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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 1, 2003CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 40th Avenue N.E.. Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692 Visit Ottr Website at: www. ci. cohlmbia-heights,mn.us MEMBERS Tom Ramsdell, Chair Donna Schmitt Ted Yehle Gary Peterson Phillip Baker PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2003 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 590 N.E. 40TH AVENUE 1. Roll Call. 2. Minutes from the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of March 4, 2003. 3. Public Heatings: · None 4. New Business: · Case # 2003-0406, Profile Tool and Engineering 3929 California Street NE Site Plan Review 5. Miscellaneous: · None 6. Adjourn THE CiTY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Does NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS Of DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT or THE PROVISION OF SERVICES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING MARCH 4, 2003 7:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson, Tom Ramsdell. Roll Call: Commission Members present-Yehle, Schmitt, Baker, Peterson, and Ramsdell. The Commission welcomed new Commission Member Phillip Baker. Also present were Tim Johnson (City Planner), Shelley Hanson (Secretary), and Tami Ericson (Council Liaison). Motion by Yehle, second by Schmitt, to approve the minutes from the meeting of February 4, 2003. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. PUBLIC ItEARINGS Case 2003-0304 Ace Hardware (Frattalone's) 2261 37th Avenue NE Conditional Use Permit Frattallone's Ace Hardware is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the placement o fa tent measuring 21 x 48 feet for the display and sale of green and flowering plants fi.om April 15 through July 15, 2003. The display is to be located on the southeast side of the parking lot at 2261 37th Ave NE. Approximately seven (7) parking spaces will be used for tent sales in the parking lot of the Ace Hardware store. The subject parcel is zoned GB, General Business as are the properties to the south, east, and west. The zoning to the north of the subject parcel is zoned R-3, Multiple Family Residential, and is used for multi-family residential purposes. The area east across McKinley Street is zoned both GB, General Business, and LB, Limited Business, and is used commercially. Property south of the subject parcel within Columbia Heights is used as open space by the Lion's Club and is zoned GB, General Business. The proposed use will continue to be consistent with the character of the surrounding property and will continue to provide quality seasonal plants for area residents. The principal uses of the subject parcel are pre-existing and comply with zoning regulations. Existing parking exceeds zoning requirements, and the property will still meet minimum parking requirements after the placement of the tent over seven parking spaces. The operation should not have any effect on vehicular access for the site, as the adjacent parking lot aisle will not be blocked in any way. According to Section 9.607 1)e of the Zoning Ordinance, temporary uses and structures are allowed as a Conditional Use. The proposal is consistent with zoning regulations. Planner Johnson reported that the Fire Department has reviewed the proposal and has no concerns regarding it. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 2 MARCH 4, 2003 The proposal is consistent with the Columbia Heights Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. Similar type uses have operated successfully for each of the past ten years on a seasonal basis. Therefore, staffrecommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit provided a $500 deposit is submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to the display of the tent on the site to ensure removal at the end of the approved time period. Yehle asked whether there have ever been any complaints about this structure in the past. Staffreported that to their knowledge, there have never been any concerns expressed over this type of seasonal display. Peterson felt these types of cases which are reviewed annually, should be able to be handled administratively by staff and not have to come to the Commission each year for approval. Planner Johnson will speak to the City Attorney to see if it would require a change in our Zoning Ordinance, or if there are any other options available to have staffapprove these requests. He will report back to the Commission in April. Motion by Yehle, seconded by Peterson, to recommend City Council approval of the Conditional Use Permit to allow the placement of a 21 x 48foot tent for the display and sale of green and flowering plants from April 15, through July 15, 2003, for Ace Hardware at 2261 37th Avenue NE subject to the following condition: A $500 deposit shall be submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to display of green and flowering plants on the lot. All Ayes. MOTION PASSED. Case 2003-0305 City of Columbia Heights California Street NE Partial Vacation, Ordinance #1453 Th/s is a request from the City of Columbia Heights to vacate a portion of California Street right-of-way adjacent to the property at 3929 California Street NE. A section of California Street NE, measuring 293 feet by 15 feet was vacated in the 1970's adjacent to the industrial parcel at 3905 California Street NE, and is currently used as off-street parking. The surrounding property to the south, west, and east is zoned industrial. The property to the north is the City of Fridley. Planner Johnson explained that in anticipation of future site plan review for a new industrial building to be built at 3929 California Street NE, the City has proposed to vacate a portion of California Street NE The vacation of 30 feet by 217.6 feet (6,528 square feet) is necessary in order to allow for a future building on the site to be placed farther to the west, so as to provide a reasonable setback from the adjacent alley and residential properties to the east. Assuming vacation of the 30 foot section of right-of- way, the proposed new building site would be approximately 47,180 square feet. The proposed vacation is described as: The easterly 30feet of the north 217.6feet of California Street NE, found within the recorded plat of Columbia Heights Annex, Anoka County, Minnesota, abutting lots 25-30, Block 73; and lying north of 39th Avenue and lying northerly of the existing cul-de-sac on California Street NE. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 3 MARCH 4, 2003 The City of Columbia Heights has been working with Glenn Stauffacher, the potential new owner of the property to design a site plan that will meet City requirements and blend in consistently with the area. The site plan should be ready for review by the Planning Commission in April 2003. However, a vacation of right-of-way requires a Public Hearing by the Planning Commission, two readings of the Ordinance by the City Council, and is not official until 30 days after the date of the second reading. The vacation would coincide with the other portion that was previously vacated, and will not affect the existing cul-de-sac, which will remain. The City will require a permanent street and utility easement be established so as to allow for continued maintenance of the streets and for utilities purposes. Staff has spoken about the vacation issue with Public Works Director Kevin Hansen, who has recommended m~ntalning a ten-foot easement around a portion of the existing cul-de-sac and platted right-of-way. Planner Johnson stated this piece of property being vacated would be sold to Mr. Stauffacher along with the adjoining site and is needed to allow the new building to fit on the site and meet setbacks. The piece being considered for vacation is currently used as open, green space. It will remain as green space as it will be in the setback area of the new development. Planner Johnson also explained that if the entire street were vacated, ½ would go to Burlington Northern. By vacating just ½, we retain the other ~ of the street for access, maintenance, and snow removal. The 2001 City Comprehensive Plan designates the adjacent property for future industrial use. The proposed vacation of this portion of California Street NE will help to create a consistent and more functional industrial property for future development. The City has not received any objections to this vacation fi:om affected property owners. No private rights will be injured or endangered as a result of the vacation, and the public will not suffer loss or inconvenience as a result of the vacation. Therefore, staffrecommends approval to vacate a portion of California Street described in Ordinance #1453. Motion by Ramsdell, seconded by Baker, to recommend City Council approval of Ordinance #1453. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. NEW BUSINESS None. MISCELLANEOUS No further items. Baker asked about whether plans were being considered for the 40th and Tyler St area. Planner Johnson said there has been some talk about re-developing the block with new residential units, but that it is not City initiated. Developers have looked at the parcels, but no formal plans have been submitted to date. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 4 MARCH 4, 2003 Motion by Yehle, seconded by Schmitt, to adjourn the meeting at 7.'25 pm. All Ayes. Respectfully submitted, Shelley Hanson Secretary Case: 2003-0406 Page: 1 Case #: Owner: Address: Phone: STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR THE APRIL 1, 2003 PUBLIC I-IEARING 2003-0406 GENERAL INFORMATION Glenn Stauffacher 3825 3rd Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 (763) 788-6418 Parcel Address: 3929 California Street NE Applicant: Zoning: I-1, Light-Industrial District Comprehensive Plan: Industrial Rosa Architectural Group 1084 Sterling Street St Paul, MN 55119 Surrounding Zoning and Land Uses: Zoning North: City of Fridley South: I-1 East: R-3 West: I- 1 Land Use North: Open Space and Residential South: Industrial East: Residential West: Industrial (Railroad) BACKGROUND Explanation of Request: This is a request from Profile Tool for Site Plan Review to construct a new 19,179 square foot facility on the property at 3929 California Street NE. Case HistorF: The site is undeveloped and was identified as North Lomianki Park until the City Council removed the park designation from this property in January 2003. ANALYSIS Surrounding Property: The surrounding property to the south and west is zoned and used industrially. The property to the east across the alley is zoned and used residentially. The property to the north appears to be open space with a few homes, and is located in the City of Fridley. Case: 2003-0406 Page: 2 Technical Review: Profile Tool and Engineering has proposed to construct a new 19,179 square foot facility to house their metal tooling and machining business. The business is currently located at 3825 3rtl Street NE, and has outgrown their existing space. The business currently employs ten people and is anticipated to add a few additional employees in the design-build process. The owner has indicated that the oppommity to build a new facility will allow for him to dramatically improve his business efficiency and increase production output. In moving forward with this project, Profile Tool has been working with City staffto identify the necessary processes and related approvals since fall of 2002. As you're aware, the City has granted several approvals that were necessary for this project to move forward; including a recent vacation of a portion of California Street, and the removal of park designation from the parcel formerly identified as North Lomianki Park. The City also approved a Comprehensive Plan change fi-om Parkland to Industrial, which the Metropolitan Council endorsed in January 2003. The proposed construction schedule from start to completion is approximately 5 months, beginning this spring. The 19,179 square foot building will be constructed of painted rockface masonry block with steel bar joists. The rockface masonry units will be complemented by two smooth accent stripes that extend around the building. The building entrance area will have an EIFS (stucco) finish that will signify and provide some visual interest to the west side of the structure. It will also be complemented by a colored metal vaulted canopy and glass entry door with sidelites. The building will feature a number of high windows on several facades to allow for natural light into the shop space. The south and west building elevations will have windows and doors to create curb appeal and will feature evergreen trees to screen the loading dock area from California Street. The proposed front fagade and front entrance facing the parking lot project a distinct character, and maximize natural surveillance and visibility. The total number of large anodized aluminum insulated glass windows alone is eleven, which does not include the total number of higher mounted windows shown on the elevation drawings. Although the project does not quite achieve the 30% window and door area requirement for non-residential uses, staff believes that the proposal meets the intent of the ordinance and provides what staffconsiders to be a visually appealing structure. The loading area will consist of two overhead doors, which will receive semitruck and stakebed deliveries. The building will consist of approximately 2,533 square feet of office space, and 16,646 square feet of shop space. The proposed building will be located adjacent to the existing cul-de-sac on California Street for adequate ingress and egress, and will be served by 39th Avenue and California Street. The site traffic and loading will be completely separate from the adjacent residential properties and will not have an entry point on the alley side. The renderings provided include elevations of what each building side will generally look like and the approximate height of the building. The roof will be flat and will feature an interior roof drainage system that will catch stormwater and pipe it underground to the detention pond on the south side of the site. The rooftop venting and mechanical units will be appropriately screened from view. Case: 2003-0406 Page: 3 It should be noted that the building will not be more than 26 feet in height, but will vary in height fi.om 21 to 26 feet because of the sloping topography from north to south. Non-residential building setbacks: · Minimum front yard building setback is 20 feet; The proposed building exceeds this reqmrement as it is 51 feet from the property line. Minimum side yard building setback is 12 feet; The proposed building exceeds this requirement as it is approximately 55 feet from the west property line. Mimmum rear yard building setback is 24 feet; The proposed building meets this reqmrement, as it is exactly 24 feet fi.om this property line. Parking requirements: · Minimum requirements are 2 parking spaces per every 3 employees, or 1 space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater. The site plan shows 20 parking spaces, with the requirement being 19 spaces. The west and north sides of the building and the south facing loading area will feature several wall pack lights. It should be noted that the lighting plan submitted provides details on the footcandle measurements, which meet the City requirements for lighting intensity. The site plan proposal includes a landscaping plan, which provides details on plant and tree numbers, locations, and species. The ordinance requires a minimum of one tree for every 50 feet of street frontage, or a minimum of 4 trees for every one-acre of lot area covered by buildings, parking area, etc. The landscaping plan provided includes approximately 15 evergreen species measuring 6 feet in height (Colorado Blue Spruce), 4 existing trees, as well as approximately 19 shrubs. This plan more than meets the minimum landscaping standards established by the ordinance. A majority of the tree plantings will be a natural buffer for the residential homes on the east side of the site, but additional evergreen trees will be planted adjacent to the detention pond and the loading dock area. Although the landscaping plan shows only evergreen trees, the applicant has indicated that he can include a few different varieties of trees to complement the landscape, including deciduous and coniferous species. In addition, the non-bituminous areas on the project site will be seeded, sodded and mulched (see landscape plan). Also, the dumpster will be located next to the loading area, and will be enclosed as required by ordinance. Public Works Director Kevin Hansen has reviewed the plans submitted with his comments. Mr. Hansen's analysis indicates that on-site surface water ponding has been proposed for the site, and meets the City storm water requirements and well as MPCA Storm Water Permit requirements. It should also be noted that the City has requested a ten-foot easement around the easterly radius of the cul-de-sac for street and utility purposes. Also, should the City need to reach the north and west sides of the property for utilities or maintenance purposes, the City still maintains a 30 foot access area up to 40th Avenue for this purpose. The Fire Department has also reviewed and preliminarily approved the plans with some comments (see attached). To note, the owner plans on installing a sprinkler system, which Case: 2003-0406 Page: 4 eliminates a prior fire lane concem by the Fire Department. Compliance with City Comprehensive Plan: The 2001 City Comprehensive Plan designates the property for future industrial use. Summary: The aspects of this proposal are as follows: · The new facility will fia'ther enhance the tax base and create additional good paying jobs. · The facility proposed £eatures varied architectural materials designed to create visual interest and to provide consistency with the surrounding area. · The building will provide a buffer for the residential properties fi.om the railroad switching yards to the west. CONCLUSION Staff Recommendation: Staffrecommends approval of the Site Plan proposal to construct a new 19,179 square foot facility on the property at 3929 California Street NE. Recommended Motion: Move to approve the Site Plan for Profile Tool and Engineering for a 19,179 square foot industrial facility on the property at 3929 California Street NE, subject to the following conditions: 1. All required state and local codes, permits, licenses and inspections will be met and in full compliance. 2. Final review and approval of grading/drainage, water and sewer plans by City Engineer and Fire Chief. 3. Approved landscaping and screening shall be installed in conjunction with site development and prior to issuance of a final certificate of occupancy. Attachments: Site Plan; Grading plans, Landscaping plans; Elevation drawings; P.W. narrative; Fire Dept memo; Applicant narrative 555 Mill Street NE "Columbia Heights, MN 55421 763-706-5650 · Fax 765-706-5651 * Inspections 765-706-5655 · TDD 765-706-5692 To: Tim Johnson, City Planner From: John Crelly, Assistant Fire Chief Date: March 26, 2003 Subject: Fire Department comments for the Profile Tool & Engineering Inc. project The Columbia Heights Fire Depaubnent has the following comments pertaining to the proposed new building for Profile Tool & Engineering Inc. at 3929 California Street N.E.. Please note, these comments as based on limited information that has been provided to date. The proposal is a 19,179 sq. ft. building constructed of masomy wails and a metal bar joist roof assembly. The overall height of the building is approximately 24 feet. The proposed use of the building is a metals machine shop, offices and storage. There is limited access to the west and east side of the building. The owner of the building / business has indicated that they will provide a code compliant fire sprinkler system throughout the building. Site Plan Review Comments: I) Provide a fire hydrant in the cul-de-sac. 2) Provide utility plans to the Fire Department and other City departments for review and approval. The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services. Equal opportunity employer. Rosa Architectural Group, Inc. 1084 Sterling Street. St. Paul, MN 55119-3611 Phone 651-739-7988. Fax 651-739-3165 March 24, 2003 Mr. Tim Johnson, City Planner City of Columbia Heights Community Development Department 590 - 40th Avenue N.E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Re: Narrative for proposed new Profile Tool & Engineering Facility Dear Mr. Johnson: Profile Tool & Engineering, Inc. is proposing to build a new 19,179 square foot facility to house their current metal tooling and machining business. They currently employ 10 people and anticipate keeping all employees to work out of the new facility. It is anticipated that the maximum employee count would be 12. This proposed new facility will allow much improved business efficiency and will allow a stable business to continue to be a part of the City of Columbia Heights business community. The new building will be constructed of painted rockface concrete masonry units with two smooth accent stripes around the building. The main entry will have an EIFS (stucco) area signifying it as the entry. This area will also have a colored metal vaulted canopy and glass entry door with sidelites. The facility will have high windows along the east and west facades to allow natural light into the shop areas. The office areas will have larger windows as indicated. All windows will be anodized aluminum with insulated glass. The new facility will continue to receive semitruck and stakebed truck deliveries and as such a loading dock area serving both types of deliveries will be a component of the new facility. This area will screened by evergreen trees from the California Street entrance. The east side of the building will receive berming against the building to reduce the building height. This side will also receive a line of evergreen trees to buffer the building from the neighbors yards to the east. High windows along this facade will be added to allow for natural light into the shop areas of the building and to create interest along the east fac~ All drainage from .de. the site will be controled by proper grading and by the use of a detention pond Architecture . Planning · Interior Design located near the south property line. The owner looks forward to beginning construction of the project in late spring with completion of the project in 4 to 5 months. Thankyou for your imerest in this project and, if you have questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Russ Rosa, AIA cc: Mr. Glen Stauffacher, President, Profile Tool & Engineering, Inc. C~,L IFOI~a,,IIA 5Tf~EET . ? ~LLE¥ I I mZ~. z--~ ALLEY I I I I CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS v ~ 3692 590 40th A enue N.E.. Columb a Heights, MN Visit Our Website cit: www. ci. columbia-heights.~ic Works Department ' TO: TIM JOHNSON CITY PLANNER FROM: KEVIN HANSEN PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER SUBJECT: PROFILE TOOL & ENGiNEERING (preliminary review) DATE: March 28, 2003 I have reviewed the subject development submittal packet dated March 17th, 2003 and have the following requirements/comments: Plat/Easements Please provide Engineering with an executed copy of the easement over the easterly portion of the Cul-de-Sac for roadway, drainage and utility purposes. I would recommend an easement be provided over the storm water pond to the City of Columbia Heights. Although this will be a privately maintained pond, an easement would assure the continuation (existence) of the pond now and into.the future. Grading/Erosion Control · Erosion control measures shall be in accordance with the Minnesota Urban Small Sites BMP Manual, published by the Metropolitan Council, dated 2001. · Temporary erosion control shall be placed and inspected by the engineering department prior to any grading activities. · Provide a vehicle-tracking pad at the main entrance off of the Cul-de-Sac during construction · Cover material for soil erosion control shall be in accordance with table one (attached) based upon final slopes and use. All areas outside of the building zone(s) shall be seeded and mulched within 14 days of establishing final grade. · An additional measure of erosion control will be cleaning the public streets, as necessary, throughout site and building construction. Utilities All work near public facilities, or connection to public facilities shall be inspected by the City of Columbia Heights. The Contractor may call Public Works ~ (763) 706-3700, 24 hours in advance for public inspections. General I would recommend additional landscaping (screening) at the east property line for the stormwater pond to screen residential property to the east. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me at (763) 706-3705. Cc: Lauren McClanahan, Public Works Superintendent Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer T E ITY F O M I EIGHTS D T I RI IN O~q THe BASI OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SEF?VlCES 1~: \~scrs~ubSc ['v~ o ~< s~p~qa~n rev,ews~ 3~ro t~}s'~o~an~ TEen ~n necn ng~r~ re.doc EQUAL ~POR~ITY EMPLOYER ~LIFOI~i~NIA 5Tt~EET