANCE BUILDING WITHIN
THE EAGLE POINT BUSINESS PARK
WHEREAS, the City of Lake Elmo is a municipal corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, Auto Owners Insurance Company, 6101 Anacapri Boulevard, Lancing, MI
48917, has submitted an application to the City of Lake Elmo (City) for preliminary and final
plans for the Auto Owners Insurance Building to be located on a property which is legally
defined as: Outlot A, HOA 2nd Addition, according to the recorded plat thereof, Washington
County, Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, the lot is proposed to be platted as Lot 1, Block 1 of HOA 3rd Addition, a
copy of which is on file in the City of Lake Elmo Planning and Zoning Department; and
WHEREAS, the City has agreed to conduct a simultaneous review of the preliminary
and final PUD plans for the Auto Owners Insurance Building because the site has previously
been platted and improved as a buildable lot within the Eagle Point Business Park and is
appropriate because of the limited scale of the proposal; and
WHEREAS, the Lake Elmo Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 10th,
2015, to consider the preliminary and final development plans for the Auto Owners Insurance
Building; and
WHEREAS, on August 10th, 2015, the Lake Elmo Planning Commission adopted a
motion to recommend that the City Council approve the preliminary and final plan for the Auto
Owners Insurance Building with conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Lake Elmo Planning Commission has submitted its report and
recommendation concerning the preliminary and final development plans as part of a
memorandum to the City Council from Community Development Director Kyle Klatt for the
August 18th, 2015 Council Meeting; and
WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed the preliminary and final development plans for
the Auto Owners Insurance Building at its meeting held on August 18th, 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the testimony elicited and information received, the
City Council makes the following:
FINDINGS
1) That the procedure for obtaining approval of said Preliminary and Final PUD plans is
found in the Lake Elmo City Code, Section 154.800.
2) That all the requirements of said City Code Section 154.800 related to the Preliminary
and Final PUD pans have been met by the Applicant.
3) That the proposed Preliminary and Final PUD Plans for the Auto Owners Insurance
Building consists of an approximate 30,000 square foot structure which can eventually be
expanded to 44,000 square feet, the building is one story tall, will be office use, and will
provide 156 parking stalls (222 stalls following expansion) in accordance with plans and
specifications submitted to the City, and will be located on property legal described as
follows: Lot 1, Block 1, HOA 3rd Addition.
4) That the proposed PUD will allow a more flexible, creative, and efficient approach to the
use of the land.
5) That the proposed PUD is in conformance with the Comprehensive Guide Plan for the
City.
6) That the proposed PUD complies with the Lake Elmo Zoning District regulations for the
BP – Business Park Zoning District.
7) That the proposed PUD complies with the development and design standards for the
Eagle Point Business Park.
8) That the proposed PUD is consistent with the Lake Elmo Design Guidelines and
Standards Manual, and specifically, the guidelines for business park development.
9) That the proposed PUD meets the identified objectives associated with a Planned Unit
Development project as listed in Section 154.801 of the Lake Elmo Zoning Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council does hereby
approve the Preliminary and Final PUD Plans for the Auto Owners Insurance Building subject to
the following conditions:
1) The City Engineer shall approval all final easements prior filing of the final plat at
Washington County.
2) The City Engineer shall work with the applicant to finalize all stormwater management
plans to bring them into compliance with all applicable state and local regulations. If
necessary, sub-surface BMPs shall be installed at the applicant’s expense below the
proposed parking areas so as not to change the overall site design.
3) A sidewalk connecting this property to the neighboring hotel/restaurant site shall be
provided.
4) As signage has not been reviewed as part of this application, a future application for
signage will be required.
5) Two (2) additional fire hydrants shall be added to the final design at the applicant’s
expense, and all easements for utilities as deemed necessary by the City Engineer shall
be provided on the final plat prior to filing of the plat at Washington County.
6) Fire lanes, the FDC location and lockbox shall be added to the final plans in accordance
with direction from the fire chief prior to issuance of a building permit.
7) Height of all lighting standards shall not exceed 30’.
8) Silt fencing and/or other erosion control BMPs as directed by the City Engineer should
be shown at the construction limits with the future building permit application.
9) All necessary permits shall be provided to the City prior to issuance of a building
permit.
10) A park dedication payment in the amount of $13,215.60 shall be paid to the City prior
to the issuance of a building permit for the proposed office building.
11) Access charges for municipal services (as may be applicable) shall be paid prior to the
issuance of a building permit for the proposed office building.
12) All changes and modifications requested by the City Engineer in a memorandum dated
August 7, 2015, shall be incorporated into the construction plans before they are
approved for construction.
13) No construction work may commence on the project until Final Construction Plans for
grading, drainage, and erosion control, site plans, utility plans, and storm water
management plans have been updated and approved by the City Engineer and a
preconstruction meeting has been held.
14) Prior to obtaining a building permit, the applicant shall enter into an agreement with the
property to the west agreeing to take on that site’s stormwater as identified by the
proposed plans.
15) Final building plans shall provide additional roof articulation to bring the building
further into compliance with the City’s design standards.
Passed and duly adopted this 18th day of August, 2015, by the City Council of the City of Lake
Elmo, Minnesota.
___________________________________
Mike Pearson, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk
Auto-Owners Insurance
SITE IDENTIFICATION MAP
Location within the City of Lake Elmo
Hudson
Blvd
N.EaglePointCir.I-94 Ramps
City of Lake Elmo Planning Department
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat
To: City Council
From: Ben Gozola, City Planner
Meeting Date: August 18, 2015
Applicants: Auto Owners Insurance Company
Location: Outlot A, HOA 2nd Addition
Introductory Information
Request: The Auto Owners Insurance Company is seeking approval of a preliminary and final
plan/plat for HOA 3rd Addition within the Eagle Creek Business Park.
The original platting and approval of the Eagle Point Business Park entailed the creation
of multiple Outlots which were to be developed through platting as businesses came
forward. This request would re-plat Outlot A of HOA 2nd Addition into Lot 1, Block 1,
HOA 3rd Addition.
In addition to the requested platting, this PUD application would approve a site plan
authorizing construction of an approximate 30,000 square foot building with potential
future expansion of an additional 14,000+ square feet. The building would house a
professional office with an anticipated occupancy of 155 (with the future expansion
bringing the overall occupancy to 255). The typical hours of operation for Auto Owners
Insurance are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Construction is anticipated to begin in late fall of 2015 with completion of the building in
the summer of 2016.
Process: The Eagle Point Business Park was approved as a Planned Unit Development in the early
2000’s, and the initial installation of roads and utilities has already occurred throughout
the park. Development of individual building sites such as this is to be completed through
the simultaneous review of preliminary and final plans, with this review ensuring that
everything is ready for final approval.
Site Data: Existing Zoning – BP (Business Park)
Land Use Guidance – Business Park
Parcel size – 5.056 acres (220,260 square feet)
Property Identification Numbers (PIDs) – 33.029.21.43.0006
Current Legal Description – Outlot A, HOA 2nd Addition, according to the recorded
plat thereof, Washington County, Minnesota
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 2
Review
IN GENERAL:
Site Character: The entire site is largely natural grasses with a few scattered trees. The northern
portion of the site gently slopes downward from west to east, and the southern portion
of the site is nearly flat. The middle of the site is characterized by a small hill and
small depression/pond area.
Lot
Configuration:
This plat would create a single lot utilizing existing Outlot A, 2nd Addition.
The lot configuration was previously reviewed and approved as a future building site
by the HOA 2nd Addition PUD plat review.
Area
Calculations:
Parks and public open space: no parks, trails, public open space, and/or sport fields
are proposed as part of this development.
Public street rights-of-way: none proposed
Wetlands: None. The South Washington Watershed District convened a TEP panel
in July of 2014 to review the site, and they determined the small pond area was a result
of an excavation in 1999 for the purposes of stormwater drainage from the adjacent
site.
Future parcel
development:
The proposed plat and site plan would fully develop this parcel.
Adjacent parcel
dev.:
Both of the adjacent parcels to the east and west are already fully developed, so this
proposal will not impact future development.
Proposed Use: The proposed “office” use is a permitted use within the Eagle Point Business Park.
We are not aware of any proposed conditional or accessory uses proposed for the site.
Any such additions in the future will require a separate approval process.
Building
Location:
The proposed building will be more than 50’ from ROW and more than 10’ away from
all other lot lines as required by code.
Building placement is in accordance with encouraged development standards allowing
for effective auto and pedestrian circulation, building setbacks, and open space along
Hudson Boulevard.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 3
Building Size: The proposed building foundation will exceed the required minimum of 10,000 square
feet.
Building
Height:
No Business Park structure shall exceed 60’ in height, and parapet walls shall not
exceed more than 4 feet above the height permitted of the building.
This one-story structure will be compliant with the allowed height maximum.
Building
Design:
While not mandated, design standards encourage architectural treatments around the
building with windows and doors that reflect the architectural style of the structure.
As demonstrated by the plans, large square windows are consistently used on all sides,
materials are consistent throughout mixing brick veneer with a limestone accent band
and limestone veneer base; and the red painted steel and metal fascia offset well with
the overall earth tones to complete an inviting and attractive design for this site.
All “roof” equipment will actually be enclosed within this new building thereby
eliminating a main concern to exterior aesthetics.
The entryway is visible and accessible as designed, and includes a canopy to provide
cover from weather when entering and exiting the structure.
Lot Access: The lot will have direct access to a public road (Eagle Point Circle).
The main and only entry point to the parking lot proposed on the northern half of the
site will be directly off the cul-de-sac bulb on Eagle Point Circle.
The future address of the site should be visible from the driveway entrance.
Easements: All standard drainage and utility easements are shown on the preliminary plan and
final plat documents.
The applicant has signed a letter indicating that all on-site stormwater management
facilities are to be privately owned, so staff has no concerns about stormwater
easements.
As the Fire Chief is now requesting two fire hydrants near the front of the building,
additional easements will be needed to accommodate a new public water line and both
hydrants. Prior to filing of the final plat, the required easements must be shown on
the document and be approved by the City Engineer.
Resident
Concerns:
Staff has not received any feedback for or against this proposal.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 4
INFRASTRUCTURE:
Road System: The road system in this area is fully built out, and no new roads are necessary to service
this parcel.
Water
System(s):
The site will be served by an 8” water service line with a presumed 6” stub to the site
(to be verified in the field).
Six (6) inch private mains will serve the proposed building.
Sanitary
System(s):
The site currently has an 8” sewer service line stubbed to the site that will be accessed
to provide sanitary sewer to the facility.
Storm water
/Grading:
The neighboring hotel/restaurant site currently discharges its stormwater runoff to the
east across the proposed Auto-Owners site to a catch basin on the east side of the Auto-
Owners property. This stormwater is going to be captured at the Auto-Owners west
property line and rerouted via storm sewer infrastructure around the west/south/east
sides of the Auto-Owners site and connected to the 36” storm sewer pipe in Eagle
Point Circle.
The Planning Commission is recommending, per condition, that the applicant enter
into a private agreement with the neighboring hotel/restaurant site to ensure continued
acceptance of stormwater from that site. Such an agreement will need to be in place
prior to issuance of a building permit for this site.
At the time of writing this report, the applicant has submitted updated information for
City Engineer consideration, but no final determination has been made as to whether
all standards have been met. Given the progress made, staff is comfortable at this time
recommending conditional approval of the final plat and plans subject to the Engineer
signing off on all final documents prior to the final plat being authorized for filing.
Utilities: Telephone, electric, and/or gas service lines are to be placed underground in
accordance with the provisions of all applicable City ordinances.
Sidewalks or
Trails:
At the request of the neighboring hotel/restaurant owners to the west, a sidewalk
connecting the two properties will be provided.
There are no trails or sidewalks in the area which must be extended as part of this
development.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 5
Parking
Facilities:
The required parking ratio is one (1) space per 250 square feet of office building area
OR one space per two (2) employees, whichever is greater.
o The building to be constructed would have 29,601 square feet of floor area
which would require 118 parking stalls
o Per the applicant’s narrative, the initial building would have a capacity of 155
workers which would require 58 parking stalls
o 118 stalls are the required minimum for the initial building
With the initial construction, 156 stalls are being provided which meets the
minimum requirement.
o The future building expansion would provide an additional 14,271 square feet
requiring an additional 57 parking stalls
o Per the applicant’s narrative, the fully built-out building would add the
capacity to house an additional 100 workers which in turn would require a
minimum of 50 additional parking stalls
o 57 additional stalls will be required if/when the building is expanded
Future expansion of the facility would also include the addition of 72 more
parking spaces which also meets the minimum requirements.
In total, 175 parking stalls must be provided, and 222 will ultimately be
constructed.
All parking stalls (except for accessible stalls) are proposed to be 9.5 feet wide and 18
feet long. Minimum standards per Eagle Point Business Park Development Standards
are 10’x20’ south of Hudson Boulevard unless “altered upon approval of the Zoning
Administrator.” Additionally, 20% of the stalls for an office development can be
compact car size (8’x16’).
The hotel/restaurant next door includes 9’x18’ spaces. Staff has no concerns about
the proposed 9.5’x18’ stalls.
The proposed parking and future parking expansion areas are conforming to minimum
parking setbacks (front, 20’; sides and rear, 10’; side street, 20’).
As encouraged by the City’s development standards, the entrance to the parking area
is off of a secondary street, landscape islands are included, and lot lighting is well
controlled on site.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 6
Signage: No new street signs will be required as no new roads are being constructed.
The applicant provided a color rendering of the site just before the Planning
Commission meeting that showed potential sign configurations and locations.
Because this was the first indication of signs on any plan set, staff made it clear to
the applicant and planning commission that NO signage would be authorized should
this application be approved. A future application will need to be submitted to
authorize all requested signage.
Businesses can have signage on the building and a monument sign at the property’s
entrance. Pylon signs must be approved on a case by case basis by the City.
Fire Hydrants: There is an existing hydrant on Eagle Point Drive to the south of the entrance to this
site, and a second hydrant to the southeast on the adjacent property.
Additional hydrants, if deemed necessary by the fire marshal, shall be added to the
final design at the applicant’s expense.
Streetlights: No streetlights are required as part of this development.
Lighting Plan: The lighting plan for the site shows that illumination at the boundaries of the
property will be within required standards.
Height of all lighting standards shall not exceed 30’.
Monuments: Because the plat will not be changing any lot lines, existing monumentation for Outlot
A will continue to be accurate following approval of the proposed plat.
ENVIRONMENTAL & OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS:
Environmental
Impacts:
Staff has not identified any need for an in-depth environmental analysis based on the
current proposal (i.e. EAW, EIS, AUAR, etc.)
Wetlands: The South Washington Watershed District convened a TEP panel in July of 2014 to
review the site, and they determined the small pond area was a result of an excavation
in 1999 for the purposes of stormwater drainage from the adjacent site.
No other wetlands or potential wetlands exist on the site.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 7
Shoreland
District:
This site is not within a designated shoreland district.
Erosion
Control:
Silt fencing and/or other erosion control BMPs as directed by the City Engineer
should be shown at the construction limits with the future building permit
application.
Traffic: The proposed project will not significantly increase traffic volumes in a manner not
anticipated by the original PUD approval. No traffic study is warranted
Flood Plain &
Steep Slopes:
According to the February 3, 2010 FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (27163C0335E),
the site is outside of the floodplain (Zone X).
There are no steep slope restrictions applicable to this property.
Landscaping: According to the Eagle Point Business Park development standards, the primary
landscaping materials required for this type of development shall be shade trees with
shrubs, hedges and other similar foliage used to complement trees. Berming and
landscaping must be approved within one year of City Council approval.
Additional code requirements: minimum of 6 trees per acre (1” caliper minimum),
and a minimum of two (2) trees per 100 linear feet of street frontage.
Based on 5.1 acres and 866 linear feet of street frontage, code requires at a minimum
31 trees on the site and 17 trees along the road.
The applicants have submitted a landscape plan that shows 50 trees being planted on
site and 19 trees along the road which complies with code and is in line with the
development standards encouragement to add additional landscaping and to do so
throughout the site.
Docks: Not applicable as the project does not include any lakeshore or deeded access to lakes.
Other Permits: All necessary permits shall be provided to the City prior to issuance of a building
permit.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 8
CHARGES, FEES, & RESPONSIBILITIES:
In General: As always, the applicant is responsible for all fees related to the review of this
application (including but not limited to planning, legal, engineering, wetland,
environmental consultants, or other such experts as required by this application).
It is recommended that a project agreement or DA be prepared for the project to ensure
escrows and reimbursement of all City fees.
Park
Dedication:
Approval of the Eagle Point Business Park included provisions which allocated
individual park dedications to each development site on a square footage basis. The
overall fee for the business park to be collected totaled $252,437, which led to an
allocation of $0.06 per square foot for individual sites within the park. Accordingly,
the required dedication would be as follows:
220,260 square feet * $0.06/sq ft = $13,215.60
Park dedication shall be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit for the proposed
office building.
Sewer
Charges:
Sanitary sewer service charges will consist of a $3,000 Sewer Availability Charge
(SAC) per REC unit plus $1,000 Sewer Connection Charge per REC unit. A Met
Council REC determination must be completed to verify the number of REC units
for the project.
Water
Charges:
Water service charges will consist of a $3,000 Water Availability Charge (WAC) per
REC unit plus $1,000 Water Connection Charge per REC unit. The number of REC
units will be as determined for SAC charges
After reviewing all criteria in code, staff believes the requested preliminary and final PUD plan/plat
should be approved with conditions. All outstanding details required by the Planning Commission
have been addressed in as much as necessary to support this recommendation.
Conclusion
The City Council is asked to examine the proposed Preliminary & Final PUD
Plan/Plat materials and make decision as to whether they meet all conditions of
approval outlined by city code. Keep in mind that an approval at this point finalizes
the subdivision—all desired/required changes must be addressed at this time.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 9
Council Options: The City Council has the following options:
A) APPROVE the requested Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat based on the
applicant's submission, the contents of this report, public testimony and other
evidence available to the Council.
B) DENY the requested Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat based on the
applicant's submission, the contents of this report, public testimony and other
evidence available to the Commission.
C) TABLE the request for further study.
Based on an application date of 6-29-15, the 60-day review period for this
application expires on 8-28-15. This deadline can be extended an additional 60
days if more time is needed.
Template
APPROVAL
Motion:
(Recommended)
“I move to approve the requested Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat based on
the following findings of fact:
a) The application is conforming to the standards and requirements for a PUD
within the Eagle Point Business Park;
b) The building design employs guidance from the City’s design standards
including building placement, open space, extra landscaping, controlled
parking lot lighting, high quality exterior materials and a cohesive
architectural style;
c) Engineering design standards are being met or can be met via condition; and
d) Review of the plan did not identify any environmental issues that cannot be
addressed through the proposed design.
Recommended
Conditions:
1. The City Engineer shall approval all final easements prior filing of the final plat
at Washington County.
2. The City Engineer shall work with the applicant to finalize all stormwater
management plans to bring them into compliance with all applicable state and
local regulations. If necessary, sub-surface BMPs shall be installed at the
applicant’s expense below the proposed parking areas so as not to change the
overall site design.
3. A sidewalk connecting this property to the neighboring hotel/restaurant site shall
be provided.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 10
(cont.) 4. As signage has not been reviewed as part of this application, a future application
for signage will be required.
5. Two (2) additional fire hydrants shall be added to the final design at the
applicant’s expense, and all easements for utilities as deemed necessary by the
City Engineer shall be provided on the final plat prior to filing of the plat at
Washington County.
6. Fire lanes, the FDC location and lockbox shall be added to the final plans in
accordance with direction from the fire chief prior to issuance of a building
permit.
7. Height of all lighting standards shall not exceed 30’.
8. Silt fencing and/or other erosion control BMPs as directed by the City Engineer
should be shown at the construction limits with the future building permit
application.
9. All necessary permits shall be provided to the City prior to issuance of a building
permit.
10. A park dedication payment in the amount of $13,215.60 shall be paid to the City
prior to the issuance of a building permit for the proposed office building.
11. Access charges for municipal services (as may be applicable) shall be paid prior
to the issuance of a building permit for the proposed office building.
12. All changes and modifications requested by the City Engineer in a memorandum
dated August 7, 2015, shall be incorporated into the construction plans before
they are approved for construction.
13. No construction work may commence on the project until Final Construction
Plans for grading, drainage, and erosion control, site plans, utility plans, and
storm water management plans have been updated and approved by the City
Engineer and a preconstruction meeting has been held.
14. Prior to obtaining a building permit, the applicant shall enter into an agreement
with the property to the west agreeing to take on that site’s stormwater as
identified by the proposed plans.
15. Final building plans shall provide additional roof articulation to bring the building
further into compliance with the City’s design standards.
Preliminary & Final PUD Plan/Plat Review
Auto Owners Insurance
City Council Report; 8-18-15
Page 11
Template
DENIAL
Motion:
(Not Recommended)
“I move to recommend denial of the requested Preliminary & Final PUD
Plan/Plat based on the following findings of fact:
(Please list your findings of fact as to why the application is not in compliance
with zoning or subdivision regulations)
PAGE 1 of 2
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 7, 2015
To: Ben Gozola, Senior Planner, Sambatek Re: Auto Owners Insurance Building
Cc: Kyle Klatt, Planning Director Plan Review
From: Jack Griffin, P.E., City Engineer
A Site Plan engineering review has been completed for the Auto Owners Insurance Building. The submittal
consisted of the following documentation prepared by BKBM Engineers dated July 10, 2015:
Preliminary Plat.
Final Plat.
Grading, Drainage and Erosion Control Plans.
Utility and Paving Plans including Civil Details.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
Landscape Plans.
Engineering review comments are as follows:
General Comments:
1. Engineering has not reviewed the proposed lighting plan (privately owned), landscape plan (privately
owned), or building plans (privately owned).
2. City of Lake Elmo standards and specifications. Plan notes direct the contractor to follow all City of Lake
Elmo standards and specifications. It is the applicant’s (or applicant’s engineering representative)
responsibility to provide the contractor all applicable City of Lake Elmo standards and specifications for
the project prior to the start of construction by incorporating them into the construction plans and
specifications.
3. Fire Protection. Site Plans must be updated to include the placement of Fire Lanes, Yellow painted curbing
and No Parking areas for fire protection purposes.
4. The project proposes two driveway accesses located off Eagle Point Circle consistent with the overall
development plan. The driveways have been also been located and configured consistent with City staff
recommendations.
5. Limits of bituminous patches to be as directed by the City. Curb cuts and utility cuts to the existing
pavement of Eagle Point Circle are required in several locations for the project. Street restoration is
required per City of Lake Elmo standards, including all bituminous patching performed to the centerline of
drive lanes. All patches must be large enough to permit compaction using standard street construction
compaction equipment.
Stormwater Management:
1. Private Storm Sewer System onsite. The Storm Water Management Plan proposes to construct a privately
owned and maintained storm sewer system on site to collect and control storm water runoff from
approximately 3 acres of new impervious surface and to pass storm water runoff from the hotel/restaurant
to the west, across the Auto Owners property. Storm sewer should be minimum 15‐inch diameter.
FOCUS ENGINEERING, inc.
Cara Geheren, P.E. 651.300.4261
Jack Griffin, P.E. 651.300.4264
Ryan Stempski, P.E. 651.300.4267
Chad Isakson, P.E. 651.300.4285
PAGE 2 of 2
2. Connection to Public Storm Sewer. The proposed private storm sewer system connects to existing public
storm sewer systems in 3 locations in Eagle Point Circle, all leading to and discharging to a regional pond
facility constructed in year 2000 as part of the Eagle Point Business Park development. The storm sewer
runs within public R/W must be RCP pipe (from ex. CB#1).
3. Regional Pond. The existing regional pond facility is east of the Rasmussen building and has sufficient
capacity to serve the Auto Owners Insurance property.
4. SWWD Permit. The Storm Water Management Plan has been reviewed and approved by the SWWD. The
review determined that the existing regional basin constructed in year 2000 for the business park
development provides the necessary capacity for storm water rate and water quality requirements to
meet SWWD rules.
5. MPCA Stormwater Construction Permit. The applicant is required to apply for and receive a Stormwater
Construction Permit from the MPCA once a contractor has been obtained for the project. MPCA permit
requirements include a provision that requires on‐site infiltration of 1‐inch of rainfall over all new
impervious surfaces (17,279 cubic feet). The applicant believes the discharge to the regional pond facility
will provide the infiltration needed to meet this requirement.
6. MPCA Permit Contingency. The applicant has indicated to the City that if the MPCA review determines that
the regional pond facility does not conform to MPCA rules, the applicant will construct underground
infiltration systems that will not alter the proposed site plan.
7. The plan approvals must be contingent upon the applicant submitting detailed storm sewer calculations for
the proposed private storm sewer system as well as the existing public storm sewer system, demonstrating
sufficient capacity throughout the proposed storm sewer and meeting all current City Engineering Design
Standards.
8. The plan approvals must be contingent upon the applicant submitting detailed plans showing the existing
regional pond facility, existing conditions. A City review of the facility must be completed to determine any
improvements/repairs to the basin needed to accommodate the project.
9. The proposed storm water facilities will receive storm water from a privately owned and maintained storm
sewer system that will not be constructed to City engineering design standards. It is therefore
recommended that the storm water facilities be privately owned and maintained. A maintenance
agreement in a form acceptable to the City should be executed and recorded with the County for all
permanent storm water facilities to be located on private property. The agreement shall provide a
maintenance plan defining the maintenance responsibilities for the private owner, the type of
maintenance and the maintenance intervals.
Grading, Drainage & Erosion Control Plan:
1. City Standard Plan Notes for Grading and Erosion Control must be included on the Grading & Erosion
Control Plans.
2. Minor grading revisions are needed to maintain maximum slopes of 4:1 within public R/W (Hudson
Boulevard).
Utility Plans:
1. Connection to existing sanitary sewer stub. The project proposes to connect to the existing sanitary sewer
stub located in Eagle Point Circle.
2. Connection to existing watermain stub. The project proposes to connect to an existing 8‐inch watermain
located in Eagle Point Circle and extend a 6‐inch watermain service to the building.
3. Fire Hydrant locations. No fire hydrants are proposed in the project, however one fire hydrant exists within
65 feet of the proposed building. The hydrant system plan must be reviewed by the Fire Chief. Comments
will be forwarded if plan changes are deemed necessary.
19City of Lake eLmo - Design guiDeLines & stanDarDs
Business Park Development4
The intent of this zoning district is to provide oppor-
tunities for high quality business park development
for office, light manufacturing, and other non-retail
uses. In terms of design, this manual establishes
consistent architectural standards between vari-
ous users in the BP district. These architectural
standards are intended to promote a coordinated
identity and avoid mismatched design. In addition,
the manual ensures the installation of open-space
character within business park development
through effective site design and landscaping.
A. Site Design
Building Placement
Goal: To establish standards for building location
that ensure effective automobile and pedestrian
circulation and promote coordination of buildings
between adjacent sites and structures.
a. Buildings must be setback at least 50 feet
from the public right of way.
b. Buildings should be located in a manner that
allows for effective automobile and pedestrian
circulation.
c. Shared access points from the public ROW are
encouraged. Vehicular access points should be
limited to minimize traffic disruption.
d. The orientation of buildings should be compat-
ible with adjacent structures and sites.
e. Utilizing the natural topography or features of
the site is encouraged to create unique land-
scapes and add visual interest and value to the
design.
f. The provision of common and open spaces to
the rear of the site is encouraged for the use
of employees and visitors, reinforcing Lake El-
mo’s open-space character.
Streetscape
Goal: To provide high quality landscaping in areas
visible from the public view, as well as promote pe-
destrian connections in the BP district.
a. Street trees shall be installed at regular inter-
vals along the public right of way. Species of
street trees should be selected according to
root zone and salt tolerance.
b. Additional landscaping along public streets is
encouraged. Landscape materials should be low-
maintenance and native to ensure heartiness.
c. Sidewalks along the public right of way are
encouraged to extend pedestrian connections
throughout the BP district.
d. Utilizing site amenities as guided by Lake Elmo
Theming Study is encouraged.
Applicable Zoning Districts:
• Business Park/Light Manufacturing (BP)
Utilizing natural topography within business park develop-
ment adds aesthetic value and reinforces Lake Elmo’s open
space character.
Street trees provide an attractive streetscape, as well as help
screen and provide shade within parking areas.
20 City of Lake eLmo - Design guiDeLines & stanDarDs
busIness park developmenT
Landscaping
Goal: To reduce continuous hardscape and imper-
vious surface, as well as ensure development of a
high visual quality.
a. Trees, plant beds, and potted plants should
be installed in parking, sidewalk, and other
hard surfaced areas to add visual interest and
break up continuous impervious surface.
b. Parking, service, storage and utility areas
should be buffered by plantings, particularly
when in view of public streets. Near areas of
pedestrian circulation, these plantings shall
not exceed 4 feet in height for safety purposes.
c. Hardy and native plant materials that are re-
sistant to the climate, disease and salt are en-
couraged.
d. Making use of similar plant materials as adja-
cent properties and public spaces is encour-
aged to create continuity.
e. Mature trees located on building sites should
be retained whenever possible.
f. Bare soils should be planted or mulched with
bark, stone or other suitable material to avoid
unnecessary runoff.
Parking
Goal: To adequately serve the parking needs of
businesses in the BP district, while ensuring pe-
destrian safety, reduced impervious surface, and
a high quality visual aesthetic and appearance.
a. The linear measurement of surface parking
areas parallel to the public street are encour-
aged not to exceed more than 75% of primary
street frontages. Sites or projects that are un-
able to meet this guideline are encouraged to
install berms and/or additional landscaping to
buffer areas of surface parking adjacent to the
primary street frontage.
b. The entrance to parking facilities should be lo-
cated on secondary streets when possible.
c. Shared parking facilities between adjacent
uses or businesses are strongly encouraged
when possible to avoid excessive amounts of
parking.
d. Structure parking is encouraged, and should
be located behind or beneath primary build-
ings when possible.
e. Structure parking or parking areas located be-
neath the primary structure should be screened
with architectural elements that match the pri-
mary building.
f. Parking areas should be screened from view
of public streets by means of grading and/or
landscaping.
g. Parking areas should be screened from ad-
jacent structures with landscaping strips not
exceeding 4 feet in height in order to ensure
pedestrian safety.
h. Landscaped islands should be installed within
surface parking areas to break up continuous
hardscape and reduce concentration of imper-
vious surface.
i. Lighting must be provided in parking areas
at night for safety purposes. However, direct
glare, spillover or other forms of light pollution
directed at adjacent properties are prohibited.
j. Parking facilities must be ADA compliant when
deemed necessary.
Delivery, Service, Storage and Utility Areas
Goal: To provide physical and visual separation of
delivery, service, storage and utility areas from the
public right of way and areas of automobile and
pedestrian circulation.
a. Delivery, service, storage, maintenance or trash
collection areas should be located out of the
view from the public right of way, or significantly
Landscape islands greatly improve that character of surface
parking lots.
21City of Lake eLmo - Design guiDeLines & stanDarDs
busIness park developmenT
screened through landscaping or architectural
features that match the primary structure.
b. Service, storage and trash collection areas are
not allowed in the setback areas.
c. The location of delivery, storage and service ar-
eas should be clearly marked with signage and
should not interfere with other automobile or
pedestrian circulation.
d. Storage and delivery areas should be hard sur-
face, minimizing the dispersal of dust.
B. Building Design
Form and Facade
Goal: To promote buildings of high architectural
quality and creativity in design.
a. Blank facades without windows and doors are
discouraged. All sides of the structures shall
have architectural treatments.
b. Window and door styles should reflect the pre-
vailing architectural style of the structure.
c. Variety and creativity in building facade is en-
couraged through changes in building materi-
als, fenestration height, and roof lines. Primary
facades should not present a continuous wall
without architectural details that add visual in-
terest.
d. Minimizing continuous expanses of wall
through facade articulation, recession or pro-
jection is encouraged.
e. Architects and builders are encouraged to incor-
porate topographical features into the form of
the structure when possible, utilizing natural
grades to create unique design.
Building Materials
Goal: To promote quality development through du-
rability and visual aesthetics, thereby supporting
district identity.
a. High-quality and durable materials should be
used in street facing facades.
b. Primary building materials for structures in the
BP district should include brick, stone, cast
stone, quality metals, glass, Exterior Insulation
Finish Systems (EFIS), or pre-cast concrete
panels with exposed aggregate, banding, tex-
turing or other similar decorative finish treat-
ment.
c. High quality synthetic materials that adequate-
ly duplicate natural materials may be accept-
able if approved by the City, including, but not
limited to, thin brick, hardi plank, decorative
concrete masonry, and other materials.
d. The following building materials are not al-
lowed to be used as primary finished facade
material for business park development:
• Unpainted galvanized metal
• hed “green-treated” lumber
• Unfinished wood
• Plain or unpainted concrete
Garbage collection areas should be located to the rear of the
site and screened using materials that match the principal
structure.
Corner treatments to larger structures add visual interest
and break up monotonous design.
Long expanses of wall can be broken up using windows and
other treatments.
22 City of Lake eLmo - Design guiDeLines & stanDarDs
busIness park developmenT
• Painted concrete block may be used on
the rear of the building or sides not visible
from the public right of way.
g. Facade colors should reflect subtle earth
tones. However, other primary facade colors
will be considered by the Review Authority. Ac-
cent materials shall complement the colors of
the primary facade.
Scale and Mass
Goal: To reduce the appearance of mass in the BP
district.
a. Scale should be reduced by utilizing “step-
down” methods, particularly near areas of pe-
destrian circulation. Entries and other bump
out features are effective in this regard.
b. Structures of two-stories or higher should uti-
lize facade treatments, such as multiple build-
ing materials or additional windows, to mini-
mize the appearance of mass.
Roof Design
Goal: To ensure architectural consideration and
consistency in roof design in relation to the archi-
tecture of the building, and to reduce the visual
impact of rooftop equipment.
a. The design of the roof must be consistent with
the overall architecture or design of the struc-
ture.
b. Parapets of varying heights are required for
buildings in the BP district with flat roofs.
c. Rooftop equipment, particularly on flat roofs,
must be screened by the parapet or other ar-
chitectural features.
Entries
Goal: To provide identifiable entryways that em-
phasize access, pedestrian safety, architectural
quality and a human scale.
a. Entryways to buildings in the BP district should
be accessible for pedestrians from the public
right of way.
b. Architectural features should be incorporated
into entryways, such as facade detailing or
prominent windows.
c. The use of canopies, awnings and other shel-
tering features are encouraged.
d. Pedestrian amenities such as ornamental
Parapets of varying height provide additional architectural detail that add aesthetic value.
High quality building materials are required for street-facing
facades.
23City of Lake eLmo - Design guiDeLines & stanDarDs
busIness park developmenT
trash receptacles, benches or lighted bollards
are encouraged near entryways to buildings in
the BP district.
Lighting
Goal: To ensure safety of patrons, employees, pe-
destrians and automobiles, as well as providing
visual interest and aesthetic value to a site, while
limiting light pollution of the night sky to the best
extent possible.
a. Lighting must be provided in entryways, park-
ing areas, pedestrian ways, storage and ser-
vice areas, and other locations that require ad-
ditional safety lighting.
b. Lighting height shall be consistent with City’s
exterior lighting standards.
c. Lighting styles should be complementary to
the architectural style of the building.
d. Lighting of architectural features should be
used to provide accent and interest, as well
as identify the building entryway. Architectural
lighting must be downcast and shielded to pre-
vent light pollution.
e. Bollard lighting is encouraged for pedestrian
areas.
f. Overhead lighting must be shielded to prevent
light trespass and spill-over onto adjacent
properties.
g. Buildings near residential zones must utilize
lighting that minimizes light trespass.
h. Bare bulb and exposed neon lighting are not
allowed.
Signage
Goal: To provide signage that clearly identifies
businesses within the BP district, while promoting
quality and consistency in terms of design and ma-
terials.
a. Building signage shall be complementary to
the architecture of the structure, as well as
consistent with the style of the surrounding
buildings or district as a whole.
b. Sign elements that will be evaluated for consis-
tency include scale, color, lighting and materi-
als.
c. Signs must be constructed of high quality, du-
rable materials.
d. Directional signage to delivery, service and
storage areas is required.
e. Two and three-dimensional signs are encour-
aged to promote creativity and district identity.
f. All buildings are encouraged to incorporate el-
ements of community theming in appropriate
signage, supporting district and city identity.
Canopies and changes in building materials help accentuate
entryways.
Two and three-dimensional signage provides creativity and
visual interest.
Lake Elmo City Hall 651-747-3900 3800 Laverne Avenue North Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Development Standards for Eagle Point Business Park 300.12 subd. (1)(B) and 300.12(2). No Business Park structure shall exceed 60’ in height. Parapet walls shall not exceed more than 4’ above the height permitted of the building. 300.13 subd (6)(A)(3) Parking spaces shall be 9’ X 18’ at the developments north of Hudson Blvd and 10’ X 20’ South of Hudson Blvd, with the exception of the hotel and restaurant which needs to be 9’ X 18’ spacing. Parking spaces for the handicapped shall be minimum of 12’ X 20’. 20% of the spaces in an office development can be compact car size 8’ X 16”. The size of parking space may be altered upon approval of Zoning Administrator. 300.13 subd. (6)(B)(6)(D) The primary landscaping materials shall be shade trees with shrubs, hedges, etc., used only to complement trees, not as the sole means of landscaping. Landscaping and irrigation will be done on a project by project basis. If landscaping within the NSP easement is disturbed, it needs to be replaced by NSP, or the property owner. Berming and landscaping must be approved within one year of City Council approval. Permitted Uses: Banks, medical clinics, offices, schools (business, professional and private trade), office showrooms. Conditional Uses: Business services, conference centers, health clubs, hotels and motels, day care centers, limited retail, medical, dental and research labs, recording studios, restaurants and cafeterias, theaters, teleconferencing transmission facilities, veterinary clinics, and hotel. Minimum Lot Area: 2.0 acres. Lots less than 2.0 acres might be approved on a project by project basis through a conditional use permit. Minimum Lot Frontage: 200’ with the exception of 50’ pm a cul-de-sac. Lot Width/Depth Ratio: 1/3.5 Minimum Building Setbacks: 50’ for the front and street frontage, and 10’ for side and rear frontage. When abutting residential uses, the current ordinance requirement will apply. Minimum Parking Setbacks: Front: 20’, Side: 10’, Side(street): 20’, Rear: 10’ Minimum Building Foundation Size: 10,000 s.f.
Parking Ratio: One space for each 250 s.f. of office building area or one space per two employees, whichever is greater. One space per 2,000 s.f of storage, warehouse and 1 space per 1,000 s.f. of showroom. Pathways: 8’ wide pathways as part of the City’s trail system and the City will maintain. Storm Water Control: Storm water management requirements should be averaged over the PUD area as a whole. The tributary setback will be 30’ from the tributary setback, and the parking setback will be 10’ from the tributary setback. Lighting Height: 30’ maximum Sign Height: Businesses can have signage on the building and a monument sign at the property’s entrance, and that a pylon sign must be approved on a case by case basis by the City. Pond Maintenance: Recommend the creation of a District to take care of pond maintenance.