HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC 09.12.19Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of Thursday, September 12, 2019
Chair Kleissler called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
PRESENT: Arcand, Derr, Fry, Kleissler, Lessard, Mulvihill, Tjernlund.
ABSENT: Luchsinger.
STAFF: Rachel Juba, Community Development Director
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of August 22, 2019
Commissioner Arcand made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Derr to approve minutes for the
meeting of August 22, 2019.
All ayes.
Motion carried.
Old Business: Minnesota Built Hugo Minnesota LLC — Site Plan and Variance for Gopher State
Storage
Madam Chair invited staff, Rachel Juba, to provide a background. The site plan and variance was
discussed and tabled at the last meeting. Juba continued with the background on the property. The property
is located in the Peloquin Industrial Park and is zoned General Industrial.
The applicant is requesting approval of a site plan to construct a building totaling approximately 16,600
square feet for a three-story climate controlled storage facility. The applicant is also requesting approval
of a variance from the front yard setback requirements to construct the building 0 feet from the property
line. The applicant has made changes to the site plan that was previously presented to the Planning
Commission, one of which is making the drive aisle wider.
The Planning Commission recommended that the project be completed in one phase and that the applicant
work with staff on revisions to ensure the proposed building is cohesive with the existing buildings.
The applicant has revised the plan to include that the project will be completed in one phase. The tip -up
concrete panel colors have been revised to match the rock -faced block colors on the existing buildings.
The architectural metal color has been revised to match the garage doors on the existing buildings.
Architectural metal will also be added to the existing building to be more cohesive with the proposed
buildings. The applicant has revised the architecture along the west side of the building to break up the
massing of the building.
In regards to the variance request. The applicant is requesting approval of a variance from the front yard
setback requirements to construct the building 0 feet from the right-of-way easement on the west side of
the property.
September 12, 2019 PC Minutes
Page 2
It is in staff's opinion that there are practical difficulties in meeting the ordinance standard. The building
height and use is allowed in the zoning district. The right-of-way further limits buildable area and creates
new setbacks for the property.
In conclusion, the applicant has made changes to the architecture and building materials and has done a
good job to make the project cohesive with the existing buildings. The applicant is proposing to build the
project in one phase, which was requested by the Planning Commission
Staff recommends approval of the site plan and variance requests for the three-story climate controlled
storage facility located at 5560 152nd Street North.
Luke Doubler, came forward to address the Planning Commission. Doubler stated that the overall look of
the building has improved and they are happy with the outcome of the building. They have been working
with staff to finalize the design of the building and agree to complete the project in one phase.
Commissioner Derr asked if the windows are fake. Doubler stated that the windows are a fagade and that
there will not be any banners or images displayed in the window.
Commissioner Derr made a motion to approve the site plan and variance request for Minnesota Built Hugo
Minnesota LLC for Gopher State Storage, seconded by Commissioner Tjernlund.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
New Business
Cancel the November 14, 2019 and November 28, 2019 Planning Commission meetings and schedule a
meeting for November 21, 2019.
Motion by Tjemlund, seconded by Derr. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Cancel the December 12, 2019 and December 26, 2019 meeting and schedule a meeting for December 19,
2019.
Motion by Derr, seconded by Lessard. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Staff asked the Planning Commission to RSVP for the Hugo Bus Tour on October 5, 2019.
Adiournment
Commissioner Derr made a motion, Commissioner Arcand seconded, to adjourn at 7:25 pm.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant