Loading...
04-24-06 PC Minutes . . . Regular Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 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, April 24, 2006. Chair Keysser called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Those present were Planning Commissioners Cera, Eck, Keysser, Kluchka, Schmidgall and Waldhauser. Also present was Planning Intern Kristin Gonzales and Administrative Assistant, Lisa Wittman. Director of Planning and Development, Mark Grimes was absent 1. Approval of Minutes March 27, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting March 27, 2006 Joint Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting MOVED by Eck, seconded by Schmidgall and motion carried unanimously to approve the March 27, 2006 Planning Commission and Joint Planning and Environmental Commission minutes as submitted. 2. Informal Public Hearing - PUD No. 70 Amendment #1 - Golden Valley Commons (Doolittles) - Preliminary Plan of Development Applicant: Doolittles Air Cafe (Cliff Corporation) \ Address: 550 Winnetka Avenue North Purpose: To allow for two additions to the restaurant comprising of a new entry vestibule/waiting area and a four-season porch to be used for seating. Gonzalez explained that the applicant is proposing to amend their existing PUD in order to construct two additions totaling approximately 750 square feet comprising of a new four-season porch, a new entry vestibule/waiting area and a patio. She added that Doolittles is also planning to renovate the inside of the existing restaurant. She explained that the owner of the shopping center has given their permission to make the proposed changes with the condition that 14 new parking spaces be added. Doolittles has submitted plans that demonstrate where the 14 new parking spaces will be located. Gonzales referred to the City Engineer's staff report and noted that he wants to see some additional utility plans and a revised landscape plan before this proposal receives final approval. Eck referred to the plans and stated that it is unclear to him how many total seats in the restaurant are being added with the renovations and additions. He asked about the required number of parking spaces for this use. Gonzalez explained that since this is a PUD the number of parking spaces that were required could differ from what the zoning code requires. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 2 . Waldhauser referred to the site plan and asked about the location of the 14 new parking spaces. Gonzalez showed where some of the new parking spaces were being added. Keysser asked the applicant to explain where all of the new parking spaces would be. John Sheehan, Doolittles owner, gave a presentation about the new Doolittles concept and discussed the types of interior materials they are proposing to use and the reconfiguration of the space. He explained that they are changing from their Air Cafe concept to a Woodfire concept. He showed the Commission before and after pictures of their Eagan restaurant and said that the Golden Valley restaurant would be very similar. He discussed the new menu and the new patio area which will be enhanced with trees, rock, boulders and a fire pit. . Gregg Hackett, Architect for the project, showed illustrations of the Doolittles restaurant with the new four-season porch and front entry. He showed pictures of the current outdoor dining area and explained that that area would be enclosed and a new outside patio area would be outside of that enclosed area. He referred to the site plan and showed the Commissioners where the 14 new parking spaces are located. He confirmed that if this were not a PUD the Zoning Code would require them to have 108 parking spaces. They currently have 80 and they also have joint parking agreements with the other tenants in the center. He added that there will also be a connecting sidewalk in the front of Doolittles to Winnetka Avenue. Sheehan stated that they would not be investing their money in this new concept if they didn't think the parking would work. He explained that they did their own, informal parking studies and the results were very good even at their busiest times so they are confident that this parking plan will work. Keysser asked about the number of seats being added. Hackett said there will be approximately 30 new seats added depending on the configuration of the tables. Keysser asked if the hours of operation were changing. Sheehan said no. Cera asked about the timeline for the remodel. Sheehan explained that they are hoping to be done with construction and reopen by mid-October. Keysser asked Hackett to discuss the trash enclosures. Hackett stated that the doors and enclosure will remain the same they just added another parking space next to it. He added that they will also be relocating an existing fire hydrant and that they've also addressed the Deputy Fire Marshal's concerns regarding a 45 degree turning radius. Schmidgall stated that he is in favor of the proposal. . Kluchka stated that he would also support the proposal. He stated the he appreciates that it will be an upscale dining establishment because it is consistent with the Envision goals and residents want to see upscale dining in Golden Valley. . . . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 3 He referred to the site plan and asked if the south west corner of the outdoor dining area is intended to be a waiting area or a seating area. Hackett said that the main purpose of that area is to be able to escort people from the entry area to the patio area without having to walk through the dining area. He added that it is also intended to be a casual waiting area but that it would not be big enough to be a seating area. Waldhauser said that she also likes the proposal. She noted that Mr. Sheehan mentioned the smell of the woodfire grill and asked how powerful or wide spread the smell might be. Sheehan explained that the woodfire grill inside the restaurant would be completely vented but there might be a slight campfire smell. He said that their guests would not want a smoky environment and explained that staff will be told that if it is too windy they will not have the outdoor fire going. He added that the outdoor fire pit is for ambience and there will be small fires and embers so it won't affect too large of an area around it. Keysser said he was happy to see the sidewalk connection to Winnetka Avenue. He asked the applicants if they could install a bicycle rack. Hackett said that was a good idea. Kluchka asked the applicants if there is a better way to integrate the proposed new sidewalk with the existing city sidewalk. Hackett showed the Commissioners an earlier version of this proposal that integrated the public and private areas and connected people from Doolittles to the arbor area on the corner of Winnetka and Golden Valley Road. Kluchka said he was also thinking that would be a good transition between public and private space. Hackett explained that there were issues with the City's role and Doolittles role and the liability. He suggested that the City begin to study how other cities handle these types of issues with their sidewalk dining. Kluchka said it would worth having staff give comments on it. Kluchka referred to the site plan and asked about the junction boxes on the west side of the plan. Hackett stated that the boxes are on city property and this proposal won't have an impact on them. Kluchka asked where people would be asked to smoke. Sheehan stated that they are directed further to the south, across the parking lot. Keysser opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one wishing to comment, Keysser closed the public hearing. Cera stated that the proposal is straightforward and will not have any negative impacts. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 4 . Gonzalez stated that she checked on the parking regulations in the Zoning Code and for restaurants it states that there needs to be 1 space for every 40 square feet of public area and 1 space for every 50 square feet of non-public area. MOVED by Cera, seconded by Schmidgall and motion carried unanimously to recommend approval of PUD #70, Amendment #1, Golden Valley Commons (Doolittles) with strong encouragement that a bicycle rack be added to the plans and with the following conditions: 1. The site plan for the Doolittles outlot prepared by Partners and Sirny Architects and dated March 31, 2006 shall replace the existing site plan for this outlot approved as part of the original PUD permit. This includes 14 additional parking spaces for the outlot. 2. Doolittles is permitted to add approximately 752 sq. ft. of building space to include a 36 seat four season dining area and new enclosed entry. 3. The new outdoor patio will include 38 patio seats, a fire pit, BBQ, and landscaping. 4. The memo from City Engineer Jeff Oliver, PE, and dated April 17, 2006, is attached and his recommendations shall become a part of this approval. . 5. The memo from Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Anderson and dated March 22, 2006, is attached and his recommendations shall become a part of this approval. 3. Informal Public Hearing - Minor Subdivision and Subdivision Variance SU09-09 - Turners Crossroad South Applicant: Brakins Homes (Yele Akinsanya) Address: 621 Turners Crossroad South Purpose: The Subdivision would create two separate lots in order to keep the existing home and to construct one new home. The Subdivision variance would allow the existing attached garage to remain in its current location within the rear setback of the new lot for the existing home. . Gonzalez explained the applicant's request to divide one existing lot at 621 Turners Crossroad into two lots. She stated that the existing home on the west side of the property will remain and a new home would be built on the newly created eastern lot. She stated that both lots exceed the minimum square footage requirements and the lot width requirements. She explained that the proposal also requires a variance from the subdivision code in order to allow the existing garage to remain and be too close to what will be the rear yard lot line. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 5 . She stated that the City Engineer has required additional information from the applicant that needs to be submitted for the final plat is approved regarding the proposed rain garden, topography, and drainage and utility issues. Cera referred to the survey and noted that there is 70 feet of the front yard property abutting the street. He stated that the way he understood the subdivision ordinance is that there has to. be 80 feet of street frontage. Gonzalez explained that the lots need to be 80 feet wide, but that it is measured at the 35-foot front setback, not right at the street. Otherwise cul-de-sac lots and pie shaped lots would not be allowed. Yele Akinsanya, Applicant reviewed his proposal. He stated that he originally wanted to move the existing garage forward so that the house would meet the rear yard setback requirements. He explained that if he were to move the garage forward it would be blocking an egress window in a bedroom and that would be violating the building code so he would like to leave the existing garage where it is. He referred to the survey and stated that the garage/shed structure on the back of the existing home has been removed and they are now just using the former garage/shed walls as retaining walls. He added that there is a utility pole located right next to the proposed new driveway so he will be asking the utility company to relocate it. . Cera asked the applicant to discuss the proposed rain garden shown on the survey. Akinsanya stated that he is trying to go above and beyond the City's requirements and that he is trying to be proactive in meeting all of the requirements. He stated that he will be living in the proposed new home and that he is planning on renovating the existing house and selling it. He referred to the survey and noted that the existing sewer line would be going directly under the new house so rather than having it that way he is going to take out the existing sewer line and relocate it. Cera asked if the proposed rain garden could be made a mandatory requirement because he knows there are some neighbors that have concerns about the drainage in the area. Akinsanya explained that he has been working with the City Engineer and an environmental agency to do a soil analysis. He said that he will do whatever is required to address any drainage issues. He added that he would prefer to put in a rain garden if the City will allow it. Akinsanya referred to the survey and discussed the City Engineer's recommendation regarding the sanitary sewer service being accessed from Radisson Road. . Cera asked about the size of the proposed new home. Akinsanya stated that the home would be approximately 5,000 to 6,000 square feet in size including the basement square footage. He stated that he will be staying within the setback areas and will be following the 30% lot coverage requirement. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 6 . Kluchka asked about the sewer lines being within an easement. Akinsanya explained that the utilities will stay within the easement being shown along the north property lines. Eck asked why the utilities couldn't come off of Turners Crossroad. Akinsanya explained that bringing the utilities off of Turners Crossroad would significantly increase the cost and that the City is discouraging that idea because Turners is a new street. Cera asked about tree preservation requirements. Akinsanya said that some of the trees will have to be removed in order to build the house, but he is keeping as many of them as possible. Keysser added that he didn't think the City's tree preservation ordinance applied in this situation. Cera asked about maintenance of the large area on the proposed new lot between the front yard property line and the street. Gonzalez said the homeowner would be responsible for the maintenance. Keysser opened the public hearing. . Harold Berman, 601 Radisson Road, stated that he is concerned about drainage. He asked if the applicant has any plans to change or grade the elevation of his property when he constructs the new home. He referred to the proposed rain garden and asked about its appearance and what it will consist of. Keysser stated that there will be an increase in the elevation and that is something the City Engineer is working with the applicant on. Waldhauser explained that rain gardens can consist of a variety of materials including grasses and shrubs that are utilitarian and channel the water. She added that rain gardens do also require a maintenance plan. Berman stated that he agrees that a rain garden should be a requirement because he doesn't want to lose the draining advantage that he has. Keysser asked the applicant how high the elevation will need to be raised. Akinsanya reiterated that between the City Engineer, the surveyor and himself the drainage issues will be taken care of because he is going to be living in this new home and also does not want to have drainage problems. . Kim Peters, 500 Radisson Road, referred to a utility pole located in the same area as the proposed new driveway. He asked where the new pole will be located. Akinsanya stated he knows that Excel will want it to be moved, but he is not sure where they will want to put it. Peters said he doesn't want the post on his property. He also questioned where along the north property line the new sewer lines were going to be installed. Akinsanya stated that the utilities will be completely on his property. Peters stated that the proposed home seems large. He referred to the new homes being built on Lawn Terrace and asked how big they are. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 7 . Akinsanya stated than those homes are approximately 3,500 to 3,800 square feet but if they had basements they would be bigger. Marilyn Dietrich, 616 Radisson Road, stated that the size of lots and ambiance is what attracted her to Golden Valley. She said she is concerned about setting a precedence by giving variances so homes can be stuck in here and there. She said her neighborhood is becoming more attractive and she doesn't want this to be a trend. Whitney Hanson, 701 Turners Crossroad, stated that she agrees with the previous speaker. She said Golden Valley means elbow room and she loves the way the neighborhood feels. She added that she doesn't want tall homes and people can't get large lots like this, this close to the Twin Cities. William Schroers, 721 Turners Crossroad, stated that he objects to this proposal. He said Golden Valley is known for its big lots. He said the water does "pond up" in this area and he doesn't think a rain garden is going to stop that much water if this much impervious surface is being added. He added that dividing up this lot is going to be a crushing blow to this neighborhood. . Mark Maida, 637 Turnpike Road, said he is opposed to the proposal. He submitted a petition from some people in the area that were also opposed to the proposal. He said he moved to this area because of the large lots and they will be losing what they've invested in. He said is he especially opposed to the size of the proposed new home and that there are a lot of things that haven't been decided yet about the new house. Harold Berman, 601 Radisson Road, said he believes there is a storm sewer line along the eastern boundary of this lot where the rain garden is being proposed. He said he is not sure who owns the property and thought maybe the applicant could tap into it. Keysser agreed that the whole issue of drainage really needs to be looked at. Mark Szajner, 621 Turnpike Road, said his main concern is if this proposed new house is going to fit in with the neighborhood. He questioned the height requirements and said he is hoping the applicant will meet the dimensions in the code. Brad Kadu, 611 Radisson Road, said drainage is also of concern to him. He questioned how rain gardens work. Waldhauser explained how rain gardens work. Mark Maida, 637 Turnpike Road, asked about the next step in the process. Keysser explained that the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council. The Commission can recommend approval of the proposal, against approval of the proposal or they can table it if they require further information. . Mark Szajner, 621 Turnpike Road, asked if in the future he could view the house plans for the proposed new house. Keysser said yes and explained that Golden Valley does not have design standards but the plans would still need to meet all of the requirements of the Building Code. . . . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 8 Seeing and hearing no one else wishing to comment, Keysser closed the public hearing. Keysser stated that he thinks the biggest issue with this proposal is the drainage. Akinsanya stated that it is the City's and his responsibility to make sure that drainage in the area is not made worse. He reiterated that he will do whatever the City Engineer and surveyor tell him to do regarding drainage. Cera asked about the timing of the project. Akinsanya said he hopes to start building within the next couple of months. Eck asked if the applicant if he would still go ahead with his proposal if the Planning Commission did not recommend approval of the variance from the Subdivision Code. Akinsanya explained that he would have to move the garage which would then be blocking an egress window in a bedroom which would violate the Building Code. Schmidgall referred to a subdivision recently approved on Cutacross Road. He said that in that area there were a number of lots that could potentially be subdivided. He does not see that in this area. He said the City of Bloomington has established something that holds larger lots in reserve and he would like Golden Valley to look into doing something similar to that. He said another concern he has is not having design guidelines. He said he doesn't necessarily want all the houses to look the same, but he also doesn't want to end up with something crazy that really doesn't fit in. Keysser said he does not want to see design guidelines for residential properties, but would like them for commercial and industrial properties. Schmidgall said he is inclined to support this subdivision and variance request because both homeowners will be fully aware of the location of the garage as it already exists. He said he does want to be sure that the rain garden proposal is fully developed. Keysser said he would like to see the rain garden added as a condition of approval. Eck stated that his experience with the City Engineer is that he is quite adamant about not allowing existing drainage issues to be exacerbated. Kluchka recommended the Commission split the discussion about the subdivision request and the variance request. The Commissioners agreed to take two separate votes as shown below. Cera stated that he has problems with inviting people to a public hearing and then saying that we are sorry, but our hands are tied and we can't do anything about their concerns. He said he encourages people to talk to the City Council about their concerns. . . . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 9 Harold Berman, 601 Radisson Road asked if the Planning Commission has ever looked at making subdivision requirements more stringent in certain areas. Keysser explained that the Planning Commission is required to follow the Zoning Code. He stated that they have asked the Council to have discussions with them about this topic. Cera asked if no parking signs could be placed on one side of the street. MOVED by Waldhauser, seconded by Schmidgall and motion carried unanimously to approve the subdivision request at 621 Turners Crossroad with the following conditions: 1. The City Attorney will determine if a title review is necessary prior to approval of the final plat. 2. The Certificate of Survey prepared by Kemper and Associates for Yele Akinsanya and dated March 17, 2006 shall become a part of this approval. 3. The recommendations of City Engineer Jeff Oliver, PE, found in the memo to Mark Grimes and dated April 17, 2006, shall become a part of this approval. 4. A park dedication fee in an amount determined by the City Council shall be assessed at the time .of final plat approval. 5. A drainage plan and/or acceptable rain garden plan shall be submitted to the City Engineer for his approval before the time of final plat approval. Eck stated that given the circumstances in this case he feels it would be an unnecessary hardship to make the applicant tear down the existing garage. Kluchka stated that he is not inclined to support the variance request because the houses would be too close together and would not be in line with the neighboring homes. MOVED by Waldhauser, seconded by Eck and motion carried 4 to 2 to approve the subdivision variance request at 621 Turners Crossroad. Cera and Kluchka voted against recommending the variance request. 4. Informal Public Hearing - Amending the City Code, Section 11.90, Administration, regarding potential conflicts between the zoning provisions and the Comprehensive Plan. Gonzalez stated that the City Attorney has recommended that the last sentence in Section 11.90, Subdivision 7(B) be removed from the City Code. . . . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 24, 2006 Page 10 She explained that currently the City Code states that if there is a conflict with what the Comprehensive Plan states and what is stated in the Zoning Code, the Zoning Code would supersede the Comprehensive Plan. State law states that the Comprehensive Plan supersedes the Zoning Code so by removing the last sentence in Section 11.90, Subdivision 7(8), it will bring the zoning provisions in the City Code into compliance with state law. Keysser opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one wishing to speak, Keysser closed the public hearing. MOVED by Cera, seconded by Schmidgall and motion carried unanimously to recommend approval to amend the City Code, Section 11.90, Subdivision 7(8) regarding potential conflicts between the zoning provisions and the Comprehensive Plan. --Short Recess-- 5. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings Schmidgall reported on the April 11 ,2006 HRA meeting he attended. 6. Other Business No other business was discussed. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm.