HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-5-15 minutes
DRAFT MINUTES OF
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MAY 5, 2015
7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Marlaine Szurek.
New members Connie Buesgens and Stan Hoium were sworn in and welcomed.
Commission Members present- Buesgens, Fiorendino, Hoium, Lee, and Szurek.
Also present were Elizabeth Holmbeck (Planner), and Shelley Hanson (Secretary) along with Council
Liaison, John Murzyn.
Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Buesgens, to approve the minutes from the meeting of March 3,
2015. All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CASE NUMBER: 2015-0501
APPLICANT: HGA Architects & Eng
LOCATION: 3939 Central Ave NE
REQUEST: Site Plan Approval
HGA Architects and Engineers, on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights, have requested Site Plan
Approval for the property located at 3939 Central Ave. NE. The City is proposing to construct a new
municipal library facility on the property. Financing consideration for the construction of the library
was approved by Columbia Heights residents through referendum in the 2014 general election.
In the mid-2000’s, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (EDA) acquired the
north parcel of the subject site, which contained a former Burger King restaurant. The building was
subsequently demolished. In the early 2010’s, the EDA acquired the south parcel of the site, which
contained a retail building that most recently housed a Salvation Army store and Mady’s Bowling
Alley. Demolition of that structure concluded in 2014.
In early 2015, the City hired HGA Architects as the project architect and civil engineer through a
competitive process. HGA staff, city staff, and a citizen planners group entitled the Library Design
Task Force (LDTF) have been working since January to create plans for the new one-story, 22,600
square foot building. HGA prepared a narrative of the project, which details the various components
of the building.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The property located at 3939 Central Ave. NE is located in the Central Business (CB) Zoning
District. The properties to the north, south and west are located in the Central Business (CB) Zoning
District and the properties to the east are located in R-3 Multiple Family Residential Zoning District.
A library is an appropriate use in the Central Business District.
P & Z Minutes
Page 2
May 5, 2015
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area as Commercial. The proposed Library is consistent with
the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
The subject property is located within the Design Guideline Overlay District, and is governed by the
“Central Avenue” standards within the Design Guidelines. The intent of the Design Guidelines is to
make the City more aesthetically appealing, by requiring a set of minimum standards for new
th
construction along Central Avenue and 40 Avenue. The minimum standards were created by a task
force of City Officials, business owners and residents, and adopted into the City Code by the City
Council.
The following standards are specific design requirements for the Central Business District:
1.Building Placement
Buildings in the Central Business District are to have well defined front facades with a
primary entrance that faces the street. The proposal achieves this requirement by creating a
prominent front façade along Central Ave, occupying 60 percent of the property frontage.
2.Primary Facades and Roof
Buildings in the Central Business District should have a well-defined base, middle and top on
the front facing façade. This can be achieved by change in building materials, window size,
etc. Although the proposed building is only one floor, the building is broken up by different
colored siding materials, as well as prominent windows and doors which face Central Avenue.
Roofs in the Central Business District are to be flat, and articulated with detailed cornices or
parapets. The proposed building will have a flat roof.
3.Building Width and Façade Articulation
If a building in the Central Business District exceeds 40 feet in width, it must be articulated
into smaller increments. The proposed building achieves this requirement by interchanging
building material types, and by the use of windows and doors.
4.Building Height
All buildings in the Central Business District must have a minimum cornice height of 22 feet.
The proposed building will achieve this requirement for the majority of the building.
However, the south elevation will be 20 feet, due to over 6 feet of grade changes in the slope
of the land parallel to Central Avenue.
5.Window and Door Openings
In the Central Business District, window and door openings must comprise at least 30 percent
of the area of the ground floor of the primary street façade. Approximately 75 percent of the
proposed building’s front facing façade is comprised of windows and doors.
P & Z Minutes
Page 3
May 5, 2015
6.Building Materials and Colors
Buildings in the Central Business District are encouraged to have facades with neutral or
muted colors. The proposed building will be sided with earth tone-colored materials, thereby
achieving this requirement.
The building façade consists of brick as a primary material type. As we have consistently
done in new public buildings and artwork, limestone will also be integrated into the façade as
an identity for public buildings. As a contrast, darker colored aluminum panels will be placed
vertically between the windows on the Central Avenue façade.
The primary exterior wall will be an Ambassador Brick (16” x 2 ¼” x 4”) or Norman (12” x 2
¼” x 4”) on a steel stud back-up wall. A secondary wall system of metal panels with steel stud
back-up wall will occur in certain areas. The metal panel may have a pattern and texture to
add visual interest to the simple repetitive forms of the exterior of the building.
7.Signage
Signage will be addressed when the applicant applies for a Sign Permit. Signage must be
consistent with Design Guidelines and with City Code.
SITE PLAN
1.Parking
The proposed plan identifies 53 parking stalls for the new Library. Staff believes this number
is adequate, and meets minimum zoning requirements. Depending on future development of
adjacent sites, additional parking could be added in the future.
2.Access
Access to the site will be provided via a “right-in, right-out” access point along Trunk
th
Highway 65, south of the proposed building. Full site access will be provided on 39 Avenue,
east of Heights Rental. Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) regulations
prevent the creation of a left turn lane into the site from southbound Trunk Highway 65.
3.Landscape
Landscaping materials are shown on the attached Site Plan. Trees will be incorporated
throughout the property and a vegetative drainage feature will be installed on the north side of
the site. The City is working in coordination with the Mississippi Watershed Management
Organization (MWMO) to achieve environmental best management practices on the site.
4.Building Layout
To reinforce the pedestrian-oriented downtown, the longer length of the building extends
along Central Ave with an entry on Central into the lobby. A second entry into the lobby is
accessed from the parking (east) side. From the lobby, there will be a single controlled entry
north into the library. The community meeting room is also accessible from the lobby on the
south side and the overall entrance arrangement allows the meeting room to be used during
P & Z Minutes
Page 4
May 5, 2015
the off hours of the library. The main group of public restrooms will also be located in the
lobby to provide access during all hours that the facility is in use.
The exterior east and west walls of the lobby and library are positioned under the roof line of
the building resulting in cover over the entries. In this way, the roof plane acts as a major
visual and spatial design element for the project. Spanning overhead like a horizontal plane,
the roof “welcomes” people into the building by providing cover and a sense of the
indoor/outdoor connection at the transition; and it shades west and east-facing windows to
control glare and heat gain in the summer. Also, by extending the west wall under the roof
line at the entry, additional space between the front door and the street provides a buffer from
busy traffic, and room to stand/sit outside. The act of entering the building becomes an
important part of the experience of the library.
FINDINGS OF FACT
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 Zoning Code requirements
are achieved.
b.The site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area as Commercial. The proposed plan for the property 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.
d.The site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity and the
public right-of-way.
The proposed plan for the new municipal library building meets all the minimum setback
requirements and all Design Guideline requirements. Therefore, the properties in the immediate
vicinity of the proposed development should not be adversely impacted.
Questions/comments from members:
Holmbeck and Kevin Hansen were present to answer questions regarding the Site Plan.
Buesgens asked if there will be a space for bike racks. Hansen told her yes.
Hoium questioned not having a left hand turn into the property off Central Avenue. Hansen
responded that they will have one driveway coming in off Central Avenue but due to the location of
the median, there will not be a left turn access for those coming from the north. Hansen went on to
P & Z Minutes
Page 5
May 5, 2015
explain that MN DOT will not allow another driveway or for changes to the median. So all traffic
thth
coming from the north will have to take a left turn on 39 Avenue and use the entrance off 39. He
explained this is a State Aid road so it is constructed for a heavier traffic flow already. Hoium then
asked if buses will be able to navigate around the parking lot. Hansen said it has been designed so
garbage trucks will be able to access the garbage area on the NE side of the building, and that school
buses will be able to navigate the lot. He was unsure whether coach type buses could actually
navigate the parking lot since their turning radius is different from a school bus.
Fiorendino asked about storm water management on the site. Hansen explained that storm water
management will be designed with the whole site in mind even though not all of it is being developed
now. Hansen reviewed the drainage plan with the members including the rain garden areas and
where the drainage basin would be located. He also addressed the 28-30 foot buffer between the
Heights Theater parking lot and the Library building itself. Green space and trees will be used there
as well as along the east property line rather than fencing.
Fiorendino asked if all the site clean-up has been done. Hansen told members that soil borings have
been done and it has been determined that the area is an old dump site that holds mostly construction
debris and some regular municipal waste to a depth of about 27 feet. The City is working with the
PCA to get a RAP Plan approved which would allow removing and replacing soils 2-4 feet down and
then capping the entire site with a barrier before construction of the building. He also said that
approximately 100 pilings will be needed to a depth of 30-80 feet under the building to support the
structure.
Hansen told members that another Public Meeting will be held at the Public Safety Building on May
th
20 from 6-8 pm which will review the Design of the facility and provide information to the public.
Public Hearing Opened.
No one wished to speak on this issue.
Public Hearing Closed.
,
Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Leeto waive the reading of Resolution No. 2015-PZ01, there
being ample copies available to the public. All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Buesgens, to adopt Resolution No. 2015-PZ01, being a
resolution approving the site plan for the new municipal library to be located at 3939 Central Avenue
NE., subject to the following conditions:
1.The property line that separated the former Burger King and Mady’s Bowl properties must be
removed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
P & Z Minutes
Page 6
May 5, 2015
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-PZ01
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVING A SITE PLAN
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARY LOCATED AT 3939
CENTRAL AVENUE NE.
WHEREAS,
a proposal (Case #2015-0501) has been submitted by HGA Architects and Engineers on behalf
of the City of Columbia Heights, to the Planning and Zoning Commission requesting site plan approval from
the City of Columbia Heights at the following site:
ADDRESS: 3939 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 municipal library to be located at 3939 Central Avenue NE.
WHEREAS,
the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the City Zoning Code on May
5, 2015;
WHEREAS,
the Planning and Zoning Commission has considered the advice and recommendations of the
City staff 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 Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of
Columbia Heights after reviewing the proposal 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 site plan and approval; and in granting this site plan the city and the applicant agree that
this site plan approval 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. The property line that separated the former Burger King and Mady’s Bowl properties must be
removed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
th
Passed this 5 day of May, 2015
Offered by: Fiorendino
Seconded by: Buesgens
Roll Call: All ayes
Marlaine Szurek, Chair
Attest:
Shelley Hanson, Secretary
P & Z Minutes
Page 7
May 5, 2015
CASE NUMBER: 2015-0502
APPLICANT: Jerold Lemire
LOCATION: 3828 Quincy Street NE.
REQUEST: Variance request
At this time Jerold Lemire, is requesting a Variance for a proposed accessory structure (garage), and
addition to the principal structure (house) at 3828 Quincy Street NE.
1)
Waiver to Section 9.106 (C) (1) (c)-allowing an accessory structure (detached) to be located
next to a principal structure. City Code states that accessory structures must be located behind
the principal structure.
2)
Waiver to Section 9.109 (C)-allowing an addition to the principal structure to be located within
4 feet of the side property line. City Code states that the side yard setback for the property is 5
feet.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan designates this area for low density residential. Being that the proposed
accessory structure and addition would be for the existing house on the property, the Variance request
is consistent with the types of uses guided for this area.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The property located at 3828 Quincy Street NE is zoned R-3 Multiple Family Residential, as are the
properties to the north, south and east. The properties to the west are located in the I-1 Industrial
District.
FINDINGS OF FACT (Variances)
Section 9.104 (G) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines five conditions that must be met in order for the
City Council to grant Variances. 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 undue hardship.
The parcel at 3828 Quincy Street NE. does not have alley way access and as such poses
difficulties for the property owner to erect a garage behind the principal building.
Building an attached garage would be costly for the homeowner. The homeowner wishes
to build the addition along the same building line as the existing structure for aesthetic
reasons.
b)The conditions upon which the variances are based are unique to the specific parcel of
land involved and are generally not applicable to other properties within the same zoning
classification.
This is correct.
P & Z Minutes
Page 8
May 5, 2015
c)The difficulty or hardship is caused by the provisions of this article and has not been
created by any person currently having a legal interest in the property.
This is correct.
d)The granting of the variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the
comprehensive plan.
This is correct.
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.
This is correct.
Staff recommends approval of the Variance for an accessory structure, and addition to the primary
structure to be located at 3828 Quincy Street NE.
Questions/Comments from members:
Hoium asked if a detached garage has to be behind the house. Holmbeck said yes, attached garages
are a different matter.
Fiorendino asked if the existing driveway would continue to be used. Holmbeck said it would stay
and the curb cut would not change. She explained that he will add a corner piece for better
access.
Lee asked if he was exceeding the allowed percentage of lot coverage. Holmbeck told members that
he still is under the maximum percentage.
Hoium asked if neighboring properties had been notified of his request. Holmbeck stated that notices
are sent out to people within 350 feet of the affected property and that a notice is also published
in the newspaper.
Public Hearing Opened.
No one wished to speak on this issue.
Public Hearing Closed.
Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Lee, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of
Resolution 2015-32, there being ample copies available to the public. All ayes. MOTION
PASSED.
P & Z Minutes
Page 9
May 5, 2015
Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Lee, that the Planning Commission recommends that the City
Council approve the Resolution No. 2015-32 approving Variances for the property located at 3828
Quincy Street NE.,
1)
Waiver to Section 9.106 (C) (1) (c)-allowing an accessory structure (detached) to be
located next to a principal structure.
2)
Waiver to Section 9.109 (C)-allowing an addition to the principal structure to be located
within 4 feet of the side property line.
All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
The following Resolution will go to the City Council at the meeting of May 11, 2015.
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-32
RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE
FROM CERTAIN CONDITIONS
OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ZONING CODE
FOR 3828 QUINCY STREET NE.
WHEREAS
, a proposal (Case # 2015-0502) has been submitted by Jerold Lemire to the City Council
requesting a variance from the City of Columbia Heights Zoning Code at the following site:
ADDRESS: 3828 Quincy Street NE.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall.
THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING RELIEF:
1) Waiver to Section 9.106 (C) (1) (c)-allowing an accessory structure (detached) to be located next
to a principal structure.
2) Waiver to Section 9.109 (C)-allowing an addition to the principal structure to be located within 4
feet of the side property line.
WHEREAS,
the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the City Zoning Code on May
5, 2015;
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.
P & Z Minutes
Page 10
May 5, 2015
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.
CASE NUMBER: 2015-0503
APPLICANT: Eric Simonson
rd
LOCATION: 1417 43 Avenue NE.
REQUEST: Minor Subdivision
At this time, Eric Simonson is requesting a Minor Subdivision per City Code Section 9.104 (K), for
rd
the property located at 1417 43 Avenue NE. The applicant wishes to split the existing lot into two
single family residential lots. There are currently two attached condos existing on the lot. The condos
are separated by two, one-hour rated assemblies (fire wall). Both the City Building Official and the
City Fire Chief have reviewed the application for Minor Subdivision and added a condition of
approval, that the fire wall must be maintained in the present state. The applicant wishes to split the
lot and change the property description. The applicant prepared a narrative (attached) detailing the
reason for this request.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan guides this area for residential use, which is proposed for this site.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The property is zoned R-2A, one and two-family residential as are the properties to the north and
west. The properties to the east and south are zoned R-1, single family residential.
FINDINGS OF FACT (Minor Subdivision)
Section 9.104 (K) of the Zoning Code outlines specific conditions in order for the City Council to
approve a minor subdivision. They are as follows:
1.The proposed subdivision of land will not result in more than three lots.
The proposed subdivision will result in two lots.
2.The proposed subdivision of land does not involve the vacation of existing easements.
No vacation of existing easements will occur as a result of the minor subdivision.
P & Z Minutes
Page 11
May 5, 2015
3.All lots to be created by the proposed subdivision conform to lot area and width requirements
established for the zoning district in which the property is located.
The lots will conform to the lot width and lot area requirements
4.The proposed subdivision does not require the dedication of public rights-of-way for the
purpose of gaining access to the property.
This is correct.
5.The property has not previously been divided through the minor subdivision provisions of this
article.
This is correct.
6.The proposed subdivision does not hinder the conveyance of land.
This is correct.
7.The proposed subdivision does not hinder the making of assessments or the keeping of
records related to assessments.
This is correct.
8.The proposed subdivision meets all of the design standards specified in Section 9.114.
This is correct.
Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission approve the proposed minor
rd
subdivision for the property located at 1417 43 Avenue NE.
Questions/comments from members:
Szurek stated she questioned how this was allowed to be built in the first place based on the
topography and access issues to the property. She questioned how 1415 will access their garage since
there is only one entry point to both properties. Holmbeck explained a recorded driveway easement
to allow access to “Parcel A” is required to be filed with Anoka County. That way anyone living in
Parcel A will have the right to cross Parcel B to access their garage area.
Members had a discussion with the current owner regarding his reasons for making this request.
Simonson explained that he has found it difficult to get financing on this property since it is classified
as condo units, but the proper condo association documents were never recorded. If it is re-
established as a twin home with separate legal descriptions it will be easier to sell, get financing on,
and will increase the property value on these parcels as well as those in the surrounding area.
Holmbeck stated the City Attorney has reviewed this request and saw no reason to deny the request.
th
She also told members that this matter will go before the City Council at the May 11 meeting where
the City Attorney will be present to answer any questions there may be.
P & Z Minutes
Page 12
May 5, 2015
Public Hearing Opened.
Allie Monahan of 4314 McLeod St said the south side of her property butts up against the north side
of this property. She said she has a problem with the current owner regarding his lack of
maintenance of the property. She continually has to cut 5 ft growth of weeds, thistle, and long grass
along the property line because he only cuts his lawn when the Fire Department threatens him with a
Contractor doing it at his expense. This means he cuts it approximately 2 or 3 times a year. She
requests that he become a responsible landowner and be considerate of his neighbors. Monahan
thinks he should be required to mow his lawn and keep up the property.
Holmbeck stated that is a property maintenance issue that is enforced by the Fire Dept. Monahan
said she has called them on numerous occasions but it hasn’t been effective. Szurek sympathized
with her and encouraged her to keep calling until he gets a citation or incurs charges for the City to
mow.
There was a discussion about what public benefit there is to approving this request. It was decided
that by approving the request it more accurately reflects the actual construction and use of the
property since it isn’t a “typical Condo” setup which would require an association to be established.
Szurek said she thinks it would benefit the property owner and future owners by making it easier to
sell and to obtain financing for that purpose.
Public Hearing Closed.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Hoium, to wave the reading of Resolution No. 2015-34, there being
ample copies available to the public. All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Buesgens, that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends the
rd
City Council approve the minor subdivision of the property located at 1417 43 Avenue NE., 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.The applicant shall be responsible for filing the approved subdivision survey and
driveway easement with the Anoka County Recorder’s Office. The approved minor
subdivision will become invalid if the subdivision is not filed with the Anoka County
recorder’s Office within one year of the date of City Council action.
2.The fire separation walls must be maintained in the present state.
The following Resolution will go to the City Council at the May 11, 2015 meeting.
P & Z Minutes
Page 13
May 5, 2015
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-34
rd
RESOLUTION APPROVING A MINOR SUBDIVISION FOR 1417 43 AVENUE NE. COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS
WHEREAS,
a proposal (Case #2015-0503) has been submitted by Eric Simonson to the City Council
requesting Minor Subdivision approval from the City of Columbia Heights at the following site:
rd
ADDRESS: 1417 43 Ave. NE.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall.
THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING: A Minor Subdivision for the property located at
rd
1417 43 Avenue NE.
WHEREAS,
the Planning and Zoning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the City Zoning
th
Code on May 5, 2015;
WHEREAS,
the Planning and Zoning Commission has considered the advice and recommendations of the
City staff regarding the effect of the proposed Minor Subdivision 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 Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of
Columbia Heights after reviewing the proposal, that the City Council accepts and adopts the following
findings:
1. The proposed subdivision of land will not result in more than three lots.
2. The proposed subdivision of land does not involve the vacation of existing easements.
3. All lots to be created by the proposed subdivision conform to lot area and width requirements
established for the zoning district in which the property is located.
4. The proposed subdivision does not require the dedication of public rights-of-way for the purpose of
gaining access to the property.
5. The property has not previously been divided through the minor subdivision provisions of this article.
6. The proposed subdivision does not hinder the conveyance of land.
7. The proposed subdivision does not hinder the making of assessments or the keeping of records related
to assessments.
8. The proposed subdivision meets all of the design standards specified in Section 9.115.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED
that the attached conditions, survey, and other information shall
become part of this Minor Subdivision and approval; and in granting this Minor Subdivision the city and the
applicant agree that this Minor Subdivision shall become null and void if the subdivision has not been filed
with the Anoka County Recorder’s Office within one (1) calendar year after the approval date.
CONDITIONS ATTACHED:
rd
The Planning Commission approves the Minor Subdivision for 1417 43 Avenue NE. 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. The applicant shall be responsible for filing the approved subdivision survey and driveway easement
with the Anoka County Recorder’s Office. The approved minor subdivision will become invalid if the
subdivision is not filed with the Anoka County recorder’s Office within one year of the date of City
Council action.
2. The fire separation walls must be maintained in the present state.
P & Z Minutes
Page 14
May 5, 2015
OTHER BUSINESS
Holmbeck told members that they will be forwarded an online class that staff encourages them to
complete. She explained it takes less than an hour and will be helpful to detail the role of the
commission. Holmbeck also told members that the Community Development Director is
planning on hosting a training session in the near future to acquaint them with the
Comprehensive Plan, The Zoning Ordinance, and the types of cases that could potentially
come before them in order to make recommendations to the City Council.
The next meeting should be Tuesday, June 2, 2015.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Shelley Hanson
Secretary