Planning Commission - 05/14/2007 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY, MAY 14, 2007 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: John Kirk, Vicki Koenig, Jerry Pitzrick,
Frank Powell, Pete Rocheford,
Fred Seymour, Ray Stoelting, Jon Stoltz,
Kevin Schultz
STAFF MEMBERS: Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources
Mike Franzen, City Planner
Lori Creamer, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Stoelting called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Absent: Koenig, Pitzrick,
Rocheford.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Stoltz, seconded by Seymour, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0.
III. MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 23, 2007
MOTION by Seymour, seconded by Powell, to approve the minutes. Motion carried
4-0. Kirk& Stoelting abstained.
IV. PUBLIC MEETINGS
V. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. OAK CREEK AT HENNEPIN VILLAGE
Request for:
Guide Plan Change from Public Open Space to Medium Density Residential on
3.1 acres and from Medium Density Residential to Public Open Space on 3.2
acres; Planned Unit Development concept Review on 73.7 acres; Planned Unit
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Development District Review on 73.7 acres; Zoning District Change from Rural
to R1-9.5 on 18.74 acres; Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 2.0
acres; Preliminary Plat of 73.7 acres into 96 lots and 6 outlots.
Franzen said Pemtom Land Company has requested the Oak Creek at Hennepin
Village project be continued to the June 11, 2007 Planning Commission meeting
and an extension of the review period to August 21, 2007. They will need time to
put drawings together for recommended Prospect Road improvements along with
redesigning a portion of the subdivision. Residents were notified of the
continuance.
MOTION by Kirk seconded by Stoltz, to continue the Oak Creek at Hennepin
Village project to the June 11, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. Motion
carried 6-0.
B. WILLIAM SMALL PROPERTY
Request for:
Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 5.01 acres; Preliminary Plat of
5.01 acres into nine lots and road right-of-way.
Franzen said Pemtom Land Company has requested the William Small Property
project be continued until the June 11, 2007 Planning Commission meeting and
an extension of the review period to August 21, 2007. Residents were notified of
the continuance
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Stoltz, to continue the William Small project to
the June 11, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
C. FLYING CLOUD CORPORATE CAMPUS
Request for:
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Industrial to Office/Community
Commercial/High Density Residential on 47.65 acres; Planned Unit Development
Concept Review on 47.65 acres; Planned Unit Development District Review with
waivers on 47.65 acres; Zoning District Change from Rural and I-2 to Office on
47.65 acres; Site Plan Review on 47.65 acres and Preliminary Plat of 47.65 acres
into two lots, one outlot, and road right-of-way.
Franzen said Liberty Property has requested the Flying Cloud Corporate Campus
project be continued until the June 11, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. They
will be modifying the plans to accommodate SuperValu, who have signed a 5 year
lease. Residents were notified of the continuance.
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Kirk, to continue the Flying Cloud Corporate
Campus project to the June 11, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. Motion
carried 6-0.
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D. VARIANCE#2007-10 - 7887 Shamrock Trail
Request:
To permit a shoreland setback variance from 150 feet to 100 feet at the northeast
corner of the proposed structure.
Paul Vogstrom, contractor from Paul Thompson Homes,presented the proposal.
He stated the request has been revised since they presented it to the Commission
July 24, 2006. The plan includes a 15 ft setback on the west lot line the setbacks
from the lake would be the 162 feet as the 1993 plan states. About six months ago
we requested a 10 ft setback. I have redesigned the plan to go five additional feet
towards the lake,but still meeting the shoreland setbacks.
Stoelting asked the proponent how many of the neighbors were contacted as part
of the request from the Commission back in July of 2006?
Moiz Akhtar, owner of the property, stated he had mailed letters to 10 of his
neighbors. Four letters were returned with no objections, four letters were not
returned at all, and two of the 10 letters did have objections.
Stoelting asked Franzen to review the staff report. Franzen stated there are four
options on page 2 of the staff report that the Commission Members need to
consider. The graphic included in the staff report shows the 1993 approved plan.
The original variance was 75 ft and 135 ft, the Board of Appeals changed it to 100
ft and 162 ft.
Stoelting opened the meeting up for public input.
Thomas McGrew of 731 Galway Cove, who is the closest neighbor to the
property, stated his concern about building the house too close to the trail.
Franzen stated the variance under consideration is the one relating to the lake, or
100 feet. The west setback is an amendment to he approved plan,but is not a
variance. The two alternatives would be to reduce the size of the house, or design
a different house with a tuck under garage which would not require a variance for
construction.
Franzen also stated the Commission needs to be specific on the numbers. If you
are considering a departure from the staff recommended setbacks for example,
reduce the 162 ft setback to 150 ft and the 100 ft setback to 95 ft. West property
line 20 ft closest point to the trail with an average of 30 ft setback
Vogstrom stated he would like 85 or 90 foot setback. The 95 feet would not allow
for the three stall garage.
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Powell stated 20 feet at the closest point would be closer than he would be
comfortable granting. I believe it should be at least 30 ft. The goal is to protect the
public and he has not seen a hardship in building this house to fit the lot.
Vogstrom stated the hardship was Moiz needs to have a 3 car garage and as much
space as possible for his child. The house is consistent with the neighborhood.
Stoltz asked why the house has an elevator.
Moiz stated he has an Autistic child and it would help to have more room indoors
on one level.
Vogstrom agreed to revise the plans to 150 ft, 90 ft and 25 ft setback.
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Seymour, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 6-0.
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Seymour, to recommend approval of the
Variance to permit a shoreland setback from 150 feet to 90 feet at the North East
corner of the proposed structure, a setback of the closest point of the structure to
be 25 ft from the path with an average setback of 30 ft and a setback of 150 ft
from the lake of the South East corner of the property based on plans stamped
dated April 4, 2007, and the staff report dated May 11, 2007 as modified at the
Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
E. VARIANCE#2007-09 - 7625 Smetana Lane
Request:
To permit a wall sign of 100 square feet. City Code allows 50 square feet in the
Office Zoning District.
Phil Soran, President and CEO for Compellent Technologies, presented the
request. He stated the hardship is the size and location of the building. The
building is located on a street that dead ends, and it is hard for our customers and
vendors to find us. It is surrounded by other industrial sites, therefore, it would
not be out of character in the neighborhood. We would be willing to give up the
right for one of the ground monument signs if we can combine it to have our wall
sign a little larger. We are the first certified LEED site in Eden Prairie
Stoelting asked Franzen to review the staff report.
Franzen stated on page 4 of the staff report are the reasons that the sign request
could be considered appropriate. 1.) While the proposed 100 square foot sign
would be inconsistent with the intent and purpose of building identification signs
in the office district, this building is adjacent to industrial zoning and the size of
the signs would not be out of character with signs in the area. 2) The total sign
area between wall signs and monument sings would meet industrial district
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requirements and 3) the size of each sign is proportional to the size of the wall and
does not appear to be too large.
Stoelting opened the meeting up for public input.
Steve Hirtz of 10300 Antlers Ridge, an employee of Nordquist Sign Company
stated he was in favor of the request.
Shelly Beardsley of 7715 Stonebrook Ct., Edina, and employee of Compellent
stated the sign would look great.
Powell supported the request and thought it would be a good idea for the City of
Eden Prairie to work with Compellent especially since they are a LEED certified
building which could be of benefit to both parties. He would support additional
signage at some point reflecting both Compellent and the City of Eden Prairie
support LEED buildings.
Schultz asked what level of certification Compellent was. Soran stated they are
Silver Certified.
Stoltz concern was since currently Compellent occupies the entire building, if
they were to sub lease or at some point another tenant comes into the building,
how would that effect the signage?
Seymour asked Franzen how much signage would allowed. Franzen stated a
second tenant would be allowed a 30 square foot sign.
Kirk stated his support for the compromise of not having an additional monument
sign. The request is reasonable given the size of the building. Schultz agreed.
Seymour stated support for the compromise,however, the variance would be just
for Compellent. If Compellent were to vacate the property, the variance would
become null and void.
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Kirk to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 6-0.
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Kirk, to recommend approval of the Variance
to permit a wall sign of 100 square feet based on plans stamped dated April 5,
2007, and the staff report dated May 11, 2007, with the following conditions:
Compellent is the sole tenant. If they move out or sublease the property, the
variance would be null and void. Motion carried 6-0.
F. VARIANCE#2007-11 — 100 Prairie Center Drive
Request:
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To permit a two wall signs of 60 square feet each. City Code allows one 50 square
foot wall sign per street frontage in the Office Zoning District.
Perry Mead, President of First Western Bank,presented the request. He stated the
History of the bank and the hardship involved. After the bank was opened, they
were involved in a trade name dispute litigation and settlement. The hardship is
their business had to do a complete name change to First Western Bank & Trust,
which includes the signs on their buildings. We are requesting two 60 square foot
building identification signs; one of the north (212) elevation and one on the south
(private street) elevation. The sign would be proportional to the building and
would not be out of character.
Stoelting asked Franzen to review the staff report.
Franzen stated on page four of the staff report are the reasons that the sign request
could be considered appropriate. 1.) While the proposed two 60 square foot signs
would be inconsistent with the intent and purpose of the building identification
signs in an office district, this building is surrounded by commercial zoning and
the size of the signs would not be out of character with signs in the area 2) the
total sign area between wall signs and monument signs would meet office district
requirements 3) the size of each sign is proportional to the size of the wall and
does not appear to be too large 4) no additional free standing sign 5) would be for
First Western Bank & Trust only
Stoelting opened the meeting up for public input. No public input.
Stoltz stated his support for the wall transfer as long as it fits in the total square
footage.
Kirk stated legal issues are unforeseen hardships and in this case it should be
supported. It is a reasonable request.
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Stoltz, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 6-0.
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Seymour to recommend approval of the
Variance to permit two wall signs of 60 square feet each based on plans stamped
dated April 24, 2007, and the staff report dated May 11, 2007 with the addition
the variance be tied to First Western Bank & Trust and would be null and void
when they vacate the building Motion carried 6-0.
G. LIFE CHURCH— 14100 Valley View Road
Request for:
Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 7.96 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review on 7.96 acres, Zoning District Amendment within
the Public Zoning District on 7.96 acres, Site Plan Review on 7.96 acres
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Nicole Thompson, Station 19 Architects presented the request. She stated Life
Church would like to put an 8,000 square foot two story to the existing building.
They would be adding on to the Administration suite, adding a nursery as well as
men's and women's accessible restrooms and lower level classrooms. With these
additions we will still be meeting the parking requirements. The addition would
meet the 75% brick and glass zoning code and the existing building, which is
currently wood, would be resurfaced with a hardy board material. They would
also be remodeling the fellowship hall, the sanctuary and reworking the entry
points with curb cuts and landscaping and new trash enclosures.
Stoelting asked Franzen to review the staff report.
Franzen stated but for the exterior material on the existing building the project is
conforming. They have three options: 1) tear off the current wood siding,replace
it with wood; 2) use the hardy plank material; or 3) use vinyl or metal siding. Any
of those options will work if it has a lap siding look that is consistent with the
current building.
Stoelting opened the meeting up for public input.
Dale Sisam, Senior Pastor of Life Church, lives in Chaska, has served in Eden
Prairie 10 years. He stated his appreciation to the Commission for considering the
request for their addition.
Stoltz asked to see a sample of the material they wanted to use on the exterior of
the building. Powell stated Habitat for Humanity uses the material described on
their homes. It is good and sturdy.
Kirk stated it was a reasonable approach, since a variance was granted for wood
previously, they are improving the wood siding and have plans to improve the
entire building at a later date to conform to the 75% brick and glass the zoning
code requires.
MOTION by Seymour, seconded by Stoltz, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 5-0, Powell abstained.
MOTION by Seymour seconded by Kirk to recommend approval of the Planned
Unit Development Concept Review on 7.96 acres; Planned Unit Development
District Review on 7.96 acres; Zoning District Amendment within the Public
Zoning District on 7.96 acres; Site Plan Review on 7.96 acres based on plans
stamped dated April 30, 2007, and the staff report dated May 11, 2007. Motion
carried 5-0, Powell abstained.
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VII. PLANNERS' REPORT
A. Presentation to the City Council May 15, 2007
Franzen asked if there were any changes/additions to the presentation which
Stoelting will be presenting on Tuesday, May 15, 2007. No changes.
B. May 22, 2007 Planning Commission Meeting
Franzen discussed some of the items that could be on the agenda for this meeting.
There are three projects on the agenda: Wilson Office Building, Lariat III
Addition and Lariat III Applebee's. There will also be discussion about the Town
Center Design Guidelines along with the text ordinance.
VIII. MEMBERS' REPORT
Seymour asked if the consultant included pictures of other town centers with power lines
in the area. Franzen stated he would make sure the consultant provides pictures.
IX. CONTINUING BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Seymour, seconded by Kirk, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
6-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.