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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 3, 2007 I>LANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES OF TI-IE REGULAR MEETING APRIL 3, 2007 7:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson, Marlaine Szurek. RollCall: Commission Members present- Thompson, Fiorcndino, Peterson, and Szurek. Members Excused: Schmitt Also present were Jeff Sargent (City Planner), Bobby Williams ( Council Liaison), and Shelley Hanson (Secretary). Motion by Peterson, seconded by Fiorendino, to approve the minutesfi'om the meeting of March 6, 2007. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. PUBLIC HEARINGS CASE NUMBER: APPLICANT: LOCATION: REQUEST: 2007-0402 Frattalone's Greenhouse 2261 3ih Avenue NE Conditional Use Permit for Seasonal Sales INTRODUCTION Frattallone's Ace Hardware has applied for a Conditional Use Pennit to allow the operation of a seasonal mini-garden center for flowering plants and retail sales. According to Section 9.106 (G)(5) of the Zoning Ordinance, seasonal agricultural sales are a conditional usc in all zoning districts. The ordinance limits the number of days that seasonal agricultural sales may occur to 90 days. The applicant proposcs to operate the garden center for 90 days, from Aprill5'h through July 15'h (see attached letter). The attached site plan illustrates the 21 'x48' tent location, which will be located directly in ii'ont of Ace Hardware. This site plan and configuration remains unchanged from previous years. The greenhouse structure will be the same as previous years with two, six-foot doors remaining open at all times during business hours. There will be at least two fire extinguishers in the Flower Mart and all smoking will be prohibited. The principal uses of the subject parcel are preexisting and comply with zoning regulations. The greenhouse will displace approximately seven parking spaces. This will be the Frattallone's 14th year operating a temporary greenhouse at this location in Columbia Heights. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The Comprehensive Plan designates the property for commercial use, including retail sales, offices and service businesses. The proposal is consistent with the intent ofthe City's Comprehensive Plan. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 2 APRIL 3, 2007 ZONING ORDINANCE The property is zoned GB, General Business, in which retail sales are permitted. The Frattallone's proposal will impact approximately seven parking spaces. The property upon which the tent will be situated has 162 parking stalls devoted to the shopping center use. The shopping center itself is required to have a minimum of 132 parking stalls. Overall, the proposed tent will have relatively little impact on the site, as there is currently an abundance of parking spaces and drive aisle access will not be impacted. Please note that the Fire Department has reviewed the proposal and has no concerns regarding it. FINDINGS OF FACT Section 9.104 (H) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines 9 conditions that must be met in order for the City to grant a conditional use permit. 1. The use is one of the conditional uses listed for the zoning district in which the property is located, or is a substantially similar use as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Seasonal agricultural sales is a Conditional Use. and is considered retail sales, which is permitted in the GB, General Business District. 2. The use is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan guides the subject property jiJr commercial use. Retail sales, such as greenhouses, is a permitted use in the commercial areas. 3. The use will not impose hazards or disturbing int1uences on neighboring properties. The outdoor tent and related business proposed will be placed in the southeasterly portion of the parking lot away pom residential properties and should not have any detrimental impact on neighboring properties. 4. The use will not substantially diminish the use of property in the immediate vicinity. The garden center as proposed will have no impact on the use of adjacent properties. 5. The use will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that is compatible with the appearance ofthe existing or intended character of the surrounding area. Frattal/one's has been operating a seasonal greenhouse at this location for 13 years, 'with the City experiencing no complaints. The proposed garden center should not negatively impact the existing character of the vicinity. 6. The use and property upon which the use is located are adequately served by essential public facilities and services. Adequate public roadways and necessary utilities currently serve the property. 7. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to minimize traffic congestion on the public streets and to provide for appropriate on-site circulation of traffic. The traffic generated by the garden center will not significantly increase the trqffic on the public streets, and the site is large enough to handle additional interior traffic. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 3 APRIL 3, 2007 8. The use will not cause a negative cumulative cffect on other uses in the immediate vicinity. As indicated by prior descriptions, the garden center should not have a negative impact on other uses in the immediate vicinity, which are zonedfor residential and commercial uses. 9. The use complies with all other applicable regulations for the district in which it is located. As determined by staff,' the use complies with the applicable regulations of the GB General Business District. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend the City Council approve thc Conditional Use Permit for seasonal agricultural sales subject to conditions of approval outlined in the motion. Ouestions from members: Fiorendino asked if there had ever been any problcms with this site. Sargent told the members, not to his knowledge. Public Hearing was opened. There was no one present to speak on this issue. Public Hearing was closed. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Fiorendino, that the Planning Commission recommends the City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit for seasonal agricultural sales at 2261 - 37''' Avenue NE from April 15'" through July 15''', 2007, subject to certain conditions I!f approval that have been found to be necessmy to protect the public interest and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Zoning and Development Ordinance, including: I. The outdoor storage shall be located as indicated on the site plan. 2. A $500 deposit shall be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to installation of the structures on the site. The deposit shall be r~fimded afier the Conditional Use Permit expires and the site has been cleaned up. ALL AYES. MOTION PASSED. The attached resolution will go to the City Council at the April 9th meeting. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 4 APRIL 3, 2007 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-XX RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR FRATTALONE'S ACE HARDWARE WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA WHEREAS, a proposal (Case #2007-0402) has been submitted by Frattalone's Ace Hardware to the City Council requesting a conditional use permit ti'om the City of Columbia !-Ieights at the following site: ADDRESS: 2261 - 37''' Avenue. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On tile at City !-Iall. THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING PERMIT: A Conditional Use Permit per Code Section 9. 110 (E)(3)(g), to allow outdoor sales or display. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as requircd by the city Zoning Code on April 3, 2007; WHEREAS, the City Council has considered thc advice and recommendations of the Planning Commission regarding the etIect of thc proposed conditional use permit upon the health, safety, and welfare of the community and its Comprehensive Plan, as well as any concerns related to compatibility of uses, traffic, property values, light, air, danger of tire, and risk to public safety in the surrounding areas; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights after reviewing the proposal, that the City Council accepts and adopts the following tindings of the Planning Commission: I. The use is one of the conditional uses listed for the zoning district in which the property is located, or is a substantially similar use as determined by the Zoning Administrator. 2. The use is in harmony with thc general purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. 3. The use will not impose hazards or distributing influences on neighboring properties. 4. Thc use will not substantially diminish the use of property in the immediate vicinity. 5. The use will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that is compatible with the appearance ofthe existing or intended character ofthe surrounding area. 6. The use and properly upon which the use is located are adequately served by essential public facilities and services. 7. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to minimize traftic congestion on the public streets and to provide for appropriate on-site circulation oftraftic. 8. The use will not cause a negative cumulative effect, when considered in conjunction with the cumulative ctlcct of other uses in the immediate vicinity. 9. The use complies with all othcr applicable regulations for the district in which it is located. FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the attached conditions, maps, and other information shall become part of this permit and approval; and in granting this permit the city and the applicant agree that this permit shall become null and void if the project has not becn completed within one (1) calendar veal' after the approval date, subject to petition for renewal ofthe permit. CONDITIONS ATTACHED: I. The outdoor storage shall be locatcd as indicated on the site plan. 2. A $500 deposit shall bc submitted to the Community Devclopment Department prior to installation of the structures on the site. The deposit shall be refunded after the Conditional Use Permit expires and the site has been cleaned up. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 5 APRIL 3, 2007 CASE NUMBER: APPLICANT: REQUEST: 2007-0403 City of Columbia Heights Zoning Amendment to the Zoning Code as it relates to Temporlll"y Signs Staff proposes amending the zoning code rcgarding temporary signage to better implement the intent of the goals ofthe Comprehensive Plan and the Design Guidelines adopted for the Central A venue and 40th Avenue corridors. Sargent stated that the pictures includcd in his report are all examples of signage that is allowed under our current code. He wanted to make it clear that staff is not singling out any particular business, but that the appearance of our business district and main corridor in town needs to be cleaned up. A temporary sign is defincd in the City Code as "A sign, banner, pelmant, valance, or advertising device intended to be displayed for a limited period of time, whether portable or attached to the principal structure". The current zoning code allows for tcmporary signage that is not consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan or Design Guidelines for the Central A venuc and 40th Avenue corridors. The current code allows for clutter that is aesthetically unappealing and does not implement the policies outlined in Design Guidelines. A survey of the Central Avenue corridor revealed that there are approximately 112 temporary signs along the 2-mile stretch of road, not including the temporary signage used in the City of Hilltop. Sargent explained there is a lack of effective regulation regarding temporary signage is found in the following areas: I. The permitted location of a temporary sign on a building. 2. The number of temporary signs allowed on a building at any given time. 3. The duration in which a temporary banner may be displayed for. 4. Freestanding portable signage less than 8 square feet in area. LOCATION. The current Sign Code allows temporary signs to be placed anywhere on the building. The current code would allow for signs to hang from canopies, roofs, posts, and the like. (Figure I, and Figure 2). FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 6 APRIL 3, 2007 Appropriate language should be added to the ordinance limiting the placement of a temporary sign to ensure direct and full contact with the wall to which it is affixcd. This placement is preferrcd, as it would promote a better aesthetic appcal. Temporary signs would no longer be able to be strung above bay doors 01' hung from a canopy. A specific intent ofthe Design Guidelines is to focus on enhancing the building's architectural features, and regulating the placement ofthe signage would achieve this. NUMBER. The current Sign Code allows any number of temporary signs to be placed on the building at any time, and restricts each sign to be no more than 60 square feet in size. (Figure 3 and Figure 4). ".".....~...~. "";f':,,-;'\O'\\ ,);-<"':,', , .,.~ .,t.;~r.::>'''i " ;i FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 Allowing any number of temporary signs on a building increases the amount of clutter on the building and decreases its aesthetic value. In relation the businesses along Central and 40th A venues, it would be counterintuitive to mandate strict architectural design guidelines for a building, only to allow businesses to place as many temporary signs on the building as they pleased. Staffs preference would be to add language to the ordinance restricting the number of temporary signs a business would be able to display at any given time. This would be more consistent with the Design Guidelines as it would allow a better promotion of the architectural detailing of each building. DURATION. The current Sign Code not only allows for any number of temporary signs to be placed on a building, it also allows for the temporary signs to be in place for an indefinite amount of time. The intent of allowing temporary signs is for promotional purposes, and they are not intended for permanent advertising. However, with no time duration established for temporary sign display, businesses can legally display temporary signs for any amount oftime. (Figure 5 and Figure 6) FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 7 APRIL 3, 2007 Staffs preference would be to add language to the ordinance restricting the amount of time a temporary sign could be in place for, as well as restricting the total number of temporary signs a business could display in a calendar year. This would dramatically reduce the clutter on commercial buildings throughout the City and would be more consistent with the Design Guidelines. Further examples of temporary signs used as permanent signage can be found in Figures 7 and 8. FIGURE 7 .. ro', > ,i FIGURE 8 PORTABLE SIGNS. The current Sign Code allows for any number of freestanding temporary signs, as long as they do not exceed 8 square feet in size. The Sign Code does not regulate where the signs may be located, the materials the signs should be made of, the professionalism of the sign, or how long the sign may be erected. (Figure 9 and Figure 10). FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 It would be preferable if language were added to the ordinance to limit the number of freestanding portable signs as well as the placement of such signs on the property. Doing so would reduce clutter associated with the placement of numerous signs along Central Avenue and would increase the aesthetic value of Columbia Height's commercial corridors. Staff would also prefer a concise definition added to the code as to the type of freestanding portable signage that would be allowable. Staff feels that eliminating "stick-in-the-ground" signs would be beneficial, as these types of signs tend to get knocked down, pulled out of the ground, or blown over. (Figure I 1 and Figure 12) PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 8 APRIL 3, 2007 FIGURE 11 F1GURE 12 Without effective regulation to cstablish minimum standards to guide the use oftemporary signage, 40th Avenue and particularly Central Avenue will continue to have a shoddy, cluttered and unkempt appearance. The proposed amendmcnts would not take away the ability for a business owner to utilize temporary signage, rather it would mandate a set of minimum standards to display a temporary sign, in the same manner as displaying permanent signage. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Discussion of regulations begins with identifying the community's goals for aesthetics and image found in the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the goals; the purpose of the zoning ordinance is to guide private activity toward the achievement of those goals. The City's Comprehensive Plan indicates several goals for the economic and commercial vitality of the city. Some of these goals include: 1. Establishing and maintaining a strong sense of community. 2. Strengthening the image ofthe community as a desirable place to live and work. 3. Enhancing the physical appearance of the community. 4. Improving the image of commercial areas as friendly and safe environments for residents and visitors. The implementation of these goals centers on the City's ability to redevelop the commercial and retail sectors and establish a friendly working and living environment for the residents of and visitors to Columbia Heights. A coalition was formed in 2002 to draft the Design Guidelines required for future development and redevelopment projects along 40th Avenue and Central Avenue. The Design Guidelines establish a set of minimum standards for developers and the City to follow when constructing new buildings 01' building additions to existing ones. The intent ofthe Design Guidelines is to establish a basis for implementing the goals outlined in the Comprehensive plan. The proposed zoning amendments facilitate the ability to carry this intent forward. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 9 APRIL 3, 2007 The objective in the Design Guidelines for signage is that "signs should be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, matcrials, colors and details of the building, and with other signs on nearby buildings. Signs should be an integral part of building and site design" The Design Guidelines regulate such things as the types of signs to be used, the shape of signs, the placement of signs on the building, the colors and materials the signs could incorporate, and the illumination of the signs. The Design Guidelines incorporate these specific criteria in order to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city. FINDINGS OF FACT The City Council shall make the following 4 findings before granting approval of a request to amend the City Code. These findings are as follows: a) The amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The proposed amendment would make the current standard for temporary signage more consistent with thc intent of the Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines. b) The amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the benefit of a single property owner. The Design Guidelines coalition formed in 2002 was parIly comprised of citizens and business owners representing thc public at large. The proposed amendment would establish standards along Central Avenue, which would better reflcct the intent of the Design Guidelines. For this reason, the proposed amendment would be beneficial to the public. c) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classitication of a parIicular property, the existing use of the property and the zoning classification of property within the general area of the property in qucstion are compatible with the proposed zoning classification. The zoning classification of land will not change. d) Wherc the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, there has been a change in the character or trend of development in the general area of the property in question, which has taken place since such property was placed in its current zoning classification. The zoning classification of land will not change. Sargent reviewed the details ofthc Ordinance with the members. City Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval of the proposed zoning amendment as outlined in the attached draft ordinance. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 10 APRIL 3, 2007 Ouestions bv members: Peterson asked about the reference in the definition ofa sandwich board sign of "a retail store". He wanted to make sure that was a broad definition that would include any business providing a product or service. Fiorendino questioned whether this would affect temporary signs that are attached to permanent signs such as monument or pedestal signs. Sargent stated that ifthis Ordinance is approved, those types of signs would no longer be acceptable. Any tcmporary signs would need to be attached to the building and could no longer be attachcd to canopies, other signs, trces, or poles. Public Hcaring was opened: No one was present to speak on this matter. Public Hearing was closed. Motion by Thompson, seconded by Peterson, that the Planning Commission recommends the City Council approve the text amendments as outlined in the attached drqfi ordinance. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Fiorendino stated he thought this is a good thing for the City as a whole and that Central Avenue needs to bc cleaned up and de-cluttered. He hopes the City Council will approve this Ordinance. Sargent said that once approved, staff will notify current business owners of the new restrictions, and work with them to see that their signage is brought into compliance. The first reading of the Ordinance will take place at the April 9th City Council meeting. ORDINANCE NO. XXXX BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1490, CITY CODE OF 2005 RELATING TO THE USE OF TEMPORARY SIGNAGE IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICTS IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.103 of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions. ~ 9.103 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this article. the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. SIGN, SANDWICH BOARD. A freestanding "A" frame sign, not requiring staking to the ground, placed near the entrance of a retail store to direct pcdestrians to that business. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE II APRIL 3, 2007 Chapter 9, Article 1, Section 9.106 (1') of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions: ~ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (P) Sign Regulations. (6) Prohibited Signs. Signs that are not specifically pcrmitted in this division arc hereby prohibitcd in all districts unlcss criteria is presented to allow the Planning Commission to deem that the sign design preserves and maintains the community's unique historical and cultural elements. Without rcstricting or limiting the generality ofthc provisions of the foregoing, the following signs are specifically prohibited: (a) A balcony sign and a sign mounted or supported on a balcony. (b) Any sign that obstructs and part of a doorway or tire escape. (c) Any sign which, because of its position, movement, shape, illumination or color constitutcs a trat11c hazard becausc it obstructs frce and clear vision, or interrupts, confuscs or misleads traffic. (d) A privatc sign containing words or symbols, which might rcasonably be construed as traffic controls. (e) An animated or rotating sign, except barber poles and signs displaying time and temperature information only in the animated or rotating portion thereof. (I) A flashing sign, including indoor flashing, electrical signs visible from the public right- of-way, other than time and tempcrature signs limited to such timc and temperaturc information. (g) A sign or graphics painted directly on any exterior surfacc of a building or structure. However, sign letters and symbols may be attached directly to an exterior surface by adhesive or mechanical means. (h) Any roof sign, unless attached to mansard roof or similar decorative style roof that is vertical in naturc. (I) A projecting sign which either extends more than 18 inches from the building or structure to which it is attached, or which is larger than three feet in vertical height, other than canopy or marquee signs. 0) Any sign that does not display the namc of the manufacturer or maker permanently attached to, or painted or printed on, the exterior or structural supports ofIhe sign. (k) Any sign that is erected, placed or maintained by any person on a rock, fence or trees. (I) Any sign that intcrferes with any electric light, or power, telephone, telecommunications, or telcgraph wires, or the supports thereof. (m) Any sign containing electrical wiring which does not conform to the Electrical Code, or the components thereof, do not bear label of an approved testing agency. (n) Any window sign or signs which exceed 25% of the total area of the window on or in which it is displayed. (0) All portable signage e"ceeding; eight SEJHare feet, excluding sandwich board signs. (I') Temporary signage stuck into the ground, excluding political signs regulated per state statute, professional real estate signs, garage sales signs, and any signs listed in Section 9.106 (P)(S). (7) Temporwy Signs. The following standards shall apply to temporary signs in all zoning districts: (a) Each temporary sign, with the exception of sandwich board signs, shall require a sign permit from the City of Columbia Heights. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 12 APRIL 3, 2007 (b) (c) Wed) (e) fb1(t) (g) W(h) W(i) W(j) (k) Section 2: No more than four (4) temporary sign permits may be issued per busincss per calendar year. No more than two (2) temporary signs shall be displayed per business at any given time. If the business is located within a shopping center, no more than folll' (4) temporary signs may be displayed throughout the shopping center at any given time. Any sign not considered permanent shall bc considcred temporary. Temporary signage may not be used as permanent wall signage for the business. Temporary banners signs or pennants shall not exceed 3 feet lJy 20 feet in size, 32 square feet in area for businesses located in the CBD, Central Business District, and shall not exceed 48 square feet in area throughout the remainder of the City and shall be directly and fully attached to the wall of the building. Each temporary sign shall be limited to a 30-day display period pel' permit. No temporary signs shall extend over or into any street, alley, sidewalk or other public thoroughfare a distanee grcater than 10 inches li'om the wall upon '",hich it is crected, shallnot-be plnced or projcct over nn)' ',>,'all, and may not cover more than 25% of window area such that 75% of the total window area is kept clear at all times. No temporary sign shall be erected so as to prevent hee ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape, nor shall such sign be attached to any standpipe or fire escape. Unauthorized use of temporary signage shall be subject to the other sanctions as provided herein. Sandwich Board Signs. (1) Permitted in the LB, Limited Business, CB, CenCl'al Business, and CBD, Central Business District only. (2) One (1) sandwich board sign is permitted pel' business. (3) Sandwich board signs are limited to eight (8) square fect in area pel' side. (4) Sandwich board signs arc limited to five (5) feet in height. (5) The sign shall be professionally paintcd and maintaincd in a ncat and readablc lllallner. (6) Signs shall be placed on private property only, and shall be setback at least five (5) feet from all property lines. (7) Signs shall not obstruct vehicular 01' pedestrian traffic 01' visibility and shall not create a safety hazard. (8) Signs shall not be lighted and shall not utilize noise amplifiers. (9) In the CBD, Central Business District only, sandwich board signs may be placed 'on public sidewall<s, directly in front of the business being advertiscd. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage. CASE NUMBER: APPLICANT: REQUEST: 2007-0404 City of Columbia Heights Zoning Amendment to the Zoning Code as it relates to Pat'king Stall Lengths BACKGROUND Staff proposes amending the zoning ordinance regarding parking stall lengths to better implement the intended goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Reducing the parking stall lengths would provide better flexibility in site design, while helping to potentially reduce hard surfaces and providing better on-site traftic circulation. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 13 APRIL 3, 2007 In the past year, the Sarna's Restaurant, Taco Bell and Comforts of Home have submitted land use applications requesting a variance to the parking stall length requirement. In all cases, the applicants requested a reduction from the standard 20-foot parking stall length to 18 feet. Ultimately, the Council approved the parking stall length reduction for the Sarna's Restaurant and Comforts of Home. In each case, the applicants argued that the 20-foot parking stall length was an unnecessary restriction, stating that an 18-foot parking stall length would result in better traffic circulation throughout the development, an increase in the amount of green space on the parcel, and less surface water runoff. Staff conducted a survey of the other first-ring suburbs, as well as Minneapolis and St. Paul, focusing on 900 head-to-curb parking stall lengths. The following table shows the results of the survey for standard sized cars: City Stall Width Stall Length Brooklyn Center 8'8" 18' Columbia Heights 9' 20' Edina 8'6" 18' Fridley 9' 18' Golden Valley 9' 18'6" Maplewood 9'6" 18' City Stall Width Stall Length Minneapolis 8'6" 18' New Brighton 9' 18' Plymouth 9' 18'6" Robbinsdale 8'6" 18' Roseville 9' 18' Saint Anthony 9' 19' Saint Louis Park 8'6" 18' Saint Paul 9' 18' West Saint Paul 9' 20' Five cities, namely Columbia Heights, Golden Valley, Plymouth, Saint Anthony and West Saint Paul, require a parking stall length of greater than 18 feet. Of those five cities, only Columbia Heights and West Saint Paul require a minimum parking stall length of20 feet. Of the 15 cities surveyed, 10 cities allow a minimum parking stall length of 18 feet. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Discussion of regulations begins with identifying the community's economic development goals for promoting the city, found in the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the goals; the purpose of the zoning ordinance is to guide private activity toward the achievement of those goals. The City's Comprehensive Plan indicates several goals for the economic and commercial vitality of the city. Some of these goals include: 1. Enhance the economic viability of the community. 2. Promote reinvestment in properties by the commercial and industrial sectors. 3. Provide a wide variety off employment opportunities within the community. 4. Reduce and control excessive volumes and rates of rainwater runoff. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 14 APRIL 3, 2007 The implementation of these goals centers on the City's ability to redevelop the commercial and retail sectors and establish a friendly working and living environment. Reducing the parking stall lengths from 20 feet to 18 feet would provide better flexibility in site design, tramc flow, and traffic accommodation on a property. FINDINGS OF FACT The City Council shall make the following 4 findings before granting approval of a request to amend the City Code. These findings are as follows: a) The amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The Comprehensive Plan indicates several goals for economic development in relation to the commercial sectors of the city. By reducing the parking stall lengths, more flexibility would be provided, which in turn could promote economic growth throughout the City. b) The amendmcnt is in the public interest and is not solely for the benefit of a single property owner. The proposed amendment is consistent with the mC{jority of the minimum standards for parking stall lengths throughout the .first-ring suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The proposed amendment is intended to ben~fit the City as a whole. c) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular propelty, the existing use of the property and the zoning classification of property within the general area of the property in question are compatible with the proposed zoning classification. The zoning classification of land will not change. d) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, there has been a change in the character or trend of development in the general area of the property in question, which has taken place since such property was placed in its current zoning classification. The zoning classification of land will not change. Sargent reviewed the proposed Ordinance with members, and stated that stafl' recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval of thc proposed zoning amendment. Ouestions from membcrs: Fiorendino wanted to confirm that this amendment only changes the length requirements on those stalls that abut a curb. This is because a vehicle can overhang part of the curb allowing extra space. The stalls that are designed head to head will still be required to be 9 it in width and 20 ft in length. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGElS APRIL 3, 2007 Public Hearing was opencd. No onc was prescnt to speak on this matter. Public Hearing was closed. Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Thompson, that the Planning Commission recommends the City Council approve the text amendments as outlined in the attached drC{fi ordinance. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. The first reading ofthis Ordinance will be held at the April 9th City Council meeting. ORDINANCE NO. XXXX BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1490, CITY CODE OF 2005 RELATING TO THE LENGTHS OF REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING STALLS IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGl-ITS The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (L)(7)(a) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to include the following additions and deletions. ~9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (L) Off-street parking and loading. (7) Design and maintenance of parking facilities. Off-street parking facilities are subject to the following design and maintenance requirements: (a) Size of parking spaces. Each parking space shall be not less than 9 feet wide and 20 feet in length, exclusive of an adequately designed systcm of access drives and embed o\'erhangG. In the casc wherc the parking space is abutting a curb at its narrowest dimension, thc parking stall length may be rcduced to 18 fcet. In parking lots with more than 300 spaces, up to 40% of such spaces may be designated and clearly marked as compact car parking spaces with signage that is reasonably visible year round. A compact car parking space shall not be less than 8 fect wide and 18 feet in length, exclusive of the adequately designed system of access drive. Section 2: This ordinance shall be infullforce and efJectji'om and after 30 days after its passage. NEW BUSINESS None PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 16 APRIL 3, 2007 OTHER BUSINESS Sargent announced that he and the Community Development Director had met with Szurek to start the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan. The RFP to contract with a Planning Firm to help with this process went to the City Council at their work session April 3rd. It will be sent to four tinns in the near future. This means the Commission will be busy with this mattcr during 2007 and that the public will also be involved in establishing the goals we want for our City. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm. All Ayes. Respectfully submitted, a~ c1lfl.-6N\ Shelley Hanson Secretary