HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 12, 2002PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 12, 2002
7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson Ramsdell.
Roll Call: Commission Members present-Ramsdell, Johnson, Schmitt, Ericson, and Yehle.
Also present were Tim Johnson (City Planner) and Shelley Hanson (Secretary).
Motion by Yehle, second by Ericson, to approve the minutes from the meeting of February 5, 2002. All
ayes. MOTION PASSED.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case #2002-0302
Conditional Use Permit
Ace Hardware
2261 37th Avenue NE
Planner Johnson explained to the Commission members that Mr. Larry Frattalone of Ace Hardware is
requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a temporary tent measuring 21 x
48 feet for the display and sale of green and flowering plants from April 15, 2002 to July 15, 2002. The
display will be located on the southeast side of the parking lot at 2261 37th Avenue NE, and approximately
seven (7) parking spaces in front of Ace Hardware will be used for the sale. This will be the 9th year Ace
Hardware has operated their greenhouse in Columbia Heights. They have provided the required site plan
and information on the design and set up of the structure. The new Zoning Ordinance limits this type of
use to 90 days and the timeframe mentioned above, meets that restriction.
The property to the south, east and west of the subject parcel is zoned GB. The property to the north of
the subject is zoned R-3, Multiple Family Residential. The proposed use will continue to be consistent
with the character of the surrounding property.
The Zoning Ordinance requires a Conditional Use Permit for seasonal agricultural sales. The site plan and
configuration remains unchanged from previous years. The Fire Department has reviewed the proposal
and has expressed no concerns. The existing parking exceeds the zoning requirements and will still meet
minimum parking requirements after placement of the tent. The operation should not have any impact on
vehicular access to the site, nor will it block any of the parking lot aisles.
The Land Use Plan Map designates this area of Columbia Heights for future commercial activity,
including retail sales, offices, and service businesses. The proposal is consistent with the intent of the
City Comprehensive Plan.
Staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit provided a $500 deposit is submitted to the
License/Permit Clerk prior to the installation of the structure on the site to ensure removal at the end of
the approved time period.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
MARCH 12, 2002
PAGE 2
Yehle asked if any complaints had ever been received from previous years' displays. Planner Johnson
responded that he was not aware of any complaints being submitted regarding this garden tent in the past.
Motion by Johnson, second by Yehle, to recommend 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, 2002, for Ace Hardware at 2261 37th Avenue NE subject to the following condition:
1. A $500 deposit shall be submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to installation of the
structures on the site. All Ayes. MOTION PASSED.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Acquisition of 3955 University Avenue
The existing gas station at 3955 University Avenue is in the process of being acquired by the City. The
property is considered non-conforming and does not meet setback requirements. This property is to be
reused in the future for commercial revitalization purposes. However, there is no specific commercial
redevelopment plan at this time. The City intends to acquire this parcel and combine it with the adjacent
vacant parcels on Lookout Place to allow for a viable commercial redevelopment opportunity. The City
has received CDBG funds from Anoka County to be used for acquisition of this property. If the
acquisition is not complete by a certain date, some of these funds could be lost. The City has been
negotiating with the owner of the property over the last several months. The City Council took action at
their March 11, 2002, meeting for the condemnation of the property if negotiations fail.
The newly adopted City Comprehensive Plan designated this property for commercial use. A future
commercial use of this site would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Mn. Statute 462.356 requires that if a City has a Comprehensive Plan, it must notify the Planning
Commission of the intent to purchase or sell land.
Motion by Ramsdell, second by Yehle, to support the action of the Columbia Heights City Council to
acquire the property at 3955 University Avenue NE, provided the future development of this parcel
remains consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan. All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
MISCELLANEOUS
Enclosed in the agenda packets was a reminder of the GTS seminars being held this spring if anyone is
interested in attending.
Motion by Yehle, second by Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 pm. All ayes.
Resl~ectfully submitted,
SCh~el ey~ ~¢ ~o6 ~¢x
Secretary