PL 11/03/1999 - 7038�
CITY OF FRIDLEY
AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1999, 7:30 P.M.
LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER, 6431 UNIVERSITY AVENUE N.E.
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MTG. MINUTES: October 20, 1999
1. PUBLIC HEARING:
Zoning Text Amendment, ZTA #99-02, by the City of Fridley, to allow for limited temporary
outdoor display and sales promotions in the commercial districts. In addition, the
amendment will delete a part of the ordinance that allows display of petroleum products
between pumps and temporary display of inerchandise within four feet of the building at
service stations.
OTHER BUSINESS:
^ 2. Comprehensive Plan Discussion
ADJOURN
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CITY OF FRIDLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 1999
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Savage called the October 20, 1999, Planning Commission meeting to
order at 7:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Diane Savage, LeRoy Oquist, Brad Sielaff, Larry Kuechle
Members Absent: Dave Kondrick� Dean Saba, Connie Modig,
Others Present: Scott Hickok, Planning Coordinator
Tedd Mattke, Mattke Engineering
Stephanie Barton, Wal-Mart
Marc Rice, 6111 Star Lane
Vemon Lindberg, 6140 and 6144 Star Lane
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 6 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES:
�"� MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Kuechle, to approve the October 6, 1999,
Planning Commission minutes as written.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT SP #99-
11. BY TED MATTKE, MATTKE ENGINEERING INC FOR WAL-MART
STORES INC.:
For a proposed addition to the outdoor garden center, generally located at 8450
University Avenue N.E.
MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Mr. Sielaff, to waive the reading of the public
hearing notice and to open the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 7:34 P.M.
Mr. Hickok stated the petitioner is requesting to expand an outdoor garden center by
618 square feet and construct a 4,555 square foot seasonal shop which will
accommodate the overflow of the garden center during peak season and carry seasonal
items during the remainder of the year. The code allows garden centers as a special
� use.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 1999 PAGE 2
Mr. Hickok stated the property is located to the west of University Avenue and to the
south of 85�' Avenue. The store was built in 1992. In 1992, a special use permit was ^
granted for the first garden center. In 1994, a request for a garden expansion came
through the process. At that time, the original garden center was not meeting Wal-
Mart's needs, and they had asked to expand into the parking lot and the front sidewalk.
As a result, the special use permit was granted.
Mr. Hickok stated the current garden center is located to the east of the existing
building. The garden center was designed to be architecturally compatible with the
original structure. The proposed expansion is designed to also be compatible with the
existing structure. The expansion would be added to the front of the building at the
northeast comer, and would connect the existing building and garden center using an
architectural treatment that would continue the current design.
Mr. Hickok stated staff recommends approval of the special use permit with the
following stipulations:
1. All building permits shall be obtained prior to start of construction.
2. City reserves the right to require additional parking, at the code required 1:150
ratio, should demand warrant it at any time in the future.
3. Parking islands displaced by the expansion shall be relocated as indicated on the
site plan submitted by Mattke Engineering dated 8/13/99.
4. No garden sales shall occur in the parking lot.
5. No products for sale may be displayed on the sidewalk. �
6. There shall be no outside storage of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or
herbicides.
7. Bulk items shall be screened from the public right-of-way.
8. Proposed expansion shall be constructed of the same materials as, and be
architecturally consistent with, the existing building.
9. SP #99-11 shall replace SP #92-07 and SP #94-14.
Ms. Savage asked if staff had received any comments regarding this request.
Mr. Hickok stated staff had received no comments.
Mr. Sielaff asked how the need for additional parking is determined.
Mr. Hickok stated the need is determined through staff observations. Parking space
now exceeds demand even at peak times.
Mr. Oquist asked if it was correct that 12 parking stalls would be eliminated.
Mr. Hickok stated this was correct.
Mr. Mattke stated he had no additional comments.
Mr. Savage asked if the petitioner had any problems with the stipulations.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 1999 PAGE 3
Mr. Mattke stated the stipulations seem reasonable. They have not received any
� comments regarding the request.
MOTION by Mr. Sielaff, seconded by Mr. Kuechle, to close the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:43 P.M.
Mr. Oquist stated the request seems straightForward and is covered with the
stipulations.
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Kuechle, to recommend approval of Special
Use Permit. SP #99-11, by Ted Mattke, Mattke Engineering, Inc., for Wal-Mart Stores
Inc., for a proposed addition to the outdoor garden center, generally located at 8450
University Avenue, with the following stipulations:
1. All building permits shall be obtained prior to start of construction.
2. City reserves the right to require additional parking, at the code required 1:150
ratio, should demand warrant it at any time in the future.
3. Parking islands displaced by the expansion shall be relocated as indicated on the
site plan submitted by Mattke Engineering, dated 8/13/99.
4. No garden sales shall occur in the parking lot.
5. No products for sale may be displayed on the sidewalk.
6. There shall be no outside storage of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or
'�' herbicides.
7. Bulk items shall be screened from the public right-of-way.
8. Proposed expansion shall be constructed of the same materials as, and be
architecturally consistent with, the existing building.
9. SP #99-11 shall replace SP #92-07 and SP #94-14.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Savage stated the City Council would consider this request on November 8.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF A VACATION SAV #99-05 BY
MARC RICE:
To vacate that portion of Star Lane for the purpose of tenant parking, generally
located at Star Lane.
MOTION by Mr. Slelaff, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to waive the reading of the public
hearing notice and to open the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 7:44 P.M.
�'"`'� Mr. Hickok stated the petitioner is requesting to vacate a portion of the University
Avenue service road right-of-way not used by the general pubfic and to use this space
as off-street parking for his tenants. Because the City owns the subject area and has
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 1999 PAGE 4
fee title, the City Council will also have to approve the sale of the excess properly
ordinance to convey it to the petitioner. ^
Mr. Hickok stated the area of the service road to be vacated is at the northwest
quadrant of 61st Avenue N.E. and University Avenue. At one time, the service drive was
intended to go along University Avenue and connect at 61St. From our modem day
standards, connecting a right-of-way that close to a major interse�tion is not a good
idea. For many years, this has not been used as a public right-of-way.
Mr. Hickok stated the road was platted in 1952 as part of the Sylvan Hills Addition. In
1962, the apartment building was constructed.
Mr. Hickok stated that due to the fact that this is a stub street that ends in the apartment
parking lot; it is not possible to put a street through to 61St; tenants have been using the
stub street as their private parking area for a number of years, and a"snowbird"
ordinance would not allow the tenants to park in this area if it were a public street, staff
recommends approval of the request with the following stipulations:
1. City staff shall approve the design and location of garbage dumpster and recycling
container enclosure prior to Council granting the street vacation.
2. The petitioner shall enclose the dumpster and recycling container by November 1,
2000.
3. The petitioner shall agree to convey any necessary easements in the area to be
vacated as determined by staff. ��
Mr. Kuechle asked if the City has been maintaining that part of the roadway.
Mr. Hickok stated the City has done snow removal. In the recent past, some patchwork
has been done to that segment of the roadway. At that time, the Public Works staff
asked if that repair was necessary. The Public Works staff is in support of the request.
Mr. Rice gave a history of how this request came about. Last spring, there was a
pothole on the street, and he called the Public Works Department to fix the pothole.
When he said it was not his property, Public Works staff called back and stated it was
not under the City's jurisdiction. Upon further checking, he met with the Public Works
staff. At that time, they asked if Mr. Rice would like this piece of land. He did not do
anything for several months. Then he was made aware of the parking ordinance. The
building was constructed in 1962. At that time, they had one stall for each apartment.
Now each apartment has two cars. He knew he had to do something about the parking
situation, and that is why he is here today.
Mr. Rice stated he has cleaned up the garbage on that part of the street, he has been
mowing there, and his brother has been doing the snowplowing. The street is a one-
way street. To get to the street, you must go through the building's parking lot. The
parking lot is for tenants only. The street is of no purpose to the City. The tenants
would also appreciate the extra parking. The petition is not only for himself but for the �
tenants.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 1999 PAGE 5
Ms. Savage asked if the petitioner had any problems with the stipulations.
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Mr. Rice stated the only question he has is regarding the enclosure for the dumpster.
The dumpster is already enclosed. This must refer to the recycling bins. He will work
with staff to find out what he would need to do.
Mr. Lindberg stated he has no objection to the proposal. It is a good idea. It seems like
a coincidence that this came up about the same time he heard there was going to be an
ordinance about on-street parking or ovemight parking, which he does oppose. He
came to see if there was a connection. Is there an ordinance for on-street parking?
Mr. Hickok stated, yes, there is a"snowbird" ordinance.
Mr. Lindberg stated he now lives in New Brighton and they have an overnight parking
ordinance. He had friends stay ovemight, they parked in front of his house, and they
were ticketed. He has no problem with getting the cars off the street for snow plowing.
It is those residents who have small lots who will be hurt by this. He does support the
vacation request.
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Sielaff, to close the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:52 P.M.
'� MOTION by Mr. Sielaff, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to recommend approval of Vacation,
SAV #99-05, by Marc Rose, to vacate that portion of Star Lane for the purpose of tenant
parking, generally located at Star Lane, with the following stipulations:
1. City staff shall approve the design and location of garbage dumpster and
recycling container enclosure prior to Council granting the street vacation.
2. The petitioner shall enclose the dumpster and recycling container by November
1, 2000.
3. The petitioner shall agree to convey any necessary easements in the area to be
vacated as determined by staff.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Savage stated the City Council would consider this request on November 8.
3. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 2 1999 HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Mr. Sielaff, to receive the minutes of the
September 2, 1999, Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting.
!"'� UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 1999 PAGE 6
4. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 9, 1999, HUMAN RESOURCE
COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Kuechle, to receive the minutes of the
September 9, 1999, Human Resource Commission meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 13, 1999. PARKS &
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Sielaff, seconded by Mr. Kuechle, to receive the minutes of the
September 13, 1999, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 21 1999 ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Sielaff, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to receive the minutes of the
September 21, 1999, Environmental Quality & Energy Commission meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OTHER BUSINESS:
7. APPROVE THE 2000 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATES:
MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to approve the meeting dates for the
year 2000 as follows:
January 5
January 19
February 2
February 16
March 1
March 15
April 5
April 19
May 3
May 17
June 7
June 21
July 5
July 19
August 2
August 16
September 6
September 20
October 4
October 18
November 1
November 15
December 6
December 20
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• PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, OCTOBER 20, 1999 PAGE 7
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
r"� THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS:
Mr. Hickok provided an update on City Council actions.
9. RESIGNATION OF LAVONN COOPER:
Mr. Hickok thanked Lavonn Cooper for her many years of wonderful service and stated
that since 1985, citizens, staff, various commissions, and the City Council have had the
benefit of Lavonn's excellent recording of minutes. Changes in Lavonn's work schedule
have caused her to make alterations in her schedule which would not allow her to
continue as recording secretary.
The Commission members individually thanked Lavonn and wished her well.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION by Mr. Sielaff, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to adjoum the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE OCTOBER 20, 1999, PLANNING COMMISSION
� MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:57 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
��,�,� CC�
Lavonn Cooper �
Recording Secretary
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� City of Fridley Zoning Tezt Amendment Application
ZTA #99-02 November 3, 1999
GENERAL INFORMATION SPECIAL INFORMATION
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appiicant:
City of Fridley
Requested Action:
Zoning Text Amendment
Purpose:
To allow for limited temporary outdoor
display and sales promotions in the
commercial districts. In addition, the
amendment will delete a part of the
ordinance that allows display of
petroleum products between pumps and
temporary display of inerchandise within
four feet of the building at service
stations.
Existing Zoning:
Commercial — C-1, C-2, and C-3
Location:
All commercial districts
Size:
N/A
Existing Land Use:
N/A
Comprehensive Plan Conformance:
Consistent with Plan
Council Action:
November 22, 1999
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED
AN�NDME1vT
Businesses in Fridley have at times requested to
conduct special temporary promotions. The
City recognizes the benefit this may have for
azea businesses but at the same time recognizes
the need to regulate the impacts from these
promotions. The current ordinance does not
allow outside temporary sales. The proposed
ordinance would allow up to three a year per
business, creating a balance between the
extremes of not allowing them and a.11owing
them continuously.
tifMMAR OF ANALY IS �
City Staff recommends approving the proposed
zoning text amendment.
StaffReport Prepared by: Missy Daniels
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Issue
Staff Report ZTA # 99-02
The Zoning Code currently does riot clearly regulate outdoor sales and display of inerchandise
other than those activides that are permitted under the special use permit section. Without such
an ordinance amendment, it has been difficult for staff to regulate duration, location, and signage
associated with requests for outdoor sales and displays. There has been increasing concem about
the image and appearance of properties in Fridley in general and especially along the major
corridors (East River Road, University Avenue, and TH 65). How the zoning code regulates
short and long-term displays can greatly affect this image. The ordinance currently allows some
long-term display activities such as gazden centers through the special use permit process, but it
does not allow temporary outdoor sales or displays.
Analysis
Businesses in Fridley have at times requested to conduct special temporary promotions. The
City recognizes the benefit this may have for azea businesses but at the same time recognizes the
need to regulate the impacts from these promotions. After informal Planning Commission
discussions in 1997, there seemed to be support for creating an ordinance tha.t would allow
� outdoor displays in the commercial zones on a temporary basis. Staffhas reviewed other city
ordinances and conducted our own analysis of outdoor sales and display events in Fridley. Staff
is recommending an ordinance amendment that would allow three outdoor sales events per year
per business by an administrative permit. There are several advantages to this approach:
• An ordinance would provide for easier and consistent enforcement of these sales.
• Provides up to 30 days for businesses to conduct special outdoor promotions with each event
limited to 10 days.
• Strikes a beneficial balance between the extremes of not allowing them or permitting them
continuously.
• Three events per yeaz falls in between the "extremes" of other cities.
Other than special use permits for gazden centers, RV's etc., staffdoes not recommend allowing
long-term display of inerchandise. In fact, staffrecommends deleti.ng the provision permitting
continuous outdoor display of petroleum or other products associated with service sta.tions. The
provision states: "T'he display of petroleum products between pumps; or the temporary display of
merchandise within four (4) feet of the station building is permitted." All commercial districts
(C-1, C-2, and C-3) would need to be amended. Long-term outdoor display has never been
allowed in these districts, but as a result of a potential court case concerning salt bags in front of
the Super America stores in Fridley, the City Attorney recommended either defining temporary
in the ordinance or deleting this sentence from the text. By deleting this language, long-term
outdoor storage is eliminated. The new proposed ordinance would provide opportunity for the
�..� displays the businesses may want to have.
For businesses that a.lready possess outdoor sales special use permits such as Menazds, Home
Depot, and Wal-Mart, this amendment would provide an additional opportunity for outdoor
promotions.
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Outdoor Storage Memo
November 3, 1999
Page two
The ordinance change would affect all commercial districts, and would regulate the following:
• Outdoor sales, display, or promotion of inerchandise as an accessory use
• Number of events per year
� Length of ea.ch event
• Location of inerchandise
• The use of tents
• Fees
Proposed langua.ge for the ordinance has been prepared based on the 1997 Council and
Commission discussions and recent staff analysis (attached). You will notice that the attached
copy of the proposed ordinance is a working copy with strikeouts and additions. The resulting
wording is what staff is proposing.
Business Concerns/Ouestions
Staff inet with the Chamber of Commerce Government Regulations Committee and some
interested members of the business community to discuss the proposed ordinance. The business
representatives seemed to be in agreement with what the City is proposing. Their questions were
more concerning permanent outdoor storage issues, which is a sepazate issue than the proposed
ordinance concerning temporary sales and promotions.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends holding the public hearing, receiving comment and approving the proposed
ordinance amendment for temporary outdoor sales and promotions in commercial districts.
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� Proposed Ordinance Language
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205.13 C-1 LOCAL BUSINESS DISTRICT REGULATIONS
1. USES PERNIITTED
A. Principal Uses
B. Accessory Uses
(5). Temporary Outdoor Display, Sales, or Promotion of Merchandise
subject to the following conditions:
a. The properiy owner shall obtain a Temporary Outdoor Display
License from the City prior to starting the event. The property
owner shall submit the information required on the license
application. The City shall approve the license prior to
commencement of the event.
b. A Temporary Outdoor Display License is required whether
merchandise is sold for profit or given away as part of a
promotion.
c. Onlv items associated with the principal use mav be dis�laYed.
s-d_Three events per year are permitted, and shall occur no closer
than 4�20 days apart.
�e_The duration of each event shall be no longer than 10
consecutive days.
e:f The merchandise shall be displayed in a manner that does not
impede vehiculaz or pedestrian traffic or otherwise cause
unsafe traffic conditions-
��The merchandise sha11 not be displayed in the boulevazd or on
any landscaped area.
Y. .
h. If a tent is to be used, the property owner shall obtain a
� building permit and comply with the requirements of the
Proposed Ordinance Language
September 7, 1999
Page 2
i. Uniform Building Code related to tents. Fees for tents shall be
as established by the Uniform Building Code.
j. The property owner shall pay the fees as established in Chapter
11 of the City Code.
11.10 Fees
License fee shall be as follows:
CODE SUBJECT FEE
205.30 Temporary Outdoor Display License $75.00
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�� OT'HER CITIES' OUTDOOR SALES REQUIREMENTS
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CITY OUTDOOR SALES REQUIREMENTS
Blaine Not allowed. Working on tent sale
ordinance. If outdoor
displays aze against
building they do not
enforce.
Brooklyn Center Allowed Issue administrative land
use permit, 2 per yeaz, 10
da.ys each perm.it
Brooklyn Pazk Allowed 1 promotional tent sale per
yeaz per business, not to
exceed 10 days — must be
part of special use permit.
Columbia Heights Allowed No regs on items like Coke
in front of convenience
stores. Other sales require
CLJP, $500.00 deposit-
returned after tent is
removed.
Coon Rapids No regulations Regulate only the use of
temporary signs.
Edina Only sidewalk sales Only sidewalk sales at 50
& France. No other outdoor
sales permitted.
Golden Valley Allowed Temporary Retail Sales:
$150.00, no more than 5
da.ys per yeaz
Seasonal Sales: $75.00, for
access to rural farm
products, not to exceed 45
days.
Mankato Allowed Considered an accessory
use provided it does not
exceed 20% of pazcel azea.
or 20% of required parking.
Maplewood Allowed No regulation of sidewalk
sales. Permit required to
sale from a vehicle, $25.00
for 5 consecutive da.ys or
$100.00 annual fee
ti
Moundsview Allow in B2 and higher CUP for outside storage in
B2 and lugher, no limits.
Technically do not allow at
convenience stores but this
is not enforced.
New Brighton Allowed SUP for outside storage;
don't regulate convenience
stores for at-door display or
between pumps.
Roseville Allowed Temporary outdoor display
is allowed S days per year;
permit may be obtained
from Code Enforcement
Officer. Special use permit
issued for long-term
outdoor sales or storage.
Spri.ng Lake Park Allowed Allow items for sale outside
provided azea does not
exceed 10% of the ground
floor azea of the principal
building. Ordinary outside
items (garden supplies)
have no limit on sq. ft. No
ordinance on tent sales.
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CRY OF
FRIDLEY
To:
From:
Date:
AGENDA ITEM
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
Planning Commission Members
Bazbaza Dacy, Community Development Director
October 28, 1999
Subject: Comprehensive Plan Draft
Believe it or not, the comprehensive plan draft is underway! The purpose of the
Commission's discussion on Wednesday night is to review and comment on the proposed
first draft of the Comp Plan which includes the following elements:
• Community Vision
• Plan Overview
• Land Use
• Housing
Further, the Commission should review and comment on the proposed review process,
the key issues of the plan, and the recommended plan approach.
PLAN DRAFT REVIEW pROCESS
The City must meet two general deadlines according to state law regazding this process.
First, a draft of the plan (or at least some of the chapters) must be sent to adjacent cities,
school districts, and watershed districts by October 30 to start their "60 Da�' review
clock. The law allows 60 days for these jurisdictions to officially "respond" to the city or
to Met Council. The Plan Overview, Land Use, and Housing Chapters have been mailed.
to the adjacent jurisdictions as of October 28, 1999. Typically, ad.jacent cities look for
information about water and sewer connections, bikeway/walkway connections, or
transporta.tion improvements. Additional drafts of the plan will be forwazded to them as
the City moves through the process. The goal is to start the review clock 60 da.ys in
advance of the December 31, 1999 deadline. At this point, staff does not perceive that
any controversial issues will arise. The City has received the Brooklyn Center and the
New Brighton draft plans. Columbia Heights has yet to submit their plan (staffwill be
reviewing what they propose for Central Avenue to relate it to the azea around
Medtronic).
Comprehensive Plan Draft
Page 2
October 28, 1999
The second deadline the City must meet is submitting a draft to the Met Council by
December 31, 1999. The "draft" does not have to be complete or fully approved by the
City Council, but should have some official input from the public and the Planning
Commission. Official Council action will not occur until the entire draft is done and after
Met Council review. At minimum, however, the Land Use, Housing, Transportation,
Parks and Open Space, and Sewer and Water Chapters should be submitted by December
31, 1999. The remaining mandated requirement for the City is completion of a Storm
Water Chapter integrating the issues and plans of watershed districts within the
community. The deadline for this Chapter was October 1, 1999. The Metropolitan
Council Environmental Services agency (MCES) is responsible for administering this
requirement. Staff advised MCES that this element could not be prepared until after a
draft of the Comprehensive Plan was developed first. The Planning Division budget
includes funding for this particulaz element.
The following schedule has been authorized by the City Council:
i—�,
1. Submit Plan Overview, Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Chapters to
adjacent communities and other jurisdictions by October 29, 1999.
2. Staff review of Parks and Open Space and the Sewer and Water Chapters in early �
November 1999.
3. City Council and Planning Commission to receive Parks and Open Space, and
Sewer and Water Chapters by November 19, 1999 (an earlier submittal date may
be possible).
4. City Council proclaims November 8, 1999 as "World Town Plannin� Dav"
(program sponsored by the American Planning Association and the Royal Town
Planning Institute) at the Council meeting and announces that Comprehensive
Plan drafts will be available for public discussion beginning November 17, 1999.
Staff will develop a video announcement for Cable TV and prepaze
announcements for the Fridley Focus.
5. Conduct an "Open House"/Informational meeting the third week of November 18.
A letter will be sent to the vision participants thanldng them for past support and
asking that they come back for further input. This will not be a group discussion
approach, but simply a presentation and information session (the consultant
contract includes meeting attendance but not group facilita.tion costs). Make plan
drafts available at the meeting. Provide comment and suggestion cards.
6. Review available drafts with advisory commissions (EQE, HRC, and Appeals).
7. Conduct an"official" public hearing on plan draft at either the December 1 or 15,
1999 Planning Commission meeting.
8. Initiate contract with consultant on mandated Storm Water Chapter in November
1999.
9. Prepaze Storm Water Chapter and Implementation Chapter in eazly December for ^
staff and Council review latter part of December and January.
,--� Comprehensive Plan Draft
Page 3
October 28, 1999
10. Assimilate comments, make appropriate changes on all chapters except the Storm
Water Chapter and submit draft to City Council for informational purposes and
submit to Met Council by December 31, 1999.
11. Meet with Met Council as appropriate. Identify Met Council changes and review
with Council and Planning Commission.
12. Conduct final public hearing with Planning Commission first meeting in the
month following Met Council review; given the amount work they have to do, it
could be late spring! The purpose of the hearing is to review the changes since
November as well as completion of any other Chapters such as the Storm Water
Chapter.
13. Council approval by Resolution in the month following Planning Commission
review, depending on nature of changes or recommendations.
14. Publication of an executive summary to be distributed to the public (funds
included in 2000 budget).
KEY ISSUES
The consultant was directed to make a strong connecrion between the outcomes of the
� vision meetings with the Goals, Policies, and Strategies in the plan. The consultant was
also directed to include information about how Fridley fits in the region's growth
strategy. Remember that there is information in the plan that the City is required to
include. The amount of vacant land to be developed and the nature of redevelopment is
probably the most important to the Met Council. The Met Council wants to know if the
City intends to grow more than they project, less, or about the same. The population is
projected to grow to 29,500 in the year 2020. This yeaz the population is 28,626 and has
been growing since the early 1990's. If the City continues with aggressive infill projects,
like Gateway East and redeveloping certain azeas of Hyde Pazk, the population could
easily surpass that mark ten years earlier in 2010. Met Council's question may be
answered, but the more important question remains for the City: how much does the City
want to grow? The Comprehensive Plan process should discuss and should provide
direction about this issue.
The Land Use Chapter is the culmination of a lot of topic areas: housing, transportation,
parks and open space etc. It is difficult to anticipate everything in the first draft. The
consultant team has researched all of these topic areas, and they were asked to include a
list of "key issues" from other areas in this first iteration of the Land Use Cha.pter. There
is sure to be additional issues as the process unfolds. The Land Use Chapter also proposes
Goals, Policies, and Strategies azound these issues. Most of these issues were discussed
at the vision meetings. To follow is a summary of the issues. Please review the list and
identify anv issues staff and consultant mav have missed (see ua�e12 of the Land Use
Cha ter :
�
Comprehensive Plan Draft
Page 4
October 28, 1999
• Community Image
• Future Development as a result of Medtronic Corporate
Campus
• Move Up Housing
• Housing Maintenance
• Economic Stability
• Traffic Congestion alternatives
• Transit (rail and east west bus service)
• Park and Recreation needs
• Commercial Areas
• Bikeways/walkways
Rediscovering the River was also a topic that was discussed at the Vision meetings, and
the Consultant will be adding that topic to the list of key issues discussed in the Plan.
PLAN APPROACH
�
The consultant was directed to make a strong connection between the outcomes of the
vision meetings with the "Goals, Policies, and Strategies" in the plan. In other words, the '�
vision meetings have completed the groundwork for the goals and policies of the plan.
The list above represents what was heazd as issues to be addressed in the next twenty
years. The Plan will explain these issues, and the plan will recommend strategies to guide
the City in the future about these issues.
The dra.ft identifies general goals and policies and leaves the "Strategies" sections blank.
Here is where the most discussion about the Plan will occur. Council, Commission, or the
public can offer suggested strategies for discussion. In addition, staff will recommend
strategies to accomplish the goals and policies identified in the Key Issues list. It was not
appropriate to include "strategies" in the draft for distribution to other cities and
jurisdictions without first discussing them with the Council and/or the Planning
Commission.
SUMMARY
The Planning Commission should review and comment on the plan process, key issues,
and plan approach. Suggestions for specific strategies aze also appropriate at tlus time.
Additional chapters will be forwazded to the Planning Commission as soon as they are
available. The first public hearing on the Plan will be held at one of the December
Planning Commission meetings.
M-99-269 �