Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/29/1997 AGENDA MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD July 2g, lgg7 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 - July 15, 1997 4. Approval of Agenda 5. Unfinished Business 6. Design Review a. Parking Lot Expansion - Champps Restaurant, 1734 Adolphus Street b. Building Additions - St. Paul Water Utility, East of Rice Street c. New Building Proposal- General Sprinkler, County Road D d. Landscaping Changes- Conway Avenue, 3M Center 7. Visitor Presentations 8. Board Presentations 9. Staff Presentations a. Reminder- Representative for City Council Meeting of August 11 - Ledvina 10. Adjourn p:~,om_dVPt\cdrb.agd WBLC~OME TO THIS MEETING OF TH"= (~OMMUNITY D"=SION 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. 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. The chairperson will then ask the audience if there is anyone present who wishes to comment on the proposal. 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 further public comments are allowed. 6. The Board will then make its recommendations or decision. 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~fonms~xlrb.agd Revised: 11-09-94 MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD '1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA JULY 15, '1997 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Erickson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. I1. ROLL CALL Marvin Erickson Present Marie Robinson Present Ananth Shankar Absent Tim Johnson Present Matt Ledvina Present III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Boardmember Ledvina moved approval of the minutes of June 24, 1997, as submitted. Boardmember Johnson seconded. Ayes--all The motion passed. IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Boardmember Robinson moved approval of the agenda as submitted. Boardmember Johnson seconded. Ayes--all The motion passed. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Parking Deck Design Changes--St. John's Hospital, 1575 Beam Avenue Gary Bengtson, director of architecture for OSM & Associates, introduced representatives associated with the project: Ron Cannamore of OSM, Tom Nonnemacher of McGough Construction (the contractor) and Peggy Ridden of HealthEast. Mr. Cannamore reviewed the proposed changes in the parking deck. He and Mr. Nonnemacher described the precast concrete panels and how they are installed. Boardmember Ledvina liked the original proposal and thought St. John's should use the brick material that is now predominant on the existing building. He felt parking structures are difficult to make attractive and some type of brick should be used on this one to enhance its appearance. Mr. Ledvina did support the design change that reduced the "massiveness" of the structure. Boardmember Johnson liked the brick but had no problem with the design change. Boardmember Erickson thought the precast panel was attractive. Boardmember Robinson also favored the precast product. Community Design Review Board Minutes of 07-15-97 -2- Boardmember Robinson moved the Community Design Review Board accept the changes for the parking deck design for St. John's Hospital, 1575 Beam Avenue, date-stamped June 26, 1997, proposing the following changes: 1. Removing the retaining wall from approximately the northerly half of the parking structure. The applicant would screen this area with plantings on the Hazelwood Street side. 2. Substitute the face-brick sections with precast panels that would have an aggregate surface comprised of rock pieces affixed onto the precast concrete panels. Boardmember Johnson seconded. AyesBEricson, Johnson, Robinson NaysBLedvina The motion passed. VI. DESIGN REVIEW A. APT Telecommunications Tower--Mn/DOT Property, 1779 McMenemy Street Michael Rourke, director of engineering operations for APT, presented the proposal. He said APT had changed pole vendors. The pole to be installed at this location will have the appearance of a one-piece pole with approximately eight crimps around it. He said the pole will be on the west side of the property, adjacent to the fence line of the interstate highway. The pole is designed to accommodate two additional users. Mr. Rourke also addressed some of the neighborhood concerns. He said the fence surrounding this installation is eight- foot chainlink with three-barb on top. Boardmember Ledvina moved the Community Design Review Board recommend: Approve the plans date-stamped June 6, 1997, for a 165-foot-tall telecommunications monopole and equipment on the property at 1779 McMenemy Street. Approval is based on the findings required by code and subject to the applicant doing the following: 1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued permits for this project. Before getting a building permit, provide a grading, drainage, driveway and erosion control plan to the city engineer for approval. The erosion control plan shall meet all ordinance requirements. 3. Before getting a certificate of occupancy, the applicant shall remove and dispose of any debris and ensure that the site is cleaned up. 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. Community Design Review Board Minutes of 07-15-97 -3- 5. All work shall follow the approved plans. approve minor changes. The director of community development may Boardmember Robinson seconded. Ayes--all The motion passed. Comprehensive Sign Plan--Heather Ridge Office Complex Henry Breems, with Mulcahy, Inc., said the proposed signs will replicate the look of the office building. He said the two ground signs, with tenant names and suite numbers, would be visible from Highway 36 and 11th Avenue. Individual 2' x 2' pedestal signs, with the tenant's name and suite number lit and behind a glass door, will be on the right side as one approaches each individual building. Mr. Breems requested the board to leave approval open for the possibility of additional future tenant signage, such as a logo on the front of the building or a neon sign in a window. The board questioned the effectiveness of the 20 individual tenant signs that are on the two ground signs because of the lettering size possible. Boardmember Ledvina expressed concern about the size of the two signs. He thought a sign 18 feet wide and 23 feet tall had "more impact on a site" than necessary. Boardmember Robinson thought the sign was attractive and met code. Boardmember Ledvina said he would prefer the sign lower, such as a ground-monument style. Boardmember Robinson moved the Community Design Review Board approve the plans date-stamped June 30, 1997, for the comprehensive sign plan for Heather Ridge. The two Heather Ridge identification signs must meet the ten-foot minimum setback from any property line. Staff may approve minor changes. Boardmember Johnson seconded. AyesmErickson, Johnson, Robinson Nays--Ledvina The motion passed. C. Ordinance Amendment--Roof-Top Equipment Screening Secretary Tom Ekstrand summarized the changes made to the ordinance that were requested by the board at their meeting on June 24, 1997. Boardmember Robinson suggested adding a requirement that roof-top equipment should be set back from the roof edge instead of requiring screening. Secretary Ekstrand said sometimes this is not beneficial or even possible. Boardmember Johnson moved the Community Design Review Board adopt the roof equipment screening ordinance amendment. Boardmember Robinson seconded. Ayes--all The motion passed. Community Design Review Board Minutes of 07-15-97 VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS There were no visitor presentations. VIII. BOARD PRESENTATIONS There were no board presentations. IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS A. July 28 City Council Meeting: Mr. Erickson will attend August 11 City Council Meeting: Mr. Ledvina will attend Secretary Tom Ekstrand referred to the request by ABRA Auto Body and Glass, at the June 24 Community Design Review Board meeting, to waive roof-equipment screening. He said ABRA brought him a sample of the color that the equipment would be painted and he rejected it. Mr. Ekstrand thought the board preferred the equipment painted the color of the fascia. The applicant understood the requirement to be painting it the same as the block of the building. Secretary Ekstrand suggested painting the roof equipment beige to match the HVAC units on the roof. Boardmember Robinson thought the annual Maplewood tour was well done. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. TO: FROM: SUBJECT: LOCATION: DATE: MEMORANDUM City Manager Chad Bergo, Community Development Intern Conditional Use Permit- Champps Parking Lot Expansion 1734 Adolphus Street July 22, 1997 INTRODUCTION Champps is requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) to expand their parking by 66 additional stalls on the east side of their current parking lot. (The applicant would lose three spaces, but would add 69 new ones for a net increase of 66.) The proposed expansion would go into the Interstate 35 E right-of- way. Refer to the maps on pages 4-6. Champps wants to expand their parking lot because, even though they meet city parking requirements, they have a higher demand for parking. The proposed parking lot expansion area would be paved, striped and curbed according to city code. BACKGROUND Recent Council Action On April 14, 1997, the city council approved a variance for Vomela Specialty Company to expand their parking lot into the Highway 36 right-of-way at 2354 English Street (the northeast corner of Highway 36 and English Street). Code Requirements Section 36-17(e)(2) requires a CUP to enlarge, reconstruct or structurally alter a nonconforming use. The Champps parking lot is nonconforming because it does not meet the required 15-foot setback from the freeway right-of-way line. It presently has no setback. Section 36-22(a)(4) requires that a restaurant provide one space for each 50 square feet of floor area devoted to patron use. For Champps, with 7,000 square feet of patron area, the code requires 140 parking spaces. They now have 217. DISCUSSION Conditional Use Permit The city council should grant this CUP. The proposed parking lot addition would alleviate on-street parking on Larpenteur Avenue as well the problem of Champps' customers occasionally using the adjacent apartment parking lot. This would be a good use of excessive freeway right-of-way and would benefit the city, the state and the neighborhood. Also, the city council has recently approved a similar parking lot expansion onto the Highway 36 right-of-way for Vomela Specialty Company at 2354 English Street. MnDOT Approval and Landscaping Bruce Ansell, of MnDOT, said they are in favor of this proposal. MnDOT has required a substantial amount of landscaping. Refer to the landscape plan on page 7. Mr. Ansell feels that it will enhance the appearance of their right-of-way by replacing the existing scrub growth. Handicap-Parking The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that there be five handicap-accessible parking spaces on the site, based on the code requirement for 140 spaces. The applicant should revise the plan to show these spaces before starting work. Presently there are three on the north side of the building and two in the southerly parking lot. The spaces on the north side are not signed properly-One sign is placed in the loading aisle which is not a permitted space. The two on the south lot do not have handicap-parking space signs. The council should require that the applicant improve the handicap-parking situation through this approval. RECOMMENDATIONS Approve the resolution beginning on page 8 approving a conditional use permit to expand the parking lot at 1734 Adolphus Street. This permit is based on the findings required by code and subject to the following conditions: 1. All construction shall follow the site plan approved by the city. The director of community development may approve minor changes. The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of council approval or the permit shall become null and void. The council may extend this deadline for one year. 3. The city council shall review this permit in one year. 4. The applicant shall obtain a permit from MnDOT allowing the parking lot expansion into the 1-35E right-of-way. B. Approve the plans date-stamped July 3, 1997 for the Champps parking lot expansion at 1734 Adolphus Street. The developer shall do the following: 1. Get a grading permit from the city engineering department before beginning work on the expansion. Revise the parking plan for staff approval before starting work showing five handicap-accessible parking spaces on the north side of the building. These spaces must meet ADA requirements for size, loading aisles and signage. 3. Obtain a permit from MnDOT to expand the parking lot into their right-of-way before starting work. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. REFERENCE INFORMATION SITE DESCRIPTION Site Size: 1.80 Acres Existing land use: Champps Sports Bar SURROUNDING LANDUSES North: Multi-family Residential East: Interstate 35 E West: Designated Open Space property with a holding pond South: Sinclair Fuel Station PLANNING Land Use Plan designation: LBC (limited business commercial) Zoning: BC (business commercial) CRITERIA FOR CUP APPROVAL Section 36-44(a) states that the city council may approve a CUP based on nine standards. See findings 1-9 in the resolution beginning on page 8. p/sec 18:champps.par Attachments: 1. Location Map 2. Property Line/Zoning Map 3. Site Plan 4. Landscape Plan 5. Resolution 6. Project Plans date-stamped July 3, 1997 (separate attachment) Attachment 1 CO LITTLE RD "R" CANADA FENTON :' Sandy La/re (Calcium Bed) wT VERNON DOWNS AV ROS£L&WN B£LLWOOD A~ SUMMER AV r£LMONT L,J ILLMAN av biT. VERNON AV RIPL£' AV RD #B" BUR~ SKILLMAN AV BELL KINGSTON AV AV SA IN 7' 6O LOCATION MAP Attachment 2 ~) .., 1770 I II M1- " Attachment 3 SITE NOTES: ~ ~r Celp~'t~m*, JM8 SITE PLAN Attachment 4 · t 'ii ~ , LANDSCAPE PLAN Attachment 5 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Champps Americana has requested a conditional use permit to expand their parking lot into the Interstate 35 E right-of-way; WHEREAS, this permit applies to 1734 Adolpus Street. The legal description is: SUBJECT TO STREET PART WEST OF HIGHWAY OF NORTH 465 FEET OF SOUTH 755 FEET OF SOUTHEAST 1/,, OF SOUTHEAST 3 OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 29, RANGE 22 IN THE VILLAGE OF MAPLEWOOD WHEREAS, the history of this conditional use permit is as follows: 1. On permit. ,1997, the planning commission recommended that the city council approve this On ,1997, the city council held a public hearing. The city staff published a notice in the paper and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The council gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The council also considered reports and recommendations of the city staff and planning commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the city council approve the above-described conditional use permit based on the building and site plans. The city approves this permit because: 1. The use would be located, designed, maintained, constructed and operated to be in conformity with the city's comprehensive plan and code of ordinances. 2. The use would not change the existing or planned character of the surrounding area. 3. The use would not depreciate property values. The use would not involve any activity, process, materials, equipment or methods of operation that would be dangerous, hazardous, detrimental, disturbing or cause a nuisance to any person or property, because of excessive noise, glare, smoke, dust, odor, fumes, water or air pollution, drainage, water run-off, vibration, general unsightliness, electrical interference or other nuisances. 5. The use would generate only minimal vehicular traffic on local streets and would not create traffic congestion or unsafe access on existing or proposed streets. 6. The use would be served by adequate public facilities and services, including streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, water and sewer systems, schools and parks. 7. The use would not create excessive additional costs for public facilities or services. 8. The use would maximize the preservation of and incorporate the site's natural and scenic features into the development design. 9. The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects. Passed by the Maplewood City Council on Approval is subject to the following conditions: 1. All construction shall follow the site plan approved by the city. The director of community development may approve minor changes. 2. The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of council approval or the permit shall become null and void. The council may extend this deadline for one year. 3. The city council shall review this permit in one year. 4. The applicant shall obtain a permit from MnDOT allowing the parking lot expansion into the 1-35E right-of-way. ,1997. TO: FROM: SUBJECT: PROJECT: LOCATION: DATE: MEMORANDUM City Manager Chad Bergo, Community Development Intern Conditional Use Permit and Design Review Saint Paul Water Utility Building Expansion 1900 Rice Street North July 23, 1997 INTRODUCTION Project Description The Saint Paul Water Utility is proposing to expand three buildings at the water treatment plant at 1900 Rice Street North. (See the location and property line maps on pages 4 and 5 and the site plans beginning on page 6.) They are proposing to add onto three chemical buildings. The buildings will be used to house the Water Utility's existing and anticipated future chemicals, chemical handling equipment and chemical storage tanks. Requests The applicant is requesting: 1. Approval of the conditional use permit (CUP) for the addition. City code requires a CUP for public utilities, public services or public buildings in the city. 2. Approval of site and building design plans. BACKGROUND On December 15, 1988, the city council approved a CUP to construct a clear-water pond south of the solids dewatering facility, west of Sylvan Street and north of Larpenteur Avenue. - On June 10, 1996, the city council approved the CUP and design plans for the expansion of the solids dewatering facility. The permit was subject to three conditions which were fulfilled. DISCUSSION Conditional Use Permit The city council should grant this CUP. The proposed addition is needed for the water treatment facility and does not impact any neighboring property. Exterior Building Material The applicant, Kou Vang, described the exterior building material as a fiber-cement coating which is attached to the insulation of the building. The exterior will encompass the proposed buildings and the existing buildings that are being expanded. Mr. Vang said that the buildings would be a whitish color with tan striping. The buildings are attractive and well within the water utility's property. RECOMMENDATION Approve the resolution beginning on page 14. This resolution approves the conditional use permit to build three new chemical buildings at 1900 Rice Street North. The city bases this permit on the findings required by the code and is subject to the following conditions: 1. All construction shall follow the site plan approved by the city. The director of community development may approve minor changes. The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of council approval or the permit shall become null and void. The council may extend this deadline for one year. 3. The city council shall review this permit in one year. Approve the building elevations (stamped July 19, 1996 ) and the site plan (stamped June 19, 1997) for the building expansions at 1900 Rice Street North. The developer shall do the following: 1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this project. 2. Complete the following before the city issues a building permit: a. Provide a grading, drainage, utility and erosion control plan to the city engineer for approval. The erosion control plan shall comply with ordinance requirements. The drainage plan shall include replacing the bituminous swale with a pervious material. 3. 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. c. The city receives an agreement that will allow the city to complete any unfinished work. 4. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. 2 REFERENCE INFORMATION SITE DESCRIPTION Site Size: 35.93 Acres Existing land use: St. Paul Water Utility SURROUNDING LAND USES The proposed addition is in the center of the water utility property. by the applicant's property. The building is surrounded PLANNING Land Use Plan designation: Zoning: F (Farm) OS (Open Space) and W (Water) ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS Section 36-437 of the city code requires a CUP for public utilities, public services or public buildings in the city. CRITERIA FOR CUP APPROVAL Section 36-442(a) states that the city council may approve a CUP, based on nine standards. (See findings 1-9 in the resolution beginning on page 14.) p:secl 8\watexp.cup Attachments: 1. Location Map 2. Property Line Map 3. Site Plan-Rapid Mix Building 4. Site Plan-Central Chemical Building 5. Site Plan-Chlorine/Ammonia Building 6. Overall Site Plan 7. Building Elevations-Rapid Mix Building 8. Building Elevations-Central Chemical Building 9. Building Elevations-Chlorine/Ammonia Building 10. CUP Application Statement 11. Conditional Use Permit Resolution 12. Plans date stamped June 19,1997 (separate attachment) Attachment LITTLE OANADA COUNTY RD. ~ ,' ? ' , .  SKILL.MAN AV~. MT. VERNON BE'tJ,4ONT LN. S KILLM, AJ'I MT. VERNON AV )SE[AWN KIN GSTON PRICE LOCATION MAP , ,~ , ~.ROSELAWN AVENUE AMUSEMENT CITY AMUSEMENT PARK ST. PAUL WATER UTILITY PROPERTY (,) PROPERTY LINE I ZONING MAP 5 N Attachment 3 SITE PLAN Rapid Mix/Chemical Building Attachment 4 Proposed Building ! Existing Tanks '~. -- \ ...... .?-' . ~ SITE P~N ~ ~ Central Ghomical ~uildin~ Attachment 5 Proposed Building SITE PLAN Chlorine/Ammonia Building 8 Attachment 6 SYLVAN STREET 11111111 IIIIIIIIlt 1 Overall Site Plan :::::::::::::::::::::::: Proposed Buildings Attachment 7 1 BUILDING ELEVATIONS Rapid Mix/Chemical Building 10 Attachment 8 'Ii// 'l BUILDING ELEVATIONS Central Ol~emJcal BuJldJng 11 Attachment 9 BUILDING ELEVATIONS Chlorine/Ammonia Building '12 1[ '9 FILING REQUIREMENTS Attachment 10 Listed below is the written statement required under filing requirements item/t2 for the Conditional Use or PUD Application. The St. Paul Water Utility is planning to make improvements to it's McCarron Water Treatment Plant located at 1900 N. Rice Street. In the past, the McCarron Plant has been used to produce potable water for the City of St. Paul and other surrounding communities and will continue to be used as such. However, with changing governmental rules and regulations, it is important that the McCarron Plant be kept up to date with these changes. The Chemical Handling and Storage Improvements is a part of the Water Utility's overall plant modification plan. The Chemical Handling and Storage Improvements will improve the safety of work areas, make the plant more efficient, and provide redundancy in some operations. The Chemical Handling and Storage Improvements involve the construction of three new chemical buildings and piping work. The buildings will be used to house the Water Utility's existing and anticipated future chemicals, chemical handling equipment and chemical storage tanks. The piping work will provide the Utility redundancy in flow control. It is important that this project be done so that the Water Utility can continue to serve it's customers with clean potable water at an affordable cost. 13 Attachment 11 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Water Utility has requested a conditional use permit to construct a chemical handling and storage building at the water treatment plant. WHEREAS, this permit applies to 1900 Rice Street North. The legal description is: SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 29, RANGE 22 IN THE VILLAGE OF MAPLEWOOD REVISED DESCRIPTION NUMBER 175 A SPECIFIC PART OF SEC 18, TN 29, R 22. WHEREAS, the history of this conditional use permit is as follows: On July 21, 1997, the planning commission recommended that the city council approve this permit. On ,1997, the city council held a public hearing. The city staff published a notice in the paper and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The council gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The council also considered reports and recommendations of the city staff and planning commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the city council approve the above-described conditional use permit based on the building and site plans. The city approves this permit because: 1. The use would be located, designed, maintained, constructed and operated to be in conformity with the city's comprehensive plan and code of ordinances. 2. The use would not change the existing or planned character of the surrounding area. 3. The use would not depreciate property values. The use would not involve any activity, process, materials, equipment or methods of operation that would be dangerous, hazardous, detrimental, disturbing or cause a nuisance to any person or property, because of excessive noise, glare, smoke, dust, odor, fumes, water or air pollution, drainage, water run-off, vibration, general unsightliness, electrical interference or other nuisances. The use would generate only minimal vehicular traffic on local streets and would not create traffic congestion or unsafe access on existing or proposed streets. The use would be served by adequate public facilities and services, including streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, water and sewer systems, schools and parks. 7. The use would not create excessive additional costs for public facilities or services. 8. The use would maximize the preservation of and incorporate the site's natural and scenic features into the development design. 9. The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects. ]4 Approval is subject to the following conditions: 1. All construction shall follow the site plan approved by the city. The director of community development may approve minor changes. 2. The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of council approval or the permit shall become null and void. The council may extend this deadline for one year. 3. The city council shall review this permit in one year. Passed by the Maplewood City Council on ,1997. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: LOCATION: DATE: City Manager Tom Ekstrand, Associate Planner Design Review - General Sprinkler Corporation County Road D, East of Highway 61 July 23, 1997 INTRODUCTION Frank Winiecki, of General Sprinkler Corporation, is proposing to build a 14,312-square-foot, two-story building for office and warehouse purposes. He would operate his business out of this building as well as lease space. This building would be on the south side of County Road D east of Highway 61. Refer to the maps on pages 4-6 and the enclosed plans (separate attachment). The proposed building would have an exterior of EIFS (exterior insulation finish system which is a stucco-look material) and flag-stone. BACKGROUND December 9, 1996: The city council approved a variance for a narrower wetland-protection buffer. The code required a 100-foot-wide undisturbed buffer and the council approved a reduction to 40 feet. Refer to the conditions of approval on page 7. DISCUSSION Grading Plan/Wetland Buffer Compliance The proposed grading and parking lot encroaches into the 40-foot-wide wetland buffer that the city council required by variance. (Council reduced the buffer width from 100 feet.) The applicant is redesigning his plan to meet the city council's requirement. This plan will be presented to the board at the meeting. Parking The applicant is meeting the city parking requirements. There must be three handicap- accessible spaces though. One of these must be van-accessible. The applicant should revise the site plan to show these. Landscaping On August 12, 1996, the city council directed staff to apply the Chanhassen Landscaping Ordinance on a trial basis for one year. This ordinance bases the minimum amount of landscaping required on the cost of the proposed construction. The Chanhassen code requires that the applicant spend at least 2 percent of this amount on landscaping. (The code requires that the minimum landscape value include only expenditures on trees and plant materials. It does not include sod, seed, labor and grading.) According to the building permit application for this project, the proposed construction cost would be $700,000. At 2 percent, the Chanhassen code would require that the applicant spent $14,000 on landscaping. I estimated the cost of the proposed trees and shrubs to be $4,450. An expenditure of $14,000 in landscaping does not seem warranted in this case. The site is bordered on the sides and rear by existing woodlands and wetlands. The front is the only area that warrants attention for landscaping. The applicant should revise the plan to add at least three more trees in the larger front yard area. The proposed landscaping and seeding shown on the plan adjacent to the wetland shall be subject to the approval of the Ramsey/Washington Metro Watershed District as required by the city council. RECOMMENDATION A. Table action on this request until the applicant revises the site and grading/drainage plans to comply with the wetland buffer requirements. If the applicant presents acceptable site and grading/drainage plans, staff would recommend approval, subject to the following conditions (these conditions may not be the final ones - staff may recommend other conditions based on review of the plans at the meeting): 1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this project. 2. Compliance with the conditions of the city council's variance approval dated December 9, 1996. 3. Provide the following before the city issues a building permit: a. Grading, drainage, utility and erosion control plan to the city engineer for approval. The erosion control plan shall comply with ordinance requirements. Dedicate a 40-foot-wide wetland-buffer easement. This easement shall be prepared by a land surveyor, shall describe the boundary of the buffer and shall prohibit any building, mowing, cuffing, filling or dumping within the buffer. The applicant shall record the deed for this easement before the city will issue a building permit. (This is also a condition of the city council's variance approval.) 4. Complete the following before occupying the building: a. Restore and sod damaged boulevards. b. Install a handicap-parking sign for each handicap-parking space and an address on the building. Co Waive the roof-top mechanical equipment screening requirement. The applicant shall paint all roof-top mechanical equipment to match the uppermost part of the building. (code requirement) Waive the requirement for trash dumpster screening if the dumpster(s) are kept behind the building. If they are in sight from the streets or abutting property, they shall be screened according to code. e. Install and maintain an in-ground sprinkler system for all landscaped areas. (code requirement) f. Install signs along the edge of the wetland buffer prohibiting any building, mowing, cutting, filling or dumping within the buffer. 5. 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. The city receives a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the required work. The amount shall be 200 percent of the cost of the unfinished work. Any unfinished landscaping shall be completed by June 1 if the building is occupied in the winter or within six weeks if the building is occupied in the spring and summer. c. The city receives an agreement that will allow the city to complete any unfinished work. 6. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. p:sec3\winiecki.des Attachments: 1. Location Map 2. Property Line/Zoning Map 3. Site Plan 4. December 9, 1996 City Council Minutes 5. Plans date-stamped July 3, 1997 (separate attachment) Attachment VADNAIS HEIOHTS COUNTY ~ ~/P~ °' Loke ~ KOHL~ A~. ~ ~ ~1 ~ KOH~ z ~ ~ ~ ..... ~. I~ ~ ~ ~1 ~1. ~o~ ~ _ .... I° I /ALE. A~. [ GERV~S AVE. OERV~S GE~AIS z CT. Z ~KING SHERREN AVE. Loke COPE AVE. I~ ~ ~ LARK AVE. LOCATION MAP 4 Attachment 2 m m/~lmm~Mm~mm COUNTY 1320 1322 / 3085 '.L..5. ROAD D VADNAIS HEIGHTS 3110 3090 ,~'~ ~o.\5 ./, NSP M1 PROPERTY LINE / ZONING MA Attachment f \ \ %\ / SITE PLAN Attachment 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council approve the above- described variance for the following reasons: The variance would be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance. The Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District has classified the adjacent wetland as a Class ! wetland-the most significant wetland type. Theproposed variance would not be excessive and would still protect the wetland, which is the intent of the ordinance. The applicant has shown that strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the property and not created by the property owner. Undue hardship means the owner or ~gveloper cannot_gut.}~e property to a reasonable use if the City denies tne variance. /ne ~uu- foot-wide wetland buffer requirement would make development of this site difficult. The wetland ordinance created the difficulty and the proposed variance is not excessive. 3. The proposal offers protection to the wetland for wildlife habitat and' aesthetic enhancement, which are also functions of a wetland buffer. 1. Submitting a certificate of survey for the area that shows the location of: a. The ditch and wetland to the south and east of the site. b. The ditch and wetland to the west of the site. c. All property lines. d. County Road D and any existing utilities. e. The existing culverts for the ditches on either side of the site. f. The location, size and species of any large trees on the site. 2. Submitting a grading and landscaping plan for the perimeter areas of the site between the driveways and parking lot and the wetland edge (including the wetland buffer). This plan shall be subject to the requirements of the City staff and the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. 3. Dedicating a wetland-buffer easement. This easement shall be prepared by a land surveyor, shall describe the boundary of the buffer and shall prohibit any building, mowing, cutting, filling or dumping within the buffer. The applicant shall record the deed for this easement before the City will issue a building permit. 4. Follow the site plan date-stamped November 1, 1996, subject to any changes required by City staff or the community design review board (CDRB). 5. Accepting responsibility for any necessary maintenance and upkeep of the ponding area and any sump catch basins. Seconded by Councilmember Rossbach Ayes - all 12-9-~& MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: LOCATION: DATE: City Manager Thomas Ekstrand, Associate Planner Landscaping Review - Conway Avenue Street Frontage 3M Center July 21, 1997 INTRODUCTION Leland Blackledge, of Pope Associates, Inc, is requesting approval to relandscape the street frontage on the south side of Conway Avenue at 3M Center. This is the first phase of a relandscaping project by 3M and would extend from Century Avenue to the west side of Building 235. Refer to the map on page 3. The continuing phase would go to the west side of Building 216 (approximately the half-way point between Century Avenue and McKnight Road). 3M Company has agreed to work with NSP to remove the existing trees as stated in the letter on page 4. BACKGROUND October 9, 1995: The city council approved the removal of 19 mature trees at the Plaza 3000 shopping center. The owner of the Plaza 3000 had requested the tree removal so the view of the shopping center would not be obscured from White Bear Avenue. The council required that the owner plant perennial flower beds as a condition of allowing the tree removal. DISCUSSION Many of the trees do not appear that they will need trimming, due to power-line crowding, for many years. This request, therefore, seems premature. On the other hand, the landscaping proposed would be attractive - 3M always does an excellent job of planting as well as maintenance of their grounds. In light of the recent council approval for the Plaza 3000 to remove many of their trees, staff does not see any reason to recommend denial of this request. This replacement will also prevent tree/power line problems in the future. RECOMMENDATION Approve the plans, stamped July 17, 1997, for the first phase of the relandscaping of the 3M Company street frontage on the south side of Conway Avenue. This first phase of relandscaping goes from Century Avenue to the west side of Building 235. Approval is subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall substitute Amur Maples with another decorative variety of shrub. 2. Staff may approve the plans for additional relandscaping along Conway Avenue, provided it is compatible with the landscaping of the first phase. p:sec36\conway. 3m Attachments: 1. Location Map 2. Letter from Leland Blackledge dated-stamped July 18, 1997 3. Plans date-stamped July 17, 1997 (separate attachment) Attachment CO.AY [2o~ · ~__..~/j-~l~- ~h ~ sr. . LOCATION O PR()POSED RELANDSCAPING AREA AvE. ,. 2ol 23O 222 Tot HUDSON _zo MAYER JAMES UPPER AF'rON RD. LOCATION MAP LNe CREEK P E A S S 0 Mr. Tom Ekstrand Associated Planner Maplewood Community Development 1830 East County Road B Maplewood, MN 55109 C I A T E sAttachmqnt 2N C. ~t..:t J · ~ ,. ' '~ r..t J .I it' Dear Tom: I am submitting here-with six copies of Phase One of the proposed re-landscaping of the area along Conway Avenue under Northern States Power electrical lines for your consideration. The present plant materials have been in place for a number of years. In their last several years their growth has necessitated periodic pruning to keep them free of the power lines. NSP has performed this pruning. As these trees grow towards maturity more frequent pruning will be required, eventually to the extent of their disfigurement. 31VI, in the spirit of cooperation, has agreed to work with NSP in the removal and replacement of the landscaping under the lines. These plans are for the area extending from the intersection of Century and Conway Avenues to just west of 3M Building 235. This area, Phase One, is anticipated to be completed this 1997 season. The remaining areas will be phased over the next two years. The replacement plant materials have been selected specifically so as to never interfere with the overhead power lines due to their height at maturity. Additionally, the plant materials include varieties of trees and massing of shrubs which should provide various seasonal enjoyment, i.e. spring and summer flowering, fall color, and winter color and texture. The planting bed's curvilinear configuration and changing areas of turf are intended to provide visual interest for people driving along Conway. Where there are sidewalks, consideration in the choice of plant material (hardy fragrant roses, etc.) have been selected with the pedestrian in mind...' . .. .... .. Planting beds have also been designed sd:that most appurtenances are within the planting beds and not in turf areas thereby e minatigg ,the need for frequent trimming of grass.. An irrigation system.,'iof course, i~ also ir~c!uded. I hope the plans meet with yodrapproval. I[ there are any questions, please phone me at 642-9200. :-:~'":~"~. :it'S: '' Sincerely, CC: Ken Bogner 3M Bill Butler 3M Peter Leung 3M 1360 Energy Park Drive Suite 300 St. Paul. Minnesota 55108-5202 612 642 9200 FAX: 612 642 1101 4