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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-07-01 Minutes PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING JULY 1, 2008 7:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair-Marlaine Szurek. Commission Members present- Thompson, Fiorendino, Schmitt, Peterson, and Szurek. Also present were Jeff Sargent (City Planner), Gary Peterson (Council Liaison), and Shelley Hanson (Secretary). Motion by Schmitt, seconded by Peterson, to approve the minutes from the meeting of June 3, 2008. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. PUBLIC HEARINGS CASE NUMBER: 2008-0701 APPLICANT: Varibest Printing LOCATION: 4355 Central Avenue REQUEST: Site Plan Approval for signage INTRODUCTION At this time, Varibest Printing is requesting a site plan approval for new signage at 4355 Central Avenue. The tenant space had been vacant for some time and is now occupied by Varibest Printing. The proposed new signage for the tenant space requires a site plan approval because the property is located within the Design Overlay Central Business District. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The Comprehensive Plan guides this area for Commercial related activities. The proposed sign plan meets all the requirements of the Design Guidelines, and for this reason is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. ZONING ORDINANCE The property is located in the GB, General Business District, as are the properties to the north and south. The subject parcel is also located within the Design Overlay Central Business District, and is subject the regulations for such properties. The City Code at Section 9.106 (P)(12) states that total signage in the GB District shall not exceed two square feet for each front foot of tenant space provided in the multi-tenant building. The tenant space occupied by Varibest Printing is 24 feet in width. For this reason, the total amount of signage allowed for the tenant is 48 square feet. The applicant’s sign plan indicates one wall sign totaling 32 square feet in area, meeting the minimum sign code regulations. DESIGN GUIDELINES SIGNAGE. The Design Guidelines prohibit internally lit box signs. The proposed wall sign is aluminum with non-illuminated lettering. Therefore, the sign plan meets the minimum requirements. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 2 JULY 1, 2008 FINDINGS OF FACT Site Plan Approval Section 9.104 (M) requires that the Planning and 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 wall 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 Central Business 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 all the minimum square footage 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. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the site plan for the Varibest Printing located at 4355 Central Avenue. Questions from members: Szurek asked Sargent if this was a brand new sign that had been installed. Sargent stated that it was a new sign, not a re-facing of an old sign. That is the reason it needed site plan approval and a permit. Szurek informed the owner that he should have followed the procedure and obtained the permit prior to installing the new sign. Public Hearing Opened. No one was present to speak on this issue. Public Hearing Closed. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Fiorendino, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2008-PZ13, there being ample copies available to the public. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Schmitt, to adopt Resolution No. 2008-PZ13, being a resolution approving a site plan for Varibest Printing located at 4355 Central Avenue. All Ayes. MOTION PASSED. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 3 JUNE 3, 3008 RESOLUTION NO. 2008-PZ13 RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVING A SITE PLAN FOR SIGNAGE AT 4355 CENTRAL AVENUE WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA WHEREAS, a proposal (Case #2008-0701) has been submitted by Varibest Printing to the Planning and Zoning Commission requesting a site plan approval from the City of Columbia Heights at the following site: ADDRESS: 4355 Central Avenue LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall. THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING PERMIT: Site Plan approval for signage for Varibest Printing located at 4355 Central Avenue. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has held a public hearing as required by the city Zoning Code on July 1, 2008; 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, that the Planning and Zoning Commission accepts and adopts the following findings: 1. The site plan conforms to all applicable requirements of this article, except signage. 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. st Passed this 1day of July 2008, Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Ayes: Nays: CHAIR Marlaine Szurek Attest: SECRETARY, Shelley Hanson Approval is contingent upon execution and return of this document to the City Planning Office. I have read and agree to the conditions of this resolution as outlined above. _____________ __ Carolyn Racette Date PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 4 JULY 1, 2008 OTHER BUSINESS ndth Sargent reminded members that the 2 reading of the RIBS Ordinance will take place at the July 28 City Council th meeting and that it would be effective August 28, 2008. He stated that a meeting will be held July 9 to inform area Realtors, Mortgage Companies, and Banks of the program being implemented. Sargent passed out a flow chart showing the sequence of requirements that would need to be satisfied prior to selling a home in Columbia Heights. He told members that any additional questions should be directed to Scott Clark, Community Development Director. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Shelley Hanson Secretary