HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-07-2010
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
April 7, 2010 -- 7:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes:
A. January 6, 2010
4. Citizens Requests and Comments Relating to Planning and Zoning Issues
Not Already on the Agenda. (Before speaking, please give your full name and address
for the minutes.)
5. Planning Cases
A. IU2010-001 Consideration of an Interim Use Permit for the temporary tent
at The Mermaid
Applicant: Dan Hall, owner
Address: 2200 County Highway 10, Mounds View
6. Other Planning Activity
A. None
7. Next Planning Commission Meetings:
A. April 21, 2010
B. May 5, 2010
8. Adjourn to Agenda Session
AGENDA SESSION
1. Review Minutes:
a. March 17, 2010
2. Staff Reports
a. Upcoming Planning Cases
3. Chairperson and Planning Commissioners’ Reports
4. Meeting Conclusion
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
March 17, 2010
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevenson at 7:00 p.m. March 17, 2010.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Commissioners Cramblit, Miller, Rundle, Schiltgen, Smith and Stevenson.
Absent and Excused: Commissioner Meehlhause.
Also Present: Planning Associate Heidi Heller and Community Development Director
Roberts.
______________________________________________________________________________
Index to Minutes Page
Concept Plan Review for Coventry Senior Living Development 2
2320-2340 Highway 10 and 5260 O’Connell Drive by Select Companies
Review Planning Commission Bylaws 3
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3. Approval of Minutes
December 16, 2009
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Cramblit/Commissioner Rundle. To approve the minutes
of the December 16, 2009 regular Planning Commission meeting as slightly amended.
Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
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Mounds View Planning Commission March 17, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 2
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4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda
None.
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Planning Cases
A. Concept Plan Review for Coventry Senior Living development located at
2320-2340 Highway 10 and 5260 O’Connell Drive, by Select Companies
Planning Associate Heller stated Select Companies represented by Greg Johnson, has submitted
a concept site plan for Coventry Senior Living. This is a 95 unit senior housing development on
three lots on the south side of County Highway 10, just south of County Road H2. The building
is projected to have 19 independent living units, 45 assisted living units, 16 memory care units
and 16 high acuity living units. If Select Companies were to move forward with an application
for this site, there would be three planning actions: rezoning of three properties from B-3 and R-
1 to a PUD; a major subdivision to combine three lots into one parcel; and development review
of the site plan and building design. Associate Heller stated in the Comprehensive Plan, this area
is designated as Mixed-Use PUD. She indicated the Commission would not be taking any action
on this item tonight but asks that the Commission review the site plan.
Planning Associate Heller stated the proposed site exceeds the requirements for parking and
setbacks. The building design is a three-story building with an underground garage. She
indicated there is no wetland in this development area and the applicant would be subject to a
park dedication fee based on the Ramsey County tax assessed value of the land, along with a
Highway 10 Trail Fee. She added the developer is hosting a neighborhood meeting tomorrow
night at 5:00 pm.
Commission Cramblit asked about access from Highway 10.
Planning Associate Heller stated as proposed, there would not be any access from Highway 10.
She added that City Staff had suggested keeping one access from Highway 10, possibly for
delivery trucks.
Commissioner Miller asked about the 16 high-acuity living units, and what those were.
Peter Jesh, One Companies, indicated the 16 high-acuity living units are for individuals that need
24 hour nursing care. He stated the decision to offer this type of unit has not been finalized yet.
If they decide not to offer this type of housing, those 16 units would be additional assisted living
units instead. He stated the company, Ebenezer, would be the management company for the
facility. Ebenezer is part of Fairview Health Systems.
Commissioner Cramblit asked Mr. Harstad if he owns all of the properties.
Mounds View Planning Commission March 17, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 3
____________________________________________________________________________
Glen Harstad, the Carwash Company at 2340 Highway 10, indicated he only owns the car wash
site. He stated that the new building would shield the neighborhood from Highway 10 and the
noise. He added he is very proud to be part of this project.
Planning Associate Heller stated the other two parcels are owned by a private person who
intended to build an office building for his own company here. That never happened and the
properties have been for sale for several years.
Chair Stevenson questioned the City-owned corner lot and its salability if this housing
development is located in the middle of the larger redevelopment area.
Planning Associate Heller stated indicate the city’s lot is a small odd shaped parcel that does not
connect well to the senior living properties. Any development on the city’s lot would make more
sense if at least the adjacent Taiko Japanese Restaurant site was also included. This would create
a larger and better shaped parcel to build on. The proposed senior housing development would
probably not hurt future development on the city’s lot.
Chair Stevenson asked what will happen with the development site on Groveland.
Planning Associate Heller stated the City Council recently re-approved the Groveland site again
and Select Companies is still looking for financing. Select Companies has indicated that
whichever of the sites can get financing is where they would build the project. City staff
assumes that the purchase agreement between Select Companies and the two owners of the
Groveland site has probably expired, and the lots remain for sale.
Chair Stevenson stated this site will look better with the new development.
Commissioner Smith asked about landscaping on the site.
Planning Associate Heller stated there will be quite a bit of landscaping. Staff suggested
reducing the parking lot drive aisle in order to have more open space between the parking lot and
the street for landscaping. She added if any of the Commission wants to look at the Select
Senior Living facility in Coon Rapids, it is off Highway 10 and Hanson, and then go south on
Hanson about a half mile. This facility has a similar setting with the access through a
neighborhood.
Community Development Director Roberts asked the Planning Commission if there were any
items they would want cleared up before the developer comes back.
Chair Stevenson stated the access points into the site should be more decided on.
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Other Planning Activity
Mounds View Planning Commission March 17, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 4
____________________________________________________________________________
A. Review Bylaws
Planning Associate Heller stated the Planning Commission Bylaws state that they should be
reviewed on an annual basis at the first regular meeting in February. Because the Commission
has not met recently, this is the first chance to review them. She added that staff is not proposing
any changes to the current bylaws.
MOTION/SECOND: Chair Stevenson/Commissioner Cramblit. To approve the Planning
Commission bylaws as presented.
Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Community Development Director Roberts explained the City of Mounds View Code of
Conduct and Statement of Values and City Administrator’s staff report that was included in the
Planning Commission packets. The League of Minnesota Cities formed a committee to work on
drafting a written policy for code of conduct and values for municipalities. The Mounds View
City Council adopted these policies on March 8, 2010 for all public officials, commissions,
committees and city staff. He stated most of these policies are common sense and already
adhered to, but are now in writing and officially adopted for the City of Mounds View.
______________________________________________________________________________
7. Next Planning Commission Meeting:
B. April 7, 2010
C. April 21, 2010
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8. Adjournment to Agenda Session
There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the
meeting at 7:55 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________________
(The meeting immediately adjourned to the Agenda Session)
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Roberts
Community Development Director
Transcribed by:
Barbara Suciu
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Item No: 5A
Meeting Date: April 7, 2010
Type of Business: Action
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Mounds View Planning Commission
From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate
Item Title/Subject: Consideration of an Interim Use Permit for a
Temporary Outdoor Membrane Structure
Introduction:
In 2003, after completion of the AmericInn Hotel construction and renovation of the existing
facility, the Mermaid erected a temporary outdoor membrane structure for banquets,
receptions and other events. At the time they first installed the tent, there was no zoning
regulations to address such a structure, and is typically the case in Zoning Codes, the
absence of an allowance constitutes a disallowance. In 2004, the City adopted new
provisions for temporary tent structures in business zoned districts, and created an Interim
Use Permit (IUP). The City approved a 5-year Interim Use Permit for the Mermaid’s tent in
March 2005. Since that IUP has expired, the Mermaid has applied to the City for a new IUP
in order to continue using the tent.
Discussion:
The process for reviewing and approving an interim use permit for a temporary outdoor
membrane structure is the same as the process for a conditional use permit. That process
includes staff scheduling a public hearing and sending notices to property owners within 350
feet of the subject parcel.
The specific requirements of the approval process (from the City Code) are:
1. The tent or membrane structure shall comply with all provisions of the Fire Code and
receive an annual fire permit issued by the Fire Marshal.
An annual fire permit is required for this temporary structure. At the time of fire permit
application, the fire marshal will review the application and tent material information, and
conduct an inspection post erection.
2. The property owner shall annually apply for a Zoning Permit, the duration of which cannot
exceed 180 days.
The temporary tent can only be erected for a maximum of 180 days per year as stated in
the International Building Code. The City and the State consider a structure in use for
longer than 180 days a permanent building that would need to meet all building and fire
codes.
3. Adequate parking to accommodate the occupancy shall be provided at a ratio of one
parking space per 40 square feet of tent area. (The City Council may waive the parking
requirement if it can be shown that the site has sufficient existing parking capacity.)
Mermaid IUP Report
April 7, 2010
Page 2
The Mermaid’s overall parking demands are satisfied with the available parking and thus
the City does not need to require any additional parking this time.
4. The structure may not be located in or on a parking lot displacing parking stalls, unless it
can be shown that an adequate amount of parking remains.
The tent is and has been located in a courtyard area that is separate from the parking lot.
The Mermaid’s tent structure is anchored to a concrete pad so the placement is exactly
the same every year and does not violate any setbacks.
5. The tent or membrane structure shall be subject to same building setbacks as the
principal building on the lot. No tent or membrane structure shall be allowed instead of or
without a principal building.
The tent does not encroach into any required setback area.
6. The tent or membrane structure shall be limited in size to 5,000 square feet or 10 percent
of the principal buildings’ square footage, whichever is less.
The tent is 4,200 square feet and is much less than ten percent of the Mermaid floor area.
7. The membrane or cover shall be constructed of a durable reinforced material to withstand
wind and snowloads.
There have been no problems with the tent’s reinforced membrane cover to date. The
membrane is removed during winter months.
8. The structure shall be anchored to the ground.
The tent structure is anchored to the ground as required.
9. The tent or membrane structure shall be maintained in a good condition. Deficiencies
shall be corrected as soon as practicable.
This condition is included in the resolution recommending approval.
10. The IUP can be reviewed at any time by the City if problems arise which would
necessitate revision or termination of the IUP.
This condition is included in the resolution.
11. The IUP would become null and void if the property owner fails to comply with the
provisions of the permit or if the structure is removed for more than a one-year period, or
if the property undergoes a change of ownership.
Again, staff has included this condition in the resolution.
Mermaid IUP Report
April 7, 2010
Page 3
Chapter 1125 Considerations:
Ordinance 735 indicates that a tent IUP application be reviewed similarly to a conditional use
permit as articulated in Chapter 1125 of the Zoning Code. The chapter requires that the
Planning Commission review and address any potential adverse effects which include, but
are not limited to, relationship with the Comprehensive Plan, geographical area involved,
potential depreciation, the character of the surrounding area and the demonstrated need for
such a use. Each of these potential adverse effects is listed below along with responses.
Relationship with the Comprehensive Plan. Having an outdoor temporary membrane
structure at the Mermaid would not be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, which
guides this parcel as regional commercial planned unit development.
The Geographical Area Involved. The applicant’s property is part of a nine-acre site with a
variety of land uses. The general topography of the site is gently sloping to the south with little
variation. The stormwater from the site is routed to a regional stormwater pond west of the
Mermaid on the north side of County Road H.
Depreciation. Staff is not aware of any property depreciation because of the tent’s
existence.
The Character of the Surrounding Area. The site is prominently located at the corner of
County Road 10 and County Road H. The tent, however, is located within a courtyard area
and is screened from all sides but the front by the Mermaid and AmericInn buildings. All of the
uses in the general area are commercial or retail with the exception of the Rice Creek Corridor
and County open space to the south.
The Demonstrated Need for Such a Use. The applicant has indicated there is a need for the
tent because he is better able to serve his clientele and attract different types of events by
having the tent available for rental. The tent has been successful for the Mermaid for over five
years.
Summary:
The Mermaid has installed the tent in previous years without any issue from a zoning
perspective while satisfying all of the ordinance and code requirements. Since this is the
second application for the tent, City staff believes that the City could approve the request for an
indefinite time period so long as the owner and operator satisfy all the annual conditions.
Given the positive history to this point and the fact that the resolution contains a provision that
allows for City review of the IUP at any point, staff is comfortable in recommending an open-
ended approval.
Recommendation:
Review the request for the Interim Use Permit to allow an outdoor temporary membrane
structure in the courtyard area at the Mermaid Entertainment and Event Center.
Mermaid IUP Report
April 7, 2010
Page 4
Staff is recommending approval of Resolution 922-10, which is attached for your
consideration. If the Commission needs more information before taking action, the
Commission may table the request pending receipt of the information.
Heidi Heller
Planning Associate
This is a photo of the tent framework without the membrane cover
Zoning Map
MERMAID &
AMERICINN
Membrane
Structure
The Mermaid Site Plan
MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 922-10
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR A
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR TENT STRUCTURE AT THE MERMAID LOCATED AT
2200 COUNTY HIGHWAY 10; PLANNING CASE NO. IU2010-001
WHEREAS, Dan Hall has applied for an interim use permit for a temporary outdoor
tent structure at the Mermaid, located at 2200 County Highway 10; and,
WHEREAS, the subject property is zoned PUD, Planned unit Development, and has
a Comprehensive Plan future Land Use Map designation of Regional Commercial PUD;
and,
WHEREAS, the Mounds View Zoning Code allows temporary outdoor tent structures
in commercial districts by interim use permit; and,
WHEREAS, the Mounds View Staff and the Planning Commission have reviewed
the zoning requirements associated with temporary tents in commercial districts and finds
that all conditions are satisfied by this request.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning
Commission makes the following findings of fact related to the conditional use permit
request:
1. The request is consistent with the Mounds View Comprehensive Plan.
2. The request is consistent with the Mounds View Zoning Code.
3. The size of the structure is within permitted allowances and meets setback
provisions.
4. There have been no complaints filed with the City about the use of the tent in the
previous years.
5. The applicant has sufficiently demonstrated that a need exists for the temporary
outdoor structure.
6. The site has adequate parking area available to satisfy the demands of the
temporary structure.
Resolution 922-10
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning
Commission recommends approval of the interim use permit for an outdoor temporary tent
structure at the Mermaid with conditions as follows:
1. The tent or membrane structure shall meet all provisions of the Fire Code and
the applicant shall apply for and receive annual fire permits issued by the Fire
Marshal and receive a satisfactory inspection after tent is assembled each year.
2. The property owner shall annually apply for a Zoning Permit, the duration of
which cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
3. The tent framework and membrane covering shall be maintained in a good
condition. Deficiencies shall be corrected as soon as practicable.
4. The interim use permit can be reviewed at any time by the City if problems arise
that would necessitate revision or termination of the permit.
5. The interim use permit will become null and void if the property owner fails to
meet the provisions of the permit, if the structure is removed for more than a one-
year period, or if the property undergoes a change of ownership.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mounds View Planning Commission
recommends that the permit approval shall remain in force indefinitely so long as the
conditions above and those of the Zoning Code remain satisfied.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission directs
staff to forward this resolution to the City Council prior to approval of the minutes.
Adopted this 7th day of April, 2010.
_____________________________________
Gary Stevenson, Chairperson
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Kenneth Roberts,
Community Development Director
(SEAL)