2019.12.02 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WBL School District Transportation Facility CUP Page 2 parking lot should be set back further than what is shown on the sketch plan to accommodate for more landscaping and a natural area. It was also stated that there should be no operation of the site in the early morning, late evenings, and weekends. The applicant did state that some of the special event transportation needs, such as sporting tournaments, included weekend or evening usage. The Planning Commission commented on the additional traffic that will be added to Fenway Boulevard, specifically potential congestion during peak hours. In response to the Commissioner's concerns, Wald stated that the location of the proposed site is desirable due to the controlled access onto Highway 61 from 140th Street and 130th Street. It was also noted by staff that Fenway Boulevard was designed and constructed to accommodate for the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. Site access was discussed and the number and location of entrances shall be further analyzed upon site plan submittal. The Commissioners generally approved of the screening around the exterior storage area outlined on the sketch plan and agreed that landscaping should be placed around the site to provide additional screening. The Planning Commission agreed that the request met the criteria necessary to approve the application and recommended approval of the conditional use permit request to the City Council. 2. DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST: ISD #624 White Bear Lake Area Schools has applied for a sketch plan review of a potential transportation and maintenance facility located on Fenway Boulevard, north of 1301h Street N. The school district is also requesting approval of a conditional use permit for exterior storage exceeding the size of the principal building on site. The proposed sketch plan shows the building square footage totaling approximately 15,000 square feet and the exterior storage area totaling approximately 46,000 square feet, including the drive aisles. The applicant is looking for the City Council to provide comments on the sketch plan. The applicant's next steps would include submitting a formal application for site plan approval. At the time the application is submitted, staff will provide a more detailed review of the site plan in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance requirements. 3. CONTEXT: A. Surrounding Land Use and Zoning The property is guided for Industrial in the 2040 Land Use Plan. The properties to the north, east, and south are zoned General Industrial District (I-3) and are occupied by industrial users. To the west of the property is zoned PUD and is the Creekview residential development. B. Natural Characteristics of Site The property is currently vacant and consists of a mixture of open and wooded land. The site has a general slope downward from east to west.