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Home My WebLink About01/14/20032. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. AGENDA MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD January 14, 2003 6:00 P.M. Maplewood City Hall Council Chambers 1830 County Road B East Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Agenda Approval of the December 10, 2002 Minutes Unfinished Business: None Scheduled Design Review: a. Markham Pond Medical Office Building (1570 Beam Avenue) - Robert Tillges' Request for a Sign Setback Variance Visitor Presentations Board Presentations Staff Presentations a. Community Design Review Board Annual Report. b. Representation at the January 28, 2003 City Council Meeting. c. Community Design Review Board Cablecast. Adjourn WELCOME TO THIS MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD This outline has been prepared to explain the review process of this meeting. The review of an item usually follows this format. 1. The chairperson of the meeting will announce the item to be reviewed. 2. The chairperson will ask the applicant or developer of the project up to the podium to respond to the staff's recommendation regarding the proposal. The Community Design Review Board will then discuss the proposed project With the applicant. 3. The chairperson will then ask the audience if there is anyone present who wishes to comment on the proposal. 4. After everyone is the audience wishing to speak has given his or her comments, the chairperson will close the public discussion portion of the meeting. 5. The Board will then discuss the proposal. No further public comments are allowed. 6. The Board will then make its recommendations or decision. 7. Most decisions by the Board are final, unless appealed to the City Council. You must notify the City staff in writing within 15 days to register an appeal. jw\forms~cdrb.agd Revised: 11-09-94 II. III. IV. VI, DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD 1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2002 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Ledvina called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Matt Ledvina Craig Jorgenson Diana Longrie-Kline Linda Olson Ananth Shankar Staff Present: APPROVAL OFAGENDA Present Present Present Absent Present Shann Finwall, Associate Planner Lisa Kroll, Recording Secretary Board member Jorgenson moved to approve the agenda. Board member Shankar seconded. Ayes - Jorgenson, Ledvina, Longrie- Kline, Shankar The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the CDRB minutes for October 22, 2002. Board member Shankar moved approval of the minutes of October 22, 2002. Board member Longrie-Kline seconded. Ayes ---Jorgenson, Ledvina, Longrie-Kline, Shankar The motion passed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. DESIGN REVIEW a. English Street - Frost Avenue Roundabout Landscape and Lighting Plan Ms. Finwall said construction of the city's first roundabout at the intersection of English Street and Frost Avenue has been completed. She said a roundabout is a circular intersection that is designed to reduce traffic accidents and reduce driver delay at the intersections. Ms. Finwall said city staff has been working with Laurie McRostie, who is the Landscape Architect with Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc., on developing a streetscape plan for the roundabout intersection. Community Design Review Board Minutes 12-10-2002 Ms. Finwall said the city council has directed staff to present the concept plan to the CDRB, Open Space Committee and the Historical Commission for feedback. She said a final plan should be complete this winter with installation of the streetscape accomplished next spring. Ms. Laurie McRostie, Landscape Architect for Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. in Vadnais Heights gave a presentation on the landscaping and lighting plan for the roundabout at English Street and Frost Avenue. Ms. McRostie said the landscape plan draws upon the existing glacial remnants found on the Minnesota landscape to include boulders, evergreens, honeysuckle, and red-twig dogwood within the roundabout; a simple planting pattern of red oaks, gro-low sumac, and miniature daylilies within the medians; and a mix of red maple, bur and white oaks within the boulevards. , Ms. McRostie said the lighting plan calls for freestanding lights within the boulevards surrounding the roundabout. The exact number and to what distance the lights extend down each street will be dependent on the final budget. The light design is reminiscent of the railroad theme, of which the area has a long history, and the lights will be approximately 22 feet in height. The lights will also be similar to freestanding lights installed at the new fire station located on Clarence Street, a few blocks from the roundabout. Board member Longrie-Kline asked if the evergreen trees in the center will be planted at six-to- eight feet tall or is that how tall the trees will get? Ms. McRostie said that is how tall the trees will be when they are planted. Board member Longrie-Kline asked how tall the evergreen trees would get? She said she is concerned about the visibility with the height of the trees. Ms. McRostie said the trees would get ten-to-twelve feet tall within the roundabout. These types of trees can get up to 30 feet high in the wild. She said visibility is important but she does not think these trees will cause any problems because of the spacing and the fact that the evergreens will lose their lower branches. Board member Shankar asked if the roundabout has a sidewalk around it? Ms. McRostie said there is a four-foot wide concrete apron around the roundabout. It is for the trucks and their turning radius. Board member Shankar asked if the salt spray would kill the plantings in the roundabout? Ms. McRostie said hardy plant materials are going to be used that are salt tolerant but there is no guarantee with any plants. Board member Jorgenson said he thinks there should be an equal balance of plantings at all the corners not just the corner at Budget Towing. He asked about the tree scaping along Frost Avenue, it shows the trees planted a short distance to the east, will there be any more trees planted along the boulevard? Community Design Review Board Minutes 12-10-2002 3 VII. VIII. IX. Ms. McRostie said they haven't been given any direction regarding the distance to plant the trees along the roads. CDRB's feedback comments could be included. They would like direction on how far to go with the plantings but it would be very easy to add into the plan. Ms. Finwall said the limiting factor on the number of trees is the budget. She said any input on how far to go with the landscaping would be appreciated. She said it would also be dependent on the redevelopment in the area. Board member Shankar asked Ms. McRostie if roundabouts traditionally have bollard lights on them? Ms. McRostie said bollard lights are not traditionally used, only streetlights. Chairperson Ledvina said he thinks the landscaping is beautiful overall and it's a very nice plan but he is not sure if the rainwater garden is necessary to infiltrate the groundwater. Ms. McRostie said she does not think this rainwater garden will work exactly like the other rainwater gardens that have been built in the city. She said it is really a small depression to help retain water from the roundabout for the plants within the roundabout. The other board members thought it was a nice plan as well. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS No visitors present. BOARD PRESENTATIONS Board member Shankar represented the CDRB at the city council meeting on November 11, 2002. He reported the city council passed the Jiffy Lube proposal at the old Pizza Hut site and the CUP for Quality Restoration was extended for another five years. STAFF PRESENTATIONS Ms. Finwall said the December 24, 2002, CDRB meeting has been cancelled. The next CDRB meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2003. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: APPLICANT: LOCATION: DATE: Richard Fursman, City Manager Shann Finwall, Associate Planner Markham Pond Medical Office Building - Sign Setback Variance Robert Tillges 1570 Beam Avenue January 6,' 2003 INTRODUCTION Project Description Robert Tillges is developing a 23,094-square-foot office building called Markham Pond Medical Office Building at 1570 Beam Avenue. The office building will house Mr. Tillges' existing prosthetics and orthotics practice (currently located at 1983 Sloan Place, Maplewood) as well as other medical-type tenants. Two freestanding signs are proposed for the office building, one along Hazelwood Street and the other along Beam Avenue. Both signs are proposed at 14-feet, 8-inches wide by 20-feet, 2-inches tall. The Hazelwood Street sign will maintain a setback of 10 feet to the right-of-way, and the Beam Avenue sign will be constructed up to the right-of-way line, with no setback. (Refer to maps and elevations on pages 9 through 14.) Request Mr. Tillges is requesting that the city council approve a 10-foot sign setback variance in order to construct the Beam Avenue freestanding sign up to the right-of-way. BACKGROUND On October 31, 1997, the city administratively approved a lot split to subdivide a 6.09- acre parcel into two lots. The subdivision created the Maplewood Cancer Center lot (2.53 acres), 1580 Beam Avenue East, and Mr. Tillges' lot (3.57 acres), 1570 Beam Avenue East. June 10, 2002, the city council approved the following items for the Markham Pond Office Building: 1) vacation of an unused sewer easement; 2) comprehensive sign plan; 3) design review (refer to 8/10/02 city council minutes attached on pages 15 through 18). DISCUSSION Sign Easement Dudng the subdivision of Mr. Tillges' property from the Maplewood Cancer Center's property in 1997, the city required a 15-foot-wide by 15-foot-deep sign easement along Beam Avenue on the Maplewood Cancer Center's property (refer to sign easement map attached on page 19). This easement was required in order to allow Mr. Tillges' property to have a freestanding sign on Beam Avenue. The sign easement was created pdor to the city's requirement that freestanding signs maintain a 10-foot setback from the right- Markham Pond Medical Building 1 January 6, 2003 of-way. In addition to the sign easement and proposed freestanding sign on Beam Avenue, Mr. Tillges' property has street frontage on Hazelwood Street, where he also proposes a freestanding sign. The city's sign ordinance also requires a 1 O-foot setback from the side property line for all freestanding signs. It appears that there is ample room within the existing easement to maintain this required setback. It does appear, however, that an existing deciduous tree located within the easement will need to be removed. If the tree were removed, Mr. Tillges would be responsible for replacing it somewhere on the Maplewood Cancer Center's property. Comprehensive Sign Plan The city's sign ordinance requires all multi-tenant buildings with five or more tenants to have an approved comprehensive sign plan. Mr. Tillges' Phase I building will have up to eight tenants, with additional tenants proposed in the Phase II building. The community design review board (CDRB) approved a comprehensive sign plan for the Markham Pond Medical Office Building on May 28, 2002, with follow-up city council review on June 10, 2002. Mr. Tillges had originally proposed two freestanding signs that were 20.5 feet in height by 20 feet in width. Even though the sign was within the city's allowable square footage for a freestanding sign in this zoning district (Business Commercial Modified), the CDRB expressed concern over the size proposed, particularly the Hazelwood Street sign, which would be near a residential neighborhood. After much debate, the CDRB required Mr. Tillges to reduce the width of both signs from 20 feet to 17 feet. The city council upheld the width reduction and also required Mr. Tillges to obtain a revised sign easement from the Maplewood Cancer Center in order to accommodate a 10-foot setback from the Beam Avenue right-of-way. Instead of obtaining the revised sign easement from the Maplewood Cancer Center, Mr. Tillges reduced the width of both freestanding signs from the originally proposed 20 feet, and the city's required 17 feet, to 14 feet, 8 inches. Mr. Tillges then applied for a sign permit application indicating that the 14-foot, 8-inch-wide sign would be installed Within the existing 15-foot-wide by 15-foot-deep sign easement, right up to the Beam Avenue right-of-way. Mr. Tillges was informed of the comprehensive sign plan condition that required him to obtain a revised sign easement to allow for a 10-foot setback. If the revised easement were not obtained, a 10-foot sign setback variance would need to be approved. On inspection of the site, it also appears that Mr. Tillges has already had the metal caps for the 14-foot, 8-inch-wide signs premanufactured. These metal caps are currently stored on the site and can be seen in the attached picture on page 20. Sign Comparisons Following is a comparison of Mr. Tiliges' proposed sign with existing freestanding signs near the Markham Pond Medical Office Building: Markham Pond Medical Building 2 January 6, 2003 Sign Development Name Location Height Width Size Setback Birch Run Station 1741 First Evangelical Free Church 2696 Hazel Ridge 2730 Maplewood Cancer Center 1580 Maplewood Office Park 1650 Maplewood Professional Bldg. 1560 Markham Pond Medical Bldg. 1570 Ramsey County Library 1670 St. John's Hospital (west sign) 1575 St. John's Hospital (east sign) Beam 33 ff 20 ft 660 s.f. 0 ff Hazelwood 5 ft 8 ft 24 s.f. 0 ft Hazelwood 7 ff 6 ft 24 s.f. 5 ft Beam 6 ft 8 ft 48 s.f. 0 ft Beam 12 ft 5 ft 60 s.f. 10 ft Beam 8ft, 6in 8ft, 3in 70s.f. 0ft Beam 20 ft, 2 in 14 ft, 8 in 96 s.f. nla Beam 6 ft, 4 in 4 ft 24 s.f. 0 ft Beam 14 ft 6 ft, 1 in70 s.f. 10 ft 24 ff 7 ff 168 s.f. 10 ff All of the above-mentioned comparable signs were constructed prior to 1997 when the city's sign ordinance was revised to require a 10-foot setback from a right-of-way for freestanding signs. Therefore, a majority of the signs were constructed right up to the right-of-way. The office and residential signs range from 5 feet to 12 feet in height and from 4 feet to 8 feet in width. The retail (Birch Run) and hospital signs range from 14 feet to 33 feet in height and 6 feet to 20 feet in width. (Refer to sign pictures on pages 21 through 24.) A medical office building is considered a destination location; unlike the surrounding retail stores that are often frequented by impulse, staff finds that Mr. Tillges' proposed sign at 20 feet, 2 inches in height and 14 feet, 8 inches in width is sized similar to the surrounding retail and hospital uses rather than the office uses for which it is intended. The Maplewood Cancer Center's representative, Al Hirschler, shares this opinion. Mr. Hirschler expresses his concern over the large sign (which will be located in close proximity to their clinic) in his attached memorandum on page 25. Traffic Visibility The sign easement is located on the west side of a shared driveway for the Maplewood Cancer Center and Markham Pond Medical Office Building. Drivers exiting this driveway can only turn right, going eastbound onto Beam Avenue. Staff is concerned that Mr. Tillges' sign as proposed will block the vision of oncoming eastbound traffic for ddvers exiting this driveway. Lt. Rabbett of the city's police department has also expressed concem over the visibility issue as described in his attached memorandum on page 26. In addition, Chds Cavett, Assistant City Engineer, and Dan Solar, Ramsey County Engineer, state that the sight lines for the proposed sign location should be verified to insure that visibility for vehicles turning out of the driveway onto Beam Avenue is not blocked. Right-of-Way Issues Chris Cavett, Assistant City Engineer, and Dan Solar, Ramsey County Engineer, state that if the vadance is granted and Mr. Tillges is allowed to construct a sign with no setback, that a condition be placed on the property owner that any relocation of the sign Markham Pond Medical Building 3 January 6, 2003 in the future as a result of additional right-of-way needs on Beam Avenue will be at the owner's expense. In addition, Chuck Ahl, City Engineer, points out that there is a minimum 2-foot clearance required from all sidewalks. The sign as proposed will be constructed within a few inches of the sidewalk. Hardship State law requires that the city council make the following findings to approve a vadance from the zoning code: 1) strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the property under consideration; and 2) the variance would be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance. "Undue hardship", as used in granting of a variance, means the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property, not created by the landowner, and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone shall not constitute an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the ordinance. Mr. Tillges outlines his estimate of hardship in the attached memorandum on pages 27 through 28. In summary, he asserts that a sign with a 10-foot setback will diminish his patients' ability to locate his site. There are two mature evergreen trees located along Beam Avenue in front of the Maplewood Professional Building. These evergreen trees could block the eastbound traffic's visibility of Mr. Tillges' sign, if constructed with a 10-foot setback. In addition, the sign easement was created prior to the city's requirement for a 10-foot freestanding sign setback. These items are "unique to the property and not created by the landowner." However, the setback variance will "alter the essential character of the locality" because of the size of the sign in relation to the surrounding compatible office use signs. Aisc, "a reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the ordinance" because a 5- foot-wide sign could be constructed within the existing sign easement with the required 10-foot setback, the sign easement could be revised to allow the construction of the proposed sign with a 10-foot setback, and there is ample space along Hazelwood Street for a freestanding sign. SUMMARY Staff would be supportive of Mr. Tillges' sign setback variance if a smaller sign were proposed. As it stands, however, a large sign constructed in this location will block traffic visibility and will not be compatible with the surrounding existing office signs. RECOMMENDATION Deny Robert Tillges' request for a 10-foot sign setback vadance in order to construct a 14-foot, 8-inch-wide by 20-foot, 2-inch-tall freestanding sign up to the Beam Avenue right-of-way for his development at 1570 Beam Avenue. The city is denying this request because: The construction of such a large sign will block traffic visibility for drivers turning out of the driveway onto Beam Avenue. Markham Pond Medical Building 4 January 6, 2003 A large office sign constructed in this location will not be compatible with the surrounding office signs. There are no unique hardships or circumstances that warrant approving the proposed 10-foot sign setback variance. Markham Pond Medical Building 5 January 6, 2003 CITIZEN COMMENTS I surveyed all owners within 350 feet of this site. Of the 14 surveyed, five property owners responded as follows: Support Daniel Sifter, managing partner at Maplewood Professional Associates at 1560 Beam Avenue: "The Maplewood Professional Associates support the variance as requested by Mr. Tillges." Daniel Gatto, managing partner at Maplewood Professional Associates at 1560 Beam Avenue. Mr. Gatto's letter of support is attached on page 29. Object Arthur Nielsen, 2781 Hazelwood Street: "Is there any way a smaller sign can be placed on Hazelwood Street? Build more like the existing commercial signs on Hazelwood Street." Thomas Schuette, Azure Properties, management firm for the Maplewood Office Park at 1650 Beam Avenue. Mr. Schuette's letter of objection is attached on page 30. Al Hirschler, representative for the Maplewood Cancer Center at 1580 Beam Avenue. Mr. Hirschler's letter of objection was referred to earlier in the staff report and is attached on page 25. Markham Pond Medical Building 6 January 6, 2003 REFERENCE INFORMATION SITE DESCRIPTION Site Size: Existing Land Use: 3.57 acres Office Building SURROUNDING LANDUSES North: South: · East: West: Maplewood Cancer Center and Maplewood Professional Building (Zoned Business Commercial - Modified (BC-M)) City of Maplewood property (Zoned Farm and Planned Park) Maplewood Office Park (Zoned Business Commercial - Modified) (BC-M)) City of Maplewood property across Hazelwood Street (Zoned Single-Dwelling Residential and Planned Open Space) PLANNING Existing Land Use Plan: Existing Zoning: Business Commercial- Modified (BC-M) Business Commercial- Modified (BC-M) CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL Section 36-272(a) of the city's sign ordinance requires a 10-foot setback from a right-off way for all freestanding signs. State law requires that the city council make the following findings to approve a vadance from the zoning code: 1. Strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the property under consideration. 2. The vadance would be in keeping with the spidt and intent of the ordinance. "Undue hardship", as used in granting of a variance, means the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property, not created by the landowner, and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone Shall not constitute an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the ordinance. Markham Pond Medical Building 7 January 6, 2003 Application Date The city received a complete vadance application for this request on December 4, 2002. State law requires that the city take action within 60 days of receiving a complete application for a land use proposal. As such, city action is required on this request by February 3, 2003. P:~sec3\tillges sign vadance Attachments: 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Location Map Zoning Map Land Use Map Site Plan Elevations Sign Elevation June 10, 2002 City Council Minutes Sign Easement Pictures of Sign Caps Pictures of Surrounding Signs Maplewood Cancer Center's Memo Dated January 6, 2003 Lt. Kevin Rabbett's Memo Dated December 31, 2002 Robert Tillges' Memo Dated December 4, 2002 Maplewood Professional Associate's Memo Dated November 25, 2002 Azure Properties' Letter Dated December 27, 2002 Markham Pond Medical Building 8 January 6, 2003 Attachment 1 Kohlman Creek Neighborhood Preserve Beam Avenue Maplewood Prof. Bldg. Maplewood Cancer Center /V~¢l~lm Pm(~ Medical Buildin~l Location Map S Attachment 2 Beam Avenue Medical Office Bldg. ZONING ~ Light Manufacturing (M-l) Business Commercial Modified (BC-M) II]lli[[lllll~ll[[lilil B u sin ess C o m m e rcial (B C) ~ Single Dwelling Residential (R-l) ~ Farm (F) 10 Zoning Map Attachment 3 lliil I1111 11 '''''lllllllllllllili l!ll,lllllllilllilllllllllllllilil'lll: I Beam Avenue ~.rh~m ~L Medical Office Building LAND USE ~ Light Manufacturing (M-l) ~:~:!.,~ ~_. Business Commercial Modified (BC-M) I~ll~llll[[ll Business Commercial (BC) _~ Single Dwelling Residential (R-l) Park (P) ~ Open Space (OS) Land Use Map 11 1-STORY BI,.LDI'4G 2 "~ ~,778 Sc. !,~i.,:.~;.,~ / Attachment " 'I-STORY Bt.I. DING 1 FFE,. Site Plan S 12 Attachment 5 Elevations 13 Attachment 6 4". iL ,,~---o-" .............................. . -L,~,~ ........ ~._l...-.-~'.~ ~ ...................................-.x~-,,~.; ..... .~ ................... l.~- ~- ' 1570 BEAM AVE. '" 'ROFESSIONAL CENTE] SIGN ELEVATION 14 TILLGES Attachment 7 MINUTES MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL 7:00 P.M., Monday, June 10, 2002 Council Chambers, Municipal Building Meeting No. 02-12 10:25 (7:45 P.M.) Tillges Office Building (South of 1580 Beam Avenue) A. Sewer Easement Vacation B. Design Approval C. Comprehensive Sign Plan Approval a. City Manager Fursman presented the staff report. b. Assistant Community Development Director Ekstrand presented the specifics of the report. c. Tom Ekstrand presented the Design Review Board Report d. Commissioner Fisher presented the Planning Commission Report. eo Mayor Cardinal opened the public hearing, calling for proponents or opponents. The following persons were heard: Robert Tillges, Jerry Anderson and A1 Kreitman, Applicants Will Rossbach, 1386 County Road C, Maplewood Cliff Aichinger, Watershed District Bob Zick, 1880E. Shore Drive d. Mayor Cardinal closed the public hearing. Councilmember Koppen moved to approve the following resolution for the vacation of an unused sewer easement on the south side of the property_: RESOLUTION 02-06-107 VACATION RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Robert Tillges applied for the vacation of the following: A portion of a 10-foot wide unused sewer easement (Ramsey County, MN, Document No. 1584253) located along the south property line of the property located south of Beam Avenue and east of Hazelwood Street, Maplewood (Property Identification Number: 03-29-22-42-0009) and described as follows: Legal Description: South 10 feet of East 543.35 feet of Northwest Quarter of Northwest Quarter of Southeast Quarter of Section 3, Township 29, Range 22 WHEREAS, the history of this vacation is as follows: 1. On May 20, 2002, the planning commission recommended that the city council approve the public vacation. 2. On June 10, 2002, the city council held a public hearing. The city staff published a notice in the Maplewood Review and sent a notice to the abutting property owners. The council gave City Council Meeting 06-10-02 15 Tillges for the everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The council also considered reports and recommendations from the city staff and planning commission. WHEREAS; after the city approves this vacation, public interest in the property will go to Robert for the above-mentioned property. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the city council approve the above-described vacation following reasons: 1. It is in the public interest. 2. The sewer easement is unused. 3. The sewer easement is not needed for the proposed Tillges Medical Office Building development. Seconded by Councilmember Collins Ayes-Mayor Cardinal, Councilmembers Collins, Juenemann and Koppen Nays-Councilmember Wasiluk Councilmember Koppen moved to approve Robert Tillges' comprehensive sign plan for the Tillges Medical Office Building with the following conditions: no bo Co eo Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a sign permit or parking lot permit for this project. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, the applicant will submit or complete the following: 1) A revised sign easement for the proposed freestanding sign on the Maplewood Cancer Center property at 1580 Beam Avenue. The revised easement must encompass the proposed placement of the sign with a 1 O-foot setback from the Beam Avenue right- of-way. 2) A revised landscape plan showing landscaping around the base of both freestanding signs to include low-maintenance perennial shrubs and flowering plants. 3) A revised freestanding sign plan showing the footing detail and verification of an 80- mile-per-hour wind load capacity to be approved by the building official. 4) A revised lighting plan showing the proposed lighting source for the two and photometrics for the two freestanding signs. The tenant wall signs for the Phase I building (Tillges Medical Office Building) are limited to the north and west elevations only. The tenant wall signs are limited to 2 feet in height by 8 feet in width and must be placed within the dormer above the tenant's window space. The tenant wall signs for the Phase II building are not approved with this proposal. Two freestanding signs are approved (overall size is 20.5 feet in height, 17 feet in width). One freestanding sign is to be located with a 1 O-foot setback to the Hazelwood Avenue right- of-way. The second freestanding sign is to be located within a sign easement located on the Maplewood Cancer Center property at 1580 Beam Avenue East, with a 1 O-foot setback to the Beam Avenue right-of-way. City Council Meeting 06-10-02 16 go A timer shall be installed on the Hazelwood Street fi'eestanding sign that roms the sign lights offat 10 p.m. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of cormnunity development may approve minor changes. Seconded by Councilmember Collins Ayes-All Councilmember Koppen moved to approve the plans date stamped January_ 25, Februar~ 12, February_ 18, April 11 and Mag 8, 2002 for the Phase I portion of the Tillges Medical Office Building development. The city is approving these plans based on the findings required by the code. The applicant shall do the following: a. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this project. bo The Phase II portion of the Tillges Medical Office Building development is not approved with this approval. Ce Prior to issuance of a grading or building permit, the applicant shall submit or complete the following: 1) A signed developer's agreement and cash surety to the city which covers the following: assurance of construction of the sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water main; temporary grading easement for grading conducted on city property; acquisition of city property; and engineering review charges. 2) A survey completed by a registered land surveyor showing the following: existing conditions, all easements located on the property (identify the extent and interest for each easement), and location of the Phase I building and parking lot. A registered land surveyor must also stake the location of the building on the property. 3) A revised grading, drainage, utility and erosion control plans which meet conditions and requirements of the assistant city engineer outlined in his memorandum dated April 11, 2002. 4) A revised landscape plan that shows 12 replacement trees to be installed on city property within the area of the approved temporary grading easement. The revised plan should also identify the planting species, sizes and quantities. City code requires deciduous trees to be at least 2 ½ inches in caliper, balled and burlapped. Coniferous trees must be at least six feet tall. 5) A revised lighting plan that shows all pole lights to be a maximum of 25 feet in height, measured from ground grade to the top of the luminaries, and the maximum light intensity at all property lines not to exceed .4-foot candles. 6) A temporary grading easement for all proposed grading on the Maplewood Professional Building property at 1560 Beam Avenue East. 7) An agreement that authorizes the construction of a portion of the parking lot within the storm water drainage easement located along the north property line of the southern City Council Meeting 06-10-02 17 leg of the property (Easement Document Number 3031096). The agreement must be signed by the Maplewood Cancer Center property owner at 1580 Beam Avenue East and all other parties with interest to the easement. 8) The vacation and relocation of portions of the County Ditch No. 18 easement to match the proposed culvert extension (Ditch Easement Document No. 2207724). The new easement must be recorded with Ramsey County and shall be subject to the approval of the city engineer. 9) A revised utility plan showing the location of a fire hydrant to be approved by the city's fire marshal. 10) Place temporary orange safety fencing at ,the grading limits, including around all trees to be preserved (construction fence to the drip line of the trees). d. The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building: 1) Install an in-ground lawn irrigation system for all landscaped areas. 2) Install all required Phase I landscaping on the site and install 12 replacement trees on the city property located to the south of the site. 3) Sod or hydro seed the Phase II portion of the development within 14 days of completion of the Phase II grading. 4) Install continuous concrete curb around the parking lots and drives, including installing concrete curb along the two proposed driveway extensions into the Phase II portion of the development. 5) Pave all driving surfaces. 6) Install a fire hydrant. e. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if: 1) The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or welfare. 2) The city receives a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the required work. The amount shall be 150 percent of the cost of the unfinished work. Any unfinished landscaping shall be completed by June 1 if the building is occupied in the winter or within six weeks if the building is occupied in the spring and summer. 3) The city receives an agreement that will allow the city to complete any unfinished work. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. Seconded by Councilmember Wasiluk Ayes-All City Council Meeting 06-10-02 18 Attachment 8 BEAM AVENUE /1 WEST ......... : ....................................... 595,00 I I fiX. / ", ~" ~ '/ BUI~IN~I "~ ~ ~' . UI~ 18' ~P ~V-870.02 / '~ '~'"" SL~o' ~ ---~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ,,,'~ z / / I .-'- ~, ~ ~ ~.-~ / ,' ./ i PER Sign Easement 19 Attachment 9 20 Attachment l0 21 Attachment 11 ghann Finwall From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: AI.Hirschler@USONCOLOGY.COM Monday, January 06, 2003 5:32 PM shann.finwall~ci.maplewood.mn.us Peter. Bartling~USOncology.com Neighborhood Survey Dear Ms. Finwall: We are in receipt of your letter dated December 13, 2002 regarding the Markham Pond Sign at 1570 Beam Avenue and appreciate your asking for our comment s. We are very much opposed to the granting of a variance for the sign as proposed by Tillges. The proposed sign is grossly oversize and reflects more of a retail advertisement than an identification sign for an office complex. It appears to be trying to allow the building owner to list individual tenants of the project on the sign in addition to the project itself. This not only is distracting, but could also pose a danger to traffic as cars might suddenly slow down in the traffic lanes in order for the occupants to read all of the names on the sign. The sign should only reflect the name of the development, with additional signs erected in the interior of the development to help visitors to locate their intended destination. We believe that Mr. Tillges' business and others in his development will be "destination" locations for their clients and visitors as is our location to our patients and visitors.- There is no need for such a large and complex sign. This is not an "impulse" location that typically would use such a large sign. In addition, Mr. Tillges will have the opportunity to have signage on Hazelwood to further identify his location. We believe that the sign should be more consistent with the sign for our cancer center, especially since.it is in such close proximity to our building. Thank you for letting us comment. Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.435 / Virus Database: 244 - Release Date: 12/30/2002 25 Attachment 12. Interoffice Memo Dm To: From: 12/31/02 Shann Finwall, Associate Planner Chief David Thomalla Lt. Kevin Rabbett Project Review, Markham Pond Office Building Sign Vadance I have reviewed the project description and attachments. I am very concemed about the reduction in visibility that would occur if the sign were placed as indicated in the vadance request. I believe that the sign support posts would severely limit the visibility of ddvers attempting to exit the premises onto eastbound Beam Ave. They would not be able to see approaching traffic from the west until their northbound vehicles were on the pedestrian/bicycle path. The fact that the exiting vehicle would have to advance onto the path to see vehicular traffic also endangem westbound pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Finally, if the exiting vehicle is moving at any speed, it's sudden appearance from behind the sign is likely to startle eastbound Beam Ave ddvers and caused panic braking and result in accidents. There is great potential for serious injury in any of these accident scenarios because of the relatively high [45 MPH] speed limit on Beam Ave. The proposed sign location is unacceptable by public safety standards. Please call with any comments or questions, x4532 26 Attachment 13 Robert '1311ges, CPO, FAAOP Tillges Cerlified Orlhol~c Prosltiefic, Inc. 1983 $1oan Place - Suite 7 - Maplewood, MN 55117 (651) 772-2665 Phone - (651) 771-6553 Fax Memo Director, Community Development Department, City of Maplewood, MN Robert Tillges 12/4/02 Zoning Code Variance (Signage) - Supplemental Statement to Variance Application Message: This memo provides supplemental information to our application for a signage setback variance for our new building at 1570 Beam Avenue, Maplewood. This information explains how our request meets the requirements the City must find in order to grant the zoning variance. 1. We assert that the application of the current zoning code which would allow us signage no greater than 5' in width (rather than the 15' width previously approved by the City), and which would be set back farther from Beam Avenue than current businesses, would cause us undue hardship for the following reasons: a. For a business, especially along a busy thoroughfare, signage and sign location is one of the most efficient and effective means of communication. Signage: · Allow clients to find us · Presents an image of the facility/business · Tells people who we are and what services we provide · Must be noticeable and readable from a distance · Is one of the most permanent investments a business will make The current City of Maplewood setback ordinance would require us to place signage that is inadequately small and outside the normal site line along Beam Avenue. The vast majodty of patients that we serve are referred to us from physicians all over the Twin Cities, the seven-county metropolitan area & western Wisconsin. Many are elderly. The location of our building near major roadways is of utmost importance to the individuals we serve. A small, setback sign will greatly diminish our patients' ability to locate our site. Further, because of the traffic speed on Beam Avenue (typically 45 mph), a sign set back in a blinded area could create a traffic hazard. Conversely, a sign of sufficient size, easily read from a distance, and appropriately placed will assure than drivers and their passengers can find our services without creating a safety hazard for themselves or other drivers. For these reasons, we believe the reasonable use of our property will be diminished unless we are granted the requested variance. 27 b. Inherent in the parcel of property we purchased is poor visibility from Beam Avenue. The location and size of our sign is vital to correct a poor visible location by substituting effective visual communication for poor site characteristics. With our building set back and poor visibility, sign location & size will overcome any access difficulty for the citizens of Maplewood and surrounding areas who choose to use our services or those of the other businesses in our building. c. The granting of this variance would not alter the essential character of the area. In fact, granting the variance would provide conformance and consistency with the sign locations of the neighboring businesses. Please find attached to this memo a letter from one of our neighbors, Daniel J. Gatto, DDS of Maplewood Oral and Maxillofacial Survery, P.A., who is supportive of our request. 2. It is our belief that the spirit and intent of the current setback variance is to provide businesses and users with adequate identification, without clutter or interference with other properties. Our proposed signage would not violate these objectives in any way. Our signage would be attractive, informational, and consistent with our neighbors' set back to the east and west of our site. Since there is no available space for our neighbors to push back their signs, the granting of this variance seems the logic solution to provide consistence and order. We hope that our application and the statement above are sufficient for your purposes. We will greatly appreciate a favorable ruling on the Markham Pond Professional Center signage setback variance request. If any additional information is required, I would appreciate your informing me directly so we may address this matter immediately, Sincerely, Robert Tillges, CPO, FAAOP Chairman, Paris Realty 28 -D -MAPLEWOOD ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL Attachment SURGERY, P.A. Daniel J.Gatto, D.D.S. Marshall L. Wade, D.D.S. DIPLOMATES OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY November 25, 2002 City of Maplewood RE: MARKHAM POND PROFESSIONAL CENTER BEAM AVENUE SIGNAGE Dear City of Maplewood: As one of the property and building owners of the Hazelwood on Beam Maplewood Professional Building at 1560 Beam Avenue, I submit this letter to you for consideration regarding the Markham Pond Professional Center project. This building project under the direction and ownership of Mr. Robert Tillges of the Tillges Certified Orthotic Prosthetics, Inc. is a wonderful addition to our area. This adds to the professional environment that has been established over these last several years. When we completed our building in 1984, we were able to place a marquee sign on our Beam Avenue and Hazelwood entrances which allowed for the appropriate setbacks as established at that time. Several years later, the Cancer Care Center, located next to us likewise was able to place signage on Beam Avenue in accordance with the setback ordinances at that time. However, it is my understanding that the signage ordinances have changed so that the setback for the Markham Pond Professional Center, located on the Beam Avenue thoroughfare would be required to have a further setback. This would create some definite visual problems with regard to traffic flow and patient access to their building. I would certainly be in support of a variance for this setback ordinance to allow the Markham Pond Professional Center marquee sign to be placed in a position consistent with our sign as well as the Cancer Care Center. I do not feel that this would create any problem for our property or those next to us and would provide a very consistent marquee signage. If I can be of further support or help in this matter, I certainly would not hesitate to be in contact with you. Hopefully, you will rule favorably on this variance for this Markham Pond Professional Center signage. Managing Partner, Maplewood Professional Associates Cc: Mr. Robert Tillges Mr. Alan Tretman Maplewood Office 1560 BeAM AVENUE M^PLEWOOD, MN 55109 (651) 770-8396 1-800-368-5978 Woodbury Office 9950 VALLEY CREEK RD., SUITe l O0 WOODBURY, MN 55125 (651) 578-7000 1-800-368-5978 29 Forest Lake Office 20 N. LAKE ST.,SuiTe201 FOREST LAKE, MN 55025 (651) 464-8558 1-800-368-5978 December 27, 2002 AZURE PR OPER TIES P.O. BOX 17830 ST. PAUL, MN 55117-7830 (651) 484-0070 (FAX) 486-3444 Attachment 15 651-748-3096 Shann Finwall Associate Planner Office of Community Development City of Maplewood 1380 East County Road B Maplewood, MN 55109 RE: Objection to Signage Variance Markham Pond Sign 1570 Beam Avenue Dear Shann, I am in receipt of your letter of December 13, 2002, regarding a proposal for a 14 ft wide by 20 ft tall free- standing sign servicing the new office building. Azure Properties manages the office building at 1650 Beam Avenue and the unimproved land located east of the Maplewood Cancer Center. This letter is to express our objection to the proposed new signage. Our specific objection is to the width of the proposed sign. The existing hospital and office buildings have sign widths as follows: St. Johns Hospital St. Johns Hospital Maplewood Cancer Center Hazelwood on Beam Maplewood Office Park 1575 Beam Avenue 1575 Beam Avenue 1580 Beam Avenue 1560 Beam Avenue 1650 Beam Avenue West Sign - 8 ft wide East Sign - 7 ft wide 8 ft wide 8 fl wide 5 ft wide The proposed sign with dimensions of 14 ft wide by 20 fl tall is far too massive and would overwhelm other signage in this area. This new office building should not be permitted signage which is more than twice as massive as St. Johns Hospital or the other office buildings in the neighborhood. Please call if I can answer any questions regarding this matter. My direct dial telephone number is 651-486- 3452. Thank you for your consideration. Thomas M. $chuette On behalf of Azure Properties TMS/kl 30