4.1 PCSR 11-27-2018Request for Action
To Item Number
Planning Commission 4.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Public Hearings November 27, 2018 Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner
Item Description Reviewed by
John Anderson – 10215 Twin Lakes Rd. NW, Case Zack Carlton, Planning Manager
No. CU 18-18
Reviewed by
Conditional Use Permit to operate an electrical
contracting company as a home occupation
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, a Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions to satisfy the standards set
forth in Section 30-654:
1. Employee parking shall be either on the north or west side of the pole building.
2. Coniferous trees, at least 6 feet tall, shall be planted in a manner to screen the parking area and
the outdoor storage area from the neighbors to the south.
3. The hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4. With the exception of picking up materials, no more than 6 employees shall be on site.
5. The outdoor storage area shall be screened with six foot tall, 100% opaque fencing.
6. One sign, freestanding or wall, not to exceed 16 square feet shall be allowed.
Background/Discussion
The property is zoned single family residential (R1a) where Home Occupations not operated entirely
within the dwelling unit or attached garage require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
The applicant is seeking a CUP to operate an electrical contracting business as a home occupation. They
will store electrical wire, electrical materials, and other electrical related equipment inside a new pole
building. The pole building has already received a permit to be constructed. They will have up to six
employees working at this location, providing general office work and answering phones for the
company. They will have up to an additional 12 employees that are out in the field completing electrical
work on a daily basis. These employees take their service trucks home at night and work offsite but will
come to the subject property to re-stock. The business will operate Monday through Friday, from 7:00
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be no retail sales on this property.
Parking
The applicant is proposing to have employee parking on the existing driveway as well as north and east of
the pole building. Five 6’ tall pine trees are proposed to be planted 45' from the edge of the county road
to screen the parking area on the east side of the pole building. Screening for the proposed parking area
would be relying on the neighbor’s vegetation but if that were to be removed, the outdoor storage area
could become visible. Staff recommends the parking be located on the west or north side of the pole
building. If parking on the east side of the pole building is permitted, staff recommends that privacy
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
fencing be installed along the eastern property line to screen the view to the parking area from the house
at 10161 Twin Lakes Rd. (75-125-2105).
Outdoor Storage
The outdoor storage of equipment, such as a skid steer, trencher, and equipment trailers, is proposed.
This area will be located on the north side of the pole building. This equipment will not operate outside
of normal business hours (7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and will not be stored on the south side of the building.
Again, screening for the proposed outdoor storage area would be relying on the neighbor’s vegetation but
if that were to be removed, the outdoor storage area could become visible. Staff recommends privacy
fencing around to the outdoor storage area.
Signage
The applicant is requesting an exterior sign, no larger than 16 square feet, to be located on the south side
of the building. A sign permit will be required for any signage over four square feet in size.
Surrounding Neighbors
The nearest home is about 150 feet directly east of the pole building. Mature trees and vegetation separate
this home and pole building. The homes in River Park, which are located across County Road 13 to the
south, are approximately 300 feet away. Another home is located about 710 feet directly to the west of
the pole building. There are also mature trees and vegetation separating this home and pole building.
Northwest of the subject area is an existing plumbing and sewer company operating under a CUP. This is
about 775 feet away from the pole building.
Applicable Regulation
In approving a Conditional Use Permit, the council may impose such specific conditions with regard to
the development or operation of the proposed use as it considers necessary to satisfy the seven standards
set forth in Section 30-654 and the requirements contained in this article and to promote compatibility
with and minimize any potentially adverse effects upon adjacent properties, the neighborhood or the city.
The issuance of a Conditional Use Permit can be ordered only if the use at the proposed location:
1. Will not endanger, injure or detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity or
the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or general welfare of the neighborhood or the city.
With the conditions outlined in standard #5, the use will not endanger, injure or detrimentally
affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity or the public health,
safety, morals, comfort, convenience, or general welfare of the neighborhood or the city.
2. Will be consistent with the comprehensive plan.
The parcel and surrounding area are guided for residential. Conditional Home Occupations are
allowed in residential districts. The use will be consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
3. Will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property.
N:\\Departments\\Community Development\\Planning\\Case Files\\CUP\\CU 18-18 Anderson\\4-Planning Commission\\CU 18-18 sr PC 11-27-
18.docx
There are two parcels to the east, with existing homes, 20+ acres in size. The zoning of these
properties allows for 2 ½ acre parcels. As most of these two parcels are encumbered by wetlands,
they most likely could not be subdivided and developed. The use will not impede the normal and
orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
4. Will be served adequately by and will not adversely affect essential public facilities and services including streets,
police and fire protection, drainage, refuse disposal, water and sewer systems, parks and schools; and will not, in
particular, create traffic congestion or interference with traffic on adjacent and neighboring public thoroughfares.
Sherburne County reviewed this application and had no comments regarding the traffic impacts
on the County Road. The use will be served adequately by and will not adversely affect essential
public facilities and services including streets, police and fire protection, drainage, refuse disposal,
water and sewer systems, parks and schools; and will not, in particular, create traffic congestion or
interference with traffic on adjacent and neighboring public thoroughfares.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
5. Will not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, equipment and conditions of operation that will be detrimental
to any persons or property because of excessive traffic, noise, smoke, fumes, glare, odors, dust or vibrations.
The concerns with the proposal are screening, equipment noise, and the number of employees.
Staff recommends the following conditions:
Employee parking shall be either on the north or west side of the pole building.
Coniferous trees shall be planted in a manner to screen the parking area on the east side of
the pole building and the outdoor storage area from the neighbors to the south. If this
requires more than five trees, this should be recommended.
The hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
With the exception of picking up materials, no more than 6 employees shall be on site.
The outdoor storage area shall be screened with six foot tall, 100% opaque fencing.
6. Will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of a natural, scenic or historic feature of major importance.
The construction of the pole building will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of a natural,
scenic or historic feature of major importance. The location of the pole building meets all setback
requirements from wetlands. The building permit for this structure has been approved.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
7. Will fully comply with all other requirements of this Code, including any applicable requirements and standards for
the issuance of a license or permit to establish and operate the proposed use in the city.
The use will fully comply with all other requirements of this Code, including any applicable
requirements and standards for the issuance of a license or permit to establish and operate the
proposed use in the city.
N:\\Departments\\Community Development\\Planning\\Case Files\\CUP\\CU 18-18 Anderson\\4-Planning Commission\\CU 18-18 sr PC 11-27-
18.docx
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
If denial of such a permit should occur, it shall accompany recommendations or determinations by
findings or a report stating how the proposed use does not comply with the standards set forth in Section
30-654.
Financial Impact
None
Statutory Review Period
Per State Statute §15.99, the required 60-day review period ends on December 18, 2018.
Council Meeting
If acted on, this item will go to the December 17, 2018, City Council meeting.
Attachments
Location Map
Applicant’s Narrative
Survey
Parking Exhibit
Staff Exhibit
Environmental Memo dated November 6, 2018
Sherburne County memo dated November 2, 2018
Stormwater Coordinator memo dated November 6, 2018
Community Development Director memo dated November 5, 2018
N:\\Departments\\Community Development\\Planning\\Case Files\\CUP\\CU 18-18 Anderson\\4-Planning Commission\\CU 18-18 sr PC 11-27-
18.docx
Memorandum
To: Planning Department
From: Amanda Bednar, Environmental
Date: November 6, 2018
Subject: Site Plan Review – November 2018
_______________________________________________________________________
The department listed above has reviewed the application listed below and has the following
comments:
Case #V 18-09 Gerald R. Sizer – Variance
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed for additional structures than
is permitted. However there are significant wetland complexes on both parcels. Any new
structure will need to meet the required wetland setbacks and a wetland delineation may be
required.
Case #CU 18-18 John Anderson – Conditional Use Permit
1. This property borders a large wetland complex to the north which is a public water
wetland and containers a natural environment lake (unnamed DNR ID#71023800). Per Elk
River City Code Section 30-2022 (a)(4) commercial or industrial uses without water-oriented
needs must be set back double the normal ordinary high-water level setback which is 300’
feet in this location and should not be an issue based on submitted documents. Additionally
substantial screening from view from the water is required, which should be achieved by the
natural wooded area present on site. Anything modifications to the application that could
change these items would need to be reviewed.
All wetland buffer and buffer setbacks must be met for any new buildings, paving or other
impervious surface. A wetland delineation may be required to determine accurate wetland
boundary and ensure all setbacks are met.
Case #V 18-10 Jared Bradford / Union Church - Variance
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\CUP\CU 18-18 Anderson\4-Planning Commission\SPR
Memo_Environmental November.docx
Case #CU 18-19 ResCareMN – Conditional Use Permit
1. This property is located within the Shoreland Management area located near
Lake Orono. Impervious surface coverage on this parcel may not exceed 25
percent of the lot area. Any additional proposed hardcover would be required to
meet this restriction.
Case #IU 18-01 D.R. Horton, Inc. – Miske Meadows – Interim Use Permit
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #CR 18-05 Enerkem, Inc. – Concept Review
1. This proposal would provide an option to continue to dispose of municipal solid
waste (MSW) in a sustainable manner if GRE were to stop operation in Elk River. Enerkem
proposes to be able to process 250,000 short tons of RDF annually, the same that is
currently being produced by GRE’s resource processing plant. GRE’s current capacity is
320,000 tons annually but they historically have only received about 260,000 tons.
This project would need to meet all MPCA standards for waste disposal, air quality, water
quality and others. An Environmental Assessment would likely be needed. Changing waste
streams and fluctuating amounts of waste would need to be considered given current market
trends and waste disposal restrictions.
Sherburne County Public Works
Sherburne County Government Center
13880 Business Center Drive
Suite 100
Elk River, MN 55330-4668
(763) 765-3000
1-800-433-5228
To: Planning Department
From: David A. Roedel
Assistant Public Works Director
Date: 11/2/18
Subject: Site Plan Review – November 2018
_______________________________________________________________________
The department listed above has reviewed the application listed below and has the following
comments:
Case #V 18-09 Gerald R. Sizer – Variance
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #CU 18-18 John Anderson – Conditional Use Permit
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #V 18-10 Jared Bradford / Union Church - Variance
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #CU 18-19 ResCareMN – Conditional Use Permit
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #IU 18-01 D.R. Horton, Inc. – Miske Meadows – Interim Use Permit
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #CR 18-05 Enerkem, Inc. – Concept Review
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Memorandum
To: Planning Department
From: Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator
Date: November 6, 2018
Subject: Site Plan Review – November 2018
_______________________________________________________________________
The department listed above has reviewed the application listed below and has the following
comments:
Case #V 18-09 Gerald R. Sizer – Variance
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #CU 18-18 John Anderson – Conditional Use Permit
1. Show all proposed grades and where a driveway to the proposed building is located,
if one is to be installed. Ensure that drainage is not directed onto neighboring
properties.
Case #V 18-10 Jared Bradford / Union Church - Variance
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #CU 18-19 ResCareMN – Conditional Use Permit
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #IU 18-01 D.R. Horton, Inc. – Miske Meadows – Interim Use Permit
1. Once the use is not needed and bisemous is removed, the soils must be adequately
de-compacted.
Case #CR 18-05 Enerkem, Inc. – Concept Review
1. Stormwater management requirements must be met as listed in Ordinance Sec. 78-
503. - Stormwater and urban runoff control. and Sec. 78-504. - Post
construction stormwater management for proposed new or redeveloped
impervious surfaces.
https://library.municode.com/mn/elk_river/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_
CH78UT_ARTVSTUT_DIV3STMA_S78-504POCOSTMA
Memorandum
To: Planning Department
From: Suzanne Fischer, Community Development
Date: Nov. 5, 2018
Subject: Site Plan Review – November 2018
_______________________________________________________________________
The department listed above has reviewed the application listed below and has the following
comments:
Case #V 18-09 Gerald R. Sizer – Variance
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #CU 18-18 John Anderson – Conditional Use Permit
1. Please have Amanda check proposed building footprint with wetland setbacks.
2. Would recommend a fence to hide equipment parked at the site.
Case #V 18-10 Jared Bradford / Union Church - Variance
1. No concerns or issues with the application as proposed.
Case #CU 18-19 ResCareMN – Conditional Use Permit
1. State licensed?
2. Secure facility 24/7?
3. Sprinklers required.
4. Nuisance for existing neighbors (crime, noise, smoking, etc.).
Case #IU 18-01 D.R. Horton, Inc. – Miske Meadows – Interim Use Permit
1. End date for temporary parking lot?
Case #CR 18-05 Enerkem, Inc. – Concept Review
1. Required to follow MPCA & EPA air & water quality monitoring program.
2. Daily odors
3. Would not support this location (esp. with high dollars homes proposed on the
Specht property).
4. Traffic (daily semi traffic harder on roads; noise, congestion)
5. Facility lights at night.
6. May want to check lawsuits filed on similar refineries.