HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 10-21 CDRB Minutes
October 21, 2025
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
1
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
6:00 P.M. Tuesday October 21, 2025
City Hall, Council Chambers
1830 County Road B East
A. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Board was held and called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Kempe
B. ROLL CALL
Bill Kempe, Chairperson Present
Tom Oszman, Vice Chairperson Present
Jason Lamers, Boardmember Present – Attended removely via Zoom
Amanda Reinert, Boardmember Absent
Ananth Shankar, Boardmember Absent
Staff Present: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairperson Kempe moved to approve the agenda as presented.
Seconded by Vice Chairperson Oszman Ayes – All (via roll call)
The motion passed.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. September 16, 2025 Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
Vice Chairperson Oszman moved to approve the Septemnber 26, 2025 Community Design
Review Board Meeting Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Chairperson Kempe Ayes – All (via roll call)
The motion passed.
E. NEW BUSINESS
1. Design Review and Parking Waiver Resolution, Seven Brews Coffee, 2982 White Bear
Avenue North
Elizabeth Hammond, Planner, gave the presentation. Andrew Commers, Maple Branch, LLC,
addressed the board and answered questions.
Vice Chairperson Oszman moved to approve a design review and parking waiver resolution for a
drive-thru coffee stand at 2982 White Bear Avenue North, subject to certain conditions of approval.
October 21, 2025
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
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DESIGN REVIEW AND PARKING WAIVER RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Seven Brews Coffee has requested approval of a design review to construct a drive-thru
coffee stand on the property at 2982 White Bear Avenue North.
1.02 The property located at 2982 White Bear Avenue North is legally described as:
That part of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 2, Township 29,
Range 22, lying Easterly of the center line of White Bear Avenue and lying Northerly of the
following described line and its Easterly and Westerly extensions: Commencing at said
Northeast corner of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; thence South 00
degrees 56 minutes 16 seconds East, along said East line of the Southeast Quarter of the
Northwest Quarter, a distance of 174.51 feet to the point of beginning of said line; thence
South 89 degrees 03 minutes 44 seconds West, a distance of711.79 feet to the center line
of White Bear Avenue as described in Document No. 1813704 and there terminating.
Together with the benefit of the easements created pursuant to Operation and Easement
Agreement dated August 23, 1999, recorded August 26, 1999 as Document Number
3265663 and First Amendment filed May 25, 2011 as Document Number 4281218.
PIN: 022922240019
Section 2. Site and Building Plan Standards and Findings.
2.01 City ordinance requires that the community design review board make the following
findings to approve plans:
1. That the design and location of the proposed development and its relationship to
neighboring, existing, or proposed developments and traffic is such that it will not
impair the desirability of investment or occupation in the neighborhood; that it will not
unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring, existing or
proposed developments; and that it will not create traffic hazards or congestion.
2. That the design and location of the proposed development are in keeping with the
character of the surrounding neighborhood and are not detrimental to the harmonious,
orderly, and attractive development contemplated by this article and the city's
comprehensive municipal plan.
3. That the design and location of the proposed development would provide a desirable
environment for its occupants, as well as for its neighbors, and that it is aesthetically of
good composition, materials, textures, and colors.
2.02 The community design review board reviewed this request on October 21, 2025, and
voted to approve it.
2.03 The proposal meets the specific findings for design review approval.
Section 3. City Council Action.
3.01 On November 10, 2025, the City Council discussed this resolution. They considered
reports and recommendations from the community design review board and City staff.
October 21, 2025
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3.02 The above-described site and design plans are hereby ________ based on the findings
outlined in Section 2 of this resolution. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed
and maintained in substantial conformance with the design plans. Approval is subject to the
applicant doing the following:
1. If the city has not issued a building permit for this project, repeat this review in two
years.
2. The applicant must provide additional details and updated plans as outlined in the
building review comments. The project must meet all requirements of the building
official and fire marshal.
3. The applicant must submit a plan review application to the environmental health official
and obtain an annual food license.
4. The applicant must satisfy the requirements in the engineering review memo by Jon
Jarosch, dated October 10, 2025.
5. Per city ordinance standards, all mechanical equipment and trash receptacles shall be
screened from the view of all residential properties and adjacent public streets.
6. Before the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit for staff approval
the following items:
a. The applicant shall provide the city with a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of
credit for all required exterior improvements. The amount shall be 150 percent of
the cost of the work.
b. The applicant must provide a tree preservation plan and an updated landscape
plan as outlined in the environmental review comments.
c. The applicant must submit for review a lot division application addressing the
encroachment over the south property line. The canopy structure cannot extend
over the property line. The applicant can prepare an easement for the
encroachment, which must be provided to the city for review, or apply to adjust
the lot line.
d. The property must have a cross-access and shared parking agreement in place
with the adjacent properties. A copy of all shared agreements for the property and
the neighboring properties must be provided to the city.
e. The lighting plan must identify the type and location of all lighting. The elevations
must show the location of any wall-mounted lighting. An updated lighting plan,
which includes site and architectural plans, a detailed description of each
luminaire, and a plan showing the light spread and footcandle levels, must be
submitted to the city for review before a building permit can be issued.
7. The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building:
a. Replace any property irons that were removed because of this construction.
b. Provide continuous concrete curb and gutter around the parking lot and
driveways.
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c. Install all required landscaping and an in-ground lawn irrigation system for all
landscaped areas.
d. Install all required outdoor lighting.
e. Install all required sidewalks and trails.
8. 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 public health, safety, or
welfare.
b. The above-required letter of credit or cash escrow is held by the City of
Maplewood for all required exterior improvements. The owner or contractor shall
complete any unfinished exterior improvements by June 1 of the following year if
occupancy of the building is in the fall or winter or within six weeks of occupancy
of the building if occupancy is in the spring or summer.
c. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development
may approve minor changes.
Seconded by Chairperson Kempe Ayes – All (via roll call)
The motion passed.
This item will go to the city council on November 10, 2025.
2. Design Review Resolution, Church of Pentecost, 1701 Gervais Avenue East
Elizabeth Hammond, Planner, gave the presentation. Joseph Oppong, Church of Pentecost, and
Brian Tempas, LSE Architects, addressed the board and answered questions.
Chairperson Kempe moved to approve a design review resolution for a building addition and
parking lot expansion at 1701 Gervais Avenue East, subject to certain conditions of approval, and
with the friendly amendment that the applicant have a discussion with staff, planning commission,
and city council on phasing in parking to reduce immediate encroachment on the wetland in the
northern portion of the parking lot.
DESIGN REVIEW RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 The Church of Pentecost has requested approval of a design review to construct a building
and parking lot addition on the property at 1701 Gervais Avenue East.
1.02 The property located at 1701 Gervais Avenue East is legally described as:
The South Half of the West Half of Lot 3, E.G. Roger’s Garden Lots, Ramsey County,
Minnesota, according to the recorded plat thereof. Except: The East 30.00 feet and the
North 180.00 feet thereof.
PIN: 102922140047
October 21, 2025
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Section 2. Site and Building Plan Standards and Findings.
2.01 City ordinance requires that the community design review board make the following
findings to approve plans:
1. That the design and location of the proposed development and its relationship to
neighboring, existing, or proposed developments and traffic is such that it will not
impair the desirability of investment or occupation in the neighborhood; that it will not
unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring, existing or
proposed developments; and that it will not create traffic hazards or congestion.
2. That the design and location of the proposed development are in keeping with the
character of the surrounding neighborhood and are not detrimental to the harmonious,
orderly, and attractive development contemplated by this article and the city's
comprehensive municipal plan.
3. That the design and location of the proposed development would provide a desirable
environment for its occupants, as well as for its neighbors, and that it is aesthetically of
good composition, materials, textures, and colors.
2.02 The community design review board reviewed this request on October 21, 2025, and voted
to approve it.
2.03 The proposal meets the specific findings for design review approval.
Section 3. City Council Action.
3.01 On November 24, 2025, the City Council discussed this resolution. They considered
reports and recommendations from the community design review board and City staff.
3.02 The above-described site and design plans are hereby _________ based on the findings
outlined in Section 2 of this resolution. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed
and maintained in substantial conformance with the design plans. Approval is subject to the
applicant doing the following:
1. If the city has not issued a building permit for this project, repeat this review in two
years.
2. All fire marshal and building official requirements must be met.
3. Satisfy the requirements in the engineering review by Jon Jarosch, dated September
9, 2025.
4. Satisfy the requirements in the environmental review by Shann Finwall, dated
September 5, 2025.
5. The applicant shall obtain all required permits from the Ramsey-Washington Metro
Watershed District.
6. The applicant shall install a stop sign at the property exits on Gervais Avenue and
Flandrau Avenue.
7. Per city ordinance standards, all mechanical equipment and trash receptacles shall be
screened from the view of all nearby residential properties or adjacent public streets.
The location and type of screening must always meet city ordinance requirements.
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Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
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8. The applicant shall install and maintain a landscaped and screened area not less than
20 feet in width along the north property line. Screening may be satisfied with
landscaping or a combination of landscaping and a screening fence per ordinance
requirements.
9. The applicant shall install and maintain a landscaped area on the east side of the
property between the edge of the parking lot and within the city right-of-way along
Flandrau Street. The applicant must work with the city engineering staff to obtain a
ROW permit. The applicant shall ensure that the trees are at least six feet in height at
the time of planting. The planting screen shall consist of evergreen plantings. Trees
shall be a minimum of 2½ inches in trunk diameter, two feet above grade. Shrubs may
be used in combination with a berm and shall be a minimum of two feet in height.
Spacing of trees and shrubs shall be designed to create an 80-percent opaque
screening at least six feet in height.
10. Before the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit for staff approval
the following items:
a. The applicant shall provide the city with a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of
credit for all required exterior improvements. The amount shall be 150 percent of
the cost of the work.
b. An updated tree and landscape plan as outlined in the environmental review.
11. The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building:
a. Replace any property irons that were removed because of this construction.
b. Provide continuous concrete curb and gutter around the parking lot and
driveways.
c. Install all required landscaping and an in-ground lawn irrigation system for all
landscaped areas.
d. Install all required outdoor lighting.
e. Install all required sidewalks and trails.
12. 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 public health, safety, or
welfare.
b. The above-required letter of credit or cash escrow is held by the City of
Maplewood for all required exterior improvements. The owner or contractor shall
complete any unfinished exterior improvements by June 1 of the following year if
occupancy of the building is in the fall or winter or within six weeks of occupancy
of the building if occupancy is in the spring or summer.
c. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development
may approve minor changes.
Seconded by Vice Chairperson Oszman Ayes – All (via roll call)
October 21, 2025
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
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The motion passed.
This item will go to the city council on November 24, 2025.
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
G. BOARD PRESENTATIONS
None
H. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
None
I. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None
J. ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chairperson Oszman moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 p.m.
Seconded by Chairperson Kempe Ayes – All (via roll call)
The motion passed.