HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 1999-442CITY OF PLYMOUTH
RESOLUTION 99-442
APPROVING VARIANCES FOR WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL FIELD LOCATED
AT 4955 PEONY LANE NORTH (99089)
WHEREAS, Wayzata Public Schools has requested approval of variances for the Wayzata High
School baseball field located on property legally described as follows:
Lots 1, Block 1, Wayzata Senior High School Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed said request at a duly called public meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does approve the variances for the
Wayzata High School baseball field at 4955 Peony Lane North, subject to the following findings
and conditions:
1. A variance is approved for an 8 -foot high chainlink fence around the perimeter of the
baseball field, a 10 -foot high chainlink fence between the backstop and the dugouts and a 16 -
foot high chainlink fence "batters eye" in centerfield, in accordance with the plans and
application received by the City on August 25, 1999, based on the following findings:
a. The hardship is based on the location of the baseball field adjacent to an arterial roadway
and the nature of the sport. The permitted three-foot fence would not stop balls from
rolling onto Peony Lane or the school entrance drive. Consequently, a higher fence is
required to provide adequate safety to players, spectators and passing motorists. The 10 -
foot high fence between the backstop and dugouts would help keep baseballs in the
ballfield and away from spectators. The 16 -foot high batter's eye would be covered with
a black windscreen to help focus the batter's eye on the ball and improve player
performance.
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b. That the conditions upon which a petition for a variation is based are unique to the parcel
of land for which the variance is sought and are not applicable, generally, to other
property within the same zoning classification
School playfields in front yards along minor arterial roadways are not common uses in
the P -I zoning district. However, baseball fields are necessary uses at high schools. In
order for the baseball field to function safely and effectively, a higher than standard fence
is required.
d. The purpose of the variation is to provide a reasonable level of safety for spectators and
for passing motorists. The higher fence would also help improve player performance by
allowing the batters to focus on the baseball by creating a solid wall in centerfield.
The hardship is caused by the Zoning Ordinance and was not self-created. The unique
nature of the baseball field creates the need for higher fencing for the safety of players,
spectators and passing motorists.
f. The purpose for the variation is to promote the public welfare, that is the safety for
players, spectators and passersby. The fence would be located approximately 200 feet
from the nearest residential property which would mitigate the visual impact of the higher
fence.
g. Based on its size and distance from adjacent residences, the fence would not impair the
supply of light and air to adjacent properties. The fence is intended to increase safety
along the roadway and within the site and improve the performance of the players.
h. The requested variances are the minimum action necessary to provide necessary fencing
around the baseball field.
2. A sign variance is approved to allow an 18 -foot high, 128 -square foot scoreboard where one
40 -square foot scoreboard is permitted, in accordance with the plans and application received
by the City on August 25, 1999, based on the following findings:
a. The physical surroundings of the property create a unique hardship, as distinguished from
a mere inconvenience. Because of the size of the baseball field, the applicant requires a
larger scoreboard in order to make the scoreboard visible to all player and spectators.
b. The conditions relating to the hardship are not generally applicable to other properties in
the P -I zoning district. The size of the high school and associated baseball field creates
the need for the larger scoreboard.
The request is not based exclusively upon a desire to increase value or income potential
of the property. The larger scoreboard would be visible to all players in the dugouts and
spectators in the bleachers.
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d. The hardship is caused by the Zoning Ordinance and was not self-created.
Granting the variance would not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other
land or improvements in the neighborhood. The proposed scoreboard would be on the
south end of the baseball field and the face of the scoreboard would not be visible from
the adjacent homes.
f. The variances would not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property,
or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets, or increase the danger of
fire, or endanger the public safety, or substantially diminish or impair property values
within the neighborhood.
g. The variance is the minimum necessary in order to install a scoreboard that is visible to
all player in the dugouts and spectators at the baseball game.
Advertising or sponsor panels are prohibited on the scoreboard.
4. Advertising on athletic field fence panels is prohibited.
5. The applicant must obtain the appropriate permits from the Building Division prior to
commencing any work on the fencing or scoreboard.
6. Any subsequent phases or expansions are subject to required reviews and approvals per
Ordinance provisions.
7. The permit is subject to all applicable codes, regulations and ordinances, and violation
thereof shall be grounds for revocation.
8. This approval shall expire one year after the date of approval, unless the property owner or
applicant has substantially started construction of the project, or unless the landowner or
applicant has received prior approval from the City to extend the expiration date for up to
one additional year, as regulated under Section 21030.06 of the Zoning Ordinance.
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ADOPTED by the City Council on October 19, 1999.
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) SS
The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Plymouth,
Minnesota, certifies that I compared the foregoing resolution adopted at a meeting of the
Plymouth City Council on October 19, 1999, with the original thereof on file in my office, and
the same is a correct transcription thereof.
WITNESS my hand officially as such City Clerk and the Corporate seal of the City this
day of
City Clerk