Minutes - 2010/05/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council May 24, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 5 • She wants the City to make this change so she may open a thrift store in the vacant space at 2408 County Road I. After reviewing the B-1 zoning code, City staff informed this potential new business owner, along with the building owner, that the existing B-1 zoning code does not allow thrift stores. In fact, there are now only five permitted uses in the B-1 zoning district: barbershops, beauty parlors, convenience grocery stores (not supermarket type), self-service laundromats and essential services (utility or government uses). The City may allow a daycare center in the B-1 district with the approval of a conditional use permit. City staff spoke to the thrift storeowner about this situation, and she has now applied to the City for a zoning code text amendment for the B-1 zoning district. Based upon the discussion of the Planning Commission on April 21, 2010, staff drafted a resolution that recommends an amendment to the Zoning Code that adds more pernutted uses to the B-1 district. The Planning Commission unanimously approved Resolution 924-10 on May 5, 2010, recommending the addition of thrift store along with other permitted uses to the B-1 zoning district. Some concern was voiced about oversized on-site donations, but Staff felt any dumping or unwanted items would be handled through Code enforcement. Staff recommends Council consider adding the additional permitted uses to the B-1 Zoning District. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. • Dawn Huffman, the applicant, introduced herself to the Council stating she hoped to open a store in the City with more affordable clothing and household goods, selling both new and used goods. Helen Houle, 7643 Edgewood Drive, was very curious as to the renovations at the site. She supported the new use and questioned how drop-offs would be handled. Ms. Huffman indicated she would like to have a drop-off box on the side or front of her building. This issue would be further discussed with staff in addition to a potential privacy fence. Hearing no additional public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at $:28 p.m. Council Member Mueller asked the difference between a thrift store and a pawn shop. Planning Associate Heller explained a pawn shop would not be allowed in the B-1 zoning district. Specific sites were chosen for a pawn shops tY�rough an overlay district. A pawn shop allowed for people to sell items to the store which would then be resold. A thrift store has donated items that would then be resold. Council Member Mueller questioned if the building had adequate parking. Planning Associate Heller explained this was not a concern due to the size of the building. She expected that many customers would walk to this location. Council Member Mueller asked if the applicant had owned a thrift store before and if she • anticipated hiring any full or part-time staff. Ms. Huffman explained she had not owned a thrift store before and would be looking to hire part-time staff in the future.