Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL PACKET 01172012CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012 REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER. II. ROLL CALL. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. IV. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS IVA. Nomination and Election of Chair IV.2. Nomination and Election of Vice Chair V. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA. VI. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 20, 2011 VII. COMMUNICATION WITH CITY COUNCIL. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS. VII.1 SILVERWOOD PARK, 2500 Co. RD. E, ST. ANTHONY — VARIANCE TO LAKESHORE SETBACK IX. CONCEPT REVIEWS. X. OTHER BUSINESS. XI. REPORTS FROM STAFF. XI I. COMMUNITY FORUM. Individuals may address the Planning Commission about any item not included on the regular agenda. Speakers are requested to come to the podium, sign their name and address on the form at the podium, state their name and address for the Clerk's record, and limit their remarks to five minutes. The Planning Commission may refer the matter to staff for a future report or direct the matter to be scheduled on an upcoming agenda. XIII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. XIIIA UPDATED PLANNING COMMISSIONER LIST XIV. ADJOURNMENT. F: \Planning \PC Agendas \2012 \01172012 pe agenda.doe 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 20, 2011 7:00 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER. Chair Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. I1. ROLL CALL. Commissioners Present: Chairperson Jensen; Commissioners Cincoski, Crone, Heinis, Niccum, and Poucher. Absent: Commissioner Chaput. Also Present: Assistant City Manager Kim Moore - Sykes. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Jensen invited the Commission and the audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA. Chair Jensen noted the addition of a concept review for a lakeshore setback variance at Silverwood Park as agenda item VIII. 1. Motion by Commissioner Cincoski, second by Commissioner Niccum, to approve the meeting agenda of December 20, 2011, as amended. Motion carried 6 -o. V. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES. Motion by Commissioner Crone, second by Commissioner Heinis, to approve the November 15, 2011, Meeting Minutes. Motion carried 6 -0 VI. COMMUNICATION WITH CITY COUNCIL. Commissioner Crone stated that she will plan to attend the January 10, 2012, City Council meeting. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS. 1. HENNEPIN COUNTY MEDICAL CLINIC — SIGN VARIANCE Chair Jensen opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 20, 2011 Page 2 2 Assistant City Manager Moore -Sykes presented the staff report and advised that because there is 3 no regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 27, 2011, a waiver letter has been sent 4 to the applicant requesting another 60 days in order to process this request. 5 6 Mr. Richard Lang, 475 Cleveland Avenue North, St. Paul, appeared before the Planning 7 Commission and presented a rendering of the proposed signs. He explained that the signage on 8 the brick is readable from Highway 88, however, it creates some confusion because it makes you 9 think you enter the building at that location. He stated the secondary sign in the recessed area 10 was designed so as not to be visually redundant and this sign is curved, contains downlighting to 11 light up the entrance area, and create a more user friendly look at that location. 12 13 Chair Jensen closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. 14 15 Commissioner Cincoski indicated he was not sure having a second sign would make it less 16 confusing and it might appear there are two clinics at this location. He questioned whether an 17 illuminated entrance sign might be the answer. 18 19 Mr. Lang stated the canopies are not illuminated and they felt that by curving the second sign 20 and including downlighting, the canopy will be more illuminated and the downlighting will 21 create light on the non - illuminated letters below it as a way- finding for the address. 22 23 Commissioner Niccum stated that while the Code allows one sign per building entrance, it looks 24 like there are two separate businesses here. He noted that the total square footage of the two 25 signs is below the amount allowed by Code and did not see a problem with the proposed signage. 26 27 Commissioner Heinis stated the main wall sign is 64.6 square feet and the proposed smaller wall 28 sign is 25.5 square feet, which results in a total square footage that is below the maximum square 29 footage allowed by the Code. He felt if there was no sign indicating the entrance area, it would 30 appear unbalanced and look like a storefront with no identification. 31 32 Chair Jensen asked whether placing the clinic's logo and the word "entrance" on the hood with 33 downcast lighting would accomplish the clinic's goal without the need for a variance. 34 35 Mr. Lang replied that they cannot use the logo without the letters and the clinic's main concern is 36 to clearly define the entrance. He stated the clinic originally wanted a monument sign but 37 learned that that was not a possibility, so this sign has to be readable from Highway 88. He 38 indicated they did not want a lot of repetition and wanted the smaller sign to be secondary to the 39 primary image. He added that they could just have an entrance sign but they felt this was not as 40 aesthetically strong and it would take on the power of another tenant sign. He explained that the 41 signage on the west - facing elevation of the building is used to identify the drive -up window and 42 for some visibility on that side of the building; however, it is critical that patients understand the 43 entrance location when looking at the building from the parking lot. He stated there is an 44 overwhelming sense, architecturally, that you enter the clinic in the larger area and the proposed 45 signage is intended to correct that image. 46 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 20, 2011 Page 3 Motion by Commissioner Niccum, second by Commissioner Crone, to recommend that the City Council approve the application for a sign variance based on the following findings of fact: 4 a. That the property cannot be put to a reasonable use without the variance due to the 5 architecture in the planned development; 6 b. That the circumstances causing the practical difficulty were not created by the owner; 7 C. That the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential characteristics of the locality; 8 d. That economic considerations alone are not the basis for the practical difficulty; 9 e. That the circumstances causing the practical difficulty are unique to the individual lot; 10 and I 1 f. The granting of the variance is in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Zoning Code 12 and Comprehensive Land Use Plan. 13 14 Chair Jensen suggested adding language that the variance runs with the property and is specific 15 to this particular property requested by this particular user. He indicated the City does not have a 16 place in the Code that makes this variance disappear if the user disappears and the Code would 17 grant two signs for a future user with two frontages. 18 19 Motion carried 6 -0. 20 21 VIII. CONCEPT REVIEWS. 22 23 1. THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT — SILVERWOOD PARK LAKESHORE 24 SETBACK VARIANCE 25 26 Assistant City Manager Moore -Sykes explained that an application was received on December 27 13, 2011, from Three Rivers Park District for property located at 2500 County Road E, zoned 28 Recreation Open Space. She stated that staff met with Mr. Tom Moffatt of Three Rivers 29 regarding their request to have a 12'x18' storage shed for canoe rentals adjacent to the fishing 30 piers and walking trails and located 80' from Silver Lake. She stated that § 152.159 of the City 31 Code provides dimensional regulations for accessory buildings and Three Rivers Park District is 32 requesting a 120' variance to the 200' setback requirement. She advised that the variance is 33 needed to allow staff for the canoe rental to be located near the lakeshore and not having 34 immediate access to the lake creates a dangerous situation for visitors to the park. 35 36 Mr. Tom Moffatt, Park Supervisor for Silverwood Park, appeared before the Planning 37 Commission and presented a map of Silverwood Park and the proposed canoe rental facility. He 38 stated that canoe rental facilities at other parks are typically located close to the launch area so 39 attendants can be on -site to assist renters with loading and unloading, launching canoes, and 40 observing people to ensure compliance with rules. He indicated they also like to have a safety 41 boat located close to the water's edge and the 200' setback at Silverwood Park would put it next 42 to the visitor center up a steep hill. He stated that they are asking for a larger shed at Silverwood 43 Park because they hope to have canoes, kayaks, and stand -up paddleboards available for rental, 44 which will require additional storage space. He advised that the rental facility would be 45 operational from Memorial Day to Labor Day and the age for rental is 16 and up unless 46 accompanied by a parent. He stated the storage shed would include a heavy steel locking garage Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 20, 2011 Page 4 door. He added that they want to make sure the storage shed blends in with the feel of the park and would not be significantly different from the rest of the buildings on site. 4 Chair Jensen asked if Three Rivers Park District has needed to obtain a variance at any other 5 locations to place buildings close to the lake. 7 Mr. Moffatt explained that most of these types of buildings are located in areas where the 8 building is part of the master planning process and are typically located as close to the water's 9 edge as possible and all are located less than 100' from shore. 10 11 Commissioner Poucher asked if there are plans to camouflage the storage shed in any way. 12 13 Mr. Moffatt replied that they will be doing some gardening in this area and the building will be 14 earth tones to blend into the area. He stated that the building will not have electricity and they 15 are looking at some solar options for the building. 16 17 Chair Jensen asked if Silverwood Park was a master planned development and whether an 18 amendment to the master plan would be a feasible alternative to the variance request. 19 20 Mr. Moffatt replied that Silverwood was a master plan and canoe rental was one of the amenities 21 called for in the park plan. 22 23 Assistant City Manager Moore -Sykes stated that staff was involved in some of the meetings with 24 the Three Rivers Park Board but was unsure if there was any particular planned development 25 document created for Silverwood. She added that this request falls under accessory buildings 26 within the RI -A residential lake zoning district. 27 28 Chair Jensen requested further information regarding the history of the 200' setback requirement. 29 He stated he would also like to know if it makes a difference in interpreting the Code if the 30 proposed building is a concession location and not a shed. He added it would be nice if a 31 variance was not needed and the building could be allowed through a PUD amendment. 32 33 Mr. Moffatt agreed to work with City staff and added that the overarching goal is to have a safe 34 and efficient canoe rental operation. 35 36 Chair Jensen requested that dimensions be added to the map showing the leading edge of the 37 lakeshore and the location of the canoe rental facility. 38 39 IX. OTHER BUSINESS. 40 41 None. 42 43 X. REPORTS FROM STAFF. 44 45 1. BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED FROM 1/1/2011 — 11/30/2011 46 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 20, 2011 Page 5 1 Assistant City Manager Moore -Sykes presented a report of building permits issued since the 2 beginning of 2011 and noted that 62% of the permits issued were for single family properties. 3 She stated that the valuation of building permits issued to date is approximately $4 million and 4 the City collected $95,000 in permit fees. She added that this report is used as part of the City's 5 budget process to review what has happened and forecast trends to the extent possible. 6 7 XI. COMMUNITY FORUM. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 None. XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. Chair Jensen advised that he and Commissioner Niccum were recently reappointed to the Planning Commission for three year terms through December 31, 2014. He stated that the Planning Commission will need to select a chair and vice chair at its January meeting and he asked that someone else serve as chair next year. Assistant City Manager Moore -Sykes reminded Chair Jensen and Commissioner Niccum that they need to be sworn in before the next Planning Commission meeting and requested that they stop in to see the City Clerk who will swear them in. XIII. ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Commissioner Niccum, second by Commissioner Crone, to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Hughes Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Motion carried 6 -0. STAFF REPORT To: Chair and Planning Commission Members From: Kim Moore, Assistant City Manager Date: January 17, 2012 Subject: Silverwood Park — Lakeshore Setback Variance Requested Action: Public Hearing Date A plication Received: Property Address: Zoning District: 60 -Day Expires: Waiver Letter Reauired: Future Action: 12/13/2011 2500 Co. Rd. E Recteation /Open Space (ROS) February 1, 2012 Yes Date Sent: City Council Action No Bac round: Staff met with Mr. Tom Moffat, Three Rivers Park District, regarding the possibility of siting a canoe rental /storage shed immediately adjacent to existing fishing piers and trails. He was advised that the storage shed is required to be located at least 200 feet from the lake shore ( §152.159 DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS (C)). Mr. Moffatt reported that the Park District would like to construct a 12' x 18' (216SF) canoe rental /storage shed approximately 80 feet from Silver Lake, itmediately adjacent to the fishing pier and trails. The Park District is requesting a 120 -foot variance to the 200' setback requirement because compliance would locate this storage and rental shed a significant distance from the launch area. Locating the proposed shed 200 feet from Silver Lake's edge poses a public safety situation for rental attendants staffing the location because trees and shrubs would block the view of the Lake, preventing direct observation of renters. Additionally, 200 feet from the Lake is up a fairly steep hill further impeding an attendant's response to any emergency situation. Not having immediate access to the Lake for the attendants creates a dangerous situation for visitors to the Park. Analysis. Three Rivers Park District has submitted an application for a variance to the City of St. Anthony Zoning Code, §152.159 (C), Lake Setback to allow for the construction of a 12'x 18' (216SF) canoe and kayak rental shed to be situated approximately 80 feet from the Silver Lake shoreline. Application Review As part of the application process, the applicant is required to provide evidence that discloses facts that are unique to the subject property. Section 152.245 of the City Ordinance outlines the requirements that must be addressed to qualify for a variance and the process by which a variance is granted. Specifically Section 152.245 (C) states that no variance will be granted unless evidence presented supports the following facts and that strict enforcement would cause practical difficulties because: The property cannot be put to a reasonable use without the variance. Mr. Tom Moffatt reported that the intent of the project is to create a "base of operations" for canoe and kayak rental at Silverwood Park, thereby providing the public with additional recreational access to Silver Lake. He further reported that the Park District feels that it is reasonable to locate a small shed supporting these activities in close proximity to the rental and boat launch area. Compliance with the Lakeshore Setback Ordinance would place the shed well up the lakeside hill, resulting in a distance that is both difficult in assisting park patrons and responding quickly to any emergency. The circumstances causing the practical difficulties were not created by the owner. The circumstances of the perceived practical difficulties are not of the applicant's making. The practical difficulty is created by the City's Zoning Ordinance that was adopted in part to protect the fragile environment that naturally exists on Silver Lake from overdevelopment. As Mr. Moffatt states in the Written Statement, locating a 12' x 18' shed is in keeping with the Park District's recreational and environmental education model. The variance if granted will not alter the essential characteristics of the locality. The applicant states that locating a canoe and kayak rental shed would not alter the essential character of the locality. This shed is a reasonable and expected structure at a lakeside. Mr. Moffatt states that structure's design will mimic the natural tones and design of the existing visitor's center and is intended to blend with the surroundings as much as possible. Economic considerations alone are not the basis of the practical difficulties. The applicant states that having a boat rental shed 80 feet from the lake shore is not an economic consideration but an effort to provide efficiency of operations as well as staff and participant safety. The circumstances causing the practical difficulty are unique to the individual lot. The applicant feels that the practical difficulties are unique to this property due to the park and recreational setting. As Mr. Moffatt has stated, the Park's operational model is one of a recreation site. The Silverwood Park property is appropriately zoned Recreational /Open Space and recreational boating activities are unique to this zoning designation when a lake is part of the property. The granting of the variance is in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Zoning Code and Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Staff has determined that the applicant's request is in keeping with the spirit and intent of the City's Zoning Code or Comprehensive Land Use Plan as this property is zoned Recreation /Open Space. Action: Establish Findings of Fact for this request, based on information and testimony presented by the applicants, the public and Staff and pass a recommendation to Council regarding the variance request to the Lakeshore Setback requirement in the City's Zoning Code. Communications: Staff has not received any public response to the applicant's proposed variance Attachments: • Application • Written Statement • Site Map • Photos (] 0 6illa "Cy 3301 Silver Lake Road _; St. Anthony, MN 55418 (p) 612.782.3301 , Anthony, MN 55 www.ci.saint-anthony.mn.us VARIANCE APPLICATION FEE: $60 Residential $100 Other Zoning Districts' A. GENERAL DATA APPLICANT'S NAME: Silverwood Park - Three Rivers Park District The above -named individual, firm, or corporation hereby respectfully submits the following information for the purpose of securing a variance from existing land use zoning controls as found in the City of St. Anthony's Zoning Code. Moffatt, Tom 763- 694 -2065 or 612 - 490 -8082 Contact Last Name First B. PROJECT INFORMATION 1. Subject Property Address: 2500 County Road E West, St. Anthony, MN 2. Specify the nature of the project for which a variance is sought: Construction of a 12'x 18' canoe rental/storage shed approximately 80 feet from Silver Lake, immediately adjacent to existing fishing piers and trails. 3. Explain how you wish to vary from the applicable provisions of the Ordinance: Building will be closer to the lakeshore than the 200' called for in city code. 4. Explain in a written statement why the strict enforcement of the Ordinance would cause practical difficulties for the applicant, preventing the subject property to be used in a reasonable manner; that the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; that the variance if granted, will not alter the essential the character of the locality; and that economic considerations alone are not the basis of the practical difficulties. Please address each of these items in your written statement. (City Code §152.245(C)) 5. Check all additional supporting documents which are being submitted to help explain this project proposal: Site Plan* l &pographic Map t6 Other (specify) P * Required Can attach additional pages to fully explain proposal and need for variance. I HEREBY CERTIFY WITH MY SIGNATURE THAT ALL DATA ON MY APPLICATION FORMS, PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE TRUE AND -- - - - -z ' CORRECT TO THE - -- - -- re of Applicant I227/1l Date EXPIRATION Within one (1) year after the approval of a variance or appeal if the property owner or applicant has not substantially started the construction of any building, structure, addition or alteration requested as part of the approval, said variance shall become null and void unless an application for extension of the approval has been submitted. A letter to extend the approval of a variance shall be submitted to the Assistant City Manager not les than thirty (30) days before the expiration of said approval. Such letter shall state the fact for the request, showing a good faith attempt to utilize the variance, and it shall state the additional time being requested to begin the proposed construction. The City Council may grant extensions not to exceed one (1) year. lRev. July zovi FA2011 website \Variance Amendment Application July 2011.doc Variance Application: Supplemental Written Statement Silverwood Park December, 2012 Three Rivers Park District - Silverwood Park is seeking a variance to St. Anthony City Zoning Ordinance 152.159 (C) "Lake Setback" to allow the park to construct a 12' x 18' Canoe /Kayak rental building 83 feet from Silver Lake. (see attachments for site layout and structure design) Fishing piers, trails and canoe racks are already in place immediately adjacent to the proposed construction site. Construction of the building will allow the park to operate a safe and effective canoe rental operation for park visitors. Compliance with the 200' setback called for in city ordinance would cause the following practical difficulties: The intent of the project is to create a base of operations for canoe and kayak rental at Silverwood. This is in keeping with the park's operational model as a recreation site. We feel that it is reasonable to locate a small building supporting these activities in close proximity to the rental and boat launch area. This location is approximately 80 feet from the lakeshore and will allow rental attendants to effectively assist park patrons as they rent and launch canoes and kayaks. 2. Compliance with the setback ordinance would place the building well up the lakeside hill and result in rental attendants staffing a location a considerable distance from the actual launch area, and where trees and shrubs block the view of the lake. This would prevent direct observation of renters and adversely impact attendants' ability to see and quickly respond to emergency situations such as capsized boats. Attendants need to be able to clearly observe and respond to any emergencies as quickly as possible. 3. Rental operations will require attendants to set -up a safety boat and to bring rental equipment to the shore area each day. Outboard motors and safety equipment, as well as kayaks and paddleboards, will need to be transported between the building and lakeshore daily. The steepness of the lakeshore would makes this difficult if the storage shed were located at the 200 foot setback point. Locating the storage building nearer to the water's edge, on level ground reduces carry lengths and chances of staff injury when transporting heavy items. 4. Structure design will mimic the natural tones and design of the existing visitors' center (see attached plans and photos) and is intended to blend with the surroundings as much as possible. Plantings of native trees, shrubs, and flowers in the immediate area surrounding the shed will further camouflage the building from view. 5. Economic considerations are not a part of this request, efficiency of operations as well as staff and participant safety are the prime drivers. o' ? lid ED ©l T m n M y <' N d � N ` � a O H ergs � O ® ❖® 3 F ? lid ED ©l T m / M y <' d � ` � H H ergs � O ® ❖® m d 'n b � ] C dy 0 w N b m W a o ? lid ED ©l T m / M y <' d � ` � H H � O STINSON BLVD NE S C, VI 6 W � T � 3 a a � n_ m �b LAKE RD V O N < �A F � O F O• Y, �J El m9 ZD �A Z A m J111111111110 These photos are of a similarly sized, canoe rental shed that our carpenters recently com- pleted in another one of our parks. The Silverwood shed would be of similar design with a slightly different trim style, and would be painted to match the existing visitor center build- 1 J ing. 944 REMOVE EXISTING CONCRETE PAD AND REPOUR PER FIELD STAKIIIG = 30 S.F.. 8" THICK. 4q� F = 13'/a' R = 6 Ye' �'- 1 , m 1� 0 W I] Q o Co �Ib` V 11 Q9 0 12' x I8' Shed a • RIBBON CURB, 6" X 2' 83 feet • f a� 1. 3 • ALL NEW CONCRETE 934.33 2'x 2'. FIELD ADJUST LOCATION AS .CTED BY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. \,P RIBBON CURB, 6' X 18" ATTACH TO EACH DOCK CONCRETE PAD WITH REBAR. TYP. I/— FOOTING. 10' O.C.. TYP 11 DRILL TWO (2( #4 REBAR �— INTO EXISTING CONCRETE DOCK FOOTING i 940 z 0 z 8ay�x: wo 0 x m pLL S a'° p o� 1 in m N O ^ a i P O = in = r 3 00 ` o Z r ww z O z . 5? W Ff z w x 4 x0 6 of 0 0 �1 a LANDING ELEVATIONS Q 948.01 Q 945.61 Q 943.21 Q 940.81 Q 943.04 ALL NEW CONCRETE 934.33 2'x 2'. FIELD ADJUST LOCATION AS .CTED BY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. \,P RIBBON CURB, 6' X 18" ATTACH TO EACH DOCK CONCRETE PAD WITH REBAR. TYP. I/— FOOTING. 10' O.C.. TYP 11 DRILL TWO (2( #4 REBAR �— INTO EXISTING CONCRETE DOCK FOOTING i 940 z 0 z 8ay�x: wo 0 x m pLL S a'° p o� 1 in m N O ^ a i P O = in = r 3 00 ` o Z r ww z O z . 5? W Ff z w x 4 x0 6 of 0 0 �1 a NW C601 Sheet 01 of 04 F- Q O m Z� LLl Lu a (D z ►r M LL O ce ce � a 0 Q O J p _ ~ w a � Ln Pmj. No, ABC0000 Issue Date 12/31/201 Designed By ABC Drawn By ABC Checked By ABC SHEET TTTLE Drawing Title(s) NW C601 Sheet 01 of 04