HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 6, 2007
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heigbts, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692
Visit Our Website at: www.ci.columbia-heighls.mn.us
MEMBERS:
Marlaine Szurek, Chair
Donna Schmitt
Rob Fiorendino
Mike Peterson
David Thompson
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
7:00 PM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2007
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
590 40 TH AVENUE NE
1. Roll Call
2. Minutes from the Plamling and Zoning Commission Meeting of
October 2, 2007
3, Publie Hearings:
Case #2007-0903 Zoning Amendment
Nightclub Uses
WITHDRAWN
Case #2007-1101 Site Plan
999 50th Avenue NE
Sign Minds
4. New Business
5. Other Business
6. Adjourn
The Responsibility of the Planning Commission is to:
. Faithfully serve the public interest.
. Represent existing and future residents, and base our decisions and recommendations
on the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
. Recognize the rights of citizens to participate in planning decisions.
. Protect the natural environment and the heritage of the built environment.
. Exercise fair, honest, and independent judgment.
. Abstain from participation when they may directly or indirectly benefit from a planning
decision.
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 2, 2007
7:00 I'M
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Vice Chair-DOlma Schmitt.
Commission Members present- Thompson, Peterson, and Schmitt.
Excused members: Szurek and Fiorendino.
Also present were Jeff Sargent (City Planner), Gary Peterson (Council Liaison), and Shelley Hanson
(Secretary).
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Peterson, to approve the minutes from the meeting of September 5,
2007. All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CASE NUMBER:
APPLICANT:
REQUEST:
2007-0903
City of Columbia Heights
Zoning Amendmeut to the Zoning Code as it relates to Nightclub Uses
Planner Sargent explained that staff is still working on this and asked that it be continued to the
November meeting.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Peterson, to table Case 2007-903 to the next regular meeting. All
ayes. MOTION PASSED.
CASE NUMBER:
APPLICANT:
LOCATION:
REQUEST:
2007-1001
Signminds/Saigon Delight
4621 Central Avenue NE
Site Piau for Siguage
INTRODUCTION
At this time, Sigmllinds is requesting a site plan approval for new signage at the Saigon Delight
Vietnamese Restaurant, located at 4621 Central A venue. This restaurant was previously operated as
Cousin's Subs llild was taken over by the Thanh Thanh Vietnamese Restaurant when the Cousin's Subs
went out of business.
Thanh Thanh Vietnamese Restaurant utilized temporary signage to identify the business, as well as the
freestanding pylon sign along Central Avenue. The pylon sign became inoperable when a vehicle struck
the pole llild knocked the sign over. The Planning Staff (Staff) has had several conversations with the
business owner regarding the use of temporary signage on the building, as well as the use of pylon
signage in the Design Overlay Highway District.
The business owner has decided to change the name of the restaurant and incorporate a monument sign
along Central Avenue.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
PAGE 2
OCTOBER 2, 2007
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area for Commercial related activities including enhancing the
image and viability of the Central Avenue corridor. One way to accomplish this goal is for the
businesses along Central Avenue to conform to the Design Guidelines for commercial-related activity.
By using a monument sign instead of the pylon sign, Saigon Delight's signage plan would be consistent
with the Design Guidelines and thus consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The property is located in the General Business District (GB), as are the propeliies to the north and
south. The properties to the east are zoned R-3, Multiple Family Residential and the propeliies to the
west are in the City of Hilltop. The subject parcel is also located within the Design Overlay Highway
District, mld is subject the regulations for such propeliies.
The City Code at Section 9.106 (P)(12) states that monument signs in the GB District shall be limited to
40 square feet per side, eight feet in height, and shall be set back a minimum of five feet from all
property lines. The applicant's sign plan indicates that the monument sign will be eight (8) feet in
height and 36 square feet in area. The site plan for the sign also indicates that the monument sign will
be located five (5) feet from the front property line.
Signage on the building is limited to two square feet of signage for each one foot of building frontage
along Central A venue, and is capped at 200 square feet for the entire building. The restaurant has 62
feet of frontage along Central Avenue, giving the restaurant a maximum of 124 square feet of signage.
The sign plan indicates that the restaurant will utilize only one wall sign, measuring 32 square feet in
area.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
SIGNAGE. The Design Guidelines prohibit the use of pylon signs and require that all monument signs
be constructed of materials compatible with those that are used on the principal structure. The proposed
plans indicate that the monument sign's base will be constructed of brick to match the building.
The Design Guidelines also prohibit internally lit box signs. The proposed monument sign incorporates
backlit channel letters that would be consistent with the intent of the Design Guidelines.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Site Plan Approval
Section 9.104 (M) requires that the Plmming mld Zoning Commission shall make each of the following
findings before approving a site plan:
1. The site plan conforms to all applicable requirements of this article
The proposed site plan meets all the Design Guidelines standards for monument signs in relation
to the color of the sign and the types of materials used to construct it.
2. The site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the city's comprehensive plan.
The proposed sign plan is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as it is consistent with the
Design Overlay Highway District.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
PAGE 3
OCTOBER 2, 2007
3. The site plan is consistent with any applicable area plan.
There is no applicable area plan for this area.
4. The site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity and the
public right-of-way.
The proposed signage meets all the minimum setback requirements and all Design Guideline
requirements. For this reason, the property in the immediate vicinity should not be adversely
impacted.
The signage plan conforms to all standards outlined in the Design Guidelines. Staff recommends
approval of the site plan for the Saigon Delight Vietnamese Restaurant, located at 4621 Central Avenue.
Questions from Members:
Peterson confirmed the fact that the brick on the monument sign would match the brick on the building.
He also questioned why the colors on the wall signage were different fi'om the colors on the monument
sign. Sargent explained that the Design Guidelines only restrict the number of colors allowed, not the
colors themselves, therefore, we cannot regulate the color choices. He said the Design Guidelines would
have to be amended in order to regulate that.
Peterson also questioned whether all businesses along Central A venue would be allowed to install
monument signs. Sargent explained what the Guidelines would allow and that this pmticular business
could have replaced the existing pylon sign with another one, but chose to install a monument sign
instead, which conforms with the new guidelines, even though they didn't have to.
Schmitt stated that the wall signage is similar to their existing temporary sign. She COlllillented they may
need to renew their temporary sign permit until the new signs m'e installed.
The Public Heming was opened:
Noone was present for this issue.
The Public Hearing was closed.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Peterson, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2007-P206, there
being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes. MOTION PASSED.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Peterson, to adopt Resolution No. 2007-P206, being a resolution
approving a site plan for Saigon Delight Vietnamese Restaurant, located at 4621 Central Avenue. All
ayes. MOTION PASSED.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
PAGE 4
OCTOBER 2,2007
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-PZ06
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVING A SITE PLAN FOR
SIGNAGE FOR SAIGON DELIGHT VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
HEIGl-ITS, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS, a proposal (Case #2007-1001) has been submitted by Signminds to the Planning and Zoning
Commission requesting a site plan approval from the City of Columbia Heights at the following site:
ADDRESS: 4621 Central Avenue
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City I-Iall.
THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING PERMIT:
Saigon Delight Vietnamese Restaurant.
Site Plan approval for signage for
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the city Zoning Code on October
2,2007;
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has considered the advice and recommendations of the City
staff regarding the effect of the proposed sitc plan 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, ail',
danger of fire, and risk to public safety in the slll'ronnding areas; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Columbia
Heights after reviewing the proposal, that the Planning and Zoning Commission accepts and adopts the following
findings:
1. The site plan conforms to all applicable requirements ofthis article, except signage.
2. The site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the city's comprehensive plml.
3. The site plan is consistent with any applicable area plan.
4. The site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity and the public right-
of-way.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the attached conditions, maps, and other information shall
become part of this permit and approval; and in granting this pennit the city and the applicant agree that this
permit shall become null and void if the project has not been completed within one (J) calendar veal' after the
approval date, subject to petition for renewal of the permit.
Passed this 2"d day of October 2007,
Offered by:
Seconded by:
RollCall:
Ayes:
Nays:
VICE-CI-IAIR Donna Schmitt
Attest:
SECRETARY, Shelley Hanson
------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------
------------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------
Approval is contingent upon execution and return of this document to the City Planning Office.
r have read and agree to the conditions of this resolution as outlined above.
Bjorn Bowman
Date
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
PAGE 5
OCTOBER 2, 2007
NEW BUSINESS
Sargent stated that all the City's Boards and Commissions will be receiving a notice regarding the joint
meeting with the City Council, to be held on Monday, October 29,2007 from 7-9 pm where the
consultants will present the Inventory and Analysis they did as preparation for re-doing our
Comprehensive Plan. This meeting will be held in the Council Chambers. He informed the members
that there would be another meeting on November I, 2007 at Murzyn Hall.
OTHER BUSINESS
After the meeting was formally adjourned a resident (Bob Warner-51 16 7'11 St) came forth to express his
concern regarding over crowding of homes, and that new owners are trying to divide houses into
multiple units to accommodate more people. He discussed an area he was pmiicularly concerned with,
and Mayor Peterson said he would do some checking on it and get back to him.
The meeting was adjourned at 7: 16 pm. All Ayes.
Respectfully submitted,
Shelley Hanson
Secretary
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PLANNING REPORT
CASE NUMBER:
2007-1101
DATE:
November 6, 2007
TO:
Columbia Heights Planning Commission
LOCATION:
SignMinds
999 - 50th Avenue
APPLICANT:
REQUEST:
Site Plan Approval for signage
PREPARED BY:
Jeff Sargent, City Planner
INTRODUCTION
At this time, Signminds is requesting a site plan approval for new signage for the office
building located at 999 - 50th Avenue. The office building currently has a wooden
freestanding sign and would like to upgrade to a monument sign in the same location.
The Design Guidelines require site plan approval for any new signage proposed for a
business.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area for Commercial related activities. One of the
goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to provide opportunities and mechanisms for
successful redevelopment of targeted areas within the community, by enhancing the
image and viability of the Central Avenue corridor. One way to accomplish this goal is
for the businesses along Central Avenue to conform to the Design Guidelines for
commercial-related activity. Incorporating a monument-style sign for the business at
999 _ 50th Avenue would be compliant with the Design Guidelines and thus consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The property is located in the General Business District (GB), as are the properties to
the north and west. The properties to the east are zoned R-2A, One and Two Family
Residential and the properties to the south are zoned R-2B, One and Two Family
Residential. The subject parcel is also located within the Design Overlay Highway
District, and is subject the regulations for such properties.
City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission
999 - 50th Avenue
November 6, 2007
Case # 2007-1101
The City Code at Section 9.106 (P)(12) states that monument signs in the GB District
shall be limited to 40 square feet per side, eight feet in height, and shall be set back a
minimum of five feet from all property lines. The applicant's sign plan indicates that the
monument sign will be six (6) feet in height and 32 square feet in area. The site plan for
the sign also indicates that the monument sign will be located five (5) feet from the front
property line.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
SIGNAGE. The Design Guidelines prohibit the use of pylon signs and require that all
monument signs be constructed of materials compatible with those that are used on the
principal structure. The proposed plans indicate that the monument sign's base will be
constructed of brick to match the building.
The Design Guidelines also prohibit internally lit box signs. The proposed monument
sign incorporates backlit channel letters that would be consistent with the intent of the
Design Guidelines.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Site Plan Approval
Section 9.104 (M) requires that the Planning and Zoning Commission shall rnake each
of the following findings before approving a site plan:
1. The site plan conforms to all applicable requirements of this article
The proposed site plan meets a/l the Design Guidelines standards for monument
signs in relation to the color of the sign and the types of materials used to
construct it.
2. The site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the city's
comprehensive plan.
The proposed sign plan is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as it is
consistent with the Design Overlay Highway District.
3. The site plan is consistent with any applicable area plan.
There is no applicable area plan for this area.
4. The site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate
vicinity and the public right-of-way.
The proposed signage meets a/l the minimum setback requirements and a/l
Page 2
City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission
999 - 50th Avenue
November 6, 2007
Case # 2007-1101
Design Guideline requirements. For this reason, the property in the immediate
vicinity should not be adversely impacted.
RECOMMENDATION
The signage plan conforms to all standards outlined in the Design Guidelines. Staff
recommends approval of the site plan for the office building located at 999 - 50th
Avenue.
Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2007-PI07, there being ample copies
available to the public.
Move to adopt Resolution No. 2007-PI07, being a resolution approving a site plan for
the office building located at 999 - 50th Avenue.
ATTACHMENTS
. Draft Resolution
. Location Map
. Site Plan
. Monument Sign Elevations
Page 3
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-PZ07
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVING A
SITE PLAN FOR SIGNAGE AT 999 - SOTll AVENUE WITHIN THE CITY OF
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS, a proposal (Case #2007-1101) has been submitted by SignMinds to the Plmming and
Zoning Commission requesting a site plan approval from the City of Columbia Heights at the
following site:
ADDRESS: 999 - 501h Avenue
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall.
THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING PERMIT: Site Plan approval for signage
for the offiee building at 999 - SOli' Avenue.
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has held a publie hearing as required by the eity Zoning
Code on November 6, 2007;
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Conmlission has eonsidered the adviee and recOl1l111endations
of the City staff regarding the effect ofthe proposed site plan upon the health, safety, and welfare of
the community and its Comprehensive Plan, as well as any concerns related to eompatibility of uses,
traffic, property values, light, air, danger of fire, and risk to public safety in the SUlToUllding areas;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning and Zoning Commission ofthe City of
Columbia Heights after reviewing the proposal, that the Planning and Zoning Commission aceepts
and adopts the following findings:
I. The site plan conforms to all applieable requirements of this article, except signage.
2. The site plan is eonsistent with the applicable provisions of the city's eomprehensive plan.
3. The site plan is eonsistent with any applicable area plan.
4. The site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on properly in the immediate vicinity and the
public right-of-way.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the attached eonditions, maps, and other information shall
beeome parI of this permit and approval; and in granting this permit the city and the applicant agree
that this permit shall beeome null and void if the project has not been completed within one (1)
calendar vear after the approval date, subjeet to petition for renewal of the permit.
Resolution No. 2006-PZ07
Page 2
Passed this 6th day of November 2007,
Offered by:
Seconded by:
RollCall:
Ayes:
Nays:
CHAIR Marlaine Szurek
Attest:
SECRETARY, Shelley EmIson
------------------- ----------------------------- ------- ------ ------
- --------------- ----------------------------- -------------- --------
Approval is contingent upon execution and return ofthis document to the City Planning Office.
I have read and agree to the conditions ofthis resolution as outlined above.
Catherine Monnens
Date
999 - 50TH AVENUE
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