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10-22-01 PC Agenda AGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Chambers Monday, October 22,2001 7:00 P.M. I. Approval of Minutes - September 24, 2001 Planning Commission Meeting II. Informal Public Hearing - Zoning Code Text Amendment Applicant: International Health Care Services Address: Industrial Zoning Districts, Golden Valley, MN Purpose: The applicant is requesting to add "Daytime Activity Centers" as a Conditional Use to the City's Industrial zoning districts. -- Short Recess -~ VII. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings VIII. Other Business A. Discussion of outside storage of PODS in residential areas IX. Adjournment Regular Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission . September 24,2001 A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall, Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday September 24, 2001. Chair Pentel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Those present were Chair Pentel and Commissioners Eck, Groger, Hoffman, McAleese, Rasmussen and Shaffer. Also present were Director of Planning and Development Mark Grimes, City Planner Dan Olson, and Record: etary Lisa Wittman. Purpose: Ing ~,y to approve the I. Approval of Minutes - July 23, 2001 Planning Co MOVED by Eck, seconded by Shaffer and motion carri July 23, 2001 minutes as submitted. II. Informal Public Hearing - Property S Applicant: Richard Bonnin Address: Lots 7,8 & 18, B and 1408 Alpin ills located at 1407 June Avenue South In Golden Valley, MN . g a subdivision of the main parcel of land new lot to be accessed from Alpine Pass. Grimes reviewed his me requesting a minor s referred to the site m and Alpine Pass. would allow for the east one-thir lots along applic t has and fee a . September 20, 200Land stated that the applicant is r the property located at 1407 June Avenue South. He d that this property has frontage on both June Avenue d that the proposal is to replat the property into three lots that ction for two new homes. The applicant is purchasing the d adding that to Lot 7 to allow for the creation of the two new ss. He stated that the lots have severe slopes and that the . ted a slope stability study, which the City Engineer has reviewed proper care, these lots can be developed. Grimes stated that there was a variance granted to the property in the 1970's to make the home legally non-conforming, which allowed a garage to be added within six feet of the property line. He stated that there are a couple of encroachments with the driveway and a fence, but felt that they didn't need to be addressed as part of this subdivision. Eck asked if the applicants are buying a piece of Lot 9. Grimes stated that was accomplished in 1966 and that there was probably a lot trade done at that time. . Pentel asked if Lot 19 on the June Avenue side of the property is going to be developed. Grimes stated that there are several lots in that area that are going to be developed. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 2 McAleese referred to the existing legal non-conforming status of the property. He . stated he doesn't have any objections to subdividing with that status, but as a rule when subdivisions occur everything has to conform and asked if a better approach would be to handle this proposal as a variance rather than a subdivision. Grimes stated that the Planning Commission could pass this proposal on to the City Council indicating that there is a variance from the subdivision code because this home doesn't meet the requirements of the zoning code, but that the pro did receive a variance in 1972 to allow the home to be constructed at that loc III. t appears to s aren't resolve. Groger stated that the existing home has a fence along the cross the lot line and asked if that is an issue. Grimes st considered a structure and that that is something that t Richard Bonnin, 110 West Grant Street, Minneapo trying to design the house so that there would nt, stated that he's been variance requests. Pentel opened the public hearing; hearing. no one Pentel closed the public Shaffer stated that he would like to meet City Code without any req record that these homes would have to nces. . MOVED by Eck, seconded request for the property s .. 4 Tyfb I Hms) with the und Pass will not require and motion carried unanimously to approve the 407 June Avenue South (Lots 7, 8 & 18, Block ing~1nat1hehomes.tobeiroilt on the lots on Alpine s. aring - Conditional Use Permit (CU-89) 50 Florida Avenue South, Golden Valley, MN The Conditional Use Permit would allow vehicle maintenance services in the Industrial zoning district, in addition to the Permitted Uses of administrative office functions and dispatching of vehicles. Olson referred to his memo dated September 20, 2001 and showed the location on a sit~-map. He stated that this site is zoned Industrial and that most of the uses the applicant is proposing are considered permitted uses with the exception of minor automobile repair and vehicle maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups. He stated that the applicant has indicated that they would also like to do touch-up painting . of cabs and intend to do some exterior improvements to the building. Olson gave the Commissioners copies of the applicant's parking plan and stated that Staff believes that adequate parking for this site is being provided. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 3 . He stated he used office and warehouse calculations to calculate the parking need for the site and that based on that, the site would require 52 parking spaces and the applicant's proposal indicates 53 parking spaces. Olson stated that the City Engineer and the City Code require the applicant to pave the south side and the rear of the parking lot and to also provide concrete curb and gutter. He referred to the eight conditions listed on page three of his memo. Rasmussen asked if . parking requirem s. use permit they requirement they woul g plan. One seven If stacked xcluded the site. Olson stated uate because they is not where the s n street spaces would rd of Zoning Appeals because from the required 52 spaces. Groger stated that he sees two major problems with the applica is that they are showing stacked parking and two, is that theXI parking spaces on the street to meet the parking requirem':" parking was in conformance with the City Code and state seven street spaces there wouldn't be enough parking that Staff felt that stacked parking on the south side wou are using-tnat ~as a storage space for their newer t employees would park. He stated that taking/j; require the applicant to request a variance fro" the that would bring their parking countdown to 4' ac . Grimes stated that Staff had just rece' that they would need to see a park' and meet the parking code or el that if the Planning Commissio could pass their recommen of parking spaces would 'cant's parking plan that night and ere all the parking spaces are accessible need to request a variance. He stated his proposal is a good use of the property, they the Council with the condition that the number roved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Ie to use the building for anything given the City's tated that because they are requesting a conditional her meet code requirements or get a variance from code at if the applicant were requesting a use that was permitted ke any changes to the site. ur and gutter would be around the entire perimeter of the parking lot. . Eck asked for clarification of point number five in the Deputy Fire o. Grimes stated that it was referring to fire alarm systems and safety Hoffman asked if the seven street spaces the applicant was proposing were required to be~ay--time PClJkin9-onIY_()Lif QYemightparking w(:l~_9110vved. Grimes stated that the City doesn't allow applicants to count street parking spaces as meeting their parking demand. . Shaffer stated that the number of parking spaces seems to be the biggest issue and that 46 spaces is not enough. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 4 Pentel asked if the drivers would come to the site in their cabs or in their personal . vehicles. Olson stated that he's been told that the cabs are the property of, or leased to the drivers and that except when the vehicles are being maintained they wouldn't be on site. Eck asked if Staff was recommending approval of this proposal. Olson stated that Staff is recommending approval. Basil Wissner, Executive Vice Pres' a anager, Airport Taxi and Town Taxi, 8293 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairi ,~tated that the vehicles are leased to . independent contractors and th ake them home and do not bring their personal cars on the premises. He s far as the painting system goes, if they decide to put one in, it would be he proper channels, following City procedures. He stated that they intend t the bui~ding, put in new fencing, and install new HVAC equipment. nd asked if it ncing in Rasmussen stated that the screening there now is in a state of d' was going to be fixed. Olson stated yes, the applicant wants to around the site. Pentel asked if the applicant decides to do spray paintin' engineered painting system, if that would that be ground use permit. Olson stated yes, he thought it would to put in a painting system if the applicant woul to the conditional use permit. Olson stated th that a recommendation but as of now, the ap touch-up painting. n't use an r ing the conditional er asked if they do decide e back for an amendment ning Commission could make stated they only want to do Pentel asked wh irport Taxi and Town Taxi serves. Wissner stated they currently the sed vehicles that serve all 7 metro county areas. Pentel asked if th to stop in and drop off receipts. Wissner stated that on Mondays, and Wednesdays drivers come in to drop off their receipts. Pentel asked ere Taxi and Town Taxi is currently located. Wissner stated they are located is Park. Pentel asked where the taxis wait for their fares. Wissner stated that ently they wait mainly at taxi stands, malls and hotels but that they are working on a new computerized dispatch system, which will take the taxi stands away. Rasmussen asked how long he thought the building would suit his needs. Wissner stated they are looking at an eight-year lease agreement with two five-year options. Groger asked how many local drivers they have right now. Wissner stated they have in excess of 250 drivers. Groger asked how often the leased vehicles come back to him. Wissner stated that they've recently had approximately 30 vehicles come back due to . the airport business being way down. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 5 . Eck asked for clarification from the applicant on how many parking spaces they feel they need. Wissner stated they have to follow what the City says, but he feels he would need 25-30 parking spaces. Shaffer asked if they were to stay in this location for eighteen years, how many parking spaces would they guess they would need. Wissner stated he would guess he'd need three times the number of spaces. Grimes asked if they they do that they their drivers employees, , plus the 30 mentof new re just isn't allowed. Groger stated that according to the applicant during the day the plus 250 taxis on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays comin vehicles that are coming back due to the economic situatio vehicles to replace the old ones. If all those numbers ar enough parking on the site even if the proposed stacke Grimes asked how many spaces are available insi parking any of the vehicles inside. Wissner sta inside. 'Iding and if they would be er vehicles would be Shaffer asked what would be going on i Wissner stated that would be where t e area inside the building. nce of the vehicles would take place. . Pentel asked if the people leasin Wissner stated yes. Pentel sta 250 vehicles. Grimes aske serviced. Wissner stated Wissner stated they have ing them to the site to be serviced. would mean this would be a service garage for rs are given a loaner car if theirs is being o e sked how many loaner cars they have. er cars available for the fleet. ... rmeetings with all the fleet drivers. Wissner stated when el, but they would have a small classroom on site for training given moment how many vehicles would be oh the site. Wissner 40-50 would be on the site at one time. Shaffer asked if half of side the building. Wissner stated no, it would depend on how many marshal says they can have in the building. Grimes stated that what he's hearing from the Planning Commission is that their concern is that there needs to be enough parking spaces to meet their everyday demands. Pentel opened the public hearing. . James Peters, 9145 Olson Memorial Highway; stated he worked for Mr. Wissner many years ago as an independent contractor. He stated he has concerns in regard to environmental issues and public safety. He stated that the drivers aren't always careful as to what they do with the refuse after the vehicle has been maintained. He stated that these types of operations are often dirty, greasy, oily and depressing. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 6 He stated that unless this operation is to be radically different from what goes on in the . rest of the industry, he would not suggest that this would be the type of business that Golden Valley would want to see. He stated he doesn't want to see taxi drivers frequenting residential streets such as Louisiana, Glenwood, Laurel, and Xenia. Pentel asked Mr. Peters what he meant when he said he was concerned about environmental issues. Peters stated he was talking about trash, oil, grease and OSHA concerns. He recommended checking with St. Louis Park on what ir experience has been with Town Taxi. Hoffman stated that ossibility of a es nearby. John Liss, 235 Nevada Avenue S., stated that he is concer spray booth and the ventilation and it's effect on resident Pentel closed the public hearing. Pentel stated that she assumed Boulevard Col. . has a spray booth. Grimes stated there are tot and that he hasn't received any complaints. state state codes and that the inspections de them so he doesn't have any issues in the same area, also similar businesses in the area hat spray booths have to meet e fire department supervise spray booth. Groger stated that he just doesn' that the City can't approve the unless there was some seri of how this will meet their parking spaces on the plans and feels reet parking, so he can't support this proposal of the parking proposal and a better clarification . .n traffic in the residential area would not be good. Pentel stated sh inadequate. ithCommissioner Groger that the parking on this site is Rasmusse weren' uch area so parking pia at she would like to see an operation like this go in that site if it t mobile intensive operation. She stated that this isn't a residential ng through the area isn't a concern. She stated however, that the t's been proposed is of great concern to her. Grimes stated that any re-use of this building is probably going to have to receive a parking variance sometime in the future. He stated there just isn't enough space on the site to get 53 parking spaces to fit. Pentel agreed with Grimes and stated that if the use were less automobile intensive it would make more sense to grant a variance. Shaffer stated that even beyond having enough parking spaces, there is a circulation problem on the site. . MOVED by Shaffer, seconded by Groger and motion carried unanimously to deny the Conditional Use Permit request based upon the inadequate number of parking spaces and the lack of room for vehicle circulation. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 7 . IV. Informal Public Hearing - Conditional Use Permit (CU-90) Applicant: Auto Point, Ltd. Address: 9130 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley, MN Purpose: The Conditional Use Permit would allow for outdoor sales of used automobiles in a Commercial zoning district. Pentel asked if t up of the car in dOing any plicant is in a ake any changes ike to have 30 cars wing 20 cars on the site. ber 10 and stated that he Grimes referred to his memo dated September 19, 2001 an applying for a conditional use permit that would allow out commercial zoning district. He stated the applicant isn' to the building or the site at all. He stated that the appli parked outside, but that he would feel more comfo He referred to the Deputy Fire Marshal's memo would like to make sure the fire lanes are left . Grimes stated this building is approxima parking requirements for the existing the use-they would need to havemor allowed at this site. He referred explained their hours of operati many employees they have. new lighting, but he put in n-has-to-be approvOO-by-th the applicant has indO re feet in size and it meets the Ince the applicant is proposing to change that there is no on street parking ubmitted by the applicant, which many visitors they expect in. a day and how ated the applicant isn't planning on installing any ndations that if they do add lighting to the site, it . land tumed--down after 1 O:UORM.-He--stated e cars will be new or late model cars, not junk cars. nning to use the bays shown on the plans to do any clean g. Grimes stated that they've indicated that they won't be hat they contract that service out to a different company. ic safety is concerned about having another car dealership in that ted that he hasn't talked to public safety about this proposal because a car operation there previously and there weren't any problems. Rick Foreman, applicant, stated they are not seeking any variances and that his proposal is in compliance with the zoning code and the comprehensive plan for Golden Valley. . Pentel asked where the business is currently located. He stated that they were formerly located in St. Louis Park but that they are now located at 9130 Olson Memorial Highway in Golden Valley and that they've already signed a lease for the property, they are just waiting for approval on the conditional use permit before they can open for business. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 8 Pentel asked how many cars they would have to move through their business in a week . to support eight employees when there are only 20 cars on the lot. Foreman stated they are also going to be seeking approval to add an indoor showroom to their lot, but stated that this is not a high volume retail dealership and that they service a certain niche with pre-order and special order cars for their customers. Shaffer referred to the staff report where it mentioned that a portion of the sales are done through the Internet and asked what percentage of the cars a ctually on the lot. Foreman stated that quite a few of the cars don't even com t but are delivered directly to the people that order them. Groger asked if they are going t Foreman stated they haven't th igns on the gn and that there Rasmussen asked what the signs might look like and if t cars. Foreman stated that they are going to use the exi would be no balloons, banners or streamers. Groger asked if they receive the cars individual one time. Foreman stated that the cars are tr would probably only receive a few at a time. of cars they've had on their lot at one ti that quite a bit of their inventory is ke uld be receiving a lot at on car carriers and that they ed what the maximum number stated approximately 20 and itioning facility in Minnetonka. anges to the parking configuration. oing anything to reconfigure the parking. . Grimes asked when they typically takes to unload t allow the truck to pull h rs where the trucks park and how long it oreman stated that the driveway is wide enough to Memorial Highway stated he objects to this car lot being his home. He .stated concerns about lights, flags and activity n there now. James Pet , 145 Olson Memorial Highway stated that due to the age and configuration of the frontage road on the north side of Highway 55 he has concerns about how this proposal would affect traffic. He stated he is happy that there will be no signs or banners on the cars but that traffic is already congested at the Boone and Highway 55 intersection and this would be an additional burden on that area. Benjamin Pale, no address given, representing Minnetonka Auto Service stated he has worked with Auto Point, Ltd. fora number of years. He stated there isa misconception about this business. He stated that the cars come to his business where they are . unloaded, inspected and washed and that he would appreciate if the Planning Commission would vote in favor of this proposal. Pentel closed the public hearing. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 9 . Foreman responded to Mr. Peters concerns about traffic by stating that they would be generating less traffic than the business that was previously there. Groger stated that the staff report refers to the lighting being turned down at 10:00 PM and asked that since the applicants hours of operation are only until 7:00 PM, if the lighting could be turned down earlier. Grimes stated that there should be some type of lighting on for security purposes, but that they should be turned down at a reasonable hour. Eck stated that if he proposal. prinkler d the Shaffer asked if the applicant has started the process of instaUi system for the use of sales indoors. Foreman stated that t41f process. Grimes told the applicant that he might want to make su the City Council for this conditional use permit bef in the fire sprinklers. as the approval of s to the expense of putting Groger clarified that the hours of operation w through Saturday, the lighting would be be no outside speakers used. m 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday fter 8:00 PM and that there would . Pentel stated she is familiar with of operations are usually unnot creeping of auto sales off 0 that a similar operation u ulhispalticl..Ilar site: (~utomobile dealership and that these types She stated she is a little reluctant to see the 94 and onto Highway 55, but stated she realized ed there and she doesn't have any issues with in the staff report are met, he as no objections to the Aded by Hoffman and motion carried unanimously to approve ditional use permit based on the following conditions: 1. ited to the sale of 20 vehicles and that 15 spaces be designated for nd customer parking 2. All signage meets the requirements of the City's sign ordinance. 3. The recommendation of Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Anderson found in his memo to Dan Olson dated September 10, 2001 shall become a part of this approval. . 4. No display of cars can take place in the building. The two claims bays may be used for the temporary storage of two vehicles. 5. The Building Official shall approve any additional lighting of the site. Lighting shall be turned down after 8:00 PM. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 24, 2001 Page 10 6. No more than 8 employees shall work at the site due to parking constraints. . 7. The hours of operation for the sale of cars shall be limited to 9 AM to 8 PM Monday- Saturday. There shall be no sales of vehicles on Sunday. 8. No outside speakers shall be permitted on the site. -- Short Recess -- Olson discussed the report don Strategic Planning Session process is. Olson stated ordinance. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelop Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meeti rity, City V. Eck gave a report from the City Council Meeting held on <\ stated that the Council voted to approve the request by' i which would allow the construction of six new homes on that the City Council voted to continue their delibertl'"~ discuss park dedication, conservation easeme ot ',2001. He s Development, p 'sula. Pentel stated il September 25, 2001 to etails. VI. Other Business A. Presentation on Findings fro Ordinance. nning Session on Telecommunications bault and Associates that was generated from the Iy 9,2001. Shaffer asked what the next step in the 's to have Thibault and Associates write up a draft . uncil stands on the Commission Guidelines that Mayor ber LeSuer discussed with the Planning Commission at the ing Commission Meeting. Grimes stated he would find out and let roundtable meeting that he and Pentel attended at the City of Pentel discussed the MNApa State Planning Conference that several of the Commissioners attended. She informed the Commission that next year the conference will be held in Minneapolis. Olson stated that the HRA approved 12 units for the former Sheriffs Site property. He stated that 4 units would be Habitat for Humanity homes and,8 units would be affordable housing units and that Habitat for Humanity is going to give the City a . proposal for the project soon. VII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM. " .. . . . Hey Memorandum Planning 763-593-8095/763-593-8109 (fax) To: Golden Valley Planning Commission From: Dan Olson, City Planner Subject: Consideration of Amendment to Section 11.36 of the City Code Date: October 18, 2001 Background' The City has an application submitted for a Zoning Code text amendment. The proposal is to amend the text to of the Industrial zoning district (City Code Section 11.36) to allow adult day dare centers as a Conditional use in that zoning district. Currently, this use is not allowed as either a Permitted or Conditional Use in any zoning district in Golden Valley. However, the following are similar uses in the city: Business and Professional Offices zoninQ district: "Daytime activity centers and/or facilities providing school and/or training for retarded or handicapped people" is a Conditional Use. Since this use most closely resembles adult day care centers, staff would propose using the term "Daytime Activity Centers" to define this ,use in the Zoning Code. Residential zoninQ district: "Day Care Facilities licensed by the State of Minnesota serving 12 or fewer persons" is a Permitted Use. In addition, Child Care Facilities, which is defined as a service provided to the public in which children of school or pre-school age are cared for during established business hours, is a Conditional Use in the Commercial, Light Industrial (where only dependents of employees are served), Industrial, and Institutional zoning districts. Proposed Adult Day Care Center Location This proposed site of the adult day care facility, which is located at 2525 Nevada Avenue North, is zoned Industrial and the building is an office condominium where each suite is individually owned by a business owner. The applicant, International Health Care Services, is a non-profit organization that currently provides in-home health care for non-english speaking people. International is hoping to expand their services by opening this adult day care facility. The day care would be located across the hall from their offices at 2525 Nevada Avenue North. The applicant has described the specifics of the adult day care and this information is attached for your review. The suite that would house the. day care has most recently been used for a furniture showroom. No exterior improvements to the building are planned for the day care use, but the applicant is planning on making interior improvements to the suite such as the installation of door and dividing walls. . ,j' . The parking requirement for Daytime Activity Centers in the Business and Professional Offices zoning districts is "at the ratio of one (1) parking space for every 250 square feet of gross floor area. According to the applicant, the suite is approximately 1,800 square feet in size. Therefore, 7 parking spaces would be required. The applicant has stated that they are assigned 2 parking spaces in the front of the building, and that there is also a large parking area behind the building available to them. The day care would employ 3 to 5 employees, although it is expected that not all of the employees would be on site every day. The applicant is hoping to sign up a total of 40 clients for the day care, with 10-12 on site every day, and all of the clients would be dropped off at the center. The operating hours for the center would be from 8 AM until 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Since the clients would be dropped off and have few employees, both the applicant and Staff believe the parking to be provided would be sufficient to meet the needs of the day care center. Other City's Requirements The following information is provided to give you an idea of what other Cities require for adult day care centers in Industrial zoning districts. Permitted or Conditional Use in Industrial City district Parking Requirement St. Louis Not Permitted in Park Industrial Not. applicable 1 parking space for each 6 persons cared for and 1 parking Plymouth Conditional Use space for each employee. Pick-up and drop-off areas designated; 1 parking space for Richfield Conditional Use each 5 persons cared Case by case Parking requirements are determined by the Planning Eden Prairie basis in Industrial Commission/City Council. Brooklyn 1 parking space for each 7 persons cared for and 1 parking Park Permitted Use space for each employee. . Recommended Action Staff requests that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council the amendment . to the Industrial zoning district's requirements in a Formal Public Hearing. Attachments: Narrative from International Health Care Services 2 " \ , . . . October 5, 2001 Mr. Dan Olson City Planner 7800 Golden Valley Rd. Golden Valley, MN 55427 Dear Mr. Olson: iRECEIVED I i OCT 0 {) 2001 f IBY' .~ An adult day care is a program of services designed for older adults and adults with special needs who want to remain active and independent in the community. Through daily social activities, personal grooming and health monitoring this program is a viable alternative to nursing home placement and social isolation. Studies show that day programs are cost-effective and provide respite for at-home caregivers. Our adult day care program will operate Monday - Friday from 8am until 5pm and offer: · Individualized care plans · Respite for caregivers · A safe, secure environment · Social activities · Exercise . Friendship · Shopping & Field trips · Mental stimulation · Nutritious meals and snacks · Health monitoring: blood pressure, weight, medication · Referral services · Support groups The goal of our adult day care program will be to enhance the lives of individuals and families by providing quality care in a dignified, respectful, and compassionate group setting. Sincerely, .--.---------. <- 4 .~ c::yI/e4eL-,- ~ Michael Tobak Office Manager International Health Care Services 2525 Nevada Avenue North, Suite 302 Golden Valley, MN 55427 (763) 591-1959 , , " . . . Hey Memorandum Planning 763-593-8095/763-593-8109 (fax) To: Golden Valley Planning Commission From: Dan Olson, City Planner Subject: Discussion of outside storage of PODS in the Residential zoning district (City Code Section 11.21) October 17, 2001 Date: Background Recently, the City has received complaints about "Portable On Demand Storage" (PODS) units in single family residential areas of the city. Attached are some photographs of these units. These PODS are used by residents to store personal belongings for short periods of time while the home is being remodeled, for example. Currently, the Zoning Code does not address the issue of outside storage in the Residential zoning district. This may be considered an "Accessory Building", which the Code does have regulations for: -------..---. ----.- Detached accessory buildings shall be located wholly to the rear of the house or main building to which it is incidental with at least 10 feet of separation between the main building and the accessory building or buildings. When so placed, the accessory building or buildings shall be no less than 5 feet distant from any lot boundary line other than a street line and no less than 35 feet distant from lot boundary line which is also a street line. The PODS are constructed of a fiberglass shell with an aluminum floor. According to the PODS vendor, there are 2 sizes available for rent: 8 x 8 x12 and 8 x 8 x 16. The PODS are delivered to the resident's home and placed on a hard surface. The resident can pay extra fees to have the POD placed on a soft surface. Also, the POD is normally kept on the resident's property, but the resident may pay extra fees to have the POD stored at the vendor's facility. Staff has identified some issues for discussion of the PODS units: . Should they be required to be located on a hard surface? . How long should they be allowed to stay on the property ? . Should signage be allowed? ~ ! Other City's Requirements The following information is provided to give you an idea of what other cities require for these types of storage facilities in single family zoning districts. . City Requirement St. Louis Park Has not had to deal with this issue yet. Has not had to deal with this yet, but does not allow outside storage in Plymouth single family areas. . Has not had to deal with this yet, but does not allow outside storage in Richfield front yards of single family areas. Minnetonka Has not had to deal with this issue yet. St. Peter Allows for 5 days maximum, with no signage allowed. . Clearwater Not allowed. . Recommended Action Staff is asking for direction on how to proceed on this issue. Attachement: Information from POD website (www.putinapod.com) Photographs of PODS in Golden Valley . 2 .. . . . It's The All New Concept!... :" ,'" ,k,.~''''''@l~ ,~ 'h::' lp"" ;; \ m ",,~*l(l"~ ""'''" H , i<~ 1""<< ~, ,Ai",," "'" W "8""" "W ~ 8''''' ~ M 'i "" <1 v" r It's the biggest breakthrough in moving and storage since the moving truck was invented! Why? Because with PODS you only pay for what you use... the box portion of the truck! What's more, the 'POD' &trade; is delivered to you, with no more truck rental, no complicated insurance forms, no gas, and no traffic accidents. And once the POD is packed, it can be delivered to your new destination, or put in storage until you need it. PODS are perfect for... : ~ '<>-~.): '.-,,; , ~ ~.<>;:<~" ~~O<- ;<# ,!> '" . Moving your home, apartment or business. . Storing all types of items including furniture, clothing, tools, documents, and holiday decorations- anything that's taking up valuable living space in your garage, closets & attics. . Storing excess inventory at your business site. . Storing your household goods while you wait to move into a new home. . Anytime you need a temporary storage solution without the hassles of renting a truck and a mini storage unit. How Does It Work? %^'" ,.." >0 ,~"" "~_' , I: Our delivery system allows us to gently lower and retrieve the POD using smooth hydraulic pow~r. The POD actually is susp~nded from a s()lid metal framework. The truck pulls forward leavmg the ~amework and POD In place. The POD is then lowered to the ground. The framework IS loaded back on the delivery truck and your POD is now ready for packing! Instead of scrambling a~ound renting, driving and loading a truck in one day, you now can pack and move at your leIsure. . l<~~ . . )<J~C(AG€. . J . \(.W\~C~~t .