5.7 ITEM
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Elkr River MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Scott Harlicker, Planning Assista %P,
DATE: January 23, 1996
SUBJECT: Rezoning for the City of Elk River,
Public Hearing Case No. ZC 96-2
Request
The City of Elk River is initiating this rezoning from R4 (Multi-Familty
Residential) to C2 (Office District).
Location
The two parcels under consideration for rezoning are located at the southwest
• corner of School Street and Jackson Avenue.
Attachments
• Zoning Map
• Land Use Map
• Steering Committee Minutes dated 5/2 5/9 5 and 6/15/9 5
Existing Conditions
The approximately six acres is currently zoned R4 (Multi-Family Residential
and the land use designation is CB (Central Business). The adjacent zoning and
land use designations are as follows:
North - Rlc (Single Family Residential); MR (Medium Density Residential)
South - C2 (Office District) and PUD (Planned Unit Development); OS (Open
Space) and CB (Central Business)
East - R4 (Multi-Family Residential); MR (Medium Density Residential)
West - R4 (Multi-Family Residential); HR (High Density residential)
The adjacent land uses include to the north School Street and on the north side
of School Street is the high school. To the south is vacant land and Lion's Park.
•
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
City of Elk River Rezoning 96-2 Page 2
January 23, 1996
• The properties to the east are single family residences and a duplex, and to the
west is a church.
The proposed rezoning consists of two lots. One lot, which has 200 feet of
frontage on School Street, is owned by Donald Singer. It has an apartment
building and a garage on it. The larger parcel is owned by Larry Morrell. It has
frontage on both School Street and Jackson Avenue. Mr. Morrell operates his
transfer and trucking business from this site; there is also a small self storage
facility at the rear of the site. The Morrell property has numerous trucks and
trailers parked on it; in fact, most of the site is used as outdoor storage of
vehicles and trailers. Some perimeter landscaping consisting of evergreen trees
has been planted along Jackson Avenue and School Street ; however, much of it
is in poor condition.
Background
The properties were the subject of discussion by the Steering Committee during
the recent Comprehensive Plan update. At their August 17,1995 meeting the
Steering Committee recommended the zoning be changed from R4 (Multi-
Family) to C2 ( Office District). The properties were also included in the recent
revisions to the Land Use Map. The land use designation was changed from HR
• (High Density Residential) to CB (Central Business).
The City initiated this rezoning request so that the zoning would be consistent
with the recent change in the land use designation from HR (High Density
Residential) to CB (Central Business). This rezoning request is part of a larger
process that the City is undertaking to rezone certain properties so that they are
consistent with the recent revisions to the land use map.
Evaluation of Request
In order to approve a rezoning request there must be a finding that a) the plan
was in error when it was adopted and therefore should be changed, or b) the
times and circumstances have changed since the plan was adopted, and change
is warranted.
This rezoning is being considered in order that this area will be consistent with
recent changes to the land use plan, and therefore, the second finding is met.
Consideration should also be given to the existing conditions within the area
directly and indirectly affected by the proposal, the conservation of property
values, the use to which the property affected is being devoted at the time and
• the relevant portions of the land use plan.
s:\planning\scott\zc96-2.doc
City of Elk River Rezoning 96-2 Page 3
January 23, 1996
• The proposed rezoning should not have an adverse affect on the adjacent
properties. The apartment building is a permitted use in the existing R4 zone
and is also allowed as a conditional use in the proposed C2 zone. The transfer
business and the self storage facility are non-conforming uses in both the
existing zone and the proposed C2 zone. The proposed C2 zone would be
compatible with the R4 zone to the west and the proposed R2 zone on the east
side of Jackson Avenue. The proposed rezoning is also a logical extension of the
existing C2 zone to the south
Recommendation
Staff can recommend approval of the proposed rezoning from R4 (Multi-Family)
to C2 (Office District) based on the following:
1. The proposed rezoning will be consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use
Plan designation of CB (Central Business).
2. The proposed rezoning is compatible with the adjacent land uses and zoning.
3. The property to the south is currently zoned C2 and this would be a logical
extension of the zone.
•
•
s:\planning\scott\zc96-2.doc
Steering Committee Minutes Page 3
May 25, 1995
• acres in size. If the property were rezoned she would not be able to add onto
her home, and if it were over 50 percent destroyed by fire, etc. she would not be
able to rebuild it as a residence. Her taxes would go up to $1,200 per year if the
property were zoned commercial.
Discussion followed regarding taxing of residential and commercial properties
and whether or not it is based on land use or zoning.
Ms. Maricle stated that she would be in favor of leaving the zoning as it is. Chair
Minton stated that the underlying land use could be changed so that someday
it could be commercial.
Discussion followed regarding the multi-family zoning in this area.
CHRIS KREGER MOVED TO RECOMMEND CHANGING THE LAND USE MAP FOR THE
SUBJECT AREA FROM HR to HB (HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL), AND, TO CHANGE THE
ZONING FROM R3 TO R1C (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL). BILL BIRRENKOTT
SECONDED THE MOTION.
Barb Maricle questioned how the old Banke property would be affected by the
changes. Chris Kreger explained that the owner would not be able to add on
to the existing structure. Chair Minton noted that the Committee was not able
to answer her taxing questions, as that it done by the County.
• THE MOTION CARRIED 13-0.
Mary Eberley suggested that in the future, the Steering Committee refrain from
commenting on tax issues, as this appears to be a complicated process which is
done by the County.
Area Along Jackson Avenue
Discussion followed regarding the following properties:
-Morrell property (currently zoned R4 -Multiple Family Residential)
-Property south of Morrell's on the west side of Jackson (currently zoned C2)
-Property east along Jackson (south of School Street), (northern portion currently
zoned R4 and southern portion zoned C-1 Central Commercial)
MARY EBERLEY MOVED THAT THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMEND THE
FOLLOWING CHANGES IN ZONING:
1. PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF JACKSON BE CHANGED FROM
THE EXISTING R4 (MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO R2 (TWO FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL); AND, THAT RESTRICTIONS BE INCORPORATED TO REQUIRE
ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION TO MEET SETBACKS OF THE EXISTING HOMES
ALONG THAT SECTION OF JACKSON AVENUE.
2. THE MORRELL PROPERTY CURRENTLY ZONED R4 BE CHANGED TO C2 (OFFICE
• DISTRICT), CITING THE CONCERNS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO MAINTAIN
A LESS INTENSE USE OF THE LAND TO DISCOURAGE CONGREGATION OF
STUDENTS AND ALSO, TRAFFIC CONCERNS.
Steering Committee Minutes Page 2
June 15, 1995
*5. Review of Committee's Decisions on Commercial Development
ill Fairgrounds - Exhibits A and B
Steve Ach described the boundaries of the fairgrounds property owned by
Sherburne County which the Steering Committee recommended a zoning
change to Business Park at a previous meeting. Dave Anderson expressed
concern the land use change would affect the portion of the property used for
parking by the softball leagues and during community events. He suggested
establishing an alternative land use for the parking areas. It was the consensus
of the Committee that the Business Park zoning would not affect the parking use
and that if the Fair Board ever decides to sell the property, the Park and
Recreation Commission will need to find a way to secure the necessary parking
area.
City property located on Highway 10 between the Cenex Station and the new
water tower
Dave Anderson suggested the possibility of rezoning the property from its
currently Rlc designation to C3 (Highway Commercial). Steve Ach questioned
whether or not some of this property would be needed for parking as Orono
Park is further developed. Chair Minton suggested that Steve Ach provide a
recommendation of this parcel at a future meeting. Dave Anderson stated that
the Park and Recreation Commission will also have a recommendation for this
property.
• Steve Ach reviewed the following changes in land use and zoning
recommended by the Steering Committee at their last meeting:
Exhibits C & D
Property at Northwest Corner of Proctor and Highway 10 - Rezoning from R3 to
Rlc and amend land use to HB
Exhibit E
Rezone Morrell property from R4 to C-2; rezone east side of Jackson from C-1 to
R2
Exhibit F
Morrell property - amend land use to CB
Exhibit G
City-owned property at Highway 169 and 193rd Avenue- amend land use to HB
Exhibit H
Southeast corner of Highway 169 and Main Street (Earl Hohlen property) - rezone
to PUD
Exhibit I
Earl Hohlen property currently with a land use of HR - amend land use to HB
• ExhibitsJ & K