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Planning Commission Minutes — January 9, 2014 Page 2 Mark Wold, the applicant, explained to the Planning Commission that they realize the site is tight, but they like the location. He stated that they have not been able to meet the guidelines in regards to building orientation or placement. He stated that he has presented other building orientations and placements to O'Reilly's Real Estate Committee, as staff has suggested, and they have stated that will not work. The Planning Commission generally agreed that the building was too large for the site and they were uncomfortable with all the proposed variance requests. They encouraged the applicant to reduce the building size to eliminate the yard setback variances and to provide an adequate amount of parking for a typical retail user. The Planning Commission discussed the building placement and stated that they understand the desire for a retail user to place the building in that location, but questioned whether it met the downtown design guidelines. Commissioner Knauss questioned whether having buildings placed at the street is a good idea in downtown because most of the users will have the back side of the building towards the street. There was also discussion on reviewing the downtown plan and design guidelines in regards to building placement and how it will affect site plans on other properties in downtown. The Planning Commission recognized that this project and site is important on what will be expected in the rest of downtown. They wanted to make sure it meets the downtown design guidelines. There were also concerns about the buffering from the adjacent residential uses, snow removal, and landscaping. Adjournment Bronwen motioned, Rosenquist seconded, to adjourn at 8:36 pm. All Ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Rachel Juba Planner