HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 08-18 Planning Commission Meeting PacketMeeting is also available on Comcast Ch. 16 and streaming vod.maplewoodmn.gov
AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 18, 2026
City Hall, Council Chambers
1830 County Road B East
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 13D.02, one or more commission members may be participating remotely
A.CALL TO ORDER
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES1.June 16, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
E.PUBLIC HEARING
1.Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Payless Tires, 1955 County Road D East
2.Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Strauss Skates & Bicycles, 1751 Cope Avenue East
F.NEW BUSINESSNone
G.UNFINISHED BUSINESSNone
H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
I.STAFF PRESENTATIONSNone
J.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS – 3 minute time limit per person
K. ADJOURNMENT
WELCOME TO THIS MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
This outline has been prepared to help you understand the public meeting process.
The review of an item usually takes the following form:
1.The chairperson of the meeting will announce the item to be reviewed and ask for the
staff report on the subject.
2.Staff presents their report on the matter.
3.The Commission will then ask City staff questions about the proposal.
4.The chairperson will then ask the audience if there is anyone present who wishes to
comment on the proposal.
5.This is the time for the public to make comments or ask questions about the proposal.
Please step up to the podium and speak clearly. Give your name and address first and
then your comments.
6.After everyone in the audience wishing to speak has given his or her comments, the
chairperson will close the public discussion portion of the meeting.
7.The Commission will then discuss the proposal. No further public comments are allowed.
8.The Commission will then make its recommendation or decision.
9.All decisions by the Planning Commission are recommendations to the City Council. The
City Council makes the final decision.
“Welcome to the meeting of the Maplewood Planning Commission. It is our desire to
keep all discussions civil as we work through difficult issues tonight. If you are here for a
Public Hearing or to address the Planning Commission, please familiarize yourself with
the Policies and Procedures and Rules of Civility, which are located near the entrance. At
the podium please state your name and address clearly for the record.”
Revised: 02/18
June 16, 2026
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 1
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION
7:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 16, 2026
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 7:01 p.m. by Chairperson Desai.
B.ROLL CALL
Tushar Desai, Chairperson Present
Lue Yang, Vice Chairperson Present
Paul Arbuckle, Commissioner Present
John Eads, Commissioner Absent
Allan Ige, Commissioner Present
Tom Oszman, Commissioner Present
Scott Wullschleger, Commissioner Present
Staff Present: Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community and Economic Development Director
Elizabeth Hammond, Planner
A quorum of the community design review board (CDRB) members was present.
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Arbuckle moved to approve the agenda as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Yang Ayes – All
The motion passed.
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.May 19, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Wullschleger moved to approve the May 19, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Commissioner Ige Ayes – All
The motion passed.
E.PUBLIC HEARINGNone
D1
Planning Commission Packet Page 1 of 30
June 16, 2026
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 2
F.NEW BUSINESS
1.Board and Commission Training with the CDRB
Ron Batty, City Attorney, led a training session for members of the planning commission and the
community design review board, emphasizing their core roles and responsibilities as appointed
board and commission members.
2.2050 Comprehensive Plan Review
Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community and Economic Development Director, gave the
presentation and answered questions from the commission. Commission members shared
comments.
3.Election of Officers
Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community and Economic Development Director, introduced the
item.
Commissioner Yang nominated Commissioner Oszman as vice chairperson. Commissioner
Oszman accepted the nomination.
Chairperson Desai offered to step down as chairperson if another commission member was
interested in filling the position. Commissioner Arbuckle nominated himself to be chairperson.
Commissioner Yang moved to elect Tom Oszman as vice chairperson and Paul Arbuckle as
chairperson of the planning commission.
Seconded by Commissioner Ige Ayes – All
The motion passed.
G.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
None
I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
None
J.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None
K. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Desai adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
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Planning Commission Packet Page 2 of 30
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date August 18, 2026
REPORT TO: Michael Sable, City Manager
REPORT FROM: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner
PRESENTER: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Payless Tires, 1955 County Road D
East
Action Requested: Motion ☐Discussion ☐ Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation
Summary:
Payless Tires is requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) for a vehicle maintenance garage at
1955 County Road D East. The site was initially developed as an automotive service center in
1988; however, it does not have a CUP. The applicant is not proposing any changes to the interior
of the existing building or the site’s exterior.
Recommended Action:
Motion to approve a conditional use permit resolution for a vehicle maintenance garage at 1955
County Road D 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:
☐Sustainability ◊ Focus Area:
Development ◊ Focus Area: Grow a vibrant and resilient business community
The property owner wants to expand their business operations in Maplewood on a site that has
historically been used for automotive purposes. The business will use existing space within the
building, create additional jobs, generate tax revenue, and provide services to Maplewood
residents.
Background:
Payless Tires recently purchased the property and began using the commercial building for minor
auto repair. The company operates primarily as a retail tire store and performs light automotive
repair. The property’s zoning permits a motor vehicle maintenance garage with approval of CUP.
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Planning Commission Packet Page 3 of 30
Conditional Use Permit
The site was initially developed as an automotive service center in 1988; it was later repurposed as
a used-car dealership and has been vacant for the last several years. The city’s permitted uses in
this zoning district have changed since 1988. Although this type of business did not require a CUP
at the time the building was initially constructed, a CUP is now required for motor vehicle
maintenance garages under the city’s current zoning ordinance. Similar auto-oriented businesses
have historically operated in this area, including Midas and Tires Plus service garages directly west
of the subject site.
Department Comments
Randy Johnson, Building Official – The proposed use shall meet the minimum requirements of the
Minnesota State Building Code. The building was originally constructed as a vehicle repair type
facility, so this would not be considered a change of use. Tire storage and sprinkler coverage shall
be verified by the Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with the minimum requirements of NFPA 13
for high-rack tire storage.
Jerry Novak, Fire Marshal – Currently working with the property owner on inspection corrections
that are being resolved. No concerns.
Board/Commission and City Council Review
Planning Commission
August 18, 2026: The planning commission will hold a public hearing and review the conditional
use permit.
City Council
September 14, 2026: The city council will review this project and make the final decision.
Public Hearing Notice
Staff sent a public hearing notice and application details to the 17 properties within 500 feet of the
subject property. Staff did not receive public comments.
Reference Information
Site Description
Site Size: 0.72 Acres
Surrounding Land Uses
North: Interstate 694/City of White Bear Lake
South: Health Fitness Clubs/Restaurants – Commercial
East: Restaurants – Commercial
West: Automotive Maintenance Garages – Commercial
Planning
Existing Land Use: Commercial
Existing Zoning: BC, Business Commercial
E1
Planning Commission Packet Page 4 of 30
Review Schedule
The city deemed the applicant’s application complete on July 23, 2026. The initial 60-day review
deadline for a decision is September 21, 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 Resolution
2.Overview Map
3.Future Land Use Map
4.Zoning Map
5.Applicant Narrative
6. Applicant Plans and Site Photos
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Planning Commission Packet Page 5 of 30
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Payless Tires Maplewood (Applicant) and Soussi Properties (Property Owner)
requested a Conditional Use Permit to operate a vehicle maintenance garage on the
property located at 1955 County Road D East.
1.02 The property located at 1955 County Road D East is legally described as:
That part of Lot I, Block 3, Viking Development Addition, according to the recorded
plat thereof described as follows: Commencing at the southeast corner of said Lot 1;
thence on un assumed bearing of West, along the south line of said Lot 1, a distance
of 145.00 feet to the point of beginning of the land to be described; thence continuing
west, along said south line, a distance of 140.00 feet; thence on a bearing of North
distance of 236.91 feet; to the north line of said Lot 1; thence South 82 degrees 57
minutes 00 seconds East, along said north line, a distance of 141.07 feet, to the
intersection with a line bearing North from the point of beginning; thence on a
bearing of South a distance of 219.59 feet, to the point of beginning. Ramsey
County, Minnesota.
Tax Parcel Identification: 353022340015
1.03 A vehicle maintenance garage is permitted on the property with a conditional use
permit.
Section 2. Conditional Use Permit Standards.
2.01 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.
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.
E1, Attachment 1
Planning Commission Packet Page 6 of 30
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.
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 August 18, 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 gave everyone at the
hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The Planning
Commission recommended that the City Council _______ this resolution.
2. On September 14, 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:
1. The City Council will review the conditional use permit in one year.
2.There shall be no exterior storage of vehicles or equipment on the property or on
the adjacent public streets related to the vehicle maintenance garage.
3.All vehicles awaiting repair must be stored inside the building and may not be
stored outside in the parking lot or on public streets. No unlicensed or inoperable
vehicles shall be stored on the premises for more than 48 hours, except in
interior storage areas that are fully screened from public view.
4.All repair, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance shall occur within an
enclosed building, except for minor maintenance. Minor maintenance shall
include work such as tire replacement or inflation, oil changes, and wiper fluid
replacement.
E1, Attachment 1
Planning Commission Packet Page 7 of 30
5.The parking lot and striped spaces must always be maintained. The applicant will
review the existing striped stalls and drive access aisles on the site, repaint the
parking spaces as necessary, and repair any areas of deficient pavement.
6.All vehicle parking shall be limited to paved areas.
7.All trash containers or dumpsters will be located within a trash enclosure, and it
shall be 100 percent opaque. The enclosure must meet city ordinance
requirements. The enclosure must always be maintained.
8.All vehicle deliveries and transport unloading shall be done on-site, not along
public streets.
9.All signs shall meet the City of Maplewood sign ordinance. All abandoned signs
from previous businesses on the property must be removed or replaced with
updated signage that reflects current business operations.
10.The property owner must contact the city’s licensing division and obtain a license
for a vehicle repair business on the property.
11.Construction permits are required for any proposed building alterations. The
building shall meet the minimum requirements of the Minnesota State Building
Code.
12.All fire marshal, city engineer, and building official requirements must be met.
E1, Attachment 1
Planning Commission Packet Page 8 of 30
Subject
Property
E1, Attachment 2
Planning Commission Packet Page 9 of 30
E1, Attachment 3
Planning Commission Packet Page 10 of 30
E1, Attachment 4
Planning Commission Packet Page 11 of 30
E1, Attachment 5
Planning Commission Packet Page 12 of 30
E1, Attachment 5
Planning Commission Packet Page 13 of 30
E1, Attachment 6
Planning Commission Packet Page 14 of 30
E1, Attachment 6
Planning Commission Packet Page 15 of 30
E1, Attachment 6
Planning Commission Packet Page 16 of 30
E1, Attachment 6
Planning Commission Packet Page 17 of 30
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date August 18, 2026
REPORT TO: Michael Sable, City Manager
REPORT FROM: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner
PRESENTER: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Strauss Skates & Bicycles, 1751 Cope
Avenue East
Action Requested: Motion ☐Discussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation
Summary:
Strauss Skates & Bicycles is requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) for their storage yard at
1751 Cope Avenue East. The property's zoning permits an exterior storage yard as a conditional
use; however, it does not currently have a CUP for this use. The applicant is requesting approval of
a CUP to comply with code requirements and formally establish the use through the city’s review
process.
Recommended Action:
Motion to approve a conditional use permit resolution for a storage yard related to the sale of
portable sheds at 1751 Cope 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:
☐Sustainability ◊ Focus Area:
Development ◊ Focus Area: Grow a vibrant and resilient business community
The property owner expanded their business operations to include the exterior storage of sheds.
This expansion supports the business in creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and providing
services to the public.
Background:
Strauss Skates & Bicycles has operated a sporting goods store and equipment repair shop on the
property since 1970. In 2016, the business became a licensed dealer for Old Hickory Buildings and
began selling portable residential storage sheds. The sheds have been stored in vacant or unused
areas of the parking lot behind Strauss Skates and in the shared parking areas at adjacent
E2
Planning Commission Packet Page 18 of 30
properties, 1737 and 1745 Cope Avenue, all of which are under the common ownership of Strauss
Skates. The owner has recently consolidated the sheds at the north end of the property at 1751
Cope Avenue, where they will be stored going forward.
Conditional Use Permit
An exterior storage yard is permitted on the site with a CUP. Staff recommends that the property
owner provide screening along the north side of the property, between the sheds and the property
line abutting Highway 36 right-of-way. The owner must prepare a plan for staff review to ensure this
area is fully screened with landscaping or a combination of landscaping and fencing. The screening
must be at least 80% opaque and at least 6 feet in height.
Fire access to the north side of the building must be maintained. All sheds must be kept on a paved
or gravel surface and on the north side of the building, as shown on the applicant’s site plan. The
owner is requesting permission to store up to 16 sheds at a time in this area, and the number may
vary depending on the size and mix of models on display. Generally, there are between 12 and 16
sheds at a time, as further outlined in the applicant’s narrative.
Storage yard area – Site Photos
View north towards Highway 36
View south towards the Strauss building and Cope Avenue
E2
Planning Commission Packet Page 19 of 30
Department Comments
None
Board/Commission and City Council Review
Planning Commission
August 18, 2026: The planning commission will hold a public hearing and review the conditional
use permit.
City Council
September 14, 2026: The city council will review this project and make the final decision.
Public Hearing Notice
Staff sent a public hearing notice and application details to the 35 properties within 500 feet of the
subject property. Staff did not receive public comments.
Reference Information
Site Description
Site Size: 1.00 Acres
Surrounding Land Uses
North: Highway 36
South: Office – Limited Business Commercial
East: Metal Fabricator – Light Manufacturing
West: Office/Restaurant – Commercial
Planning
Existing Land Use: Commercial
Existing Zoning: M1, Light Manufacturing
Review Schedule
The city deemed the applicant’s application complete on August 3, 2026. The initial 60-day review
deadline for a decision is October 2, 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 Resolution
2.Overview Map
3.Future Land Use Map
4.Zoning Map
5.Applicant Narrative
6. Applicant Site Plans
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Planning Commission Packet Page 20 of 30
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Strauss Skates and Bicycles (Applicant), S and S General Partnership (Property
Owner) requested a Conditional Use Permit to have a storage yard on the property
located at 1751 Cope Avenue East.
1.02 The property located at 1751 Cope Avenue East is legally described as:
The South ½ of Lot Sixteen (16), except the East 271.5 feet thereof, E. G. Rogers
Garden Lots, according to the recorded plat thereof, subject to Trunk Highway No.
36.Together with an easement over the North 30 feet of the East 271.5 feet of the
South ½ of above property, for the purpose of building, using and maintaining a
roadway, together with an additional easement for slopes, cuts and fills over and
upon the immediate ten feet adjacent to the South of said roadway for the purposes
of maintaining proper drainage; and also reserving right to dedicate said North 30
feet together with an easement for slopes, cuts and fills as a public roadway at such
time as the Village will accept the same for maintenance. Owner of said North 30
feet of the East 271.5 feet of the South ½ of above property is granted the equal and
continuing right to use said North 30 feet as a roadway and to construct and maintain
the same to such extent as it may desire, according to the plat thereof on file in the
office of the Register of Deeds in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.
Tax Parcel Identification: 102922410013
1.03 A storage yard is permitted on the property with a conditional use permit.
Section 2. Conditional Use Permit Standards.
2.01 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.
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.
E2, Attachment 1
Planning Commission Packet Page 21 of 30
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.
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 August 18, 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 gave everyone at the
hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The Planning
Commission recommended that the City Council _______ this resolution.
2. On September 14, 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:
1. The City Council will review the conditional use permit in one year.
2.All sheds will be stored as shown on the applicant’s site plan on the north side of
the property. The sheds must be on a gravel or paved surface and cannot be
stored on adjacent properties. The property can only have up to 16 sheds in the
back storage yard at any time.
3.Access to the north side of the building must be maintained for fire safety.
4.The applicant will provide additional screening on the north side of the storage
yard in the landscaped setback area within the property boundary. The owner
must prepare a plan for staff review to ensure this area is fully screened with
landscaping or a combination of landscaping and fencing. The screening must be
at least 80% opaque and at least 6 feet in height. Once the plan is approved by
staff, the applicant will complete the required screening.
E2, Attachment 1
Planning Commission Packet Page 22 of 30
5.The parking lot must always be maintained and accessible. The applicant will
review the existing striped stalls and drive access aisles on the site, repaint the
parking spaces as necessary, and repair any deficient pavement areas. Before
this work is done, the applicant will submit a parking lot permit with a site plan for
staff review. Once the permit is approved, the applicant will complete the repairs
or paint striping as necessary.
6.All trash containers or dumpsters will be located within a trash enclosure, and it
shall be 100 percent opaque. The enclosure must meet city ordinance
requirements. The enclosure must always be maintained.
7.All shed deliveries and transport unloading shall be done on-site, not along public
streets or on adjacent properties.
8.All fire marshal, city engineer, and building official requirements must be met.
E2, Attachment 1
Planning Commission Packet Page 23 of 30
Overview Map
City of Maplewood July 29, 2026
Legend !I
Parcels
0 240FeetSource: City of Maplewood, Ramsey County
E2, Attachment 2
Planning Commission Packet Page 24 of 30
Future Land Use Map
City of Maplewood July 29, 2026
Legend !I
Parcels
Future Land Use - 2040
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Commercial
Employment
0 240FeetSource: City of Maplewood, Ramsey County
E2, Attachment 3
Planning Commission Packet Page 25 of 30
Zoning Map
City of Maplewood July 29, 2026
Legend !I
Parcels
Zoning
Single Dwelling (r1)
Multiple Dwelling (r3)
Light Manufacturing (m1)
Limited Business Commercial (lbc)
Business Commercial (bc)
0 240FeetSource: City of Maplewood, Ramsey County
E2, Attachment 4
Planning Commission Packet Page 26 of 30
Narrative Statement
Conditional Use Permit Application
Strauss Skates and Bicycles
1751 Cope Ave East
Maplewood, Minnesota 55109
City of Maplewood
1902 County Road B East
Strauss Skates & Bicycles has proudly served the Twin Cities since 1887, making us one of
Minnesota's oldest continuously operating sporting goods retailers. Originally founded in Saint
Paul, Strauss relocated to its current Maplewood location more than fifty years ago and has
remained a committed member of the Maplewood business community ever since. For
generations, we have specialized in hockey equipment, bicycles, skate sharpening, bicycle repair,
figure skating, and related sporting goods and services. Throughout our history, Strauss has
adapted to meet the changing needs of our customers while maintaining the same commitment to
quality, customer service, and community involvement that has defined our business for nearly
140 years.
Beyond retail, Strauss has always been deeply invested in the Maplewood community. We
regularly partner with the Maplewood Fire Department and Maplewood Police Department on
community events, including annual public skating opportunities at Wakefield Park, bicycle
safety rodeos, and youth safety education programs in cooperation with local schools, churches,
and civic organizations. Many of our employees volunteer as youth hockey, baseball, softball,
lacrosse, football, and soccer coaches throughout the east metro, while our company supports
numerous youth associations, charitable organizations, schools, adaptive recreation programs,
and community initiatives. We believe our role extends well beyond operating a retail business—
we strive to be an active community partner and a positive contributor to the quality of life in
Maplewood.
Like many long-established retailers, Strauss has experienced significant changes in the
recreational markets we have traditionally served. As consumer buying habits, online
competition, recreational interests, and participation in many traditional sports have evolved,
Strauss has continually adapted its business while remaining committed to serving customers in
Maplewood.
In 2016, Strauss became an authorized dealer for Old Hickory Buildings, a respected
manufacturer of portable storage buildings. The addition of these products allowed Strauss to
diversify its product offerings while continuing to operate as a long-standing Maplewood
business. The display buildings function as an accessory outdoor retail display to our existing
business and occupy only a portion of our existing paved parking lot. All display buildings are
located on existing asphalt pavement. No new buildings, paving, grading, drainage
improvements, utility extensions, or stormwater modifications are proposed as part of this
request.
E2, Attachment 5
Planning Commission Packet Page 27 of 30
Through this Conditional Use Permit application, Strauss respectfully requests approval for an
accessory outdoor display area for Old Hickory Buildings on the north portion of the property.
The proposed display area consists of approximately 4,000 square feet of existing asphalt
pavement divided into two display zones, connected by an existing drive aisle that provides
vehicle circulation and customer access. The proposed display area is designed to accommodate
a representative assortment of display buildings. The exact number of buildings on display will
vary depending upon the size and mix of models being displayed but will typically range from
approximately 12 to 16 buildings. For example, two 8-foot by 8-foot buildings may occupy
approximately the same display area as one 10-foot by 20-foot building while utilizing
essentially the same display footprint. The proposed accessory outdoor display will continue to
utilize an existing paved area and is not expected to alter traffic patterns, parking availability,
public utilities, drainage, or the character of the surrounding commercial area.
As part of this request, Strauss also proposes to consolidate all display buildings onto the Strauss
property. The adjacent properties located at 1737 and 1745 Cope Avenue East are under
common ownership with Strauss. A portion of the 1745 property has historically been used to
display several Old Hickory Buildings. Upon approval of this Conditional Use Permit, those
display buildings will be removed and consolidated onto the 1751 Cope Avenue East property.
Strauss respectfully requests approval of this Conditional Use Permit so that this long-standing
Maplewood business may continue operating an orderly, well-maintained accessory outdoor
display area while continuing to serve the Maplewood community from its longtime home on
Cope Avenue East.
Respectfully submitted,
Shaun Hastings
Chief Operating Officer
Strauss Skates & Bicycles
1751 Cope Avenue East
Maplewood, MN 55109
(651) 770-1344
Email shaun@shopstrauss.com
E2, Attachment 5
Planning Commission Packet Page 28 of 30
E2, Attachment 6
Planning Commission Packet Page 29 of 30
12’x24’
12’x20’
12’x16’
10’x12’
10’x12’
10’x10’
8’x10’
8’x8’
8’x8’
10’x12’
10’x16’
10’x16’
12’x16’
10’x20’
10’x20’
*While image is close to scale (1”=10’), it is not intended to be exact to scale but rather to demonstrate sample layout
of buildings in proposed display areas. Some modification was to be made to fit to page.
E2, Attachment 6
Planning Commission Packet Page 30 of 30