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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-05-2016 Minutes MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JULY 5, 2016 7:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Szurek. Commission Members present- Buesgens, Fiorendino, Schill, Hoium, and Szurek Also present were Elizabeth Holmbeck (Planner), and Shelley Hanson (Secretary) along with Council Liaison, John Murzyn. Holmbeck told commission members that Adam Schill has been appointed to serve on the Commission, and he was sworn into his position at this meeting. Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Hoium , to approve the minutes from the meeting of April 6, 2016. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. PUBLIC HEARINGS CASE NUMBER: 2016-0701 APPLICANT: Kim Blattner, Produce Plus Inc. LOCATION: 4001 Central Avenue REQUEST: Interim Use Permit Holmbeck explained that Kim Blattner on behalf of Produce Plus Inc. has requested an Interim Use Permit to allow temporary produce sales at the property located at 4001 Central Avenue NE. Produce Plus Inc. has operated produce stands in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin for the last 22 years. If the application is approved, this will be their first produce stand in Columbia Heights. The proposed produce stand will sell mainly sweet corn, but plans to sell other summer produce as it becomes available such as melons, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and cucumbers. The stand will operate mid-July through Labor Day from as early as 8:00 am through the afternoon until 6:00 pm daily. The stand consists of a pick-up truck and a 10’ X 10’ canopy tent over the back of the truck. The specific development standards for outdoor agricultural/produce sales are found in Section 9.107 (C) (32) of the City’s Zoning Code. These standards will be added as conditions of approval to the permit. A narrative and site plan detailing the applicant’s request is attached for review. ZONING ORDINANCE The property located at 4001 Central Avenue NE. is located in the Central Business Zoning District. Outdoor agricultural/produce sales are specifically listed as an Interim Use in this Zoning District. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The Comprehensive Plan guides this area for commercial uses. Allowing temporary produce sales is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. P & Z Minutes Page 2 July 5, 2016 DESIGN GUIDELINES The subject property is located in the Design Guidelines Overlay District; however, due to the nature of the request, and that fact that it does not involve new construction or remodeling, the guidelines would not apply, as this is a temporary use of the property. SITE PLAN The applicant has submitted a site plan indicating the location of the proposed produce stand. There are two possible locations proposed. FINDINGS OF FACT (a)The use is one of the interim uses listed for the zoning district in which the property is located, or is a substantially similar use, as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Outdoor agricultural/produce sales are specifically listed as an Interim Use in the Central Business Zoning District, and are considered retail sales, which are permitted. (b)The use is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan designates the property for commercial use, including retail sales. The proposed produce stand request is consistent with the intent of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. (c)The use will not impose hazards or disturbing influences on neighboring properties. The proposed temporary use should not have any detrimental impact on neighboring properties because of its proximity to Central Avenue, and because it is shielded from adjacent residential uses. (d)The use will not substantially diminish the use of property in the immediate vicinity. This is correct. (e)The use will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that is compatible with the appearance of the existing or intended character of the surrounding area. Being that the character of the surrounding area is commercial; the proposed produce stand should not negatively impact the existing character of the surrounding area. (f)Adequate measures have been or will be taken to minimize traffic congestion on the public streets and to provide for appropriate on-site circulation of traffic. The traffic generated by the produce stand is not anticipated to significantly increase traffic on the surrounding public streets. Additionally, the site is large enough to accommodate the additional on-site traffic. (g)The use will not cause a negative cumulative effect, when considered in conjunction with the cumulative effect of other uses in the immediate vicinity. The produce stand should not have a negative impact on other uses in the immediate vicinity, which are zoned for commercial uses. Staff recommends approval of the proposed Interim Use Permit for the property located at 4001 Central Avenue NE. P & Z Minutes Page 3 July 5, 2016 Questions from members: Fiorendino asked if they can operate in either location in the parking lot. Holmbeck stated that they can, unless the Commission members want to limit it to one specific location I the lot. Members were satisfied with either location. Hoium asked if they would pack up every night. Holmbeck said they would pack up every night and that the hours submitted were the maximum number of hours they would be on site. Dustin Rosemark , a representative of Produce Plus, was at the meeting to answer questions. He asked for clarification of the signage that would be permitted. He explained to members that they usually use 8 x 4 plywood sandwich board signs that are hand painted. Holmbeck told him that would be allowed in the parking lot next to the truck as long as it is on private property. Any sandwich board signs that go on the public sidewalks are limited to 5 sf in size so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic. Public Hearing Opened. No one else was present to speak on this matter. Public Hearing Closed. Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Buesgens, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2016-PZ03, there being ample copies available to the public. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Buesgens, to adopt Resolution No. 2016—PZ03, being a resolution approving an Interim Use Permit for outdoor/agricultural produce sales, subject to the following conditions: (a)The outdoor agricultural/produce sales lot shall be accessory to a commercial use. (b)Outdoor agricultural/produce sales located within the public right-of-way are prohibited. (c)All goods shall be displayed in a designated area that is hard surfaced. (d)All goods shall be displayed in an orderly fashion, with access aisles provided as needed. (e)Music or amplified sounds shall not be audible from adjacent residential properties. (f)The outdoor agricultural/produce sales lot shall not reduce the amount of off-street parking provided one- site below the level required for the principal use. (g)An appropriate transition area between the use and adjacent property shall be provided by landscaping, screening or other site improvements consistent with the character of the neighborhood. (h)Signage shall be limited to two professionally made signs per structure, not exceeding 32 square feet per sign. (i)Outdoor agricultural/produce sales facilities may be allowed for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. P & Z Minutes Page 4 July 5, 2016 RESOLUTION NO. 2016-PZ03 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR OUTDOOR AGRICULTURAL/PRODUCE SALES AT 4001 CENTRAL AVENUE NE. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WHEREAS, a proposal (Case #2016-0701) has been submitted by Produce Plus Inc. to the Planning and Zoning Commission requesting approval of an Interim Use Permit from the City of Columbia Heights at the following site: ADDRESS: 4001 Central Avenue LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall. THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING PERMIT: An Interim Use Permit for temporary outdoor agricultural/produce sales from mid-July through Labor Day 2016. th WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the City Zoning Code on July 5, 2016; WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has considered the advice and recommendations of City staff regarding the effect of the proposed request 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 Planning and Zoning Commission accepts and adopts the following findings: (a) The use is one of the interim uses listed for the zoning district in which the property is located, or is a substantially similar use, as determined by the Zoning Administrator. (b) The use is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. (c) The use will not impose hazards or disturbing influences on neighboring properties. (d) The use will not substantially diminish the use of property in the immediate vicinity. (e) The use will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that is compatible with the appearance of the existing or intended character of the surrounding area. (f) Adequate measures have been or will be taken to minimize traffic congestion on the public streets and to provide for appropriate on-site circulation of traffic. (g) The use will not cause a negative cumulative effect, when considered in conjunction with the cumulative effect of other uses in the immediate vicinity. 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. Further, the permit is 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: (a) The outdoor agricultural/produce sales lot shall be accessory to a commercial use. (b) Outdoor agricultural/produce sales located within the public right-of-way are prohibited. (c) All goods shall be displayed in a designated area that is hard surfaced. (d) All goods shall be displayed in an orderly fashion, with access aisles provided as needed. (e) Music or amplified sounds shall not be audible from adjacent residential properties. (f) The outdoor agricultural/produce sales lot shall not reduce the amount of off-street parking provided one-site below the level required for the principal use. (g) An appropriate transition area between the use and adjacent property shall be provided by landscaping, screening or other site improvements consistent with the character of the neighborhood. (h) Signage shall be limited to two professionally made signs per structure, not exceeding 32 square feet per sign. (i) Outdoor agricultural/produce sales facilities may be allowed for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. P & Z Minutes Page 5 July 5, 2016 th Passed this 5 day of July, 2016. Offered by: Fiorendino Seconded by: Buesgens Roll Call: All ayes Attest: Marlaine Szurek, Chair Shelley Hanson, Secretary OTHER BUSINESS Holmbeck told members that the Auto Ordinance was approved at the end of April by the City Council. Szurek asked if the White Castle was still scheduled to be torn down this month. Holmbeck said that is her understanding and that they hope to start the construction of the new building in August. Holmbeck stated that she hasn’t received any cases thus far for the August agenda. If something comes rd in this week the meeting would be held on Wednesday, August 3, due to National Night out on Tuesday. The meeting was adjourned at 7: 16 pm. Respectfully submitted, Shelley Hanson Secretary