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12-28-1999 PC MIN . . . MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1999 Members Present: Chair Mesich. Commissioners Chambers. Kuester. Thompson and Schuster Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson. Director of Planning; Scott Harlicker. Senior Planner; Debbie Huebner. Recording Secretary 1. Call Meetina To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission was called to order at 6:58 p.m. by Chair Mesich. 2. Consider 12/28/99 Planninq Commission Aqenda COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 28, 1999, PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider 11/23/99 Plannina Commission Minutes COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 23, 1999, MINUTES AS CORRECTED. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Plannina Commission Reoresentative to Attend 1/18/00 City Council Meeting Commissioner Chambers will attend the Tuesday, January 18, 2000, City Council meeting. 5.1. Reauest bv AC Total Bodv Care. Inc. for Conditional Use Permit ITheraoeutic Massaae). Public Hearing Case No. CU 99-35 Staff report by Michele McPherson. Annette Miller, AC Total Body Care, requests that a conditional use permit be approved to allow therapeutic massage at her new salon at 18857 Freeport Avenue. Staff recommends approval of the request with the condition that the applicant obtain a massage therapist license prior to commencement of services. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. . . . Planning Commission Minutes December 28. 1999 Page 2 Annette Miller, applicant, stated she was present to answer any questions that staff or the Commissioners may have. Chair Mesich questioned if there was adequate parking at the site. Ms. McPherson stated that this business would generate less traffic than the former restaurant, and parking should not be a problem. There being no other public comment, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY ANNETIE MILLER FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE, PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. CU 99-35, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITION: 1. A MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF SERVICES. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.2. Request by Valvoline Instant Oil Change for Conditional Use Permit, Public Hearinq Case No. CU 99-37 staff report presented by Scott Harlicker. Valvoline Instant Oil Change is requesting a conditional use permit to develop Lot 3, Block 2, in Hillside Crossing Planned Unit Development (.93 acres). Mr. Harlickerstated that the plans conform to the PUD Agreement for Hillside Crossing. He reviewed the landscaping, signs, trash and oil storage, lighting, parking pedestrian access, building access and building elevations. Staff recommends approval of the request with the 8 conditions outlined in the staff report. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. Mark Gilbertson, 11050 Highway 55, Plymouth, representing Valvoline, reviewed each of the revisions made in the site plan to address staff's concerns. Robin Lewis, 19374 Dodge Street, asked where this building would be, what were the hours of operation, qnd whether or not tire changing would be done. She expressed concern for the activity of teens behind Coborns and requested that the fence behind Coborns be extended all the way down to 193rd as promised by the developer. Mr. Gilbertson stated that the hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 :00 a.m. to 5 p.m. He explained that the average number of vehicles for the 600 stores he works with is 48 per day. He noted that tire rotation is done and impact tools are used. But, he felt that since tire rotation is a very small percentage of their business, the noise would be minimal. Ms. Lewis asked if the doors would be left open. Mr. Gilbertson stated that in the winter months, the doors would be kept closed but they may be opened occasionally in warmer weather. Mr. Gilbertson stated there will be no outside speakers, and no vehicles will be left overnight. Planning Commission Minutes December 28, 1999 Page 3 . Commissioner Chambers stated that he felt earth tones should be used instead of the grey, as shown on the drawings, in order to blend in with the surrounding building. Donna Mathison, 19346 Dodge street, stated that she ran a daycare, and was concerned that noise from tire changing would affect her business. Also, lighting from the adjacent business would shine into her bedroom window. She stated that they were also promised that the fence behind Coborns would be extended down to 193rd Avenue when further development occurred. She felt it would be appropriate that trees be planted on both sides of the fence. Mr. Gilbertson stated that the lighting would be directed downward and would not extend beyond the property limits. Ms. Lewis again asked the exact location of the proposed business. Mr. Harlicker indicated on a map which lot would be occupied by Valvoline. Ms. Lewis stated that she was under the impression that the lot next to her property was under consideration, and since it was not, she did not have any further issues. Doug Mathison, 19346 Dodge Street, also stated that the residents were promised a fence if any more development occurred. Scott Harlicker stated that staff would research this issue. . There being no further comments from the public, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. Discussion followed regarding the color of the building. Commissioner Chambers expressed his objection to the grey color which was proposed and felt the building should be earth tones of tan and brown. Mr. Gilbertson felt that grey is an earth tone color. Commissioner Schuster felt a condition should be included to address the concerns of the neighbors regarding the fence. It was the consensus of the Commissioners and staff that this issue involved a separate lot and could not be tied to this request. Ms. McPherson stated that if the fence were a condition of the Hillside Crossing PUD, it will be brought to the City Council's attention at the January 18th meeting. Commissioner Chambers requested that a condition be added to address the building color. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY VALVOLlNE INSTANT OIL CHANGE FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. CU 99-37 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. THAT THE SIDEWALK AROUND THE BUILDING EXTEND TO THE PUBLIC SIDEWALK ON EVANS STREET. . Planning Commission Minutes December 28, 1999 Page 4 . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. . 5.3. THAT THE THReE SPRUCE TREES AND ONE CRAB APPLE TREE SHOWN ON THE LANDSCAPE PLAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT TO ANOTHER LOCATION ON SITE. THAT THE MUGHO PINES BE MAINTAINED AT A HEIGHT OF 4-6 FEET TO SCREEN HEADLIGHT GLARE FROM EVANS STREET. THAT THE PARKING STALLS, HANDICAP STALLS AND STACKING LANES BE STRIPED AS REQUIRED BY CITY ORDINANCE. THAT THE SITE BE ILLUMINATED AS PER CITY ORDINANCE. THAT ANY SIGNS CONFORM TO HILLSIDE CROSSING PUD AGREEMENT AND THAT A SIGN PERMIT BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF ANY SIGNS. THAT ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER BE ADDRESSED. THAT A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BE APPLIED FOR IF THE USE OF THE PROPERTY CHANGES FROM THE INSTANT OIL CHANGE TO A FULL SERVICE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR OPERATION. 9. THAT THE BUILDING ELEVATIONS SHALL BE SHADED IN TONES OF BROWN TO COMPLIMENT THE NORTHBOUND LIQUOR STORE. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Request by Greenberq Farrow for Preliminary Plat (Home Depot Addition), Public Hearinq Case No. P 99-14 5.4. Request by Greenberq Farrow for Conditional Use Permit. Public Hearinq Case No. CU 99-36 Staff report by Scott Harlicker. Greenberg Farrow has requested preliminary plat for Home Depot Addition and a conditional use permit for a 120,000 square foot home improvement store to be located in the southeast corner of Main Street and Highway 169. The applicant wishes to replot Lot 3, Block 2, Elk River Crossing into one 11.39 acre lot for the Home Depot Store, and an outlot (Outlot A), 2.27 acres in size, for a future freestanding commercial building and a commercial building attached to the Home Depot (zero lot line). Mr. Harlicker reviewed the development plans for the project and staff's recommendations for the following issues, which are detailed in the staff report to the Planning Commission dated December 28, 1999: . Parking and access . Outdoor storage and display . Landscaping . Signage . Building elevations . Loading docks . Lighting . . Fencing Planning Commission Minutes December 28, 1999 Page 5 . Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat and conditional use with the conditions outlined in the staff report. Discussion followed regarding the temporary garden area. Staff suggested that a time frame be established for this use, and that the area be delineated by a split rail fence. Mr. Harlicker also suggested that a condition be added to prohibit outdoor storage except where designated on the plan. Commissioner Thompson questioned the necessity for the outdoor garden area. Ms. McPherson explained that Home Depot typically stores products for pickup by customers in these areas, such as potting soil, rock mulch, cypress mulch, etc. Commissioner Chambers asked what the percentage of total square footage is allowed for outdoor display. Ms. McPherson stated that the Home Depot store is 120,000 square feet and they would be allowed up to five percent in outdoor storage (6,000 square feet). They are requesting 7,000 square feet. so this number would have to be reduced. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. Commissioner Chambers asked what color the back of the parapet would be. Phil Rearick of Greenberg Farrow, representing Home Depot, stated that the back would be a black membrane material. . Commissioner Chambers asked what type of trees would be planted behind the building (Tyler Street side). Mr. Harlicker stated that there will be pines and Black Hills spruce. Commissioner Chambers questioned what type of lighting would be used. Mr. Rearick stated that the lighting around the building and parking lot would be similar to Wal-Mart (box-type), but the street lights will have the "downtown" street lamp look. Commissioner Kuester stated that she felt parking and traffic flow for the Outlot B retail site should be redesigned, or. require that a smaller building be placed on this site. Phil Rearick stated that the only landscaping proposed for the front of the building at this time is several planters in front of the outdoor display. Mr. Rearick requested that yellow bollards be allowed in the rear of the building for truck traffic. He stated that they would look at moving the outdoor storage area in order to eliminate the cantilever rack. Mr. Rearick explained that the "pro- initiative" storage area is a fairly new service for construction customers to call ahead for products and have them ready for quick pickup. He noted that Home Depot is proposing to use concrete wall panels and split face concrete blocks or "quick brick" concrete masonry units. Discussion followed regarding the materials proposed for the building exterior elevations. Chair Mesich stated he did not feel the back elevations of the Wal- Mart and Home Depot stores will be compatible. . Planning Commission Minutes December 28, 1999 Page 6 . Mr. Rearick questioned what type of materials Wal-Mart will be using. Mr. Harlicker stated that Wal-Mart will be using a combination of split face block and "quick brick". The Commissioners and staff discussed the height of the parapet wall and visibility of the back of it from Tyler Street. Ms. McPherson suggested that a parapet wall could be constructed on the back of the building which would "mirror" the front. Mr. Rearick felt that a parapet on the back would need to be on a smaller scale or it would be confusing to the public which was the front of the building. Chair Mesich stated that the issue of truck trailers left on site needs to be addressed. Mr. Rearick stated that the city needs to let Home Depot know what their expectations are. Chair Mesich asked if the outdoor cantilevered rack could be placed indoors or eliminated. Mr. Rearick stated he would have to discuss the issue with Home Depot. Chair Mesich questioned whether or not there would be an outdoor P.A. system. Mr. Rearick stated he was not aware of any. Discussion followed regarding the entrance locations, traffic flow to the seasonal outdoor garden center and the impact on general traffic flow throughout the site. Chair Mesich asked how the open area would be secured after hours. Mr. Rearick stated that Home Depot would provide their own security. . Commissioner Kuester stated she is concerned about the parking for the retail site on Outlot A and questioned if the city is bound by the PUD site plan. Ms. McPherson stated that a conditional use permit will be required for the site when a user comes forward, but that it has already been approved as a separate retail site as part of the Elk River Crossing PUD. Commissioner Schuster stated that he felt the parking should be addressed now. Chair Mesich stated that he felt there was adequate room to position the building so that parking would not be a problem. Mr. Harlicker reviewed photographs of other Home Depot stores. Discussion followed regarding using natural brick, "quick brick", or split face block on the building exterior. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to continue the public hearing to the January 11, 2000, Planning Commission workshop meeting, at which time Home Depot may present revised plans to address the following concerns: . - Appearance of back of parapet as viewed from Tyler Street (either finish back to blend in with color of building, or, construct smaller version of parapet on rear of building). - Commission's desire for use of natural brick or V2 size rock face blocks (4"x 16") on pilasters. - Commission's desire for additional parapet and cornice detailing to break up the roof line. - Incorporate some type of texturing on smooth, scored panels - Omit the outdoor seasonal sales area and require Home Depot to apply for general planning permit consistent with other businesses (Le., Menards, Target, Co borns, etc.) Planning Commission Minutes December 28, 1999 Page 7 . COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO CONTINUE THE REQUEST BY GREENBERG FARROW FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT (HOME DEPOT ADDITION), PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. P 99-14, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE NO. CU 99-36, TO THE JANUARY 11, 2000, PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6. other Business 6.1. Update on 12/20/99 City Council Meetinq Michele McPherson provided an update on planning issues reviewed at the December 20, 1999, City Council meeting. 6.2. Ms. McPherson stated that a decision will need to be made by the January 11 th meeting, regarding who will attend the National Planning Conference. 8. Adiournment There being no further business, COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER CHAMBERS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 9:40 p.m. . Ld~tItLd3~V Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary .