Loading...
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and Zoning Commission Meeting of October 2, 2007 3, Publie Hearings: Case #2007-0903 Zoning Amendment Nightclub Uses WITHDRAWN Case #2007-1101 Site Plan 999 50th Avenue NE Sign Minds 4.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 I I '\ I ----cl ----.J r 1\111 - D ----- I------- - - /' I"\. - (j) ~ (j) (j) w \~~b f--- :J ": fn " T A \IF r\iI t= Z ~ f--- W ~ V -l I-- \ 'I - ~ \ I- - Z W 0 ~ ~ - I ~~ Location Map N W~~E f<~ 5 ^ ~'. ..,: Aug 14 0701:531" ~,. :~~'" >~ ,,<:'X:b~.....~ I (763) 1".1 I't, '-'". , 't __. o , , "__1...,. .' - ~. - j ! ,I ; / , " f ~ rl/..lj,7, -...' , I " r~'~f " ,f -. 1-/ 1 ~_.- '--d~ -__.-d'..R...... I /. / ( ( "~ " d I bZ}j~ ~-- ~.. . \I) --1 W ^ W \I) Z <( <9 <( I-- OCI Z 0.. =:I C> I-- 0 Z =! (!) Z C> Vi =:I <( W OCI \I) Z " u. :>: --1 W 0 0 W I-- 0 0 Z I-- --1 '" <( <( ~ OCI W ::;; 0.. --1 I-- I-- >- I-- Z \I) 0 Z O! W W I-- <( 0 '" 0 v Z <( W ill I-- W I-- W <( \I) W --1 I-- C> <( --1 OCI :>: W OCI OCI <( s: C> <( W " W <9 \I) > 0 <9 Z 0 ii Z W <( ::;; '" OCI <( :>: 0.. "- :>: 0 <( s: 0 Z W Z I :>: OCI I-- I-- <9 --1 -Z 0 H W s:<( I-- \I) Z ZZ Z I-- <( Z 0.. OW 0 -I-- i=: W 0.. tis: ::;; 0 0 =:I I-- =:10 W Z C> "':>: Z 0 W 1--\1) Z ::;; I-- \1)0 0 =:I C> 0 ZI-- 0 W '" 0 --1 C> 0\1) <( Vi ::;;u:\ 0 W =:IZ ii --1 Z<( I-- <9 -0.. 0 Z ::;; W H =:I --1 \I) --1 W <( " ! , I I " J Z ! ."1'<} ,~ " ;-... , , i " (!) j " i I J , -- , Vl I, ! " } I , (!) I f I J I , Z ~ -- I- ~ I v). ~ I --. x' w ;'[) ..{ "'f ~/:\ 'J".' 'f: lit.,,' ,~ ';'f",,-.~:: " ';1 '., ,~ ',. .,: ". ",l \! 'I Ii , , .', \ '.. '<, " .', ',"" ~, ..,' ~ . " . ,,',h.>> ~ . .<."",;~i~jm ..' '. '\"\' ~,.f\,,i.: ....'0.,J~ ,;;;'<'1/;;;} A)~tW\l~\~ji~j