The URL can be used to link to this page

PL 06/15/2005 - 30878� CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 15, 2005 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Savage called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Others present: Barbara Johns Leroy Oquist David Kondrick Diane Savage Dean Saba Brad Dunham Larry Kuechle Rachel Harris, Environmental Planner Rebecca Brazys, Recording Secretary APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — June 1, 2005 MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Oquist to approve the minutes of the June 1St meeting as presented. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consideration of a preliminary plat PS #05-04 by Target Corporation to subdivide a commercial lot into two commercial lots, the legal description is on file and available at Fridley Municipal Center, generally located at 755 53�d Avenue NE. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to open the public hearing. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Harris explained that this request is for the replat of one general shopping lot to accommodate the redevelopment of the existing Target and Petco stores. The property � as it exists contains a general shopping district with a C3 zoning. The petitioner proposes no changes to the current zoning. The existing structure is a shared CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, JUNE 15, 2005 Page 2 of 7 � commercial retail building for Target / Petco with the soutfaern and eastern side of the lot for parking. Target plans to replat the property and construct finro separate stores, each with its own site. Fridley code requires that lots in the C3 district be a minimum of 35,000 square feet total lot area under one owner. The proposed lot #1 will be 753,566 square feet or 17.3 acres in size after the replat. The proposed lot #2 will be 85,955 square feet or 1.97 acres in size after the replat. The minimum lot area requirement has been met. The newly created commercial sites would obtain access off of 53�d Avenue. Code allows up to 35% lot coverage for a two story building and the building footprint shown for this site is 25%. All necessary utility and drainage easements have been provided on the plat. The proposed new commercial buildings will meet all of the necessary setback requirements except for the Petco front yard setback for which a variance has been requested. Ms. Harris stated staff recommends approval of this plat as it does provide redevelopment opportunities for Fridley consistent with our Comprehensive Plan. If approved, staff recommends the following stipulations be attached: 1) Petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to construction. 2) Any remaining debris from demolition of existing buildings on site shall be removed prior to granting of final plat. 3) Grading and drainage plan to be approved by City's engineering staff prior to the issuance of any building permits in order to minimize impacts to the � surrounding properties. 4) The petitioner shall provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage treatment systems located on the site are properly capped or removed. 5) During construction, silt fencing shall be used where applicable. 6) Petitioner to pay required park dedication fees of $.023 per square foot for a total of $19,308.98 for both plats prior to issuance of buiFding permits. 7) Petitioner to pay all water and sewer connection fees, including sanitary sewer extension. 8) Petitioner shall agree to preserve mature trees to the extent possible. All trees required to be removed for the new construction shall be marked and approved by City staff prior to issuance of building permits. 9) Commercial building shall meet all parking and setback requirements, unless abated by a variance as approved by City Council. 10) Add appropriate address and marking requirements per Fire Code. 11) Petitioner shall agree to the terms of a development agreement that shall be prepared by City staff and approved by the City Council simultaneous with their final plat approval. Ms. Harris presented a letter from Wesley Grandstrand, 5431 Madison St. NE, expressing his concerns about this proposed redevelopment. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to enter this � letter into the record. 2 CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, JUNE 15, 2005 Page 3 of 7 ,� UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner Kondrick asked if there will be an increase or decrease in the number of parking spaces with this redevelopment. Ms. Harris replied that there will be a decrease in parking spaces and a variance has been approved for this change. There will be 700 hundred total spaces which is more than the traffic study Target conducted determined would be needed for a Super Target. Commissioner Johns asked if the pylon signs meet code as far as height and size. Ms. Harris stated both the pylon signs received a favorable recommendation for a variance from the Appeals Commission. Ms. Jones explained that Target has done an extensive study of their sales on their busiest day and found that they need only 600 parking spaces for a Super Target. They are proposing 700 spaces. The variance they requested was from the required 1100 to 700 parking spaces. They are also providing proof of parking for an additional 160 parking spaces. Staff is comfortable with Target's determination of their parking needs. Commissioner Johns questioned if the existing trees along the west side will remain. � Ms. Jones explained the trees along the west side are not on the Target site and will not be affected by this project. Target also plans to add trees and they do meet the requirements for their landscaping proposal. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist, seconded by Commissioner Kondrick, to open the public hearing. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Richard Wiebe, Westwood Professional Services, stated they listened intently at the public hearing and have taken those concerns into consideration in further refining their plans. Reviewed the site plan for this project and explained that the new Target store will be shifted to the south by 30 feet and to the east approximately 20 feet. The loading dock for the Super Target will be recessed which moves it further to the west than the current dock. The site is being proposed to be split into two lots with Super Target occupying the 17 acres in the north portion and the smaller 2 acre portion being split off for the Petco building as a stand alone facility. As to the pylon signs, he explained the new sign to the north is ten feet taller than code allows but is within 6 inches of the current sign height. Also, scale-wise, the sign is relatively small with relation to the entire property. The sign on the north is quite some distance away from the existing, tall trees. As to the light from the sign, he explained it is tied into the parking lot lighting ��\ which is cut off one-half hour after the store closing. The north side of the building will 3 CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, JUNE 15, 2005 Page 4 of 7 ,� have the Target logo and there will be no signage or graphics on the 53� Avenue side of the Target building. Commissioner Kondrick asked how tall the pylon sign on 53�d Avenue will be and if it will be lighted. Mr. Wiebe responded that the sign will be 20 feet high and will be tied in with the parking lot lighting. He stated the entrance from 53�d will be redesigned for a greater radius. In addition they are proposing additional planting to provide screening of the dock area from Cherry Lane. The proof of parking area will be used for green space at this time. They feel it would be "improper stewardship� to build more parking spaces than needed as it increases run-off and storm water issues and results in increased maintenance. Target has compiled data on the number of shoppers by hour from which they're able to project sales and parking needs. Based on that data, they have determined they will need 600 parking spaces at a Super Target during peak hours. The balance of the time the parking need is substantially less. So Target is proposing 700 parking spaces for this location as well as proof of parking for 160 spaces. He further explained that by combining the three uses (groceries, pharmacy and department store) into the Super Target, there will be fewer trips to the site than if the three uses were individual. A photometric plan was submitted to staff with their presentation package and shows a proposed lighting level of three to five foot candles across the parking areas. With the new plan, the nearest light pole to the residents will � be in the island in the parking lot on the north which is quite a distance further away from the existing light pole along the western side of the property. There will be lighting on the building that will be downward directed. All the photometric lighting levels along the western side are at zero. The dock area will be further away from the residents than it is currently. The hours of operation for truck traffic will remain the same as they are today. There will be 8 to 10 additional delivery vans and an increase of 1 to 2 tractor trailer deliveries. The small delivery truck hours are from 8:00 a.m. to noon and tractor trailer delivery hours are from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Chairperson Savage asked how the northern pylon sign compares in height with other Target signs. Mr. Wiebe responded each site is considered independently. Target sign specialists visit each site and come up with a recommendation for the appropriate height and size for visibility. The current sign on the north is 34'/2 feet in height and the proposed sign will be 35 feet. Ms. Jones stated the height restriction per City Code for a pylon sign is 25 feet and Target is requesting 35 feet. Jim Miller, design project architect for Target, provided a brief overview of the architecture for this newly designed Super Target store. This Super Target will be one ^ of two of its kind to be opened in the Twin Cities. They've attempted to break down the apparent mass of these stores by doing a series of ins and outs and changes in colors � CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, JUNE 15, 2005 Page 5 of 7 � and planes. Two significant changes for this store is the raising of the canopy at the entrances and brought in more glass to give a larger field of view for the guests and increasing the sense of security. The difference with this Super Target is the finro, one thousand square foot district ofFces proposed for the northern portion of the building. Commissioner Kondrick questioned the number of employees in the district offices. Mr. Miller responded there will be 12 to 15 employees per office with many of those employees doing a significant amount of traveling. Commissioner Kondrick questioned the height of the building in the front and on the south. Mr. Miller stated the tallest mass is 34 feet high and on the south it's 26 feet. Chairperson Savage questioned if the petitioners have any problem with the staff s stipulations. Mr. Wiebe responded they are concerned about #6 regarding the park dedication fee. This fee is typically levied for a new use, but these are both existing businesses simply being redesigned. They're not creating a major subdivision with multiple tenants, but are simply splitting the lot and separating the existing uses. Stipulation #11 regarding � the development agreement is a concern because �hey have not seen the agreement. They're willing to work together and negotiate the terms of that agreement but are hesitant to accept a"blank check." Stipulation #9 on the parking, they concur with the parking based on the variance they proposed. � Ms. Jones stated she was not aware of Target's concern until just now. She did not believe this is something the Planning Commission needs to act on as any waiving of park dedication fees can only be done by the City Council. Commissioner Kondrick commented that the past practice has been that every time a lot split or replatting occurs there is a park dedication fee. Mr. Wiebe stated this is the first time they were aware of this particular stipulation and they're immediate reaction is that these are existing uses and not adding to the need for parks. He then asked if it has been the practice that the park fee is paid on the new lot only. Commissioner Kondrick responded that the fee is paid on the entire replat. Mr. Wiebe referred to Stipulation #9 explaining that Target has requested a setback variance on the Petco building. 5 CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, JUNE 15, 2005 Page 6 of 7 ,-�-� Ms. Jones explained that Mr. Wiebe is correct and that stipulation was a mistake in their staff report that they forgot to change. The Appeals Commission recommended approval on that setback variance. Commissioner Oquist suggested Stipulation #9 be changed to refer to the approved variances. Mr. Wiebe reviewed the site plan for the Petco building to further explain the setback variance. He also presented photos of the tree line along the west of their property and explained that Target plans to preserve those trees. Commissioner Johns referred to Stipulation #11 and asked if it is staff's intent to provide the petitioner a copy of the development agreement prior to the Council meeting. Ms. Jones explained the development agreement will be worked out and reviewed by the developer prior to final plat approval. Michael Lefande, architect for Petco, stated Petco and his architecture firm are very supportive of this project. An independent building is a good thing for Petco as it provides a separate identity. Wesfinrood and Target have done an excellent job addressing all the Petco design and operational concerns. As far as truck deliveries, Petco gets only one or finro trucks a week. He also explained that the Petco facility � would only require 75 parking spaces and 95 have been provided. They also support the site lighting plan presented. Petco is promoting more of destination-type retail and he stressed that this is a pet supply store, but Petco does work with the local humane society and animal shelters to bring cats and dogs into their stores on the weekend to promote adoption. There will continue to be a grooming shop at this site. r''1 Commissioner Kondrick asked if Mr. Lefande believes the amount of parking provided for Petco is sufficient to meet their high-point needs. Mr. Lefande responded the parking is above and beyond what they need. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist, seconded by Commissioner Saba, to close the public hearing. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:25 PM. Commissioner Kuechle suggested Stipulation #9 be changed to read: "Commercial building shall meet all parking and setback requirements unless abated by a variance." Commissioner Oquist commented that Stipulation #6 regarding the park dedication fees should remain and any concerns can be addressed by the Council. 0 CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, JUNE 15, 2005 Page 7 of 7 � MOTION by Commissioner Saba, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle, to recommend approval of PS #05-04 with the stipulations as amended. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OTHER BUSINESS: ADJOURN: MOTION by Commissioner Oquist, seconded by Commissioner Kondrick, to adjourn. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:35 PM. Respectfully submitted by, �-��?�?�1'� �?��'"� Rebecca Brazys ^ Recording Secretary � 7 .' = n � �--� � CITY OF FRIDLEY SIGN-IN SHEET PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING � _ �. Name Address/Business a%�� c��+� �� vrs ��2� loc�o � c v�e� /Gl�,� �+��ee��e� � �� 1� �.y, �ic�� t,�,��-�� '75`� l f� �� ,�, �� • � �n ��e �oo � ' �`�- � � / 1 CITY OF FRIDLEY SIGN-IN SHEET PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING .� �l i.��i e. �' � t�� Name � V R� i ,��1 �� .� ..tfi�r� Address/Business ! Gf� , � . �� c�� . � � � � L�. ��,-�.,1 �� {�/� l c' � � � � � � c� � 1 � l .� c ;� J �, � � c� ��j � �� 1 � �� ' �J.�. � ✓� �" .3 � N l U � IJ � e4 �ri � � .�'L� N&f4' po � [ � � � � (a� �� l ✓ ^ �V" �� Y l� V� � � (� �'i% � 1 i l � � �71 C �l r\ � � . � � �J� �� -� D�� c�c�:� � � �l �� 0� 1�� "� _ , ��i�� °� ��i� r � �� - �� /L�� '� i,�. �� e � a � �. , � �� . � �� '�� °�,.�I��,� �o.� � � ,�� ` � � /� �� '� z ,�1� �� , �� _ - - - i� 7�' �, ��L��r,r�'� � � °�-�/ � ��1 � L� ��1 � J�C 0 �