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Mounds View Planning Commission July 1, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Cases A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 1120-20, Variance to Reduce Setbacks for a Parking Lot at 4749 Old Highway 8 Community Development Director Sevald stated currently the building at 4749 Old Highway 8 has two tenants; Ace Supply (front) and Minvalco (rear). The property has parking on the north, west, and south sides of the building. The north parking lot is nearest to the businesses’ entrances, and used by customers, employees, and semi-trucks. The applicant proposes to add a customer parking lot within the front yard, requiring a Variance to reduce the front yard setback, from 40’ to 0’ (the building has a 37’ front yard setback). The new parking lot would be nearest to the front (main) entrance. Community Development Director Sevald explained the majority of customers use the north side-entrance, which is not ADA accessible. Ace Supply applied for the same Variance in 2005, which was denied by the Planning Commission (Resolution 793-05), then appealed, and denied by the City Council (Resolution 6544). The reasoning was that the request did not demonstrate a sufficient hardship to warrant approval of the Variance. In 2011, Minnesota Statutes were amended, replacing the term “undue hardship” with “practical difficulty”. The intent when approving a Variance is to answer “yes” to the following questions; (1) is the Variance reasonable; (2) do unique circumstances exist; and (3) would the Variance alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The 2011 amendment made it easier to support a Variance, but the intent is that Variances are only supported if the three questions can be answered in the affirmative. Staff commented further on the Variance request, requesting the Planning Commission hold a public hearing. Tim Hasselbring, Ace Supply, discussed the current parking situation on his property. He explained the requested parking would allow for parking at the front of the building, along with handicap parking. He indicated during the winter months he loses the already limited parking for snow storage. He commented further on the Variance and requested the Commission approve the variance. Bruce Hasselbring, Ace Supply, stated the building was recently remodeled to create additional training space which meant there was a need for more parking. Commissioner Monn asked what improvements would be made to the site given the fact more parking would be added. Bruce Hasselbring reported he was thinking about adding more trees and shrubs. He noted the landscaping would have irrigation in order to keep it healthy and alive. Mr. Hasselbring discussed the location of his building and commented on the buildings color scheme. He noted an irrigation system was in place and would be made operational. Commissioner Monn questioned if the site could have additional greenspace between the roadway and the parking lot. Community Development Director Sevald explained the available greenspace.