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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 06-07 PCP PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA JUNE 7, 1973 1. Call to Order: 8:00 P.M. 2. Roll Call: 3. Approval of Minutes: May 24, 1973 4. Chairmaci 's Explanation: The Planning Commission is an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is to hold Public Hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, the Commission makes recommen- dations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions on these matters. 5_ 73012 D. Brandvold - Variance V To build on substandard lot at 5649 Fremont (Tabled 5-10-73) . 6. 73014` Mork & Associates - Site & Building 48 Units (2 bldgs.) , 11236" FHA project, 67th & Emerson. 7. 7301 ` Fred Yesnes, Inc. — Variance Street side yard set back, 6700 Camden Avenue North. S. 73016 Super America, Inc. - Plan-Permit Amendment Permit erection of structure`on pump island at station, 57th and Logan. 9. 73017 Word Aflame Church Special Use, Permit Construction of Church in R-1 district, 69th & Lyndale 10. 73018 B.C.I .P. , Inc. - Site & Building Plans Speculative Industrial Building No. 5, easterly of No. 4, between Shingle Creek Parkway and 69th Avenue N. 11. 73019 Nolan Bros. , Inc. - Site and Building Plans "Mini-Storage" and office facility - 68th at Lee Avenue 12. Discussion Items: a. Land Use Policies in S .W. Neighborhood b. Non-conforming Residential Uses in Commercial - Residential Districts. c. Comprehensive Plan Review d. Home Occupations. 13. Cth6r Business: 14, Adjournment: PLANNING COMMISSION INFORMATION SHEET Application No. 73012 Applicant: D. Brandvold Location: South one-half parcel at 5649 Fremont Request: Variance from Section 35-400 B.ACKGPDUND: The items was tabled at the May 10, 1973 meeting, pending disposition of Application No. 73011 (subdivision of the property) . The latter was approved on May 21, 1973. The applicant seeks to build a single family dwelling on the newly created lot which is 71 feet wide. ANALYSIS Al" RECOMMENDATION: There is substantial precedent in this area for the subject action. A recent example is Application No. 72066. The width deficiency is four feet. Approval is recommended with the stipulation that it is for permission to build; no other variances are implied or' endorsed. .........,,...>.........,.....wn...v....,..._>.> ....- .., �� 3�--Y F �r� o.........._.......,.,... ...,....w........we....�..,.w ..�x.,-,....a.w....,._*.�..��a.�ws.vs+�-aa�r..wr..:+7:�.:mn.aa�uatuvwr.a�.rm-.r�s ,4� ,w•��da..`1rnb ..... ..w.,w�.....,.�..m...vw..aw�w�..+,+.a+.�w.,+...rw tic 1 A„x" lrA 4, .">r:.rn.>sn+:e;ww...'...v nn...a-..; ,N^own xavu..na..ac+�'FSwa-nr=..ru'..:.ew..i t..YR wd_xL a••.:,r..wax+rvmie�vu..vaxw...w7..vn:....rm>�.v....rwsw.....w...,ra:.«�« .e+...�......._.. ,_................�.--. �—..r+....:...a.�.."...�....... t t ti PLANNING COMMISSION INFORMATION SHEET Application No. 73014 Applicant: Mork and Associates Location:, 67th and Emerson Avenues North Request: Approval of Site and Building Plans BACKGROUND: The applicant has been actively processing this proposal at the Federal (and Metropolitan) level for over a year, seeking approval relative to the F.H.A. 11236" program. Attached are copies of various documents submitted by the applicant and Metropolitan Council in support of the project. The project was outlined for the City Manager on April 5, 1972. Upon receipt of Federal approval earlier this year, the applicant requested building permits. He was informed of the review and approval requirements of the Ordinance, and preliminary review of the subject plans by the staff commenced • in March, 1973. Initial examination determined that, contrary to statements in the Federal application, the project was not in complete conformance with R-5 zoning requirements. Deficiencies were noted; and the applicant submitted revised plans as well as an application for review and approval. The plans were subjected to further review and analysis. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION Review of the "revised" plans indicates: 1. Circumstances have changed notably since the applica- tion for F.H.A. assistance, e.g. , the City has authorization for an H.R.A; there is other F.H.A. "236" housing for low to moderate income persons under construction. 2. The density of the project (48 units on approximately 3 acres zoned R-5) is slightly deficient. This small • deficiency is accentuated in that 15 of the units have 3 bedrooms, and the entire project is intended for family occupancy. The sites are dominated by the buildings and the parking lots; relatively little Planning Commission Information Sheet Application No. 73014 Page 2 • effective on site open space is afforded for family leisure and children play activities. There is a potential population of up to 222 persons, including a possible 126 youngsters. 3. A comparison of the effective living area of the pro- posed units was made with other apartment projects (see attached) . 4. There is relatively little accessory storage space; there are no garages. Apartment units designed for family use generally require substantial storage space for toys, tricycles, bicycles, etc. , as well as space for miscellaneous property owned by families of 4 or more persons. 5< Landscaping is minimal. Eight trees of a minimum 6" diameter are provided - as required. There are two clusters of creeping juniper per site. A six foot redwood fence runs along the property line abutting • the single family homes. There is some berming in- dicated near the streets. A portion of the green area for Building No. 1 is across two parking lots from the building. 6. Parking is minimal, and may be deficient for building No. 1, if appropriate fire lanes are provided. 7. The Building Inspector has noted several Code and ordinance deficiencies, including lack of a security system, substandard floors and ceilings and lack of a wet standpipe fire extinguishing system (required for 3 storey or higher buildings) . The applicant has been informed of these points and, at this writing, has not responded. The recommendation most be for denial given the substandard and mediocre quality of 'the plans and concept. The applicant has had some contact with neighboring property owners; the inquiries from them indicates many will be • present at the meeting. COMPARISON OF SIZE OF PROPOSED (APPLICATION NO. 73014) UNITS WITH OTHER MULTIRESIDENTIAL UNITS The comparison was made with 5 other apartment complexes in the City, including the F.H.A. 11236" high rise under con- struction. Dimensions are of "typical units" taken from approved plans. Internal hallways, closets and storage areas were excluded. There are no .other comparable buildings with 3 bedroom units. Comparison was made of total effective living area; kitchen area; living and dining area; and the bath. The total area for the Chelsea proposed 2 bedroom units is less than the others; the 3 bedroom units average about 100 square feet more than the other 2 bedroom units - this is the approximate size of the third bedroom. The relative size of the nonbedroom areas of the 3 bedroom units is generally the same or less than two and, in some cases, one bedroom units in other buildings. This is most notable in the bathroom and living/dining room areas. Notable too, is the comparison with the Shingle Creek Towers F.H.A. "236" project. That development is intended for couples and the elderly. The Chelsea project is earmarked for families. It is evident that the dimensions of the proposed "family" units 1 are the same or less than the high rise units, except for the total and kitchen areas of the three bedroom units. The figures are not intended to establish an "ideal" unit size. They do, however, demonstrate the substantial lack of additional unit space which could be reasonably expected for three bedroom units intended for families. 1 P �•w...,_ � �v.Vey '4.,,�'°" � � • ` .wy,ca+w...i.ustltT .u+w\'a��Ny: •�: + _ __ �y,�,. INA, +A w ri�q�y E ar4 �11[s 10 1 �A+f Y'1 i, PLANNING COMMISSION INFORMATION SHEET • Application No. 73015 Applicant: Yesnes Construction Location: 6700 Camden Avenue North Request: variance BACKGROUND: This application was initiated by the City to acknowledge an approximate 10 foot, street side yard setback deficiency which resulted from an administrative error. The site is a corner parcel normally requiring a 25 foot side yard setback. The existing setback of the house now under construction is approximately 15 feet. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION: The plot plan submitted by the contractor did not indicate the setback; the distance was scaled by the Building Depart- met at approximately 15 . feet, and a permit was issued. • The error was discovered by the Inspector in the field during a footing inspection. A stop order was issued and the Inspector proceeded to revoke the permit, per the Ordinance. However, it was learned the builder had sold the home, to be built as is, shortly after the permit was issued. The City was informed legal action would be in order to cover resultant damages, should the permit be rescinded. After thorough review, it was our judge nt that the con- sequences of a setback deficiency of thi magnitude and at this location, were substantially less t an the probable expense of any legal action required to cesolve a situation due in part to an administrative error. This application represents an acknowledgement of the situation, its cause and the disposition considered most appropriate given the circumstances. Neighboring property owners have been notified per normal variance procedures. • :r 6 Lt­ Lo • PLANNING COMMISSION INFORMATION SHEET Application No. 73016 Applicant: Super America, Inc. Location: 57th and Logan Avenues North Request: Amendment to Site Plan and Special Use Permit BA CKG ROUND: The applicant seeks permission to erect a prefabricated "pump island office" on the center pump island of the service station at 57th and Logan. The intent is to provide attendents with shelter in adverse weather and to make the existing gasoline and merchandise retailing operation "more efficient" . ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION: The location of the proposed building would provide for a setback of 48 feet. The ordinance requires a minimum 50 foot setback from major streets and thoroughfares. In addition such a structure would diminish what "open" space there is at the subject station, given the large amount of merchandise which is stored, displayed and sold outside the main building on the 132 feet by 110 feet site. Recommendation is for denial. • �k m � 6 � ► fit° �., �„ ?�, r � F �J G„A p L\VE f ` — +-,, r t+9 A pA f' S7/2z Aw P aa��- w ' 2 v.r 1 U P PLANNING COMMISSION INFORMATION SHEET Application No. 73017 Applicant: Rev. Farris for Word Aflame Apostolic Church Location: S .W. Corner, 69th and Lyndale Request: Special Use Permit BACKGROUND: Churches are a special use in the R-1 district. The applicant seeks a permit for a 216 person capacity church. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION: While the main issue is whether to permit the proposed structure at this location, the applicant has been instructed to provide the substance of site and building plans for the project. Preliminary sketches indicate an access onto Lyndale Avenue and one onto 69th Avenue. It appears that the site can contain the proposed building and parking within ordinance requirements. The final plans have yet to be reviewed; further evaluation will be made at the meeting. Neighboring property owners have been notified. Approval would stipulate, among other things, that building plans are subject to review by the Building Inspector prior to the issuance of permits. f`w. 4 �� � P V:�� 3, f#�� ��` �� ���_�.n...._.�,..�_..�_._...�..�.._._.�..�. � F �' a!'� aq# i j i j `�, ti 11 ,� ,� �:� � . ' i�� 1 �" � � � ._.� ..,__,.,..._....._..v.a�,�..,.,e...�n �.....,�..N_a.�».,..�..,. ��...� .���fl��� �� �� ,..........,�.............. ...��,.„,. ..,.�,....,�....,�......�,. .,.... �,'� � t�� ,� :v � �> � � x:, .� �, I c • t F a 1 PLANNING COMMISSION INFORMATION SHEET Application No. 73018 Applicant: B.C.I.P. Location: Easterly of "Spec. Bldg.' No. 4, southerly of 69th Ave. N. and northerly, ,of Shingle Creek Parkway. Request: Site and Building Plan Approval BACKGROUND Plan approval is sought for a 127,176 square foot speculative industrial building. This is the 5th such structure and the proposed 9 acre site is easterly of the recently completed "Spec. Building" No. 4. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION Plans indicate about 10/ of the area (12,700 sq. ft.) is to be used for offices. Sixty-four parking spaces are required for that use, and 144 are required for the remaining industrial area. 347 spaces are provided, leaving an excess 139 spaces. This would indicate that potentially 27,800 more or a total of 40,500 square feet could be used for office purposes. The Director of Public Works will be prepared to comment as to the site and utility plans. Particular attention should be given to the berming along 69th Avenue. Initial plans indicated a fuel storage tank located on the northerly side of the building (69th Avenue frontage toward R-1) . The applicant was instructed to relocate this facility to the interior of the site or southerly of the building. Unlike "Spec. Building" No. 4, there is a north-south driveway from Shingle Creek Parkway to the interior lot of the building. Assurance should be made as to provisions for effective land- seaping/screeni.ng along 69th Avenue, particularly at LI1e and of said driveway. Approval would be subject to the following conditions : 1. The exterior finish and color of the building shall harmonious so to blend in with the over all neighborhood; 2. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery, and no signery shall be installed until approved by the City Council; Planning Commission Application Sheet Application No. 73018 Page 2 • 3. All exterior lighting shall be of such design so to be directed away from the residential areas northerly of the site; 4. There shall be no access point onto 69th Avenue North; 5. Building plans are subject to the approval of the Building Inspector with respect to applicable building codes; 6. Drainage and utility plans including berming specifica- tions are subject to the approval of the City Engineer prior to the issuance of a building permit; 7. A performance bond and a performance agreement (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted to the City to guarantee the installation of the site improvements as designated on the approved plans. • 0 t co aC / ty O-LPA 3 . 1 rya AA l x ) ol PLANNING COMMISSION INFORMATION SHEET Application No. 73019 Applicant: Nolan Bros. , Inc. Location: South of 68th Avenue at Lee Avenue N. Request: Site and Building Plan Approval BACKGROUND The applicant presented his concept of a "mini storage" and office facility to the Commission on March 1, 1973. The concern at that time related to an automatic fire extinguishing system and the prohibition of residential occupancy in the commercial district. We have met with the applicant several times since that meeting. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION: We will be prepared to discuss the proposal in detail. The concept is presented as a C-2 type enterprise. Items to be considered include: 1. Parking - provision should be made according to C-2 standards; although a deferment of actual installation may be in order. 2. Design of the "main office" space. The floor plan depicts a living unit - with a patio, sliding doors, a number of rooms including a bathroom with a tub. Assurance should be made that only office facilities are approved. 3. Landscaping. Consists mainly of shrubs and some trees. Submitted parking layouts do not provide for 5 foot greenstrips. ' The landscaping plan shows plantings in lieu of parking spaces - apparently in anticipation of a deferment of required parking installation. High landscaping quality is essential here, given the extraordinary lineal mass of the buildings. 4. Details for exterior color and lighting should be provided. Planning Commission Information Sheet Application No. 73019 Page 2 Approval would be subject to at least the standard conditions: 1. Building plans are subject to the approval of the Building Inspector with respect to applicable building codes. 2. Utility drainage and elevation plans are subject to the approval of the City Engineer prior to the issuance of the building permit. 3. A performance agreement and performance bond (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted to the City to guarantee site improvements designated on the site plans. .: � ,1Cwx , �, _....,_....�.__..v.....___...._.__....._.._� -tea �• ,_,.•__��.o��.s._....._�..._�...._....._......._..,.......,.,.� y 4 S "FF •q ' PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA SUPPLEMENT JUNE 7, 1973 The following amplify the analyses and recommendations made in the agenda: A. 73014 Mork and Associates 1. The applicant has consulted with the Building Inspector re- garding technical Code requirements. The Inspector- is not prepared to recommend approval of the application, and he will be present at the meeting. 2. Notwithstanding Code compliance, however, the negative . recommendation remains: the density requirements are not met and the proposal in general is not representative of the quality, multi family residential development -this community has come to expect. 3. Based upon the areas shown on the site survey, and upon the total number of units (48) in the two buildings (including 12 three bedroom units in Building No. l. and 3 such units . in Building No. 2) , there are density deficiencies of 332 square feet and 359 square feet for Buildings No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. 4. Substantial experience has been the foundation of the City's consistent demand that multi family dwelling complexes pro- vide a reasonable quality family life environment. Design features reflecting this policy include: effective open area for aesthetic and recreational purposes; effective living unit space and accessory acconodations as necessary ingredients of a home; and additional amenities which con- tribute to the best possible family life environment, in a multi residential context. These considerations are vital for the welfare of the tenants as well as for the best in- terests of the community. 5. The subject proposal does not meet these planning principles and community development standards. This family oriented project features minimal open space; minimal effective living area; minimal common facilities and accessory storage space; minimal landscaping; and minimal construction. It does represent an attempt to maximize to extremes the physical rentable space for a maximum number of families to the extent of exceeding the established density requirements. -1- 6-7-73 6. The parcels are zoned R-5, for well planned and designed multi residential apartment homes - not for excessive high density institution-like multi person compounds. • B. 73017 Word Aflame Church 1. The issue at this meeting is the special use permit for which the required public hearing has been scheduled. 2. The applicant has yet to produce the complete set of documents required for site and building plan approval. 3. Since this is a "combined" application (special use and plan approval) the recommendation is to table, should the special use receive affirmative action. C. 73019 Nolan Bros. , Inc. 1. Further detailed analysis of the submitted plans requires a recommendation for denial of the proposal as presently con- stituted. 2. It is virtually impossible to perceive the proposed use as anything other than a single purpose use, which would severly limit possible future commercial use of this C-2 parcel. 3. Since the applicant is asking or a waiver of most g of the parking facility installation; and since it is doubtful at best whether this use is "commercial" (vs. "industrial") , staff analysis has centered around the potential use of the buildings for other commercial (including retail) purposes. 4. Unfortunate past experience with "single purpose" commercial uses and "deferred" or waived parking, dictates close scrutiny of projects such as this (reference is made to the now vacant Stamp Redemption Store and the defunct car wash which is now an office building with deficient parking) . 5. In this respect, the submitted plane do not conform with ordinance and planning policies. Provided parking space (intended to be deferred indefinitely) does not comprehend future curbs, proper width driving lanes or sidewalks, all of which would be necessary for development of the required parking for virtually any general commerce facility which might adapt to the proposed buildings. 6. Because of the building design (and use for storage) there are serioun quca4zions of zoning and possible establishment -2- 6-7-73 of an undesirable precedent. It is cbnceivable the only reasonable use of the kjuildings is warehousing-storage, or even production line mnnuka`turin4. Not ,only would the parking problem peirsist , if this change in "occupancy" happened, but there would also be a virtual de facto rezoning of the property# Themassibe Consumption of this C-2 parcel by the structures could be repeated in other similar re- quests relative to other C-2 sites. 7. As proposed, this facility would more appropriately be located in the industrial district - subject of course to pertinent site development requirements. The recommendation is for denial. I • -3- 6-7-73