Planning Commission - 01/22/2007 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY,JANUARY 22, 2007 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
BOARD MEMBERS: John Kirk, Vicki Koenig, Jerry Pitzrick,
Frank Powell, Peter Rocheford,
Fred Seymour, Ray Stoelting, Jon Stoltz
STAFF MEMBERS: Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources
Al Gray, City Engineer
Mike Franzen, City Planner
Julie Krull, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Stoelting called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Absent: Rocheford and Stoltz.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Seymour, seconded by Koenig, to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 6-0.
III. MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 8, 2007
Koenig had four changes to the minutes. The first change was on page 5, last paragraph,
first sentence. She wanted the sentence changed to read, "Koenig asked Fox to explain
the tree mass to the audience." Koenig's second change was on the same page and
paragraph, second sentence. She would like to change the word "it" to "that". It should
read, "Fox stated it would look like more vegetation is being taken down because of the
tree mass on the site "that" is not considered significant by definition,but they are
mitigating the significant tree loss on the site under City Ordinance."
The third change is on page 10, 4 h paragraph, first sentence. Koenig is changing the
word "for" to "using". It should read, "Koenig asked if it would be cheaper"using"
natural plantings."
The forth change for Koenig was the time for adjournment. It should be PM and not AM.
Planning Commission Minutes
January, 22, 2007
Page 2
Powell had a change on page 10, 9th paragraph, first sentence. It should read, "Powell
stated this would be the first building after the others were destroyed due to arson. He
asked if the City was concerned about another fire."
MOTION by Seymour, seconded by Kirk, to approve the minutes. Motion carried
6-0.
IV. PUBLIC MEETING
V. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. BLUFF COUNTRY VILLAGE
Request for:
Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 5.8 acres; Planned Unit
Development District Review on 5.8 acres; Zoning District Amendment in the
Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District on 2.7 acres; Site Plan Review on 2.7
acres; Preliminary Plat of 5.8 acres into two lots and one outlot.
Bob Sofelt, developer of the project,presented the proposal. He started out the
presentation by introducing Beth Simonson, of Trek Development, and Ed Farr,
architect to the project. Mr. Sofelt stated they are here this evening to show
revisions that were requested from their last meeting. He stated they had a
neighborhood meeting last week and it was well received. Mr. Sofelt stated one
of the major issues that was brought up in the prior meeting was the realignment
of the intersection across from Walgreens; he stated they have removed the north
entrance onto this site and showed plans for new access . Mr. Sofelt said the other
recommendations were architectural in nature and asked Mr. Farr to address these
issues. Mr. Farr presented the architectural changes to the coffee shop roof;
which would be consistent with that of Walgreens. He pointed out the building
on the north end of the property would have gabled towers and a sloped roof;
which would also be consistent with the Walgreens building. Mr. Farr pointed
out they were not asking for any sign variance.
Stoelting asked Franzen to address the staff report. Franzen stated the Staff
recommends approval based on page 4 of the staff report.
Stoelting opened the meeting up for public input. There was no input.
Powell commented he was surprised there was not any neighborhood
representation at the meeting this evening. Stoelting stated he was glad that the
project proponent had the meeting with the neighborhood members.
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January, 22, 2007
Page 3
MOTION by Koenig, seconded by Seymour, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 6-0.
MOTION by Koenig, seconded by Kirk, to approve the Planned Unit
Development Concept Review on 5.8 acres, Planned unit Development District
Review on 5.8 acres; Zoning District Amendment in the Neighborhood
Commercial Zoning District on 2.7 acres; Site Plat Review on 2.7 acres and
Preliminary Plat of 5.8 acres into two lots and one outlot based on plans stamped
dated January 8, 2007, and the staff report dated January 19, 2007. Motion
carried 6-0.
Koenig stated that she wanted to thank the project proponent and the neighbors
for coming to an agreement on this project.
B. VARIANCE#2007-03
Request:
To permit 100% retail in the I-2 Zoning District. Location is 15195 Martin
Drive.
Cindy Eddy and Elizabeth Berr presented the proposal for the Prop Shop. The
Prop Shop receives donations for PROP. She stated they would like a variance to
allow 100% retail. Ms. Berr also pointed out they comply with the parking and
there would be no changes to the outside of the building or landscaping.
Stoelting asked Franzen to review the staff report. Franzen stated there are four
actions that can be taken and they are listed on page 3 of the staff report.
Stoelting opened the meeting up for public input. There was no input.
Kirk asked staff to explain the variance and it's proposed use. Franzen stated it
would mean 100% retail use of the building for the use as proposed and the
variance would expire if and when the use leaves the building.
Powell stated in Item 1 of the Commission Actions in the staff report, it stated
there will be no outside storage of product. Powell asked if that would include a
drop box. Franzen stated the drop box would be considered an accessory to the
building And would be permitted.
Koenig asked the project proponent when donations could be dropped off. Ms.
Berr said the only drop off time would be on Tuesdays during business hours.
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Koenig, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 6-0.
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January, 22, 2007
Page 4
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Koenig, to approve the variance to permit 100%
retail in the I-2 Zoning District based on plans stamped dated January 2, 2007,
and the staff report dated January 19, 2007. Motion carried 6-0.
VII. PLANNERS' REPORT
Guide Plan Update
1. Housing Focus Group Summary
2. Airport Introduction
3. Review of prior policy direction
4. Demographics
Housing Focus Group Summary
Molly Koivumaki, Manager of Housing and Community Services for Eden Prairie,
presented the Housing Focus Group Summary. She stated there were five goals.
1. Promote and encourage life cycle housing opportunities.
To include recommended additional policies:
a. Add policy for provision of a range of housing sizes.
b. Policy for support for addition of accessory apartments.
c. Adopt policy for seniors and handicapped housing to fit their needs.
2. Use full authority of City and HRA to support development and maintenance of low to
moderate income housing.
3. Lower development costs of low to moderate income levels.
4. Work with other agencies to help finance projects and housing techniques.
5. Pursue and implement the Livable Communities Goals and Strategies.
There are three recommended additional housing goals.
1. Plan for new medium and high density housing to have convenient access to transit,
retail stores, parks and other amenities.
2. Promote maintenance and reinvestment in aging residential neighborhoods.
3. Develop partnerships to help guide development of new housing options, including
local employers, the school district, health facilities, churches, etc.
Seymour asked about the accessory apartments and what exactly that means. Ms.
Koivumaki said the Senior Housing Task Force addressed this issued and had a lot of
discussion regarding exactly what this was. They came up with the concept that it is
making an apartment in the home for a relative or a senior member of the family.
Stoelting asked if it would be a separate entry. Ms. Koivumaki stated it would be a
separate entry into the apartment. Pitzrick asked if there would be a requirement of the
second occupant to being a relative or just a renter. Ms. Koivumaki said they would want
it to be a relative. Pitzrick asked how the parking would work. Franzen stated the City
Code requires one open space and one closed space per unit, so if there was a double
garage it would satisfy the parking requirement. Stoelting asked if there were examples
of accessory apartments in Eden Prairie. Ms. Koivumaki stated there was one but she
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January, 22, 2007
Page 5
was not sure of the location. Stoelting asked Franzen if this type of unit would need
review. Franzen stated it would be a change to the City Code and it would have to be
addressed at a public hearing before the Commission and the Council.
Koenig stated the City needs to look at this issue because 20 years from now there would
be more senior residents in Eden Prairie. Ms. Koivumaki agreed with Koenig.
Stoelting stated we do not need to make a specific recommendation this evening because
this is just a presentation of an approved policy in the future. Franzen stated the policy
should be general such as more affordable senior options and accessory apartments may
be part of the solution but not the only solution.
Powell stated his recommendation would be to come up with a plan now to re-zone
certain areas in Eden Prairie to higher density housing so the City would be prepared for
this transition in the next 10 to 20 years. Koenig stated the MCA and Golden Triangle
area are slated for this transition.
Kirk said we should provide guidance on where high density is acceptable and allow for
the market to dictate where the higher density areas are actually developed.
Airport Introduction
Scott Kipp, Senior Planner presented the airport update. He first gave a status report
regarding the proposed airport expansion. Mr. Kipp said the Environmental Impact
Statement for the expansion is at the FAA for its decision. The expansion is to extend
both parallel runways, acquire land to protect runway approaches, and to construct
hangars on the south side of the airfield. The longest runway after expansion will be
5,000 feet. He said MAC's capital improvement program shows the expansion occurring
in 2008 and 2009, subject to funding.
Mr. Kipp then discussed the proposed aviation section. He said it will be included within
the transportation chapter and updated to reflect any land use changes since the last
update, and to address the status of expansion. It will also address the newly established
Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission.
He said new to the aviation section will be:
1. Land use and zoning changes for the airport to a new "airport" category for consistency
with its function, and to establish zoning district standards for hangar construction.
2. Changes in some land uses from residential to office on the east side of the airport which
underlay the noise contours for the airport.
3. A one-mile noise attenuation requirement for new residential construction to help
mitigate noise impacts around the airport where aircraft activity is common.
Pitzrick asked if the 5,000 foot runway was a done deal. Mr. Kipp stated the City and
MAC entered into an agreement not oppose the expansion in exchange for commitments
to limit noise and future growth. The purpose of the expansion is to help minimize
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January, 22, 2007
Page 6
corporate aircraft activity at the MSP airport and to use the reliever airports. If the EIS is
approved, MAC will need to obtain federal funds to construct the runway.
Stoelting stated if MAC owns the land and the hangars are privately owned, would there
be any direction for guidelines as to how hangars are developed. Mr. Kipp stated the
purpose of the proposed zoning district standards for the airport would be the criteria they
would follow in order to construct hangars.
Review of prior policy direction and demographics
Barry Warner, of SRF Consulting Group, presented the review of prior policy direction
and demographics. He used a power point presentation to discuss the following topics:
Review of Prior Policy Direction; they are as follows:
1. Determine practical feasibility of neighborhood commercial land uses.
2. Identify range of natural land uses.
3. Guidance in redevelopment activity.
4. Major Center Area.
5. Golden Triangle Area.
6. Transportation—targeted improvements to expand road capacity.
7. Parks, open space, and natural resources.
8. Housing Development.
Demographics
Mr. Warner discussed the trends and influencing factors of demographics. He pointed
out with an aging population comes changes in the household sizes. He predicts the
population will increase from 63,547 currently to 77,431 in 2030. Franzen stated in the
future, the City will need to look at new policies and strategies on this issue.
Powell said in the presentation, Mr. Warner stated there are going to be changes but did
not mention higher density housing for senior citizens and asked if that would be
included. Pitzrick and Powell were in agreement that areas for high density housing
should be established. Stoelting stated there needs to be a balance between demographics
and the Guide Plan and pointed out there does not seem to be a lot of land for
development, approximately 856 acres. Franzen stated a majority of and affordable
housing will be in the Golden Triangle and the MCA.
Koenig stated the Commission needs to look at when the light rail system gets to Eden
Prairie to plan redevelopment projects. She also said there needs to be some open space
in the MCA and Golden Triangle Area. Franzen stated there are some existing natural
corridors.
Pitzrick said the Commission should incorporate Lead Certification into future planning.
Powell agreed. Franzen stated they could have an architect come in and talk about the
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January, 22, 2007
Page 7
program. Koenig suggested a workshop to discuss these issues. Franzen stated some of
these issues could be addressed at future meetings. Koenig commented the building
heights in the City should also be addressed.
February 12, 2007 Planning Commission Meeting
Franzen stated the February 12, 2007, Planning Commission Meeting will have four
items on the agenda. The items include a bank proposal, a revision to an approved plan, a
variance from the International School for a larger sign, and a rain water garden
presentation.
VIII. MEMBERS' REPORT
Powell asked Franzen if Fox had met with the neighbors in regard to the tree loss that
was addressed in the January 8th meeting minutes. Franzen stated he thought Fox had
talked with the neighbors..
IX. CONTINUING BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Koenig, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
6-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.