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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC86017 - 2950 Co Rd 10PLANNING COABMSION FILE CHECKLIST File Purge Date: 1~ FILE INFORMATION Planning Commission Application No. PROPERTY INFORMATION Zoning: PLAN REFERENCE Note: If a plan was found in the file during the purge process, it was pulled for consolidation of all plans. Identified below are the types of plans, if any, that were consolidated. • Site Plans • Building Plans • Other: FILE REFERENCE Note: The following documents were purged when this project file became inactive. We io have recorded the information necessary to retrieve the documents. Document Tvoe Date Range Location Agenda Cover Sheet: Planning Commission Agenda Book Minutes: Planning Commission Minutes: City Council Resolutions: Planning Commission Resolutions: City Council City Vault City Vault City Vault City Vault Ordinances: City Council City Vault City Archieve Historical Photographs: Planning Commission Z O H ce Q W U W CL U Ci. 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Said -e.Al o )pert ,v `:• e,*ally Tract A - Registered Land Survey No. 1261, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Subject to a Northern States Power Company easement over all that part of Lots 6 and 7, Auditor's Subdivision No. 218, Hennepin County, Minnesota lyin within 37.5 feet, either side of the following described centerline: g Beginning at a point 18 feet East of the Southwest corner of the aforesaid Lot 7; thence North and parallel to the West line of Lots 6 and 7 to a Point 18 feet East of the;Northwest corner of Lot 6 in the aforesaid Auditor's Subdivision No. 218, all in Hennepin County, Minnesota from,that certain grant of easement for the construction, operation and maintenance Of lines for the transmission of electrical energy document, dated Nov. 2, 1931, filed for record inthe nOffice of thetained intRecertain gister of Deeds in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota on December 18, Document No. 2000960 in Book 1461 of Deeds at Page 144. 1939 as -- �, ��V. • �% �7t'® ajA, C h r i -S _ / _ • �,,.p joint] /nd severally. (=c.e, �° harles 'T I� Vass EXHIBIT A Tract A, Registered Land Surrey No. 1261, Files of the Registrar of Titles, County of Hennepin, Minnesota. Subject to restrictions' and easements of record. Planning Commission Information Sheet Application No. 86017 Appl'icant: Twin City Federal Location: 2950 County Road 10 Request: Site and Building Plan The applicant requests site and building plan approval to construct a four lane drive -up facility with canopy at the Twin City Federal savings and loan at 2950 County Road 10. The property in question is zoned C2 and is bounded by the St. Paul Book and Stationery building on the north, by the old European Health Spa building on the east, by County Road 10 on the south, and by Xerxes Avenue North on the west. Banks and financial institutions, including those with drive -up facilities, are classified as permitted uses in the C2 zoning district. The purpose of the project is to expand the drive -up aspect of the business and to improve traffic flow on the site by separating the walk-in traffic from the drive - up traffic on the site. Access/Parking The site presently has two accesses onto Xerxes Avenue North. The proposed plan also calls for two accesses somewhat further apart than at present. Twin City Federal is acquiring a small triangle of land from the St. Paul Book site and will move its access northward to a point 5' south of the new north property line. The northerly access will then be located directly across from the southerly access on Xerxes Avenue North serving Jerry's Super Valu across the street. The northerly access will serve as the entrance to the site and the southerly driveway will be an exit only (signery to indicate thus at both driveways). The parking requirement for the Twin City Federal building is based on the retail formula applied to the lobby space and the general office formula for the remainder of the building. There is approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of lobby space which requires 19 spaces. There is also 2,200 sq. ft. of office space which requires 11 spaces. The proposed plan exceeds the total requirement of 30 spaces by one space. There is one handicapped stall as required by code. Stacking/Circulation There is no ordinance requirement for stacking spaces, but it is always a concern when a drive -up facility is proposed. The proposed site plan provides approximately four car -lengths for stacking in each of the four drive -up lanes. The drive -up lanes will face the north side of the building where two tellers will handle drive - up customers. Drive -up traffic will turn right out of the drive -up lanes and exit onto Xerxes Avenue North. Walk-in traffic will circle the building on a newly constructed driving lane and exit onto Xerxes at the same point. The exit drive is to be 20' wide and will function generally as a single lane exit. There are certainly difficulties with this exit drive and trade-offs to consider. One difficulty is the possible crossover or merging of walk-in traffic with drive -up traffic ata point immediately east of or even in the access drive. One mitigating factor is that the heaviest drive -up traffic should occur when there is little or no walk-in traffic (cars coming from around the building). Widening the access to, say 24', would allow for two full lanes out, but might also encourage drivers to enter at this point and become totally confused with the flow of traffic. Staff also have concern that the four drive -up lanes may generate more traffic than the site can handle. However, reducing the number of lanes may only lengthen the stacking of cars and actually create more of a disruption in the traffic flow. After much analysis, staff have concluded that the proposed design is about as good as can be achieved on this site. 5-22-86 Application No. 86017 continued , Landscaping The proposed plan calls for very little in the way of new landscaping on the site. In fact, the principal landscaped area north of the building is being removed for the most part. One new Sugar Maple is proposed in the greenstrip along Xerxes Avenue North and another along County Road 10. The plans also call for additional flowers in planting beds on both the east and west sides of the building. The landscape plan provides for a total of six shade trees, four decorative trees at the southeast corner of the site, and approximately 20 shrubs, mostly adjacent to the building. The point total based on the point system is approximately 76 points. The site area is 1.09 acres. Based on the landscape point system, the site should have 109 points. It is, therefore, deficient by 33 points. Staff recommend that the plans be revised to provide additional plantings to meet the minimum required by the point system. Grading/Drainage/Utilities The grading and drainage plan calls for two new catch basins on the west side of the site, north of the building. These will convey runoff to the City storm sewer in Xerxes Avenue North. No other new utility lines are proposed for the site. Building The canopy structure covering the drive -up lanes will be attached .to the existing building by an extension of the roof. The canopy and roof extension will follow the trim line of the existing building. The architectural style of the canopy will also be a continuation of the existing building with a wide white wood trim and slate gray hip roof. Review of our files has revealed that the Twin City Federal building is not fire- sprinklered. First Federal undertook a similar project a couple years ago and was required to fire.sprinkler its building. Staff recommend that this ordinance requirement be met in conjunction with this project as it was in the case of First Federal two years ago. Lighting/Trash There are two light standards on the east edge of the property. No additional lighting is proposed. A new hexagon shaped trash enclosure is proposed at the north end of the parking lot. A matching enclosure for mechanical equipment is proposed just north of the building between the drive -up -lanes and the parking lot. Greenstrip Variance As discussed in Application No. 86022, the proposed plans call for tapered green - strips which in some areas do not meet the 15' minimum required by the Zoning Ordinance. Based on the turning radius of most; cars, it appears there is little to be gained from the taper at the north access. We recommend that a minimum 10' greenstrip be maintained in this area. This would result in some narrowing in the entrance to the stacking area and the loss of about one stacking space. But, we feel it will not adversely affect the overall function of the drive -up. Recommendation Altogether, the plans appear to be in order and approval is recommended, subject to at least the following conditions: 1. Building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. 5-22-86 -2- Application No. 86017 continued 2. Grading, drainage, utility and berming plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer, prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A site performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 5. The building and the proposed canopy is to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system to meet NFPA standards and shall be connected to a central monitoring device in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Ordinances. 6. An underground irrigation system shall be installed in all landscaped areas to facilitate site maintenance. 7. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances. 8. B612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all parking and driving areas. 9. The applicant shall submit an as -built utility survey of the property prior to release of the performance guarantee. 10. The plans shall be modified prior to'review by the City Council to indicate the following: a) the landscape plan shall indicate additional plantings to meet the requirement of 109 points for the site overall and shall contain a landscape schedule. b) the plans shall indicate that the building and canopy are to be fire sprinklered in accordance with NFPA standards. c) the site plans shall be modified to indicate a minimum 10, greenstrip off the north access to the site. 5-22-86 -3- PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NOS. 86017 86021 AND 86022 SUBMITTED BY TWIN CITY FEDERAL REQUESTING SITE AND BUILDING PLAN APPROVAL TO BUILD A FOUR/LANE DRIVE -UP FACILITY WITH CANOPY AT THE SAVINGS AND LOAN AT 2950 COUNTY ROAD 10• REQUESTING PRELIMINARY R.L.S. APPROVAL TO RESUBDIVIDE THE TWIN CITY FEDERAL PROPERTY AND THE ST._ PAUL BOOK AND STATIONERY PROPERTY• AND REQUESTING A VARIANCE FROM SECTION 35-700 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW A GREENSTRIP AREA LESS THAN 15' IN WIDTH The City Manager stated that these items had been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its May 22, 1986 meeting. The Director of Planning & Inspection stated that he would like to review each application individually but hold one public hearing. He added that the City Council would be required to approve each application individually. He went on to briefly review pages four through seven of the May 22, 1986 Planning Commission minutes and the informational sheet attached with those minutes. The Director of Planning & Inspection stated that Planning Commission Application No. 86021 was approved by the Planning Commission at its May 22, 6-23-86 -11- 1986 Planning Commission meeting, subject to three conditions which he reviewed for the Council. He went on to review the 12 conditions which the Planning Commission attached to Application No. 86017 pointing out that they had recommended requiring the building to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system. He noted that this application was also recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its May 22, 1986 meeting. The Director of Planning & Inspection then briefly reviewed the four conditions which the Planning Commission attached to Planning Commission Application No. 86022. He stated that a public hearing had been scheduled for Application Nos. 86021 and 86022, notices had been sent, and representatives of the applicant were present this evening. Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on Planning Commission Application Nos. 86021 and 86022 submitted by Twin City Federal. Mayor Nyquist inquired if there was anyone present in the audience who wished to speak at the public hearing. No one requested to speak and he entertained a motion to close the public hearing. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka to close the public hearing on Planning Commission Application Nos. 86021 and 86022 submitted by Twin City Federal. The motion passed. A brief discussion then ensued regarding the present traffic problem on Xerxes and the drive -up windows for Twin City Federal. Councilmember Lhotka inquired if there has been a police officer for the traffic problem in the past. The Director of Planning & Inspection stated that there has not been a police officer there in the past but the Planning Commission would like that condition added for future problems. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka to approve Planning Commission Application No. 86021 submitted by Twin City Federal, subject to the following conditions: 1. The final plat is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. 2. The final plat is subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances. 3. The applicant shall execute an easement for sidewalk and utilities along the south side of the proposed Tract A prior to final R.L.S. approval. The motion passed. There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember, Theis to approve Planning Commission Application No. 86022, subject to the following considerations and conditions: 1. The triangular configuration of the parcel creates real difficulties in meeting the minimum requirements of the. ordinance. A hardship is recognized. 6-23-86 -12- C 2. The circumstances were not created by the property owner but by the alignment of public streets. 3. The proposed site layout will function better than the existing layout and should not be detrimental to the neighborhood. 4. The site plans should be reviewed to indicate a minimum 10' greenstrip adjacent to the north access and southward until a fourth drive -up lane is achieved, thence widening to 25' along the north side of the south exit drive. The motion passed. There was a motion by Councilmember Theis and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve Planning Commission Application No.86017 submitted by Twin City Federal, subject to the following conditions: 1. Building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. 2. Grading, drainage, utility and berming plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer, prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A site performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 5. The building is to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system to meet NFPA standards and shall be connected to a central monitoring device in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Ordinances. 6. An underground irrigation system shall be installed in all landscaped areas to facilitate site maintenance. 7. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances. 8. B612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all parking and driving areas. 6-23-86 -13. 9. The applicant shall submit an as -built utility survey of the property prior to release of the performance guarantee. 10. The plans shall be modified prior to review by the City Council to indicate the following: a) the landscape plan shall indicate additional plantings to meet the requirement of 109 points for the site overall and shall contain a landscape schedule. b) the plans shall indicate that the building and canopy are to be fire sprinklered in accordance with NFPA standards. c) the site plans shall be modified to indicate a minimum 10, greenstrip off the north access to the site. 11. The new R.L.S. for the property shall be given final approval by the City Council and be filed at the county prior to the issuance of permits. 12. If traffic congestion does occur in Xerxes Avenue North as a result of the bank drive -up traffic, the applicant shall provide on -street traffic control at their expense. The motion passed. DISCUSSION ITEMS WITHDRAWAL FROM SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY The City Manager stated that he would like the Council to confirm the action taken regarding the withdrawal from Suburban.Rate Authority. He stated that the deadline for withdrawal was June 15, and that the City would still be involved with the Suburban Rate Authority until December 31, 1986. He added that the Council had suggested withdrawal in the 1986 budget planning process. Councilmember Lhotka stated that he feels the benefits from the Suburban Rate Authority seem to go to the law firm which handles the Suburban Rate Authority and that Brooklyn Center's benefits are minimal. The City Manager stated that he would like a motion confirming his action. There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Theis confirming the withdrawal from Suburban Rate Authority. The motion passed. APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ULTIMAPS SYSTEM BY LOGIS The City Manager explained that during the 1986 budget process the City Council had put a hold on the funds for the ULTIMAP system. He stated that Mr. Ted Willard was present this evening to explain the ULTIMAP system and its uses within the City. Mr. Willard stated that this would be a pilot project in order 6-23-86 -14- Planning Commission Information Sheet Application No. 86021 Applicant: Twin City Federal Location: 2950 County Road 10 Request: Preliminary R.L.S. The applicant requests preliminary subdivision approval to resubdivide the Twin City Federal property and the St. Paul Book and Stationery property in such a way as to transfer a .06 acre wedge of land from the St. Paul Book parcel to the Twin City Federal parcel. The land in this subdivision is zoned C2 and is bounded by Northway Drive on the north, by the old European Health Spa access drive and building site on the east, by County Road 10 on the south, and by Xerxes Avenue North on the west. The purpose of the subdivision is to transfer unutilized land to the Twin City Federal site in order to expand the stacking and parking space on that.site and move the entrance drive to the north. The two existing parcels are contained in two separate registered land surveys. The Twin City Federal parcel is Tract B, R.L.S. #1142. The St. Paul Book site is Tract A of R.L.S. #1261. Under the proposed R.L.S., Twin City Federal is Tract A and St. Paul Book is Tract B. Tract A is 1.09 acres; Tract B is 1.77 acres. There is a 16" watermain that runs along the southerly portion of the Twin City Federal site. No easement of record exists for this area. The sidewalk along County Road 10 is also located mostly within the Twin City Federal property. Staff recommend that a condition of approval be that an easement agreement for the area along the south edge of the Twin City Federal parcel be entered into for sidewalk and storm sewer prior to final plat approval. Altogether, the proposed R.L.S. appears to be in order and approval is recommended, subject to at least the following conditions: 1. The final plat is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. 2. The final plat is subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances. 3. The applicant shall execute an easement for sidewalk and utilities along the south side of the proposed Tract A prior to final R.L.S. approval. 5-22-86 July 18, 2003 TCF 801 Marquette Ave Minneapolis MN 55402 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: RE: $22,000 Bond This letter is to notify you in writing that the above -referenced bond was authorized for release by the Brooklyn Center City Council on March 24, 2003 (a copy of the minutes are enclosed). The bond and the original performance agreement for which it was the guarantee have been returned to the obligor for their disposition. Your company may, therefore, cancel this bond immediately. If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please contact me. Yours very truly, Ronald A. Warren Planning and Zoning Specialist RAW:rsc Enclosure Minutes Performance Bond Voting in favor: Chairman Lucht, Commissioners Malecki, Sandstrom and Bernards. The motion passed. APPLICATION NOS. 86017, 86021 AND 86022 (Twin City Federal) The Secretary then introduced the next three items of business, a request for site and building plan approval to build a four -lane drive -up facility with canopy at the savings and loan at 2950 County Road 10; a request for a variance from Section 35-700 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow a greenstrip area less than fifteen feet in width; and a request for preliminary R.L.S. approval to resubdivide the Twin City Federal property and the St. Paul Book Stationery property. The Secretary reviewed the contents of the staff reports, beginning with the proposed subdivision and moving on to the site plan and variance request (see Planning Commission Information Sheets for Application Nos. 86017, 86021 and 86022 attached). Chairman Lucht noted that St. Paul Book and Stationery is somewhat deficient in parking, but that this proposed land transfer to Twin City Federal does not affect that deficiency. The Secretary agreed, pointing out that the area is really not useable by the St. Paul Book site. Commissioner Bernards pointed out that four drive -up lanes will be beneficial in handling more traffic only if there are four lanes in operation. He asked whether the applicant was sensitive to traffic concerns. The Secretary explained that the teller to drive -up ratio was one teller for each two lanes. He stated that there are problems with the existing site and that the proposal is hopefully an improvement. Commissioner Bernards suggested that more than the minimum landscaping be provided in return for a greenstrip variance. Chairman Lucht then called on the applicant to speak. Mr. Bob Galush with Twin City Federal explained that the site presently has two lanes and does not work well. He stated that the bank wishes to improve the traffic flow situation on the site by separating the drive -up traffic from customers that would park and walk in. He stated that the proposed greenstrip is approximately 25' wide at the south end and narrows down to about 51 at the north end allowing for approximately a 15' average greenstrip. He stated people coming southbound on Xerxes Avenue North can make the movement into the westerly most lane and that it is not, therefore, useless. He also stated that a wider area is needed because, during the winter, striping on the pavement cannot be seen. He stated that customers may not realize that they have to move back to the right as they head toward the drive -up lanes. Mr. Galush also stated that the sprinkling system for the building would require a dry system for the drive -up canopy. He stated that this would be an expensive item, but that the bank would comply as required. Commissioner Bernards asked what the hours of operation would be for the drive -up. Mr. Kevin Kuntz of Twin City Federal stated that the hours would be expanded somewhat from their present times to spread the peak traffic over a wider period. Commissioner Bernard asked whether Twin City Federal was sensitive to the problems of traffic potentially being backed up onto Xerxes Avenue North. Mr. Kuntz responded in the affirmative, explaining that Twin City Federal very much wants to serve its customers and not keep them waiting. Mr. Galush also explained further how the drive -up units would work and stated that they had done a superior job of handling customers at a location in Roseville. The City Engineer explained that one reason for the staff recommendation for 5-22-86 -4- review and approval by the City Engineer, prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A site performance agreement and sup orting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by t e City Manager) shall be submitted prior to the issuance of ermits. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from vie. 5. The building is to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system to meet NFP� standard' and shall be connected to a central monitoring device iry'accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Ordinances �f it is,ydetermined by the Building Official that fire sprinWlerina/is required by the Building Code. 6. Plan approval is exclusive of all sigpery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances.! 7. B612 curb and gutter shall be prov, ded around all parking and driving areas. 8. The applicant shall submit aneas-built• utility survey of the property prior to release of/the performance guarantee. 9. Kitchen plans and equipment schedule are subject to review and approval by the City Sanitarian. 10. The special use permit standards are deemed to be met in this case on the following grounds: i a) the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. b) there is, adequate space on the property to meet City ordinance requirements forilparking. c) access is gained off neighborhood collector streets Humboldt Avenue North and59th Avenue North. 11. No vehicular access to the site shall be allowed from the Girard Avenue North cul-de-sac to the south of the site. 12. The Permit is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. 13. The ;plans shall be modified to indicate permanent curbing and gutter around parking and drivingareas. 14. The plans shall be modified to indicate infill of landscaping to provide thorough screening of the parking lot from adjacent ,residential properties. 5-22-86 -3- narrowing the opening to the drive -up lanes and expanding the greenstrip was that the striped lanes are really too narrow for cars making a turning movement to line up into the lanes. He stated that as cars are turning they will take up more room as they get oriented to the lane they wish to drive into. And so there are not four lanes at the north end of the drive -up stacking area as indicated on the plan, but actually two. Chairman Lucht asked whether the loss of stacking would be about one car as a result of maintaining a minimum ten foot greenstrip. The Secretary responded in the affirmative. Mr. Galush stated that he felt there would be more of a loss of stacking because people would not know how to maneuver into the drive -up space and the result in stacking would be confused. The Secretary also recommended a condition regarding managing on -street traffic congestion at the applicant's expense. PUBLIC HEARING (Application Nos. 86021 and 86022) Chairman Lucht then opened the meeting for a public hearing on the variance application and on the preliminary plat. He asked whether anyone present wished to speak regarding the application. Hearing no one he called for a motion to close the public hearing. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Motion by Commissioner Sandstrom seconded by Commissioner Malecki to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Sandstrom stated that he felt the variance request would accommodate traffic flow on the site. The Secretary clarified that the staff recommended a variance, but only to allow a minimum 10 foot greenstrip rather than that proposed by the applicant. Commissioner Malecki stated that she favored the minimum 10 foot greenstrip. She further stated that the landscaping on the site is attractive now and that as much of it should -be preserved as possible with the site modification. There followed a brief discussion of the proposed site layout. Commissioner Sandstrom commended the applicant and their architect for designing an improved site layout. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 86021 (Twin City Federal) Motion by Commissioner Malecki seconded by Commissioner Sandstrom to recommend approval of Application No. 86021, subject to the following conditions: 1. The final plat is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. 2. The final plat is subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances. 3. The applicant shall execute an easement for sidewalk and utilities along the south side of the proposed Tract A prior to final R.L.S. approval. Voting in favor: Chairman Lucht, Commissioners Malecki, Sandstrom and Bernards. Voting against: none. The motion passed. 5-22-86 -5- ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 86022 (Twin City Federal) o—Ellby Commissioner Sand Etrom seconded by�ommi ss inner lecki to recommend approval of Application No. 86022, subject to the following considerations and conditions: 1. The triangular configuration of the parcel creates real difficulties in meeting the minimum requirements of the ordinance. 'A hardship is recognized. 2. The circumstances were not created by the property owner but by the alignment of public streets. 3. The proposed site layout will function better than the existing layout and should not be detrimental to the neighborhood. 4. The site plans should be revised to indicate a minimum 10' greenstrip adjacent to the north access and southward until a fourth drive -up lane is achieved, thence widening to 25' along the north side of the south exit drive. Voting in favor: Chairman Lucht, Commissioners Malecki, Sandstrom and Bernards. Voting against: none. The motion passed. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION 86017 (Twin City Federal) Motion by Commissioner Sandstrom seconded by Commissioner Malecki to recommend approval of Application No. 86017, subject to the following conditions: 1 . Building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. 2. Grading, drainage, utility and berming plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer, prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A site performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop mechanical equip- ment shall be appropriately screened from view. 5. The building is to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system to meet NFPA standards and shall be connected to a central monitoring device in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Ordinances. 6. An underground irrigation system shall be installed in all landscaped areas to facilitate site maintenance. 7. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances. 5-22-86 -6- 8. B612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all parking and driving areas. 9. The applicant shall submit an as -built utility survey of the property prior to release of the performance guarantee. 10. The plans shall be modified prior to review by the City Council to indicate the following: a) the landscape plan shall indicate additional plantings to meet the requirement of 109 points for the site overall and shall contain a landscape schedule. b) the plans shall indicate that the building and canopy are to be fire sprinklered in accordance with NFPA standards. c) the site plans shall be modified to indicate a minimum 10' greenstrip off the north access to the site. 11 . The new R.L.S. for the property shall be given final approval by the City Council and be filed at the county prior to the issuance of permits. 12. If traffic congestion does occur in Xerxes Avenue North as a result of the bank drive -up traffic, the applicant shall provide on -street traffic control at their expense. Voting in favor: Chairman Lucht, Commissioners Malecki, Sandstrom and Bernards. Voting against: none. The motion passed. DISCUSSION ITEMS a) Site plan for Earle Brown Retail Center The Secretary then discussed with the Planning Commission some changes that have been made in the Earle Brown Retail Center site plan because cross access agreements with the Best Company could not be worked out. He explained that the revised site plan allows for a driving lane around the south end of the building. He also pointed out that Target was unable to obtain such agreements with Best Company also and may work with Lombard Properties to try to get an access through the Earle Brown Retail Center property. Commissioner Bernards asked whether the Church on the Move was doing anything about the site at 694 and Brooklyn Boulevard. The Secretary stated that there had been no contacts with the church recently. The City Engineer stated that the church may have changed its mind about the site because of the access problems. The Secretary also informed the Commission that it was his understanding that Wes Reavely did not buy the Arthur Treacher's building. b) Parking Formula The Secretary then informed the Commission that the City Council had asked for more study regarding the traffic impact and impact on proof -of -parking greenstrips as a result of the proposed retail parking formula. 5-22-86 -7- c) Home Occupation Selling Paper Goods The Planner then reviewed with the Planning Commission an inquiry he had received regarding a possible home occupation involving the distribution of paper goods to the restaurant and bar industry from a residential garage. The Planner asked the Commission whether they preferred treating the business as a special use or whether perhaps it went beyond the intent of the zoning ordinance and should be denied with the option of the homeowner to appeal that decision. By consensus, it was generally agreed that the homeowner should make application for a special use permit and provide more information on the business. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Sandstrom seconded by Commission Malecki to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:52 p.m. Chairman 5-22-86 -8- Planning Commission Information Sheet Application No. 86017 Applicant: Twin City Federal Location: 2950 County Road 10 Request: Site and Building Plan The applicant requests site and building plan approval to construct a four lane drive -up facility with canopy at the Twin City Federal savings and loan at 2950 County Road 10. The property in question is zoned C2 and is bounded by the St. Paul Book and Stationery building on the north, by the old European Health Spa building on the east, by County Road 10 on the south, and by Xerxes Avenue North on the west. Banks and financial institutions, including those with drive -up facilities, are classified as permitted uses in the C2 zoning district. The purpose of the project is to expand the drive -up aspect of the business and to improve traffic flow on the site by separating the walk-in traffic from the drive - up traffic on the site. Access/Parkin The site presently has two accesses onto Xerxes Avenue North. The proposed plan also calls for two accesses somewhat further apart than at present. Twin City Federal is acquiring a small triangle of land from the St. Paul Book site and will move its access northward to a point 5' south of the new north property line. The northerly access will then be located directly across from the southerly access on Xerxes Avenue North serving Jerry's Super Valu across the street. The northerly access will serve as the entrance to the site and the southerly driveway will be an exit only (signery to indicate thus at both driveways). The parking requirement for the Twin City Federal building is based on the retail formula applied to the lobby space and the general office formula for the remainder of the building. There is approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of lobby space which requires 19 spaces. There is also 2,200 sq. ft. of office space which requires 11 spaces. The proposed plan exceeds the total requirement of 30 spaces by one space. There is one handicapped stall as required by code. Stacking/Circulation There is no ordinance requirement for stacking `spaces, but it is always a concern when a drive -up facility is proposed. The proposed site plan provides approximately four car -lengths for stacking in each of the four drive -up lanes. The drive -up lanes will face the north side of the building where two tellers will handle drive - up customers. Drive -up traffic will turn right out of the drive -up lanes and exit onto Xerxes Avenue North. Walk-in traffic will circle the building on a newly constructed driving lane and exit onto Xerxes at the same point. The exit drive is to be 20' wide and will function generally as a single lane exit. There are certainly difficulties with this exit drive and trade-offs to consider. One difficulty is the possible crossover or merging of walk-in traffic with drive -up traffic ata point immediately east of or even in the access drive. One mitigating factor is that the heaviest drive -up traffic should occur when there is little or no walk-in traffic (cars coming from around the building). Widening the access to, say 24', would allow for two full lanes out, but might also encourage drivers to enter at this point and become totally confused with the flow of traffic. Staff also have concern that the four drive -up lanes may generate more traffic than the site can handle. However, reducing the number of lanes may only lengthen the stacking of cars and actually create more of a disruption in the traffic flow. After much analysis, staff have concluded that the proposed design is about as good as can be achieved on this site. 5-22-86 -1- Application No. 86017 continued Landscaping The proposed plan calls for very little in the way of new landscaping on the site. In fact, the principal landscaped area north of the building is being removed for the most part. One new Sugar Maple is proposed in the greenstrip along Xerxes Avenue North and another -along County Road 10. The plans also call for additional flowers in planting beds on both the east and west sides of the building. The landscape plan provides for a total of six shade trees, four decorative trees at the southeast corner of the site, and approximately 20 shrubs, mostly adjacent to the building. The point total based on the point system is approximately 76 points. The site area is 1.09 acres. Based on the landscape point system, the site should have 109 points. It is, therefore, deficient by 33 points. Staff recommend that the plans be revised to provide additional plantings to meet the minimum required by the point system. Grading/Drainage/Utilities The grading and drainage plan calls for two new catch basins on the west side of the site, north of the building. These will convey runoff to the City storm sewer in Xerxes Avenue North. No other new utility lines are proposed for the site. Building The canopy structure covering the drive -up lanes will be attached .to the existing building by an extension of the roof. The canopy and roof extension will follow the trim line of the existing building. The architectural style of the canopy will also be a continuation of the existing building.with a wide white wood trim and slate gray hip roof. Review of our files has revealed that the Twin City Federal building is not fire- sprinklered. First Federal undertook a similar project a couple years ago and was required to fire sprinkler its building. Staff recommend that this ordinance requirement be met in conjunction with this project as it was in the case of First Federal two years ago. Lighting/Trash There are two light standards on the east edge of the property. No additional lighting is proposed. A new hexagon shaped trash enclosure is proposed at the north end of the parking lot. A matching enclosure for mechanical equipment is proposed just north of the building between the drive -up -lanes and the parking lot. Greenstrip Variance As discussed in Application No. 86022, the proposed plans call for tapered green - strips which in some areas do not meet the 15' minimum required by the Zoning Ordinance. Based on the turning radius of most cars, it appears there is little to be gained from the taper at the north access. We recommend that a minimum 10' greenstrip be maintained in this area. This would result in some narrowing in the entrance to the stacking area and the loss of about one stacking space. But, we feel it will not adversely affect the overall function of the drive -up. Recommendation Altogether, the plans appear to be in order and approval is recommended, subject to at least the following conditions: 1. Building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. -2- Application No. 86017 continued a 2. Grading, drainage, utility and berming plans are subject to review and.approval by the City Engineer, prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A site performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 5. The building and the proposed canopy is to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system to meet NFPA standards and shall be connected to a central monitoring device in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Ordinances. 6. An underground irrigation system shall be installed in all landscaped areas to facilitate site maintenance. 7. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances. 8. B612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all parking and driving areas. 9. The applicant shall submit an as -built utility survey of the property prior to release of theperformance guarantee. 10. The plans shall be modified prior to'review by the City Council to indicate the following: a) the landscape plan shall indicate additional plantings to meet the requirement of 109 points for the site overall and shall contain a landscape schedule. b) the plans shall indicate that the building and canopy are to be fire sprinklered in accordance with NFPA standards. c) the site plans shall be modified to indicate a minimum 10, greenstrip off the north access to the site. 5-22-86 -3- Planning Commission Information Sheet Application No. 86022 Applicant: Twin City Federal Location: 2950 County Road 10 Request: Variance The applicant requests a variance from Section 35-700 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow a greenstrip area less than 15' in width as measured from the property line along Xerxes Avenue North at Twin City Federal, 2950 County Road 10. The property in question is also the subject of Application No. 86017. The greenstrip request arises from the site and building plan proposal for the four -lane drive -up. The greenstrip tapers from approximately 25' in width on the north side of the southerly exit drive down to less than 5' on the south edge of the northerly entrance drive. A variance request is subject to the standards contained in Section 35-240 of the Zoning Ordinance (attached). Briefly stated, the standards are that the variance request must: a) arise because a particular hardship, not a mere inconvenience would result from strict adherance to the ordinance requirement b) be related to physical circumstances which are unique to the parcel in question c) be related to ordinance requirements and not to circumstances created by anyone presently or formerly having an interest in the parcel d) not be injurious to the public welfare or to other property or improvements in the vicinity of the parcel. The applicant's representative, Boarman Architects, has submitted a letter addressing these standards (attached). The essence of the arguments contained in the letter is that the configuration of the site, which is somewhat triangular, creates the diffi- culty in meeting the requirement, is a unique circumstance and was not caused by the property owner but by the alignment of Xerxes Avenue North. Mr. Boarman argues that the proposed site layout and access arrangement are a distinct improvement over the existing situation and that the project should benefit the neighborhood by improving circulation off Xerxes Avenue North. Staff generally accept the validity of the applicant's central argument. The config- uration of the parcel does pose some real difficulty in meeting the ordinance require- ment. If the building were parallel to Xerxes rather than County Road 10, there would be difficulty meeting the greenstrip requirement along County Road 10. The circumstances are not all that unique, however. Many parcels along Brooklyn Boulevard present the same difficulty. The question occurs to us whether the greenstrip variance is simply an indication that the proposal would put too much activity on the site. This may be the case. It may also be the case, however, that reducing the proposal to two lanes or three would have the effect of lengthening stacking rather than reducing drive -up business. Longer stacking lines would tend to block the access into the site more often and create more congestion on the public streets instead of accommodating the cars on site. The result of scaling back the project might, therefore, be counter- productive. Because of the wider than 'required green area on the north side of the southerly exit drive, the average width of the greenstrip is about 12' as proposed. Staff 5-22-86 -1- Application No. 86022 continued recommend that the greenstrip on the south side of the north entrance be widened to 10' minimum because the turning radius of a car traveling northbound on Xerxes makes the last stacking space on the westerly aisle irrelevant. 'The 10' minimum widening eventually to 25' would result in an average of slightly over 15'. We will be prepared to discuss the details of this application further at the Planning Commission meeting. Any action recommending approval should be subject to the following considerations and conditions: 1. The triangular configuration of the parcel creates real difficulties in meeting the minimum requirements of the ordinance. A hardship is recognized. 2. The circumstances were not created by the property owner but by the alignment of public streets. 3. The proposed site layout will function better than the existing layout and should not be detrimental to the neighborhood. ....4. The site plans should be revised to indicate a minimum 10' greenstrip adjacent to the north access and southward until a fourth drive -up lane is achieved, thence widening to 25' along the north side of the south exit drive. 5-22-86 -2-