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PL 09/07/2005 - 30882� CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 7T", 2005 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Savage called the regular meeting of the Planning Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Others Present: Diane Savage, Barbara Johns, David Kondrick, Larry Kuechle, and Brad Dunham Leroy Oquist and Dean Saba Julie Jones, Planning Coordinator APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES — August 3`�, 2005 MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to approve the minutes as presented. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECARED THE MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consideration of a Zonina Text Amendment, ZTA #05-01, bv the Citv of Fridlev, to amend Chapter 205.14.7.6 and 205.15.17.B, recaardina temporarv outdoor storaae containers on commercial properties. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle, to open the public hearing. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:35 P.M. Ms. Jones stated that this is the first zoning text amendment of the year initiated by staff. The amendment is being brought forward as a few commercial businesses over the years have requested the ability to temporarily store seasonal merchandise in outdoor containers. Current zoning regulations do not permit this type of storage. During the last Council/Commission survey, it was asked if there was general interest in pursuing this amendment and there was Council/Commission support. Staff has put together this amendment for consideration. This amendment would not affect District C-1, Local Business, as lots are generally too small to provide enough space or allow for proper screening. The finro proposed Districts for the amendment are Districts C-2, General Business and C-3, General Shopping. �� Applicants would be required to fill out a form similar to the cur�ent temporary outdoor sales form. The permit would be allowed for a maximum of 90 days and fees would be SEPTEMBER 7 2005-PC (2) 2of6 � $75.00 with a$300 refundable deposit upon removal of the storage unit. The applicant must submit a drawing showing how they would meet all the requirements specified in the code. The specified requirements are as follows: a) Stored on a paved surface b) Screened from ROW, residence, or park c) Architecturally compatible screening d) Adequate parking and safe circulation e) Maximum one per year for 90 days � Three permit limit on multi-tenant buildings g) Comply with all state Fire and Safety Codes and City Ordinances The city staff recommends the ZTA #05-01 as written and the permit application form attached with a correction to the multi-tenant building permit limit being three per year. The ZTA-#05-01 is scheduled to be heard at a public hearing at the September 26th City Council Meeting. Commissioner Kondrick asked for clarification as to what a multi-tenant building would consist of and why businesses would request a storage unit. Ms. Jones stated that this would be for commercial businesses, not in residential areas such as apartment buildings. A multi-tenant commercial business example would be something like a strip mall. It was also clarified that this amendment includes zoning districts C-2 and C-3 only. � Chairperson Savage asked if any feedback has been received from the public regarding any pro's or con's in having these storage units on the business properties. Ms. Jones responded that no comments have been heard from the public. Commissioner Kondrick questioned if any studies have been made comparing our set fees to any neighboring communities. Ms. Jones stated that no research has been done as they are not aware of any other community authorizing this type of storage. This is a unique request, but businesses have approached staff asking for this type of storage space. Commissioner Johns noted that in the attachment it does not specify the size that will be allowed for the outdoor storage unit. She questioned if a business could have two or three units at one time or if a tractor trailer could be parked in the parking lot, and how would businesses know what size unit would be acceptable if it is not specified on the application. Ms. Jones clarified that at tractor trailer would not meet the height requirements in the current screening code. On page two of the proposed amendment it does specify that the business would need to state the size of the storage unit and map out the area where the unit will be placed. It is assumed that when the business creates the schematic drawing they would designate the size and location of the storage unit(s). As ,� Iong as the storage unit meets the architectural screening code, the unit would be allowed. SEPTEMBER 7 2005-PC (2) 3 of 6 ^ Commissioner Kuechle was concemed that a business could put a storage unit behind a building and it would meet the screening codes and not be in the view of the public or parks. Ms. Jones mentioned that most of the C-2 and C-3 zoning property is along East River Road, University Avenue and Central Avenue where most businesses would have residential property behind the buildings so there would be very few businesses this issue would apply. Commissioner Kondrick asked if it would be appropriate to have specific storage container sizes listed on the application so the applicant would know what size of storage unit is acceptable. Commissioner Kuechle stated that if the storage unit meets the screening code there shouldn't be a concem of the size of the unit. Ms. Jones explained that the size of the unit would be covered with the limitation in the height but will double check her records. Commissioner Kondrick agreed with Commissioner Kuechle that if the unit meets the screening code, they should be covered. Commissioner Johns asked for clarification when the $300 refundable deposit would be collected. � Ms. Jones confirmed that it would be the owner's responsibility to pick up the deposit when the storage unit is removed. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to close the public hearing. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:45 P.M. Commissioner Kondrick stated that all the questions of interest were covered and agreed to proceed with the amendment. Commissioner Savage commented that there has been no oppositions regarding this amendment and the matter will be heard in another public hearing by the City Council on September 26th. The conditions built into the amendment are protective of the city as well as the customer and she supports the amendment. MOTION by Commissioner Johns, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle, to recommend approval of ZTA-#05-01, by the City of Fridley, to amend Chapter 205.14.7.B and 205.15.17.B, to allow temporary outdoor storage containers on commercial properties. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. � SEPTEMBER 7 2005-PC (2) � 2. Consideration of a Zonina Text Amendment, ZTA #05-02, bv the Citv of Fridlev, to amend Chapter 205.13.5.C. and 205.14.5.C, and 205.15.5.C. reaardina parkina reauirements on commercial properties. � 4 of 6 MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle, to open the public hearing. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:48 P.M. Ms. Jones presented the second zoning text amendment of the year presented by staff. What prompted this request were recent parking stall variance requests that were granted to the Target Super Store and CVS Pharmacy redevelopment projects. Ms. Jones stated the current code parking requirements of Commercial Districts C-1, C- 2 and C-3 requires businesses to allocate one parking stall for every 150 sq. ft. of building floor area, which equals 6.7 stalls per 1,000 sq. ft. Evidence in recent commercial redevelopment projects such as Wal-Mart, Walgreen's and Home Depot has sfiown that much of this required parking space is unused even in their busiest times. Target presented business research indicating that even on their busiest day they only need 3.8 stalls per 1,000 square feet. Staff researched other cities in the area and leamed that the City of Fridley is the only city that requires one parking space per 150 sq. ft. of building floor area and a 10' stall width. At this time staff is not proposing a change in the stall width, but welcomes discussion on that matter. Staff would like to recommend the following: a) Change the parking stall ratio to one parking stall to every 250 square feet (4 stalls per 1,000 sq. ft) in the C-1, C-2 and C-3 sections of the Zoning Code. b) Remove optional speculative parking ration of 1 per 200 sq. ft. in C-1, C-2 and C-3. c) Remove optional office use ratio of 1 per 250 sq. ft. in C-1, C-2, and C-3. d) Keep parking stall width at 10'. The benefits of this amendment would be as follows: a) More opportunity for green space in redevelopment projects b) Lessen storm water runoff impacts c) Reduce heat island effect d) Less variance requests e) More efficient use of commercial properties The city staff recommends the ZTA #05-02 as written. The ZTA-#05-02 is scheduled to be heard at a public hearing at the September 26�' City Council Meeting. Ms. Jones has heard no feedback from the public, just from developers surveying our area for potential business sites. Commissioner Kondrick asked if businesses are aware that we are considering this n amendment and how they would be aware of this change. SEPTEMBER 7 2005-PC (2) 5 of 6 ^ Ms. Jones stated that there is a proposed article regarding this issue in the next city newsletter and the public hearing notices are distributed to the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Kondrick mentioned that the average shopper would prefer a 10' parking stall, but your average business owner would prefer a smaller space. Even though we are not considering this today, this may be something brought up in the future. Ms. Jones stated that the current code does allow business to propose less than a 10' width parking stall but that section is not part of this proposed amendment. MOTION by Commissioner Johns, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle, to close the public hearing. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECALRED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:55 P.M. Commissioner Kuechle supported the proposal, saying it would be good to bring the City of Fridley in line with other surrounding communities. It has been verified that most businesses do not need that much parking space and the amendment would keep the parking lots looking clean. Commissioner Savage liked the idea of having more green space available in the business parking lots. � MOTION by Commissioner Kuechle, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to recommend approval of the Zoning Text Amendment, ZTA #05-02, by the City of Fridley, to amend Chapter 205.13.5.C, and 205.14.5.C, and 205.15.5.C, regarding parking requirements on commercial properties. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECALRED THE CARRIED. 3. RECEIVE THE MINTUES OF THE JULY 7, 2005 HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORY MEETING. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to receive the minutes as presented. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 4. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 4, 2005 HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle to receive the minutes as presented. � UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. SEPTEMBER 7 2005-PC (2) ^ 5. RECEIVE THE MINTUES OF THE JUNE 27. 2005 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISION MEETING. � 6 of 6 MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Johns to receive the minutes as presented. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 1, 2005 PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING. 7. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle to receive the minutes as presented. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MOTION by Commissioner Johns seconded by Commissioner Kuechle to receive the minutes as presented. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OTHER BUSINESS: Ms. Jones stated that the next finro meetings are cancelled. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle, to adjoum. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECALRED THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted by, �i2-"�" .,�'l� l� Krista Monsrud Recording Secretary o, , n � � CITY OF FRIDLEY SIGN-IN SHEET PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING �-� `��-elti'� � � / � ���� [► .Fti�T-� Address/Business