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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-2024 Planning Commission Packet PLANNING COMMISSION City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE Wednesday, November 06, 2024 6:00 PM AMENDED AGENDA AGENDA AMENDED ON 11/06/2024 TO REMOVE ITEMS 3 AND 4 AFTER APPLICANT WITHDRAWAL ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, or by using Microsoft Teams Meeting at columbiaheightsmn.gov/joinameeting: ID 252 586 988 371, Passcode ugquG3. For questions, please contact Administration at 763-706-3610. Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763 -706-3610 to make arrangements. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL APPROVE MINUTES 1. Accept October 1, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend Chapter 9 – Land Use: 9.104 Administration and Enforcement MOTION: Move to waive the reading of draft Ordinance amendment No. 1708, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to recommend City Council to approve draft Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 1708 as presented. 3. Site Plan Review for 999 50th Avenue NE MOTION: Move to waive the reading of draft Resolution No. 2024 -069, a Site Plan Review for 999 50th Avenue NE, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to recommend approval of draft Resolution No. 2024-069, a Site Plan Review for 999 50th Avenue NE, as presented and subject to the conditions of approval listed in the draft resolution. 1 City of Columbia Heights AGENDA November 06, 2024 Planning Commission Page 2 4. Conditional Use Permit for Over-Height Sound Barrier (Fence) at 999 50th Avenue NE MOTION: Move to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Draft Resolution No. 2024-068, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to recommend City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit as presented, subject to the conditions of approval as presented. OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements. 2 MINUTES CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2024 The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chair Wolfe. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Eric Sahnow, Tom Kaiser, Paul Moses, Laurel Deneen, Clara Wolfe, Ahmed Maameri, and John Gianoulis Also present: Andrew Boucher, City Planner; Sarah LaVoi, Administrative Assistant; Mitch Forney, Community Development Coordinator; Connie Buesgens, Council Liaison. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of August 7, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Sahnow, seconded by Deneen, to approve the minutes from the meeting of August 7, 2024. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Site Plan Review for 999 50th Avenue NE Introduction: Boucher stated Civil Site Group on behalf of Tsunami Express Car Wash has requested approval of a site plan review proposing the demolition of the existing vacant office building in preparation for the new construction of a car wash (between the intersection of 50th Avenue NE and Tyler Street NE off Central Avenue NE). The Site Plan Review only requires Planning Commission approval. Boucher mentioned the applicant is proposing to demolish the existing approximately 7,000 sq. ft. vacant building on the 0.83-acre parcel and construct a new single-story 4,300 sq. ft. building containing the car wash bay, mechanical room, storage, office, and a restroom as well as two accessory buildings including a 100 sq. ft. employee sales booth and 100 sq. ft. vacuum pump house serving 10 vacuums along the parking stalls. The subject site is located towards the northern end of the municipal boundary along Central Avenue. The surrounding adjacent properties to the immediate north, west, and south are all zoned for Commercial use through the General Business District. The property also abuts several residential neighborhoods to the north, east, and sout h containing multi-family, duplexes, and single-family residential zoning adjacent to Central Avenue. The subject site is zoned, General Business District, and the use as a car wash is a permitted use in the district subject to Specific Development Standards 9.107 (10) for a car wash. Boucher noted the noise impact study that was required has recommended an eight-foot tall sound barrier which will require the Conditional Use Permit . City Code 9.106E3A specifies that any fence that is over seven feet high requires a conditional use permit. Boucher mentioned Section 9.104 (N) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines certain findings of fact that 3 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 must be met in order for the City to approve a site plan review. The findings are as follows: a) The site plan conforms to all applicable requirements of this article. Upon approval of the Site Plan Review, as conditioned, the proposed site plan will conform to all applicable requirements of the General Business (GB) District as well as City Code 9.106 General Development Standards. b) The site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the City’s comprehensive plan. The use and site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the City’s comprehensive plan. c) The site plan is consistent with any applicable area plan. With conditions imposed to ensure compatibility, the site plan will be consistent with the applicable Design Guidelines of the Highway District. d) The site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity and the public right-of-way. As conditioned, the site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity and the public right-of-way. Boucher stated the building is currently vacant and has not been fully used since 2012. The last occupants were the Turkish American Society of Minnesota which only occupied a portion of the building. The applicant is proposing a complete teardown. Many people have been interested in using the existing building but there are accessibility issues related to installing an elevator, as well as fire suppression requirements. This has made it expensive for anyone who would want to use the existing building which is why the applicant is proposing to demolish the building. Boucher explained the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan guides the subject site, as well as properties to the north and east for “commercial land use” with additional “commercial land use” to the south as well as “medium density and low density residential” further to the south and east of the commercial parcels. The Plan describes the “commercial” designation as follows: The Commercial land use designation is primarily located along major transportation corridors and includes a variety of retail uses, services, and office uses. Boucher added the subject site also lies within “Opportunity Area #2B” of the Comprehensive Plan which overlays the segment of Central Avenue from 37th Avenue NE to the Fridley Border, specifically between Central Avenue NE and 49th Avenue NE. In this regard, the Plan identifies the area as having development potential for future commercial use. Some of the guiding principles for redevelopment include commercial uses with appropriate parking and pedestrian access to Central Avenue and emphasizing businesses that provide goods or services that appeal to the community at large as well as the adjacent neighborhoods. This area is described as having an emphasis on providing sidewalks, four-season landscaping, and lighting. Boucher stated the applicant is proposing 26 feet for the front yar d setback and 45 feet from the Aldi side. The rear is 60 feet and the residential side is 35 feet for parking. The proposed setbacks 4 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 meet the standards for the general zoning district. Two accesses to the site are proposed from the south via 50th Avenue NE, a 60-foot wide public right-of-way with a road width of 35 feet back of curb to back of curb, through an existing 24-foot wide driveway with directional markings for vehicles exiting the car wash and entering to use the vacuums with an addition al access point at the southeastern corner of the property which has directional markings showing an entrance only for the car wash accommodating the vehicle stacking. As a condition of approval, a 24-foot fire access lane must be maintained for emergency vehicle access. Boucher reviewed the parking for the site plan. The submitted site plan illustrates a total of 18 off - street parking stalls. The Zoning Ordinance requires two spaces per bay plus four stacking spaces for the one car wash bay including one stacking space at the exit. The Zoning Ordinance also specifies that that employee parking is only required when the parking requirements are based on employee counts, as such, the parking requirements for car washes are determined by the number of service bays and stacking spaces, not employee counts. Appropriately, one off-street parking space on the site has been designated as a disability stall (in accordance with the American Disability Act) along with an access aisle striped with “No Parking”. The proposed site plan has more off-street parking than required and can accommodate any employee parking needs as presented. Boucher noted there were a number of concerns from residents regarding parking stacking. A traffic study was commissioned by the applicant and prepared by a licensed independent engineering firm which shows the anticipated traffic using trip generation estimates for trips during weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hours as well as on a daily basis. The Trip Generation Summary provides estimates demonstrating the in/out traffic for the a.m. and p.m. peak hours as well as the daily trips between the proposed car wash and the previous office use. Trips were routed to the adjacent roadway network using the following distribution based on existing area t ravel patterns and engineering judgment:  Central Avenue (Highway 65) North and South: 35% each  Tyler Street: 15%  50th Avenue West, 50th Avenue East, and Polk Place: 5% each Boucher explained the traffic study indicates that all applicable intersections will continue to operate at Level-of-Service C or better and all approaches will continue to operate near the Level - of-Service D/E threshold or better during the peak hours. Minimal changes in queuing are expected nor are any impacts to the proposed development driveways expected. The daily traffic volume changes along Polk Place, 50th Avenue, and Tyler Street are minimal and within a typical daily variation of most roadways. The provided vehicle stacking distance is adequate and no impacts to 50th Avenue are expected. Boucher reviewed that some recommendations the traffic study urges the City to consider are locating signage and landscaping to avoid any sight distance issues, reviewing truck maneuverability to limit internal circulation conflicts, and adding a stop or yield sign along Tyler Street at 50th Avenue to better define the right-of-way for motorists and reduce potential conflicts. As conditioned, the proposed site plan shall meet vehicle access, stacking, and parking requirements in accordance with the City Code. 5 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 Boucher stated In addition to the building and parking setbacks, car washes have specific development standards requiring that the vacuum facilities must be located in an enclosed structure or located 50 feet from any residential property lines, which will be a condition of approval. The proposed site plan as presented will have building and parking lot setbacks that conform with 9.110 Commercial Districts (C) Lot dimension, height, and bulk requirements. The lot area, setback, height, and lot coverage are proposed to satisfy these requirements. The vacuums, as conditioned, will meet the specific development standard setback of 50 feet from residential property lines and/or be enclosed. As a condition of approval, two spaces shall be designated for employee use and an area shall be designated for snow storage if snowfall exceeds the storage of that area, then it shall be required to be removed from the property. The pro posed site plan, as presented, meets the parking and stacking requirements. As conditioned, the proposed site plan shall accommodate vehicle access and stacking in accordance with the City Code. Boucher mentioned it is understood that the car wash is proposing 7 AM – 8 PM hours of operation, Monday – Sunday, and any vacuum use shall be limited to hours of operation as a condition of approval. A trash enclosure is shown on the site plan on the western side of the property alongside the parking lot and in the architectural renderings as being 6 feet, 11 inches from the slab and surrounded by at least three sides with screening walls that are similar to the construction material used on the new building. The open side of the enclosure shall not face any public street or the front yard of any adjacent property. Garbage pickup is expected to occur outside of business hours. Boucher explained the applicant has submitted drawings for on-site signage which will require a building permit and are subject to review for compliance by City Staff. As a condition of approval, all signage shall be reviewed by the City for approval. The fire lane shall be marked with yellow curb paint and signage that states “No Parking – Fire Lane”. As a condition of approval, this will be required to remain. Boucher stated the site does not have pedestrian or bicycle access along 50th Avenue NE and that access ends at the Aldi property in alignment with Central Avenue. The applicant is proposing a sidewalk from the edge of the western access to the site and connecting the sidewalk to the access on the eastern side of the property continuing the connection from the Aldi property and ending before the residential neighborhood. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan land use goals state that sites should have pedestrian and bicycle access. Pedestrian access is satisfied, but the site should incorporate a bicycle parking area to satisfy this goal. Staff is recommending that a bicycle rack capable of accommodating two to four bicycles be a condition of approval. Boucher noted the applicant has provided a lighting plan and specifications for the proposed lighting fixtures satisfying the requirements of 9.106 General Development Standards (K) and addresses potential security concerns from Public Safety. One of the SCM-LED-08L-SC-40 lighting fixtures shall be relocated so there are no more than 0.5 footcandles along the eastern property line as a condition of approval. Boucher mentioned the applicant is not proposing any discernable loading areas and the code 6 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 5 requirements for off-street loading spaces apply to non-residential uses receiving or distributing materials or merchandise by trucks or similar vehicles and has a gross floor area of 5,000 sq. ft. or more are not applicable to this proposal. The loading area requirements are satisfied per 9.106 General Development Standards (L) (12) as there are no deliveries beyond standard commercial delivery vehicles (UPS, Fed-Ex, and USPS) occurring at the front door. A truck turning diagram has been provided showing that garbage trucks can make the appropriate turns and maneuvers within the site. Boucher stated the applicant meets the Tree Preservation and Replanting Standards in 9.106 General Development Standards (M) and has provided both a tree preservation and landscaping plan showing the location, size, quantity, and species of all existing and proposed plant materials subject to design standards and considerations reviewed by the Urban Forester. The Urban Forester is satisfied with the proposed preservation and landscaping plan but re commends and encourages the applicant to work with Aldi to remove undesirable weed trees from the north of the property that leans heavily over the property line. The tree preservation identifies 15 trees to be removed, one of which is considered a protected tree, and is proposing to preserve four of the existing trees. The applicant is required to provide one tree for every 50 feet of street frontage and the property has 224 feet of frontage for a total of four trees, a minimum of four trees per one acre of lot coverage, and five replacement trees per the replacement standards for a total of 13 trees proposed. Additionally, the applicant is proposing landscaping containing native plantings and pollinator-friendly habitats for the majority of the trees, shrubs, and grasses used. Boucher added as a condition of approval, the applicant is required to provide a letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City and shall be deposited with the Zoning Administrator, in an amount equal to 100% of the estimated cost of landscaping and/or screening. The letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City, or portions thereof, shall be forfeited to maintain and/or replace materials for a period of time to include at least two growing seasons. A port ion of the letter of credit or other security as acceptable may be released after one growing season as determined by the Zoning Administrator. The property owner shall be responsible for continued maintenance of landscaping and screening materials to rema in in compliance with the requirements of this section. Plant materials that show signs of disease or damage shall be promptly removed and replaced within the next planting season. Boucher mentioned the applicant shows a 5-foot retaining wall along the eastern property line as the site is 5 feet lower in elevation than the residential property adjacent to the site. The applicant has provided information on the proposed lighting plan showing photo metrics, the reclaim system and equipment as well as safety data sheets for all chemicals used for operations. As a condition of approval, the applicant is required to implement the recommendations of a noise impact study to minimize the impact that the car wash and vacuum operations are going to have on the adjacent residential properties. Boucher stated the applicant was required to provide a noise impact study and implement the recommendations to minimize the impact that the car wash and vacuum operations are going to have on the adjacent residential properties. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency defined the noise limit for Residential zones at the property lines at 60 dB(A), decibels , and A-weighting of the 7 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 6 sound pressure level for the purpose of determining the human response to sound through MN Statute § 7030 Noise Pollution Control. Boucher added the noise study indicates that the carwash-related noise levels will not exceed the residential limits with the addition of an 8’ tall sound barrier (which requires a Conditional Use Permit) along the east and north property lines on top of the planned retaining wall with the combined height extending 2 feet above the top of the car wash entry doors. There are minimum acoustical requirements for the sound barrier wall: constructed from a material with a minimum acoustical rating of STC 22 or a mass of no less than 2 pounds per square foot. An example of a suitable material would be overlapping, 1” (nominal thickness) cedar or pine planks, assembled so the total, actual thickness of the wall is at least 1 -1/2” along the entire length of the wall. These need to be screwed together so the natural warping over time does not cause the planks to pull apart and create gaps; the wall must be constructed tight to the ground and must be inspected, maintained, and kept up over time. Post-construction sound testing will be required to confirm the barrier was built to the recommendations specified. Other operational requirements include the installation of a muffler on the vacuum pump house and the blowers set to turn off when th e exit doors open. Boucher explained as required, neighborhood notification of the site plan review applications has been provided to property owners within 350 feet of the subject property and that list of property owners is attached. At the time of this report, City Staff has received 15 written comments and one verbal phone call from a resident as well as a few in -person visits; 6 of the written comments are from residents within the mailing radius. Staff concern and the public comments that were made influenced the need for additional review including noise and traffic studies to examine the impact that the car wash operations would have on the neighboring properties. Boucher noted Linda Rogers at 1057 Polk Place provided the written comment attached as she is opposed to the proposed site plan citing concerns with the existing traffic increases from Aldi, additional cars entering and exiting the car wash, and noise from both the car wash and vacuum operations. Dana Alexon at 1035 Lincoln Terrace provided the written comments attached and had initial comments on traffic increasing, how the existing area handles traffic, and concerns over the sight lines considering the vehicle queuing and topography. Other remarks were made on the traffic lights and traffic lane arrangement at 50th and Central Avenue regarding marking, striping, and signage that is not being maintained, used incorrectly, and the signal timing is not effective enough to give adequate time for certain turns and contributes to risky decision-making by drivers. An additional written comment identified more specific concerns such as sight lines on the hill serving nearby residential streets, room for potential expansion in the future, employee parking, and other concerns related to overflow and queuing access onto adjacent streets. Boucher added Steve and Janine Ess at 5030 Mulcare Drive, provided the written comment attached as they are concerned about the heavy traffic trying to get onto Central Avenue and 50th Avenue NE from the existing businesses. Samantha Koshiol at 1240 Lincoln Terrace provided the written comment attached as she is opposed to the proposed site plan and has concerns that the intersection cannot currently support the existing vehicle traffic from the businesses and school traffic along with concerns about noise. Garedew Ergette at 5000 Fillmore Street NE provided the 8 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 7 written comment attached as they have concerns about the intersection and traffic from the existing businesses such as ALDI, Heights Bakery, and Jimmy John’s, safety concerns for multi- modal transportation users citing the lack of sidewalks, traffic backup, and concerns over the impact on property values and noise/emissions. Carrie Gille at 3956 Reservoir Boulevard provided the written comment attached as she has concerns about noise, pollution, traffic, safety for school children, and light pollution as she states that there are traffic issues on Central Avenue already. Boucher stated Bob and Sue Koponen at 1035 Polk Place provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan with specific concerns about the sound pollution from the car wash, vacuums, and the effectiveness of the sound barrier wall as well as concerns with the exterior lighting spilling over into their back yard and traffic at the intersection at 50th Avenue NE and Central Avenue. Tom and Cathy Kehrwald at 1060 50th Avenue NE provided the written comments attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan with concerns over safety in regards to a lack of sidewalk facilities and concerns over the sidewalk being maintained during the winter as well as traffic concerns on Central Avenue and 50th Avenue NE. Other concerns identified are noise and light pollution impacts. Boucher explained Tyler Whitney at 4922 Tyler Street NE provided the written comment attached as he is concerned about the additional traffic that will be generated by the business and worries about the through traffic and the effect that would have on families with small children as well as feedback on the possibility of a sound barrier wall facing Tyler Street NE on the south side of the proposed car wash noting that the sound barrier wall on another property is in disrepair and does not deter noise pollution. Gerri Moeller at 5000 Johnson Street NE provided the written comment attached as she is concerned about the traffic and safety needs of the neighborhood and that the intersection cannot handle additional traffic. Boucher added Jennifer and Dirk DeWester at 1200 50th Avenue NE provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan and cited concerns regarding additional traffic and sight lines over the hill as well as concern in relation to noise pollution from the Speedway Gas Station and how the sound affects properties surrounding them. Joe Pagliolo and Margaret Hare at 1180 50th Avenue NE provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan and cited concerns regarding the existing traffic congestion from surrounding businesses. Mark Colombo at 1105 50th Avenue NE provided the written comment attached as he is opposed to the proposed site plan and has concerns about the traffic intersection congestion from existing businesses with issues identified with the turn lane and addit ional traffic during the school year. Boucher mentioned Ardell and Jon Schmidt at 1105 Polk Place provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan and have concerns about water from the cars dripping and causing icy slopes, traffic and safety from the existing businesses causing backups, and the safety of pedestrians. Nancy Sartor at 1498 Lincoln Terrace provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan and have concerns about the traffic, safety, noise, and exhaust pollution. Boucher explained the Public Works Department, Police Department, and Fire Department have 9 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 8 been provided copies of the application materials. The Police Department was satisfied with the proposed site plan and had no concerns. The Fire Department had a few comments regarding the fire lane, key box, and other fire-related items that are conditions of approval. In a review of the application materials, Public Works/Engineering provided their department’s requirements and comments on the proposed site plan in a memo dated August 22, 2024. Recommendation: Staff recommends the following to the Planning Commission: A. Approval of the Site Plan Review for property located at 999 50th Avenue NE (PID: 25 -30- 24-23-0002) subject to the following conditions: 1. The building and site plans adhere to the building and site plans dated August 5, 2024 , as conditioned. 2. Contingent upon successful application for a Conditional Use Permit for an over -height sound barrier that is intended to be heard at the City Council meeting on October 14, 2024. An eight (8’) foot tall sound barrier is required to be constructed in the manner specified in the Noise Impact Study dated August 23, 2024 , with a minimum acoustical rating of STC 22 or a mass no less than 2 pounds per square foot, the panels screwed together so there is an overlapping, 1” (nominal thickness) assembled so that the total actual thickness of the wall is at least 1-1/2” along the entire length of the wall. 3. The applicant shall adhere to the requirements and comments provided by the City Public Works and Engineering Departments in a memo dated August 22, 2024. The applicant is responsible for filing and recording any proposed easements with the Anoka County Recorder’s Office. 4. Two parking spaces for employees shall be identified and an on-site area shall be designated for snow storage if snowfall exceeds the storage of that area, then it shall be required to be removed from the property. 5. Relocate one of the SCM-LED-08L-SC-40 lighting fixtures so there are no more than 0.5 footcandles along the eastern property line. 6. The applicant shall be responsible for conducting routine inspections to ensure that the sound barrier wall/fence is maintained and kept up. 7. Post-construction sound testing is required to demonstrate compliance with the recommendations made in the Noise Impact Study. 8. The applicant is required to maintain a 24-foot fire lane and shall be stripped with “No Parking – Fire Lane”. 9. The vacuums are required to be setback of 50 feet from residential property lines and/or be enclosed. Vacuum use shall be limited to the hours of operation, 7 AM – 8 PM, Monday – Sunday, and a muffler installed on the vacuum pump house as well as setting the blowers in the car wash to turn off whenever the exit doors open. 10. The open side of the enclosure shall not face any public street or the front yard of any adjacent property. 11. A letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City and shall be deposited with the Zoning Administrator, in an amount equal to 100% of the estimated cost of landscaping and/or screening. The letter of credit or other security as acceptable to t he City, or portions thereof, shall be forfeited to maintain and/or replace materials for a period of time to include at least two growing seasons. A portion of the letter of credit 10 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 9 or other security as acceptable may be released after one growing season as determined by the Zoning Administrator. The property owner shall be responsible for continued maintenance of landscaping and screening materials to remain in compliance with the requirements of this section. Plant materials that show signs of disease or damage shall be promptly removed and replaced within the next planting season. 12. All rooftop or mechanical equipment shall be screened in a manner that minimizes the visual impact on adjacent properties and from public streets as a condition of approval. 13. The building and site shall be meet all requirements found in the Fire Code and the Building Code. 14. All new site signage shall require sign permits. 15. Provide a bicycle rack capable of accommodating two-four bicycles. 16. The applicant is required to receive final approval by the Fire Department or Authority Having Jurisdiction for the location of the key box, fire alarm panel, fire annunciator, and FDC connection. 17. All required state and local codes, permits, licenses, and inspections will be met and in full compliance. Questions/Comments from Members: Kaiser explained that the City needs to examine how it found itself in this situation and how to prevent it from happening to neighbors again. He added that a car wash is a “bad neighbor” in a residential area. He added that he spoke with his neighbors and they would be greatly impacted by the car wash. He mentioned that a car wash should go through a unique process when going through the general business zoning requirements. Boucher replied that through the general business zoning district, there are permitted uses, conditional uses, and accessory uses. The zoning code describes car washes as a permitted use outright so there is not an additional use approval. Anything that is not in addition to one or two-family residential requires a site plan review. If all of the requirements are met, then the City has to recommend approval. Kaiser appreciated Boucher’s responses during the process and mentioned that the problem is that this type of use should be conditional so that the Planning Commission is not looking at just a site plan review because it limits the options. He added that the City should examine how this happened and take action. Boucher replied that Staff can look into this, but the Planning Commission cannot apply future Code amendments to the current project. Kaiser mentioned one of the statements of fact included minimizing adverse effects to the neighbors. That is not possible depending on what direction the property would be from the proposed car wash. There are single-family homes and duplexes that are directly facing the car wash and are not protected by the sound barrier. He added that the focus of the discussion should be on the properties that are impacted by sound, lighting, and traffic flow. He stated it was not an appropriate use for the location. Boucher mentioned that almost all of the commercial properties in the City are residential properties. Deneen explained that drivers coming out of Aldi or Heights Bakery have to wait for multiple traffic signals in order to get onto 50th Avenue currently. She expressed her concerns about what the 11 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 10 impact could truly be or the validity of the numbers since the current office space is not at full capacity. She added that she understands there is room to look into traffic striping or signal lengths and thinks it would be worth looking into. She added that part of the traffic study was conducted on a Sunday. Boucher clarified that it was Thursday through Saturday. Deneen explained that it is not equitable for some neighbors to be blocked by the noise while others do not have that option. She noted that while it is a condition to not allow patrons to play music , but wondered how it would be enforced. Boucher replied that it would be on the applicant to enforce. If the City receives noise complaints, there are methods for the City to be able to inspect it. Forney explained that the traffic study was conducted at the current capacity. The numbers proposed state that the addition of the car wash, would not add a lot more traffic. Wolfe noted the last paragraph of the sound study referenced that the south properties would exceed 60 decibels if all of the vacuums were being used and wondered if there could be one less vacuum. Boucher explained that the applicant is required to designate two spots for employee parking and was not sure it if was appropriate to remove the vacuums in order to designate the parking spots on the south to minimize the spillover noise. Sahnow mentioned that once the site plan is approved by the Planning Commission it goes to the City Council. Boucher agreed and noted that the site plan review only goes to the Planning Commission and they will provide a recommendation on the conditional use permit for the fence and the City Council will take action on the fence. Sahnow noted there would be many comments from the commissioners and residents regarding the sound barrier and wondered if questions should be about the conditional use permit or the site plan. Boucher replied that it would be appropriate to talk about the sound barrier. Moses asked if there has been a review and analysis to compare the different car washes and what the impact will be. Boucher replied that they have not conducted comparison studies with Mister Car Wash and the proposed car wash. Moses asked if there was data to see the peak hours with Aldi and potential peak hours with the car wash. Boucher replied that he did not have that data and it would be in the archives of when Aldi was constructed, but he would look into that. Forney added that the traffic study takes into consideration the current Aldi peak hours. The applicant did a comparison study to other car washes to see what they would need to do to be sustainable. Deneen asked where there were other car washes that were similar. Forney replied that there is a similar one in Roseville and one in Wisconsin. Gianoulis mentioned a major concern for residents is lighting and asked what .5-foot candles mean in practical terms means. Forney replied that foot candles are a way to measure the amount of light that is spilling over into another property. There is a sensor that can measure the amount of light that is spilling over. The City Code determines how much light is allowed to spill over. Boucher added that the conditions required a photometric plan to be included, which shows where the 12 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 11 lights would be. Gianoulis asked if there was a practical reference to what .5-foot candles looked like. Gianoulis asked Kaiser if he could elaborate on how a car wash would be equivalent to a porn shop or gun shop in the neighborhood. Kaiser replied that during the last Planning Commission meeting, the commissioners provided a vast number of updates to the City Code. He noted that during the process he realized that he had not seen a firearms plan during his time on the Planning Commission. Boucher explained that the applicant was available online to answer questions regarding foot candles and what 60 decibels would be comparable to. Gianoulis replied that it would be good to know. Sahnow asked if the ADA parking stall was also an employee parking stall. Boucher replied that the applicant is required to install two employee parking stalls that are apart from the ADA parking stall. Sahnow asked if they were missing an employee parking stall on the site plan currently. Boucher agreed and added that it is a condition for the applicant to designate one of the 18 parking stalls as an employee parking stall. Kaiser asked what would happen if the applicant was not granted the conditional use permit for the over-height fence. Boucher replied that he would need to consult the City Attorney, but the conditional use permit for the fence is specifically to alleviate the zoning requirement that says fences over seven feet height require a conditional use permit. Kaiser explained that it seems like there are a lot of reasons why the City cannot prevent something like this from happening. He added that there is an awf ul lot of common sense that says that this is not the right location for a car wash. Boucher stated that the Planning Commission is not approving the conditional use permit for the car wash since it meets the requirements, but instead , the Planning Commission is approving the conditional use permit for the fence. Deneen explained that it is a difficult position to be in since the project meets the City Code. She added that her concern is the lack of equity in being able to protect the neighborhood from so und. She expressed her understanding that the function of the Planning Commission is to review plans. She agreed with Kaiser’s comments regarding the City looking into the City Code in the future. Boucher mentioned that the Planning Commission has the abil ity to tweak the conditions. Sahnow noted that if all the vacuums were going at the same time and there was a sound wall, it would not keep the sound at 60 decibels. He expressed his concern that there are a lot of assumptions that this project will work on this site. Boucher replied that it would keep the sound to 60 decibels if two of the vacuums were removed. Sahnow asked how many vacuums would need to be removed to ensure that they never hit 60 decibels on the other side of the fence. Forney noted that page 138 of the Agenda Packet goes over the suggestions for the sound study. Maameri asked the applicant if there has been a similar construction like this that has been built by 13 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 12 residential homes. Dave Knaeble, Applicant, replied that this is the first Tsunami Car Wash project he is doing as an engineer and does not have a response to the question. Maameri asked the applicant if he had built car washes before, or if it was just the Tsunami Car Wash. Mr. Knaeble replied he is the engineer who does site design and is not the architect. Maameri agreed with the concerns the other commissioners expressed. He asked if there was a way to acquire data on similar situations where a car wash is in a residential area. He added it would be good to know if the requirements of those kinds of car washes were held to the standard or not. Forney replied that it would be good data to look into in the future. He added that it is helpful for the Planning Commission to discuss the items so that conditions can be placed in the future. Boucher explained that there have been issues with enforcement within the City and is currently working on a program that would help with enforcement. He added that the City has the ability to request additional information such as a noise or traffic study. Moses expressed his concern about the amount of variables that are unknown, and that once the structure is built it is too late. Boucher disagreed since there are conditions in place that allow the City to enforce what was approved and how it was approved. Kaiser mentioned he assumed that the business would like to visually look “loud” since it is not facing Central Avenue. He added that he understood that the City would not approve a project with an animated sign that would keep neighbors awake at night. Boucher noted that the applicant was proposing a monument sign and wall signage. Kaiser expressed his concern regarding the hours of operation and noted that 7 a.m. is early to be woken up by the car wash and thought the hours could be radically changed. Wolfe explained that the City wants any business coming in to be successful. She mentioned that there should be a contingency plan in case the case wash surpasses the 300-car count or the volume. She wondered what could be done to ensure the noise level does not surpass what the noise study entails. She wondered if there was a way to have a sound barrier on 50 th Avenue. Boucher replied that a sound barrier would not be able to go on the south side of 50 th Avenue because it would create sight line issues. Forney added that the issue is more about the traffic since the noise will not change because the vacuums are not going to change. With a site plan review, the City can plan for traffic. The City is looking at what is proposed, what the site plan is meeting, and does it meet the requirements. Right now, the site plan is meeting all of the requirements. Sahnow asked if there needed to be blockage of vehicle lights as they were leaving the car wash. Boucher replied that there would be practical difficulties. Sahnow noted in the winter it gets dark early in the evening and surrounding residential homes could have vehicle headlights shining in their homes. He asked if there could be a condition included that requires vegetation surrounding the area to block headlights. Boucher replied that it would be possible and would need to work with the applicant to understand what the maximum height of the vegetation could be. Sahnow asked if the STC rating of the wall could be modified as a condition of approval. Boucher replied that he did not know but believed it could potentially be increased but would make sure 14 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 13 that the material could allow for that. Sahnow asked what material for the wall the applicant was proposing. Boucher replied they are proposing a wood sound wall made with eight eight-foot fence board and one-inch nominal cedar planking. Sahnow mentioned that STC ratings are great in a vacuum but are directly impacted by the atmosphere. He recommended an STC rating of 49. It is a typical STC number for a lot of public buildings. It is readily met by common building materials. It can be a combination of plantings and mass on the wall. It should not be prohibitive to the applicant and could make the conditions better for the residents on the east and north side. Boucher asked if Sahnow had an example. Sahnow replied that he has done it in a number of ways including mass concrete, wood, and dense landscaping. Boucher replied that the Planning Commission could amend that condition. Forney agreed and added that Staff would like to review the amended condition with the applicant. Boucher asked the applicant if there was any feedback on the proposed amendment. Mr. Knaeble replied that he would need to coordinate with the sound engineer to determine an appropriate sound level. Gianoulis explained that he is intrigued by the proposed change in the STC rating. He asked how loud noises in cars pulling into the car wash would be enforced. Boucher replied that the applicant would be the enforcer, but if there was loud music being played, residents would be able to contact the City with complaints. Deneen explained that it would be good to think about changing some of the conditions like moving the vacuums towards the south entrance the changing the STC rating. Forney clarified that the Planning Commission would like to consider changing the STC rating, addressing the headlights, and the number of vacuums that are allowed. Kaiser asked the Planning Commission if they had any interest in changing the hours of operation and asked what an appropriate start time would be. Boucher added that legal would need to weigh in as well on if it was allowed to change the hours of operation. Forney replied that Staff would circle back if it was possible. Public Hearing Opened. Bob Koponen, City resident at 1035 Polk Place, stated that he is the closest resident to the proposed car wash. He explained he does not like the idea of a car wash because it is not a good business to put in a residential area. He expressed his concern regarding sound and noted that if he sits on the back deck he can hear the traffic on 694. He explained that he visited the other Tsunami Car Washes and spoke with a resident who lived near the Roseville location. The resident noted that he is 600 feet from the exit of the car wash and can hear them in his apartment with the doors and windows closed. He agreed with the Planning Commission's comments regarding not being able to stop the project since it is a permitted use. He agreed with the proposed conditions and to limit the hours of operation. He stated he is opposed to the car wash. 15 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 14 Tom Kehrwald, City resident at 1060 50th Avenue NE, explained that Tsunami Car Wash is anticipating to wash 300-400 cars daily but the traffic study only included 150 cars a day. He asked where the 150 number came from and how the traffic report provided the Planning Commission with enough data to see what the impact of traffic would be. He noted the report mentions the conclusion that 150 would be the maximum of cars. He noted that the only public walkway on the street is to walk up the driveway of the proposed car wash. He added that there needs to be a solution to the sidewalk so that people can safely walk in the area. Mary Lou Stover, City resident at 1040 50th Avenue NE, expressed her concern about the increase in traffic on 50th Avenue. Her mailbox is across the street from her home and she is 89 years old and needs to cross the street to get her mail. She noted that there is currently traffic from Aldi, schools, kids walking in the street due to no sidewalks, etc. The car wash would be dangerous for residents living in the area. She added that her son was killed by a car on 42nd Avenue and Central Avenue. Kaiser mentioned that the post office would work with Ms. Stover to move her mailbox to a safer area. Anne Scanlon, City resident at 715 50th Avenue NE, stated she opposed the car wash and mentioned that the City neglected to notify the residents on the west side of 50th Avenue. She explained she has lived in the area since 2006 and the surrounding businesses have greatly increased traffic in the area. She added in the last six months she has seen 23 drivers almost hit pedestrians, including kids having to move from the side of the road to get away from cars. She mentioned that the dryers are even louder than the vacuums. There are 10-15 car washes in a five- mile radius from Aldi. It does not seem like a good business move to add another car wash. She pointed out the 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies strengthening the identity and the image of the community as a desirable place to live, work, and play, as well as preserving and enhancing the existing viable commercial and industrial areas within the community. She asked if this car would meet that need and what citizens would want. She answered no. Wolfe asked if adding the car would create a saturation of business types in the area. Boucher explained that the City does not get to decide what comes in since it is a permitted use. The City cannot control how many car washes come into the City. Maameri noted in Fridley there is a limit to the amount of car lots bec ause there are so many in the area. He asked if there was a validity to that for the City. Boucher replied that Fridley’s code is different than the City’s and would not be able to speak into that. The Columbia Heights Code does not have anything that limits the amount of car washes in the City. Wolfe mentioned there was a time when the City had a moratorium on the amount of auto repair or auto parts stores in the City. Forney replied that he did not know if there was a moratorium in place, but the City established one-acre size minimums. Councilmember Liaison Buesgens stated she was the one who asked for the moratorium. There was an auto repair shop that wanted to move into a small lot. There are 22 homes on Central Avenue. She mentioned that she asked for a moratorium so that there were not a lot of small auto repair shops on small lots. Forney added that the moratorium was added after the fact, not during the process. 16 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 15 Deneen asked if the noise study took the dryers into account. Forney replied that it d id. Sahnow asked if the car wash system is capable of having the dryers shut off when the door opens. Boucher replied that the dryers shutting off when the doors open is a recommendation from the noise study and it would be capable. Leigh Herrick, City resident, noted she agrees with many of the public comments. She asked what the dates were when the traffic study was conducted and wondered if the dates were before school was in session. She added that some of the comments seemed disingenuous such as not being able to do anything about the stacking at Mister Car Wash. She mentioned that it is not the same stacking scenario because Mister Car Wash is on a two-lane street that runs one way. She explained that sound travels based on temperature and that when it is warmer, the sound is more suppressed. Therefore, it can be expected that sound would carry more in the winter. Mister Car Wash’s hours are 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. She explained that she would like the condition of the dryers shutting off when the doors opened defined. She added that at Mister Car Wash, the dryers are not completely off when the doors open. She asked who was going to pay for the street to be widened. Boucher replied that the traffic study was conducted after Labor Day so school was in session. There is a condition that the dryer turns off when the doors open. There is no proposal to widen the streets. Staff are working on a Transportation Safety Action Plan. Forney pointed out page 142 of the Agenda Packet which reviews how sound is traveled. Deneen asked how the plan takes into consideration safe pathways to schools. Boucher replied that the design standards call for the installation of sidewalks wherever there are not any, anytime there is a new project. The City does not have the means to require the applicant to build out on property that is not there. The City does not have the budget to include sidewalks. It may occur through the street rehabilitation program. The other option is for residents to have a petition that would be approved by the City Council to install the sidewalks. Deneen asked if the traffic would create more of a danger to children who are walking to school. Boucher replied that it is dangerous to cut the street regardless, but this project would at least add some sidewalks. Wolfe asked if some sort of ADA would be added to the sidewalk. Boucher replied that any sidewalk that is added needs to be ADA-compliant. Mr. Koponen mentioned that he went to the other Tsunami Car Wash locations. It took 2 minutes 50 seconds to get through the car wash which is about 20 cars per hour. He added that if the dryers need to turn off before the doors open, the car will only be half-dried. He anticipated that once the car wash gets going, they will not keep the doors closed once the dryers get going. Boucher explained that there will be some conditions that may be ongoing, and if broken, it could potentially be grounds to revoke the approval. 17 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 16 Moses asked if the dryers being off when the doors are opened would be an automated process. Boucher replied that it is an operational requirement and would need to be in place during installation. It needs to be designed so that the blowers are off when the doors are opened, instead of having someone control the door. Kaiser mentioned that the blowers can be loud as they are powering down and still spinning. He suggested examining every possible tool before mandating it so it can be dealt with after the fact. Ms. Scanlon mentioned that including the sidewalk will not affect her area on 50th Avenue. She asked if vehicles would enter and exit on 50th Avenue. Forney replied that there was stacking before 50th Avenue. Ashley Sigcha Farez, City resident at 1085 50th Avenue NE, stated she is a high school student and is representing the kids that go to the school. She explained that she walks from the high school to her house. She sees many children walking by the proposed car wash site and there is already a lot of traffic because there are many cars going through the neighborhoods. She asked to consider the students who are walking to school. She added that there are a lot of noise issues too. Mr. Kehrwald noted someone had suggested that 20 cars going through the car wash in an hour was the maximum. The maximum for modern equipment is 80-110 cars an hour because there are three or four cars in the tunnel at the same time. A simple number would be 1 car entering and 1 car exiting a minute. Public Hearing Closed. Sahnow asked the Commissioners if they would like to entertain any specific modifications to the conditions of approval. Deneen replied that she would like to consider removing two of the vacuums that are closest to the exit and entrance of the property. Sahnow agreed. Wolfe asked what the process was to add conditions. Forney replied that the best way would be to gather the suggestions and bring them to legal to formulate them. He added that there could be a motion to move the public hearing to the next meeting in order to present the new conditions. Boucher stated it sounds like the modifications would be hours of operation, the STC rating, adding to the landscape plan in order to prevent headlights from affecting the residents on 50th Avenue, designating two employee parking spaces, and removing the two vacuums. Kaiser added to have clarification on the doors being open versus the blowers being off. He explained that he would like to have the motors off when the doors open, not powering down when the doors open. Moses asked if the 60-decibel requirement was continuous and if it was tested at 8 feet from the property. Boucher replied that he would need to review the process for testing sound to give a definitive answer. Moses explained that he would like it to be clear how the sound would be tested moving forward. Forney replied that the requirement would be continuous but Staff will need to 18 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 01, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Page 17 better understand how it will continue to be measured. Sahnow mentioned that Legal would be taking a look at the suggestions by the Planning Commission and asked if they would be taking action on the site plan during the meeting. Forney replied that they would not take action and instead move it to the next Planning Commission meeting. Staff will circle back on the amended conditions. The next item will also shift to the next meeting since it is contingent on the site plan. Motion by Wolfe, seconded by Deneen, to continue the Site Plan Review for 999 50th Avenue NE public hearing to the next Planning Commission meeting. Kaiser asked if there was a way for the City to enforce the sound coming from the patrons. Forney replied that the enforcement would be similar to any other business going into the space. If someone is playing loud music in the Jimmy John’s parking lot, the enforcement would be the same. The Noise Nuisance Ordinance would be in violation in that case. Sahnow asked what the process looked like if there was a noise nuisance violation and what power the City had to do anything about it. Forney replied that the Police Department enforces the Ordinance and would need to discuss the topic with them. Deneen replied that she believed people get a ticket. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. 3. Conditional Use Permit for Over-Height Sound Barrier (Fence) at 999 50th Avenue NE Motion by Sahnow, seconded by Moses, to continue the public hearing for the conditional use permit for Over-Height Sound Barrier (Fence) at 999 50th Avenue NE to the next Planning Commission meeting. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT Wolfe adjourned the meeting at 8:10 pm. Respectfully submitted, __________________________________________ Sarah LaVoie, Administrative Assistant 19 Item 1. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA SECTION PUBLIC HEARINGS MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 6, 2024 ITEM: Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend Chapter 9 – Land Use: 9.104 Administration and Enforcement DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Andrew Boucher, City Planner October 25, 2024 CASE NUMBER: 2024-PZ07 APPLICANT: The City of Columbia Heights LOCATION: Citywide REQUEST: Zoning Ordinance Amendment PREPARED BY: Andrew Boucher, City Planner INTRODUCTION: At the August Work Session, City Council discussed code enforcements and updates to City Code to allow for administrative code enforcement. This is based on observations, feedback, and recommendations from staff and community members to provide a more timely and informal resolution to code enforcement violations of the Zoning Code. Minnesota Statute 462.362 – Enforcement and Penalty enables a municipality to, by ordinance, provide for the enforcement of ordinances or regulations adopted; Chapter 6 – Administration of City Affairs in the City Charter explicitly states that the City Manager has the authority to prepare and submit to the Council for adoption an administrative code incorporating the details of ad ministrative procedure and suggest amendments to the same. At the first and second meetings in September 2024, the City Council approved the readings of an amendment to Chapter 3: Administrative Code to allow for administrative citations and at the first meeting in October 2024, the City Council approved an amendment to the fee schedule setting the fees for the levels of citation and Hearing Examiner compensation. Staff proposes updating the existing ordinance, Chapter 9 – Land Use: 9.104 Administration and Enforcement (P)(3) Violations and penalties with the following amendment: 1. Amend (P)(3) to allow for the use of administrative citations as an alternative to enforcement of a misdemeanor processed through the Anoka County Criminal Court System Staff Review Staff has consulted with the Public Works and Engineering, Fire, and Police Departments and received no comments on the proposed zoning text amendment. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT FINDINGS OF FACT 20 Item 2. Page 2 Section 9.104 (F) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines certain findings of fact that must be met in order for the City to grant approval for a zoning amendment. The findings are as follows: (a) The amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies strengthening the identify and image of the community as a desirable place to live, work, and play as well as preserving and enhancing the existing viable residential, commercial and industrial areas within the community. The zoning code amendment proposed will help achieve more consistency with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. (b) The amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the benefit of a single property owner. The zoning text amendments allows for a more timely resolution of concerns and compliant by creating a standardized process and remove certain barriers to enforcement of the zoning code by ensuring consistency across the city. (c) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, the existing use of the property and the zoning classification of property within the general area of the property in question are compatible with the proposed zoning classification. The amendment is not to change the zoning classification of a particular property. (d) Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular property, there has been a change in the character or trend of development in the general area of the property in question, which has taken place since such property was placed in its current zoning classification. The amendment is not to change the zoning classification of a particular property. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend the following to the City Council: A. Approval of Draft Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 1708 amending City Code 9.104 Administration and Enforcement as presented. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to waive the reading of draft Ordinance amendment No. 1708, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to recommend City Council to approve draft Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 1708 as presented. ATTACHMENT(S): Work Session Memo from August 5, 2024 Draft Ordinance No. 1708 21 Item 2. Page 3 Public Hearing Notice 22 Item 2. ITEM: Discussion on Administrative Citations (20 minutes) DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Andrew Boucher, City Planner; August 2, 2024 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) X Healthy and Safe Community _Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly _Trusted and Engaged Leadership _Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services X Sustainable BACKGROUND: Staff responded to feedback regarding usage of criminal citations and examined Administrative Citation processes and fines ordinances to provide an alternative means to achieving compliance with code enforcement cases in a more informal, less intimidating, and more effective method than the Anoka County Court System. Minnesota Statute 462.362 – Enforcement and Penalty enables a municipality to, by ordinance, provide for the enforcement of ordinances or regulations adopted; Chapter 6 – Administration of City Affairs in the City Charter explicitly states that the City Manager has the authority to prepare and submit to the Council for adoption an administrative code incorporating the details of administrative procedure and suggest amendments to the same. The Cities of Crystal, Fridley, Hopkins, New Hope and Richfield and their administrative enforcement processes were examined. Each of these cities that have implemented administrative enforcement of ordinance violations have several common components that the City Council should address in a draft ordinance such as: purpose; general provisions defining administrative offense, exemptions, civil penalties, and schedule of fines and fees; procedures for administrative citations and hearings, and payments/recovery of civil penalties. The City Manager will need to provide a list of lawyers for the City Council to approve as hearing officers, these officers cannot be city employees, and the fee schedule will need to either address fines based on the type of offense or whether a flat consistent fee is desired. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS: Current city code Chapter 3 – Administrative Code addressing administrative citations through Article V: Administrative Offenses; this section of code contains a definition for administrative offense, noticing, payment, failure to pay, disposition of penalties, powers and duties of finance director, and scheduled penalties. However, the existing code does not establish a procedure for noticing, nor does it set compliance deadlines, or include a procedure for appealing the citation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM MEETING DATE AUGUST 5, 2024 23 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2 Staff recommends updating the existing ordinance, Chapter 3 – Administrative Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses with the following amendments: 1. Adding a purpose section to 3.501 identifying that the City Council has the ability to provide an alternative means for the enforcement of ordinances or regulations adopted through Minnesota Statute 462.362 and Chapter 6 of the City Charter. 2. Removing the Definitions section from 3.502 and establishing General Provisions for Administrative offenses including exemptions, civil penalties, schedule of fines and fees, and abatement procedures. 3. Revising 3.503 to read as Administrative Citation Application specifying who may conduct enforcement; set procedures for how to issue citations; the required contents of a citation including the nature, date, and time of the violation, name of the official issuing the notice, amount of the scheduled initial penalty, and the right of the recipient to contest the citation. The City shall appoint a neutral third party to hear and rule on such challenges. Additional items are the failure to pay and administration of any fines assessed pursuant to Minnesota Statute 169.999. 4. Amending 3.504 to read as Administrative Hearing detailing the necessary components to a lawful administrative hearing including: requesting a hearing, confirmation of the hearing, extensions, file transmittal requirements, presentation of the case, decision, right to appeal, failure to appeal, and means for judicial review as provided in state law and administrative review before the City Council. 5. Amending 3.504 Failure to Pay to 3.506 Failure to Pay and Recovery of Civil Penalties establishing procedures for collecting nonpayment including through liens, personal obligation, assessing of late fees/charges, license revocation or suspension, and criminal penalties in accordance with state law. 6. Amending 3.507 to read as Abatement of Public Nuisances or Other Code Violations Including Removal and Impoundment of Vehicles or Recreational Vehicles From Private Property to reflect the abatement process through periodic inspections, setting an abatement order and procedure for removing public nuisances and other code violations with a specific section for removal and impoundment of vehicles or recreational vehicles from private property. ATTACHMENT(S): Existing City Code Draft Ordinance City of New Hope Ordinance City of Crystal Ordinance City of Fridley Ordinance 24 Item 2. Ordinance No.1708 DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. 1708 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9 – LAND USE OF THE CITY CODE OF 2005 TO AMEND 9.104 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT. The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1 The following administrative processes are amended or deleted as provided in Section 9.104 of the City Code of 2005, is hereby established to read as follows: (P) Enforcement. (1) Complaints. The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to investigate any complaint alleging a violation of this article or the conditions of any zoning or plat approval, and take such action as is warranted in accordance with the provisions set forth in this article. (2) Procedure. (a) Notice of violation. The Zoning Administrator shall provide a written notice to the property owner or to any person responsible for such violation, identifying the property in question, indicating the nature of the violation, and ordering the action necessary to remedy the violation, including a reasonable time period for action. Additional written notices may be provided at the Zoning Administrator’s discretion. (b) Enforcement without notice. Whenever the Zoning Administrator finds that an emergency exists in relation to the enforcement of the provisions of this article, which requires i mmediate action to protect the health, safety or welfare of the occupants of any structure, or the public, the Zoning Administrator may seek immediate enforcement without prior written notice. (3) Violation and penalties. Any person, firm or corporation determined to be in violation any of the provisions of this article or any amendments may be subject to penalties such as liens, personal obligations, late fees and charges, administrative citations, abatement, and found guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Second Reading: Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Date of Passage: 25 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights - Ordinance Page 2 Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor Attest: Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary 26 Item 2. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Columbia Heights will conduct a public hearing in the City Council Chambers of City Hall at 3989 Central Avenue NE on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The order of business is as follows: A request for a Zoning Text Amendment from the City of Columbia Heights proposing to amend City Code Chapter 9 – Land Use, 9.104 Administration and Enforcement to allow administrative citations under (P) Enforcement (3) Violation and penalties. Section 9.104 (F) of the Zoning Ordinance requires the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on the zoning amendment and make findings before submitting a recommendation to City Council. Notice is hereby given that all persons having an interest will be given an opportunity to be heard. For questions and a full description of the zoning amendments being proposed, please contact Andrew Boucher, City Planner, at (763) 706-3673. 27 Item 2. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA SECTION PUBLIC HEARINGS MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 6, 2024 ITEM: Site Plan Review for 999 50th Avenue NE DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Andrew Boucher, City Planner; 11/1/24 CASE NUMBER: 2024-0904 APPLICANT: Civil Site Group on behalf of Tsunami Express Car Wash DEVELOPMENT: Site Plan Review proposing demolition of the existing building at (999 50th Avenue NE) in preparation for a new car wash facility. LOCATION: 999 50th Avenue NE REQUEST: Site Plan Review PREPARED BY: Andrew Boucher, City Planner INTRODUCTION: Civil Site Group on behalf of Tsunami Express Car Wash has requested approval of a Site Plan Review proposing demolition of the existing vacant office building in preparation for new construction of a car wash (between the intersection of 50th Avenue NE and Tyler Street NE off Central Avenue NE). The Site Plan Review only requires Planning Commission approval. The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing approximately 7,000 sq. ft. vacant building on the 0.83- acre parcel and construct a new single-story 4,300 sq. ft. building containing the car wash bay, mechanical room, storage, office, and restroom as well as two accessory buildings including a 100 sq. ft. employee sales booth and 100 sq. ft. vacuum pump house serving 12 vacuums along the parking stalls; 8 on the north side and 4 on the south side. The subject site is located towards the northern end of the municipal boundary along Central Avenue and the surrounding adjacent properties to the immediate north, west, and south are all zoned for Commercial use through the General Business District. The property also abuts several residential neighborhoods to the north, east, and south containing multi-family, duplexes, and single-family residential zoning adjacent to Central Avenue. The proposed site plan that was presented at the October 1, 2024 Planning Commission incorporated feedback from staff, members of the public, and the Planning Commission. The applicant has removed six of the vacuums so there are eight along the north side and four along the south side of the parking lot. Other changes include 3-6 foot shrubs along the south side of the parking lot a s well as a 5.5 foot tall barrier to mitigate noise and prevent headlights from affecting the adjacent residential properties to the south. A 12- foot tall “wing-wall” connected to the south side of the car wash exit. The sound study was prepared under the worst-case scenario reflecting that the blowers will be on when the exit doors are open . The subject site is zoned, General Business District, and the use as a car wash is a permitted use in the district subject to Specific Development Standards 9.107 (10) for a car wash. The proposed site plan, as conditioned, 28 Item 3. Page 2 shall meet the specific developments applying to car washes including: (a) Water from the car wash shall not drain across any sidewalk or into any public right -of-way; (b) Vacuum facilities shall be located in an enclosed structure or located at least 50 feet from any residential property line to avoid noise impacts. (c) The premises, all adjacent streets, sidewalks, and alleys, and all sidewalks and alleys within 100 feet of the use shall be inspected regularly for the purposes of removing litter found thereon. The proposed site plan shows 18 parking stalls and four (4) stacking spaces in two (2) lanes for a total lane queue length of eight (8) total vehicles at the entrance. The required parking and vehicle stacking for an automobile washing facility is two (2) spaces per bay, plus four (4) stacking spaces per b ay with one (1) space at the bay exit. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan guides the subject site, as well as properties to the north and east for “commercial land use” with additional “commercial land use” to the south as well as “medium density and low density residential” further to the south and east of the commercial parcels. The Plan describes the “commercial” designation as follows: The Commercial land use designation is primarily located along major transportation corridors a nd includes a variety of retail uses, services, and office uses. The subject site also lies within “Opportunity Area #2B” of the Comprehensive Plan which overlays the segment of the Central Avenue from 37th Avenue NE to the Fridley Border, specifically between Central Avenue NE and 49th Avenue NE. In this regard, the Plan identifies the area as having development potential for future commercial use. Some of the guiding principles for redevelopment include commercial uses with appropriate parking and pedestrian accesses to Central Avenue and emphasizing on businesses that provide goods or services that appeal to the community at large as well as the adjacent neighborhoods. This area is described as having an emphasis on providing sidewalks, four season landscaping, and lighting. SITE PLAN REVIEW 1. Access Two accesses to the site are proposed from the south via 50th Avenue NE, a 60-foot wide public right of way with a road width of 35 feet back of curb to back of curb , through an existing 24 foot wide driveway with directional markings for vehicles exiting the car wash and entering to use the vacuums with an additional access point at the southeastern corner of the property which has directional markings showing an entrance only for the car wash accommodating the vehicle stacking. As a condition of approval, a 24 foot fire access lane must be maintained for emergency vehicle access. 2. Off-Street Parking Supply Requirements. The submitted site plan illustrates a total of 1 8 off-street parking stalls. The Zoning Ordinance requires two (2) spaces per bay plus four (4) stacking spaces for the one (1) car wash bay including 29 Item 3. Page 3 one (1) stacking space at the exit. The Zoning Ordinance also specifies that that employee parking is only required when the parking requirements are based on employee counts, as such, the parking requirements for car washes are determined by the number of service bays and stacking spaces, not employee counts. Appropriately, one off-street parking spaces on the site has been designated as a disability stall (in accordance with the American Disability Act) along with an access aisle striped with “No Parking”. The proposed site plan has more off-street parking than required and has accounted for employee parking needs. Use Ratio Required Parking Stalls Provided Parking Car Wash Two (2) parking spaces per bay 2 18 (+16) Automobile washing facility–automatic Four (4) stacking spaces per bay with one (1) space at the bay exit 4 stacking spaces at entrance; 1 stacking space at exit. 8 stacking spaces at entrance; 1 stacking space at exit Total 2 spaces 18 spaces (+16) A traffic study was commissioned by the applicant and prepared by a licensed independent engineering firm which shows the anticipated traffic using trip generation estimates for trips during weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hours as well as a daily basis. The Trip Generation Summary provides estimates demonstrates on the in/out traffic for the a.m. and p.m. peak hours as well as the daily trip s between the proposed car wash and the previous office use with the following trip estimates as shown: Land Use Type (ITE Codes) Size AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Daily In Out In Out Proposed Development Automated Car Wash (947-949) 1 – Tunnel/4,500 SF 15 15 30 30 300 Former Land Use Office (710) 12,500 SF 25 3 3 25 190 Overall Site Change (+/-) -10 +12 +27 +5 +110 Trips were routed to the adjacent roadway network using the following distribution based on existing area travel patterns and engineering judgement:  Central Avenue (Highway 65) North and South: 35% each  Tyler Street: 15%  50th Avenue West, 50th Avenue East, and Polk Place: 5% each The traffic study indicates that all applicable intersections will continue to operate at Level-of-Service C or better and all approaches will continue to operate near the Level-of-Service D/E threshold or better during the peak hours. Minimal changes in queuing are expected nor any impacts to the proposed deve lopment driveways are expected. The daily traffic volume changes along Polk Place, 50 th Avenue, and Tyler Street 30 Item 3. Page 4 are minimal and within a typical daily variation of most roadways. The provided vehicle stacking distance is adequate and no impacts to 50th Avenue are expected. Some recommendations the traffic study urges the City to consider are locating signage and landscaping to avoid any sight distance issues, review truck maneuverability to limit internal circulation conflicts, and adding a stop or yield sing along Tyler Street at 50th Avenue to better define the right-of-way for motorists and reduce potential conflicts. As conditioned, the proposed site plan shall meet vehicle access, stacking, and parking requirements in accordance with City Code. Dimensional Requirements. The proposed off-street parking stalls meet the minimum dimensional requirements of the Ordinance (9 feet in width and 20 feet in depth, 18 feet for stalls which abut curbs) and the provided 24 foot-wide drive aisle is the minimum width required by the Ordinance. Building, Parking, and Vacuum Area Setbacks. Within GB zoning districts, the following setbacks are imposed: Parking Setbacks: Building Setbacks: Front: 15 feet Side: 5 feet Rear: 5 feet Side: 5 feet Front: 15 feet Side: 0 feet Rear: 20 feet Side: 0 feet The proposed site plan configuration would result in the following setbacks for Tsunami Express Car Wash: Parking Setbacks: Building Setbacks: Front: 26 feet Side (Aldi): 45 feet Rear: Approx. 60 feet Side (Residential): 35 feet Front: Approx. 70 feet Side (Aldi): 49.5 feet Rear: 28.6 feet Side (Residential): 40 feet In addition to the building and parking setbacks, car washes have specific development standards requiring that the vacuum facilities must be located in an enclosed structure or located 50 feet from any residential property lines, which will be a condition of approval. The proposed site plan as presented will have building and parking lot setbacks that conform with 9.110 Commercial Districts (C) Lot dimension, height, and bulk requirements. The lot area, setback, height and lot coverage proposed satisfy the se requirements. The vacuums, as conditioned, will meet the specific development standard setback of 50 feet from residential property lines and/or be enclosed. If snowfall exceeds the storage of the designated area, then it shall be required to be removed from the property. The proposed site plan, as presented, meets the parking and stacking requirements. As conditioned, the proposed site plan shall accommodate vehicle access and stacking in accordance with City Code. 3. Business Hours It is understood that the car wash is proposing 7AM – 8PM hours of operation, Monday – Sunday, and any vacuum use shall be limited to hours of operation as a condition of approval. 4. Trash A trash enclosure is shown on the site plan on the western side of the property alongside the parking lot and 31 Item 3. Page 5 in the architectural renderings as being 6 feet, 11 inches from the slab and surrounded by at least three sides with screening walls that are similar to the construction material used on the new building. The open side of the enclosure shall not face any public street or the front yard of any adjacent property. Garbage pickup is expected to occur outside of business hours. 5. Signage The applicant has submitted drawings for on -site signage which will require a building permit and are subject to review for compliance by City Staff. As a condition of approval, all signage shall be reviewed by the City for approval. 6. Fire Access The fire lane shall be marked with yellow curb paint and signage that states “No Parking – Fire Lane”. As a condition of approval, this will be required to remain. 7. Pedestrian and Bicycle Access The site does not have pedestrian or bicycle access along 50th Avenue NE and that access ends at the Aldi property in alignment with Central Ave. The applicant is proposing sidewalk from the edge of the western access to the site and connecting the sidewalk to the access on the eastern side of the property continuing the connection from the Aldi property and ending before the residential neighborhood. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan land use goals state that sites should have pedestrian and bicycle access. Pedestrian access is satisfied, but the site should incorporate a bicycle parking area to satisfy this goal. Staff is recommending that a bicycle rack capable of accommodating two to four bicycles be a condition of approval. 8. Exterior Lighting The applicant has provided a lighting plan and specifications for the proposed lighting fixtures satisfying the requirements of 9.106 General Development Standards (K) and addresses potential security concerns from Public Safety. One of the SCM-LED-08L-SC-40 lighting fixtures was relocated so there is no more than 0.5 footcandles along the eastern property line. 9. Loading Area The applicant is not proposing any discernable loading areas and the code requirements for off-street loading spaces apply to non-residential uses receiving or distributing materials or merchandise by trucks or similar vehicles and has a gross floor area of 5,000 sq. ft. or more are not applicable to this proposa l. The loading area requirements are satisfied per 9.106 General Development Standards (L) (12) as there are no deliveries beyond standard commercial delivery vehicles (UPS, Fed-Ex, and USPS) occurring at the front door. A truck turning diagram has been provided showing that garbage trucks can make the appropriate turns and maneuvers within the site. 10. Tree Preservation and Replanting Standards The applicant meets the Tree Preservation and Replanting Standards in 9.106 General Development Standards (M) and has provided both a tree preservation and landscaping plan showing location, size, quantity, and species of all existing and proposed plant materials subject to design standards and considerations reviewed by the Urban Forester. The Urban Forester is satisfied with the proposed preservation and landscaping plan, but recommends and encourages the applicant to work with Aldi to remove undesirable weed trees from the north of the property that leaning heavily over the property line. The tree preservation identi fies 15 trees to be removed, one of which is considered a protected tree, and is proposing to preserve four (4) of the existing trees. The applicant is required to provide one tree for every 50 feet of street frontage and the property has 224 feet 32 Item 3. Page 6 of frontage for a total of four (4) trees, a minimum of four (4) trees per one acre of lot coverage, and five (5) replacement trees per the replacement standards for a total of 13 trees proposed. Additionally, the applicant is proposing landscaping containing native plantings and pollinator friendly habitats for the majority of the trees, shrubs, and grasses used. The applicant is showing 3-6 foot tall shrubs along the south side of the parking lot facing 50th Avenue NE to serve as a buffer and minimize any headlight spillover from vehicles onto the adjacent residential property. As a condition of approval, the applicant is required to provide a letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City and shall be deposited with the Zoning Administrator, in an amount equal to 100% of the estimated cost of landscaping and/or screening. The letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City, or portions thereof, shall be forfeited to maintain and/or replace materials for a period of time to include at least two growing seasons. A portion of the letter of credit or other security as acceptable may be released after one growing season as determined by the Zoning Administrator. The property owner shall be responsible for continued maintenance of landscaping and screening materials to remain in compliance with the requirements of this section. Plant materials that show signs of disease or damage shall be promptly removed and replaced within the next planting season. 11. Building Design The proposed site is considered part of the Highway District in the City Design Guidelines and is subject to the standards and requirements of that design district. The proposed site plan demonstrates compliance with the design objectives of the Highway District, the building is set back from the street behind a parking lot and along a frontage road. The architectural renderings and site plan , as conditioned, show compliance with building configuration, façade and roof treatments, window and door openings, building equipment, drive-through facilities, landscaping and parking meet the design guidelines. Any proposed signage will be subject to the design standards as a condition of approval. 12. Performance Standards The applicant shows a 5’ retaining wall along the eastern property line as the site is 5 feet lower in elevation than the residential property adjacent to the site. The applicant has provided information on the proposed lighting plan showing photometrics, the reclaim system and equipment as well as safety data sheets for all chemicals used for operations. The applicant also shows a series of proposed shrubs along the southern parking spaces facing 50th Avenue NE with an anticipated mature height of between three to six f eet as a means of minimizing any spillover lighting from cars using the vacuums onto residential properties. As a condition of approval, the applicant is required to implement the recommendations of a noise impact study to minimize the impact that the car wash and vacuum operations are going to have on the adjacent residential properties. 13. Noise Mitigation The applicant was required to provide a noise impact study and implement the recommendations to minimize the impact that the car wash and vacuum operations are going to have on the adjacent residential properties. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency defined the noise limit for Residential zones at the property lines at 60 dB(A), decibels and A-weighting of the sound pressure level for the purpose of determining the human response to sound through MN Statute § 7030 Noise Pollution Control. The noise study indicates that the carwash-related noise levels will not exceed the residential limits with the addition of an 8’ tall sound barrier (which requires a Conditional Use Permit) along the east and north property lines on top of the planned retaining wall with the combined height extending 4’ above the top of the car wash entry doors. There are minimum acoustic requirements for the sound barrier wall: constructed from a material 33 Item 3. Page 7 with a minimum acoustical rating of STC 22 or a mass no less than 2 pounds per square foot. An example of a suitable material would be overlapping, 1” (nominal thickness) cedar or pine planks, assembled so the total, actual thickness of the wall is at least 1 -1/2” along the entire length of the wall. These need to be screwed together so the natural warping over time does not cause the planks to pull apart and create gaps; the wall must be constructed tight to the ground and must be inspected, maintained, and upkept over time. Post-construction sound testing will be required to confirm the barrier was built to the recommendations specified. Other operational requirements include a muffler on the vacuum pump house, increasing the height of the retaining wall, removal of 6 vacuums along with the installation of a 12-foot “wing wall” on the south side of the carwash exit. 14. Neighborhood Notification As required, neighborhood notification of t he site plan review applications have been provided to property owners within 350 feet of the subject property and that list of property owners is attached . At the time of this report, City Staff has received the following written comments and one verbal phone call from a resident as well as a few in-person visits; 6 of the written comments are from residents within the mailing radius. Linda Rogers at 1057 Polk Place provided the written comment attached as she is opposed to the proposed site plan citing concerns with the existing traffic increases from Aldi, additional cars entering and exiting the car wash, and noise from both the car wash and vacuum operations. Dana Alexon at 1035 Lincoln Terrace provided the written comments attached and had initial comments on traffic increasing, how the existing area handles traffic, and concerns over the sight lines considering the vehicle queuing and topography. Other remarks were made on the traffic lights and traffic lane arrangement at 50 th and Central regarding marking, striping, and signage that is not being maintained, used incorrectly, and the signal timing is not effective enough to give adequate time for certain turns and contributes to risky decision - making by drivers. An additional written comment identified more specific concerns such as sight lines on the hill serving nearby residential streets, room for potential expansion in the future, employee parking, and other concerns related to overflow and queuing access onto adjacent streets. Steve and Janine Ess at 5030 Mulcare Drive provided the written comment attached as they are concerned about the heavy traffic trying to get onto Central Avenue and 50 th Avenue NE from the existing businesses. Samantha Koshiol at 1240 Lincoln Terrace provided the written comment attached as she is opposed to the proposed site plan and has concerns that the intersection cannot currently support the existing vehicle traffic from the businesses and school traffic along with concerns about noise. Garedew Ergette at 5000 Fillmore Street NE provided the written comment attached as they have concerns about the intersection and traffic from the existing businesses such as ALDI, Heights Bakery, Jimmy John’s, safety concerns for multi-modal transportation users citing the lack of sidewalks, traffic backup, and concerns over the impact on property values and noise/emissions. Carrie Gille at 3956 Reservoir Boulevard provided the written comment attached as she has concerns about noise, pollution, traffic and safety for school children, and light pollution as she states that there are traffic issues on Central Avenue already. Bob and Sue Koponen at 1035 Polk Place provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan with specific concerns about the sound pollution from the car wash, vacuums, and the 34 Item 3. Page 8 effectiveness of the sound barrier wall as well as concerns with the exterior lighting spilling over into their back yard and traffic at the intersection at 50 th Avenue NE and Central Avenue. Tom and Cathy Kehrwald at 1060 50th Avenue NE provided the written comments attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan with concerns over safety in regards to a lack of sidewalk facilities and concerns over the sidewalk being maintained during the winter as well as traffic concerns on Central Avenue and 50th Avenue NE. Other concerns identified are noise and light pollution impacts as well as potential for a platform for pedestrians and liability. Tyler Whitney at 4922 Tyler Street NE provided the written comment attached as he is concerned about the additional traffic that will be generated by the business and worries about the through traffic and the effect that would have on families with small children as well as feedback on the possibility of a sound barrier wall facing Tyler Street NE on the south side of the proposed car wash noting that the sound bar rier wall on another property is in disrepair and does not deter noise pollution. Gerri Moeller at 5000 Johnson Street NE provided the written comment attached a s she is concerned about the traffic and safety needs of the neighborhood and that the inters ection cannot handle additional traffic. Jennifer and Dirk DeWester at 1200 50th Avenue NE provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan and cited concerns regarding additional traffic and sight lines over the hill as well as concern in relation to noise pollution from the Speedway Gas Station and how the sound affects properties surrounding them. Joe Pagliolo and Margaret Hare at 1180 50 th Avenue NE provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan and cited concerns regarding the existing traffic congestion from surrounding businesses. Mark Colombo at 1105 50th Avenue NE provided the written comment attached as he is opposed to the proposed site plan and has concerns about the traffic intersection congestion from existing businesses with issues identified with the turn lane and additional traffic during the school year. Ardell and Jon Schmidt at 1105 Polk Place provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan and has concerns about water from the cars dripping and causing icy slopes, traffic and safety from the existing businesses causing backups, and the safety of pedestrians. Nancy Sartor at 1498 Lincoln Terrace provided the written comment attached as they are opposed to the proposed site plan and has concerns about the traffic, safety, noise, and exhaust pollution. 15. Staff Review The Public Works Department, Police Department, and Fire Department have been provided copies of the application materials. The Police Department was satisfied with the proposed site plan and had no concerns. The Fire Department had a few comments regarding the fire lane, keybox, and other fire related items that are conditions of approval. In review of the application materials, Public Works/Engineering provided their department’s requirements and comments on the proposed site plan in a memo dated August 22, 2024. General comments and requirements are in the memo attached to this report and are referenced in the site plan approval language as conditions of 35 Item 3. Page 9 approval. FINDINGS OF FACT Section 9.104 (N) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines certain findings of fact that must be met in order for the City to approve a site plan review. The findings are as follows: (a) The site plan conforms to all applicable requirements of this article. Upon approval of the Site Plan Review, as conditioned, the proposed site plan will conform to all applicable requirements of the General Business (GB) District as well as City Code 9.106 General Development Standards. (b) The site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the City’s comprehensive plan. The use and site plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the City’s comprehensive plan . (c) The site plan is consistent with any applicable area plan. With conditions imposed to ensure compatibility, the site plan will be consistent with the applicable Design Guidelines of the Highway District. (d) The site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity and the public right-of-way. As conditioned, the site plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity and the public right-of-way. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the following to the Planning Commission: A. Approval of the Site Plan Review for property located at 999 50th Avenue NE (PID: 25-30-24-23-0002) subject to the following conditions: 1. The building and site plans adhere to the building and site plans dated October 25, 2024 as conditioned. 2. Contingent upon successful application for a Conditional Use Permit for an over-height sound barrier that is intended to be heard at the City Council meeting on November 12, 2024. An eight (8’) foot tall sound barrier is required to be constructed in the manner specified in the Noise Impact Study dated October 30, 2024 with a minimum acoustical rating of STC 22 or a mass no less than 2 pounds per square foot, the panels screwed together so there is an overlapping, 1” (nominal thickness) assembled so that the total actual thickness of the wall is at least 1-1/2” along the entire length of the wall. 36 Item 3. Page 10 3. The applicant shall adhere to the requirements and comments provided by the City Public Works and Engineering Departments in a memo dated August 22, 2024. The applicant is responsible for filing and recording any proposed easements with Anoka County Recorder’s Office. 4. An on-site area shall be designated for snow storage and if snowfall exceeds the storage of that area, then it shall be required to be removed from the property. 5. The applicant shall be responsible for conducting routine inspections to ensure that the sound barrier wall/fence is maintained and upkept. 6. Post-construction sound testing is required to demonstrate compliance with the recommendations made in the Noise Impact Study. 7. The applicant is required to maintain a 24 foot fire lane and shall be stripped with “No Parking – Fire Lane”. 8. The vacuums are required to be setback of 50 feet from residential property lines and/or be enclosed. Vacuum use shall be limited to the hours of operation, 7AM – 8PM, Monday – Sunday, and a muffler installed on the vacuum pump house. 9. The open side of the enclosure shall not face any public street or the front yard of any adjacent property. 10. A letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City and shall be deposited with the Zoning Administrator, in an amount equal to 100% of the estimated cost of landscaping and/or screening. The letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City, or portions thereof, shall be forfeited to maintain and/or replace materials for a period of time to include at least two growing seasons. A portion of the letter of credit or other security as acceptable may be released after one growing season as determined by the Zoning Administrator. The property owner shall be responsible for continued maintenance of landscaping and screening materials to remain in compliance with the requirements of this section. Plant materials that show signs of disease or damage shall be promptly removed and replaced within the next planting season. 11. All rooftop or mechanical equipment shall be screened in a manner that minimizes the visual impact on adjacent properties and from public streets as a condition of approval. 12. The building and site shall be meet all requirements found in the Fire Code and the Building Code. 13. All new site signage shall require sign permits. 14. Provide a bicycle rack capable of accommodating two-four bicycles. 15. The applicant is required to receive final approval by the Fire Department or Authority Having Jurisdiction for the location of the keybox, fire alarm panel, fire annunciator, and FDC connection. 37 Item 3. Page 11 16. All required state and local codes, permits, licenses, and inspections will be met and in full compliance. 17. No loudspeakers may be used or loud music from customers. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to waive the reading of draft Resolution No. 2024 -069, a Site Plan Review for 999 50th Avenue NE, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to recommend approval of draft Resolution No. 2024-069, a Site Plan Review for 999 50th Avenue NE, as presented and subject to the conditions of approval listed in the draft resolution. ATTACHMENT(S): Draft Resolution Application Narrative Plan Set Fence Specifications Noise Impact Study Traffic Study Truck Turning Diagram Notice of Public Hearing to Newspaper Notice of Public Hearing to Neighborhood Mailing List Written Public Comments 38 Item 3. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-069 A resolution of the Planning Commission for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, recommending approval of a Site Plan Review for property located at 999 50th Avenue NE in the City of Columbia Heights, MN; Whereas, a proposal (Planning Case # 2024-0904) has been submitted by Civil Site Group on behalf of Tsunami Express Car Wash to the Planning Commission requesting approval of a Site Plan Review at the following location: ADDRESS: 999 50th Avenue NE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: (999 50th Avenue NE) THAT PART OF LOTS 8 & 9 AUDITORS SUBDIVISION NO 153 LYG ELY & SLY OF ALDI ADDITION, WLY OF MATHAIRE ADDITION & NELY OF 50TH AVE NE THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING: 1. Approval of a Site Plan Review for a new construction drive-through car wash on a 0.83 acre parcel in accordance with City Code Section 9.104 (N). Whereas, the Planning Commission held a public hearing as required by the City Zoning Code on November 6, 2024; Whereas, the Planning Commission 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 concern related to traffic, property values, light, air, danger of fire, and risk to public safety, in the surrounding area; Now, therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, and all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission makes the following: FINDINGS OF FACT 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. 39 Item 3. CONDITIONS 1. The building and site plans adhere to the building and site plans dated October 25, 2024 as conditioned. 2. Contingent upon successful application for a Conditional Use Permit for an over - height sound barrier that is intended to be heard at the City Council meeting on November 12, 2024. An eight (8’) foot tall sound barrier is required to be constructed in the manner specified in the Noise Impact Study dated October 30, 2024 with a minimum acoustical rating of STC 22. 3. The applicant shall adhere to the requirements and comments provided by the City Public Works and Engineering Departments in a memo dated August 22, 2024. The applicant is responsible for filing and recording any proposed easements with Anoka County Recorder’s Office. 4. An on-site area shall be designated for snow storage and if snowfall exceeds the storage of that area, then it shall be required to be removed from the property. 5. The applicant shall be responsible for conducting routine inspections to ensure that the sound barrier wall/fence is maintained and upkept. 6. Post-construction sound testing is required to demonstrate compliance with the recommendations made in the Noise Impact Study. 7. The applicant is required to maintain a 24 foot fire lane and shall be stripped with “No Parking – Fire Lane”. 8. The vacuums are required to be setback of 50 feet from residential property lines and/or be enclosed. Vacuum use shall be limited to the hours of operation, 7AM – 8PM, Monday – Sunday, and a muffler installed on the vacuum pump house as well as setting the blowers in the car wash to turn off whenever the exit doors open. 9. The open side of the enclosure shall not face any public street or the front yard of any adjacent property. 10. A letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City and shall be deposited with the Zoning Administrator, in an amount equal to 100% of the estimated cost of landscaping and/or screening. The letter of credit or other security as acceptable to the City, or portions thereof, shall be forfeited to maintain and/or replace materials for a period of time to include at least two growing seasons. A portion of the letter of credit or other security as acceptable may be released after one growing season as determined by the Zoning Administrator. The property owner shall be responsible for continued maintenance of landscaping and screening materials to remain in 40 Item 3. compliance with the requirements of this section. Plant materials that show signs of disease or damage shall be promptly removed and replaced within the next planting season. 11. All rooftop or mechanical equipment shall be screened in a manner that minimizes the visual impact on adjacent properties and from public streets as a condition of approval. 12. The building and site shall be meet all requirements found in the Fire Code and the Building Code. 13. All new site signage shall require sign permits. 14. Provide a bicycle rack capable of accommodating two-four bicycles. 15. The applicant is required to receive final approval by the Fire Department or Authority Having Jurisdiction for the location of the keybox, fire alarm panel, fire annunciator, and FDC connection. 16. All required state and local codes, permits, licenses, and inspections will be met and in full compliance. 17. No loudspeakers may be used or loud music from customers. Passed this 6th day of November, 2024 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Clara Wolfe, Chair Attest: Andrew Boucher, City Planner 41 Item 3. 42 Item 3. 43 Item 3. 44 Item 3. 45 Item 3. 46 Item 3. 47 Item 3. 48 Item 3. 49 Item 3. 50 Item 3. 51 Item 3. 52 Item 3. 53 Item 3. 54 Item 3. 55 Item 3. 56 Item 3. 57 Item 3. 58 Item 3. 59 Item 3. 60 Item 3. 61 Item 3. 62 Item 3. 63 Item 3. 64 Item 3. 65 Item 3. 66 Item 3. 67 Item 3. 68 Item 3. 69 Item 3. 70 Item 3. 71 Item 3. 72 Item 3. 73 Item 3. 74 Item 3. 75 Item 3. 76 Item 3. 77 Item 3. 78 Item 3. 79 Item 3. 80 Item 3. 81 Item 3. 82 Item 3. 83 Item 3. 84 Item 3. 85 Item 3. 86 Item 3. 87 Item 3. 88 Item 3. 89 Item 3. 90 Item 3. 91 Item 3. 92 Item 3. 93 Item 3. 94 Item 3. 95 Item 3. 96 Item 3. 97 Item 3. 98 Item 3. 99 Item 3. 100 Item 3. 101 Item 3. 102 Item 3. 103 Item 3. 104 Item 3. 105 Item 3. 106 Item 3. 107 Item 3. 108 Item 3. 109 Item 3. 110 Item 3. 111 Item 3. 112 Item 3. 113 Item 3. 114 Item 3. 115 Item 3. 116 Item 3. 117 Item 3. 118 Item 3. 119 Item 3. 120 Item 3. 121 Item 3. 122 Item 3. 123 Item 3. 124 Item 3. 125 Item 3. 126 Item 3. 127 Item 3. 128 Item 3. 129 Item 3. 130 Item 3. 131 Item 3. 132 Item 3. 133 Item 3. 134 Item 3. 135 Item 3. 136 Item 3. 137 Item 3. Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Noise Impact Analysis for Proposed Tsunami Car Wash - Revised , Columbia Heights , Minnesota Prepared By: Nathan Sevener, Principal Consultant INCE Bd. Cert. Aimee Lalime, Senior Consultant MSME, INCE Anna Catton, Consultant MSAE 30 October 2024 138 Item 3. THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 139 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 3 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Executive Summary The proposed Tsunami Car in Columbia Heights, Minnesota is planned to operate from 7:00 am and 8:00 pm daily. The Minnesota noise ordinance defines the daytime (7:00 am to 10:00 pm) noise limit for Residential zones at 60 dBA at the property lines. Our calculations indicate that the carwash-related noise levels with the planned layout will meet the residential limits at 5 feet above grade at all nearby residential properties with the following modifications: • Instead of a 6’ tall standard fence, install an 8’ tall solid fence along the east and north property lines on top of the planned retaining wall (with the combined height extending 2’ above the top of the car wash entry doors) • Install a 12-foot tall “wing wall” on the south side of the carwash exit • Install a 5.5-foot tall barrier along the south side of the vacuums • Reduce the number of vacuums from 18 to 12. Optionally, the sound barrier to the east and north of the property lines may be increased to 10’ tall (with the combined height extending 4’ above the top of the car wash entry doors). This will provide better protection to the elevated decks of the homes to the east, decreasing the sound levels from approximately 63 dBA to 60 dBA. 140 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 4 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 3 LIST OF ABBREVIATED TERMS ............................................................................................................. 5 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 6 2.0 MEASUREMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 INSTRUMENTATION .................................................................................................................................. 7 2.2 AMBIENT MEASUREMENTS ....................................................................................................................... 7 2.3 EQUIPMENT MEASUREMENTS ................................................................................................................. 10 3.0 ORDINANCE AND CRITERIA ......................................................................................................... 12 4.0 COMPUTER MODEL CALCULATION OF SOUND LEVELS AROUND CARWASH .................................. 13 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................................. 14 6.0 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 18 APPENDIX A: ACOUSTICAL TERMINOLOGY ....................................................................................... 19 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Proposed Tsunami Express Car Wash, Columbia Heights, Minnesota .......................... 6 Figure 2: Ambient Sound Levels (dBA) Measured at Proposed Car Wash Site ............................ 8 Figure 3: Photos of Sound Level Meter at Two of the Measurement Locations On-Site .............. 9 Figure 4: Waukesha Tsunami Car Wash Exit ............................................................................... 10 Figure 5: Waukesha Tsunami Car Wash Layout .......................................................................... 11 Figure 6: Vacuum Pump House .................................................................................................... 11 Figure 7: Minnesota Noise Ordinance .......................................................................................... 12 Figure 8: 3D Model View ............................................................................................................. 13 Figure 9: Sound Contour Map – Current Design .......................................................................... 14 Figure 10: Sound Contour Map – Tsunami Car Wash Exit Doors Open with Sound Barriers .... 16 Figure 11: Sound Barrier Fence Location ..................................................................................... 17 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Sound Measurement Equipment ....................................................................................... 7 Table 2: Sound levels Measured at a Waukesha Tsunami Carwash (dB) .................................... 10 Table 3: Measured Vacuum Related Sound Levels at Waukesha Location ................................. 11 141 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 5 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com List of Abbreviated Terms dB Decibel dBA A-weighted Decibels Leq Equivalent Sound Level 142 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 6 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com 1.0 Introduction Soundscape Engineering has completed a sound study for a proposed Tsunami Express Carwash to be located at 999 50th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. The proposed building will be a 5,000 SF car wash with 18 vacuums, a sales booth, and vacuum pump house. It is our understanding that the car wash will be open 7 days per week from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. We have collected sound data from past projects with Tsunami, specifically the Tsunami Car Wash in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The loudest noise sources are the blowers inside the car wash and the vacuums/pump house in the parking lot area. We assume that this location will use the same blowers as the Waukesha location. The design is complete and you provided us with a copy of the city-submitted design dated 08-05-2024. The Columbia Heights Tsunami Car Wash is bordered by an Aldi Grocery Store and single-family residences. The project plans to lower the grade of the building site. A new retaining wall is planned on the east side of the site with a 6-foot fence on top of the wall. According to the Waukesha car wash operation manager, a busy hour by industry standards would be 100+ cars per hour. An earlier version of this report relied upon the car wash doors being closed when the blowers were operational. We now understand that the blowers will be on when the exit doors are open for approximately 30 seconds per car. The analysis has been updated to assume the exit doors are open continually, which represents the worst-case conditions. For your reference, there is a brief glossary of pertinent acoustics terminology in Appendix A. Figure 1: Proposed Tsunami Express Car Wash, Columbia Heights, Minnesota 143 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 7 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com 2.0 Measurements The following describes the ambient measurements at the proposed Columbia Heights location and the existing equipment measurements at the Tsunami Car Wash in Waukesha, Wisconsin. 2.1 Instrumentation An NTi Audio model XL2-TA acoustic analyzer with model MC230 microphone and model MA220 preamp was used for all measurements reported here. This system is Class 1 Type Approved, meeting the requirements of IEC 61672 and ANSI S1.4. Table 1: Sound Measurement Equipment Instrument - Location Make Model No. Serial No. Cal Date Sound Level Meter (SLM) - Position 1 NTi XL2-TA A2A-11159-E0 8/10/2023 SLM Microphone NTi MC230 9538 8/10/2023 SLM Preamp NTi MA220 (M2230) 2923 8/10/2023 Sound Level Calibrator Larsen Davis CAL200 10152 03/23/2023 2.2 Ambient Measurements Soundscape visited the proposed Tsunami Car Wash in Columbia Heights, Minnesota on Sunday, August 11th, 2024. A series of 15-minute spot measurements were taken around the proposed Columbia Heights property. Measurements were taken between 4:00 – 5:30 pm. The overall levels at each measurement location are shown in Figure 2. Photos of the onsite measurements are shown in Figure 3. 144 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 8 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Figure 2: Ambient Sound Levels (dBA) Measured at Proposed Car Wash Site 145 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 9 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Figure 3: Photos of Sound Level Meter at Two of the Measurement Locations On -Site 146 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 10 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com 2.3 Equipment Measurements To determine the equipment sound levels, we measured the sound level produced by equipment at the existing Tsunami Car Wash located at 300 W. Sunset Drive in Waukesha, Wisconsin. We understand that the Columbia Heights location will install the same blower system as the Waukesha location. The measured octave band sound levels at the car wash entry and exit are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Sound levels Measured at a Waukesha Tsunami Carwash (dB) Sound Pressure Levels (dB at a 20-foot distance1) per Octave Band Center Frequency, Hz Overall Level (dBA) 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Wash Exit, Blowers On, Doors Open 78 80 80 81 89 88 86 82 74 93 Wash Exit, Blowers On, Doors Closed 74 79 77 77 79 73 69 63 53 79 Wash Entrance, Doors Open 73 74 72 69 71 72 71 66 56 76 1) These measurements were made directly in front of the entrance or exit, at a distance of 20 feet. Figure 4: Waukesha Tsunami Car Wash Exit 147 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 11 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Figure 5: Waukesha Tsunami Car Wash Layout Measurements were also taken outside the vacuum pump house and near a car being vacuumed (Figure 6). The pump house is constructed of masonry block and has steel doors with perimeter seals. This construction is advantageous for noise control. We are not aware if the existing vacuum system has a muffler. These measured levels are presented in Table 3. Table 3: Measured Vacuum Related Sound Levels at Waukesha Location Sound Pressure Levels (dB) per Octave Band Center Frequency, Hz Overall level (dBA) 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Vacuum Pump House at 3’ Distance 71 75 67 64 60 59 58 55 51 65 Car Vacuuming at Approx. 6’ Distance 70 72 70 66 64 64 68 69 62 74 Figure 6: Vacuum Pump House 148 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 12 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com 3.0 Ordinance and Criteria The project is required to meet the State of Minnesota's Administrative Rules Section 7030.0040 Noise Standards, which we understand to be the City of Columbia Heights’ ordinance: Figure 7: Minnesota Noise Ordinance Residential properties fit into “Noise Area Classification 1” and commercial properties fall into the “Noise Area Classification 2”. The L50 represents the level exceeded 50% of the time, or the median sound level. During peak business hours, the car wash is expected to be in nearly continuous operation, so the L50 is equivalent to the average sound level, or Leq. This means that the car wash measurement levels in Table 2 were used as source levels for Columbia Heights without applying a reduction related to duration of use. Similarly, the L10 refers to the sound level during the loudest 10% of the time. Since the levels are nearly continuous, the L10 and the L50 are expected to be almost equal. Therefore, the L50 criterion is the most stringent for this project, and will be referred to in this assessment. 149 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 13 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com 4.0 Computer Model Calculation of Sound Levels Around Carwash We modeled the Columbia Heights site and surrounding area in the commercial environmental noise modeling software, SoundPLAN. Site topography, existing and proposed buildings, sound sources, and receiver locations were inputted as elements into the computer model. A 3D view of the propagation model with proposed barriers is shown in Figure 8. Area sources were used to represent sound transmission out of the carwash doors. We modeled the worst-case scenario with all vacuum stations in use and the carwash entry and exit doors open. We understand that the car wash doors are planned to be open when cars are in the tunnel, which could be nearly continuous during the busiest hours of the week. Vacuum stations are indicated by the red asterisks below. Sound barriers needed to meet the city ordinance are shown in blue. The sources included in the model are based on measurements made at the Waukesha Tsunami and are as follows: • Carwash Entry Door Open • Carwash Exit Door Open – Blowers On • Vacuum pump house with Sealed metal doors • Car Vacuum Stations (red asterisks) Figure 8: 3D Model View Figure 9 presents the predicted radiated sound levels at an elevation of 5’ above grade with to the current Tsunami Car Wash design. The darkest green shaded area represents areas where the sound levels are below the residential 60 dBA L50 noise ordinance limit. Without mitigation, the sound levels are predicted to exceed the ordinance limits at the nearest homes to the south and east of the site. 150 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 14 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Figure 9: Sound Contour Map – Current Design 5.0 Recommendations To prevent the sound level from exceeding the 60 dBA noise ordinance at the residential property lines at 5’ above grade, the following mitigations are needed: 1. Extend and increase the sound barrier fence height to a height of 2’ above the top of the car wash entry door opening (approximately 8’ tall). The wall must extend around the northeast corner toward Aldi. 2. Install a 20-foot long, 12-foot tall wall on the south side of the exit opening along the driveway. 3. Reduce the number of vacuums to a total of 12 vacuums (8 on the north side and 4 on the south side) and install a 65-foot long, 5.5-foot tall wall on the south side of the vacuums. The number and height of sound barriers were increased in this updated analysis in order to meet the noise ordinance with the exit doors open, and achieve stricter compliance at the closest residence on the south side of the car wash. Additionally, to provide greater protection to the elevated decks (reducing the predicted sound level from approximately 63 dBA to 60 dBA), increase the height of the east sound Vacuum Pump House Active Car Vacuuming at all stations Carwash Entry – Doors Open Carwash Exit – Doors Open 6’ Air-tight, solid fence 151 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 15 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com barrier wall to 10’ above the height of the retaining wall (approximately 4’ above the top of the car wash door opening). Refer to Figure 10 for predicted sound levels at 5’ above grade with the recommended sound barriers. Refer to Figure 11 for the barrier extents and modeled elevation heights for the base of the sound barriers. There are minimum acoustical requirements for the sound barrier walls. They must be constructed from a material with a minimum acoustical rating of STC 22 or a mass no less than 2 pounds per square foot. An example of a suitable material would be overlapping, 1” (nominal thickness) cedar or pine planks, assembled such that the total, actual thickness of the wall is at least 1-½” along the entire length of the wall. They would need to be screwed together rather than nailed so that the natural warping of the planks over time does not cause them to pull apart and create gaps between them. Because this is a “sound barrier wall” rather than a “fence,” there must not be any gaps and it must be constructed tight to the ground. In addition to the sound barriers, the acoustic analysis for this project depends upon the following design element: a. The central vacuum will be located in a masonry building with sealed steel doors. If a vacuum pump exhaust muffler was used at the Waukesha location then the vacuum pump at this location should also be fit with a muffler. 152 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 16 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Figure 10: Sound Contour Map – Tsunami Car Wash Exit Doors Open with Sound Barriers Carwash Entrance and Exit Doors Open Reduced to 12 vacuuming stations Vacuum Pump House 20’ long 12’ tall sound barrier 65’ long 5.5’ tall sound barrier 220’ long 8-10’ tall sound barrier wall on retaining wall 153 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 17 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Figure 11: Sound Barrier Fence Location 154 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 18 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com 6.0 Conclusion The proposed carwash design includes several elements that are beneficial in terms of noise transmission to the residential neighborhood. The carwash is oriented so that the loudest part of the building (the exit) is pointed away from residences. Airlift doors will be installed and the exit door will be kept closed when possible. The central vacuums will be located within a masonry building with sealed steel doors. Finally, three sound barriers will be installed, including a 12’ tall exit “wing” wall, a 5.5’ tall vacuum wall, and an 8’ to 10’ tall (2’ to 4’ above the top of the car wash entry door) wall along the eastern border on top of the planned retaining wall, allowing the carwash-related sound levels at the residential property lines to meet the Minnesota noise ordinance’s residential threshold of 60 dBA at all nearby residential properties. This concludes our assessment and recommendations. We will be happy to elaborate on anything contained within this report. 155 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 19 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com Appendix A: Acoustical Terminology Sound level is measured in units called decibels (abbreviated dB). Decibels are logarithmic rather than linear quantities and thus a doubling of the sound level does not translate to a doubling of decibels. Also, the human ear does not interpret a doubling of sound energy as a doubling of loudness. For these reasons, the following approximate relationships should be kept in mind when reading this report. The logarithmic nature of dB and the human subjective perception of relative sound levels result in the following approximate rules for judging increases in noise. A 3 dB sound level increase (or decrease) typically cannot be heard or is barely perceptible. A 5 dB sound level increase is perceptible and is often considered significant. A sound level which increases by 10 dB will be perceived as twice as loud. These perceived changes in the noise level are mostly independent of the absolute noise level. That is, a 35 dB noise will be perceived as twice as loud as a 25 dB noise, and a 60 dB noise will be perceived as twice as loud as a 50 dB noise. Audible sound occurs over a wide frequency range, from low-pitched sounds at approximately 20 Hertz (Hz) to high-pitched sounds at 20,000 Hz. These frequencies are commonly grouped into octave bands or 1/3 octave bands. Building mechanical systems generally produce noise in the 63 Hz to 1000 Hz octave bands, with the lower frequency noise generated by large fans. Human speech is predominantly contained in the 250 Hz to 2000 Hz octave bands. Humans do not hear equally well at all frequencies. We are especially poor at hearing low frequency sound and are best at hearing sound in the frequency range of human speech. A microphone does not have these same characteristics. Therefore, when sound is being measured to determine how well people will be able to hear it, a "weighting" is applied to the sound level measured using a microphone. The most common weighting is the "A-weighting" and the resulting sound level is expressed in A-weighted decibels (dBA). This weighting reduces the low frequency sound, slightly increases the sound at the dominant frequencies of human speech, and slightly lowers the sound level at high frequencies. The ambient noise level is the existing level of noise in a space or at a specific location in the environment. Direct Sound Level or Direct Noise Level is the result of sound that travels directly from the sound source to the listener’s ears, without reflecting off of any surfaces. Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) is the average sound level in an environment where the sound level changes. However, the Leq is not a simple arithmetic average of the sound level over time, but is a logarithmic average. Leq is the “energy” average noise level over a period of time. Leq can be measured for any time period, but is typically measured for some increment or fraction of an hour such as 15 minutes, 1 hour or 24-hours. Sound Power and Sound Pressure Levels - Sound pressure can be directly measured by a microphone. Outdoor sound pressure levels are influenced by the distance and orientation of the receiver, obstructions and ground absorption between the source and receiver, the temperature, and wind gradients. Sound power is a physical property of the source alone and is not influenced by the external environment. It is an important parameter which is used for rating and comparing sound sources. The sound power is calculated by taking sound pressure or sound intensity measurements according to strict standards and calculation procedures. Conversely, the Sound Pressure Level at a particular location can be calculated 156 Item 3. Tsunami Car Wash Columbia Heights Noise Impact Analysis - Revised 30 October 2024 Page 20 of 20 Soundscape Engineering 3711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Ste. 104 • Chicago, IL 60613 • (312) 436-0032 729 W. Ann Arbor Trl., Ste. 150 • Plymouth, MI 48170 • (734) 418-8663 www.SoundscapeEngineering.com from the Sound Power Level for a given source and the environmental factors affecting the sound propagation path between the source and receiver. The statistical sound levels, as they are most often called, quantify the sound level exceeded during a period of time. For example, the L90 sound level is the sound level exceeded during 90% of the measurement period. If the measurement period is 60 minutes long, then the L90 is the sound level exceeded during 54 minutes. The L90 is generally considered to be the “background” sound level, the baseline level that is present most of the time. Another commonly used statistical level is the L10. The L10 is the sound level exceeded during only 10% of the measurement period. If the measurement period is 60 minutes long, then L10 is the sound level exceeded during only 6 minutes of the measurement period. L10 can be used to quantify the fluctuating sound levels in an environment. L1 and L5 are also sometimes used for this purpose. 157 Item 3. REPORT | www.transportationcollaborative.com | To: Miranda Seals, Architect The Redmond Company From: Matt Pacyna, PE, Principal Transportation Collaborative & Consultants, LLC Date: September 26, 2024 Subject: Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review INTRODUCTION TC2 completed a traffic review of the proposed Tsunami Express Car Wash Development in the City of Columbia Heights. The subject site, as shown, is generally east of Central Avenue (Highway 65) and north of 50th Avenue. The main objectives of the study are to quantify existing traffic operations within the study area, evaluate potential impacts associated with the proposed development, and recommend improvements, if necessary, to ensure safe and efficient operations for all users. A review of internal site circulation, access, and operations is included as part of this review. The following study assumptions, methodology, and findings are offered for consideration. EXISTING CONDITIONS Existing conditions were reviewed within the study area to quantify current operations to help determine impacts associated with the proposed development. The evaluation of existing conditions included collecting traffic volumes, observing transportation characteristics, and analyzing intersection capacity, which are described in the following sections. Traffic Volumes Vehicular intersection turning movement and pedestrian / bicyclist counts were collected along 50th Avenue at Tyler Street and Polk Place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Historical traffic data at the Central Avenue (Highway 65) and 50th Avenue intersection was provided by MnDOT. Subject Site Ce n t r a l A v e ( H w y 6 5 ) Ty l e r S t Po l k P l 50th Ave 49th Ave Lincoln Ter. Pierce Ter. 52nd Ave 51st Ave 50th Ave 49th Ave 158 Item 3. Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review September 26, 2024 Page 2 The counts included a combination of a.m. / p.m. peak period (i.e., 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.) and 13-hour (i.e., 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) data. The a.m. and p.m. peak hours within the study area generally represent 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.; there is an additional afternoon p.m. peak period that occurs shortly after the nearby Columbia Heights High School lets out for the day around 3 p.m. Average daily traffic (ADT) volumes were provided by MnDOT or estimated based on the data collected. Transportation Characteristics Observations were conducted within the study area to identify various transportation characteristics such as roadway geometry, traffic controls, speed limits, and multimodal facilities. Within the study area, Central Avenue is a 4-lane divided minor arterial roadway with left- and right-lanes; there is a sidewalk along both sides of the roadway and the posted speed limit is 40-mph. 50th Avenue, Tyler Street, and Polk Place are local 2-lane roadways. These roadways do not have multimodal facilities within the study area, except for the north side of 50th Avenue between Central Avenue (Highway 65) and the subject site. The Central Avenue (Highway 65) / 50th Avenue intersection is signalized, while the other study intersections were assumed to operate similar to side-street stop control since the Tyler Street approach is uncontrolled and the Polk Place approach has yield control. Existing geometrics, traffic controls, and volumes within the study area are shown in Figure 2. Intersection Capacity Intersection capacity was evaluated using Synchro / SimTraffic Software (version 11), which uses methods outlined in the Highway Capacity Manual, 6th Edition. The software is used to develop calibrated models that simulate observed traffic operations, account for peaking characteristics, and identify key metrics such as intersection Level of Service (LOS) and queues. These models incorporate collected traffic, pedestrian, and bicyclist volumes, traffic controls, heavy commercial vehicle activity (i.e., buses and trucks), and driver behavior factors. Existing signal timing was obtained from MnDOT. Level of Service (LOS) quantifies how an intersection is operating. Intersections are graded from LOS A to LOS F, which corresponds to the average delay per vehicle values shown. An overall intersection LOS A though LOS D is generally considered acceptable in the study area. LOS A indicates the best traffic operation, while LOS F indicates an intersection where demand exceeds capacity. For side-street stop-controlled intersections, special emphasis is given to providing an estimate for the level of service of the side-street approach. Traffic operations at an unsignalized intersection with side- street stop control can be described in two ways. First, consideration is given to the overall intersection level of service, which takes into account the total number of vehicles entering the intersection and the capability of the intersection to support the volumes. Second, it is important to consider the delay on the minor approach. Since the mainline does not have to stop, most delay is attributed to the side-street approaches. It is typical of intersections with higher mainline traffic volumes to experience high-levels of delay (i.e., poor levels of service) on the side-street approaches, but an acceptable overall intersection level of service during peak hour conditions. Level of Service Average Delay / Vehicles Stop, Yield, and Roundabout Signalized Intersections A < 10 seconds < 10 seconds B 10 to 15 seconds 10 to 20 seconds C 15 to 25 seconds 20 to 35 seconds D 25 to 35 seconds 35 to 55 seconds E 35 to 50 seconds 55 to 80 seconds F > 50 seconds > 80 seconds 159 Item 3. Cr e s t w o o d T er r a c e Dell Road St a b l e P a t h Flying Cloud Drive (CR 61) Geisler Road Laforet Drive J o n a t h a n L a n e Turnbull Road De l l R oa d D e l l R o a d Figure 1Existing Conditions Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review N 35% 75% 65%32.5% AM Peak Hour Volume PM Peak Hour Volume Estimated ADT Volume Traffic Signal Stop Sign Yield Sign Legend 15% Goodrich Ave Le x i n g t o n P k w y Oxford St 36th St 25% 30% 32.5% 47.5% 15% 2.5% 2.5% 17.5% 5% 22.5%70% 40% 60% 37.5% 52.5% 5% 30% 7.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 10% 25% N 8,000 275 5 0 0 (0)2 (3) XX (XX) X,XXX +85 +215 50% 0 (0)0 (0)9 (2)3 (11)4 (1)0 (0)3 (11)2 (11)7 (4)5 (1)7 (4)5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1 ) 7 (4) 5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 0 ( 0 ) 0 ( 0 ) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1 ) 9 (2) 3 (11) 0 (0)2 (6)3 (2)7 (4) +430 +130 40 (65) 15 (20) 25 (65) 60 (75) 15 (25) 40 (45) 10 ( 3 5 ) 11 7 5 ( 1 0 2 0 ) 30 ( 1 0 0 ) 25 ( 6 0 ) 76 5 ( 1 4 6 5 ) 15 ( 9 0 ) +685 +340 +50 +50 +75 AM Peak Hour Volume PM Peak Hour Volume Estimated ADT Volume Directional Distribution Legend XX (XX) X,XXX 5 ( 5 ) 65 ( 3 0 ) 10 ( 3 0 ) 70 ( 4 5 ) 45 ( 2 0 ) 5 ( 0 ) 65 0 26 , 8 0 0 2,30050th Ave 105 (45) 5 (5) 0 (0) 130 (75) 5 ( 5 ) 25 ( 3 0 ) 75 (70) 10 (35) 0 (0) 85 (105) 0 ( 0 ) 0 ( 0 ) 49th Ave 51st Ave51st Ave 52nd Ave 49th Ave Lincoln Ter 50th Ave Ty l e r S t Po l k P l 26 , 5 0 0 2,700 70 0 1,300 160 Item 3. Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review September 26, 2024 Page 4 The existing intersection capacity analysis results, summarized in Table 1, indicate that all study intersections operate at an acceptable overall LOS C or better and all approaches operate near the LOS D / LOS E threshold or better during the typical weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hours. Existing 95th percentile queues are generally maintained within the current turn lanes, however, westbound queues along 50th Avenue from Central Avenue (Highway 65) occasionally extend to the existing Aldi / Jimmy John’s driveway during the p.m. peak hour. Peak queues at the 50th Avenue intersections with Tyler Street and Polk Place are approximately one (1) vehicle. Thus, there are no significant existing operational issues from an intersection capacity perspective. Table 1 Existing Intersection Capacity Study Intersection Traffic Control Level of Service (Delay) AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour 50th Avenue and Central Avenue (Hwy 65) Signal B (14) C (28) 50th Avenue and Tyler Street Yield / SSS A / B (10) A / B (10) 50th Avenue and Polk Place Yield / SSS A / A (9) A / A (9) SSS – Side-Street-Stop PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The proposed development is generally east of Central Avenue (Highway 65) and north of 50th Avenue. As proposed, the Tsunami Express Car Wash is a single-tunnel automated drive-thru car wash that is approximately 4,500 square feet. The development would replace the existing 12,500 square foot professional office building that is currently vacant. About 20-parking spaces are proposed, as well as the extension of the existing sidewalk along the north side of 50th Avenue to the eastern site driveway. For study purposes, the proposed development was assumed to be fully operational by the year 2027. Access to the site is planned at two locations; the existing office driveway would remain in its general location and provide two-way operations, while a new two-lane entrance-only access is proposed along 50th Avenue across from Tyler Street. The two-lane entrance provides accommodations for eight (8) vehicles to queue at the sales booth before proceeding to the car wash tunnel. 161 Item 3. Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review September 26, 2024 Page 5 TRAFFIC FORECASTS Traffic forecasts were developed for year 2027 build conditions. The traffic forecasts account for general background growth and trip generation from the proposed development. A year 2027 no build condition was not reviewed given the limited area growth between existing and year 2027 conditions. The following information summarizes the traffic forecast development process. Background Growth To account for general background growth in the study area, an annual growth rate of one (1) percent was applied to the existing traffic volumes to develop year 2027 background traffic forecasts. This growth rate is higher than historical ADT volumes in the study area over the past 20-years and represents a conservative approach. This rate accounts for growth outside the study area and is not related to the proposed development. Proposed Development Trip Generation A trip generation estimate for the proposed development was created using a combination of the ITE Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition, historical data from the project team, and site observations at other similar car washes. The trip generation estimate includes trips for weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hours, as well as a daily basis. A trip generation estimate for the former professional office land use was also developed for comparison purposes. As shown in Table 2, the proposed car wash is estimated to generate approximately 30 a.m. peak hour, 60 p.m. peak hour, and 300 daily trips during its busiest days. When compared to the former office use, the site would generate a similar amount of a.m. peak hour trips, but more p.m. peak hour and daily trips. Note that the trip generation estimate for the proposed car wash represents an active day as opposed to a rainy day, for example. Table 2 Trip Generation Summary Land Use Type (ITE Codes) Size AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Daily In Out In Out Proposed Development Automated Car Wash (947-949) 1-Tunnel / 4,500 SF 15 15 30 30 300 Former Land Use Office (710) 12,500 SF 25 3 3 25 190 Overall Site Change (+ / -) -10 +12 +27 +5 +110 Trips from the proposed development were routed to the adjacent roadway network using the following distribution, which is based on existing area travel patterns and engineering judgement. • Central Avenue (Highway 65) North and South: 35% each • Tyler Street: 15% • 50th Avenue West, 50th Avenue East, and Polk Place: 5% each A summary of the site generated trips is shown in Figure 2. The resultant year 2027 build conditions, which accounts for the general background growth and the proposed development is illustrated in Figure 3. 162 Item 3. Cr e s t w o o d T er r a c e Dell Road St a b l e P a t h Flying Cloud Drive (CR 61) Geisler Road Laforet Drive J o n a t h a n L a n e Turnbull Road De l l R oa d D e l l R o a d Figure 2Site Generated Trips Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review N 35% 75% 65%32.5% AM Peak Hour Volume PM Peak Hour Volume Estimated ADT Volume Traffic Signal Stop Sign Yield Sign Legend 15% Goodrich Ave Le x i n g t o n P k w y Oxford St 36th St 25% 30% 32.5% 47.5% 15% 2.5% 2.5% 17.5% 5% 22.5%70% 40% 60% 37.5% 52.5% 5% 30% 7.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 10% 25% N 8,000 275 5 0 0 (0)2 (3) XX (XX) X,XXX +85 +215 50% 0 (0)0 (0)9 (2)3 (11)4 (1)0 (0)3 (11)2 (11)7 (4)5 (1)7 (4)5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1 ) 7 (4) 5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 0 ( 0 ) 0 ( 0 ) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1 ) 9 (2) 3 (11) 0 (0)2 (6)3 (2)7 (4) +430 +130 5 (10) 1 (2) 5 (10) 0 (0) 1 (2) 0 (0) 0 ( 0 ) 0 ( 0 ) 5 (1 0 ) 0 ( 0 ) 0 ( 0 ) 5 ( 1 0 ) +685 +340 +50 +50 +75 AM Peak Hour Volume PM Peak Hour Volume Estimated ADT Volume Directional Distribution Legend XX (XX) X,XXX 0 (0) 1 (2) 1 (2) 1 (2) 1 ( 2 ) 0 ( 0 ) +4 5 +1 0 5 +1550th Ave 2 (3) 0 (1) 0 (0) 1 (2) 0 (0) 0 ( 0 ) 1 ( 3 ) 1 ( 1 ) 9 (18) 2 (4) 2 (4) 2 (4) 9 (18) 11 ( 2 2 ) 4 (8 ) 49th Ave 51st Ave51st Ave 52nd Ave 49th Ave Lincoln Ter 50th Ave Ty l e r S t Po l k P l +1 0 5 +225 +1 5 +15 163 Item 3. Cr e s t w o o d T er r a c e Dell Road St a b l e P a t h Flying Cloud Drive (CR 61) Geisler Road Laforet Drive J o n a t h a n L a n e Turnbull Road De l l R oa d D e l l R o a d Figure 3Year 2027 Build Conditions Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review N 35% 75% 65%32.5% AM Peak Hour Volume PM Peak Hour Volume Estimated ADT Volume Traffic Signal Stop Sign Yield Sign Legend 15% Goodrich Ave Le x i n g t o n P k w y Oxford St 36th St 25% 30% 32.5% 47.5% 15% 2.5% 2.5% 17.5% 5% 22.5%70% 40% 60% 37.5% 52.5% 5% 30% 7.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 10% 25% N 8,000 275 5 0 0 (0)2 (3) XX (XX) X,XXX +85 +215 50% 0 (0)0 (0)9 (2)3 (11)4 (1)0 (0)3 (11)2 (11)7 (4)5 (1)7 (4)5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1 ) 7 (4) 5 (1) 7 (4) 5 (1) 0 ( 0 ) 0 ( 0 ) 9 ( 2 ) 3 ( 1 1 ) 9 (2) 3 (11) 0 (0)2 (6)3 (2)7 (4) +430 +130 46 (77) 16 (23) 31 (77) 62 (77) 16 (28) 41 (46) 10 ( 3 6 ) 12 1 1 ( 1 0 5 2 ) 36 (1 1 3 ) 2 6 ( 6 2 ) 78 8 ( 1 5 0 9 ) 20 ( 1 0 3 ) +685 +340 +50 +50 +75 AM Peak Hour Volume PM Peak Hour Volume Estimated ADT Volume Directional Distribution Legend XX (XX) X,XXX 5 ( 5 ) 68 ( 3 2 ) 11 (3 3 ) 73 ( 4 8 ) 47 ( 2 3 ) 5 ( 0 ) 71 5 27 , 7 0 0 2,40050th Ave 2 (3) 108 (47) 5 (5) 1 (2) 134 (77) 5 ( 5 ) 1 ( 3 ) 27 ( 3 2 ) 9 (18) 79 (76) 12 (40) 2 (4) 96 (126) 11 ( 2 2 ) 4 (8 ) 49th Ave 51st Ave51st Ave 52nd Ave 49th Ave Lincoln Ter 50th Ave Ty l e r S t Po l k P l 27 , 4 0 0 3,000 73 5 1,350 164 Item 3. Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review September 26, 2024 Page 8 YEAR 2027 CONDITIONS To understand impacts associated with the proposed development, a future intersection capacity analysis was completed for year 2027 build conditions. Table 3 provides a summary of the year 2027 intersection capacity analysis, as well as a comparison to existing conditions. Results of the future analysis indicate that all study intersections will continue to operate at an acceptable overall LOS C or better and all approaches will continue to operate near the LOS D / LOS E threshold or better during the typical weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hours. Minimal changes in queuing are expected and no impacts to the proposed development driveways are expected. The daily traffic volume changes along Polk Place, 50th Avenue, and Tyler Street are minimal and within a typical daily variation of most roadways. Thus, there are no significant impacts expected because of the proposed development from an intersection capacity perspective. Table 3 Year 2027 Intersection Capacity Summary Study Intersection Traffic Control Level of Service (Delay) AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Existing Build Existing Build 50th Avenue and Central Avenue (Hwy 65) Signal B (14) B (15) C (28) C (30) 50th Avenue and West Site Access SSS --- A / B (10) --- A / A (9) 50th Avenue and Tyler Street / East Site Access SSS A / B (10) A / B (11) A / B (10) A / B (11) 50th Avenue and Polk Place SSS A / A (9) A / A (9) A / A (9) A / A (9) SSS – Side-Street-Stop SITE PLAN REVIEW / CONSIDERATIONS The proposed driveway for the car wash tunnel provides for eight (8) vehicles to queue within two-lanes before any impacts to 50th Avenue would occur. This driveway includes a member lane for quicker access. Typical service times once a vehicle enters the car wash is approximately two (2) minutes. Therefore, based on the level of trip generation and expected service rates of the sales booth and car wash tunnel, the provided vehicle stacking distance is adequate and no impacts to 50th Avenue are expected. A review of the proposed site plan does not indicate any major issues. However, the following items are offered for further consideration and / or discussion between the City and / or project team. • Locate signage and landscaping to avoid creating any sight distance issues. • Review truck maneuverability to limit potential internal circulation conflicts. • Add a stop or yield sign along Tyler Street at 50th Avenue to better define the right-of-way for motorists and reduce potential conflicts. • Shift the east driveway to the west to better align with Tyler Street, if possible. 165 Item 3. Tsunami Express Car Wash Traffic Review September 26, 2024 Page 9 CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are offered for consideration. 1) All study intersections currently operate at an acceptable overall LOS C or better and all approaches operate near the LOS D / LOS E threshold or better during typical weekday a.m. / p.m. peak hours. 2) The development is a single-tunnel automated drive-thru car wash that is approximately 4,500 square feet and would replace an existing 12,500 square foot professional office building. a. The proposed car wash is estimated to generate approximately 30 a.m. peak hour, 60 p.m. peak hour, and 300 daily trips during its busiest days. 3) Traffic forecasts were developed for year 2027 build conditions, which included a one (1) percent annual background growth and trip generation from the proposed development. 4) Results of the year 2027 build analysis indicates that all study intersections will continue to operate at an acceptable overall LOS C or better and all approaches will continue to operate near the LOS D / LOS E threshold or better during the typical weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hours. a. Minimal changes in queuing and no impacts to the proposed development driveways are expected; the daily traffic volume changes along Polk Place, 50th Avenue, and Tyler Street are minimal and within a typical daily variation of most roadways. b. No significant impacts expected because of the proposed development from an intersection capacity perspective. 5) Based on the level of trip generation and expected service rates of the sales booth and car wash tunnel, the provided vehicle stacking distance is adequate and no impacts to 50th Avenue are expected. 6) The following items are offered for further consideration and / or discussion between the City and / or project team. a. Locate signage and landscaping to avoid creating any sight distance issues. b. Review truck maneuverability to limit potential internal circulation conflicts. c. Add a stop or yield sign along Tyler Street at 50th Avenue to better define the right-of-way for motorists and reduce potential conflicts. d. Shift the east driveway to the west to better align with Tyler Street, if possible. 166 Item 3. NO PARKING RATE CONTROL BASIN 1 CONSTRUCTION LIMITS C=22 2 . 8 0 CB=S 7 4 ° 5 9 ' 1 6 " E R=76 6 . 3 5 Δ=16 ° 4 3 ' 0 1 " 223.5 8 S0 0 ° 1 1 ' 4 5 " E 1 4 5 . 3 0 S89°54'47"W 215.00 N0 0 ° 1 1 ' 4 5 " W 2 0 3 . 3 4 (D E S C . = 2 0 3 . 5 6 ) Iron Fence Iron Fence Chain Link Fence [A] Chain Link Fence Crosses Property line 12" HDPE 1 2 " H D P E 8" Sa n i t a r y 8" Sanitary (Per Rec.) 8" S a n i t a r y ( P e r R e c . ) 10" WM (Per Rec.) 10" W M ( P e r R e c . ) 10 " W M ( P e r R e c . ) 6" W M ( P e r R e c . ) Wa t . S e r v . (A Pu b l i c R / W ) 50TH A V E N U E N E P.O.B. Found 1/2 Inch Open Iron Pipe Found 1/2 Inch Iron Pipe W/ Cap No. 5065 Found 1/2 Inch Iron Pipe W/ Cap No. 5065 R=766.35 90.16 12" PVC 12" PVC GARBAGE TRUCK TURNING MOVEMENT COPYRIGHT CIVIL SITE GROUP INC.c PR O J E C T PR E L I M I N A R Y : NO T F O R CO N S T R U C T I O N 2023 ISSUE/SUBMITTAL SUMMARY DATE DESCRIPTION 8/05/24 CITY SUBMITTAL PROJECT MANAGER DAVE KNAEBLE CONTACT NUMBER 612-615-0060 DRAWN BY DK, WMB REVIEWED BY DK PROJECT NUMBER 24289 TS U N A M I E X P R E S S C A R W A S H 99 9 5 0 T H A V E . N E , C O L U M B I A H E I G H T S , M N 5 5 4 2 1 TS U N A M I E X P R E S S C A R W A S H , L L C . 48 0 0 M E A D O W S R O A D , # 3 0 0 , L A K E O S W E G O , O R E G O N 9 7 3 0 5 Civil Engineering Surveying Landscape Architecture 5000 Glenwood Avenue Golden Valley, MN 55422 civilsitegroup.com 612-615-0060 OW N E R REVISION SUMMARY DATE DESCRIPTION 0 1" = 20'-0" 20'-0"10'-0" N Know what's below. before you dig.Call R C2.1 TURNING MOVEMENT 167 Item 3. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Columbia Heights will conduct a public hearing in the City Council Chambers of City Hall at 3989 Central Avenue NE on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The order of business is as follows: A request for a Site Plan Review (under one acre) was made proposing demolition of the existing office building in preparation for a new construction car wash and a Conditional Use Permit for an over-height sound barrier at 999 50th Avenue NE. Section 9.104 (N) of the Zoning Ordinance requires the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on the Site Plan Review and make findings before approving or denying the application. The Planning Commission will provide a recommendation on the Conditional Use Permit for the over-height sound barrier to the City Council for consideration at the November 12, 2024 Council meeting. Notice is hereby given that all persons having an interest will be given an opportunity to be heard. For questions and a full description of the proposals, please contact Andrew Boucher, City Planner, at (763) 706-3673. 168 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights | Community Development Department 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3670 ▪ Fax: 763-706-3671 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – NOVEMBER 6, 2024 2015-3 IH2 BORROWER LP 1717 MAIN ST STE 2000 DALLAS, TX 75201 Date of Hearing: November 6, 2024 Subject: Public Hearing Notice – Site Plan Review proposing demolition of an existing vacant building in preparation for a new construction car wash; Conditional Use Permit for an over-height sound barrier. Subject Property: 999 50th Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Dear Resident/Affected Property Owner: The City of Columbia Heights has received an application for a Site Plan Review proposing demolition of the existing office building at 999 50th Avenue NE in preparation for a new construction car wash and a Conditional Use Permit for an over-height sound barrier. Section 9.104 of the Zoning Ordinance requires the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing to approve the Site Plan Review for the car wash and provide a recommendation to the City Council on the Conditional Use Permit for the over-height sound barrier. You are receiving this notice because the property that you own (Affected Property), and/or reside in, is located within 350 feet of the Subject Property. The Planning Commission of the City of Columbia Heights will hold a Public Hearing on this matter on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Columbia Heights City Hall, located at 3989 Central Avenue NE. A map of the Subject Property is attached. A full copy of the application is on file at City Hall and is available for review upon request. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the Public Hearing for this matter by attending the November 6, 2024 Planning Commission meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, but would like to provide input, you can submit correspondence via email to aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov or by mail at: City of Columbia Heights Attn: Community Development 3989 Central Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 You can participate in the meeting live and online by using Microsoft Teams at the login link below or call-in: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting Online Meeting ID: 252 58 988 371 Passcode: ugquG3 Dial-in for Microsoft Teams Meeting +1-312-626-6799 169 Item 3. If you have any questions about this proposal, please do not hesitate to contact the City of Columbia Heights Community Development Division at (763) 706-3673. Sincerely, Andrew Boucher Community Development Planner, City of Columbia Heights ** Landowners (Commercial and Residential): If you do not reside on the Affected Property, located 350 feet from the Subject Property, it is your responsibility to share this notice with your tenants. This notice should be posted in a public place on your property or mailed directly to the tenants residing or leasing space on the Affected Property. -SUBJECT PROPERTY LOCATION- (Highlighted in orange) 170 Item 3. Name Address City 2015-3 IH2 BORROWER LP 1717 MAIN ST STE 2000 DALLAS, TX 75201 A AND A PROPERTIES LLP 527 PARK PL VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN 55127 ALDI INC (MINNESOTA)PO BOX 460049 DEPT 501 HOUSTON, TX 77056 ALEXON DANA A & SHARI 1035 LINCOLN TER NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 ALI, FADUMO MOHAMOUD 4920 TYLER ST NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 ALVARADO, JAIME R 1100 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 BERG PAULA ELIZABETH 1100 PIERCE TER NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 CANTOS MARCO A ROJAS 700 N MORGAN AVE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55411 COLOMBO TRUSTEE MARK R 1105 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 CORNELIUS, CHRISTOPHER S 7890 QUEENSLAND LN N MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311 DAHL STREET PROPERTIES LP 526 HAWTHORNE WOOD DR EAGAN, MN 55123 HOLKESTAD PAIGE LORELLE 1060 POLK PL COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 JAY'S PROPERTIES LLC 16600 86TH AVE N MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311 KEHRWALD TRUSTEE THOMAS L 1060 50TH AVE NE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55421 KNUDTSON MARLENE S 1070 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 KOPONEN TRUSTEE, ROBERT H 1035 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 LEMA, MARIA ELVIA 4924 TYLER ST NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 LHAMO, SANGYAL 1020 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 OLSON DEAN M ETAL 1775 15TH AVE NW NEW BRIGHTON, MN 55112 P&L REAL ESTATE 3 LLC 3312 HIGHLAND DR BURNSVILLE, MN 55337 PATEL, ANITA M 1101 PIERCE TER NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 PETERSON R M & PODANY S R 1120 PIERCE TER NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 PRECISION PROPERTIES LLC 3800 N WASHINGTON AVE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55412 RIFAI, SAMIHA 608 37TH AVE NE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55421 ROGERS LINDA R 1057 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 SANCHEZ LOPEZ CRISTOBAL 1051 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 SANCHEZ QUEVEDO LORENA 4918 TYLER ST NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 SIGCHA AYORA SANDRO NESTORIO 1085 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 STOVER, MARY LOUISE 1040 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 STURDEVANT JOSEPH A 6182 HEATHER CIR NE FRIDLEY, MN 55432 THIRD STREET INDUSTRIES LLC 3429 EDWARD ST NE ST ANTHONY, MN 55418 TOBASI PROPERTIES LLC 10869 BENTWATER LN WOODBURY, MN 55129 VANGSGARD, JOEL M 1061 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 VUE MIHOKO KUATUKNUE 1085 PIERCE TER NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM INC PO BOX 1498 COLUMBUS, OH 43216 WHITNEY, TYLER J 4922 Tyler Street NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 , 171 Item 3. 172 Item 3. 173 Item 3. 174 Item 3. 175 Item 3. 176 Item 3. 177 Item 3. 178 Item 3. 179 Item 3. 180 Item 3. 181 Item 3. 182 Item 3. 183 Item 3. 184 Item 3. 185 Item 3. 186 Item 3. 187 Item 3. 188 Item 3. 189 Item 3. 190 Item 3. 191 Item 3. 192 Item 3. 193 Item 3. 194 Item 3. 195 Item 3. 196 Item 3. 197 Item 3. 198 Item 3. 199 Item 3. 200 Item 3. 201 Item 3. 202 Item 3. 203 Item 3. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION PUBLIC HEARING MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 6, 2024 ITEM: Conditional Use Permit for Over-Height Sound Barrier (Fence) at 999 50th Avenue NE DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Andrew Boucher, City Planner; 11/1/24 CASE NUMBER: 2024-0905 APPLICANT: Civil Site Group on behalf of Tsunami Express Car Wash DEVELOPMENT: Conditional Use Permit for an Over-Height sound barrier (fence) at (999 50th Avenue NE). LOCATION: 999 50th Avenue NE REQUEST: Conditional Use Permit PREPARED BY: Andrew Boucher, City Planner INTRODUCTION The City of Columbia Heights has received an application for a Conditional Use Permit for the property located at 999 50th Avenue NE. The project site currently contains a vacant office building which has a Site Plan Review proposing to demolish the existing building and construct a new car wash. The applicant was required to provide a Noise Impact Study which recommended installing an eight (8) foot tall sound barrier fence to mitigate any noise from the car wash that would affect the adjacent residential properties. The proposed fencing on the northern and eastern property lines will be located on top of a planned retaining wall and composed of a material with a minimum acoustical rating of STC 22 or a mass no less than 2 pounds per square foot, such as overlapping, 1” (nominal thickness) cedar or pine planks. The fence must be constructed in such a way that the total, actual thickness of the wall is at least 1-1/2” along the entire length of the wall and screwed together rather than nailed so that the natural warping of the planks over time does not cause them to pull apart and create gaps between them. Because this is a “sound barrier wall” rather than a “fence”, there must not be any gaps and it must be constructed tight to the ground. The fence will be oriented so that it will be 2’ above the top of the car wash entry door. No fencing is proposed along the site’s front property line. ZONING ORDINANCE The subject property is located in the General Business Zoning District. The surrounding adjacent properties to the immediate north, west, and south are all zoned for Commercial use through the General Business District. The property also abuts several residential neighborhoods to the north, east, and south containing multi-family, duplexes, and single-family residential zoning adjacent to Central Avenue. Per City Code §9.106(E)(3)(a), fences exceeding seven feet in height shall be deemed structures and shall require a Conditional Use Permit. The Zoning Ordinance requires the Planning Commission to hold a public he aring on 204 Item 4. Page 2 the applications for a Conditional Use Permit submit its recommendation to the City Council for final determination. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The Comprehensive Plan guides this area for Commercial Use, which is consistent with its current zoning as General Business. The proposed sound barrier wall is compatible with the commercial use guided for this site by the Comprehensive Plan. FINDINGS OF FACT Section 9.104 (H) of the Zoning Code outlines nine conditions that must be met in order for the City to grant a Conditional Use Permit. They are as follows: (a) The use is one of the conditional uses listed for the zoning district in which the property is located, or is a substantially similar use as determined by the Zoning Administrator. City Code §9.106(E)(3) stipulates that commercial fences that exceed seven feet in height shall require a Conditional Use Permit. This application is consistent with the requirements of the Code. (b) The use is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the comprehensive plan. The Comprehensive Plan guides this property for commercial use. Installing a sound barrier wall intends to separate the commercial use from the adjacent residential properties and is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. (c) The use will not impose hazards or disturbing influences on neighboring properties. The proposed 8-foot height sound barrier wall should not cause hazards or disturbing influences on neighboring properties. (d) The use will not substantially diminish the use of property in the immediate vicinity. The proposed project should not diminish the use of the 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. The proposed sound barrier detail contains high-quality wood material that is design to be air-tight and have no gaps, which will contribute to preserving the current appearance and character of the neighborhood. (f) The use and property upon which the use is located are adequately served by essential public facilities and services. This is correct. (g) 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. This is correct. The fencing should not affect traffic congestion on public streets or on-site traffic circulation. (h) The use will not cause a negative cumulative effect, w hen considered in conjunction with the cumulative effect of other uses in the immediate vicinity. This is correct. The fencing should not cause a negative cumulative effect. (i) The use complies with all other applicable regulations for the district in which it is located. 205 Item 4. Page 3 This is correct. The fence will be constructed of approved fencing materials per the Zoning Ordinance and State Building Code. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the proposed Conditional Use Permit for the property located at 999 50th Avenue NE, subject to certain conditions. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Draft Resolution No. 2024-068, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to recommend City Council approve the Conditional Use Permit as presented, subject to the following conditions of approval: 1. The site plan included in this submittal shall become part of this approval. 2. The applicant shall submit a building permit application for review and approval prior to construction. 3. Fences greater than seven feet in height shall be of an engineered design and capable of withstanding the applicable wind loads in the Minnesota State Building Code. 4. The sound barrier wall/fence shall be constructed in the manner specified in the Noise Impact Study recommendations dated October 30, 2024 including construction requirements that the barrier meet the minimum acoustical rating of STC 22 or a mass no less than 2 pounds per square foot, the panels screwed together instead of nailed, and that there is an overlapping, 1” (nominal thickness) assembled so that the total actual thickness of the wall is at least 1-1/2” along the entire length of the wall. 5. The applicant shall be responsible for conducting routine inspections to ensure that the sound barrier wall/fence is maintained and upkept. 6. Post-construction sound testing is required to demonstrate compliance with the recommendations made in the Noise Impact Study. 7. All other applicable local, state, and federal requirements shall be met at all times. ATTACHMENTS: Draft Resolution Applications Site Plan Fence Specifications Noise Impact Study Notice of Public Hearing to Newspaper Notice of Public Hearing to Neighborhood Mailing List 206 Item 4. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-068 A resolution of the Planning Commission for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, recommending approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the property located at 999 50th Avenue NE (PID: 25-30-24-23-0002) in the City of Columbia Heights, MN; Whereas, a proposal (Planning Case # 2024-0905) has been submitted by Civil Site Group on behalf of Tsunami Express Car Wash as the property owner to the Planning Commission requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit at the following location: ADDRESS: 999 50th Avenue NE (PID: 25-30-24-23-0002) EXISTING LEGAL DESCRIPTION: That part of Lots 8 and 9, Auditors Subdivision No. 153 LYG, Anoka County, Minnesota, lying Westerly of a line described as follows: THAT PART OF LOTS 8 & 9 AUDITORS SUBDIVISION NO 153 LYG ELY & SLY OF ALDI ADDITION, WLY OF MATHAIRE ADDITION & NELY OF 50TH AVE NE THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING: 1. Conditional Use Permit to allow an eight (8’) foot tall over-height sound barrier along the eastern/northern property line of the lot at 999 50 th Avenue NE in accordance with City Code Section 9.106 (E)(3)(a). Whereas, the Planning Commission held a public hearing as required by the City Zoning Code on November 6, 2024; Whereas, the Planning Commission has considered the advice and recommendations of the Planning Commission regarding the effect of the proposed Conditional Use Permit 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, in accordance with the foregoing, and all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission makes the following: FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The use is one of the conditional uses listed for the zoning district in which the property is located, or is a substantially similar use as determined by the Zoning Administrator. 2. The use is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the comprehensive plan. 207 Item 4. 3. The use will not impose hazards or disturbing influences on neighboring properties. 4. The use will not substantially diminish the use of property in the immediate vicinity. 5. 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. 6. The use and property upon which the use is located are adequately served by essential public facilities and services. 7. 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. 8. The use will not cause a negative cumulative effect, when considered in conjunction with the cumulative effect of other uses in the immediate vicinity. 9. The use complies with all other applicable regulations for the district in which it is located. CONDITIONS 1. The site plan included in this submittal shall become part of this approval. 2. The applicant shall submit a building permit application for review and approval prior to construction. 3. Fences greater than seven feet in height shall be of an engineered design and capable of withstanding the applicable wind loads in the Minnesota State Building Code. 4. The sound barrier wall/fence shall be constructed in the manner specified in the Noise Impact Study recommendations dated October 30, 2024 including construction requirements that the barrier meet the minimum acoustical rating of STC 22 or a mass no less than 2 pounds per square foot, the panels screwed together instead of nailed, and that there is an overlapping, 1” (nominal thickness) assembled so that the total actual thickness of the wall is at least 1-1/2” along the entire length of the wall. 5. The applicant shall be responsible for conducting routine inspections to ensure that the sound barrier wall/fence is maintained and upkept. 6. Post-construction sound testing is required to demonstrate compliance with the recommendations made in the Noise Impact Study and ensure that the wall meets the MPCA standards for noise. 7. All other applicable local, state, and federal requirements shall be met at all times . 208 Item 4. Passed this 6th day of November, 2024 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Clara Wolfe, Chair Attest: Andrew Boucher, City Planner 209 Item 4. Page 1 of 3 Community Development Department 590 40th Ave. NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 NON-RESIDENTIAL - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION ORDINANCE NO. 9.104 (H) This application is subject to review and acceptance by the City. Applications will be processed only if all required items are submitted. PROPERTY INFORMATION Project Address/Location: ________________________________________________________________________ Legal Description of property: ____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Present use of property: _________________________________________________________________________ Proposed conditional use of property: ______________________________________________________________ PROPERTY OWNER (As it appears on property title): Company/Individual (please print): __________________________________________________________________ Contact Person (please print): ______________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____________ Zip: ___________________________________ Daytime Phone: __________________________ Cell Phone: ____________________________________________ E-mail Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ Signature/Date: _________________________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT: Company/Individual (please print): __________________________________________________________________ Contact Person (please print): ______________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____________ Zip: ___________________________________ Daytime Phone: __________________________ Cell Phone: ____________________________________________ E-mail Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ Signature/Date: _________________________________________________________________________________ 09/05/2024 DAVID KNAEBLE Digitally signed by DAVID KNAEBLE DN: C=US, E=DKNAEBLE@CIVILSITEGROUP.COM, CN=DAVID KNAEBLE Date: 2024.09.06 12:19:38-05'00' 210 Item 4. Page 2 of 3 REASON FOR REQUEST (please attach a written narrative describing the intended use of the property and justification for your request. Describe any modifications and/or limitations of the use that have been made to insure its compatibility with surrounding uses and with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan.) FOR OFFICE USE ONLY CASE NO: _______________________ APPLICATION REC’D BY: ________________________ DATE APPLICATION REC’D: _______________ $500 APPLICATION FEE REC’D: _____________________ RECEIPT NUMBER: ____________________ Approved by Planning & Zoning Commission on ____________ Approved by City Council on _____________________ Rev Revised June 2017 211 Item 4. Page 3 of 3 212 Item 4. 213 Item 4. 214 Item 4. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Columbia Heights will conduct a public hearing in the City Council Chambers of City Hall at 3989 Central Avenue NE on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The order of business is as follows: A request for a Site Plan Review (under one acre) was made proposing demolition of the existing office building in preparation for a new construction car wash and a Conditional Use Permit for an over-height sound barrier at 999 50th Avenue NE. Section 9.104 (N) of the Zoning Ordinance requires the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on the Site Plan Review and make findings before approving or denying the application. The Planning Commission will provide a recommendation on the Conditional Use Permit for the over-height sound barrier to the City Council for consideration at the November 12, 2024 Council meeting. Notice is hereby given that all persons having an interest will be given an opportunity to be heard. For questions and a full description of the proposals, please contact Andrew Boucher, City Planner, at (763) 706-3673. 215 Item 4. City of Columbia Heights | Community Development Department 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3670 ▪ Fax: 763-706-3671 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – NOVEMBER 6, 2024 2015-3 IH2 BORROWER LP 1717 MAIN ST STE 2000 DALLAS, TX 75201 Date of Hearing: November 6, 2024 Subject: Public Hearing Notice – Site Plan Review proposing demolition of an existing vacant building in preparation for a new construction car wash; Conditional Use Permit for an over-height sound barrier. Subject Property: 999 50th Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Dear Resident/Affected Property Owner: The City of Columbia Heights has received an application for a Site Plan Review proposing demolition of the existing office building at 999 50th Avenue NE in preparation for a new construction car wash and a Conditional Use Permit for an over-height sound barrier. Section 9.104 of the Zoning Ordinance requires the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing to approve the Site Plan Review for the car wash and provide a recommendation to the City Council on the Conditional Use Permit for the over-height sound barrier. You are receiving this notice because the property that you own (Affected Property), and/or reside in, is located within 350 feet of the Subject Property. The Planning Commission of the City of Columbia Heights will hold a Public Hearing on this matter on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Columbia Heights City Hall, located at 3989 Central Avenue NE. A map of the Subject Property is attached. A full copy of the application is on file at City Hall and is available for review upon request. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the Public Hearing for this matter by attending the November 6, 2024 Planning Commission meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, but would like to provide input, you can submit correspondence via email to aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov or by mail at: City of Columbia Heights Attn: Community Development 3989 Central Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 You can participate in the meeting live and online by using Microsoft Teams at the login link below or call-in: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting Online Meeting ID: 252 58 988 371 Passcode: ugquG3 Dial-in for Microsoft Teams Meeting +1-312-626-6799 216 Item 4. If you have any questions about this proposal, please do not hesitate to contact the City of Columbia Heights Community Development Division at (763) 706-3673. Sincerely, Andrew Boucher Community Development Planner, City of Columbia Heights ** Landowners (Commercial and Residential): If you do not reside on the Affected Property, located 350 feet from the Subject Property, it is your responsibility to share this notice with your tenants. This notice should be posted in a public place on your property or mailed directly to the tenants residing or leasing space on the Affected Property. -SUBJECT PROPERTY LOCATION- (Highlighted in orange) 217 Item 4. Name Address City 2015-3 IH2 BORROWER LP 1717 MAIN ST STE 2000 DALLAS, TX 75201 A AND A PROPERTIES LLP 527 PARK PL VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN 55127 ALDI INC (MINNESOTA)PO BOX 460049 DEPT 501 HOUSTON, TX 77056 ALEXON DANA A & SHARI 1035 LINCOLN TER NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 ALI, FADUMO MOHAMOUD 4920 TYLER ST NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 ALVARADO, JAIME R 1100 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 BERG PAULA ELIZABETH 1100 PIERCE TER NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 CANTOS MARCO A ROJAS 700 N MORGAN AVE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55411 COLOMBO TRUSTEE MARK R 1105 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 CORNELIUS, CHRISTOPHER S 7890 QUEENSLAND LN N MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311 DAHL STREET PROPERTIES LP 526 HAWTHORNE WOOD DR EAGAN, MN 55123 HOLKESTAD PAIGE LORELLE 1060 POLK PL COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 JAY'S PROPERTIES LLC 16600 86TH AVE N MAPLE GROVE, MN 55311 KEHRWALD TRUSTEE THOMAS L 1060 50TH AVE NE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55421 KNUDTSON MARLENE S 1070 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 KOPONEN TRUSTEE, ROBERT H 1035 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 LEMA, MARIA ELVIA 4924 TYLER ST NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 LHAMO, SANGYAL 1020 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 OLSON DEAN M ETAL 1775 15TH AVE NW NEW BRIGHTON, MN 55112 P&L REAL ESTATE 3 LLC 3312 HIGHLAND DR BURNSVILLE, MN 55337 PATEL, ANITA M 1101 PIERCE TER NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 PETERSON R M & PODANY S R 1120 PIERCE TER NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 PRECISION PROPERTIES LLC 3800 N WASHINGTON AVE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55412 RIFAI, SAMIHA 608 37TH AVE NE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55421 ROGERS LINDA R 1057 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 SANCHEZ LOPEZ CRISTOBAL 1051 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 SANCHEZ QUEVEDO LORENA 4918 TYLER ST NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 SIGCHA AYORA SANDRO NESTORIO 1085 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 STOVER, MARY LOUISE 1040 50TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HGTS, MN 55421 STURDEVANT JOSEPH A 6182 HEATHER CIR NE FRIDLEY, MN 55432 THIRD STREET INDUSTRIES LLC 3429 EDWARD ST NE ST ANTHONY, MN 55418 TOBASI PROPERTIES LLC 10869 BENTWATER LN WOODBURY, MN 55129 VANGSGARD, JOEL M 1061 POLK PL NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 VUE MIHOKO KUATUKNUE 1085 PIERCE TER NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 WHITE CASTLE SYSTEM INC PO BOX 1498 COLUMBUS, OH 43216 WHITNEY, TYLER J 4922 Tyler Street NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421 , 218 Item 4.