6.9. SR 05-18-1998ity of
vet
MEMORANDUM
City Council
ITEM #6.9.
FROM:
Stephen Wensman, Planning Intern
DATE:
May 18, 1998
SUBJECT:
Request by the City of Elk River for a
Conditional Use Permit, Public
Hearing Case No. CU 98-7
Request
The City of Elk River requests a conditional use permit to expand the Library
parking lot.
Location
413 Proctor Avenue, Thomas Addition, North ½ of lots 11 & 12, Block 2,
Section 33, Township 33, Range 26, Elk River, Sherburne County, Minnesota.
(Southwest corner of 5th Avenue & Proctor Avenue)
Zon ing/Landuse
Rlc (Single Family Residential) / MR (Medium Density Residential)
Attachments
Location map
· Existing Conditions plan
· Proposed parking lot expansion
Background
The Planning Commission postponed this request on March 24th, 1998 so the
staff and the Library Board could meet on site to discuss the proposed lot
expansion. Staff did meet with the Library Board and worked out a
compromise plan
The public library was expanded in 1996 and parking has become inadequate
for the increased library patronage. In 1997, the house on the corner of 5th
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
and Proctor, adjacent to the library lot, went up for sale. The City purchased
the property and demolished the house. Patrons wanted the city to save the
existing trees on the library site; therefore, making efforts to save and reuse
as many existing trees as possible has been incorporated into the plan.
Existing Conditions
The existing parking lot is 80 feet wide with 9' x 20' parking stalls and a 40
foot wide drive lane. (Standard drive lanes in the city are between 24 - 30 feet
wide) The parking lot supports 4 staff and 18 patron parking stalls; one
handicap accessible. The existing lot has no curb and gutter, and minimal
landscaping. The turning radius off Proctor into the lot is too small and
makes turning difficult. The existing curb cut and apron is too steep causing
cars to bottom out. The existing library sign is in a state of disrepair. Some
of the existing light standards have been damaged by cars or plows.
Parhing
The Elk River Zoning Ordinance requires 36 parking stalls, two handicap
accessible, for a 10,600 sq. ft. library. The Ordinance also requires curb and
gutter be installed. The parking lot expansion plan adds 18 stalls (40 total)
and adds auto access off 5th Street. A utility pole will have to be moved. The
plans for the proposed parking lot expansion shows a drive lane of 36 feet in
width which is in excess of a typical standard drive lane, however it is the
width the Library Board feels will work best for their patrons. The Library
Board concurs with the plan.
Landscaping
With credit for 9 existing trees, the Elk River Zoning Ordinance requires 7
trees be planted; 3 over-stow, 2 conifers and 2 ornamental. The parking lot
must be screened from residential areas up to 80% opacity. Underground
irrigation is also required. The proposed plan meets the landscaping
requirements.
Entry Sign
A new library sign is proposed and must meet the following requirements:
· 10' setback from property line
· 96 sq. ft. maximum size
· 8 ft maximum height
· Prior to installation, a permit will be needed from the Planning
Department.
Li~htin~
The new lot will need to be illuminated as per Elk River Zoning Ordinance.
The light standards will need to be placed around the perimeter of the
parking lot in a manner that prevents vehicles from damaging them. The
curb and gutter should help prevent future damage to the light standards.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission met on April 28th, 1998 and recommended
approval of a request by the City of Elk River for a conditional use permit to
expand the Library parking lot. There were no comments by the public at the
public hearing.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council recommend approval of the
conditional use permit request to expand the library parking lot with the
following conditions:
1. LANDSCAPING BE PROVIDED BETWEEN THE PARKING AREA AND
EXISTING HOMES TO REDUCE HEADLIGHT GLARE.
2. LANDSCAPE THE ENTIRE LOT AREA AS PER ELK RIVER ZONING
ORDINANCE.
3. SAVE AND TRANSPLANT EXISTING TREES AS POSSIBLE.
4. ADD CURB AND GUTTER TO THE ENTIRE LOT.
5. ADD A SECOND HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE STALL.
6. REDUCE EXISTING PARKING LOT WIDTH TO 72 FT TO BE HARMONIOUS
WITH NEW PARKING LOT ADDITION.
7. RESURFACE THE ENTIRE LOT.
8. ADD ADDITIONAL LIGHTING AS PER ELK RIVER ZONING ORDINANCE.
9. INSTALL A NEW DRIVEWAY APRON AT THE PROCTOR ENTRANCE WITH
APPROPRIATE TURNING RADIUS AND SLOPE.
10. A SIGN PERMIT BE OBTAINED FROM THE PLANNING OFFICE PRIOR TO
INSTALLING A NEW SIGN.