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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 05-19 CDRB Meeting PacketMeeting is also available on Comcast Ch. 16 and streaming vod.maplewoodmn.gov AGENDA MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 19, 2026 City Hall, Council Chambers 1830 County Road B East Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 13D.02, one or more board members may be participating remotely A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. April 21, 2026 Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Design Review Amendment Resolution, Saint Paul Police Training Facility, 2621 Linwood Avenue East F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None G. BOARD PRESENTATIONS H. STAFF PRESENTATIONS None I. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS – 3 minute time limit per person J. ADJOURNMENT THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK April 21, 2026 Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes 1 MINUTES MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 21, 2026 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 6:03 p.m. by Chairperson Kempe B.ROLL CALL Bill Kempe, Chairperson Present Tom Oszman, Vice Chairperson Present Jason Lamers, Boardmember Present Ananth Shankar, Boardmember Present – remotely via Zoom Staff Present: Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA Boardmember Lamers 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.March 17, 2026 Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes Boardmember Lamers moved to approve the March 17, 2026 Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes as submitted. Seconded by Vice Chairperson Oszman Ayes – All (via roll call) The motion passed. E.NEW BUSINESS 1.Design Review Resolution, Café Zupas, 3069 White Bear Avenue Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director, gave the presentation. Edgar Cepuritis, Cafe Zupas Vice President of Real Estate, addressed the board and answered questions. Board members shared comments. Vice Chairperson Oszman moved to approve a resolution for design review approving a restaurant with a drive-up food and beverage window to be constructed at 3069 White Bear Avenue, subject to conditions of approval, and including a friendly amendment by Boardmember Lamers to add a staff requested condition that a copy of all agreements shall be provided to the City in regard to the shared drives, parking areas, and utilities that cross property boundaries. D1 CDRB Packet Page 1 of 38 April 21, 2026 Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes 2 DESIGN REVIEW RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 Interplan, LLC has requested approval of design review to construct a 2,886 square foot Café Zupas restaurant building with a drive-up food and beverage window. 1.02 The property is located at 3069 White Bear Avenue North and has a PIN number of 02- 29-22-21-0014. Section 2. Site and Building Plan Standards and Findings. 2.01 City ordinance Section 2-290(b) 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. Section 3. City Action 3.01 The above-described site and design plans are hereby approved based on the findings outlined in Section 3 of this resolution. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the design plans dated March 18, 2026. 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, city engineer, and building official requirements must be met. 3. A grading permit is required. 4. The applicant shall obtain all required permits from the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. 5. Rooftop vents and any mechanical equipment shall be hidden from view from all sides of the property and screened as required by city ordinance. 6. This approval does not include signage. Any signs for the project must meet the city’s ordinance requirements, and the applicant must apply for a sign permit before installation. D1 CDRB Packet Page 2 of 38 April 21, 2026 Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes 3 7. Prior to the issuance of a grading or building permit, the applicant shall submit for staff approval the following items: a. Revised landscape plan showing the following: i. Replace the Green Velvet Boxwood shrub with a native shrub such as winterberry, snowberry, dwarf bush honeysuckle, wolfberry, American Hazelnut silverberry. Boxwood is suspectable to Boxwood Blight. ii. Replace the Gro-Low Sumac with a native shrub such as those listed above. Sumac can be very aggressive and take over if not maintained properly. b. Submit a revised site plan showing that both the ADA and Minnesota accessible parking standards are being met. c. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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 City of Maplewood holds the above-required letter of credit or cash escrow for all required exterior improvements. If the building is occupied in the fall or winter, the owner or contractor shall complete any unfinished exterior improvements by June 1 of the following year or within six weeks of occupancy if it is occupied in the spring or summer. 10. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. Seconded by Boardmember Lamers Ayes – All (via roll call) The motion passed. F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None D1 CDRB Packet Page 3 of 38 April 21, 2026 Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes 4 G. BOARD PRESENTATIONS None H. STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Board Updates Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director, provided an update to the Board on the following items: a. Board/Commission Training – A joint training session with the Community Design Review Board (CDRB) and Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. If needed, the CDRB will convene its regular meeting immediately following the training to address any pending business items requiring approval. b. Community Design Review Board Annual Report – Chairperson Kempe will present the annual report to the City Council at its meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026. Boardmember Lamers will be available as a backup presenter, if needed. I. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None J. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Kempe moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Seconded by Boardmember Lamers Ayes – All (via roll call) The motion passed. D1 CDRB Packet Page 4 of 38 COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Meeting Date May 19, 2026 REPORT TO: Michael Sable, City Manager REPORT FROM: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner PRESENTER: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner AGENDA ITEM: Design Review Amendment Resolution, Saint Paul Police Training Facility, 2621 Linwood Avenue East Action Requested:  Motion ☐Discussion ☐ Public Hearing Form of Action: Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Summary: On June 23, 2025, the Maplewood City Council approved plans for the Saint Paul Police Department to rebuild its training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. Construction has not yet begun, and the applicant proposes reducing the building's size from 3,196 to 1,224 square feet. To move forward with the proposal, the applicant requests approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment and design review amendment. Recommended Action: Motion to approve a design review amendment resolution for constructing a training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue East, subject to certain conditions of approval. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact?  No ☐ Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0 Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source ☐Use of Reserves ☐ Other: NA Strategic Plan Relevance: Safety ◊ Focus Area: Strengthen regulations and code compliance Sustainability ◊ Focus Area: Advance environmental stewardship initiatives ☐Development ◊ Focus Area: The rebuilt classroom training facility will include safety and accessibility upgrades. On the exterior, the wetland buffer will be improved with permeable paver stormwater systems, native plantings, and the removal of invasive species. Background: The City of Saint Paul Police Department proposes rebuilding its classroom training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. Ramsey County owns the property, and the City of Saint Paul has leased the property since the mid-1960’s for its police department’s outdoor firearms training. The revised plans for a smaller classroom training facility will be located at the same site previously reviewed in E1 CDRB Packet Page 5 of 38 2025. The facility will have an office area for five staff members, an armory, a locker area, a kitchenette, and ADA-compliant restrooms. With a smaller footprint, the roofline has changed slightly, but the building materials remain the same. Conditional Use Permit Amendment Maplewood city code requires a conditional use permit for public service or public building uses. When the Saint Paul Police Department began leasing the site from Ramsey County, a CUP was not required by city ordinance. Minnesota statute 87A, the Shooting Range Protection Act, adopted in 2005, added protections for existing shooting ranges and limits the city’s ability to regulate the use and operation. The applicant proposes a new building to be used primarily for training. This new proposed building requires a CUP. Design Review Amendment Site Plan The 1,224-square-foot classroom training facility will be in the southwest portion of the site and will be accessed from an entrance off Linwood Avenue. The existing facility uses well and septic infrastructure, which will be replaced as part of this project. A storage building, two shooting range areas, and an area with partial structures for tactical training are to remain on the site unchanged. Wetland The proposed project will impact two Manage A wetlands. City code requires a minimum of 75 feet and an average wetland buffer of 100 feet. The project requires a wetland buffer variance, which the Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) reviewed and recommended approval on May 19, 2025, and the City Council subsequently approved on June 23, 2025. The smaller building does not change the encroachment or site grading limits for construction, which the ENR reviewed. The variance request does not need to be reviewed by the ENR again, as the details related to the wetland buffer encroachment are not changing. The applicant is proposing 13,613 square feet of buffer improvements, which include the removal of invasive species, application of native seeding, and a permeable paver stormwater system. Setbacks The building and parking area are set back 201 feet from the property line along Linwood Avenue to the south and 102 feet from the property line to the west. They are entirely screened from the adjacent public streets and residential properties. Code requires the building to be 30 feet from a street right-of-way and 50 feet from a residential lot line. Parking areas must be 15 feet from the street right-of-way and up to 20 feet from residential property. All setbacks are achieved. Building Elevations The one-story building varies in height between 12 and 17 feet as the grade changes. The proposed materials are insulated concrete masonry unit walls with decorative veneer finishes, and prefinished metal facia, canopy, gutter, and downspout. The building is not visible from the adjacent public streets or residential properties. Landscaping and Screening The applicant proposes planting 18 trees to replace 18 trees that will be removed as part of the site project. The updated plan will remove and treat invasive growth in specific areas with buckthorn, honeysuckle, Japanese knotweed, and reed canary grass, which will then be replaced with wetland seed mix, native plugs, and prairie seed mix. E1 CDRB Packet Page 6 of 38 Parking City code does not identify a parking requirement for this use; however, it allows the community and economic development director to review a similar use to determine the minimum requirements. The applicant proposes ten parking stalls, including one accessible stall. As a comparison, the code requires one stall for every 200 square feet of floor area for commercial, office, or recreational building use. Based on this use, the site would require six parking stalls. The site will continue to be utilized privately by the City of Saint Paul Police Department for training. The site is not meant for regular public use, and the number of stalls is adequate. Lighting The applicant submitted a lighting plan illustrating the location and lighting types, which includes wall-mounted lighting on site. Also, a plan showing the light spread and foot-candle levels was provided, showing that the levels at the property lines meet code. Signage Any signage on the property is subject to city review and a sign permit, separate from this design review. Department Comments Jon Jarosch, Assistant City Engineer – Engineering Review, dated May 13, 2026. Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator – Environmental Review, dated May 13, 2026. Board/Commission and City Council Review Community Design Review Board May 19, 2026: The CDRB will review the design plan amendment. Planning Commission May 19, 2026: The planning commission will hold a public hearing and review the conditional use permit amendment. City Council June 8, 2026: The city council will review this project and make the final decision. Public Hearing Notice Staff sent public hearing notices to the 40 surrounding property owners within 500 feet of the subject property. Staff have not received any comments. Reference Information Site Description Site Size: 7.45 Acres Surrounding Land Uses North: Park Land/Century Ponds Residential Dwellings (under construction) South: Residential Dwellings East: Residential Dwellings in the City of Woodbury West: Residential Dwellings Planning E1 CDRB Packet Page 7 of 38 Existing Land Use: Park Existing Zoning: Farm Residential Review Schedule The city deemed the applicant’s application complete on May 4, 2026. The initial 60-day review deadline for a decision is July 3, 2026. As stated in Minnesota State Statute 15.99, the city can take an additional 60 days, if necessary, to complete the review. Attachments: 1.Conditional Use Permit Amendment Resolution 2.Design Review Amendment Resolution 3.Overview Map 4.Future Land Use Map 5.Zoning Map 6.Wetland Overlay Map 7.Application Narrative 8.Design Plans 9.Engineering Review Dated May 13, 2026 10.Environmental Review Dated May 13, 2026 E1 CDRB Packet Page 8 of 38 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 The City of Saint Paul Police Department has requested a Conditional Use Permit Amendment to build a 1,224 square foot classroom training facility on the property at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. 1.02 The property located at 2621 Linwood Avenue East is legally described as: The west 600 feet of the South 525 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 12, Township 28, Range 22, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota. PIN: 122822440044 Section 2. Standards. 2.01 General Conditional Use Permit Standards. The City Ordinance 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. 9.The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects. E1, Attachment 1 CDRB Packet Page 9 of 38 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 May 19, 2026, the Planning Commission held a public hearing. City staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The Planning Commission allowed everyone to speak and present written statements at the hearing. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council ________ this resolution. 2. On June 8, 2026, 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 (additions are underlined and deletions are crossed out): 1. The applicant and property owner must notify the neighborhood within 500 feet or greater of any scheduled use of the shooting range, including the hours of operation. The neighborhood notification shall be provided monthly when the facility and exterior shooting areas are used. 2.The property must adhere to the Environmental Protection Agency's Best Practices for Lead Management at Outdoor Shooting Ranges and the Shooting Range Performance Standards outlined in Minnesota Statutes 87A. The applicant and property owner will complete an Environmental Stewardship Plan for Management of Lead/Bullets at Outdoor Shooting Ranges. A template is provided in the EPA’s Best Practices. 3.The applicant and property owner will provide a report detailing the site’s compliance with EPA’s Best Practices for Lead Management and the Environmental Stewardship Plan. 4.The property must adhere to the Minnesota Legislature’s noise level standards and maximum level for shooting ranges as detailed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and in Minnesota Statute 87A. 5.All ground-mounted and roof-mounted mechanical equipment and trash receptacles shall be screened according to the ordinance. 6.Adequate separation, buffering, and screening must be provided around the training facility and exterior training areas. If the city determines additional screening or buffering is required, the applicant shall ensure this is completed as notified by the city. E1, Attachment 1 CDRB Packet Page 10 of 38 7.All construction shall follow the approved plans dated April 21, 2026. The director of community and economic development may approve minor changes. 8.The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of council approval, or the permit shall become null and void. 9.The city council shall review this permit in one year. 10.The applicant shall meet the conditions outlined in the design review resolution. E1, Attachment 1 CDRB Packet Page 11 of 38 DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 The City of Saint Paul Police Department has requested approval of a design review Amendment to build a 1,224 square foot classroom training facility on the property at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. 1.02 The property located at 2621 Linwood Avenue East is legally described as: The west 600 feet of the South 525 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 12, Township 28, Range 22, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota. PIN: 122822440044 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 May 19, 2026, and recommended that the City Council ________ this resolution. 2.03 The proposal meets the specific findings for design review approval. Section 3. City Council Action. 3.01 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 (additions are underlined and deletions are crossed out): 1.If the city has not issued a building permit for this project, repeat this review in two years. E1, Attachment 2 CDRB Packet Page 12 of 38 2.All fire marshal, city engineer, and building official requirements must be met. 3.Satisfy the requirements in the engineering review by Jon Jarosch, dated April 2, 2025 May 13, 2026. 4.Satisfy the requirements in the environmental review by Shann Finwall, dated May 20, 2025 May 13, 2026. 5.The applicant shall obtain all required permits from the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. 6.The applicant shall obtain all required permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for demolition and construction. 7.The applicant shall install a stop sign at the property exit on Linwood Avenue. 8.Per city ordinance standards, all mechanical equipment and trash receptacles shall be screened from view of all nearby residential properties or adjacent public streets. 9.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.Additional details to accompany the lighting plan: a description of each luminaire, including the manufacturer’s catalog cuts and drawings. c.An updated landscape plan as outlined in the environmental review. 10.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. 11.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 E1, Attachment 2 CDRB Packet Page 13 of 38 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. 12.All work shall follow the approved plans dated April 21, 2026. The director of community and economic development may approve minor changes. E1, Attachment 2 CDRB Packet Page 14 of 38 E1, Attachment 3 CDRB Packet Page 15 of 38 E1, Attachment 4 CDRB Packet Page 16 of 38 E1, Attachment 5 CDRB Packet Page 17 of 38 E1, Attachment 6 CDRB Packet Page 18 of 38 Community Development Design Review Narrative Conditional Use Permit Statement of Intent The proposed project at 2621 Linwood Ave, owned by Ramsey County and leased by the City of St. Paul, has been operating as the St. Paul police firearms training facility for approximately 50 years. The proposed project is a replacement of the classroom training facility. The existing building is planned to be demolished due to lack of insulation, severe plumbing issues, deterioration of the exterior structural walls and critter infestation in the attic. The proposed building is a simple replacement to house the same staff and functions as the existing facility, with accessibility and safety upgrades. Due to the use of the site not changing, no change in adjacent property values would be expected. With a similar number of staff and trainees, traffic to and from the site should remain similar to historical trips. The existing facility utilizes well and septic infrastructure, both of which will be replaced due to the age of the existing systems. The natural site grading, and the lack of utilities in Linwood Avenue at this site, do not allow for access to city water and sewer at this time. The site includes a designated wetland area on site, and one wetland area to the west. Both wetlands require a 100’ buffer for which this project will require a variance. See separate application for variance. Site storm drainage will continue to flow to the wetlands with no connection or change to city sewer services. The natural grade does provide for visual and acoustical screening of the training ranges. The grade and tree coverage is to be maintained, with a small percentage of trees replaced to allow for the new septic field and grading immediately adjacent to the new building. As the building is a replacement, public service needs will not change for streets, police, fire, school or parks services. The proposed new facility will include open office area for five staff, an armory, locker area, a kitchenette, and ADA-compliant restrooms. Planned materials include Insulated Concrete Masonry Unit (ICMU) walls with decorative veneer finishes on all exterior walls. This choice will ensure the building remains well-insulated while providing a comfortable and resilient environment for occupants while being near the shooting range. Additionally, the bullet-resistant windows on the north side of the facility will create a secure viewing area overlooking the shooting range and tactical simulation space. Overall, we believe that this building will offer the St. Paul Police Department a much-needed modernized space that fosters the education and development of our community's service members. E1, Attachment 7 CDRB Packet Page 19 of 38 1 1795 St. Clair Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55105 | (651) 696-5186 www.oertelarchitects.com An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer Subject Date April 18, 2026 To: Elizabeth Hammond Shann Finwall From: Deb Brandwick RE: 2621 Linwood, Wetland Setback Variance Request Elizabeth and Shann, The project in question is the St. Paul Police Training Facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue. The existing site includes a classroom building that is proposed to be demo’d, a storage building proposed to remain, two shooting range areas to remain, and an area developed with partial structures for tactical training. The site has been utilized as a firing range since approximately 1975 (see included lease agreement). The failure of the existing septic system, disrepair and non-accessibility of the classroom building, and undrinkable well water have created the need for this proposed project. The site appears to have been graded in the 1975 era to provide a relatively flat area for the firing ranges, support buildings and parking. The surrounding bowl was kept intact, if not enhanced, to provide visual and sound protection for the firing ranges. While the bulk of existing development is between the two setbacks, the drive lane, tactical training buildings, storage building and gravel pad extend into the buffer setbacks. Both wetlands are listed as Manage A type, requiring a 100’ buffer/setback area to all improvements. With the two setbacks and the grading of the bowl, the developable portion of the site is extremely limited. Our proposed project will locate a new building between the two buffer setbacks. The parking stalls are in the area of existing pavement, though repavement is part of the project due to the condition of the existing pavement, creating ADA accessible slope for access, and the previous request of the City of Maplewood to add an amount of pervious pavement. The amount of pervious pavement was calculated per additional requirements from the City of St. Paul sustainability standards. A portion of the parking stalls do encroach on the 100’ wetland setback, but are within the 75’ setback. This allows the stalls to be out of the range area for safety without massive regrading of the site. An area to the NE of the construction extents crosses the 75’ buffer line to allow for connection of the electrical utility. The area of disruption will be limited to that needed for electrical line only. This area is within an existing improved hard surface (class V). The new/replacement septic field is located to the SE of the construction limits, crossing the 100’ and 75’ buffer lines. A memo from the septic designer is attached describing the limited options for location of the septic field. The pipe between the septic tanks and the field will run between the 100’ and 75’ buffer lines. The area west of the proposed new building requires some regrading to allow for building access, accessible parking and to maintain access to the existing storage building. The amount of grading has been minimized by utilizing the building wall as a partial retaining wall, though the grading does extend E1, Attachment 7 CDRB Packet Page 20 of 38 2 1795 St. Clair Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55105 | (651) 696-5186 www.oertelarchitects.com An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer across the 75’ buffer line. The majority of the area to be regraded is located in an already improved hard surface area. Variance Request: We request the proposed project be approved to encroach into the wetland buffer as shown on the attached site plans. The dimensions of encroachment vary and are dimensioned on the site plan, and summarized here: Encroachment of grading at west edge of building earthwork: 12’ to 16’ Encroachment of septic field: 13’ Enchroachment of electrical utility: 21.5’ Encroachment of regrading at existing driveway: 11.5’ to 29.5’ Variance Reasoning: A.1 Reasonableness: The City of St. Paul intends to continue the use of property as a police training and firing range, as it has since 1975. The existing classroom building is in disrepair and not accessible, the septic system has failed requiring the use of porta-potties on site, and the well water is currently not drinkable. Thus, to maintain the existing use of the property, a new building and new utilities are required. The building, well and septic tanks will be outside of the buffer areas, but due to the tightness of the site, some grading to maintain access to existing features and create an accessible new building will encroach on the buffers. Please see attached memo for details relating to the location of the proposed septic field. The number of trainees utilizing the site is not proposed to change from counts prior to the septic system failure. A.2. Uniqueness: The property is largely covered by the main wetland and a steep sloping bowl at the perimeter. This leaves little flat developable land without encroaching into the sloped grades of the buffer areas. The workable area between the buffers is fully utilized by the building(s), parking, shooting ranges and tactical training area. The sloped areas are important to maintain on this site to buffer the neighboring lots from the visuals and sounds of the firing range. Thus, the proposed project is utilizing the lower bowl to the extent possible. Due to previous construction, a large class V pad exists just west of the main wetland. The project proposes improving a portion of that pad for better site drainage. Part of the improvement is the inclusion of a pervious pavement system as previously requested by the City of Maplewood. The lack of City sewer and water creates the need for the septic field and well. Due to regulations around each of those independent of the wetland regulations, locating outside of the buffer would require displacing required parking, or regrading a steeper sloped portion of the site and removal of an additional number of trees. A.3 Essential Character: Due to the nature of the site grading, 308 inventoried trees, and the proposed new structure at the bottom of the bowl, the development will not be visible to adjacent properties, or from Linwood Avenue. E1, Attachment 7 CDRB Packet Page 21 of 38 3 1795 St. Clair Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55105 | (651) 696-5186 www.oertelarchitects.com An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer B. A portion of the buffer encroachment is in locations where hardscape improvements have previously been made. Thus, the current proposed improvements do not diminish the intent of the buffer ordinance. The unimproved buffer areas where encroachment is proposed have been minimized by utilizing the building as retaining wall, minimizing extents of construction to actual utility locations and needs. By minimizing tree removals, providing the required tree replacements, removing buckthorn from sections of the buffer, and application of native seeding to improve the buffer areas, the project is intending to meet the requirements to protect and maintain wetland areas, while maintaining the existing historical use of the site. Per the April 2025 ENR meeting, we are showing a 10’ enhanced buffer at the perimeter of the east wetland. Buckthorn, honeysuckle and Japanese knotweed will be removed from this area with a three year agreement form the City of St. Paul to maintain the elimination those plants. Note that at the east side of the wetland, we are not noting those removals, as none currently exist, and no additional work is proposed for the far east side of the site. E1, Attachment 7 CDRB Packet Page 22 of 38 4 1795 St. Clair Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55105 | (651) 696-5186 www.oertelarchitects.com An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer East side of wetland, looking SW In addition, a fence is proposed at the west edge of the 10’ buffer to prevent any incidental traffic or snowplowing activities in that area. The fence as proposed is galvanized posts with two chains between posts. Required wetland signage will be placed at 100’ intervals around the wetland with additional signage placed on the fence at approximately 25’ intervals. West side of wetland, looking north Attachment: Wetland Buffer Variance_Septic Variance Site Plan E1, Attachment 7 CDRB Packet Page 23 of 38 E1, Attachment 8 CDRB Packet Page 24 of 38 E1, Attachment 8 CDRB Packet Page 25 of 38 E1, Attachment 8 CDRB Packet Page 26 of 38 E1, Attachment 8 CDRB Packet Page 27 of 38 E1, Attachment 8 CDRB Packet Page 28 of 38 E1, Attachment 8 CDRB Packet Page 29 of 38 E1, Attachment 8 CDRB Packet Page 30 of 38 Engineering Plan Review PROJECT: Saint Paul Police Firearms Training Facility (Re-Submittal) 2621 Linwood Avenue PROJECT NO: 25-13 COMMENTS BY: Jon Jarosch, Assistant City Engineer DATE: 5-13-2026 PLAN SET: Engineering plans dated 4-21-2026 The applicant is proposing to replace the existing classroom training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue. In addition, the proposal includes replacing portions of the entrance drive and parking lot, the septic system, and the onsite well. This review does not constitute a final review of the plans, as the applicant will need to submit construction documents for final review prior to issuing permits. The following are engineering review comments on the design and act as conditions prior to issuing permits: Drainage and Stormwater Management 1)The applicant shall verify the total area disturbed by the project along with the total area of new impervious surfacing. Should the project exceed ½ acre of disturbance or add more than 5,000 square feet of new impervious surface, the project shall meet the City’s stormwater management standards. Water and Sewer Service 2)This project proposes the installation of a new well to provide potable water to the new classroom facility, as there is currently no water service available adjacent to this site. A housing development is underway at the adjacent Ponds at Battle Creek property. Water main will be installed along Linwood Avenue to service the housing development. This water main could be utilized in lieu of installing a new well at the Saint Paul Police Firearms Training Facility. The applicant shall coordinate with the developer of the Ponds at Battle Creek site to determine whether or not connecting to the proposed water main is a viable solution. 3)A subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) permit is required for new septic systems. All requirements of the SSTS Ordinance shall be met for the proposed septic system. SSTS submittals will be reviewed as part of the permit process. E1, Attachment 9 CDRB Packet Page 31 of 38 Grading and Erosion Control 4)Inlet protection devices shall be installed on all existing and proposed onsite storm sewer until all exposed soils are stabilized. 5)Public and private drives and roadways shall be swept as needed to keep the pavement clear of sediment and construction debris. 6)All pedestrian facilities shall be ADA compliant. 7)A copy of the project SWPPP and NDPES Permit shall be submitted prior to the issuance of a grading permit. 8)All slopes shall be 3H:1V or less steep in slope. 9)The total cut/fill volume shall be noted on the grading plan. Public Works Permits The following permits are required by the Public Works Department for this project. The applicant should verify the need for other City permits with the Building Department. 10)Grading and erosion control permit 11)SSTS Permit 12)Right-of-way Permit (If work is completed within Linwood Avenue right-of-way.) -END COMMENTS - E1, Attachment 9 CDRB Packet Page 32 of 38 1 Environmental Review Project: St. Paul Police Training Facility Location: 2621 Linwood Avenue Date of Plans: January 28, 2026 May 5, 2025 March 18, 2025 Date of Review: Updated Review May 13, 2026 May 20, 2025 Reviewer: Shann Finwall, AICP, Sustainability Coordinator (651) 249-2304, shann.finwall@maplewoodmn.gov Background: The St. Paul Police Department is proposing to upgrade their training facility at 2621 Linwood Avenue East. The City approved plans in 2025, which have now been revised to include a smaller building. However, overall grading on the site appears to remain the same. Therefore, no additional variance approvals would be required. The updated environmental review includes details from the original project and conditions which still need to be met with the updated 2025 and 2026 projects. Trees: 1.Tree Preservation Ordinance: a.Significant Trees: Maplewood’s tree preservation ordinance describes a significant tree as a healthy tree as follows - hardwood tree with a minimum of 6 inches in diameter, an evergreen tree with a minimum of 8 inches in diameter, and a softwood tree with a minimum of 12 inches in diameter. b.Specimen Trees: A specimen tree is defined as a healthy tree of any species which is 28 inches in diameter or greater. c.Tree Replacement: If less than 20 percent of the overall caliper inches of significant trees on the site are removed, applicants must replace one 2 diameter inch tree for each significant tree removed. If more than 20 percent are removed, replacement is based on the City’s tree replacement calculation which includes the overall caliper inches of significant trees located on the parcel versus the caliper inches of significant trees removed. Additionally, credits are given for all specimen trees that are preserved. 2.Tree Impacts: The tree survey identifies 308 significant trees on the site, however, the overall caliper inches of significant trees are not included. The site demolition plan shows the removal of 18 significant trees; however, the size and E1, Attachment 10 CDRB Packet Page 33 of 38 2 species of the trees are not included. Tree replacement cannot be determined without additional information, but it is likely that the tree removal is less than 20 percent of the overall caliper inches of trees on the site. In that case the required tree replacement is 18 – 2 diameter inch trees. 3.Tree Replacement: The landscape plan includes 18 – 2 diameter inch trees. 4. Tree Recommendations: a.Prior to issuance of a grading permit the following is required: 1)Tree Plan: a)Identify which trees will be removed on the tree survey and the size and species on the site demolition plan. b)Add the City’s tree replacement calculation to the plans. The tree calculation will include the overall caliper inches of significant trees on the site versus the caliper inches of trees removed. 2)Tree Planting Plan: Final tree planting plan to be reviewed and approved by the City’s Natural Resources Coordinator. 3)Tree Escrow: Tree escrow in the amount of $60 per caliper inch of trees to be replaced on the site. The escrow will be released once the trees are planted with a one-year warranty. Wetlands: 1.Wetland Ordinance: a.Wetland Classification and Buffer Requirements: There are two Manage A wetlands, one adjacent the property on the vacant lot to the west and one on the east side of the property. The City’s wetland ordinance requires a 75-foot minimum and 100-foot average wetland buffer around a Manage A wetland. b.Wetland Buffer Averaging: The wetland ordinance allows flexibility in instances where, because of the unique physical characteristics of a specific parcel of land, the averaging of buffer width for the entire parcel may be necessary to allow for the reasonable use of the land during a development or construction project. In such cases decreasing the minimum buffer width will be compensated for by increased buffer widths elsewhere in the same parcel to achieve the required average buffer width. \Averaging is allowed based on an assessment of the following: 1)Undue hardship would arise from not allowing the average buffer, or would otherwise not be in the public interest. 2)Size of parcel. E1, Attachment 10 CDRB Packet Page 34 of 38 3 3)Configuration of existing roads and utilities. 4)Percentage of parcel covered by wetland. 5)Configuration of wetlands on the parcel. 6)Averaging will not cause degradation of the wetland or stream. 7)Averaging will ensure the protection or enhancement of portions of the buffer which are found to be the most ecologically beneficial to the wetland or stream. 8)A wetland buffer mitigation plan is required for construction of development projects that will require averaging. In reviewing the mitigation plan, the city may require one or more of the following actions: a)Reducing or avoiding the impact by limiting the degree or amount of the action, such as by using appropriate technology. b)Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the buffer. c)Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by prevention and maintenance operations during the life of the actions. d)Compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute buffer land at a two-to-one ratio. e)Monitoring the impact and taking appropriate corrective measures. f)Where the city requires restoration or replacement of a buffer, the owner or contractor shall replant the buffer with native vegetation. A restoration plan must be approved by the city before planting. g)Any additional conditions required by the applicable watershed district and/or the soil and water conservation district shall apply. h)A wetland or buffer mitigation surety, such as a cash deposit or letter of credit, of 150 percent of estimated cost for mitigation. The surety will be required based on the size of the project as deemed necessary by the administrator. Funds will be held by the city until successful completion of restoration as determined by the city after a final inspection. Wetland or buffer mitigation surety does not E1, Attachment 10 CDRB Packet Page 35 of 38 4 include other sureties required pursuant to any other provision of city ordinance or city directive. c.Wetland Buffer Variance: Any deviation from the wetland buffer or wetland buffer averaging requires a wetland buffer variance. The City may require the applicant to mitigate wetland buffer impacts with the approval of a variance, including, but not limited to, implementing one or more of the strategies listed in the mitigation strategies above. 2.Wetland Impacts: a.Existing Conditions: The site was originally developed and graded in approximately 1975, prior to the City’s wetland ordinance and wetland buffer requirements. The drive lane, tactical training buildings, storage building, and gravel pad extend into the 100-foot wetland buffers and are considered pre-existing nonconforming structures and encroachments. b.New Development: The January 28, 2026, updated grading plans do not include the setback of the grading work to the wetland edges. The grading does appear to be the same as the previous plans which reflect that the new development will have grading to within approximately 53 feet of the eastern Manage A wetland for the extension of a utility line, parking stall, and septic system. Grading will come to within approximately 59 feet of the western Manage A wetland for building earthwork. Other portions of the new development will be located within the 75-foot minimum buffer. The development requires a 41-foot wetland buffer variance, wetland buffer averaging, and wetland buffer mitigation as required by the wetland ordinance. 3.Proposed Wetland Mitigation: To mitigate the wetland buffer impacts the applicants were originally proposing .15 acres of mitigation strategies to include: a.Removal of buckthorn and other invasive species in key areas around the eastern wetland. b. Removal of 10 to 15 feet of Class 5 surface adjacent the eastern wetland, and the addition of topsoil and native plants and seeds within a 10-foot newly established wetland buffer. c.A wetland buffer protection fence (3.5-feet high galvanized poles with chains) adjacent the remaining Class 5 surface and the newly established wetland buffer. d.Wetland buffer signs at 100-foot intervals around both wetlands and at 25-foot intervals along the new fence. 4.Wetland Buffer Recommendations: a.Prior to issuance of a grading permit the following is required: E1, Attachment 10 CDRB Packet Page 36 of 38 5 1)Plan showing the square footage of wetland buffer impacts (grading and building) beyond the 100-foot required buffers. 2)Plan showing the wetland buffer mitigation strategies equal 2 square feet of mitigation per 1 square foot of wetland buffer impact. 3)Plan showing the location of the removal of buckthorn and other nonnative species being proposed within the western wetland buffer. 4)Fence plan to include the materials, height, and location. 5)Permeable pavement parking stalls. This condition was added by the City Council during the June 23, 2025, meeting. 6)Revised landscape plan to include: a)Detailed plan for nonnative plant removal and maintenance. b)Native seed mix or native plugs as necessary to fill in the areas on the north side of the eastern wetland (area called out as Zone 1A in the May 5 restoration plan) once the nonnative plants are removed. c)Detailed plan for new wetland buffers (areas called out as Zone 1A and Zone 2 in the May 5 restoration plan) including seed mix species and installation methods, and location and species of native plant plugs. d)Final landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by the Natural Resources Coordinator. 7)Wetland Buffer Sign Plan: Identify the location of wetland buffer signs to be installed along the approved wetland buffers. The signs should be placed every 25 feet on the east side of the Class 5 surface, adjacent the new wetland buffer (area called out as Zone 2 in the May 5 restoration plan) and 100 feet in all other areas of the approved wetland buffer. The City of Maplewood supplies wetland buffer signs identifying that no building, mowing, or grading should take place within the buffer. There is a $35 fee per sign. 8)Wetland Buffer Sign Installation: Install the wetland buffer signs prior to grading if feasible 9)Wetland Buffer Mitigation and Maintenance Agreement: Sign a wetland buffer mitigation and maintenance agreement with the City requiring that the applicant establish and maintain the required mitigation within the buffer for a three-year period. The E1, Attachment 10 CDRB Packet Page 37 of 38 6 City of Maplewood will draft the maintenance agreement once the wetland buffer mitigation plan is complete. 10)Submit an updated grading plan for the 2026 proposal which shows the setbacks from the grading work to the wetland edges. 11)Submit a cash escrow or letter of credit to cover 150 percent of the wetland buffer mitigation. The City will retain the escrow for up to three years as outlined in the maintenance agreement to ensure the wetland buffer mitigation is established and maintained. Landscape Policies and Recommendations: Landscape Policies: Review of the overall landscape plan to ensure nonnative and invasive species are avoided, seed mix is appropriate for use in areas proposed, and plantings are climate resilient. Landscape Recommendations: Prior to issuance of a grading permit the final landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by the City’s Natural Resources Coordinator. E1, Attachment 10 CDRB Packet Page 38 of 38