Planning Commission - 01/22/1990 AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, January 22, 1990
7: 30 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairperson Julianne Bye, Richard
Anderson, Tim Bauer, Christine Dodge,
Robert Hallett, Charles Ruebling, Doug
Standstad.
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael
Franzen, Senior Planner; Don Uram,
Assistant Planner; Scott Kipp, Assistant
Planner, Deb Edlund, Recording Secretary.
Pledge of Allegiance -- Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
III. MINUTES
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
*NOTE: THE TIMES LISTED BELOW ARE TENTATIVE, AND MAY BE
SIGNIFICANTLY EARLIER, OR LATER THAN LISTED.
7: 35 A. RAVEN WOOD 3RD ADDITION, by The Cambridge Group.
Preliminary Plat of 2.7 acres into 2 lots.
.Location: East of Edenvale Blvd. , south of Hipp's
Cedar Point 1st Addition. A public hearing.
7 :45 B. BLUFFS EAST 7TH ADDITION, by Hustad Development.
Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from
Low Density Residential to Medium Density
Residential on 1.7 acres, Planned Unit Development
Concept Amendment on 186 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review with waivers, Site Plan
Review and Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-
6.5 on 7. 6 acres, Preliminary Plat of 12. 15 acres
into 25 multi-family lots, 3 outlots and road right-
of-way. Location: Northwest corner of County Road
18 and Bluff Road. A public hearing.
8:15 C. PHILLIPS 66, by Phillips 66 Company. Request for
Zoning District Amendment within the C-Hwy Zoning
District on 1.22 acres with variances to be reviewed
by the Board of Appeals, Site Plan Review and
Preliminary Plat of 1.22 acres into 1 lot for
construction of a convenience gas station.
Location: Northeast corner of Highway ##169 and West
78th Street. A public hearing.
AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, January 22, 1990
Page 2
8:45 E. ALPINE CENTER, by Lariat Companies. Request for
Planned Unit Development District Review on
approximately 18 acres, Zoning District Change from
Office to C-Reg-Ser and Site Plan Review on 3 .56
acres for construction of a 29,700 square foot
retail center. Location: Northeast corner of
Prairie Center Drive and Commonwealth Drive. A
continued public hearing.
8:55 D. CHI-CHI'S RESTAURANT, by Consul Restaurant
Corporation. Request for Planned Unit Development
Concept Amendment on 18 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review with waivers, Zoning
District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning
District and Site Plan Review on 3 .99 acres, and
Preliminary Plat of 3.99 acres into 2 lots for
construction of a 7,390 square foot restaurant.
Location: Southwest corner of Middleset Road and
• Crystal View Road. A public hearing.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
AG0122
•
•
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
,APPROVED MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 1990 7:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7600 Executive Drive
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairperson Julianne Bye, Richard
Anderson, Tim Bauer, Christine Dodge,
Robert Hallett, Charles Ruebling,
Doug Sandstad.
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning;
Michael Franzen, Senior Planner; Don
Uram, Assistant Planner; Deb Edlund,
Recording Secretary.
ROLL CALL: Anderson, Dodge, and Sandstad absent.
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
• MOTION•
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to approve the Agenda as
published.
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
III. MINUTES
MOTION:
Bauer moved, seconded by Hallett to approve the minutes of the
January 8, 1990 Planning Commission meeting as published. Motion
carried 3-1. Bye abstained.
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. RAVEN WOOD 3RD ADDITION, by the Cambridge Group. Preliminary
Plat of 2 .7 acres into two lots. Location: East of Edenvale
Boulevard, south of Hipp Is Cedar Point 1st Addition. A public
hearing.
Chuck Benson, the proponent, was available for questions.
Uram reported that due to poor soil conditions, the remaining
• lots were not buildable and, therefore, the property would be
Planning Commission Minutes 2 January 22 , 1990
• divided into two lots.
MOTION 1:
Bauer moved, seconded by Ruebling to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 2:
Bauer moved, seconded by Ruebling to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of the Cambridge Group for
Preliminary Plat of 2.7 acres into two lots for Raven Wood 3rd
Addition, based on plans dated December 22, 1989, subject to
the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 19,
1990. Motion carried 4-0-0.
B. BLUFFS EAST 7TH ADDITION, by Hustad Development. Request for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from Low Density
Residential to Medium Density Residential on 1.7 acres,
Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 186 acres,
Planned Unit Development District Review, with waivers, Zoning
District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 and Site Plan Review on
7. 6 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 12. 15 acres into 25 multi-
family lots, 3 outlots, and road right-of-way. Location:
Northwest corner of County Road 18 and Bluff Road.
Franzen reported that this proposal was reviewed in October,
1989 and was denied because of lack of transition between this
development and the single family units. The plan has been
revised to provide internalized access, with all the homes
facing the cul-de-sac. The number of units had been reduced
from 26 to 25 units.
Wallace Hustad, the proponent, said that double units had been
very successful in another section of the Bluffs project and
he would like to expand the double units to this area. The
plans had been revised based on Staff recommendations to
reduce the number of units from 26 to 25, change the access
to remove the 4 driveways previously proposed along Bluff
Road, change the unit design for the buildings around the pond
to consist of 3 units instead of 2 units, the number of units
along Bluff Road were reduced from 5 to 4, and additional
berming and landscaping would be provided along Bluff Road.
Hustad believed that the multiple-units would enhance the
overall development in this area in the same manor as the
units had been an asset for the Creek Knolls development.
Hustad stated that he would make a firm commitment to leave
the single family zoning of the area to the west as it
currently exists.
Planning Commission Minutes 3 January 22 , 1990
Ruebling asked for clarification on the character of the
berming to the south of the project. Mary McCawly,
representing the proponent, replied that the berm to the south
would be 4-to-5 feet in some areas and as high as 8 feet in
other locations. She added that conifer trees, small shrubs,
and ornamental trees would be used for additional screening.
Ruebling asked what the setbacks would be from the new right-
of-ways. Hustad replied approximately 70 to 75 feet from the
blacktop.
Franzen reported that the Planning Commission had been
concerned about the lack of transition in the previous
proposal. He added that with the revisions presented the
transition has been improved. The berming would vary in
height from 4 to 8 feet, a greater setback was provided due
to the positioning of the units, which would allow for larger
screening material to be planted. Franzen noted that the
proponent has indicated that the zoning for the property to
the west would remain single-family and an adequate transition
would be provided. Franzen requested that the proponent
provide a plan with the actual screening material depicted
prior to City Council review of this proposal.
Scott Gensmer, 9599 Bluff Road, stated that he was still
• opposed to the proposal. He stated that the original plat was
to be for 20 units, which has now been increased to 25.
Gensmer was concerned about the transition before and still
believed that the transition was not adequate. Gensmer stated
that at the meeting in October the Planning Commission had
said that a compelling reason for a Comprehensive Guide Plan
change had not been shown. He believed that a compelling
reason had yet to be presented by the proponent. Gensmer
stated that he wanted to preserve the integrity of the area.
He believed that double units on Bluff Road were not
appropriate and the zoning should be left single-family.
Bauer asked Gensmer what he would suggest for an adequate
transition. Gensmer replied that he would prefer the zoning
remain single-family. Gensmer added that he was concerned
that a bargain was being made that if the property to the west
remained zoned single-family, it would be acceptable to change
the zoning on this portion of the development.
Diane Luke, 10450 Whitetail, stated that she would like to
see the townhouses developed in this area. Luke believed that
it would help the transition between the expensive homes and
the single-family homes. She added that the units which had
already been constructed were attractive and would enhance
the area.
Dean Luke, 10450 Whitetail Crossing, stated that the existing
twinhomes were attractive. He added that the developer needed
Planning Commission Minutes 4 January 22, 1990
to be able to develop according to the market demand. Luke
believed that smaller single-family homes would increase the
traffic more than the twinhome units.
Hallett believed that it was very significant that the area
to west remain zoned single-family.
Bauer asked Hustad to clarify the rationale for the
Comprehensive Guide Plan change. Hustad replied that
transition was the main issue. A transition would be provided
for the pond area to the north as well as the area to the
south. Hustad said that because of the land taken away for
right-of-ways the potential construction area had been
reduced. He added that the traffic in the area had changed
over the years. Hustad assured the Planning Commission that
extensive thought had been given to the request for the zoning
change. He said that he did not want to construct a product
which would be detrimental to the remainder of the project.
Ruebling believed that the proponent had addressed the issues
raised previously by the Planning Commission. The revisions
would make this area consistent with the area to the west of
the pond. Ruebling noted that it would be important that an
adequate transition be made for the single-family units to the
west and requested that Staff monitor this carefully.
• Bauer believed that the transition had been improved from the
previous plan and was presently adequate. He added that the
proponent had provided additional information at this meeting
to substantiate a Comprehensive Guide Plan change which had
not been available at the meeting in October. Bauer believed
that the twinhomes would be better than single-family units
in this location.
Bye concurred that the screening and berming for the area to
the west was of vital importance. Bye supported the proposal.
Hallett stated that the commitment of the proponent to provide
adequate screening and transition for the area to the west and
the agreement that the zoning for the parcel to the west would
not be changed was an influencing factor.
MOTION 1•
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 2:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Hustad Development for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from Low Density
Residential to Medium Density Residential on 1.7 acres for
•Planning Commission Minutes 5 January 22, 1990
Bluffs East 7th Addition, based on plans dated December 22,
1989, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
January 19, 1990. Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 3:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Hustad Development for
Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment to the overall
Bluff Country Planned Unit Development of 186 acres for Bluffs
East 7th Addition, for construction of 25 multi-family units,
based on plans dated December 22, 1989, subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 19, 1990.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 4:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Hustad Development for
Planned Unit Development District Review, with waivers, and
Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 7. 6 acres for
the Bluffs East 7th Addition, based on plans dated December
22, 1989, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated January 19, 1990. Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 5:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Hustad Development for
Preliminary Plat of 12 . 15 acres into 25 multi-family lots,
three outlots, and road right-of-way for Bluffs East 7th
Addition, based on plans dated December 22, 1989, subject to
the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 19,
1990. Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 6:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Hustad Development for Site
Plan Review for Bluffs East 7th Addition for 25 multi-family
units, based on plans dated December 22, 1989, subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 19, 1990.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
C. PHILLIPS 66, by Phillips 66 Company. Request for Zoning
District Amendment within the C-Hwy District on 1.22 acres,
with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, Site
Plan Review, and Preliminary Plat of 1.22 acres into one lot
for construction of a convenience gas station. Location:
Northeast corner of Highway #169 and West 78th Street. A
public hearing.
•Planning Commission Minutes 6 January 22, 1990
John Bacus, representing the proponent, presented the plans
for a state-of-the-art service station/convenience store and
carwash. Natural stone would be the primary exterior
material. Bacus presented pictures of existing facilities.
Extensive landscaping and an adequate buffer was provided
between this facility and the church, and a four-foot berm
would be placed along Highway 169. The traffic for the car
wash would enter from the north and exit onto 78th Street.
Bacus noted that all of the Staff recommendations had been
incorporated into the plan with the exception of 1.E regarding
the stone for the canopy columns. Bacus believed that the
design as shown on the plans presently was well integrated and
did not detract from the overall appearance of the facility.
He believed that it would be difficult to place the stone
around such a small area. Bacus believed that the issue for
Staff was a concern regarding setting a precedent and not
necessarily the appearance of the present design. Bacus
concluded by requesting that consideration be given to the
removal of recommendation 1.E.
Bauer asked why the car wash was being added. Bacus replied
that a car wash attracted business.
Bye asked if there would be an area available for oil changes,
• etc. Bacus replied no.
Uram reported that Staff recommended approval of the proposal.
Uram concurred that the stone shown in the pictures was
unattractive and that the metal columns were acceptable. He
added however, that the City had in the past approved several
service stations and had requested that the columns be built
out of the same building materials.
Bauer asked how much stacking distance would be available at
the gas pumps. Bacus replied the stacking distance would be
for 3 to 4 cars. Bauer then asked where the employees would
park. Bacus replied that one handicap space and 4 additional
parking spaces would be provided along the north end of the
facility.
Jack Grier, 9848 Crestwood Terrace, was concerned about the
traffic flow and the potential for a significant increase in
traffic in an area which was already susceptible to accidents.
He added that he was also concerned about an adequate stacking
distance for the car wash.
Mark Namtvedt, 10885 Hyland Terrace, stated that he too was
concerned with traffic in this area. He noted that at this
curve, the traffic seemed to accelerate its speed. Namtvedt
said that he owned a station with a car wash and had been told
• by the City that he was responsible for sanding and salting
the road by the exit of the car wash. He added that it
•Planning Commission Minutes 7 January 22, 1990
appeared that this station would also have the potential to
cause an icy condition on the street. Namtvedt concurred that
the stacking distance for the car wash should be increased.
Namtvedt said that this would be a nice facility and he
welcomed the competition; however, he was concerned about the
traffic.
Bacus stated that a traf f is study had been conducted by a firm
chosen by the City and the report stated that there were no
traffic problems. He added that the car wash was equipped
with a dryer and a trench was planned to handle any potential
icing problem.
Uram stated that he understood the residents concerns
regarding traffic and this was why the City had requested that
a traffic study be conducted. He added that it was the
conclusion of the study that the traffic pattern as proposed
would work well for this location.
Hallett asked if the speed of the traffic at the curve and the
sight distances at this location had been checked. Uram
replied that these items had been specifically requested.
Bye asked what the traffic threshold was for this area. Uram
• replied that the intersection at 78th Street currently
operated at a level "F" .
Grier asked if the traffic pattern could be changed to exit
onto Leona Road. Bacus replied that studies indicated that
this facility would not generate additional traffic above what
presently existed.
Hallett asked if the speed limit could be reduced in this
area. Uram replied that the speed limit was determined by the
State.
Ruebling was also concerned about the safety issue and asked
if the berming would hinder the sight distance. Uram replied
that the berming was setback far enough to not affect the
sight distance.
Hallett asked how the firm was chosen to perform the traffic
study. Uram replied that the City requests bids and had
selected BRW because of its knowledge of the major center
area.
Bye stated that she shared the residents concerns regarding
the traffic; however, the experts had reported that the design
would work.
• Ruebling stated that precedent was important; however, the
architectural integrity of the facility was also important.
�lanning Commission Minutes 8 January 22, 1990
Ruebling believed that the stone covering would make the
columns stand out, where the design presented by the proponent
would mask their appearance. He added that he would not
object to the removal of the recommendation requesting the
stone covered columns. Bauer concurred. Uram replied that
Staff had not been provided with information on how it would
look with the flat stone. Bacus stated that it was difficult
to provide information on how the stone would look because it
had not been done before.
Ruebling asked if the driveway design would be changed from
what currently existed. Uram replied no.
MOTION 1:
Bauer moved, seconded by Ruebling to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 2:
Bauer moved, seconded by Ruebling to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Phillips 66 Company for
Zoning District Amendment within the C-Hwy District on 1.22
acres, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals,
• for construction of a convenience gas station, based on plans
dated January 8, 1990, subject to the recommendations of the
Staff Report dated January 19, 1990 and further that with
respect to recommendation 1.E, the Planning Commission did not
view this as a necessary requirement because the column
without the stone appeared to be a better architectural
integration. Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 3:
Bauer moved, seconded by Ruebling to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Phillips 66 Company for
Site Plan Review on 1.22 acres within the C-Hwy District, for
construction of a convenience gas station, based on plans
dated January 8, 1990, subject to the recommendations of the
Staff Report dated January 19, 1990 and further that with
respect to recommendation 1.E, the Planning Commission did not
view this as a necessary requirement because the column
without the stone appeared to be a better architectural
integration. Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 4:
Bauer moved, seconded by Ruebling to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Phillips 66 Company for
• Preliminary Plat of 1.22 acres into one lot for construction
of a convenience gas station, based on plans dated January 8,
1990, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
�lanning Commission Minutes 9 January 22, 1990
January 19, 1990 and further that with respect to
recommendation 1.E, the Planning Commission did not view this
as a necessary requirement because the column without the
stone appeared to be a better architectural integration.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Bye requested that the traffic be monitored closely.
D. ALPINE CENTER, by Lariat Companies. Request for Planned Unit
Development District Review on approximately 18 acres, Zoning
District CHange from Office to C-Reg-Ser and Site Plan Review
on 3.56 acres for construction of a 29,700 sq. ft. retail
center. Location: Northeast corner of Prairie Center Drive
and Commonwealth Drive. A continued public hearing.
Uram reported that the proponent had requested a continuance.
MOTION:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to continue to the February
12, 1990, Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 4-0-0.
E. CHI-CHITS RESTAURANT,by Consul Restaurant Corporation.
Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 18
• acres, Planned Unit Development District Review, with waivers,
Zoning District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning
District, and Site Plan Review on 3.99 acres, and Preliminary
Plat of 3 .99 acres into three lots for construction of a 7,390
sq. ft. restaurant. Location: Southwest corner of Middleset
Road and Crystal View Road. A public hearing.
Bill Etter, representing the proponent, gave a brief
presentation regarding the history of the company. He added
that Chi-Chi's would employee approximately 100 to 150 people
and that the company worked to become good corporate citizens
of the community.
Lee Madden, architect for the proponent, stated that the NSP
easement had presented had obstacle for the development
resulting in a change in location of the building on the site.
A convenient drop-off area was provided at the front door.
A common street access would provide access to the other lots.
Madden noted that NSP also had restrictions regarding the
landscaping on the easement which would be adhered to.
Decorative lamps would be placed along Commonwealth Drive.
The facility would be a 7400 square foot, one story building.
The exterior of the building would incorporate brick with a
stucco accent. The brick would be a brown color with a cream
colored stucco. Three exterior signs were presented.
• Uram reported that the exterior building material must be
consistent with Alpine Center. He added that Staff would make
lanning Commission Minutes 10 January 22, 1990
a final decision when the sample were provided. The
Engineering Department was recommending that the 6 inch
watermain be extended through the site.
Hallett asked Uram if Staff wanted to see the actual brick
sample and then make a recommendation regarding color. Uram
replied that Staff was concerned about the color.
Ruebling asked if the Alpine Center plans were far enough
along to be able to accomplish a color match. Julie Skarda,
representing the Lariat Company, replied that they were
comfortable that a color match could be made.
Bauer asked Madden if the proponent was in agreement with
Staff regarding the elimination of the off-site sign. Madden
replied that the proponent concurred and further considered
this to be a positive improvement.
MOTION 1•
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 2:
• Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Consul Restaurant
Corporation for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment to
the overall Preserve Commercial Park North (Area G) Planned
Unit Development on 18 acres for construction of a 7,390 sq.
ft. Chi Chi's Restaurant, based on plans dated January 5,
1990, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
January 19, 1990. Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 3:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Consul Restaurant
Corporation for Planned Unit Development District Review, with
waivers, and Zoning District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser
Zoning District on 3 .99 acres for construction of a 7,390 sq.
ft. Chi Chi's Restaurant, based on plans dated January 5,
1990, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
January 19, 1990. Motion carried 4-0-0.
MOTION 4:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Consul Restaurant
Corporation for Site Plan Review on 3.99 acres for
• construction of a 7, 390 sq. ft. Chi Chi's Restaurant, based
on plans dated January 5, 1990, subject to the recommendations
lanning Commission Minutes 11 January 22, 1990
of the Staff Report dated January 19, 1990. Motion carried
4-0-0.
MOTION 5:
Ruebling moved, seconded by Bauer to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Consul Restaurant
Corporation for Preliminary Plat of 3 .99 acres into one lot
for construction of a 7, 390 sq. ft. Chi Chi's Restaurant,
based on plans dated January 5, 1990, subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 19, 1990.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
VIII, ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
• Hallett moved, seconded by Ruebling to adjourn the meeting at 9:45
PM. Motion carried 4-0-0.
•