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Planning Commission - 08/10/1987 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, August 10, 1987 7:30 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairman Ed Schuck, Richard Anderson, Julianne Bye, Christine Dodge, Doug Fell , Robert Hallett, Charles Ruebl i ng STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael Franzen, Senior Planner; Don Uram, Assistant Planner; Ann Kenyon, Recording Secretary Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call I . APPROVAL OF AGENDA II. MEMBERS REPORTS III. MINUTES IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS (7:35) A. SOUTHWEST CROSSING II, by Vantage Companies. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 109.68 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 109.68 acres with variances for building height, Zoning District Change from Commercial Regional to Office on 5 .13 acres and Board of Appeals variances for Shoreland setback, building height, impervious surface, and impervious surface below the high water mark of Smetana Lake for the construction of a 247,000 square foot office building. Location : North of Viking Drive, and south of Smetana Lake. A continued public hearing. (8:35) B. PRAIRIE VIEW ASSOCIATES, by Prairie View Associates for Preliminary Plat of 16.18 acres into 3 lots and road right-of-way with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals. Location: Northeast corner of Prairie Center Drive and Plaza Drive. A public hearing. (8: 45) D. INSULATION DISTRIBUTORS, INC. , by Welsh Companies, Inc. Request for Planned Unit Development District Review on 100 acres with variances, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 on 2 acres for construction of a 30,672 square foot office/warehouse. Location : South of Valley View Road on Equitable Drive. A public hearing. (9: 15) C. ROGER- S BODY SHOP, INC. , by Roger L. Lindeman. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 on 1 .68 acres with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, and Preliminary Plat of 1.91 acres into one lot and road right-of-way for construction of an auto body shop. Location: Highway #169 across from the Hennepin County Vocational Technical School. A public hearing. Agenda August 10, 1987 Page Two (9:50) E. BLUESTEM HILLS 4TH ADDITION, by Brown Land Company. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 15.94 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 15.94 acres with variances, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 10.57 acres with Shoreland variance to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, Zoning District Amendment within the R1-13.5 District on 5.36 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 15.94 acres into 27 single family lots, 3 outlots, and road right-of-way. Location: West of Bennett Place and Bluestem 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 LATER, THAN LISTED. MINUTES • EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMfSSION Monday, August 10, 1987 City Council Chambers 7:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Ed Schuck, Richard Anderson, Julianne Bye, Douglas Fell, Robert Hallett MEMBERS ABSENT: Christine Dodge, Charles Ruebling STAFF PRESENT: Michael Franzen, Senior Planner; Don Dram, Assistant Planner; Ann Kenyon, Recording Secretary Pledge of Allegiance - Roll Call I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as printed. Motion carried 5-0-0 II. rOABERS REPORTS None. III. MINUTES Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the July 27, 1987 Planning Commission meeting with the following amendments: Page 2, Motion 1, amended to read, "Motion was made by Fell, seconded by Bye ." Page 3, Paragraph 1, amended to read, "Dale Beckman of BRW gave a brief overview . . ." Page 5, Paragraph 2, of the Fountain Place item, amended by deleting the third sentence. Page 7, VI. New Business, Paragraph 1, amended to read "Fell inquired as to how the City Staff currently reviews parking ramps. He indicated that standards should be established. The City should also belooking- at the long term maintenance of parking ramps ." Motion carried 5-0-0. Planning Commission Minutes -2- August 10, 1987 • IV. DEVELOPHM PROPOSALS A. SOUTHWEST CROSSING II, by Vantage Companies. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 109.68 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 109.68 acres with variances for building height, Zoning District Change from Commercial Regional to Office on 5.13 acres and Board of Appeals variances for Shoreland setback, building height, impervious surface, and impervious surface below the high water mark of Smetana. Lake for the construction of a 247,000 square foot office building. Location: North of Viking Drive, and south of Smetana Lake. A continued public hearing. Planner Franzen introduced Brian Carlson from Ellerbe and Associates. Carlson presented the revised plan to the Commission. A number of changes have been made. The plantings along Viking Drive have been increased by 22% by using more large trees and adding evergreens. The screening wall has been raised an additional 18 inches. For the overall project, the screening has been increased by 5%. Proponent stated they feel certain they meet the 75% year round screening of the parking area. Franzen stated that if the Planning Commission is ready to approve the project, approval should be subject to the previous Staff Report conditions numbered 1 through 15 in that order, plus that concept • approval for Phase III would be subject to a revised plan which meets city code for screening of parking areas. Schuck asked if the traffic issue at full development is reached. Franzen answered, it will be 30 to 60 days before BRW completes the MCA traffic update. The study should indicate the measures to improve the level of service from an F condition. If road improvements are not possible then different land uses or lower FARs may be necessary to improve traffic. Vantage should be required to meet the p.m. peak hour limit of 2868 trips, and implement all traffic improvements identified in the study as it affects their site. Schuck asked for comments from the public. There were none. MOTION 1: Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Hallett, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-0-0. Planning Commission Minutes -3- August 10, 1987 • 1x7TION 2: Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Fell, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Vantage Companies for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 109.68 acres, based on plans dated June 26, 1987, revised plans dated August 7, 1987, subject to recommendations of the Staff Reports dated July 24 and August 7, 1987 and subject to revised plans for Phase III to meet city code requirement for screening of parking from public roads. Motion carried 5-0-0. MOTION 3: Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Fell, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Vantage Companies for Planned Unit Development District Review on 109.68 acres, with variances for building height, and Zoning District Change from Commercial regional to Office on 5.13 acres, with variances for Shoreland Setback, building height, impervious surface, and impervious surface below the high water mark of Smetana Lake to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, for Southwest Crossing II, based on plans dated June 26, 1987, revised plans dated August 7, 1987, subject to other previous amendments. Motion carried 5-0-0. • Franzen said Commission should recommend any screening requirements to city code. The impervious surface should be part of the motion. Proponent should be required to comply with City ordinance on the Phase III project for screening of parking. Amended motion carried 5-0-0. B. PRAIRIE VIEW ASSOCIATES, by Prairie View Associates for Preliminary Plat of 16.18 acres into 3 lots and road right-of way with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals. Location: Northeast corner of Prairie Center Drive and Plaza Drive. A public hearing. Planner Franzen introduced Mark Rooney representing Prairie View Associates. Mr. Rooney indicated the request is to modify the Prairie View Center 2nd Addition plat to combine the remainder of Lot 3 into Lot 2 and to provide a separate lot for the restaurant site within existing Lot 1. Mr. Rooney also described plans for the Baker Square Restaurant. Rooney stated that all of the Staff recommendations can be complied with. Both the purchasers and developer have agreed to this. Franzen said Staff recommends approval of the project as presented. Planning Commission Minutes -4- August 10, 1987 • Hallett asked why the project was under construction when it has to go before the Board of Appeals. Franzen indicated that the approved shopping center plan previously proposed a Perkins restaurant on the Bakers Square site. The building permit was issued since enough parking was provided on site per code. Subsequent to the permit the proponents requested a plat primarily for mortgage purposes. If the approved plans did not indicate a restaurant and/or if parking could not be provided on site to meet code, the permit would not have been issued until the Commission and Council reviewed the site plan. Chairman Schuck asked for comments from the public. There were none. MOTION 1: Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Hallett, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-0-0. MOTION 2: Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Fell, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Prairie View Associates for Preliminary Plat of 16.18 acres into three lots and road right-of-way, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, based on plans dated August 4, 1987, subject to the recommendations • of the Staff Report dated August 7, 1987. Motion carried 5-0-0. C. INSULATION DISTRIBUTORS, INC., by Welsh Companies, Inc. Request for Planned Unit Development District Review on 100 acres with variances, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 on 2 acres for construction of a 30,672 square foot office/warehouse. Location: South of Valley View Road on Equitable Drive. A public hearing. Planner Uram introduced Paul Dunn from Welsh Companies and David Clark, the architect for the project. A brief description of the project was given indicating size, location and architecture. Uram stated that Staff recommends approval of the project with recommendations on page 3 and 4 of the Staff Report. Chairman Schuck asked for comments. Hallett inquired about the walkway system in the area. Franzen said there will be a trail along the north side of the creek and that there should be a creek crossing out on Mitchell Road. MOTION 1: • Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Fell, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-0-0. Planning Commission Minutes -5- August 10, 1987 • MOTION 2: Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Fell, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Welsh Companies, Inc. for Planned Unit Development District Review on 100 acres with variances, Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 on two acres for office/warehouse use, based on revised plans dated August 6, 1987, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated August 7, 1987. Motion carried 5-0-0. D. ROGER'S BODY SHOP, INC., by Roger L. Lindeman. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 on 1.68 acres with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, and Preliminary Plat of 1.91 acres into one lot and road right-of-way for construction of an auto body shop. Location: Highway #169 across from the Hennepin County Vocational Technical School. A public hearing. Planner Uram explained the project to the Planning Commission and told of the numerous meetings the Staff has had with the proponent and his engineer during the past seven months to work out some of the major issues. These issues included the road extension to the east, the screening of overhead doors and parking areas, and the • sanitary sewer issue. Brian Olson, representing the developer, presented the revised plans in response to those concerns presented by Staff. There will be 67 parking stalls located on the lot. The berming will range from approximately 14 feet along U.S. 169 and to approximately 4-1/2 feet high along the south property line. Olson showed the Commission the proposed planting material that will be used. He stated that the overhead doors and the parking lot will be completely hidden from U.S. 169 but would be partially visible from the proposed road extension. The only alternative for complete screening would be a 6 foot high fence. . Uram asked if Olson could address the sanitary sewer issue for the Planning Commission. Olson told of plans for the septic system and the drain field which would be located within the front yard setbacks along U.S. 169 and the proposed road extension to put it along the south property line. Because of this, berming along the south property line may not be possible. The body shop can then be brought into the sewer system once it is available. If an adequate system can not be design, developer will have to look at a holding tank. Paul Struthers, architect, showed Commission revised plans for the building and office. • Planning Commission Minutes -6- August 10, 1987 • Uram stated that based on the revised plans shown here tonight, Staff recommendations B, C, D & E listed in the Staff Report have been resolved. The issues that remain before the Commission are: A. Resolution of the future roadway construction and any required utilities. F. Provision of details regarding sanitary sewer disposal. G. Provision of a screening plan for any outside storage area in which vehicles shall be parked. H. Provision of a screening plan for the overhead doors and parking areas along the south property line. The proponent has said that he will petition for the City to extend the roadway to the east. Uram stated he had a discussion with Mr. Hines, property owner, regarding the extension of the roadway. Mr. Hines has not been receptive to the extension at this point. The road design requires a 35-foot right-of-way acquisition from on Mr. Simchuck's property. This would put his garage six feet from the right-of-way line. Regarding the sanitary sewer disposal, the last idea developer has presented to Staff doesn't appear acceptable. Staff has been in • touch with the Engineering Department on this issue, however, details would have to be presented so a proper review could be conducted. The screening plan for the outside storage area can be worked out with Roger Lindeman. This would require planting material that would effectively block the overhead doors and the parking lot. Uram concluded by asking the Planning Commission to review the roadway extension and sanitary sewer issues and make some recommendation as to whether or not a project like this would be feasible at this time and location. Chairman Schuck asked for comments. Hallett stated it has been four months since anyone has talked to Mr. Hines. Can the city condemn the remnant tract? Uram answered, Mr. Hines has said he hasn't seen anything happen in 20 years and he doesn't think anything is going to happen. Bye stated if the road is built, it is going to be a problem turning left off of Highway #169. Planning Commission Minutes -7- August 10, 1987 Uram replied that Gene Dietz, Director of Public Works, stated he would like to see a petition from Roger Lindeman to make sure the road will be built with this project. Anderson remarked, once the road is approved it will help Mr. Hines understand that this is going to happen. It makes sense to get the road petition moving. Roger Lindeman addressed the Commission. Stated he has lived in Eden Prairie all of his life. He would like to put the road in. He is willing to pay Mr. Hines a decent price for his property. He is willing to work with the City on this project and is willing to pay the price. He asked the Planning Commission for some help on this project. Fell asked about long term ownership. Lindeman answered, the body shop business is changing. People are driving high tech cars and want to go to a shop where their cars will be repaired properly. Lindeman stated he definitely plans on long term ownership. Fell asked about the sanitary sewer situation. Uram said holding tanks are used when there is no other alternative. Fell asked what the cost was. Uram didn't know the details. Fell stated the Commission should talk about all three issues - road extension, sanitary sewer and screening - before any decision is made. Anderson asked if they could get a road extension before they get the approval of the rest of the project with the Planning Commission prior to the City Council meeting. Uram said they have to approve the whole project, or continue the whole project. Franzen suggested the developers look at ways to work out this project without acquiring the property. Schuck asked the developers what they could do as it stands right now. The architect showed another way they could take care of the screening by moving the office from the corner of the building, moving the two overhead garage doors around so that they would be screened by Highway #169. Olson commented on the septic system. Schuck asked the developers to work on this and present it again at the next meeting. MOTION 1: Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Fell, to continue the public hearing to the August 24, 1987 meeting of the Planning Commission pending resolution by proponent of the issues raised in the Staff Report of August 7, 1987 and additional issues raised at this meeting - screening of the autos, sanitary sewer, screening of the overhead doors. Planning Commission Minutes -8- August 10, 1987 • Hallett asked if they were recommending the road extension without actually saying that. Addendum to the motion - Bye said the Planning Commission encourages the petition of the road. Hallett asked if Staff plans to talk to Mr. Hines before the next meeting. Urain stated that Staff would contact Mr. Hines. Motion carried 5-0-0. E. BLUESTEM HILLS 4TH ADDITION, by Brown Land Company. Request or Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 15.94 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 15.94 acres with variances, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 10.57 acres with Shoreland variance to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, Zoning District Amendment within the R1-13.5 District on 5.36 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 15.94 acres into 27 single family lots, 3 outlots, and road right-of-way. Location: West of Bennett Place and Bluestein Lane. A public hearing. Planner Franzen indicated the major concern is the policy of development on steep slopes using retaining walls, the impact this • project will have on Purgatory Creek, and how many trees are going to be saved. He added that as a result of recent storm damage to property the city should re-evaluate the development policy on steep slopes. This site will require a steep sloped review and recommendation from the Planning Commission to the City Council. Planner Franzen introduced David Brown, developer, and Michael Gair, consultant, who explained the proposal to the Planning Commission. Chairman Schuck stated that the Planning Commission must carefully review developments on steep slopes and that a better job must be done than in the past. He indicated that he felt several Council members share the same concern. Bye referred to the setback requirements and asked if there is any way an individual owner can come in with a variance. Franzen answered, yes they can. Fell said he was comfortable with having permanent concrete retaining walls in place before developing the property. Anderson didn't think concrete blends in with Purgatory Creek area. Fell said there are things that can be done to make the walls glend in. The developer stated they would prefer to build the walls on an individual basis to conform with the design of each house. Planning Commission Minutes -9- August 10, 1987 Chairman Schuck asked the Staff for an opinion on steep sloped development. Franzen indicated he thought that the Planning Commission seemed concerned about the health and safety issue and suggested that Staff work with the developer towards a revised plan that did not have to rely on retaining walls. Fell asked about the tree losses, and would the retaining walls be certified? Developer said a structural engineer will design and approve these. Franzen indicated that there are two ways to approach development on this site. One would be an engineering solution with certified retaining walls. The other would be a site planning solution that fit the plan to the site. He added that sometimes the more complicated and restrictive the solutions become, the greater the chances are for failure. He added that so far the restrictive covenants on recently approved subdivisions have not been effective since homeowners are building bigger homes than initially proposed. Hallett remarked that maybe all this property can not be developed because of the trees and steep slopes. Fell said he would be comfortable with developing this property with some kind of covenant with a structural engineer monitoring the • design. Bye stated she would like two more weeks to think about this, and see if there are other ways of developing the property. Franzen agreed it would be advisable to look at other alternatives. One way may be moving the road to the north, creating smaller lots on the northside and larger lots with pads further from the creek on the southside. MOTION 1: Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Fell, to continue the public hearing to the August 24, 1987 meeting of the Planning Commission pending resolution by proponent of the issues raised in the Staff Report of August 7, 1987 and any additional issues raised at this meeting and directed Staff to publish this item for the September 1 Council meeting. V. OLD BUSINESS None VI. NEW BUSINESS • None Planning Commission Minutes -10- August 10, 1987 VII. PLANMR'S REPORT Planner Franzen referred to the memo from Gene Dietz, director of Public Works, about the I-494 meeting on Tuesday night and suggested that Commission may be interested in this as it affects Eden Prairie. VIII. ADJOLTHM Motion to adjourn was made by Hallett, seconded by Fell. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.