07-07-1999 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission July 7, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 3 The applicant was present. Planning Associate Ericson gave the staff report as follows: The applicant, Thrifty Car Rental, is seeking a conditional use permit to operate an auto rental business at the property most recently utilized by Spots Quik Lube. The applicant anticipates that there would be no more than ten cars on the premises at any time, whether they are for rent or sale. The applicant indicates that the proposed hours of business would be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The business would not operate on Sundays. Other than repainting the building and installing signage, there are no plans to alter the building or make any improvements to the landscaping. Ericson stated that the primary function of the proposed business is the renting of automobiles, with an accessory use of sale of said rental vehicles. He stated that the City has a two-acre lot size requirement for the purpose of sales and that this lot does not meet that requirement. Because of the restrictions placed upon auto sales operations, the extent of Thrifty's auto sales may not exceed 30 percent of the building's gross floor area, which would translate into three vehicles. This would imply • that if there were 30 cars on the lot, 10 could be for sale. Ericson reviewed the conditions placed upon rental businesses, as stated in Section 1114.04, Subdivision 5 of the City Code, and commented on their relationship with the proposed use. He stated that the first condition requiring that an accessory use be limited to thirty percent of the gross floor area of the principal use would apply to the sales aspect of this business. He stated that after calculating the floor area of the building, staff determined the amount of space that could be put towards the sale of vehicles would allow no more than three vehicles to be for sale at any one time. Ericson noted the requirement that outside sales areas be fenced or screened from view. He stated that, with the exception of the residential property across the street, all of the abutting residential properties are effectively screened. He stated that there was no effective way of screening the properties across the street, but that the building itself provides a screen, as well as the six-foot wood privacy fence, to the properties around the rear and sides of the building. Ericson stated that the third condition requires that all lighting be hooded and directed so as not to shine on neighboring properties. He stated this criteria had been addressed by the previous owner, and that the lighting does meet this requirement. Ericson stated that the fifth criteria provides the requirement that "open or outdoor service, sale or rental use does not take up parking space as required for conformity of this Title." He stated that, according to staffs interpretation of the Code, this type of use would require four parking spaces for on-site workers and customers. He explained that this condition does not apply to the rental vehicles parked on the lot. It does, however, require that a minimum of four parking spaces be marked and designated for employees and customers.