HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 07-18-2001Approved Minutes
City of Plymouth
Planning Commission Meeting
July 18, 2001
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Peggy Larson, David
Gaither, Kapila Bobra, Sarah Reinhardt, and Karl Neset
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Roger Berkowitz
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt, Planning Manager Barb
Senness, Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Planner Rebecca Stoen, Associate Planner Josh Doty and
Office Services Supervisor Denise Hutt
1 CALL TO ORDER
2 PUBLIC FORUM
3 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Reinhardt, seconded by Commissioner Bobra to approve the June
20, 2001 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
5 CONSENT AGENDA
A CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2001057)
MOTION by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt recommending
approval of a site plan amendment to install a propane standby system for Plymouth Creek
Activity Center and field house. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
6 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A RAINBOW FOODS (2001056)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Rainbow Foods for a site plan amendment and
conditional use permit to allow construction of a fuel center at Rainbow Foods, 4190 Vinewood
Lane North, and a zoning ordinance text amendment to address canopy signage.
Chairman Stulberg turned the meeting over to Commissioner Reinhardt noting that he has a
potential conflict of interest.
Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the July 10, 2001 staff report.
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Commissioner Reinhardt asked if there would be any sales other than fuel. Senior Planner Drill
replied that convenience -type items such as washer fluid would be offered at the kiosk.
Commissioner Reinhardt introduced Steve Schwanke of RLK Architects, representing the
applicant. Mr. Schwanke stated that he concurs with the staff report and conditions. Mr.
Schwanke stated that Rainbow views the fuel center as another part of their retail store. The
management and security of the fuel center are fully integrated with their retail store. The kiosk
will be shelter for the operator and they are requesting minor retail sales, such as window washer
fluid, chips, candy and the like.
Commissioner Bobra asked if they would be adding fuel centers to their other two Plymouth
Rainbow Stores. Mr. Schwanke replied affirmatively. Planning Manager Senness stated that
there is currently a gas station under construction at Plymouth Station where one Rainbow store
is located, so they would not be asking for a fuel center at that site. Mr. Schwanke concurred
with that correction.
Commissioner Reinhardt opened the public hearing.
Commissioner Reinhardt introduced Jeff Skold of 4200 Underwood Lane. Mr. Skold asked how
the City views the relationship between commercial/retail property and residential property. He
said that he is not in favor of a gas station going in at Rainbow, as they have not been a good
neighbor. He cited that on the north side of 42nd Place there are seven dead trees with some trees
missing and poorly maintained shrubbery. On the south side of
42nd Place, there are six to seven
missing plantings. Mr. Skold stated that Rainbow doesn't do a good job maintaining the property.
There is always noise from delivery trucks and their ventilator. There is a pile of shopping carts,
and a collection of dollies and storage carts. There is a mud slide from the sloped soil on the
Northwest Boulevard side of the property. He said that he is always picking up trash. Mr. Skold
stated that the City should require a relationship between retail and residential uses.
Commissioner Reinhardt closed the public hearing.
Director Hurlburt stated that when new commercial developments are built there are numerous
standards that they have to meet, and that there are more standards now than when this facility
was built. She said that the City can't go back and require additional standards now. Director
Hurlburt explained that general property maintenance and noise issues are handled on a complaint
basis. Planning Manager Senness commented that the City did receive a formal complaint two
years ago and staff worked with Rainbow to address the issues. Director Hurlburt stated that
staff will work on the issues that were raised by Mr. Skold. She said that staff will have to view
the site to see what code violations are there currently. She stated that outdoor storage does not
automatically constitute a zoning ordinance violation.
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Mr. Schwanke stated that he is sympathetic to the comments raised by Mr. Skold, and that they
would be more than happy to meet with the him and City staff to address issues. Mr. Schwanke
stated that Rainbow is a tenant in the shopping center and not the property owner; therefore,
landscaping and irrigation would be the property owner's responsibility.
MOTION by Commissioner Gaither, seconded by Commissioner Larson recommending approval
of a site plan amendment and conditional use permit for Rainbow Foods for property located at
4190 Vinewood Lane North. Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
Chairman Stulberg abstained.)
MOTION by Commissioner Gaither, seconded by Commissioner Neset recommending approval
of an ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the Plymouth City Code allowing signage on canopies
for motor vehicle fuel sales that do not include a convenience store on the lot and findings of fact
for amending Section 21005 and Section 21155 of the Plymouth City Code. Roll Call Vote. 5
Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. (Chairman Stulberg abstained.)
B GRANDMA'S RESTAURANT (2001061)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Grandma's Restaurant for a zoning ordinance text
amendment to allow off-site directional signage for businesses or institutions that are not located
on a minor arterial or a major collector street.
Planner Stoen gave an overview of the July 10, 2001 staff report.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked if this were approved, would other businesses need to apply for a
permit. Planner Stoen replied that a sign permit would be required and that they would have to
meet the standards. Commissioner Reinhardt questioned if the directional sign for Begin Oaks is
a legally non -conforming sign or if they would have to apply for a sign permit if the zoning
ordinance was amended. She also asked if there would be a clean-up of illegal signs. Planning
Manager Senness stated that there are most likely illegal signs in the City and that staff addresses
that on a complaint basis. She stated that the Begin Oaks directional sign may be legal if it is on
their property.
Commissioner Bobra asked if approved signs are transferable. Planner Stoen replied that a new
tenant or business would need to apply to the City for a new permit.
Commissioner Gaither asked who bears the cost of the signs. Planner Stoen replied that the
applicant pays for the sign and related permits.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked what defines a logo on a sign. Planner Stoen responded that staff
would determine that on a case-by-case basis. She said that staff would keep in mind that the sign
is for directional purposes only, and if it is cluttered, the sign loses its clarity.
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Chairman Stulberg asked where a directional sign would be needed for the Lund's store since they
have a big sign on their store. Planning Manager Senness stated that the directional sign would
not have the name of the business on it, but rather the numeral addresses of buildings addressed
with Vicksburg Lane, but not directly located on Vicksburg Lane, such as 3405-3455 Vicksburg
Lane. She stated that the request is for public safety purposes to help direct emergency vehicles
to buildings that are addressed on a given street, but not located immediately along or visible from
that street.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Brian Daugherty, the applicant. Mr. Daugherty stated his
appreciation to staff for working with him on the proposed amendment. Mr. Daugherty said that
he can't get approval for the Minnesota Logos program until he obtains signage on Harbor Lane.
He presented a letter dated July 18 from Minnesota Logos regarding Minnesota Logos
requirements. The requirements include that the sign must be 2' by 3' and include a logo. He
suggested that Condition #6 be amended to allow six (6) square feet; Condition # 8 be amended
to delete the word logo; and, Condition #12 be amended to allow six (6) square feet. Mr.
Daugherty said that if the zoning ordinance wasn't changed to reflect his request, he wouldn't be
able to go with the Minnesota Logos program.
Chairman Stulberg asked if they would be willing to reduce their current sign to 96 square feet.
Mr. Daugherty replied affirmatively. Chairman Stulberg wondered if the applicant would be able
to request a variance if the amendment was approved as suggested by staff rather than change the
amendment for one person. Planner Stoen stated that she wasn't aware that Mr. Daugherty was
going to suggest amendments to staffs recommendation. Director Hurlburt stated that the
applicant could request a variance. She asked if the sign at Holiday has to meet the requirements.
Mr. Daugherty replied that the sign has to meet the trailblazer sign requirements. Mr. Daugherty
stated that Minnesota Logos is a private company and separate from MnDot requirements.
Chairman Stulberg asked what staff's intention was when they drafted the amendment. Planning
Manager Senness stated that staff discussed the appropriate size with the building official and staff
agreed on four (4) square feet.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on
the issue.
Commissioner Gaither commented that the applicant would have merit for a variance request and
is concerned with changing the recommendation for one person. Chairman Stulberg asked if the
Commission recommends approval of the ordinance amendment and the applicant comes back
with a variance request for a six (6) square foot sign, if the Commission would react favorably.
Commissioner Reinhardt stated that she is sympathetic to the applicant in trying to get approval
from Minnesota Logos, but she doesn't know if she would agree to allow a logo on the sign.
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July 18, 2001
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MOTION by Commissioner Reinhardt, seconded by Commissioner Neset recommending
approval of an ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the Plymouth City Code allowing off-site
directional signs and findings of fact for approval of the zoning ordinance text amendment to
allow off-site directional signs.
Chairman Stulberg stated that this approval would give the applicant the opportunity to negotiate
with Minnesota Logos.
Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
Chairman Stulberg asked what the Commission would do if the applicant has to comply with the
Minnesota Logos requirements. Commissioner Larson stated that she doesn't feel compelled as a
community to meet the requirements of Minnesota Logos since it is a privately owned company.
Chairman Stulberg stated that this is a request from a business in the community. Commissioner
Gaither said that he wouldn't have a problem supporting a variance. Commissioners Bobra and
Neset concurred. Director Hurlburt noted that the earliest a variance request could be acted on
by the City Council would be in September.
7 NEW BUSINESS
A TARGET CORPORATION (2001051)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Target Corporation for a site plan amendment to
allow a 28,700 square foot building expansion of the existing store located at 4175 Vinewood
Lane North and variance to allow a new loading area for an interior trash compactor to be located
in the northeast portion of the building.
Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the July 10, 2001 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Brian Treber, representing the applicant. Mr. Treber stated that
the expansion will allow for the addition of grocery items. He said that they held a community
meeting last week to discuss the application with the residents, and for the most part, they
received positive responses. Mr. Treber said that they have always tried to be good neighbors,
and that the expansion will give them the opportunity to change some things such as the lighting.
They will also be putting in more landscaping along Vinewood Lane than what is indicated on the
plan that staff received.
Commissioner Bobra asked what type of grocery items they would offer with the new expansion.
The applicant presented pictures of what would be included in their expansion. They would carry
the Archer Farms products and will have a bakery, produce, deli and a Starbuck's. The rest of the
store would be upgraded.
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Commissioner Bobra asked if the snack bar will remain. The applicant replied affirmatively.
Director Hurlburt asked if this store will be the same as their Shoreview store. Mr. Treber replied
that the Shoreview store is 8,000 to 10,000 square feet larger.
John Dietrich, representing the applicant, presented a revised landscaping plan depicting
additional landscaping along Vinewood Lane and conifers along the rear of the expansion. He
also presented pictures of what the proposed expansion would look like along with the new
proposed trees after five years of growth.
Mike Bittner, representing the applicant presented store renderings and indicated that the store
will be brick and colored block at the base. They will be taking out the drop off areas and filling
in with planters. Shopping carts will be stored behind a concrete wall.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked about irrigation on the eastern portion of building. Mr. Dietrich
stated that money has been budgeted to install landscape irrigation systems.
Commissioner Larson asked what the impact on traffic will be with the proposed expansion. The
applicant stated that traffic counts don't increase that much, but rather the amount of items in
shopping carts do. There may be a slight reduction in the cross traffic, as people may pick up
their grocery items while at Target rather than crossing the street to shop at Rainbow.
MOTION by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Commissioner Gaither recommending approval
of a site plan amendment and variance for Target Corporation for property located at 4175
Vinewood Lane.
Commissioner Reinhardt stated that she was glad that the applicant is moving some of the
proposed landscaping to the northeastern side of the site, as they need more of a buffer in that
location.
MOTION to Amend by Chairman Stulberg, seconded by Commissioner Gaither to change
Condition #6 in the resolution to refer to the applicant's new landscape plan.
Vote on MOTION to Amend. 6 Ayes. MOTION to Amend approved unanimously.
Vote on Main MOTION. 6 Ayes. Main MOTION approved unanimously.
B JEAN MERSCH (2001054)
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Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Jean Mersch for a variance to allow a third stall
garage addition that would encroach 6.5 feet into the required 15 foot side yard setback for
property at 1625 Shadyview Lane North.
Planner Doty gave an overview of the July 6, 2001 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Jean Mersch, the applicant. Ms. Mersch stated that their non-
conforming lot size is the hardship. The lot is 30% less in length and 15% less in width than the
normal lot size in the RSF-1 zoning district. Ms. Mersch stated that if the lot was in the RSF-2
district, she wouldn't need a variance because the setback would be 6 feet.
Chairman Stulberg asked the applicant how long she has owned the house. Ms. Mersch replied
four years. Chairman Stulberg asked if this development was done under the old SUP or a PUD.
Planning Manager Senness replied affirmatively. Chairman Stulberg explained that under the old
PUD, it gave the development more flexibility to vary the lot sizes. Chairman Stulberg asked if
staff has received any comments from the neighbors. Associate Planner Doty replied negatively.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Erin and Joy Jonell of 1635 Shadyview Lane. Ms. Jonell stated
that she isn't in favor of the variance request because their view from their bay window would be
obstructed with the proposed addition. She said that it would impede the view and light coming
into the kitchen and also negatively impact their property value. Mr. Jonell stated that there
currently are no three car garages in the Imperial Hills development, at least not on their half of
the development.
MOTION by Commissioner Reinhardt, seconded by Commissioner Neset recommending denial
of the variance for Jean Mersch for a third stall garage addition that would encroach 6.5 feet into
the required 15 foot side yard setback for property located at 1625 Shadyview Lane North.
Commissioner Reinhardt stated that the zoning ordinance protects all property owners against
encroachment into neighboring homes. The Jonell's view would be impeded and she will adhere
to the guidelines.
MOTION to Amend by Chairman Stulberg, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt to add that
the request doesn't meet Condition #6 of the Variance Standards. Vote on MOTION to Amend.
6 Ayes. MOTION to Amend approved unanimously.
Vote on Main MOTION. 6 Ayes. Main MOTION approved unanimously.
C COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Commissioner Neset stated that he is willing to continue serving as liaison to PRAC. Chairman
Stulberg appointed Commissioner Neset as liaison to PRAC.
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July 18, 2001
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Chairman Stulberg stated that he is willing to serve as the liaison to the HRA. The
Commissioners concurred.
Chairman Stulberg stated he can't attend the August 1, 2001 Planning Commission Meeting.
MOTION by Commissioner Gaither, seconded by Commissioner Bobra to adjourn. Vote. 6
Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.