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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.01.09 PC MinutesMINUTES HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION January 9, 2014 Call to Order Chairman Gwynn called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Arcand, Kleissler, Knauss, McRoberts, Rosenquist ABSENT: Gwynn and Lessard ALSO PRESENT: Rachel Juba, Planner Approval of Minutes McRoberts motioned, Arcand seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of December 19, 2013. All Ayes, motion carried. Appointment of Vice Chair Arcand motioned, Rosenquist seconded, to appoint Bronwen Kleissler as Vice -Chair of the Planning Commission. All Ayes, motion carried. O'Reilly's Auto Parts — Sketch Plan, 14777 Forest Blvd N Planner, Rachel Juba, presented the sketch plan to the Planning Commission. She explained that The applicant is requesting informal comments on a sketch plan for commercial development on a 0.64 acre parcel for a 7,385 square foot auto parts store. The property is located on the northeast corner of 147th Street and Highway 61 (former Ricci's property). The property is zoned Central Business (C-1) and is located in the area of the City where development is guided by the downtown plan and design guidelines. She explained that the applicant would be asking for two setback variances and one parking variance. She stated that because of the building orientation and placement, site plan layout and design, and building architecture and design, does not meet the intent of the downtown plan and design guidelines. Staff recommended the Planning Commission provide feedback to the applicant on the following: 1. Orientation of the building on the property as it relates to the design guidelines 2. Building Architecture 3. Variance from parking requirements 4. Variance from building setback requirements 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