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060716 Planning Commission CITY OF NEW HOPE 4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 7, 2016 City Hall, 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Planning Commission met in regular session pursuant to due call and notice thereof; Chair Schmidt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Steve Svendsen, Bill Smith, Christopher Hanson, Jim Brinkman, Tom Schmidt, Greg Gehring, Scott Clark Absent: Christopher McKenzie, Roger Landy Also Present: Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development; Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Specialist; Jeff Alger, Community Development Assistant; Stacy Woods, Assistant City Attorney; Bob Kirmis, Planning Consultant; Kaeley Cazin, Recording Secretary NEW BUSINESS None PUBLIC HEARING Chair Schmidt introduced Item 4.1, request for an amendment to an Planning Case 16-09 existing Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development at 4203 Item 4.1 – Winnetka Avenue North, Life Time Fitness Architecture, LLC, petitioner. Mr. Jeff Alger, Community Development Assistant, gave background on the planning case. Life Time Fitness is an existing business and owner of a multi-tenant retail facility that is undergoing an expansion and wishes to enhance the wall treatments on the west side of the building, which faces the Hy-Vee redevelopment site. The wall treatment and signage will give the building attractive, four-sided architecture. The applicant is proposing one sign for each of the 13 existing tenants, reserved space for two potential future tenants, and three “marketing signs,” to promote Life Time Fitness. The proposed signage requires an amendment to a CUP for PUD that was approved in 1985, to allow for flexibility in the number and location of wall signs. Alger went on to explain that the only illuminated sign would be the Life Time Fitness tenant identification sign, and no individual tenant identification sign exceeded the 100 square foot area limit. Alger also noted the proposed signage meets the city’s Design Guidelines, and the City Center zoning district goals. Alger concluded that staff recommended approval of the amendment of a CUP for PUD. When Chair Schmidt questioned whether any of the Commissioners had any questions for staff or the applicant, Commissioner Brinkman questioned the height of the signs and if it was visibly adequate. Alger responded that this is the petitioner’s request. Commissioner Clark noted the City should request trash screening as a condition of approval. Commissioner Smith questioned if the tenants agreed upon the cost of the signage, and Alger commented that the City doesn’t get involved with those discussions. Commissioner Gehring clarified with Alger that the petitioner was seeking improvements on their own, and not being mandated by the City. Andrew Griffin, Life Time Architecture, 2902 – Corporate Place, Chanhassen MN 55317, answered questions on behalf of the petitioner. Brinkman asked if the signage would be in color or anodized aluminum. Griffin confirmed the signage would be in anodized aluminum, with the exception of Subway and Taco John’s. The signage for these tenants would be in color, matching the front of the building. Schmidt commented that all signage on the front was anodized aluminum, and then questioned when and why it changed. Alger verified in the past the tenants requested to update their signage to match the corporate brand and for easier visibility. Brinkman inquired why Applebee’s wasn’t included in the new signage. Griffin and Alger confirmed Applebee’s already had signage, and Director Sargent reminded the Commissioners that it’s their corporate decision as to what tenant signage to include in the request. Clark questioned Stacy Woods, Assistant City Attorney, if the CUP could include screening for rooftop units and/or trash. Woods responded she would have to research and clarify what the original CUP stated. Being that there was no one in the audience, Chair Schmidt asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Motion by Commissioner Svendsen, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion Motion by Commissioner Svendsen, seconded by Commissioner Item 4.1 Gehring, to approve Planning Case 16-09, request for an amendment to an existing Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development at 4203 – Winnetka Avenue North, Life Time Fitness Architecture, LLC, petitioner, with the following conditions: 1.The number and location of wall signs to be installed shall not differ from that depicted on the Exterior Signage Schedule. The size of the wall signs to be installed shall not exceed the sizes depicted on the Exterior Signage Schedule. 2.The applicant shall obtain individual sign permits for each of the signs to be installed. 3.Dependent on the Assistant City Attorney’s findings, the applicant shall provide screening for the trash and rooftop units, and improve lighting on the west side of the building. 2 Planning Commission Meeting June 7, 2016 Voting in favor: Clark, Brinkman, Svendsen, Schmidt, Gehring, Smith, Hanson Voting against: None Absent: McKenzie, Landy Motion approved 7-0 Chair Schmidt stated the City Council would consider this planning case at its June 27, 2016 meeting. PUBLIC HEARING Chair Schmidt introduced Item 4.2, request for a site plan review to allow Planning Case 16-10 construction of a building addition of AVTEC Finishing Systems Inc. at Item 4.2 9101 – Science Center Drive, Quinn Hutson, CNH Architects, petitioner. Mr. Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Specialist, gave background on the case. AVTEC Finishing Systems specializes in metal plate finishing, and desires to expand their operations. The proposed 20,763 square foot addition will improve workflow through added space and remodeling. The proposed expansion will enlarge the shipping and receiving operations and will also include a new two-story office. Along with the building addition, the parking lot will also be enlarged to accommodate the minimum code requirements. Chirpich added the property currently has only one access point off of Science Center Drive, and the proposal would add a second access point, greatly improving the site circulation for traffic. The Fire Department also reviewed the plans and has no problem with future emergency vehicle access. Next, Chirpich addressed the landscaping and screening. He reported the property contains a number of mature trees that will be removed to accommodate site improvements. Chirpich noted there are staff concerns related to the size and placement of some new tree plantings. He added the proposed trees along the north property line are in too narrow of a space, and that section of the property contains underground utilities. Chirpich also confirmed that New Hope Code requires parking lots to be screened from adjacent rights-of-way. Chirpich then reviewed the lighting plan, utility plan, storm water, snow storage, fire code, and the zoning analysis, finding all comply with City Code. However, Chirpich commented that the lighting plan must be updated, as a few of the areas didn’t meet the required light levels. He also indicated the applicant is currently working with the City Engineer to finalize the storm water management requirements of the city, and noted the Fire Marshal had a few comments. Chirpich concluded that staff recommended approval of the 20,763 square foot addition to their existing building, in order to facilitate improved operations and workflow. Staff determined that the proposal would result in an upgraded site, improved exterior appearance, and the expansion would allow AVTEC to continue their growth in New Hope. 3 Planning Commission Meeting June 7, 2016 When Chair Schmidt questioned whether any of the Commissioners had any questions for staff or the applicant, Commissioner Svendsen asked about parking lot setbacks, as the five-foot minimum setback wasn’t reflected in the plans on the northwest side of the parking lot. Quinn Hutson, CNH Architects, 7300 – West 147th Street, Suite 504, Apple Valley, MN 55124, agreed with Svendsen that it was missed while updating the plans. Hutson noted they would make the adjustments. Svendsen also asked what the width of the fire lane was and if there was screening for the rooftop unit. Hutson replied the fire lane is at a minimum of twenty-four feet, and the rooftop unit was positioned with no designated screening, so that it would not be seen from the property line. All Commissioners agreed it’s a good looking plan. Being that there was no one in the audience, Chair Schmidt asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Motion by Commissioner Svendsen, seconded by Commissioner Brinkman,to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion Motion by Commissioner Svendsen, seconded by Commissioner Clark, Item 4.2 to approve Planning Case 16-10, request for a site plan review to allow construction of a building addition of AVTEC Finishing Systems Inc. at 9101 – Science Center Drive, Quinn Hutson, CNH Architects, petitioner, with the following conditions: 1.The west trash enclosure screen wall shall be extended an additional five feet to fully screen the trash handling equipment. 2.The applicant shall resubmit a photometric plan that verifies light levels at all building entrances meet code. 3.The pole height for freestanding light fixtures shall not exceed 25 feet in height. 4.The applicant shall revise the site plan by adding no parking signs along both sides of the southeast drive aisle. 5.The site plan shall be revised to provide a fire lane directly in front of the fire department connection as described in the Fire Marshal’s report dated June 3, 2016. 6.The landscape plan shall be revised to show that the three trees proposed along the north property line that are located in- between the curb cuts, have been moved to another area on the site. 7.The applicant shall enter into a site improvement agreement with the city to ensure the completion of all required improvements. (To be prepared by the City Attorney.) 4 Planning Commission Meeting June 7, 2016 8.The applicant shall provide financial guarantee in the form of an irrevocable letter of credit for landscaping and site improvements located in the public domain (amount to be determined by city engineer and building official). 9.The applicant shall enter into a storm water maintenance agreement with the City (to be prepared by the City Attorney). 10.The storm water management and drainage plans shall be reviewed and be subject to final approval by the City Engineer and Public Works. 11.The site utility plan shall be subject to review and final approval by the City Engineer, Fire Marshal, and Public Works. 12.The applicant will provide record plans or as-built drawings to the City following project completion. 13.The applicant shall revise the site plan to reflect the northwest parking lot is a minimum of five feet from the property line. Voting in favor: Brinkman, Svendsen, Schmidt, Gehring, Smith, Hanson, Clark Voting against: None Absent: McKenzie, Landy Motion approved 7-0 Chair Schmidt stated the City Council would consider this planning case at its June 27, 2016 meeting. Chair Schmidt introduced Item 4.3, request to consider text amendment PUBLIC HEARING to Section 4-3 of New Hope City Code related to home occupations Planning Case 16-07 within residential structures, City of new Hope, petitioner. Item 4.3 Mr. Jeff Alger, Community Development Assistant, stated that the Codes and Standards Committee discussed the city’s home occupation ordinance in residential zoning districts at its November 18, 2015, and February 3, 2016, meetings. After the initial meeting, staff researched policies for surrounding cities and developed a draft ordinance for the Committee to review. Alger stated the draft ordinance for New Hope takes somewhat of a hybrid approach, compared to surrounding cities, by regulating home occupations through general standards and by specifying prohibited uses. It protects and helps maintain the integrity of residential districts in the city through stricter guidelines and regulations. It does not allow for “special exceptions” that do not meet the standards and does not allow for deviation from the list of prohibited home occupations. General standards addressed by the draft ordinance include structural changes, traffic, parking, deliveries, number of employees and clients, permitted location and size, sales on premises, outside storage, adverse effects, and signage. The draft ordinance also states that day care businesses are subject to the applicable county and state licensing requirements. 5 Planning Commission Meeting June 7, 2016 Alger went on to discuss the prohibited uses in the draft ordinance. Manufacturing businesses are not allowed. The repair, service, building, rebuilding, or painting of autos, trucks, boats, engines, and other vehicles is prohibited. Businesses, educational programs, or similar gatherings which meet on a regular basis and have more than five non- residents at a time are also prohibited. As outlined by the Assistant City Attorney, any existing home occupation would essentially be “grandfathered” as a legal non-conforming use despite the fact that it may not comply with the revised Section 4-3(g). The use as a home business could not be expanded. If the use was discontinued for more than a year, compliance with the revised Section 4-3(g) would be required to recommence that use. Alger added the Codes and Standards Committee discussed requiring home occupations to register with the city and whether or not a fee should be charged. The Committee felt a one-time registration at no cost would be appropriate and would be helpful in addressing complaints. Applicants would receive information at the time of registration detailing regulations for home occupations. Alger concluded the Committee was in favor of adopting a text amendment to the home occupation ordinance, pursuant to three recommendations, including not allowing home occupations in accessory buildings, listing engine repair as a prohibited use, and requiring all home occupations to register with the city at no charge. Staff also recommends approval of the proposed text amendment. Commissioner Svendsen questioned how the home occupation of cabinet making would be classified. Director Sargent pointed out it would force the City to review each situation and determine if ordinances are being followed. Svendsen then asked what would happen if the home occupation didn’t register, and Commissioner Smith asked what home occupations would be under this ordinance. Sargent reiterated that the ordinance notifies staff where the businesses are located, and assists with complaints and code enforcement. Being that there was no one in the audience, Chair Schmidt asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Motion by Commissioner Svendsen, seconded by Commissioner Brinkman,to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion Motion by Commissioner Svendsen, seconded by Commissioner Item 4.3 Gehring, to approve Planning Case 16-07, request to consider text amendment to Section 4-3 of New Hope City Code related to home occupations within residential structures, City of new Hope, petitioner. 6 Planning Commission Meeting June 7, 2016 Voting in favor: Svendsen, Schmidt, Gehring, Smith, Hanson, Clark, Brinkman Voting against: None Absent: McKenzie, Landy Motion approved 7-0 Chair Schmidt stated the City Council would consider this planning case at its June 27, 2016 meeting. PUBLIC HEARING Chair Schmidt introduced Item 4.4, request to consider text amendment Planning Case 16-08 to Section 4-20 of New Hope City Code related to street access Item 4.4 requirements for health and social services and trucking operation conditional uses in the Industrial district, City of New Hope, petitioner. Mr. Jeff Alger, Community Development Assistant, stated that the Codes and Standards Committee discussed possible changes to conditional uses that require sites to have direct access to arterial or collector streets at its February 3, 2016, meeting. The city’s streets and highways are classified by using functional classification criteria contained in the Metropolitan Council Transportation Development Guide and the existing classification system within the city. Alger then explained the difference between the various types of streets. Alger stated the Committee discussed the addition of collector street access for the health and social services conditional use in the Industrial district. The Committee felt that both types of streets (arterial or collector) would be appropriate for this type of use. The Committee also determined that it was unnecessary to impose street access requirements for trucking operations in the Industrial district and recommended eliminating the existing arterial street requirement. Alger concluded the Codes and Standards Committee was in favor of adopting a text amendment to the City Code related to street access requirements for health and social services and trucking operation conditional uses in the Industrial district. Staff also recommends approval of the proposed text amendment. Commissioner Svendsen inquired if the City had a minimum width requirement for collector streets, as he is concerned with the semi-truck traffic in and out of the Industrial district. Director Sargent noted that’s a question for the City Engineer and Public Works, and then pointed out the City has a Complete Streets Policy – any time a road is up for improvement, the City reviews any necessary changes that may need to be made. Being that there was no one in the audience, Chair Schmidt asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Motion by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Brinkman, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. 7 Planning Commission Meeting June 7, 2016 Motion Motion by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Svendsen, Item 4.4 to approve Planning Case 16-08, request to consider text amendment to Section 4-20 of New Hope City Code related to street access requirements for health and social services and trucking operation conditional uses in the Industrial district, City of New Hope, petitioner. Voting in favor: Schmidt, Gehring, Smith, Hanson, Clark, Brinkman, Svendsen Voting against: None Absent: McKenzie, Landy Motion approved 7-0 Chair Schmidt stated the City Council would consider this planning case at its June 27, 2016 meeting. Commissioner Svendsen stated the last Design and Review Committee COMMITTEE REPORTS Design and Review meeting was held on May 19, 2016, and it is not yet determined if there Committee will be a meeting on June 16, 2016. Item 5.1 Codes and Standards Director Sargent stated there will be a Codes & Standards Committee Committee meeting on June 29, 2016. Items to be discussed include: solar panels, Item 5.2 illuminated signs, and food truck requirements. None. However, Commissioner Svendsen noted he will be attending a NEW BUSINESS meeting on June 22, 2016, regarding plans for the new City Hall. He Item 6.1 commented that some of the original plans needed to be revised because of the recent boring samples found on the build site. Motion by Commissioner Svendsen seconded by Commissioner Clark, to OLD BUSINESS approve the Planning Commission minutes of May 3, 2016. All present Approval of Minutes voted in favor. Motion carried. Item 7.1 Chair Schmidt asked if there were any updates on the proposed Dunkin ANNOUNCEMENTS Donuts lot at 7820 - 42nd Avenue. Director Sargent explained that Dunkin Donuts is in the process of further refining their plans before they submit for a building permit. The Planning Commission meeting was unanimously adjourned at ADJOURNMENT 8:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kaeley Cazin, Recording Secretary 8 Planning Commission Meeting June 7, 2016