Planning Commission - 10/11/1988 AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, .October 11, 1988
7:30 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairman Julianne Bye, Richard Anderson, Christine Dodge, Doug
Fell , Robert Hallett, Charles Ruebling, Ed Schuck
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael Franzen, Senior
Planner; Don Uram, Assistant Planner; Sue Anderson, Recording
Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
III. MINUTES
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
(7:35) A. FAIRFIELD PHASES 2 THROUGH 6, by Tandem Properties. Request for Planned
Unit Development District Review, with waivers for street frontage and lot
size on 118.2 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 82.7
acres and from Rural to R1-13.5 on 33.6 acres, and Preliminary Plat of
118.2 acres into 299 single family lots, 28 outlots, and road right-of-
way, for construction of a residential development. Location: West of
County Road #4, southeast of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. A
public hearing.
(7:40) B. TIMBER BLUFFS, by Brown Land Company. Request for Planned Unit
Development Concept Review on 44.4 acres, Planned Unit Development Review
on 44.4 acres with waivers, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-44 on
26.6 acres, Preliminary Plat of 44.4 acres into 14 single family lots and
one outlot, Environmental Assessment Worksheet Review for a single family
development. Location: South of Riverview Road, north of Minnesota
River. A public hearing.
(7:45) C. STARVIEW TERRACE, by Patrick Bauer. Request for Zoning District Change
from Rural to R1-13.5 on 15.62 acres, Preliminary Plat of 15.62 acres into
30 single family lots, 2 outlots, and road right-of-way for construction
of a single family development. Location: West side of Starring Lake,
west of Mitchell Road. A public hearing.
(8:30) D. HIWAY 494/CROSSTOWN RACQUET, SWIM AND HEALTH CLUB, by Northwest Racquet,
Swim and Health Club, Inc. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural
to Community Commercial on 2.2 acres and Zoning District Amendment within
the Community Commercial District on 9.73 acres with variances to be
reviewed by the Board of Appeals, Preliminary Plat of 9.73 acres into one
lot, and 6.4 acres into one lot, one outlot, and road right-of-way for
construction of a 29,392 square foot addition to the health club and an
additional parking lot. Location: East of Baker Road, north of Holasek
Lane. A public hearing.
V. OLD BUSINESS
• VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
*NOTE: THE TIMES LISTED ABOVE ARE TENTATIVE, AND MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY EARLIER,
OR i ATFR, THAN i T';TFD
MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 11, 1988
City Council Chambers
7:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Julianne Bye, Christine Dodge, Charles Ruebling, Doug Fell
and Richard Anderson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Hallett and Edward Schuck
STAFF PRESENT: Chris Enger,Director of Planning; Don Uram,Assistant Planner;and
Sue Anderson, Recording Secretary
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Motion was made by Ruebling and seconded by Fell to approve the agenda as printed.
Motion carried 5-0-0
Il. MEMBERS REPORTS
None
Ill. MINUTES
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 26, 1988.
MOTION:
Motion was made by Ruebling and seconded by Dodge to approve the minutes of the September
26, 1988, Planning Commission meeting as published.
Motion carried 4-0-1 (Fell abstained)
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 1988 Page 2
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
• A. FAIRFIELD PHASES 2 THROUGH 6. by Tandem Properties. Request for Planned Unit
Development District Review,with waivers for street frontage and lot size on 118.2 acres,Zoning
District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 82.7 acres and from Rural to R1-13.5 on 33.6 acres,
Preliminary Plat of 118.2 acres into 299 single family lots,28 outlots,and road right-of-way,for
construction of a residential development. Location: West of County Road#4,southeast of the
Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. A continued public hearing.
Bye reported to the Commission that a letter was received from the developer asking for
continuance to the November 14, 1988 meeting instead of the November 24, 1988 meeting.
Thomas Boyce, President of Centex Homes,felt they could complete the items in question by the
14th.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Anderson and seconded by Fell to continue the public hearing to November
14, 1988 meeting.
Motion carried 5-0-0
B. TIMBER BLUFFS. by Brown Land Company. Request for Planned Unit Development
Concept Review on 44.4 acres, Planned Unit Development Review on 44.4 acres with waivers,
Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-44 on 26.6 acres, Preliminary Plat of 44.4 acres into 14
single family lots and one outlot, Environmental Assessment Worksheet Review for a single
family development. Location: South of Riverview Road, north of Minnesota River. A public
. hearing.
Enger reported that after a 2-1/2 hour meeting between Staff and the proponent, a continuance is
being requested by the developer to allow them time to prepare changes being made to the plans,
and for Staff to review such changes.
Concerns are the size of the lots,size of building pads on the lot,grading,the use of a private road,
and bluff development.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Anderson and seconded by Fell to continue the public hearing to the
October 24, 1988 Planning Commission meeting.
Motion carried 5-0-0
C. STARVIEW TERRACE. by Patrick Bauer. Request for Zoning District Chagne from Rural to
Ri-13.5 on 15.62 acres, Preliminary Plat of 15.62 acres into 30 single family lots,2 outlots,and
road right-of-way for construction of a single family development. Location: West side of Starring
lake,west of Mitchell Road. A public hearing.
Frank Cardarelle,Surveyor and Engineer for Patrick Bauer, introduced the project and Tom Stall,
Architect for the project.
Stall presented the preliminary plat of 15.62 acres and showed slides of the site as of this date,
indicating trees presently on the site and the type of homes being anticipated. He described the
project as it would appear from Mitchell Road. He stated that the project was designed with a
maximum slope of the road at 8%.
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 1988 Page 3
• Uram reported the project was for single family homes,and within the Staff Report were suggestions
regarding the grading because as it is proposed,the face of the hill will be moved back from Mitchell
Road approximately 250 feet. The following alteratives are: 1) Remove lots 7-11, Block 2,which
would reduce the slope on the hill to 4:1,the overall maximum cut could be reduced to
approximately 12 feet which would be 18 feet less than what was proposed. The hill would retain
some of the existing character. This alternative, if done, should include the relocation of Queen's
Drive and Victoria Drive to increase lot depths along Mitchell Road. 2) Remove lots 9-11,Block 2,
which would reduce the amount of overall grading helping to save the hill but not as extensively as
Alternative#1. 3)Without the removal of any lots,the rear yard areas could be reduced to a
maximum of 30 feet; however,with the proposed building pad of 40 feet,where a typical pad
measures 50 feet, additional rear yard grading could be expected.
Proponent posed a question for the Planning Commission as to what amount of grading was
excessive. He pointed out that Staff was recommending that the project be approved with the
removal of the 5 lots and the project redesigned.
Cardarelle asked for direction,as he saw the changes,if lots were removed as suggested in
Alternative#1 and#2,it would cause double frontage for many of the other lots. He felt even with lot
reduction,the entire site would be graded regardless and to grade in double frontage lots would be
excessively expensive to the developer. He pointed out that the original 34 lots were reduced to 30
and now with the three alternatives,they needed direction. He contended that it was not good land
use planning to have double frontages.
Ruebling stated his thoughts would be to agree with Staff to remove 5 lots. Larger lots are
particularly appropriate as the project is close to the R1-13.5 zoning minimum. He would like to see
• the lots larger. It was noted that Robert Mason Homes was planning townhouses just to the north.
Fell contended that the cul-de-sac was too long. Staff stated that would be temporary until such
time when property next to project was developed. Proponent indicated that the project has been
hurried along at the Council request in order to see what was going to happen along Mitchell Road.
They feel 30-35'house pads are sufficient,as they did not want to make pads larger than what was
necessary for the homes intended.
Enger pointed out that previously,when a subdivision is planned, a typical building pad was 40'. He
continued that their experience, over the last two years, has shown that when building permits are
applied for,the majority of building pads are not big enough for the home being built. The reality of
the market is that lots should be bigger and house pads 80' in depth.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Anderson and seconded by Dodge to continue this public hearing to
November 14, 1988 Planning Commission meeting. Commission was confident that Staff would
come back with reasonable suggestions regarding grading and creating an access to the west.
Discussion on motion followed:
Cardarelle pointed out that the City Engineering Department was not in favor of an access to the
west but preferred something off the south end.
Fell inquired why this was not treated like a cul-de-sac. Staff replied that the street or road would
continue through the Mason Property at a later date.
Enger pointed out that the present zoning allowed the developer the flexibility to change from
townhomes to single family residents.
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 1988 Page 4
• Fell stated another reason to have additional accesses was for public safety. He wanted to see a fire
truck get into the area and turn around. He feels the Fire Marshall should be involved in road
development.
Cardarelle stated there was a lot of discussion and a motion to continue to November 14th. He
asked Commission to list the specific areas for consideration.
The Commission listed the following: 1) A more realistic plan for building pad to reflect current
market conditions. 2) Redesign of road regarding cul-de-sac and future access road. 3) Create
larger lots per Staff recommendations. 4) Limit the amount of grading.
Motion carried 5-0-0
D. HIWAY 494/CROSSTOWN RACQUET, SWIM AND HEALTH CLUB, by Northwest
Racquet,Swim and Health Club,Inc. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to
Community Commercial on 2.2 acres and Zoning District Amendment within the Community
Commercial District on 9.73 acres with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals,
Preliminary Plat of 9.73 acres into one lot,and 6.4 acres into one lot,one outlot,and road right-of-
way for construction of a 29,392 square foot addition to the health club and an additional parking
lot. Location: East of Baker Road, north of Holasek Lane. A public hearing.
Allen Kimdell,Architect for the proponent,gave a brief history of the project. It was previously
reviewed at the April 4, 1988 Planning Commission meeting,at which time a continuance was
• recommended based upon the lack of information regarding parking demand,traffic and
membership and the relationship to screening from single family homes and public safety.
The Club has gone through the study and was now looking at a three phased project. Phase One
would be the temporary parking lot located on the Holasek piece of property which was previously
proposed. This would consist of 115 parking stalls. Phase Two would be the development of a
three level parking ramp in the present parking lot. This would take care of the additional parking
demand. Proponent would continue to provide temporary parking on the outdoor tennis courts.
The construction of the ramp would take place in the spring of 1989. Phase Three would be to
develop a 29,392 square foot building addition along the south side of the existing building where
five outdoor tennis courts were to be located. The addition would contain two indoor tennis courts
and six racquetball courts and a storage area. The expansion would also include additional men's
and women's locker rooms and 10,000 square feet of free exercise space.
The temporary parking area would ultimately be dedicated to the City for use as parkland. The
proponent also indicated that funds would be provided to build four tennis courts on the proposed
park plan.
Anderson inquired if proponent was going 3 stories high on the ramp over the existing parking lot,
why not two levels over the whole area.
Proponent responded that the 3 level ramp was at the same elevation of the existing driveway thus
making construction easier.
Anderson requested that the ramp be aesthetically pleasing with the help of landscape.
Ruebling asked how many employee parking spaces they anticipated. Proponent responded with
the overlap of shifts, approximately 30-35 employees at one time.
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 1988 Page 5
• Ruebling asked if they took into consideration the additional number of employees with the
additional space. They felt 2 to 3 employees would be added.
Fell asked what would precipitate more expansion after Phase Two was completed. Proponent
replied the number of members using the facility would dictate the need for additional expansion.
Dodge was concerned about a limit on membership. What constraints does the building have,or
can then continue to add to the membership without additional space capability.
Proponent replied that the people dictate the need and will tell them when they are fed up with the
crowds and parking problems.
Dodge stated she had visited the club numerous times and never saw a parking a problem, but
conceded she had not been there during the 5-7 pm peak hours.
Uram spoke to the problems and recommendations by Staff for the project. 1) Replace the lighting
plan to reflect the elimination of the 2,000 watt flood lights on the southern property line. 2) Revise
the landscape plan to include a minimum of 10 foot evergreen trees along the parking ramp.
3) Revise the plans to reflect a 24 foot access drive constructed to City standards with curb and
gutter to provide access into the temporary parking lot. 4)Apply for and receive approval for
variances due to the parking addition and that the project was built before certain code
requirements were instituted (ordinances regarding base area ratio,floor area ratio,side yard
setback, lot size, and lot width). 5) Proponent shall implement a parking management plan for
special events. 6) The proponent shall implement a parking ramp inspection plan as part of the
traffic study. 7)The proponent shall give guarantee of land dedication of 2.21 acres which is the
• location of the temporary parking lot. The proponent shall also provide the City with security for the
construction of the four tennis courts along with guarantee of funds for the tennis courts. 8)
Proponent would guarantee construction of the 4th level of the ramp for a total of 820 parking stalls if
determined necessary by the City based upon documented parking problems in the future. 9)
There will be a time limit, datewise, on the temporary parking lot. 10) Proponent must provide proof
of parking capabilities prior to Phase Three construction. 11) Proponent would ascertain that the
tennis courts are complete regardless of Phase Two being built. 12) Proponent shall screen
temporary parking lot with fence and trees.
Arvid Schwartz, 6901 West 84th Street, the developer for Cardinal Ridge, stated that the fall and
winter months was when parking problems were the greatest and asked why the ramp could not be
started at this time instead of next spring.
Proponent stated that Phase one,Two and Three are not contingent upon one or the other.
Proponent felt that to tear into the present parking lot would increase the problem this winter.
Kimdell stated there was a possibility to begin construction this fall if land for temporary parking was
attained.
Harold Griffith, 13337 Halaseh Lane, inquired also why construction could not begin this fall. As
a resident in the area, he did not want to see the club continually grow. The property was guided
community commercial which is for the size of a neighborhood store. He asked if the zoning could
be changed. Staff replied that the City Council could consider doing that if the property owner
Holasek requested a change of zoning for the property.
Barbara and Terry Jeffords, 6655 Pinnacle Drive, just moved here in April and were basically
• against the whole thing. They spent a good deal of money on their house and now the
neighborhood is overcome by cars and noise. There are 24 parking slots by the tennis court, but it
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 1988 Page 6
is not enough. They would appreciate the removal of the flood lights on the outdoor tennis courts.
• They were also a bit upset about not being officially informed of this meeting-they heard about it
from a neighbor.
Enger responded that a notice was in the paper under City business. Also the certified owner of
the past year would be notified.
Enger continued that a couple of years ago he recommended that the club was not a proper land
use within the community commercial zoning district. The proponent went to the Board of Appeals
to get an interpretation of the zoning code. After denial,they took it to the City Council as an appeal
and convinced them that a health club of this size would fit into that area. At present,there is not
enough parking on the property thus the reason for the request.
Enger stated that parking is a practical problem with no limitation. As far as down-zoning,this could
be a problem, but perhaps a cap could be placed on the development so it will not go any further.
He concluded that the Jeffords must appreciate as well that this was a buyer beware situation. The
land had already been zoned commercial when they purchased the property.
Bye stated that the Commission was aware there was a parking problem and the parking ramp was an
attempt to remedy the situation.
Daniel Broughton, 6428 Pinnacle Drive, asked if money to be spent on landscape would be
used for landscaping the temporary parking lot for the residents in that area. He also asked if the
childrens playground would be adjacent to the tennis courts. And if the parking ramp would have a
fee.
• Proponent responded that landscape would be done on the temporary site as well as a temporary
fence. He added that the ramp would be free parking.
Steve Longman, 6568 Pinnacle Drive, stated he was building two homes on Pinnacle and would
prefer all parking for the club be on the north side of the building. He also asked for an ending date
for temporary parking as he felt without a date they would always use it as overflow parking.
Dodge inquired if the City could put constraints on the size of the building. Enger responded that
the Planning Commission could place a limitation on the size of the club and pass it on to the
Council to be included within Development Agreement.
Ruebling asked if there was any order or code limiting the capacity of a building. Enger stated that
with the floor ratio space at the club,the number was quite high. Within code requirements,they
could accommodate 1200 people for a banquet,tennis tourney or a group activity. However they
could not provide enough parking, and even in the future will have to have special event planning.
Ruebling asked if playground was at city expense. Uram responded that it was in the preliminary
planning stage and would be reviewed by Parks&Recreation Department.
Ruebling inquired of Staff if this land use as community commercial would carry a precedent or could
the Commission say this was a mistake and they do not want to make the mistake again.
Enger stated it created a precedent.
Ruebling asked if at the time the ramp is completed,the temporary parking area would be converted
to a playground. Proponent responded affirmatively.
•
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 1988 Page 7
Anderson stated that the parking situation was way beyond anyone's expectations. Even with the
. new ramp,it would take a whole season of activity to evaluate the success of the new parking ramp,
as it is heaviest in fall and winter.
Enger stated that he heard recommendations and contingents and that all Commissioners may not
agree but they could take action upon recommendations. It will not be known how the additional
parking works until its there. Once the limitations are eliminated the crowds may come until another
level of frustration develops.
It was suggested that Phase Three be contingent upon the first season use of the ramp.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Dodge and seconded by Anderson to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Dodge and seconded by Anderson to recommend approval of the request
of Northwest Racquet,Swim and Health Club, Inc.,for Zoning District Chagne from Rural to
Community Commercial on 2.2 acres and Zoning District Amendment within the Community
Commercial District on 9.73 acres,with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals,for the
Highway 494/Crosstown Racquet,Swim and Health Club,for expansion of the club and parking
areas, based on plans dated September 21, 1988, subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report dated October 7, 1988, and recommendations and contingents set forth at this meeting
numbered 1 through 12 on page 5 of these minutes.
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Dodge and seconded by Anderson to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request of Northwest Racquet, Swim and Health Club, Inc.,for Preliminary Plat of
9.73 acres into one lot,and Preliminary Plat of 6.4 acres into one lot,one outlot,and road right-of-
way for the Hiway 494/Crosstown Racquet,swim and Health Club,for expansion of the club and
parking areas, based on plans dated September 21, 1988, subject to the recommendations of the
Staff Report dated October 7, 1988, and recommendations and contingents set forth at this
meeting numbered 1 through 12 on page 5 of these minutes.
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 4:
Motion was made by Anderson and seconded by Dodge to recommend that two (2) tennis courts be
installed by the playground, and that the Parks, Recreation,and Natural Resources Commission
review the possibility of installing the other two(2) courts and backboards at another park in the City.
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 5:
Motion was made by Ruebling and seconded by Fell to recommend to City Council some way the
City could get out from under the precedent setting determination that a tennis club is an
appropriate use within the Community Commercial zoning district.
Motion carried 5-0-0
•
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 11, 1988 Page 8
Enger stated that the City could on its own reguide it and it would be all straight with the world.
Or not reverse the decision but change the community commercial zoning so its further defined to
exclude this use. Perhaps the property to the south should be reguided not rezoned.
Ed Sieber, 11792 Reuble, representing Holasek, stated that zoning change was not on the
agenda and therefore could not be voted on.
Enger noted that this project will go to the City Council on second Tuesday of November.
V. OLD BUSINESS
Anderson reported that along Preserve Blvd.there was dirt being hauled in. There are no fences in
place and the dirt is piling up around the trees killing them. Staff responded that they had just been
made aware of this and would be investigating it the next day.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
None
VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
Enger reported that his office has been very busy this fall with a lot of commercial projects. The
agendas are heavy with projects as well as statutes review. One being the Parks and Recreation
Chapter 3 and 7 regarding needs and capital funding. There will also be an amendment to the
Comprehensive Guide Plan.
• On November 14th,the Flying Cloud Master Plan will be discussed. Jean Johnson is the liaison for
Flying Cloud. She will be reporting on the public meeting held October 19th, which 1700 notices
were sent out.
Ruebling inquired if the Southwest Study was now the formal guideline. Enger answered it is the
preliminary guideline until the Council adopts it.
Vill. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Motion was made by Dodge and seconded by Ruebling to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0-0