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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission - 04/10/1995 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION April 10, 1995 COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Ismail Ismail, Katherine Kardell, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Mahoney STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner Scott Kipp, Planner Elinda Bahley, Recording Secretary I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Katherine Kardell. Absent were Tim Bauer; all other members present. y II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Wissrier, to approve_the Agenda as published. Motion carried 6-0-0. • M. MINUTES MOTION: Schlampp moved, seconded by Wissner, to approve the Minutes of March 27, 1995 as published. Motion carried 6-0-0. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. HIRSHLER ADDITION by Ned Hirschler. Request for Zoning District Amendment within the R1-13.5 Zoning District on 1 acre and Preliminary Plat of 1 acre into one lot. Location: North terminus of Canterbury Lane. Ned Hirschler, owner, reviewed his project with the Planning Commission. He stated that their primary objective, while building this house, is to save the natural environment of this lot. It was originally scheduled to have a cul-de-sac put in. His proposal was to develop a T-type turn-around. This would result in no significant tree loss. The turn- around will meet all Fire Marshal safety codes, and snow removal access. They are proposing additional trees in the northwestern corner to hide the industrial park, and are planning to keep the existing fence. There are two Cottonwood trees that are located near the turn-around that they would like saved by putting a tree well around them. 1 Kipp stated that this is a remnant lot from when the Lavonne Industrial 4th Addition came through the process in 1988. The main issues of the property are to maintain as much of the significant vegetation as possible, and try to limit the amount of impact. The Engineering Department, Fire Marshal, and Community Development Department reviewed the turn-around and all agreed that the design as proposed in the Staff Report would meet all the necessary emergency and snow removal needs. In addition, the turn- around would save all significant trees on site. A cul-de-sac would involve heavy tree loss and require the house to be located farther north toward the industrial land uses. There would be an easement provided near the turn-around area for snow storage. He noted that Staff can work with the Fire Marshal and Engineering Department to work with the Cottonwoods to see what can be done to save those trees. Based on the Staff Report and site plan as submitted, Staff recommends approval of the turn-around for the single family house. If the Planning Commission recommends and City Council approves the use of the turn-around, the Board of Appeals will need to review this for a lot frontage variance from the required 85 feet down to the existing right-of-way width of 30 feet. Kardell asked if he was building this house for himself. Hirschler replied for himself, his wife and her daughter. Richard Davidson, residing at 6613 Canterbury Lane noted that he lives adjacent to the lot in question. He has examined the plans and has discussed it with the neighbors. • They all agree the plan is very good. They would like to see a turn-around versus a cul- de-sac. A cul-de-sac would cause extra traffic problems, and they would loose a lot of trees. Roger Sandvick, residing at 14280 Stratford Road, expressed concern about the need for a sanitary sewer back-up system, and the fencing. Kipp noted that due to the grade change between the house and existing sewer access, it will be necessary to install a force main to pump sewage to the existing line. Staff is requiring that there be a back-up pump for this force main. Hirschler showed the fencing on the map to the Planning Commission. He said it would probably be wood fencing similar to the one that goes across the back of the property and it will look the same. It will go back to the retaining wall. All the Commissioners concurred that they support the project. MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0. MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Ned Hirschler for Zoning District Amendment within the Rl- 2 13.5 Zoning District on 1 acre based on plans dated March 10, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 7, 1995. Motion carried 6-0-0. MOTION 3: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Ned Hirschler for Preliminary Plat of 1 acre into one lot based on plans dated March 10, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 7, 1995. Motion carried 6-0-0. B. WALNUT RIDGE by Residential Development, Inc. Request for PUD Concept Review on 33.39 acres, PUD District Review on 33.39 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 13.21 acres and Preliminary Plat of 33.39 acres into 22 lots and 2 outlots. Location: Riverview Road and Homeward Hills Road. Commissioner Schlampp indicated that he would be stepping down due to a conflict of interest. Rick Murray, developer, reviewed his project with the Planning Commission using visual aids. He noted that Staff has increased the tree loss by an additional percent. They are making good use of the topography by taking the 22 lots and fitting them in between the existing Hardwood trees. They have requested a PUD so they can cluster the homes. He commented that they would like to get started in July. They need three working weeks for grading, sewer, and water. The construction will take about three more weeks, and the road for construction about two weeks. • Foote asked what the grade of the public road will be. Murray replied that it will be 8%. Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with the Planning Commission. He reviewed the archeological survey, and explained how Staff made the 8% road grade work. He noted that Staff revised the tree loss calculation from 19% to 20% because of development impact, and in their experience, those trees near retaining walls, curbs or steep slopes, will probably die in a few years. He explained the alternate plan on the back of the Staff Report which shows how the burial mound could be preserved consistent with the State and Federal requirements for preservation. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the project according to alternative #1. Scott Hanes, 10449 Huntington Drives suggested that the access to the pond be considered a public access to the river because long-term plans are that there will be a trail along the river. He also expressed concern about the road right now because it's used by utility trucks to get to the gas pipes that go across the river, and also access for the power utilities. Franzen replied that with the approval of River Landing Phase 1 and 2, Red Oak Drive was vacated and the public access would be the River Landing Road. Along that road • 3 a sidewalk will be built. There will be a trail that is constructed along the private drive to an easement and across the flood plain to the Minnesota River. That will provide a public access for the residents and also the access for the utility vehicles, for the power line and also for the gas line. Haynes asked if the access is on the other development. Franzen responded that it is. Steve Fritski, 10488 Wimbledon Court, asked how much the new homes will cost, and asked for the developer's definition of a "rambler" home. Steve Schweiter, builder, responded that the cost of the lots range from $120,000 to $130,000. Product costs, including the lots, start at about$435,000 to $450,000 and up. The homes will be similar to the Village Wood's Homes. The square footage would start at about 2200 square feet. Jeff Sanderson, 10492 Wimbledon Court, asked what the chances are of these new homes being ramblers or ranch style homes, versus two stories. Steve Schweiter, replied that their lots are totally ramblers. Sanderson asked if the builder would put that in writing. Steve Schweiter responded that they need to have flexibility in case someone wants a two story. Sanderson expressed concern that if two story homes are put up, it will block the view and decrease the value of the existing homes. • Mary Campion, residing at 11320 Riverview Road, expressed concern about the run- off. Murray replied that as part of the Riverview Heights project they installed a sewer and added more catch basins. There will be no additional water going towards Riverview Road. There won't be an impact on the upper part of the street of Riverview Road. Laura Blumel, 10450 Riverview Road, expressed concern about what public property will exist as a result of this development, and about preserving the property by the river for the wildlife. Murray showed the public access locations, trails and the easement on the map. He said that there will be a homeowner's association and the lots themselves will be owned by the individuals. The roadways, private roadways, driveways, exterior maintenance and the landscaping will all be taken care of by the association. The association will control the trails. Blumel expressed concern about variances being needed. Kardell replied that there is a variance for the use of the private drive which is always the case, and there are two lots that do not have the required frontage on the cul-de-sac. • 4 • Mary Campion, residing at 11320 Riverview Road, expressed concern about the rationale regarding the abandonment of Red Oak Drive. She is also concerned about the public access to the river and to the power and gas lines. Franzen responded that Red Oak Drive was abandoned because the natural steepness of that grade would not permit a public road at an 8% grade without significantly impacting the Bluff. The developer will be building a sidewalk all the way down to the limits of the public road, and there will be a trail to the flood plain of the river. Ismail questioned the distance between the nearest residential house on the river, and the development of houses between the river and the first house. Murray replied that it's 900 feet. Wissner asked where the previous development of single story homes were located. Steve Schweiter responded Shelter Road Creek Knolls area where they built 13 ramblers from $365,000 to $425,000. Wissner expressed concern about having the Fire Marshal's approval on the private road coming off of Riverview. Murray replied that it meets the Fire Marshal's approval, and there is enough room for the fire trucks to get down there. Wissner asked how long the drop is from Riverview Road. Murray replied that it's approximately 200 feet long. Foote expressed concern about whether the association maintains all the yards as well as the streets. Murray responded that the public street is maintained by the association. The association maintains yards and snow removal, but do not maintain exterior maintenance. Wissner expressed concern about the density. Murray replied that they originally started with 27 units and worked down to 22 units because of the shapes of the lots. They put the houses on the property first and then looked where the lot lines were going, and the homes are placed where there is a minimal grade. Foote noted that it's a well designed plan, and is comfortable with the project. He is pleased about the small amount of tree loss. He expressed concern about Lot #9 in Block#2, that with the prices of these homes he's concerned about them being squeezed in. Murray replied that there is about 75 or 80 feet between the two houses. Kardell commented that she was concerned about the odd size of the lots, but is comfortable with the project now because there are only two lots that need a variance for frontage, tree loss is low, and density seems consistent with adjoining properties. Wissner noted to the public that there are two pages of rules that have to be followed as part of the recommendations. The City doesn't take it lightly to come into an area like • 5 this, and there are restrictions on individual permits to save trees and minimize erosion. Ismail asked staff to explain why a higher density can be supported on this site compared to Timber Bluffs and Rivers Landing. Franzen responded that because of the clustering on units, more trees being saved in the developed area, and fewer homes built high on the Bluff, that less units are visible from the river. This site has 2 more units on a total site basis, but the other sites required more grading with homes sited above the tree line. If the site character was the same between the three projects, then staff would have recommended the removal of two units. MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-0-1 with abstention by Schlampp. MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request for PUD Concept Review on 33.39 acres, PUD District Review on 33.39 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 13.21 acres and Preliminary Plat of 33.39 acres into 22 lots and 2 outlots based on plans dated April 7, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 7, 1995. Motion carried 5-0-1 with abstention by Schlampp. C. EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY LIBRARY by Hennepin County. Request for Site Plan Review within the Public Zoning District on 2.5 acres for the construction of a 5,000 square foot library expansion. Location: 479 Prairie Center Drive. • Mark Partridge, representing the proponent, reviewed his project with the Planning Commission. He noted that the Eden Prairie Library is the most used library in this county, and wants to build an addition on their existing building. The expansion will require an additional 5 or 6 parking stalls, although only one is required under the Eden Prairie zoning. There will be a fair amount of additional landscape to meet with the caliber inches of the site and compliment it. They are adding some skylights and some guide lines to define the old from the new, but the colors will be the same. Ismail expressed concern about the library not being big enough 5 years from now. Partridge replied that if that happens, it would have to be a different site. Foote asked where the extra parking spaces will be. Partridge showed him on the map. Kardell expressed concern about the exterior materials being the same on the old and new part of the building. Partridge replied that it's primarily brick and it will match as close as possible. Clinton asked how they are going to define the old from the new part of the building. Partridge responded that they are using a recessing plan that will be pushing in the wall with a metal panel that forms that connection. • 6 Franzen noted that Staff recommends approval of this project. Ismail noted that he has been to the library and it gets very crowded. He feels this is a very nice extension that Eden Prairie residents can be proud of. Foote commented that he supports the plan. MOTION 1: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0. MOTION 2: Foote moved, seconded by Ismail, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Hennepin County for Site Plan review within the Public Zoning District on 2.5 acres based on plans dated April 7, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 7, 1995. Motion carried 6-0-0. D. SAMPSON OFFICE STUDIO by R. M. Sampson, Inc. Request for PUD District Amendment on 20.15 acres, PUD District Review on 4.519 acres, Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Industrial on 4.519 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Zoning District on 4.519 acres, Site Plan Review on 4.519 acres and Preliminary Plat of 12.478 acres into 1 lot and one outlot. Location: Southwest corner of Valley View Road and Equitable Drive. Lynn Sloat, architect, reviewed his project with the Planning Commission using visual aids. He explained the site plan, the landscaping, and the front elevations of the building. He noted that the front entrance of the studio will be brick and glass, with a skylight in the interior of the building. Wissner asked what the Sampson Studio is. Lynn Sloat replied that the owner wanted an area where he could make some pottery, do some painting or just continue with his business. Wissner asked if it will be a gallery open to the public. Sloat replied no, that it's private. Mr. Sampson, son of the owner, commented that they thought it would be a nice entrance area for their conference rooms, and they have quite a few gifts to display from their family. Franzen noted that Staff recommends approval according to the recommendations on page 4 of the Staff Report. Schlampp commented that it's beautiful and fits right in there. • 7 Ismail asked if office means anybody else rents space there, or only the family uses it. Sloat responded that it's private and nobody else is there. He noted that there are two offices, one for the father and one for the son, and one conference room. Kardell asked if the exterior materials are consistent with the other buildings that are there. Franzen replied that it's mostly consistent with the two story office buildings across the street. MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0. MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request for PUD District Amendment on 20.15 acres, PUD District Review on 4.519 acres, Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Industrial on 4.519 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Zoning District on 4.519 acres, Site Plan Review on 4.519 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 12.478 acres into 1 lot and one outlot based on plans dated April 5, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 7, 1995. Motion carried 6-0-0. E. GOLDEN TRIANGLE BUSINESS CENTER by CSM Investors. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 26.81 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 26.81 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 26.81 acres, Preliminary Plat of 26.81 acres into one lot, and Site Plan Review on 26.81 acres. • Location: 76th Street West. Dave Carlin, CSM Corporation, reviewed his project with the Planning Commission. He noted that they have been in business since 1975 and were the developers for the Fountain Place Apartments. The site plan depicts the construction of 2 one story industrial buildings totaling 150,000 square feet. The potential to start the building is this summer to have it completed and ready for occupancy in the fall. Clinton asked how long will it take before the building is fully occupied. Carlin replied that they hope it's not too long, that from their experience there is less than a 5% vacancy. Ismail asked what a spec building is. Carlin replied that it means you build it because you speculate somebody is going to want to rent it. Ismail asked what type of user would it be for this type of building. Carlin responded that the building will end up with an office finish and light manufacturing. There could be 20% to 40% that could be anything from office distribution kind of function or also some limited project type of function. • 8 Foote expressed concern about the big dump by the wetland being cleaned up by the developer. Carlin replied that it's the obligation of the seller to clean it up, and they certainly will not close on the property until it's done. Wissner commented that she likes the plan and it will be good for the area. She expressed concern about where the trash bin will be. Carlin replied that they have encouraged their tenants to do, where possible, dumpster recycling on the interior. If it's going to be on the exterior, it would have to be enclosed. It is in the tenant's lease. Clinton expressed concern about any sort of docking and where it would be. Carlin replied that there is a truck court along the back. Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with the Planning Commission. He noted that the Staff Report recommends approval based on a couple of minor technical items to be completed before they go on to the City Council. They are required to put a sidewalk along West 76th Street, reduce the retaining wall height addressed in the Staff Report, and change to conifers along West 76th Street. Kardell asked whether or not most of the adjoining property actually developed the full 30% area. Franzen replied that they did. MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0. MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of CSM Investors for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 26.81 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 26.81 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 26.81 acres, Preliminary Plat of 26.81 acres into one lot, and Site Plan Review on 26.81 acres based on plans dated April 7, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 7, 1995. Motion carried 6-0-0. V. MEMBERS' REPORTS None. VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS Wissner asked for an update on the Medical Center. Franzen replied that they are not expanding, simply putting in a new entrance door on the south side. They are also putting in some parking spaces and putting in a different driveway. Wissner commented about how bad the front of the Huber Funeral Home looks, that something must be done about the mechanical equipment. • 9 Wissner commented about Blockbuster having signs on each side of their building. Franzen replied that they are within code. Wissner asked how long does a homeowner have to finish putting on a deck once they have started it. Franzen replied that there is no time limit. VII. NEW BUSINESS None. VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS Franzen noted that the tree meeting is Wednesday night. He also noted that they will continue with the cable TV discussion at the next meeting since there is only one item on the Agenda. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. 10 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, April 10, 1995 *7:00 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Ismail Ismail, Katherine Kardell, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner Donald R. Uram, Economic Development Manager STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Mahoney I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA M. MINUTES IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. EMSH ER ADDITION by Ned Hirschler. Request for Zoning District Amendment within the R1-13.5 Zoning District on 1 acre and Preliminary Plat of 1 acre into one lot. Location: North terminus of Canterbury Lane. B. WALNUT RIDGE by Residential Development Inc. Request for PUD Concept Review on 33.39 acres, PUD District Review on 33.39 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 13.21 acres and Preliminary Plat of 33.39 acres into 22 lots and 2 outlots. Location: Riverview Road and Homeward Hills Road. C. EDEN PRAIRIE COW1MTY LIBRARY by Hennepin County. Request for Site Plan Review within the Public Zoning District on 2.5 acres for the construction of a 5,000 square foot library expansion. Location: 479 Prairie Center Drive. D. SAWSON OFFICE STUDIO by R.M. Sampson, Inc. Request for PUD District Amendment on 20.15 acres, PUD District Review on 4.519 acres, Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Industrial on 4.519 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Zoning District on 4.519 acres, Site Plan Review on 4.519 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 12.478 acres into 1 lot and 1 outlot. Location: Southwest corner of Valley View Road and Equitable Drive. E. GOLDEN TRIANGLE BUSINESS CENTER by CSM Investors. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 26.81 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 26.81 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 26.81 acres,Preliminary Plat of 26.81 acres into one lot, and Site Plan Review on 26.81 acres. Location: 76th Street West. V. MEMBERS' REPORTS VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS SIX. ADJOURNMENT