HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 6, 2003PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 6, 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.
Also present were Tim Johnson (City Planner), Shelley Hanson (Secretary), and Tami Ericson
(Council Liaison).
Motion by Yehle, seconded by Schmitt, to approve the minutes from the meeting of July 1, 2003
as submitted All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
NEW BUSINESS
Case #:
Owner:
Address:
2003-0809
Discount Tire Company
20225 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85225
Dave Parker (480) 606-5763
Parcel Address: 5280 Central Avenue NE
Zoning: GB, General Business District
Comprehensive Plan: Commercial
Applicant: Same
This is a request from the Discount Tire Company for Site Plan Review to construct a new
facility on the former Hardee's site at 5280 Central Avenue NE. The site was a former Hardee's
drive-thru and has been vacant since spring 2002.
The surrounding property to the north and south is used and zoned commemially. The property
to the east and west is used and zoned commercially. The intersection of 53rd and Central is the
north gateway to Columbia Heights and is visible from Highway 694. Fridley lies to the north of
53rd Avenue.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 1, 2003
PAGE 2
The Discount Tire Company has purchased the former Hardee's Building and is proposing to
demolish the structure, and in mm build a new Discount Tire store. Discount Tire Company
owns and operates more than 500 stores in 16 different states. There are currently 8 other
Discount Tire stores in the Twin Cities. The plans are to construct a new facility fronting on
Central Avenue that showcases design features consistent with the new Columbia Heights
Design Guidelines and provide a visually attractive gateway to Columbia Heights from the north.
Discount Tire staff has been working with City staffto achieve a successful project since spring
of 2003. The proposed construction schedule from start to completion, including demolition, is
approximately 4 months, beginning this fall.
Although the Columbia Heights Design Guidelines are not officially adopted, staff and the
applicants have worked hard to meet the goals and objectives of these guidelines. The proposed
building has been designed with the building fronting closer to the street than most other
buildings in the highway district. This will allow for it to take advantage of comer sightlines.
The building design will focus on creating visual interest from Central Avenue and 53rd Avenue,
with the service bays designed to face toward the west and parking area. The building will
resemble a new Discount Tire prototype, but has been designed and tailored specifically for this
site. The building will feature split-face block at the base and top of the building, with brick
veneer around the entire building and window areas, and will be complemented by an E~S
finish below the top of the parapet wall.
The front will also feature storefront pedestrian-friendly windows and doors and a row of
storefront display windows designed to be inviting and visually attractive, but also to hide the
tire storage behind the wall. A fourth set of windows and single-door facing Central (shown in
darker contras0 will be opaque spandrel glass and will hide tire storage and other service
facilities from view. The north facing elevation will feature similar materials listed above, but
will also be complemented by pedestrian-fi'iendly windows and a sales display and office area.
The westerly facing elevation will be designed to accommodate the parking and servicing of
vehicles and will also feature complementary design finishes, including 3 overhead steel service
doors with clear glass panels. An attractive heavy fabric awning has been proposed to cover the
office and display area on the northeast side of the building and will wrap around to the
northwest comer of the building to complement and make the building flow well. There will
also be attractive wall-pack accent lighting on all sides for decorative appeal and to achieve safe
light levels.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 3
The proposed front faqade facing Central Avenue and the rear main entrance facing the parking
lot project a distinct character, and maximize natural surveillance and visibility. The building
elevations facing Central Avenue have been broken up with various design features, including
window variety, doors, facade depression, contrasting building materials, and awnings. The
building height will be 26 feet, which will allow the building to achieve a stronger street
presence. The interior of the facility is being designed to operate with 6 service bays and
additional miscellaneous equipment associated with the tire business. Tire storage racks will be
placed behind the service bays the length of the structure, with a small dead tire storage area on
the south side of the building. All tire storage will be kept in the building, and not stored outside.
The applicant has designed the site plan in harmony with the goals and objectives of the
Columbia Heights Design Guidelines, even though as mentioned before, aren't officially adopted
yet. In this context, staffhas reviewed these plans and determined that the building and site plan
meet the design standards and in most cases exceeds these standards. With this in mind, the
commission can be confident that this site, as it's first test site, will set the standard for future
projects on Central Avenue.
The minimum front yard building setback is 15 feet; The proposed building meets this
requirement as it is 20feet from the property line. lzihile the building foundation is set back at 20
feet, the ordinance allows for architectural features such as awnings to be placed in the setback
areas.
The minimum comer side yard building setback is 15 feet; The proposed building exceeds this
requirement as it is approximately 17.5feet from the north property line. Again with the
ordinance allowing for architectural features to be placed in the setback areas.
The minimum rear yard building setback is 20 feet; The proposed building meets this
requirement, as it is more than l OO feet from this property line.
The minimum side yard building setback is 0 feet; The proposed building meets this
requirement, as it is more than 20feet from this property line.
Minimum requirements for parking are one space per every 300 square feet of gross floor area
with 2 spaces required per service bay; The total gross floor are square footage calculation for
parking is based on 6,511 square feet. The site plan shows 34 off-street parking spaces proposed,
with the requirement being 34: There are two handicapped spaces shown which meet the
accessibility requirements. The parking lot is currently accessible from a curb cut on 53rd, with
an additional shared access from the US Bank property off of Central Avenue. The minimum
parking setbacks are 15 feet fi.om the front and comer side property lines and 5 feet from the rear
property line; Off-street parking proposed meets the City requirements as the parking is located
completely in the rear of the property, is 18 feet from the comer side property line, and 6 feet
from the rear yard property line.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 4
It should be noted that the lighting plan for the parking area submitted provides details on the
footcandle measurements. These measurements meet the City requirements for lighting intensity
at a maximum of 3 footcandles of light at the nearest non-residential property line. The lighting
for the site includes two pole lights to be located on the southeast and southwest comers of the
parking area.
The General Business District allows for wall signage not to exceed 200 square feet in size. The
applicant is proposing wall-mounted signage for the building, which will have to meet Zoning
and Design Guideline requirements as well. Signage will be verified during the permitting
process. No specific style has been chosen for the building yet.
The site plan proposal also 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. But the Design Guidelines also require that parking areas adjacent
to public streets or sidewalks be screened with a combination of landscape material and
decorative fencing sufficient to screen parked cars. The landscaping plan includes 16 trees
consisting of ash, crab, and pine varieties. In addition, a variety of shrubs, wood and rock mulch,
and sod is proposed for groundcover, as well as 2 landscaped curb islands designed to break up
the parking lot area. The plan proposed exceeds minimum City landscaping standards. In
addition, a retaining wall will be rebuilt along the westerly property line to dress up the site and
to prevent erosion. The designated loading zone on the south side of the site will also be
screened with a row of Austrian Pine trees. In addition, the non hard-surface areas on the project
site will be sodded and mulched. Also, the dumpster will be located on the southwest side of the
structure, will be built to match the finish of the building, and will be enclosed as required by
ordinance.
Commission member Baker asked about the height of the retaining wall. He was told it will be
approximately 5-8 ft. in height.
The proposed building will be served by 53rd Avenue and Central Avenue, which should
provide for adequate ingress and egress. There is one existing curb cut allowing access to the
site offof53rd Avenue, and a shared drive with U.S. Bank. allowing for vehicular traffic from
Central Avenue. There should be no increase in traffic counts related to the site, as the site was a
former Hardee's Restaurant. The site plan has also been forwarded to MnDOT as they are
required to review site plans adjacent or fronting on Trunk Highways. From a brief conversation
had with MnDOT officials, it is anticipated that there should not be any issues with this site. The
plans also call for a sidewalk extension from the Discount Tire entrance to the existing Central
Avenue sidewalk and transit stop, which provide for a pedestrian friendly connection to the
Avenue and meet the intent of the Central Avenue Design Guidelines.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 5
Public Works Director Kevin Hansen has also reviewed the site plan and grading/drainage plans,
and submitted his comments to the commission members. He is requiring the following items:
· Perimeter easement of 5 ft on north and east property lines
· Erosion control measures shall be in accordance with MN Urban Small Sites BM?
Manual, published by Met Council dated 2001.
· Temporary erosion control shall be placed and inspected by Engineering Dept. prior
to grading activities.
· Cleaning the public streets as necessary throughout the site and building construction.
· A registered engineer shall certify the modular block retaining wall, providing
drawings to the Engineering Dept.
· A cash escrow of $1,500 be submitted for engineering inspection and erosion control
surety. Any unused portion would be returned upon completion of project.
· Subject to MN Dot approval.
Commission member Peterson asked who is responsible for cleating the sidewalk area along
Central Ave? Public Works would need to make that determination. Peterson recommended
that clarification of that issue be made and that the store owners are notified prior to building.
The applicants have submitted a plan which directs the stormwater nmoff towards 53rd Avenue,
and away from adjacent properties. Keeping in mind that the proposed stormwater flows are
comparable with the former use of the site. The Fire Department has also reviewed and
preliminarily approved the plans.
The 2001 City Comprehensive Plan designates the property for future commercial use, which
promotes commercial service development such as proposed. The new facility will further
enhance the commercial tax base and create new jobs lost when Hardee's closed. The facility
proposed features varied architectural materials designed to create visual interest and to provide
design features to the north gateway to Columbia Heights. Therefore, staff recommends approval
of the Site Plan proposal from the Discount Tire Company to construct a new 7,700 square foot
structure on the property at 5280 Central Avenue NE.
Commission member Schmitt asked several questions regarding signage, the location of the
other stores, stores hours and construction timelines. Bill Wendell, VP of Discount Tires and
Ban'y Wagner of Clark Engineering answered their questions. They explained that demolition of
the existing building is scheduled for this fall and they hope to be well underway before snow
falls, for an anticipated opening of early 2004. He said they would follow local ordinances
regarding signage and incorporate their typical signage design used at other sites into something
that will work in our City. Ramsdell asked about the windows on the east side and what would
be displayed in them. Mr. Wendell said he wasn't sure, but it would probably be artwork of
some type. The tire/wheel display would be in the showroom area. Yehle commented that he
liked the design of the building and how it would brighten up the area. Mr. Wendell said the
company is very conscience of the cleanliness and overall appearance of the store inside and out.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 6
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Yehle, to approve the Site Plan for the Discount Tire Company
for.a 7, 700 square foot facility on the property at 5280 Central Avenue NE, subject to the
following conditions:
* AH required state and local codes, permits, licenses and inspections will be met and in
full compliance.
* Final review and approval of grading~drainage, water and sewerplans by City Engineer
and Fire Chief.
* Approved landscaping and screening shah be installed in conjunction with site
development and prior to issuance ofa final certificate of occupancy.
* Perimeter easements of Sft on east and north property lines.
* Subject to MN DOT approval.
AH ayes. MOTION PASSED.
CASE NUMBER:
APPLICANT:
LOCATION:
REQUEST:
PREPARED BY:
2003-0810
City of Columbia Heights
Kmart Redevelopment Area (East of Central Avenue between
47th & 49th Avenues - See Figurel)
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Ciara Schlichting, Planner, from Dahlgren, Shardlow and Uban
The Kmart Redevelopment Area Study began in May 2003 and is nearing completion. The
objectives of this study are to redevelop an outdated retail center, provide more employment
opportunities, provide new housing choices, reestablish transit use, and encourage walking and
biking. The end result of this study is the final Kmart Redevelopment Plan. The draft Kmart
Redevelopment Plan proposes mixed-use development that includes residential, commercial,
park, office, and civic uses. The adopted Comprehensive Plan does not eun'ently allow for
mixed-use developments within the subject area. Since the Comprehensive Plan is the
framework for guiding zoning and development decisions, it must be amended to change the
land use designation of the subject parcels to be consistent with the concepts proposed in the
draft Kmart Redevelopment Plan.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 7
Chapter 9 of the City Code requires that the Planning Commission prepare recommendations to
the City Council regarding changes to the Comprehensive Plan. This proposed Comprehensive
Plan amendment is on the City Council's August 1 lth meeting agenda. The City Council must
either approve the Comprehensive Plan amendment contingent upon Metropolitan Council
review or adopt a resolution transmitting the amendment to the Metropolitan Council for review.
After the Metropolitan Council review is completed, the. City will continue plan implementation
activities, including adopting the final Kmart Redevelopment Plan, establishing a Tax Increment
Finance (TIF) District, amending the Zoning Code, and review and approval of specific
redevelopment plans within the greater redevelopment area. The City will have ample
oppommities in the future to review and consider approving specific redevelopment plans
proposed for the subject properties.
DSU is advising the Planning Commission to recommend that the City Council approve the
Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Kmart Redevelopment Area, contingent upon
Metropolitan Council review, which changes the land use designation from Commercial to
Transit Oriented Mixed-Use.
The existing land uses within the redevelopment area consist of six (6) commercial retail
buildings. The surrounding land uses include commercial retail, office, apartments, two family
residential, and single family residential. The total size of the redevelopment area is
approximately 21 acres. The subject properties are guided Commercial and zoned GB-General
Business District. These designations do not provide the flexibility needed to accommodate
mixed-use redevelopment projects, given the limited permitted uses allowed under each land use
category.
The 2001 Comprehensive Plan established three (3) Mixed-Use land use categories: Transit
Oriented Mixed-Use, Community Center Mixed-Use, and Transitional Mixed-Use. The purpose
of creating the Mixed-Use districts was to "facilitate redevelopment and enhancement efforts in
targeted areas of the community" (page 20, Comprehensive Plan). The Kmart Redevelopment
Area is a section of the community that has been officially targeted for redevelopment since the
adoption of the Comprehensive Plan.
The Transit Oriented Mixed-Use designation appears to be the most appropriate Mixed-Use
designation for the subject properties. Both the Community Center Mixed-Use district and the
Transitional Mixed-Use District are tied to specific geographic areas within the community. The
Community Center Mixed-Use district is intended to guide the redevelopment of lands in the
vicinity of City Hall. The Transitional Mixed-Use District is intended to guide the
redevelopment of lands along 40th Avenue from City Hall to Central Avenue. Criteria for the
location of Transit Oriented Mixed-Use district only requires that the district be located in areas
along existing transit routes.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 8
The Comprehensive Plan provides a description of areas guided Transit Oriented Mixed-Use.
Specifically, the Comprehensive Plan states that these areas "will focus on the commuting needs
of Columbia Heights residents. As a result, a higher percentage of service-oriented
commercial/retail development will be necessary with high-density residential development
providing the balance of the development. Mixed-Use pedestrian-oriented development near
transit nodes will provide opportunities for high-density residential and neighborhood
commercial development. Redevelopment of these areas will also provide the oppommity for
pedestrian linkages to other parts of the community and improvement of the overall non-
motorized circulation system within the community that will help improve the image of
Columbia Heights." (Page 22, Comprehensive Plan).
Although the final Kmart Redevelopment Plan is not being considered for approval at this time,
the draft Kmart Redevelopment Plan provides the framework for determining the most
appropriate land use designation. The Kmart Redevelopment Plan is consistent with the
description of the Transit Oriented Mixed-Use District:
The study area is located along an existing transit route;
New residents will be able to commute to work via the existing transit routes;
Potential patrons will continue to access existing business via transit and likewise, will be able to
patronize any new business via transit;
A high percentage of the area will continue to provide service-oriented commercial/retail along
Central Avenue and new higher density residential uses will balance the development and
provide a transition from commercial development to the adjacent residential areas; and
The plan will provide pedestrian connections to and through the subject properties.
The proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment is consistent with the goals contained in the
Comprehensive Plan, including, but not limited to:
Goal: Strengthen the image of the community as a desirable place to live and work. The Transit
Oriented Mixed-Use designation provides new housing and job oppommities in close proximity
to one another.
Goal: Preserve and enhance the existing viable commercial areas within the community. Central
Avenue is an important commercial corridor within the community that will be enhanced by
more housing (potential customers) within walking distance, new businesses, and street
enhancements.
Goal: Provide opportunities and mechanisms for successful redevelopment of targeted areas
within the community. The land use change will support the implementation of the Kmart
Redevelopment Plan.
Goal: Advocate high quality development and redevelopment within the community. Urban
design guidelines and an overall redevelopment plan will help ensure high quality development.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 9
Goal: Provide a variety of life-cycle housing opportunities within the community. A new Mixed-
Use District will provide new residential opportunities in areas previously limited to commercial
use only.
Goal: Strengthen areas of commercial and civic activity by introducing complementary housing
development. The new Mixed-Use District will introduce housing opportunities mixed with
commercial and civic activity.
Goal: Increase pedestrian and bicycle safety in residential neighborhoods. The Kmart
Redevelopment Plan proposes streetscape enhancements, which include improved crosswalks
and sidewalks and pedestrian level lighting.
Goal: Manage and maintain the investment in the existing roadway system. The Kmart
Redevelopment Area will be served by the existing roadway system and will provide a new
internal cimulation system within the site.
Given the description of the Transit Oriented Mixed-Use designation, the consistency of the
Kmart Redevelopment Plan with the Transit Oriented Mixed-Use description, and the
consistency of the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment with the goals of the adopted
Comprehensive Plan, staff recommends amending the Comprehensive Plan, contingent upon
Metropolitan Council review, to change the land use designation of the subject properties from
Commercial to Transit Oriented Mixed-Use.
Baker asked if the City Council has seen these recommended changes yet. It was explained they
are aware that changes need to be made. The Planning and Zoning Commission must first make
a recommendation to the City Council regarding the Comprehensive Plan Amendments as
presented, so they can take the appropriate action, before a development plan can be considered.
Motion by Ramsdell, seconded by Yehle to recommend approval of the Comprehensive Plan
amendments for the Kmart Redevelopment Area, contingent upon Metropolitan Council review,
which changes the land use desigination from Commercial to Transit Oriented Mixed-Use. All
ayes. MOTION PASSED.
Columbia Heights Design Guidelines
The Columbia Heights Design Guidelines process that started in 2002 is now complete and ready
for adoption. The Columbia Heights Design Guidelines document was developed by City Staff,
consultants, and a Task Force with representatives fi'om the City Council, Planning Commission,
area businesses, landowners, and interested citizens.
Suzanne Rhees from the planning finn URS, that worked to develop these guidelines gave a
presentation to. the Planning Commission.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 10
The Commission members commented that they felt it was a good document that will help with
future development in Columbia Heights. It is a logical follow-up to the street-scaping that was
started with the reconstruction of Central Avenue, and will compliment those design features.
Ms. Rhees explained that the plan focused on the Central-Business District and then eventually
worked all the way to the north boundary at 5Brd Avenue. She reported that different plans that
coordinate with one another have been used for the CBD area versus the properties further north
on the Avenue. She responded to questions posed by the members regarding site design, and
parking allowances.
There was a discussion regarding where people can obtain a copy of the guidelines to encourage
compliance. The Commission suggested a copy be put at the Library and maybe on the City's
web site. And that anyone interested in developing or building on a site be given a copy of the
guidelines prior to submitting plans.
Staff recommends Adoption of Resolution 2003-30, approving the Columbia Heights Design
Guidelines, along with appropriate zoning text amendments necessary to implement the Design
Guidelines, as these guidelines are consistent with good design principles and complement recent
streetscape improvements on Central Avenue.
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Yehle, to recommend City Council adoption of Resolution
2003-30, which is a resolution adopting Design Guidelines for the Central and 40th Avenue
Corridors. All Ayes. MOTION PASSED.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case: 2003-0811
Zoning and Development Ordinance Amendments
During the Columbia Heights Design Guidelines adoption process, it became apparent that
several zoning and development ordinance amendments would be necessary in order to keep the
Design Guidelines and Zoning Ordinance consistent and to anticipate future changes designed to
facilitate redevelopment. These zoning ordinance amendments are now being proposed along
with the Design Guidelines in order to ensure that the guidelines are effective, useful, and serve
their purpose. The changes are quite lengthy to explain in great detail, but the amendments
address minor changes in various sections of the ordinance, including building design standards,
lighting, setbacks, parking exemptions, landscaping, mixed-use district, and the establishment of
a new Design Overlay District.
PLANNING & ZONING COM2V[ISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 11
Staff recommends adoption of the Zoning and Development Ordinance amendments, as these
amendments are necessary in order to ensure consistency with Columbia Heights Design
Guidelines. Planner Johnson reviewed the proposed changes with the Commission members.
ORDINANCE NO.
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853,
CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
#1428
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain the following amendments:
Section 9.614 Building Design Standards.
Section 9.614 shah be amended to read as follows:
5) Design Guidelines. The City Council may adopt by resolution design guidelines that
shall apply to designated areas or districts of the City with greater specificity than the
standards in this section. Where there is a conffict between the design guidelines and the
standards in this section, the guidelines shall apply.
9.614 Building Design Standards.
Building Materials and Design.
Currently reads:
3) (b) At least 30% of the first floor faqade that faces a public street, sidewalk or parking lot shall
be windows or doors of clear
or lightly tinted glass that allows views into and out of the building at eye level for non-
residential uses.
Shah be amended to read as follows:
3) (b) At least 30°,/0 20% of the first floor fagade that faces a public street, sidewalk or parking
lot shall be windows or doors of clear of lightly tinted glass that allows views into and out of the
building at eye level for non-residential uses.
9.611 Lighting:
Currently reads:
Lighting Fixtures. Lighting fixtures shall be of a downcast with flat lens, cut-off type that
conceals the light source from view and prevents light from shining on adjacent property. At no
time should a fixture be aimed and/or tilted above a horizontal plane in commercial or industrial
districts.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 12
Shall be amended to read as follows:
Lighting Fixtures. Lighting fixtures shall be of a downcast with flat lens, cut-off type that
conceals the light source from view and prevents light from shining on adjacent property. At no
time should a fixture be aimed and/or tilted above a horizontal plane in commercial or industrial
districts, with the exception of architectural up-lighting or landscape lighting.
Section 9.612 Currently reads:
8) Off-street Parking District. Should the City establish a public off-street parking district,
those uses located within the district shall be exempt from providing off-street parking spaces as
required herein.
Shall be amended to read as follows:
Off-street Parking District. Should the City establish a public off-street parking district, those
uses located within the district shall be exempt from providing off-street parking spaces as
required herein.
The CBD, Central Business District, is established as a public off-street parking district, so
that nonresidential uses are exempt from providing off-street parking spaces as required
herein. Residential uses, including those in mixed-use buildings, shall provide off-street
parking as required herein.
Section 9.1006 CBD, Central Business District
Shall be amended to read as follows:
Off-Street Parking. The CBD, Central Business District, shall be considered an Of-Street
Parking District in which off-street parking is not required for nonresidential land uses.
Residential uses, including those in mixed-use buildings, shall meet the parking
requirements of Section 9.612.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 13
Section 9.1003 Lot Dimensions, Height and Bulk Requirements
Currently reads:
LB GB CBD
Minimum Lot Ar~a 6,000 sq. fi. 6,000 sq. fi.
Vlinimum Lot Width 50 feet 40 feet 20 feet
Minimum Lot Depth
Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit
Sins;lc Family Dwellin$ 6,500 sq. ft.
Multiple Family Dwelling
Efficiency 1,200 sq. ft. ! ,200 sq. ft.
One bedroom 1,800 scI. ft. 1,800 sq. ft.
Two bedroom 2,000 sq. ft. 2,000 sq. ft.
Three bedroom 2,500 sq. ft. 2,500 sq. fL
Additional bedroom 400 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft.
Congregate Living Units 400 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft.
Hotel or motel 400 sq. ft.
Hospital 600 sq. ft.
iluilding Setback Requirements
Front Yard 12 feet 15 feet I foot
Side Yard 15 feet None None
Comer Side Yard 10 feet 15 feet 1 foot
Rear Yard 20 feet 20 feet 10 feet
Parkin$ Setback Requirements
Front Yard 12 feet 15 feet I foot
Side Yard 5 feet 5 feet None
Comer Side Yard 12 feet 15 feet 1 foot
Rear Yard 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet
Maximum Height 35 feet 35 feet
Maximum Lot Coverage
Floor Area Ratio 1.0 6.0
Section 9.1003 Lot Dimension, Height and Bulk Requirements.
Shall be amended to read as follows:
LB GB CBD
Minimum Lot Area 6,000 sq. fL 6,000 sq. fL
Minimum Lot Width 50 feet 40 feet 20 feet
Minimum Lot Depth
Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit
Single Family Dwelling 6,500 sq. ft.
Multiple Family Dwelling
Efficiency 1,200 sq. ft. 1,200 sq. fr.
One bedroom 1,800 sq. fr. 1,800 sq. fl.
Two bedroom 2,000 sq. fi. 2,000 sq. fr.
Three bedroom 2,500 sq. R. 2,500 sq. R.
Additional bedroom 400 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft.
Congregate Living Units 400 sq. fL 400 sq. fr.
Hotel or motel 400 sq. fr.
Hospital 600 sq. fr.
Building Setback Requirements
Nonresidential/Mixed-Use Front Yard None
Residential Front Yard 5 feet
Front Yard !2 fe:t 15 feet -1- None
Side Yard 15 feet None None
Comer Side Yard 10 feet 15 feet I foot
Rear Yard 20 feet 20 feet I0 feet
?arking Setback Requirements
Front Yard 12 feet 15 fe~t 1 foot
Side Yard 5 feet 5 feet None
Comer Side Yard 12 feet 15 feet I foot
Rear Yard 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet
Maximum Height 35 feet 35 feet
Maximum Lot Coverage
?loot Area Ratio 1.0 6.0
PLANNING & ZONING COMMSSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 14
9.613 Landscaping and Screening.
Screening Requirements. Screening shall be provided in accordance with the following
requirements:
Currently reads:
All off-street parking areas containing six (6) or more parking spaces and located adjacent to or
across a public fight-of-way (street or alley) from a residential or residentially zoned property,
the parking area shall be screened along the boundary with the residential use. Where any
commercial or industrial use is located adjacent to or across a public fight-of-way (street or
alley) from a residential or a residentially zoned property, the commercial or industrial use shall
be screened along the boundary with the residential use.
Shall be amended to read as follows:
All off-street parking areas containing six (6) or more parking spaces and located adjacent to o~
r. cra,~s a p .......--o--- ,.,-J w,-,,,~- ,~- a!!e>9 ,,,...c-'~- a residential or resident zoned property,
the parking area shall be screened along the boundary with the residential use. Where any
commercial or industrial use is located adjacent to ar r. cr,~,~: av-"*'~:~ ....... a~*'*c:,, ....... ^,-,..~.,2 tr'~'~t or
alley) or across a public alley from a residential or a residentially zoned property, the
commercial or industrial use shall be screened along the boundary with the residential use.
Section 9.613 6)
Shah be amended to read as follows:
Screening of Parking Areas from Adjacent Properties. All parking and loading areas
(including drive-through facilities, pump island service areas and stacking spaces) abutting
a public street or sidewalk shall provide:
A landscaped frontage strip at least 5 feet wide along the public street or sidewalk. If a
parking area contains over 100 spaces, the minimum required landscaped frontage strip
shall be increased to 8 feet in width.
Screening consisting of either a masonry wail, fence, berm or hedge or combination that
forms a screen a minimum of 3 feet in height, a maximum of 4 ½ feet in height, and not less
than 50 percent opaque on a year-round basis. For reasons of personal safety and security,
parking lot screening should allow clear visibility of pedestrians above the 3-foot high
viewing range.
Trees shall be planted at regular intervals of no greater than 50 feet within the frontage
strip.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 15
Section 9.1203 Mixed Use Development District Types
Currently reads:
Mixed Use Development District Types. The City's Comprehensive Plan identifies three
distinct mixed-use development oppommities with the City.
1) Transit Oriented Mixed-Use. The purpose of the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use is to
promote development and redevelopment that facilitates linkages and interaction of transit
services, housing and neighborhood services. The focus of land use within this district is to
ensure a pedestrian friendly environment and pedestrian connections to and from residential
development and transit facilities. The mix of land use shall be 60 percent service-oriented
commercial/retail and 40 percent high density residential development (12 units/acre minimum).
Section 9.1203 Mixed Use Development District Types
Shall be amended to read as follows:
Mixed Use Development District Types. The City's Comprehensive Plan identifies three
distinct mixed-use development opportunities with the City.
1) Transit Oriented Mixed-Use. The purpose of the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use is to
promote development and redevelopment that facilitates linkages and interaction of transit
services, housing and neighborhood services. The focus of land use within this district is to
ensure a pedestrian friendly environment and pedestrian connections to and from residential
development and transit facilities. The mix of land use shall be ~O perccnt :er:ice c~ented
c ...... ;.~.~,~;~ ~.,~ ~n ...... * ~;~ ~'~;* ..... ;~*~ '~ .... ~ ..... * flexible to help facilitate
a successful development (12 units/acre minimum).
Section 9.1205 Performance Standards. The following performance standards shall be applied
to all mixed-use developments.
Cun'ently reads:
The minimum size of a mixed-use development shall be five (5) acres.
Shall be amended to read as follows:
The minimum size of a mixed-use development shall be ~
facilitate a successful development.
flexible to help
Section 9.1301 General Provisions
Currently reads:
Establishment of Overlay District. The following overlay districts are established:
Floodplain Management Overlay District
Shoreland Management Overlay District
Section 9.1301 General Provisions
Shall be amended to read as follows:
4) Establishment of Overlay District.
Floodplain Management Overlay District
Shoreland Management Overlay District
Design Overlay District
The following overlay districts are established:
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 16
Section 9.1304
Shah be amended to read as follows:
1) Purpose: The Design Overlay Districts are established to increase the visual appeal
and pedestrian orientation of certain major street corridors within the City, thereby
increasing the economic vitality of these corridors, and to support the goals of the
Comprehensive Plan.
2) Establishment. The following design overlay districts are established:
Central Avenue Design District
40th Avenue Design District
Highway Design District
3) Design Guidelines. The Columbia Heights Design Guidelines shall apply to
development within the Design Districts. The Columbia Heights Design Guidelines are
hereby incorporated into this ordinance by reference in oi'der to:
Guide developers or business owners wishing to propose expansions, renovations or new
construction of buildings or parking within the Design Districts;
Assist City officials and staff in reviewing development proposals.
4) Applicability of Design Guidelines.
Design guidelines shall apply to all nonresidential, mixed-use and/or multi-family
buildings, and to the following activities:
New construction;
Any exterior changes, including repainting, with the exception of replacement or repair of
existing materials;
Any internal remodeling or expansion activity that increases the overall size of the building
by 10 percent or more;
Any development or expansion of parking areas that would result in a lot with more than
four parking spaces.
Minor alterations such as repainting may be handled administratively, as determined by
the City Planner.
The guidelines are intended to be mandatory. It is assumed that the intent of the guidelines
shall be met; however, it is understood that there may be ways to achieve the same design
objective. The City may permit alternative approaches that in its determination, meet the
objective(s) of the guidelines(s) equally well.
The guidelines shall apply only to the building or site elements being developed or altered.
That is, a proposal for changes to a building would be required to meet only those
standards that pertain to buildings, while changes to a parking area would be required to
meet all standards for parking areas, but not for buildings. The City Planner will make the
initial determination as to which standards are applicable.
Design Review shall be conducted as part of the site plan review process, as specified in
Section 9.413.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2003
PAGE 17
Members asked questions regarding some of the recommended changes especially in regards to
setback changes along 40th Avenue and whether existing homes along there are grandfathered in
as conforming structures. It was explained that, yes, they are grandfathered in and that setbacks
were reduced to allow for future development that would be consistent with the Master Plan such
as the construction of townhouses or high density housing along that corridor.
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Baker, to recommend City Council adoption of the Ordinance
amending the Zoning and Development Ordinance No. 1428. All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Planner Johnson acknowledged Tom Ramsdell's resignation and thanked him for his service to
the City by serving on this Commission. Tom then thanked everyone he has worked with over
the years. He then said a new chair should be elected to serve the remainder of 2003. He
recommended Ted Yehle as he is the senior member of the Commission.
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Baker to appoint Ted Yehle as the Chair for the remainder of
2003. Ail ayes. MOTION PASSED.
Motion by Ramsdell, seconded by Baker, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30pm. All Ayes.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary