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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
JULY 10, 2012
7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by member Rob Fiorendino.
Commission Members present- Fiorendino, Kinney, and Little.
Members Absent: Peterson and Szurek.
Also present were Council Liaison (Mayor Peterson), Jeff Sargent (City Planner), and Shelley
Hanson (Secretary).
Fiorendino introduced Chris Little as the new appointee to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The members all welcomed him to the Board.
Motion by Kinney, seconded by Little, approve the minutes from the meeting of June 5, 2012. All
ayes. MOTION PASSED.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CASE NUMBER: 2012-0701
APPLICANT: Total Health Square-David Lu
LOCATION: 5150 Central Avenue
REQUEST: Variance & Site Plan Review
Sargent stated that at this time, the applicant is requesting a 150-square foot area variance for
wall signage per Code Section 9.106 (P)(13)(a)1. The City’s Zoning Code requires that
businesses in the GB, General Business District are permitted any number of wall signs on any
side of a building not to exceed 200 square feet of total surface area for all wall sign surfaces.
The applicant owns a multi-tenant building with each tenant needing wall signage to promote
their business. The applicant would also like to add a larger wall sign denoting the name of the
building/business center. For this reason, the applicant is requesting a total of 350 square feet of
wall signage, requiring a 150-square foot area variance for signage.
The property is also located within the Design Guideline Highway District, and is subject to a
Site Plan Review to ensure compliance with the Design Guidelines. At this time, the applicant is
also seeking approval of the proposed Site Plan.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The property located at 5150 Central Avenue is zoned GB, General Business District, as are the
properties to the north, south and east. The properties to the west are zoned R-3, Multiple
Family Residential.
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July 10, 2012
SIGNAGE.
As stated previously, the Zoning Code requires that businesses in the GB, General Business
District are permitted any number of wall signs on any side of a building not to exceed 200
square feet of total surface area for all wall sign surfaces. Staff feels that this ordinance is
limiting for multi-tenant buildings. Larger buildings would have a more difficult time supplying
adequate signage for its tenants than smaller buildings with fewer tenants would. This ordinance
is being reviewed for a possible amendment to appease this discrepancy.
The applicant is proposing an additional 150 square feet of signage in order to adequately
promote the building as a health center. Office signs will be added above the individual tenant
spaces to help direct customers to the correct part of the building. In addition, and overall
building sign will be incorporated, which names the building as the “Total Health Square”.
SITE PLAN.
The applicant is proposing a completely new design for the front of the building. He would like
to get rid of the existing façade and incorporate a new building face that supplies more surface
area for signage. The proposed façade is not a solid wall; it incorporates a welded wire mesh
within a tube steel frame, which will be see-through. The overall height of the building increases
from approximately 16 feet in height to approximately 23 feet above the main floor line. The
same architecture will wrap around the sides of the building, completing the design.
Existing Building
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July 10, 2012
The proposal is consistent with the Design Guidelines in terms of architecture and the types of
signage being used. Sargent displayed some examples of the type of architectural design they are
proposing for the new façade.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area as Commercial. A variance to allow more signage to
accommodate an existing use is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
FINDINGS OF FACT (Variance)
Section 9.104 (G) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines five findings of fact that must be met in
order for the City Council to grant a variance. They are as follows:
a)Because of the particular physical surroundings, or the shape, configuration,
topography, or other conditions of the specific parcel of land involved, strict
adherence to the provisions of this article would cause practical difficulties in
conforming to the zoning ordinance. The applicant, however, is proposing to use the
property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance.
In this case, the need for the variance is a function of the debilitating nature of the
ordinance. The applicant feels that the ordinance is geared more for single or fewer-
tenant buildings, and generally not suitable for larger-tenant buildings. The property
will still be used in a reasonable manner with the proposed variance.
b)The conditions upon which the variance is based are unique to the specific parcel of
land involved and are generally not applicable to other properties within the same
zoning classification.
The conditions upon which the variance is based are a function of the size of the building.
The building has 8 tenant spaces, each with their own sign. The applicant would like to
incorporate additional signage on the building to promote the building as a “Total
Health Square”. There are other multi-tenant buildings that have at least 8 tenant
spaces, so this situation is not unique to this particular parcel. However, it is anticipated
that those other buildings most likely have greater than 200 square feet of signage on the
building.
c)The practical difficulties are caused by the provisions of this article and have not been
created by any person currently having a legal interest in the property.
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July 10, 2012
As stated previously, staff feels that the Zoning Code is limiting to larger, multi-tenant
buildings in regards to the total amount of wall signage allowed. The provisions of the
ordinance, therefore, are the driving force behind the variance request, and have not
been created by any person currently having a legal interest in the property.
d)The granting of the variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the
comprehensive plan.
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area as Commercial. A variance to allow more
signage to accommodate an existing use is consistent with the intent of the
Comprehensive Plan.
e)The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare
or materially injurious to the enjoyment, use, development or value of property or
improvements in the vicinity.
After reviewing the proposed elevations, the amount of signage on the building is
proportional to the overall building and does not have the appearance of being over
indulgent. For this reason, the granting of the variance will not be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or value of property in the vicinity.
FINDINGS OF FACT (Site Plan)
Section 9.104 (N) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines four findings of fact that must be met in
order for the City to approve a site plan. They are as follows:
a)The site plan conforms to all applicable requirements of this article.
The site plan meets all applicable Design Guidelines for the property. The proposed
signage requires a variance, which has been applied for.
b)The site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the city’s Comprehensive
Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area as Commercial. A variance to allow more
signage to accommodate an existing use is consistent with the intent of the
Comprehensive Plan.
c)The site plan is consistent with any applicable area plan.
There is no area plan for this portion of the city.
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July 10, 2012
d)The site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity
and the public right-of-way.
The proposed site plan does not incorporate the expansion of the building, and this will
have no impact on property in the immediate vicinity and the public right-of-way.
Staff recommends approval of the 150-square foot area variance for new wall signage, as it is a
reasonable use of the property. Staff also recommends approval of the Site Plan as it meets all
applicable requirements of the Design Guidelines.
Questions from members:
Little confirmed with Sargent that the Zoning Code only allows for 200 sf of signage, no matter
how large the building is, or how many tenants may be located there. He then asked if any other
buildings in the City exceeded the 200 sf maximum allowed for signage. Sargent said he knows
of a couple, that are similar in the fact that they have multiple tenants. Little asked what the
average size of the tenant spaces were in this building. Sargent did not have those figures, but
told members that the new owners plan on remodeling the old racquetball club space into
additional office space so they will be adding 5-6 tenants, which will further reduce the square
footage for signage for each tenant if the variance is not granted. He explained that when the
new owners purchased the building, they also purchased additional land to accommodate parking
space needs. Staff feels the variance is necessary in order for each business to have adequate
signage to identify their individual businesses. Little agreed and supports the request. He thinks
the remodeling of the interior and exterior will be an improvement to the site and wants to see
the businesses succeed.
Fiorendino also liked the plans to update the façade of the building. However, he did question
how it meets the first Finding of Fact for the variance request. He didn’t think we should ignore
the code in place as it opens up the possibility that other businesses may also request a variance
for larger signage. Sargent explained that it meets the first Finding of Fact in that a hardship is
created. A single, stand-alone business may have 200 sf of signage, but under the current code a
building with 8-15 tenants must share that same square footage of signage. In a building with
multiple tenants, and smaller signs, it is hard for those businesses to draw attention to their
location. Fiorendino said he felt the Zoning Code should be changed rather than granting
variances on individual requests. He said there are a lot of multi-tenant buildings up and down
Central Avenue. Sargent said he agreed, and this deficiency in the code is something that is being
looked at by the Steering Committee. Amending the code will take some time, however, and in
the meantime the tenants at this building would suffer. Plus, they are undertaking the façade
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July 10, 2012
remodeling now and don’t want to expend further resources to re-do the signs in a year or two.
Sargent didn’t think the granting of this request would prompt a lot of requests for additional
signage variances.
Little asked how other cities handle signage issues for single business sites versus those who
have multiple tenants. Sargent said some go by percentage of sf of the building itself and others
use a percentage of wall area of each tenant space. Little agreed with Fiorendino that it
potentially opens the door for other requests, but doesn’t feel this will be a huge problem. He
stated that if the code is amended in the future it would hopefully address different sized
buildings and different applications to make it more equitable.
Public Hearing Opened:
Reed Robinson, Architect, who designed the façade change and remodeling, explained that a
mezzanine level will be added in the back of the building that formally was used as racquetball
courts, thus creating the 5-6 additional tenant spaces. He said without the variance being
granted, the addition of more office/business spaces would further reduce the sf of each sign.
Public Hearing Closed.
Motion by Kinney, seconded by Little, that the Planning Commission recommends the City
Council approve the 150-square foot area variance for signage per Code Section 9.106
(P)(13)(a)1 of the City Code, subject to certain conditions of approval that have been found to be
necessary to protect the public interest and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Zoning
and Development Ordinance, including:
1.All application materials, maps, drawings, and descriptive information submitted with
the application shall become part of the permit.
Ayes-Kinney and Little
Nays- Fiorendino
MOTION PASSED.
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July 10, 2012
Motion by Kinney, seconded by Little, that the Planning Commission recommends the City
Council approve the Site Plan for the construction of a new building façade, as it is consistent
with the Design Guidelines. All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
The following Resolutions will go to the City Council at the July 23, 2012 meeting.
RESOLUTION NO. 2012-XXX
RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE
FROM CERTAIN CONDITIONS
OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ZONING CODE
FOR DAVID LU
WHEREAS
, a proposal (Case # 2012-0701) has been submitted by David Lu to the City
Council requesting a variance from the City of Columbia Heights Zoning Code at the following
site:
ADDRESS: 5150 Central Avenue NE
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall.
THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING RELIEF: 150-square foot area variance
for wall signage per Code Section 9.106 (P)(13)(a)1.
WHEREAS,
the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the City Zoning
Code on December July 10, 2012;
WHEREAS
, the City Council has considered the advice and recommendations of the Planning
Commission regarding the effect of the proposed variance upon the health, safety, and welfare of
the community and its Comprehensive Plan, as well as any concern related to traffic, property
values, light, air, danger of fire, and risk to public safety, in the surrounding area;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights that the City Council accepts and adopts the following findings of the Planning
Commission:
1.Because of the particular physical surroundings, or the shape, configuration,
topography, or other conditions of the specific parcel of land involved, strict
adherence to the provisions of this article would cause practical difficulties in
conforming to the zoning ordinance. The applicant, however, is proposing to use the
property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance.
2.The conditions upon which the variance is based are unique to the specific parcel of
land involved and are generally not applicable to other properties within the same
zoning classification.
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July 10, 2012
3.The practical difficulties are caused by the provisions of this article and have not
been created by any person currently having a legal interest in the property.
4.The granting of the variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the
Comprehensive Plan.
5.The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare
or materially injurious to the enjoyment, use, development or value of property or
improvements in the vicinity.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED
, that the attached plans, maps, and other information shall
become part of this variance and approval; and in granting this variance the city and the applicant
agree that this variance shall become null and void if the project has not been completed within
one (1) calendar year after the approval date, subject to petition for renewal of the permit.
CONDITIONS ATTACHED:
1.All application materials, maps, drawings, and descriptive information submitted with the
application shall become part of the permit.
RESOLUTION NO. 2012-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVING A
SITE PLAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FAÇADE FOR THE BUILDING
LOCATED AT 5150 CENTRAL AVENUE WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS,
a proposal (Case #2012-0701) has been submitted by David Lu, to the City
Council requesting a site plan approval from the City of Columbia Heights at the following site:
ADDRESS: 5150 Central Avenue NE
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall.
THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING PERMIT: Site Plan approval for the
construction of a new building façade for the property located at 5150 Central Avenue NE.
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July 10, 2012
WHEREAS,
the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the city Zoning
Code on July 10, 2012;
WHEREAS
the City Council has considered the advice and recommendations of the Planning
Commission regarding the effect of the proposed site 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, air, danger of fire, 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 Planning and Zoning Commission accepts and
adopts the following findings:
1.The site plan conforms to all applicable requirements of this article.
2.The site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the city’s comprehensive
plan.
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 permit the city and the
applicant agree that this permit shall become null and void if the project has not been completed
within one (1) calendar year after the approval date, subject to petition for renewal of the permit.
CONDITIONS ATTACHED:
1.All application materials, maps, drawings and descriptive information shall become
part of the permit.
rd
Passed this 23 day of July, 2012,
CASE NUMBER: 2012-0702
APPLICANT: Yousef Abuhekal
LOCATION: 4347 Central Avenue NE
REQUEST: Drive Aisle Width Variance, Parking Setback Variance,
Parking Stall Requirement Variance
At this time, the applicant is requesting three variances in association with locating a tire sales
and repair business located at 4347 Central Avenue NE. The three variance requests are as
follows:
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July 10, 2012
1.A 6-foot drive aisle width variance per Code Section 9.106 (L)(7)(b)
2.A 5-foot side yard setback variance for parking per Code Section 9.110 (C)
3.A variance to allow two (2) less parking stalls than the minimum requirement per Code
Section 9.106 (L)(10).
The applicant wishes to locate his business in the former Anderson’s Heating and AC building
located at 4347 Central Avenue. Currently, there is no striped parking on the premises. Because
the change of use requires more parking than the type of business previously at that location, the
new business would have to comply with all the minimum requirements of the City Code
pertaining to off-street parking.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The property located at 4347 Central Avenue is zoned GB, General Business District, as are the
properties to the north, south east and west. The City’s Code requirements pertaining to parking
and drive aisle widths are as follows:
1.Code Section 9.106 (L)(7)(b) requires that each off-street parking space shall have direct
access to an aisle no less than 24 feet in width. Due to the placement of the building on
the property, the access width for the parking area is only 18 feet wide. For this reason, a
6-foot drive aisle width variance is needed.
2.Code Section 9.110 (C) requires that the side yard setback for parking in the GB, General
Business District is 5 feet. The drive aisle abuts directly to the south (side) property line.
For this reason, a 5-foot parking lot setback variance is needed.
3.Section 9.106 (L)(10) requires one (1) parking stall for each 300 square feet of gross floor
area, plus two (2) parking stalls per service bay for any type of automobile repair facility.
The existing building is 2,578 square feet and the business will incorporate one (1)
service bay, requiring a total of 11 parking stalls. The site plan indicates that there will
be nine (9) parking on-site parking stalls, requiring a 2-parking stall variance.
CONSIDERATIONS
The preexisting placement of the building on the undersized parcel demonstrates an undue
hardship on the property, justifying the parking setback and drive aisle width variances. The
need for the 2-parking stall variance is strictly a function of the type of business that wishes to
locate on the premises. The previous use of the building as an office/retail facility only needed
to supply 1 parking stall for each 300 square feet of office/retail area. Given the dimensions of
the building, the previous use would have needed 9 parking stalls. The accompanying site plan
indicates that 9 parking stalls could be placed on the parcel with the parking and drive aisle
width variances.
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July 10, 2012
Because the proposed business is an automobile repair facility, the City Code requires 2 extra
parking stall for each service bay that the business will utilize. The building itself would be able
to accommodate up to 3 service bays, however Staff advised the applicant to keep the variance
requests as limited as possible. With that said, the applicant indicated that he would only use 1
service bay in order to keep the parking stall variance as small as possible.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area as Commercial. The proposed variances would enable
a business to locate in a vacant commercial space. For this reason, the proposals are consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan.
FINDINGS OF FACT (Variance)
Section 9.104 (G) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines five findings of fact that must be met in
order for the City Council to grant a variance. They are as follows:
a)Because of the particular physical surroundings, or the shape, configuration,
topography, or other conditions of the specific parcel of land involved, strict adherence to
the provisions of this article would cause practical difficulties in conforming to the
zoning ordinance. The applicant, however, is proposing to use the property in a
reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance.
The physical surroundings and the configuration of the property cause the necessary
undue hardship to justify the parking setback variance and the drive aisle with variance.
Again, the 2-parking stall variance cannot be avoided with the type of business that is
willing to operate from this location because there is not physically enough room on the
property to place 2 more parking stalls.
b)The conditions upon which the variance is based are unique to the specific parcel of
land involved and are generally not applicable to other properties within the same zoning
classification.
There are many undersized commercial properties along Central Avenue in The GB,
General Business District. The uniqueness of this particular parcel is the placement of
the building on the property in relation to the existing driveway openings and property
lines. Physically, there is no way to accommodate the minimum requirements of the
Zoning Code for parking setbacks and drive aisle widths without the need of a variance.
c)The practical difficulties are caused by the provisions of this article and have not been
created by any person currently having a legal interest in the property.
The provisions of the article require certain setbacks, drive aisle widths and number of
parking stalls. The property at 4347 Central Avenue is too small to accommodate these
requirements. The hardships have not been created by persons having a legal interest in
the property.
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July 10, 2012
d)The granting of the variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the
comprehensive plan.
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area as Commercial. The proposed variances
would enable a business to locate in a vacant commercial space. For this reason, the
proposals are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
e)The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare
or materially injurious to the enjoyment, use, development or value of property or
improvements in the vicinity.
The granting of the variances should not be materially detrimental to the public welfare
or the use of the properties in the vicinity. The variance requests will have conditions
imposed on them to help ensure this.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the 6-foot drive aisle width variance and the 5-foot side yard
setback parking variance. Staff feels that the applicant has done a sufficient job in attempting to
limit the degree of the parking stall variance in that he has agreed to limit his business to 1
service bay. Although a different use of the property would not require a parking stall variance,
the conditions of approval should ensure that the property is being used properly. For this
reason, staff would also recommend approval of the variance for 2 fewer parking stalls than
required by code. Sargent reviewed the conditions with members.
Questions by members:
Little said he is not a stranger to developing small parcels in this City. He doesn’t necessarily
feel this is the best use of this site and questioned how many bays they would have to service
vehicles. Sargent said in order to closely meet the parking space requirement they have limited
the business to one service bay. The other space in the building may be used to store vehicles or
tires. Little asked what differentiates a service bay from a storage area. What prohibits them
from working on multiple vehicles inside the building, and he asked if they would be doing
engine repair or just tire repair/replacement.
Fiorendino asked how we define a service bay. Sargent explained that we don’t. Fiorendino then
asked if we could prohibit the business from expanding to doing auto repair. Sargent said we
couldn’t because it is properly zoned for that type of business. Whatever variance is approved
stays with the building, even if it is later sold. Sargent said that as long as the conditions are met,
it should not be a problem. A condition of working on one car at a time could be added to the
conditions if the members choose. Sargent reminded them that the conditions are a tool for
enforcement.
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July 10, 2012
Kinney questioned how the site would accommodate 9 parking spaces and still be able to
maneuver vehicles around the lot. She thought it would be very difficult with the proposed
layout.
Little said any business coming into this site would have a difficult time meeting parking
requirements.
Fiorendino said we want to fill vacant business sites in the City and the goal of the conditions is
to minimize the impact the business will have on its neighbors. He thinks the conditions noted
will do just that.
Public Hearing Opened.
Mike Medina, the Project Architect for the business/applicant was present. Little asked him if
the business owner had plans to expand the business to other types of vehicle
maintenance/repair, other than replacing tires. He stated that he did not have plans to do so.
Medina stated he knows it is a difficult site to work with, but feels this business would work on
the site based on one operating service bay which will limit the need for additional parking
spaces.
Public Hearing Closed.
Motion by Little, seconded by Kinney,that the Planning Commission recommends the City
Council approve the A 6-foot drive aisle width variance per Code Section 9.106 (L)(7)(b), a 5-
foot side yard setback variance for parking per Code Section 9.110 (C) and a variance to allow
two (2) less parking stalls than the minimum requirement per Code Section 9.106 (L)(10) of the
City Code, subject to certain conditions of approval that have been found to be necessary to
protect the public interest and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Zoning and
Development Ordinance, including:
1. All application materials, maps, drawings, and descriptive information submitted with
the application shall become part of the permit.
2.All vehicles waiting for repair or pick-up shall be stored within an enclosed building or
in designated off-street parking spaces.
3.At no time shall there be more vehicles waiting for repair or pick-up in designated off-
street parking spaces than the number of off-street parking spaces provided.
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July 10, 2012
4.All work shall be performed within a completely enclosed building.
5.All vehicles parked or stored on site shall display a current license plate with a current
license tab. Outside storage of automobile parts, including tires, or storage of
inoperable vehicles or salvage vehicles shall be prohibited.
6.The sale of vehicles shall be prohibited, unless permitted by conditional use.
7.The use shall employ best management practices regarding the venting of odors, gas and
fumes. Such vents shall be located a minimum of ten feet above grade and shall be
directed away from residential use. All storage tanks shall be equipped with vapor-tight
fittings to eliminate the escape of gas vapors.
All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
rd
The following Resolution will go to the City Council at the July 23 meeting.
RESOLUTION NO. 2012-XXX
RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE
FROM CERTAIN CONDITIONS
OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ZONING CODE
FOR YOUSEF ABUHEKAL
WHEREAS
, a proposal (Case # 2012-0702) has been submitted by Yousef Abuhekal to the City
Council requesting a variance from the City of Columbia Heights Zoning Code at the following
site:
ADDRESS: 4347 Central Avenue NE
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall.
THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING RELIEF: A 6-foot drive aisle width
variance per Code Section 9.106 (L)(7)(b); a 5-foot side yard setback variance for
parking per Code Section 9.110 (C); and a variance to allow two (2) less parking stalls
than the minimum requirement per Code Section 9.106 (L)(10).
WHEREAS,
the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the City Zoning
Code on December July 10, 2012;
WHEREAS
, the City Council has considered the advice and recommendations of the Planning
Commission regarding the effect of the proposed variance upon the health, safety, and welfare of
the community and its Comprehensive Plan, as well as any concern related to traffic, property
values, light, air, danger of fire, and risk to public safety, in the surrounding area;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights that the City Council accepts and adopts the following findings of the Planning
Commission:
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Page 15
July 10, 2012
1.Because of the particular physical surroundings, or the shape, configuration, topography,
or other conditions of the specific parcel of land involved, strict adherence to the
provisions of this article would cause practical difficulties in conforming to the zoning
ordinance. The applicant, however, is proposing to use the property in a reasonable
manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance.
2.The conditions upon which the variance is based are unique to the specific parcel of land
involved and are generally not applicable to other properties within the same zoning
classification.
3.The practical difficulties are caused by the provisions of this article and have not been
created by any person currently having a legal interest in the property.
4.The granting of the variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the
Comprehensive Plan.
5.The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
materially injurious to the enjoyment, use, development or value of property or
improvements in the vicinity.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED
, that the attached plans, maps, and other information shall
become part of this variance and approval; and in granting this variance the city and the applicant
agree that this variance shall become null and void if the project has not been completed within
one (1) calendar year after the approval date, subject to petition for renewal of the permit.
CONDITIONS ATTACHED:
1.All application materials, maps, drawings, and descriptive information submitted with
the application shall become part of the permit.
2.All vehicles waiting for repair or pick-up shall be stored within an enclosed building
or in designated off-street parking spaces.
3.At no time shall there be more vehicles waiting for repair or pick-up in designated
off-street parking spaces than the number of off-street parking spaces provided.
4.All work shall be performed within a completely enclosed building.
5.All vehicles parked or stored on site shall display a current license plate with a
current license tab. Outside storage of automobile parts, including tires, or storage of
inoperable vehicles or salvage vehicles shall be prohibited.
6.The sale of vehicles shall be prohibited, unless permitted by conditional use.
7.The use shall employ best management practices regarding the venting of odors, gas
and fumes. Such vents shall be located a minimum of ten feet above grade and shall
be directed away from residential use. All storage tanks shall be equipped with
vapor-tight fittings to eliminate the escape of gas vapors.
rd
Passed this 23 day of July, 2012
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July 10, 2012
NEW BUSINESS
No other new business.
OTHER BUSINESS
Sargent told members they will be serving as a Board of Appeals and Adjustment at a Hearing
that was to be scheduled for August 8, 2012. He reviewed the process with the members. The
Board will need to render a decision in regards to action taken by Staff in interpreting City
Codes. Staff will present the facts to the Board but will not be making any recommendation on
the matter since the Board will be judging whether the correct action was taken. The applicant is
th
requesting a Special Meeting for this hearing, as he is unavailable for the hearing on August 8.
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After checking their schedules, Tuesday, August 14 was selected as the alternative date.
Fiorendino noted that he will not be available that week.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Shelley Hanson
Secretary