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PL 10/19/2005 - 30883�,,,, CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 19TH, 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 Diane Savage, Barbara Johns, David Kondrick, Larry Kuechle, Brad Dunham, Dean Saba Leroy Oquist Others Present: Stacy Stromberg, City Planner Grady Kinghom, Kinghom Construction Rick Strayer, Woodcrest Baptist Church Dean Eberhard, 436 Rice Creek Boulevard Beverly Eberhard, 436 Rice Creek Boulevard Pam Reynolds, 1241 North Avenue NE Paul B. Gunderson, 413 Rice Creek Boulevard APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - September 7th, 2005 MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Kuechle, to approve the minutes as presented. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consideration of a Special Use Permit, SP #05-03, bv Kinahorn Construction, for Woodcrest Baptist Church, to allow an expansion of an existinp Church in an R-3, Multi-Familv Zonina District, aenerallv located at 6875 Universitv Avenue NE. 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. Stromberg provided a brief overview of Woodcrest Baptist Church and their request for this special use permit. The petitioner, Grady Kinghom of Kinghorn Construction is representing Woodcrest Baptist Church, in their petition to seek a special use permit to allow an expansion to the existing church, which is located in an R-3, Multi-Family zoning district. The church is located at 6875 University Avenue. Woodcrest Baptist Church expansion will be an addition on the northwest side of the existing church building and will increase the building footprint by 14,162 square feet. The proposed �'� addition will include a main floor sanctuary with a small balcony and lower level classroom space. The addition will also increase the size of the foyer, add an elevator, and will relocate the restrooms and nursery facilities which will provide easier access for the congregation. :1 Pianning Commission, October 19`", 2005 � The property is located on 69th Avenue, just east of University Avenue and is zoned R-3, Multi- Family. The church was originally constructed in 1965. A two-story addition used for administration and classroom use was constructed in 1974 and in 1985 a gymnasium was added to the south side of the church building. A special use permit was issued for the gymnasium addition in 1985 to allow an expansion of a church use in a residentially zoned district. Currently, the existing church space combined with the gymnasium space is 23,719 square feet. Woodcrest Baptist Church currently has approximately 400 worship members. The church also operates a school which provides education for children age's kindergarten through 12th grade, with approximately 220 students. Churches are permitted special use in the R-3 zoning district, provided they meet the necessary requirements, related to building and site requirements and parking, subject to the stipulations suggested by staff. All of these requirements are being met with the new proposal, with the exception of the parking setback on the north and west sides of the property. City code requires a 20 ft. parking setback from any public right-of-way. The parking setback on the west side of the property is deficient as a result of the State acquiring additional land for University Avenue. As a result of the highway taking, the parking lot on the west side of the property is set back finro feet from the property line. Therefore, the petitioner has applied for a variance to recognize the existing parking setback from 20 feet to 2 feet. They are also seeking a variance to reduce the parking setback on the north side of the property from 20 feet to 5 feet. The current curb line is over the petitioner's property line; by reducing the setback from 20 feet to 5 feet will bring the parking lot further south than it currently is. Both of these items will go before the Appeals Commission on October 26th, 2005. Currently, the Woodcrest Baptist Church property has 226 parking stalls. City Code requires one parking stall per every three seats. After the proposed addition, the church will have 580 seats in the assembly facility, therefore requiring 194 parking stalls. After the addition is constructed, the site will be left with 195 stalls, which meets code requirements. The proposed addition will be constructed of rock faced block, precast concrete and brick to match the existing structure. The proposed addition meets all setback, height and lot coverage requirements. The petitioner has been in contact with the Rice Creek Watershed District regarding any ponding and storm water treatment devices that might need to be constructed as a result of the proposed expansion. Due to the fact that there will be a slight decrease in impervious surface, the Watershed has determined that a biofiltration system is an acceptable alternative to infiltration. The biofiltration system is essentially a rain garden area. The petitioner is proposing to put this system on the west side of the proposed addition. This location and size will need to be approved by Rick Creek Watershed District. City Staff recommends approval of this special use permit request as churches are permitted special use in the R-3, Multi-Family zoning district, provided that the proposed expansion complies with the requirements for the special use permit, subject to the following stipulations attached. City Staff recommends that if the special use permit is granted, the following stipulations be attached. 1. The petitioner shall obtain any required permit prior to the start of construction. : Planning Commission, October 19'", 2005 � 2. The parking Iot shall be restored to Code requirements for paving, curbing and painting after ` the addition is completed. 3. Proposed addition shall not exceed 45 feet in height at the midspan, between the ridge and eave line, when measured from finished grade. 4. The subject properly shall be maintained free of any and all construction debris. 5. Construction vehicles shall not bring materials before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. 6. The addition shall be architecturally compatible with the existing building and finished with complementary siding and color scheme. 7. The City reserves the right to require additional parking should the demand of the facility warrant it. 8. Landscape plan shall be reviewed and approved by City staff to issuance of a building permit. 9. Petitioner shall satisfy Rick Creek Watershed requirements prior to issuance of a building permit. Commissioner Savage questioned if the Planning Commission should stipulate that this request is dependent upon the approval of the variance requests. Ms. Stromberg responded that the Planning Commission could add that additional stipulation if they felt it was necessary. If the variance is not approved they would need to move the par�Cing lot. Commissioner Kondrick questioned the parking lot stall width. � Mr. Stromberg stated that the width is nine feet wide. ,� Commissioner Kondrick questioned if more parking is needed, how would the church comply and where would they park the cars if the congregation grew larger than anticipated. Ms. Stromberg mentioned that staff has spoken to Woodcrest Baptist Church about the possibility of obtaining land north of the current lot. The city owns this properly and it could be sold and used for more parking if needed. The city does not have to sell this land but it would be a potential expansion site. If more than 100 additional stalls are needed, the church would have to relocate. Commissioner Kondrick stated that currently there seems to be enough room along the north and west side for plantation of trees and shrubs to shield the parking lot. He questioned if there were any landscaping plans. Ms. Stromberg commented that they do have a landscaping plan that will need to meet all code requirements. Currently there are mature trees on site and those trees will not be in the way of the proposed construction plans. Commissioner Savage stated that currently there is a line of small evergreen trees along University that provides a shield. Commissioner Kondrick questioned if an imgation system will be installed. Ms. Stromberg responded that an irrigation system is required to meet code requirements. Commissioner Kondrick questioned if any neighbors have responded to this proposal. Ms. Stromberg stated that she received one call for clarification of this meeting date and time. : Planning Commission, October 19�', 2005 � Mr. Kinghorn, petitioner, shared an elevation drawing. It was discussed in detail the type of materials that will be used such as asphalt shingles, adding more glass and brick to create a softer look. The church currently uses all square footage for their school and this expansion will allow additional classroom space. Ms. Everhart, 436 Rice Creek Blvd., stated that the gymnasium and school face her back yard. She questioned if this new expansion will include any upgrading of existing buildings. The siding on the current building is peeling off and woodpeckers are making holes in the current buildings. These buildings were added in 1985 and nothing has been maintained nor has improvements been made to the existing exterior. Mr. Kinghorn responded that any maintenance on the existing building would not be contracted by Kinghom Construction. Mr. Strayer, the building chair for Woodcrest Baptist Church said the deacon board has discussed the need for maintenance of existing buildings and it is in the budget of the capital campaign. Funds will be generated to take care of the east side of the building and maintenance tended to when funds are available. Commissioner Kondrick questioned when this issue will be addressed. Mr. Strayer stated that timing depends on the capital campaign. They hope to resolve this issue at the same time of the new construction. He estimated two years maximum time to complete the maintenance. � Ms. Everhart questioned what type of siding would be used to fix the building. Mr. Strayer stated that they would use the same type of siding. They have not priced out materials but once the building is fixed, it will be stained and maintained. Mr. Kondrick commented that we need to be good to our neighbors in upkeep of our properties. Mr. Gunderson, 413 Rice Creek Blvd., lives next to the Woodcrest Baptist parkir�g lot and stated that they have been good neighbors. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Saba, to close the public hearing. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:50 P.M. MOTION by Commissioner Saba, seconded by Commissioner Kondrick, to recommend approval of Special Use Permit, SP #05-03, by Kinghom Construction, for Woodcrest Baptist Church, to allow an expansion of an existing church in an R-3, Multi-Family zoning district, generally located at 6875 University Avenue, with the following stipulations: 1. The petitioner shall obtain any required permit prior to the start of construction. �1 2. The parking lot shall be restored to Code requirements for paving, curbing and painting after the addition is completed. 3. Proposed addition shall not exceed 45 feet in height at the midspan, between the ridge and eave line, when measured from finished grade. : Planning Commission, October 19"', 2005 � 4. The subject property shall be maintained free of any and all construction debris. 5. Construction vehicles shall not bring materials before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. 6. The addition shall be architecturally compatible with the existing building and finished with complementary siding and color scheme. 7. The City reserves the right to require additional parking should the demand of the facility warrant it. 8. Landscape plan shall be reviewed and approved by City staff to issuance of a building permit. 9. Petitioner shall satisfy Rick Creek Watershed requirements prior to issuance of a building permit. This will be brought to the City Council on November 7th, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. Consideration of a Zoninq Text Amendment, ZTA#05-03, bv the Citv of Fridlev, to amend the S-1 Hvde Park Neiahborhood Zoninca District, Section 205.23.5D(1-2), to reduce front and side vard setbacks. MOTION by Commissioner Johns, 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 7:55 P.M. Ms. Stromberg stated that staff has begun to review preliminary plans for the Fridley HRA's Gateway West redevelopment project in the Hyde Park neighborhood. They have discovered an oversight in the S-1, Hyde Park zoning language. When front yard setbacks were changed in the R-1, Single Family, section of code five years ago, staff did not suggest that the same change be considered in the Hyde Park District. In addition to the change in the minimum front yard setback, staff finds a need to reduce the side yard setback requirements in the Hyde Park District. Due to smaller lot sizes dominating the Hyde Park District, the neighborhood is in a separate zoning district, which has less strict requirements for lot width, garage space, and parking. However, the side yard setback requirements are the same as those in the R-1, Single Family, zoning code language. Many existing homes do not meet the required 10' side yard setback. There are many homes and garages that do not meet the proposed 7.5' setback either. Therefore, staff is proposing that the text amendment be worded to only apply to new construction to avoid making more properties nonconforming. Staff suggests that the new homes may better fit into the neighborhood if the side yard setbacks are reduced. A seven and one-half foot setback would still ensure 15' between any two buildings, providing ample space for maintenance and open space. Staff recommends approval of ZTA #05-03, reducing the front yard setback in the Hyde Park District from 35 feet to 25 feet, and reducing the side yard setback from 10 feet to 7.5 feet. ^ Commissioner Kuechle asked where they measure the garage roof from. Ms. Stromberg stated that it is measured from mid span to the average grade. There is a 14 foot requirement in the R-1, Single Family zoning district. ., Planning Commission, October 19'", 2005 � Commissioner Kondrick questioned if someone wanted to build a garage with a special design such as a peak roof are we limiting ourselves with design. Ms. Stromberg stated that if the new structure would exceed 15' in height, they would need to ask for a variance. Ms. Johns mentioned that the measurement is from the average grade and most structures will still meet the code requirements. Ms. Stromberg stated that this specific code is for the Hyde Park district. Commissioner Kondrick mentioned that the goal is to make the Hyde Park area beautiful and is concerned this would limit the buyer's options. Ms. Stromberg stated that this will not apply for new construction, only for existing construction. All new construction will need a 7%2' side yard setback. This will allow the home to be centered on the lot and allow different designs. According to the builder it would allow them to wrap the garage around the back of the home and many other options would be available. Ms. Reynolds came forward with three concems regarding the proposal. 1. The S-1 text is being altered and it seems we are changing this for a specific area. Several areas are subject to R1 regulations. Why not just add specific language in a separate addition? ^ 2. By changing the side yard to 7%2 feet are we going to have any problems regarding emergency equipment access? 3. Lastly, it seems like we keep changing codes to benefit the developer. � Ms. Stromberg stated that nothing else has been proposed to be changed in language of the S-1 code related to the Hyde Park area and changing the side yard to 7%a feet will not be a hazard for emergency equipment access. The text change is not to benefit the developer only, but it will spur reinvestment in existing homes and benefit all in the Hyde Park area. This change will allow people to reinvest in their own properly. Ms. Reynolds questioned if all parcels of land will need to qualify for the new side yard requirements. For example if she bought finro houses and tore them down would she have to comply with the new side yard requirements? Ms. Stromberg responded that if your house was destroyed via a natural disaster such as a fire or tomado and you built the same exact home, you would be able to use the old set back codes. However, if you changed your floor plan, square footage etc. you would have to comply with the new codes. If you purchased a home, demolished it and built a new home, you would have to comply with the new codes as well. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Saba, to close the public hearing. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:17 P.M. Commissioner Saba commented that he can see the benefit of this code change and thinks this area will be great. : Planning Commission, October 19�', 2005 Commissioner Kondrick agreed that this will be a great neighborhood and will make the area ^ look sharp. i"� MOTION by Commissioner Kuechle, seconded by Commissioner Saba, to approve the ZTA #05-03, reducing the front yard setback in the Hyde Park District from 35 feet to 25 feet, and reducing the side yard setback from 10 feet to 7.5 feet. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 1, 2005, HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Saba, 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 16, 2005, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING. MOTION by Commissioner Johns, seconded by Commissioner Saba, to receive the minutes as presented. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 20. 2005. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING. MOTION by Commissioner Johns, seconded by Commissioner Saba, 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 SEPTEMBER 12. 2005. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 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. OTHER BUSINESS 7. Consideration of approval of the 2006 Plannins� Commission meetina dates. MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to approve the 2006 Planning Commission meeting dates as presented by staff. :. Planning Commission, October 19�', 2005 � UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE � MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Stromberg reminded that the next meeting will be November 2"d, 2005. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Commissioner Johns, seconded by Commissioner Kondrick, to adjourn. UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:25 P.M. RespectFully submitted by, �'\��� �'l�����;��C � Krista Monsrud Recording Secretary � : � � '� I CITY OF FRIDLEY , SIGN-IN SHEET � PLANNIN ' G COMMISSION MEETING ; i � Name Address/Business _�� A iJ �� �d� ►�.,�-►'�1� . `t3l� � �r � l.�P,�� � i��,� j ` � ► � V�av I �- y v� c� � C� � JG /I 1 2 �i c � r� 1► �. �� �-�� I�� r�-�i = v� r �l��i �� �/ 31 ek �) i