HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/24/1997BOOK
AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
June 24, 1997
6:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers
Maplewood City Hall
1830 East County Road B
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes - June 10, 1997
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Unfinished Business
a. Roof Equipment Screening Waiver- ABRA Auto Body and Glass,
2020 Rice Street
b. Landscape Plan Revision - Tri-District Elementary School,
30 E. County Road B
6. Design Review
a. Ordinance Amendment- Roof-Mounted Equipment Screening
7. Visitor Presentations
8. Board Presentations
9. Staff Presentations
10. Adjourn
p:\com_dvpt\cdrb.agd
WELCOME TO THIS MEETING OF THE
COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
This outline has been prepared to explain the review process of this meeting. The
review of an item usually follows this format.
1. The chairperson of the meeting will announce the item to be reviewed.
2. The chairperson will ask the applicant or developer of the project up to the podium
to respond to the staffs recommendation regarding the proposal. The Community
Design Review Board will then discuss the proposed project with the applicant.
3. The chairperson will then ask the audience if there is anyone present who wishes
to comment on the proposal.
4. After everyone is the audience wishing to speak has given his or her comments,
the chairperson will close the public discussion portion of the meeting.
5. The Board will then discuss the proposal. No furthdr public comments are allowed.
6. The Board will then make its recommendations or decision.
7. Most decisions by the Board are final, unless appealed to the City Council. You
must notify the City staff in writing within 15 days to register an appeal.
jw\forms~lrt).agd
Revised: 11-09-94
MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
JUNE 10, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Erickson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Marvin Erickson Present
Marie Robinson Present
Ananth Shankar Present
Tim Johnson Absent
Matt Ledvina Present
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Boardmember Robinson moved approval of the minutes of May 13, 1997, amended to show
Ananth Shankar in attendance at this meeting.
Boardmember Ledvina seconded.
Ayes--all
The motion passed.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Boardmember Robinson moved approval of the agenda as submitted.
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
VI. DESIGN REVIEW
A. Equipment Building--Watershed District Storm Water Facility, Century Avenue between
Margaret Street and Minnehaha Avenue
Cliff Aichinger was present representing the Ramsey/Washington Metro Watershed District.
He discussed their proposal to build a water retention pond with a treatment facility to add
alum to the storm water for purifying Tanner's Lake. Mr. Aichinger explained the project to
the board. He described the function of alum and discussed the architectural design of the
proposed equipment building. The building would have a brick exterior. He stated that there
would be a small building (approximately four by four by six feet tall), in addition to the one
shown, that would be about the size of an outdoor toilet building. The board asked Tom to
review the design plans for this small structure. Mr. Aichinger, furthermore, stated that the
smaller structure would only be in place for about two years.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes of 06-10-97
-2-
Boardmember Robinson moved the Community Design Review Board recommend:
Approval of the plans dated May 19, 1997, for the proposed storm water treatment facility
on the northwest corner of Century and Margaret Avenues, based on the findings required
by the City Code. The developer shall do the following:
1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
structure.
2. Complete the following before the city issues a building permit:
a. Submit a grading, drainage, utility and erosion control plan to the city engineer for
approval. The erosion control plan shall be comply with ordinance requirements.
b. Submit to city staff a certificate of survey for the property.
3. Complete the following before occupying the building:
a. Replace property irons that the construction or contractor removes.
b. Restore and sod damaged boulevards.
c. Install all required landscaping, paving and an address on the building.
4. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if:
a. The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or
welfare.
b. The city receives a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the required
work. The amount shall be 150% of the cost of the unfinished work.
5. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may
approve minor changes.
6. The applicant shall submit a design detail for the small outbuilding in the southwest
corner of the site to staff for approval.
Boardmember Ledvina seconded.
Ayes~all
The motion passed.
B. Merit Chevrolet Building Additionm2695 Brookview Drive
Darwin Lindahl was present representing Merit Chevrolet. Mr. Lindahl gave a presentation to
the board describing their proposed expansion plans. The board asked several questions
about the building design and the fence that staff was recommending Merit install. Roger
Bortnem of Merit Chevrolet addressed the board and discussed the history of the Merit
Chevrolet property development and the fence issue. He also stated that he is in favor of
installing such a fence. He suggested a good alternative would be to place the fence part
way down their slope towards the abutting residential land to save some mature trees that are
Community Design Review B6ard
Minutes of 06-10-97
-3-
up theslope next to the parking lot. The board discussed fence options and fence placement
with the applicant and staff.
The chairman asked if there was anybody in the audience that would like to speak on this
matter. Thomas Brudvig, the attorney for Mr. and Mrs. Hayak of 2685 Brookview Drive,
addressed the board. He requested that the city deny this request. He said that there is
already excessive encroachment toward the residential properties with the present building.
Code requires automotive repair businesses now to be 350 feet from residential properties.
The existing building is 55 feet away. The Hayaks also feel that Merit has not explored other
optional locations for this addition.
In addition, Mr. Brudvig discussed the problem with Merit being open until 2 a.m. for
automotive repair. Chairman Erickson informed Mr. Brudvig that the CDRB cannot deal with
land use matters and that Mr. Brudvig should take this up with the city council at the public
hearing.
Board member Ledvina moved the Community Design Review Board recommend:
Co
Approval of the site plan date-stamped April 25, 1997, and the revised building elevations
submitted to the community design review board on June 10, 1997, for the Merit
Chevrolet service garage addition at 2695 Brookview Drive. Approval is subject to the
property owner doing the following:
1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
2. Do the following before getting a building permit:
ao
Submit the fence design plan to staff for approval. The fence shall be a
decorative fence made of wood. It shall be at least six feet tall above the grade of
the parking lot and 100 percent opaque. The owner or contractor shall install this
fence on the top of the slope at the same grade as the parking lot. The fence
shall be placed to buffer the adjacent residential lots to the south and west,
except that portion behind Merit's storage building. If the fence is taller than six
feet, it shall be designed by a professional engineer.
b. Submit a parking lot paving and striping plan for staff approval showing:
(1) Paving and striping in the unpaved area at the comer of Brookview Drive and
Century Avenue.
(2) Two handicap-accessible parking spaces that would meet ADA (Americans
with Disabilities Act) requirements.
3. Complete the following before occupying the building:
a. Paint all proposed roof-mounted equipment visible from streets or adjacent
property. The color must match the building color. (code requirement)
Community Design Review Board
Minutes of 06-10-97
b. Aim or shield all exterior site lights on the proposed addition as required by code
so they are not a nuisance to neighbors. (code requirement)
c. Pave and stripe the truck-parking area at the corner of Brookview Drive and
Century Avenue.
d. Install the screening fence along the south and west sides of the parking lot that
abut the residential properties
4. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if:
a. The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or
welfare.
b. The city receives a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the required
work. The amount shall be 150% of the cost of the unfinished work.
5. This approval does not include the signs. City staff will review signage through the
sign permit process.
6. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may
approve minor changes.
Present a sample of the proposed fence and a cross section drawing to the city
council at the public hearing showing the proposed fence design and profile on the
slope next to the parking lot.
Boardmember Shankar seconded.
Ayes- all
The motion passed.
C. Roof Screening WaivermABRA Auto Body and Glass, 2020 Rice Street
Chairman Erickson asked if there was somebody present to discuss this item. Secretary
Ekstrand stated that they were notified but were not in attendance. The board expressed
some concern over this particular building. There is a great deal more equipment on this
building than the usual commercial building. The board stated that perhaps this is a case
where they should not grant such a waiver.
Boardmember Ledvina moved that the Community Design Review Board table this issue until
the next meeting to give the board an opportunity to look at the existing building for
comparison and then consider this request.
Boardmember Robinson seconded.
Ayes- all
The motion passed.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes of. 06-10-97
-5-
Boardmember Robinson seconded
The motion passed.
VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
There were no visitor presentations.
VIII, BOARD PRESENTATIONS
Ordinance Amendment--Roof-Mounted Equipment Screening
Boardmember Shankar moved to table this issue to consider when the request for ABRA is
brought back to the board for review.
Ayes-all
There were no board presentations.
IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
Staff mentioned to the board about the upcoming June 30 annual city tour. The members stated
that they had received a notice of this event in the mail.
Staff requested a CDRB representative for the next two city council meetings. Board member
Erickson volunteered for the meeting of June 23. Ananth Shankar volunteered for the council
meeting on July 14.
X. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
LOCATION:
DATE:
MEMORANDUM
City Manager
Thomas Ekstrand, Associate Planner
Roof-Equipment Screening Waiver- ABRA Auto Body and Glass
2020 North Rice Street
June 16, 1997
INTRODUCTION
Ray Shepard, of ABRA Auto Body and Glass, is requesting that the community design review
board (CDRB) waive the roof-equipment screening requirement for the new ABRA shop at 2020
Rice Street. This building construction is completed. Refer to the maps on pages 3-5 and the
letters on pages 6-7.
BACKGROUND
September 23, 1996: The city council approved a lot split, a conditional use permit and the
design plans for ABRA. The design approval required that the applicant submit a
roof-equipment screening plan to the city for approval.
June 10, 1997: The CDRB tabled their review of this request since the applicant was not at the
meeting. The CDRB had concern over the large amount of visible equipment on this building
and discussed whether this is an instance where they should require screening.
CODE REQUIREMENT
Section 36-27(b)(3) requires roof-equipment screening where the mechanical equipment would
be visible from public streets or adjoining property. The CDRB may waive the screening
requirement for mechanical equipment if they determine that screening would not improve the
building appearance or protect property values. If the CDRB waives this requirement, they shall
require that the mechanical equipment be painted to match the building. When screening is
provided, the roof equipment must also be painted to match the building.
DISCUSSION
The CDRB and city council have waived the screening requirement for several building
proposals in the past two years. These projects are Home Depot, Cub Foods (some of the
units), Lexus, Maplewood Imports, Maplewood Toyota's proposed service building, LaMettry
Auto Body and Collision, Batteries Plus, National Tire Warehouse and Precision Tune. The
CDRB has felt that roof-equipment screening is more noticeable than the equipment it is
intended to hide-the cure is worse than the disease. Such screens are also a problem since
they need regular maintenance (a task often ignored by building owners), they may restdct air
flow around the equipment, cause snow-loading problems and create rain leaks when fasteners
go through a roof deck.
The code only requires that mechanical equipment be screened. Vents and exhaust hoods,
which make up most of the items on ABRA's roof, need not be screened. The better option
would have been to require a building design with a higher parapet that would have concealed
the equipment. This is too late, however. Staff does not feel that individual screens around
equipment boxes is a very good alternative. The city should require building designs that better
hide equipment with tall parapets instead of relying on larger boxes around smaller boxes. Staff
is also proposing a code change (in another report) to amend the screening requirements.
Staff agrees with the applicant's request for waiver of the screening requirement. There would
not be any affect on property values and the applicant has agreed to paint the units to match the
building.
RECOMMENDATION
Waive the screening requirement for the roof-mounted mechanical equipment on ABRA Auto
Body and Glass at 2020 Rice Street, because:
1. It would not improve the building's appearance or affect property values.
2. Painting the units a color to match the building fascia would be less noticeable and obtrusive
than building a large enclosure around it.
3. The applicant's structural engineer stated that there would be snow-load problems if the
units were screened.
4. Screening would not be very effective on the north side because of the higher grade
elevation of Rice Street.
This waiver is subject to the applicant painting all of the rooftop equipment to match the building
as code requires.
p:sec11~abraroof, mem
Attachments:
1. Location Map
2. Property Line/Zoning Map
3. Site Plan
4. Letter from Ray Shepard of ABRA Auto Body and Glass dated May 7, 1997
5. Letter from Larry G. McMurtry of Clark Engineering Corporation dated April 7, 1997
2
Attachment 1
~ound
LOCATION MAP
3
Attachment 2
--W
'- COUNTY ROAD -'
SINCLAIR STATION 1~ ~
Re
A
CUB FOODS
SCHROEDER .MILK
2000
ABRA
SITE
TRI-DISTRICT SCHOOL
TAVERN
~ ZIlTTEL GREENHOUSES
01944
CUSTOM RADIO & TAPE
ROSELAWN AVENUE
Attachment 3
SITE
PLAN
5
Attachment 4
May 7, 1997
Tom Ekstrand
City of Maplewood
1830 E. County Road B
Maplewood, MN 55109
Dear Mr. Ekstrand:
I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with Marge Oslxom, Duane Grace and myself on
April 16, 1997.
In keeping up with industry standards and current technology, ABRA has decided to add two
prep stations to the Maplewood facilit3' in pursuit to deliver our customers the highest quality
product available.
I am w-riting you to ask for the city's permission to waive the requirement of rooftop screening
for our rooftop mounted equipment. Enclosed please find a copy of our equipment layout
drawing along with a copy of a letter fi.om Clark Engineering. The letter states that the building is
able to handle the additional weight of the added prep stations and make. up - air units as long as
there is no exterior rooftop screening. The highlighted area in the equipment layom drawing
indicates where the two make-up-air units will be placed.
As a representative of ABRA, I would like offer and ensure that the exposed equipment will be
painted to match the front exterior facia.
As Ms. Ostrom stated, the facility is under consU'uction and near completion. I will wait to here
fi.om you regarding your decision on the rooftop screening.
If you have questions or require additional information, please call me at 585-6221.
Ray Shepard
Project Manager
cc: Marge Ostrom
Dmme Grace
CORPORATE OFFICE
6601 Shingle Creek Parkway · Suite 200 · Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
(612) 561-7220 · Fax (612) 561-7433 · Alt. Fax (612) 585-6433
6
ENGINEERING
CORPORATION
Consulting Engineers
Land Surveyors
Equal
OPpo~nit7
Employer
Attachment 5
ApriJ7,1997
M.r. Ray Shepard
Abra Auto Body
6601 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
Spray Bake Hood & Rooftop Mechanical Unit
Abra Auto Body, Maplewood, Minnesota
Clark Comm. No. S96183-004
Dear Mr. Shepard,
We have reviewed the roof structure (30K10 joists, 16K2 joists and W21xS0 beam) for
the Maplewood Abra Auto Body Facility for the Spray Bake Hoods and the 900 pound
Rooftop Mechanical Units as shown on Shop Drawing #P-2000-F, dated April 1, 1997.
In my opinion, the existing 30KI0 joists, 16K2 joists and W21xS0 steel beam are adequate
for the 1,500 pound Spray Bake Hood and the 900 pound Rooftop Mechanical Unit.
The Rooftop Mechanical Unit shall be suppbrted with C3x5 spanning between the joists
and nested in the flutes of the deck. The Spray Bake Hood shall be suspended fi.om eight
points. The suspension rods shall be supported fi.om 5" tube sections spanning between
the joists and nested in the flutes oftbe deck.
If the Rooftop Mechanical Units are placed on the roof without enclosures, in my opinion,
no snow dri~ loads are produced by the units. (Minnesota State Building Code, Chapter
1365, Section .008.)
If the Rooftop Mechanical Units must be enclosed in screens to conceal the unit, in my
opinion, snow drift conditions will be produced and the roof joists are not adequate.
Please call if you have additional questions or comments.
Respectfully,
CLARK F_fqGINEERING CORPORATION
Larry G. McMurtry, P.E.
LGM/mo
96183_1.doc
C: Wemlinger Architecture
file
621 Lilac Drive North
Minneapolis, MN 55422-4674
Phone (612) 545-9196
Fax (612) 541-0056
Fort Myers Aberdeen Sioux Falls Rapid City
Florida South Dakota South Dakota South Dakota
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
LOCATION:
DATE:
MEMORANDUM
City Manager
Tom Ekstrand, Associate Planner
Tri-District Community Elementary School
30 County Road BEast
June 18, 1997
INTRODUCTION
Miles Britz, of Pope Associates, Inc., is requesting approval of changes to the approved
landscaping plan for the Tri-District Elementary School at 30 County Road B East. Refer to the
maps on pages 2-4 and the letter and enclosures on pages 5-8.
In his letter, Mr. Britz explained that 36 fewer trees were planted due to construction cost
reductions. He is asking for approval of the landscaping as it has been installed. The plan on
page 8 shows the trees (blacked out) that were required, but not put in.
BACKGROUND
August 14, 1995: The city council approved the following for this new school:
1. A land use plan change to S (school) and OS (open space).
2. A conditional use permit.
3. The site, landscape and building plans.
May 12, 1997: The city council approved a request for $9,500 of charitable gambling funds for
additional trails and landscaped areas at the Tri-District School. Peter Fischer, one of the
applicants of that request, said that they have completed the Maple/Basswood Forest
Ecosystem part of the plan. This area included 15 trees and several shrubs.
DISCUSSION
Thirty six trees is a considerable number to be short. The community design review board
should decide if they want these trees planted or if the site looks all right without them. Staff
feels that it looks acceptable as is. There are not any noticeable voids in the planting
arrangement as viewed from the street by the casual observer.
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of the revised landscape plan for the Tri-District School at 30 County Road B East
date-stamped May 23, 1997, with the deletion of 36 trees.
p:sec18/trischol.lan
Attachments:
1. Location Map
2. Property Line/Zoning Map
3. Site Plan
4. Letter and enclosures from Miles Britz dated May 20, 1997 (four sheets)
Attachment 1
SAINT PAU
LOCATION
MAP
Attachment 2
, ..j :lr Ln'TLECANADAG ~:' I~'.S G A, I~ - -
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~. ~ -' -~'~ '<~: ~--- ' ':~"-~ ~ C~NTY gOAD B~
~. .. .... ~~ ~: ~.- _ ....
,~ ~~ ~ ~NTAL
J~ :~ ~S'&BE ~ I:~'~: THE HIDEAWAY ~
I ~,,- ..... ~ ' ' ' .....
~ J ~ /SCHROEDERMILK :':~ ~',, . ',, ~.~ ~ ~ '/
~,~ I ~~..=,,,, ~. i
~:~._. , ,, ...... ... E:,,, . /,../
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, .~ ', ~ .... ~ ....... ~ ~ .....
PROPERTY LINE
7/
.71
1
'./
/ ;~ONING MAP
CUB FOODS
ROAD B
Attachment 3
TRI-DISTRICT
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
HIDEAWAY BAR
SITE PLAN
4
0 P E A
Attachment 4
A T E S
May 20, 1997
Mr. Tom Ekstrand
Associate Planner
City of Maplewood
1830 I: County Road B
Maplewood, Mn 55109
RE:
Tree Planting Quantity
TRI-DISTRICT #6067 COMMUNITY SCHOOL
30 East County Road B
Maplewood, MN
Dear Tom:
Since our phone conversation a few weeks ago, our landscape consultant and I have
investigated as to why the quantity of tree plantings was reduced from the original
concept plan to the actual construction plan. There are approximately 30 less trees
planted per construction documents than were originally imagined on the conceptual
plan.
The major reason for the reduction in quantity was due to construction cost reductions.
Numerous items were deleted from the project (including trees) in order to bring the
overall project within the Owner's allowed budget. A few sections of planned
sidewalks were deleted, thus eliminating the need for lining the walks with shrubbery
and trees. Enclosed for your review are the original plant list, revised plant list with
reason for changes, and the revised planting plan.
Keep in mind that without several budgetary cutbacks throughout the project, this
facility might not have been built, at least not of the magnitude required and
constructed. We apologize for maybe not keeping your department informed of these
changes. However, we did anticipate concurrent departmental plan reviews when we
submitted the final drawings for the building permit. The plant list revisions were on
the final construction document plan submittal.
At this time, at 99% construction completion (with only minor punch list items to be
corrected by the contractor) we request that the revised quantity indicated on the plant
list be acceptable and approved. Budgetary constraints prohibit the School District to
include all plantings as on the conceptual plan.
Please review and consider this variance request.
Sincerely,
POPE ASSOCIATES INC.
Miles D. Britz, AIA
Project Manager
cc:
Jene Sigvertsen Tri-District
Greg Johnson SWB
Paul Holmes PAl
1360 Energy Park Drive
Suite 300
St. Paul, Minnesota
551 O8-5202
612 642 9200
FAX: 612 642 1101
05/02/9? 14:36 S W W B ~ 6126421101 N0.625 Q02
MEMO
To:
From:
Subject:
Date:
lViiles Britz, Pope Associates
Greg Johnson, Sanders Wacker Bergly Inc.
Tri-District School Planting Plan
May 2, 1997
The following chart shows the planting plan cha~es between the conceptual plan and the as-built.
OmGINAL PLAN
42 Norway Maple
13 Honeylocust
14 White Oak
24 Austrian Pine
243 Alpine Currant
247 Siberian Carpet
129 Japanese
Spreading Yew
FIN pLAN
11 Black Ash
19 Hackberry
9 Honeylocust
5 White Oak
2 Burr Oak
13 Austrian Pines
213 Dwarf Bush
Honeysuckle
70 Creeping
Juniper
80 Dense Yew
REASON FOR CHANGE
city requested specie change / quantity
reduced due to cost overruns
quantity adjusted due to deletion of
concrete walk to play fields
city requested more specie variety /
quantity reduced due to cost overruns
quantity reduced due to cost overruns
city requested specie change / quantity
roduced due to deletion of concrete walk
To play fields
city requested specie change /
quantity changed due to deletion of
monument sign at entrance and cost
overruns
city requested specie change /
quanti~y changed due to spacing
adjustment
7
HAY
'ON
.I '(I .I ' T'~'T
9£ :~T
~.6/~0/S0
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
MEMORANDUM
City Manager
Thomas Ekstrand, Associate Planner
Sign Ordinance Amendment- Roof Equipment Screening
June 16, 1997
INTRODUCTION
Staff is requesting that the city council amend the ordinance that requires screening for
roof-mounted mechanical equipment.
DISCUSSION
Present Requirement
Section 36-27(b)(3) requires roof-equipment screening where the mechanical equipment would
be visible from public streets or adjoining property. The community design review board (CDRB)
may waive the screening requirement for mechanical equipment if they determine that screening
would not improve the building appearance or protect property values. If the CDRB waives this
requirement, they shall require that the mechanical equipment be painted to match the building.
When screening is provided, the roof equipment must also be painted to match the building.
Recent Waivers
The CDRB and city council have waived the screening requirement for several building.
proposals in the past two years. These projects are Home Depot, Cub Foods (some of the
units), Lexus, Maplewood Imports, Maplewood Toyota's proposed service building, LaMettry
Auto Body and Collision, Batteries Plus, National Tire Warehouse and Precision Tune. The
CDRB felt that roof-equipment screening is more noticeable than the equipment it is intended to
hide. In essence, the cure is worse than the disease.
Other Cities
I surveyed eight nearby cities for their screening requirements.
city
Require ScreeninR?
Mounds View
North St. Paul
Oakdale
Roseville
Woodbury
Plymouth
White Bear Lake
New Brighton
NO.
NO.
No, but equipment should be set back from roof edge and painted.
Yes, if the roof design or building parapet does not hide the equipment.
Yes, if the roof design or building parapet does not hide the equipment.
Yes, if abutting residential property and the units exceed three feet tall.
Yes, but prefer that equipment is set back from roof edge for concealment.
Yes, however, they do not enforce it. They feel screening is often worse than
no screening at all.
Alternatives
1. Do not require any screening, but require that all roof-top equipment be painted to match the
building color. Maplewood presently requires painting.
Encourage screening by means of a taller building parapet or a roof design that would hide
roof-top equipment. City staff typically does this when reviewing development requests with
applicants. Sometimes, though, there is nothing that can help hide roof-top equipment.
Such was the case with Cub Foods and Home Depot that are below the road-grade
elevation of Highway 36.
3. Require roof-equipment screening if the units abut residential districts but not commercial
districts. The City of Plymouth has this requirement.
4. Make no change. The CDRB would continue to review special requests to waive the
screening requirement for new businesses.
Conclusion
The reason for roof-equipment screening is to make the building look better. The trouble is,
though, that screening eventually needs repair. Commercial building owners, unfortunately, do
not always see the need for such repairs. The screens then look worse than the equipment they
were supposed to conceal. In spite of the question of maintenance, the screens themselves are
always more noticeable than the equipment. You end up with a bigger box around a smaller
box.
Two additional problems with screening are restricted air flow and roof damage. Air flow
blockage is a problem which has caused some equipment manufacturers to rescind their
warranties. Screens can also create snow-loading problems and cause a rain leak potential
when fasteners go through roof decks.
Staff is recommending that the city council change the code to drop the screening requirement.
The community design review board, instead, should stress taller building parapets and roof
designs that would hide roof-top equipment. The code would still require the painting of roof-top
equipment to match the building colors.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the ordinance amendment on page 3.
p:ord\roofscm.2(5.4)
Attachment:
Ordinance Amendment
2
ORDINANCE NO.
AN oRDINANCE REVISING THE ROOF-EQUIPMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.
The Maplewood City Council approves the following ordinance: (I have underlined the additions
and crossed out the deletions.)
Section 1. This section changes Section 36-27(b)(3), Landscaping and Screening, as follows:
(b) Screening shall be provided where:
(3)
Mechanical equipment on the ground or roof would be visible from a residential lot line.
· ,,,~.,:,- o,,~ .... -;^;,-~ ....... '-", Mechanical equipment shall not include chimneys,
~' ~, '~J~" '" '~ I"" ~1''~' ~$'
antennas or vents. The city shall not require screening for single dwellings, double
dwellings, mobile homes or equipment for individual town house units. ,~e/a.~me~
.......... ~. ..... , ..... ~. ........ ;~ --~--,,, ~. ........ '~ The community design review
board may waive the screening requirement for,~'""~'"";"'", ,.v, ,., ,,v-, .... ..~.,~,; ...., ,_, ,.~ if they determine
that screening would not improve the building appearance or protect property values, if
thc ............................... '~"~' .........
.,..~,.,~,4 ,,. -....+,.~, ,~,~ k, ,..~;,.,. The community desi,qn review board may require
screenin,q on all sides of mechanical equipment if the premises abuts a residential lot
line. The review board may also require modification of architectural plans for taller
parapets or modified roof desi,clns to conceal roof-top equipment.
In all instances, mechanical equipment that is visible from any public street or adioinin_q
property shall be painted to match the buildin,q. Sac~ Screening, when used, shall be
compatible with the materials and design of the p;!nc~p=! building and subject to staff or
review boa d approval A ....... ~ ..~,,,. ~,~ ~,,,o-,-~ .... c.~+;,,~y ~,, ,~,-~-;-," ~'-
design r . · .~.~. .................................... ~ ....
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect after its approval and publication.
Approved by the Maplewood City Council on ,1997.
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