12-08-14 PC Minutes Regular Meeting of the
Golden Valley Planning Commission
December 8, 2014
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,
December 8, 2014. Chair Kluchka called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
Those present were Planning Commissioners Baker, Blum, Cera, Johnson, Kluchka, and
Waldhauser. Also present was Planning Manager Jason Zimmerman, Associate
Planner/Grant Writer Emily Goellner, and Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman.
Commissioner Segelbaum was absent.
1. Informal Public Hearing — Conditional Use Permit— 905 Decatur Ave N — Our
World Shops, Inc. — CU-138
Applicant: Our World Shops
Address: 905 Decatur Avenue North
Purpose: To allow accessory retail services and/or sales incidental to a
permitted use in the Industrial zoning district.
Zimmerman reviewed the applicant's request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow
accessory retail sales incidental to a permitted use at 905 Decatur Ave. N. The majority
of the space would be used for warehouse and office use. He explained that up to 10%
of a building's entire footprint can be used for accessory retail sales in the Light
Industrial and Industrial zoning districts and that the Applicant is proposing to have
3,000 to 3,750 square feet (3% to 4%) of retail outlet space in the 101,100 square foot
building. He stated that the property has approximately 130 parking spaces and that the
applicant expects 10 to 20 cars to visit per day. He stated that the staff is
recommending approval of this Conditional Use Permit proposal.
Kluchka asked how many types of similar Conditional Use Permit requests the City has
seen. Zimmerman stated that are a few similar Conditional Use Permits.
Baker said he knows af a whalesale use nearby and asked if this is the same type of
use. Zimmerman stated that wholesale and showroom uses have different
requirements. The majority of the use in this case is warehouse and office space with
the retail sales being incidental.
Baker asked what types of products will be sold. Zimmerman said home goods.
Blum asked when Conditional Use Permits expire. Zimmerman said Conditional Use
Permits don't expire unless the business leaves, or there is a significant change in the
use. Waldhauser asked what happens to the Conditional Use Permit if there is a new
owner of the business. Zimmerman said a Conditional Use Permit amendment would be
required.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
December 8, 2014
Page 2
Ben Harn, Applicant, stated that he operates six e-commerce sites that sell products
from Finland, shower curtains, umbrellas, and glass collectibles. He stated that the web
portion of his business accounts for approximately 91% of the revenue and the retail
outlet accounts for approximately 9% of the revenue. He said he wouldn't have a retail
store, except for some of the brands require him to have a physical presence.
Johnson asked the Applicant why he chose Golden Valley. Horn stated that he couldn't
find a space in Minneapolis that met his needs because he requires a dock and retail
space but can't afford a retail building.
Blum asked the Applicant how many jobs his business will provide. Horn said they have
12 full time emplayees and 8 to 10 part time employees depending on the time of year.
Blum asked if he expects a high volume of customers. Horn stated it is really a
destination shop and people won't be stopping by. He added that last year the retail
sales averaged $760 per day, so it is not a high volume store.
Baker asked the Applicant if he will have any signage. Horn said yes, and stated that
the signage will be consistent with what the City allows.
Kluchka opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one wishing to comment,
Kluchka closed the public hearing.
Waldhauser said the proposed use seems like a reasonable fit with the area and she is
in favor of recommending approval. Blum agreed and stated that there would be a
minimal effect on traffic.
MOVED by Johnson, seconded by Blum and motion carried unanimously to recommend
approval of Conditional Use Permit at 905 Decatur Avenue North to allow accessory
retail services and/or sales incidental to a permitted use in the Industrial zoning district
subject to the following findings and conditions.
Findinas
1. The applicant has demonstrated need for the use.
2. The proposal is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
3. There will not be a negative effect on property values in the area.
4. The traffic generated from the proposed use will not conflict with current traffic in the
area.
5. The density or population in the area will not increase due to the proposed use.
6. There will not be an increase in noise by the proposed use.
7. The proposed use will not create dust, odor or excessive vibration.
8. The proposed use will not attract animal pests.
9. The proposed use will not significantly alter the visual appearance of the existing
building.
10. No other negative effects of the proposed use are anticipated.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
December 8, 2014
Page 3
Conditions
1. The plans by submitted by the Applicant on November 7, 2014, shall become a part
of this approval.
2. The recommendations and requirements outlined in the memo from Fire Chief John
Crelly to Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, dated November 26, 2014, shall
become part of this approval.
3. All signage must meet the requirements of the City's Sign Code (Section 4.20).
4. This approval is subject to all other state, federal, and local ordinances, regulations,
or laws with authority over this development.
2. Informal Public Hearing — Preliminary PUD Plan — Struther's Parkinson's
Center— 6701 Country Club Drive — PU-39, Amendment#4
Applicant: Park Nicollet
Address: 6701 Country Club Drive
Purpose: To allow a building addition approximately 2,700 square feet in
size and the construction of an outdoor memory care walk/garden.
Goellner referred to a site plan of the property and explained the applicanYs request
to amend their existing PUD permit to allow for a building addition and the
construction of an outdoor movement/therapy garden. She stated that the proposed
addition would be approximately 2,700 square feet in size and would be used as a
gathering space and for expanded education, rehabilitation and training capabilities.
She added that the Applicant is also proposing to create an indoor/outdoor movement
therapy garden with enhanced landscaping and artwork.
Goellner discussed the proposed parking on the site and stated that there are
currently 181 parking spaces plus 24 proof of parking spaces at 6681 Country Club
Drive. She stated that the City Code requires 158 parking spaces for clinic and office
uses. After the parking area is reduced to allow for the new landscaping, there will be
160 parking spaces within the PUD which includes the property at 6681 Gountry Club
Drive. She added that there will be a shared parking agreement and an access
easement between the two property owners.
Goellner stated that staff is recommending approval of the Preliminary PUD
amendment plan subject to the findings and conditions recommended by Staff.
Kluchka asked what "proof of parking" means. Goellner stated that it means there is
space for parking available, but it is not constructed unless and until it is needed.
Kluchka asked if the canopy referred to in the Fire Chief's staff report was far
Struthers Parkinson's Center or for the office next door. Goellner stated that both
buildings have a canopy.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
December 8, 2014
Page 4
Johnson asked for clarification that the parking will stay as is, and that no new parking
spaces will be required. Goellner said yes, the proposal meets the parking
requirements and that the proof of parking is not needed.
Blum stated that there was a reciprocal shared parking agreement with the property
next door that expired last year and asked if the City thinks the agreement is still
needed. Goellner said yes and added that the property owners are working on
updating that agreement.
Kluchka asked if the lighting needs to be replaced. Goellner said she is not sure, but
thinks the Applicant can address that issue.
Rose Wichmann, Manager of the Struthers Parkinsan's Center, explained that the
proposed addition will be on the northwest side of the building and will give them more
education space. The west side of the building will be an interior corridor they will use
for rehab services and the indoor/outdoor memorial garden. She referred to the
shared parking agreement and stated that the attorneys for the two properties have
updated it, so it will remain in place. She submitted a letter from the attorneys
clarifying that the easement rights are perpetual. She stated that they have been
doing hourly parking counts to make sure they will have adequate parking. They
currently have between 32 and 57 open spaces in the parking lot, so taking 16 to 18
spaces for this project should still be enough to accommodate both businesses. Baker
asked Wichmann how long they have been doing the traffic counts. Wichmann said
they've been doing the counts for the last month or so. Baker asked if their traffic is
seasonal. Wichmann explained that Struthers Parkinson's Center is first and foremost
a clinic and that traffic stays pretty much the same year-round. She added that they
do educational programming conferences as well and they will still be able to
accommodate that additional parking.
Blum asked if there is ever a need for emergency medical transport. Wichmann said it
would be extremely rare, but if they did have an emergency they would use the 911
system.
Kluchka opened the public hearing. Hearing and seeing no one wishing to comment,
Kluchka closed the public hearing.
Baker said he thinks the parking issue needed the most attention and that it has been
discussed satisfactorily.
Waldhauser asked how far along the Applicant is with their tree preservation plan.
Goellner said the tree preservation plan will be done as part of the Final PUD process.
Waldhauser said she was surprised to see that the Applicant isn't planning for shade
trees along the building and walkway and she hopes that they will.
Kluchka said he wants a condition added that a design review will be done during the
Final PUD review process.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
December 8, 2014
Page 5
Johnson asked if the Applicant is working with the City regarding stormwater issues.
Goellner said yes.
Waldhauser noted that the condition regarding shared parking can be modified since
the City now knows that the existing parking agreement will stay in place.
MOVED by Waldhauser, seconded by Cera and motion carried unanimously
recommend approval of the Preliminary Plan for Struthers Parkinson's Center PUD
No. 39, Amendment No. 4, subject to the following findings and conditions:
Findinqs:
1. The PUD plan is tailored to the specific characteristics of the site and achieves a
higher quality of site planning and design than generally expected under conventional
provisions of the ordinance.
2. The PUD plan preserves and protects substantial desirable portions of the site's
characteristics, open space and sensitive environmental features including steep
slopes, trees, scenic views, creeks, wetlands, and open waters.
3. The PUD plan includes efficient and effective use (which includes preservation) of the
land.
4. The PUD Plan results in development compatible with adjacent uses and is consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan and redevelopment plans and goals.
5. The PUD plan is consistent with preserving and improving the general health, safety
and general welfare of the people of the City.
6. The PUD plan meets the PUD Intent and Purpose provision and all other PUD ordinance
pravisions.
Conditions:
1. The plans prepared by EAPC architects and submitted with the application on
November 7, 2014, shall become a part of this approval.
2. The recommendations and requirements outlined in the memo from the Fire
Department to Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, dated December 1, 2014,
shall become a part of this approval.
3. The recommendations and requirements outlined in the memo from the
Engineering Division to Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, dated December 1,
2014, shall become a part of this approval.
4. A shared parking agreement shall be confirmed or enacted upon or before Final
PUD approval.
5. The Applicant shall submit a lighting plan that meets the requirements of the City's
Outdoor Lighting Code (Section 11.73).
6. All signage must meet the requirements of the City's Sign Code (Section 4.20).
7. This approval is subject to all other state, federal, and local ordinances,
regulations, or laws with authority over this development.
8. A final design plan shall be reviewed by the City prior to Final Plan approval.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
December 8, 2014
Page 6
3. Informal Public Hearing —Zoning Code Text Amendments — Amending
Sections 11.03 Definitions, 11.35 Light Industrial Zoning District, and 11.36
Industrial Zoning District—ZO00-95
Applicant: City of Golden Valley
Purpose: To consider amendments to the Zoning Code regarding Recycling
Centers.
Goellner reminded the Planning Cammission that the City Council passed a moratorium
regarding recycling facilities in order to consider potential changes to the definition of
recycling centers as well as the appropriateness of recycling centers as permitted uses
within the Light Industrial and Industrial zoning districts.
Goellner stated that staff is recommending finro new definitions, one for a drop-off facility
and one for a recycling facility as follows: Drop-Off Facility - A facility used for the
collection, sorting, storage, and transfer of non-hazardous materials for reuse in their
original form or for use in manufacturing processes that do not cause the destruction of
the materials in a manner that precludes further use. Compost and yard waste are
prohibited materials and Recvclin� Facility -A facility used to prepare non-hazardous
material for reuse in their original form or for use in manufacturing processes that do not
cause the destruction of the materials in a manner that precludes further use. Compost
and yard waste are prohibited materials.
Goellner stated that staff is recommending that drop-off facilities be a conditional use in
the Light Industrial zoning district and a permitted use in the Industrial zoning district and
that recycling facilities be a conditional use in both the Light Industrial and Industrial
zoning districts. She added that staff is also recommending that outdoor storage for both
uses be prohibited, and that the distance requirements from other zoning districts remain
the same as they are currently.
Waldhauser suggested that drop-off facility be changed to recycling drop-off facility.
Waldhauser stated that the Industrial zoning district has specific requirements regarding
screening, and asked if they have the ability to impose screening requirements in the
Light Industrial zoning district as well. Zimmerman stated that the Light Industrial zoning
district has requirements regarding screening from the Single Family Residential zoning
district and the R-2 Residential zoning district. Goellner added the Conditional Use Permit
section of the City Code also talks about visual screening.
Johnson asked about the costs incurred to companies that have to go through the
Conditional Use Permit process. Goellner stated that applicants would have to pay to
prepare their plans, for a survey of their property, and a $400 application fee. Kluchka
added that many of the issues reviewed during the Conditional Use Permit process can
be addressed in the applicant's narrative. Cera noted that Staff also surveyed other cities
and he doesn't think their fees would be much different than Golden Valley's.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
December 8, 2014
Page 7
MOVED by Baker, seconded by Waldhauser and mation carried unanimously to
recommend approval of the Zoning Code Text Amendments to Sections 11.03
Definitions, 11.35 Light Industrial Zoning District, and 11.36 Industrial Zoning District
regarding recycling facilities. Cera stated that there are other housekeeping items being
addressed along with the recycling language.
Baker stated that the public hearing was not opened. Kluchka apologized and noted that
no one was present to comment.
--Short Recess--
4. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City
Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings
Baker gave a report on the Bottineau Station Area Planning Committee meeting he
attended and stated that the group is planning to hold a neighborhood meeting on
January 7 to address some of the concerns about the Golden Valley Road station.
Kluchka said he would like the Planning Commission to receive a summary or an
update sometime in February. Blum added that it would be nice to see a timeline Qf the
proposal to help better understand the process. Baker stated that the parking analysis
will be discussed at the next Council/Manager meeting.
Kluchka gave a report on the Community Center Task force presentation being
presented at the next Council/Manager meeting. He stated that they are trying to
convey that the work that has been done is more than just a feasibility study, it is a long-
term plan for development.
5. Other Business
• 2015 BZA Liaison
The Commissioners decided that they would like to continue having a rotating schedule
for the liaison to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Council Liaison Report
Schmidgall reminded the Commissioners of the upcoming neighborhood listening
session (December 11) and the joint City Council/Planning Commission listening
session (December 15) regarding the subdivision moratorium. He said he thinks it is a
good idea to review some of things the City's done in the past regarding this issue and
welcomed the Planning Commissioners involvement.
5. Adjournment
The eeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.
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Charles D. Segelba m, Secretary Li i man, Administrative Assistant