HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 09-17 PC MinutesSeptember 17, 2024
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 1
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION
7:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 17, 2024
City Hall, Council Chambers
1830 County Road B East
A. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Commission was held and called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Desai
B. ROLL CALL
Tushar Desai, Chairperson Present
Lue Yang, Vice Chairperson Present
Paul Arbuckle, Commissioner Absent
John Eads, Commissioner Present
Allan Ige, Commissioner Present
Tom Oszman, Commissioner Present
Staff Present: Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairperson Desai moved to approve the agenda as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Eads Ayes – All
The motion passed.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. July 16, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Ige moved to approve the July 16, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes as
submitted.
Seconded by Commissioner Oszman Ayes – Vice Chairperson Yang
Commissioner Eads
Commissioner Ige
Commissioner Oszman
Abstain – Chairperson Desai
The motion passed.
E. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Harriet Tubman Center East, 2675 Larpenteur Avenue East
Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director, gave the presentation.
Chairperson Desai opened the public hearing.
The following individuals addressed the commission regarding the project:
September 17, 2024
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 2
Jennifer Polzin, Tubman
Chairperson Desai closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Oszman moved to approve a resolution for a conditional use permit for Harriet
Tubman Center East to allow an exterior dog run and expanded use of its commercial kitchen
located at 2675 Larpenteur Avenue East.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Harriet Tubman Center East has requested a conditional use permit to allow an exterior
dog run and expanded use of its commercial kitchen.
1.02 The property is located at 2675 Larpenteur Avenue East and is legally described as:
Century Trails Common Lot 2 Block 1
The PID for the property is 13-29-22-44-0004.
Section 2. Standards.
2.01 City Ordinance Section 44-1092(3) requires a Conditional Use Permit for an institution of
any educational, philanthropic or charitable nature.
2.02 General Conditional Use Permit Standards. City Ordinance Section 44-1097(a) states that
the City Council must base approval of a Conditional Use Permit on the following nine
standards for approval.
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.
4. 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 not exceed the design standards of any affected street.
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.
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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 3
9. The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects.
Section 3. Findings.
3.01 The proposal meets the specific conditional use permit standards.
Section 4. City Review Process
4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this conditional use permit
request.
1. On September 17, 2024, the planning commission held a public hearing. The city staff
published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding
property owners. The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing a chance to
speak and present written statements. The planning commission recommended that
the city council approve this resolution.
2. On September 23, 2024, the city council discussed this resolution. They considered
reports and recommendations from the planning commission and city staff.
Section 5. City Council
5.01 The city council hereby _______ the resolution. Approval is based on the findings outlined
in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. All construction shall follow the site plan approved by the city. Staff may approve
minor changes.
2. The proposed use 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. This permit allows the Tubman Center East to continue its previously approved use of
shelter housing. It also permits the applicant’s support activities such as a legal center,
offices, counseling services group rooms, child care, playground, classrooms,
community gathering spaces, space for collaborative community partnerships,
community gardens, and bus shelters.
5. This permit approves the expanded use of the site’s commercial kitchen. The kitchen
owner and any operators using the facility shall acquire all necessary approvals and
licenses from the state of Minnesota and the City of Maplewood to operate the kitchen
facility.
6. Trucks making deliveries for the kitchen facility shall be limited to 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
7. This permit approves the exterior dog run, which shall be maintained and operated in
a manner that does not create nuisances for nearby properties.
8. All construction—interior and exterior—related to the dog run and commercial kitchen
on the subject property requires a building permit to be submitted for review and
approval by the Building Official.
9. No supplies or materials are permitted to be stored outside.
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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 4
10. Any trash and recycling receptacles stored outside must be within an enclosure that
meets city requirements.
Seconded by Commissioner Eads Ayes – All
The motion passed.
This item will go to the city council on September 23, 2024
2. Sign Variance Denial Resolution, Mister Car Wash, 3050 White Bear Avenue North
Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director, gave the presentation.
Chairperson Desai opened the public hearing.
The following individuals addressed the commission regarding the project:
Gary Potts, Professional Permits
Justin Young, Dualite
Chairperson Desai closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Eads moved to approve the resolution to deny the sign variance request for Mister
Car Wash, located at 3050 White Bear Avenue North
SIGN VARIANCE DENIAL RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Mister Car Wash has requested a sign variance to allow for signs on the property that
exceed the number, size, and height permitted.
1.02 The property is located at 3050 White Bear Avenue North and is legally described as:
The South 100.00 feet of the North 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of Northwest 1/4, Section
2, Township 29 North, Range 22 West, City of Maplewood, Ramsey County,
Minnesota lying Easterly of White Bear Avenue, except the East 360.0 feet thereof,
AND
The South 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of Northwest 1/4, Section 2, Township 29 North,
Range 22 West, City of Maplewood, Ramsey County, Minnesota, lying Northerly of
Woodlyn Avenue and Easterly of White Bear Avenue, except the East 360.0 feet
thereof,
AND
The West 181.87 feet of the East 360.0 feet of the South 100.0 feet of the North 1/2
of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 2, Township 29 North,
Range 22 West, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
AND
The West 181.87 feet of the East 360.0 feet of the South 1 /2 of the Northeast
Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, Ramsey County, Minnesota lying Northerly of
Woodlynn Avenue.
Tax Parcel Identification: 022922210025
September 17, 2024
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 5
Section 2. Standards.
2.01 Variance Standard. City Ordinance Section 44-13 refers to a state statute that states a
variance may be granted from the requirements of the zoning ordinance when: (1) the
variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this ordinance; (2) when
the variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan; and (3) when the applicant
establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the ordinance. Practical
difficulties mean: (1) the proposed use is reasonable; (2) the need for a variance is
caused by circumstances unique to the property, not created by the property owner, and
not solely based on economic conditions; (3) the variance if granted, will not alter the
essential character of the locality.
Section 3. Findings.
3.01 The setback variance request does not meet the required standards for a variance.
1. That the need for a variance is caused by circumstances unique to the property, not
created by the property owner, and not solely based on economic conditions;
2. That the proposed use is reasonable; and
3. That the variance will not alter the essential character of the locality; and
4. That the need for a variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this
ordinance; and
5. That the variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Section 4. City Review Process
4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering the variance requests.
1. On September 17, 2024, the planning commission held a public hearing. The city
staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the
surrounding property owners. The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing
a chance to speak and present written statements. The planning commission
recommended that the city council approve this resolution.
2. On September 23, 2024, the city council discussed this resolution. They considered
reports and recommendations from the planning commission and city staff.
Section 5. City Council
5.01 The city council hereby _______ the resolution. Denial of the application is based on the
findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution.
Seconded by Commissioner Ige Ayes – All
The motion passed.
This item will go to the city council on September 23, 2024
3. Setback Variance Resolution, Larkin Dance Studio, 1400 Highway 36 East
Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director, gave the presentation and
answered questions from the commission.
September 17, 2024
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 6
Chairperson Desai opened the public hearing.
The following individuals addressed the commission regarding the project:
Lance Elliot, Elliot Design Build, Inc
Molly Larkin, Larkin Dance Studio
Michelle Larkin, Larkin Dance Studio
Rita Kruchowski, 1410 Cope Avenue
Chairperson Desai closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Oszman moved to approve a resolution for a setback variance for Larkin Dance
Studio’s expanded parking lot at 1400 Highway 36 East, adding conditions 4, 5, and 6 to section
5.01 of the resolution.
SETBACK VARIANCE RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Larkin Dance Studio has requested a 15-foot setback variance to allow for five parking
stalls within the required 15-foot parking setback.
1.02 The property is located at 1400 Highway 36 and is legally described as:
PARCEL 1:
That part of the North Half of the Southwest Quarter (N1/2 of SW1/4) of Section 10,
Township 29 North, Range 22 West, Ramsey County, Minnesota, described as follows:
Commencing at the center of said Section 10, thence Southerly along the East line of the
SW1/4 a distance of 848.3 feet to the intersection of the Southerly right-of-way line of
Trunk Highway No. 36; thence Westerly along the said Southerly right-of-way line a
distance of 1,196.20 feet, thence deflecting to the left 90 degrees and along said right-of-
way line a distance of 25 feet, thence deflecting to the right 90 degrees and along said
right-of-way line a distance of 93.46 feet to an iron, said point being the intersection of
West line of the East 39 acres and the said Trunk Highway No. 36 Southerly right-of-way
line and the point of beginning; thence Westerly along said right-of-way line a distance of
233.30 feet, thence Southerly and parallel with the West line of the East 39 acres a
distance of 250.00 feet, thence Easterly and parallel with the Southerly right-of-way line a
distance of 233.30 feet to a point on the West line of the East 39 acres, thence Northerly
along said West line a distance of 250 feet to the point of beginning.
PARCEL 2:
That part of the North Half of the Southwest Quarter (N1/2 of SW1/4) of Section 10,
Township 29 North, Range 22 West, Ramsey County, Minnesota, described as follows:
Commencing at the center of said Section 10, thence Southerly along the East line of the
SW1/4 a distance of 848.3 feet to the intersection of the Southerly right-of-way line of
Trunk Highway No. 36, thence Westerly along the said Southerly right-of-way line a
distance of 1,196.20 feet, thence deflecting to the left 90 degrees and along the said right-
of-way line a distance of 25 feet, thence deflecting to the right 90 degrees and along said
right-of-way line a distance of 93.46 feet, to an iron, said point being the intersection of
September 17, 2024
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 7
West line of the East 39 acres and the said Trunk Highway No. 36 Southerly right-of-way
line, thence Westerly along said right-of-way line a distance of 233.30 feet, thence
Southerly and parallel with the West line of the East 39 acres a distance of 250.00 feet to
the point of beginning, thence continuing along the same line a distance of 189.15 feet to
a point on the South line of said N1/2 of SW1/4 of Section 10, thence Easterly along the
said South line a distance of 233.30 feet to a point on the West line of the said East 39
acres, thence Northerly along said West line a distance of 188.86 feet, thence Westerly
parallel with the said Southerly right-of-way a distance of 233.30 feet to the point of
beginning.
Tax Parcel Identification: 10-29-22-32-0027
Section 2. Standards.
2.01 Variance Standard. City Ordinance Section 44-13 refers to a state statute that states a
variance may be granted from the requirements of the zoning ordinance when: (1) the
variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this ordinance; (2) when
the variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan; and (3) when the applicant
establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the ordinance. Practical
difficulties mean: (1) the proposed use is reasonable; (2) the need for a variance is
caused by circumstances unique to the property, not created by the property owner, and
not solely based on economic conditions; (3) the variance if granted, will not alter the
essential character of the locality.
Section 3. Findings.
3.01 The setback variance request does meet the required standards for a variance.
1. That the need for a variance is caused by circumstances unique to the property, not
created by the property owner, and not solely based on economic conditions;
2. That the proposed use is reasonable; and
3. That the variance will not alter the essential character of the locality; and
4. That the need for a variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this
ordinance; and
5. That the variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Section 4. City Review Process
4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering the variance requests.
1. On September 17, 2024, the planning commission held a public hearing. The city
staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the
surrounding property owners. The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing
a chance to speak and present written statements. The planning commission
recommended that the city council approve this resolution.
2. On October 14, 2024, the city council discussed this resolution. They considered
reports and recommendations from the planning commission and city staff.
Section 5. City Council
September 17, 2024
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 8
5.01 The city council hereby _______ the resolution. Approval of the application is based on
the findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the following
conditions:
1. All construction shall follow the approved site plan. The Director of Community
Development may approve minor changes.
2. The approval permits a 15-foot variance to construct the parking lot up to the property
line. The applicant cannot encroach into the right-of-way with the parking lot.
3. The city engineer and environmental staff shall review and approve the final
landscape plan before issuing a grading permit.
4. Require that all building lights on the main and accessory buildings that aim
south towards Cope Avenue shall either be removed or replaced with downcast
lights.
5. Require that all parking lot lights be downcast.
6. Submit a photometric plan that meets ordinance requirements.
Seconded by Commissioner Ige Ayes – All
The motion passed.
This item will go to the city council on October 14, 2024
F. NEW BUSINESS
None
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
None
I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
None
J. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None
K. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Desai moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Seconded by Commissioner Ige Ayes – All
The motion passed.