6.1. SR 03-26-2001City of
River
MEMORANDUM
Item # 6.1
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior Planne~
March 26, 2001
Case No. CU 01-10
Request by Finn Daniels Architects (Precision Tune Auto
Care) for Conditional Use Permit
Request
Consider a request by Finn Daniels Architects (Precision Tune Auto Care) for
a conditional use permit for a motor vehicle specialty service station and
additional lease space, and an amendment to the conditional use permit for
Elk River Retail Center PUD to allow a freestanding sign.
Location
Lot 2, Block 1, Elk River Retail Center 2nd Addition
Zoning/Land Use
PUD (Planned Unit Development) / HB (Highway Business)
Attachments
· Staff report dated 3/19/01
· Sign agreement Elk River Retail Center PUD
· List of uses allowed in the Elk River Retail Center PUD
Overview
At the Monday, March 19th City Council meeting the Council tabled this item
to tonight's meeting. The Council requested additional information regarding
wall signs, the color and material of the exterior of the building as well as the
location of the freestanding sign. The applicant will be providing color
drawings and material samples of the exterior of the building. The applicant
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone (763) 441-7420 · Fax (763) 441-7425
Memo to Mayor & City Council/CU 01-10
March 26, 2001
Page 2
is also contacting Brian Adams, General Manager Elk River Utilities, and
Anoka Electric regarding placing a freestanding sign in the easement along
Highway 169.
There was also some discussion regarding the type of uses that could locate in
the 8,460 square feet of leasable space. Attached is a copy of the section of the
PUD Agreement that established the uses allowed and whether they require
a conditional use permit.
S:\PLANNING\SCOT'r~cu0110326cc.doc
City of
Item #
River
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner
March 19, 2001
Case No. CU 01-10
Request by Finn Daniels Architects (Precision Tune Auto
Care) for Conditional Use Permit
Request
Consider a request by Finn Daniels Architects (Precision Tune Auto Care) for
a conditional use permit for a motor vehicle specialty service station and
additional lease space, and an amendment to the conditional use permit for
Elk River Retail Center PUD to allow a freestanding sign.
Location
Lot 2, Block 1, Elk River Retail Center 2nd Addition
Zoninq/Land Use
PUD (Planned Unit Development) / HB (Highway Business)
Attachments
· Location map
· Site Plan
· Memo from City Engineer
· Letter from applicant
Overview
The applicant is proposing a 3,025 square foot Precision Tune Auto Center
and 8,460 square feet of attached lease space. Tenants for the lease space
have not been identified. The structure will be located between County Inn
Suites and Perkins Restaurant in the Elk River Retail Center.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone (763) 441-7420 · Fax (763) 441-7425
Memo to Mayor & City CounciYCU 01-10
March 19, 2001
Page 2
The building will be located on Lot 2, Block 1, Elk River Retail Center 2na
Addition which is 49,222 square feet (1.13 acres) in size. The plan includes
some additional parking spaces and landscaping, as well a freestanding
monument sign along Highway 169. The building is rectangular shaped with
the narrow ends facing Highway 169 and Dodge Street. The front of the
building faces Perkins Restaurant. The additional parking is being provided
on the south side of the site, adjacent to Perkins.
Building
The proposed building will be 11,485 square feet in size; Precision Tune will
be 3,025 square feet and the remaining 8,460 square feet will be lease space.
The exterior of the building will be a mix of E.F.I.S and rock face block.
Colors will be a mix of earth tones, which will be compatible with the
adjacent structures. Metal canopies will be located over the windows and
entrances of the building. The exterior of the building includes some nice
cornice details and formal entrances.
The activity around the building will be focused away from the residential
property on Dodge Street. To this end, the Precision Tune will be located on
the end of the building closest to Highway 169 and the building will act as
buffer between the auto care portion of the building and Dodge Street. No
windows or entrances are proposed on the side facing Dodge Street.
There is no trash enclosure proposed. All trash will be stored inside the
building. No outside storage of auto parts is allowed.
Parking
47 parking stalls are shown on site plan. The Precision Tune requires 10
spaces with the remaining 37 spaces dedicated to the 8,460 square feet of
lease space. This would work with a specific mix of retail and auto related
uses (5200 sr. retail space and 6285 sf. of auto related/professional office). If
additional spaces are required to accommodate more retail space, a shared
parking agreement can be recorded between this developer and Country Inn
Suite.
The parking lot layout is acceptable. There are 11 spaces existing along
Highway 169 that will be counted towards the parking requirement. An
additional 36 new spaces will be constructed as part of this project, 26 of
them in front of the building adjacent to the existing driveway for Perkins.
Curb and gutter are included around the landscape islands, perimeter of the
S:\PLANNING\SCOTT\CU01 iOCC.DOC
Memo to Mayor & City Council/CU 01-10
March 19, 2001
Page 3
parking lot and driveways. The existing driveway adjacent to the berm will
remain, as will the driveway along Highway 169.
Landscaping
The proposed landscaping includes 3 trees, one overstory tree and 2
ornamental trees and some bushes planted around the building. The
landscape ordinance requires 22 trees for this site. Additional trees will be
required to meet the landscape requirement. However, it is not likely that an
additional 19 trees would realistically fit on this site. Staff will be working
with the applicant on a revised plan and possible landscape alternatives.
Alternatives include planting larger trees than required or planting trees off-
site.
The existing landscaping was installed to meet the landscaping requirements
for Perkins and Country Inn Suites. The existing landscaping on the berm
was installed in 1994 when the original PUD was approved, The landscape
plan also indicates that the berm is irrigated. Irrigation will also be required
for the landscaped areas of this site.
The proposed parking lot lighting should match the existing lights found at
Perkins and Country Inn Suites
Grading, Drainage and Utilities
Grading, drainage and utility issues are addressed in the City Engineer's
memo.
Signage
Freestanding Sign
The applicant is also proposing a freestanding monument sign along
Highway 169. The applicant is requesting that the conditional use permit for
Elk River Retail Center PUD be amended to allow for this monument sign. A
freestanding sign for this site was not included on the approved site plan for
the PUD.
The proposed sign is 10 feet high and 10 feet wide. The sign area is 80 square
feet. The sign will have a rock face block base. The proposed sign is located
within an Anoka Electric easement and within a City of Elk River drainage
and utility easement. The applicant will have to get permission from Anoka
Electric and the municipal utilities to place the sign in the easement.
S:\PLANNING\SCOTT\CU01 iOCC.DOC
Memo to Mayor & City Council/CU 01-10
March 19, 2001
Page 4
Entrance Sign
An entrance sign is proposed next to the existing entrance sign for Country
Inn Suites on the Dodge Street entrance near Perkins. This sign should help
direct traffic into the first entrance and reduce the number of cars entering
the site from the entrance by Country Inn Suites.
Wall Signage
Wall signs for Precision Tune and the lease space shall comply with the Elk
River Retail Center PUD Agreement and the City of Elk River Sign
Ordinance.
Planninq Commission Meetinq
At the Planning Commission held on February 27th four neighbors spoke at
the public hearing. They all had similar concerns regarding traffic,
maintaining the landscaping, noise and lighting. To address the visual
impact on the residents on Dodge Street staff will work with the developer to
plant additional landscaping on the berm. In an effort to reduce the amount
of traffic on Dodge Street an entrance sign will be located at the southern
entrance near Perkins. To reduce the impact of noise, the building will be
oriented so that the Precision Tune will be located near Highway 169 and the
building will act as a buffer. Lighting will be the same design as the existing
lights and only those light needed for security will be left on after the
businesses close for the night.
The Planning Commission discussed parking and felt that a shared parking
agreement would address any parking problems that might occur. They
thought that the exterior of the building should be earth tones to match the
Perkins and Country Inn Suites.
Recommendation
The Planning Commission and staff recommend that the City Council
approve the conditional use permit for Finn Daniels Architects (Precision
Tune) and an amendment to the conditional use permit for Elk River Retail
Center PUD to allow a freestanding sign with the following conditions:
If the applicant desires to located the monument sign as proposed, they
will have to provide written authorization from Anoka Electric and the
City regarding the location of the freestanding sign.
S:\PLANNING\SCOTT\CU0110CC.DOC
Memo to Mayor & City CouncillCU 01-10
March 19, 2001
Page 5
2. Wall signs shall be in conformance with the Elk River Retail Center
PUD and the City of Elk River sign ordinance.
3. All trash will be stored inside the building.
4. No outside storage of auto parts, cars under repair, pallets or other
packaging material, or goods is allowed.
5. The landscape plan will be revised to comply with the landscape
ordinance, and if the total number of trees required can not be
accommodated on site, an alternative will be worked out with the city.
6. All comments in the in the City Engineer's memo shall be addressed.
7. Parking lot lighting shall match the existing lighting found at Perkins
and Country Inn Suites.
8. The principle exterior color of the building shall be brown and/or tan
and the material used shall be integrally colored.
9. A shared parking agreement shall be recorded between the developer
and Country Inn Suite for 5 spaces.
S:\PLANNING\SCOTT\CU0110CC.DOC
oward Fi,
Green Company
February 5, 2001
File: 813560J.0240
o
Ms. Michele McPherson
Director of Planning
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
P.O. Box 490
Elk River, MN 55330-0490
RE:
PRECISION TUNE AUTO CARE
SITE PLAN REVIEW
Dear Ms. McPherson:
As requested, we have reviewed the site plan for the proposed Precision Tune Auto
Care. The site plan was prepared by Finn Daniels Architects and was dated January 29,
2000, Although it was received January 30, 2001. This proposed site is located between
.the Perkins Restaurant and the Country Inn and Suites Motel. Based upon our review,
we would offer the following comments:
1. As discussed at the staff review meeting, it is questionable, depending on the type
of commercial business that occupies the 8,460 square feet of lease space,
whether or not this site has sufficient parking. If this square footage is occupied by
a larger traffic producer, there could be a shortage of parking.
There is one proposed trash enclosure that is set into the berm along Dodge
Street. We question whether one trash enclosure located approximately 200 feet
from the end business in the proposed building is sufficient, and whether or not the
trash enclosure Should be allowed to be constructed into the berm.
The proposed site identification sign is shown in the drainage and utility easement,
This easement contains a trunk watermain. In fact, the utility plan shows that there
is an existing hydrant in this same general area. The site sign should not be
allowed to be constructed in this drainage and utility easement.
The grading plan shows minor grading of the existing berm along Dodge Street
which will slightly lower a portion of the berm. It is unclear why this is being
proposed - perhaps for better sight lines of the building. It does not appear that the
grading of the berm has anything to do with better sight lines for the motodng
public. We would suggest that this grading of the berm not be allowed. '
O:~ROJ~81356OJ~tr 02-05-01 McPherson.doc
1326 Energy Park Drive · St. Paul, MN 55108 - 651/644-4389 fax 651/644-9446 toll free 888/368-4389
Ms. Michete McPherson
February 5, 2001
Page Two
5. The utility plan shows an extension of the existing storm sewer into the parking
area between the proposed building and the Country Inn and Suites building.
There is no emergency overflow for the last catch basin on this line. Grading of the
parking area should provide for an emergency overflow, such that if this catch
basin is plugged or overwhelmed by a large storm, the runoff will I.eave the site and
not endanger the building.
6. The parking area between the existing Perkins Restaurant and the new building is
proposed to drain southwesterly through the Perkins site. Is this acceptable to the
owner of the Perkins Restaurant?
If you have any questions regarding these comments, please call.
Sincerely,
Howard R. Green Company
TJM:tw
O:~PROJ~813560J\Ltr Q2-05-01 McPhersen.Cioc
Howard R. Green Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
~oo'ste~ep-uuB'~
}1~9g'069 xed 9~gg'069'l. g9
~lJ. gg etoseuulpl 'lrmd rules
O~ e~ns 'Xe~a~Id p~od g'kt~
SlO!u-p uu!j
oo -6z'- ~
V.LOS=INNIW 'IJ:IAII:I MI:I
:::l~lVO O.L(1V :iNI'I/. NOISlO;ltid
J
I
I
00'L ~
z
Z
woo'$1eluep -v-U.'~w~
91~99'069 xe.-I 9~99'069'1.99
1.0~ el. InS 'X~imcl p.lod gkl.~
SlO!u-p uu!j
¥.I.O$3NNIIN 'llgAlll 141t
:i~lVO O.i. rlv ;INI'IJ. NOIglO;ltld
LU
LL!
IJJ
EXHIBIT G
ELK RIVER RETAIL CENTER
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
SIGN REQUIREMENTS
a. General Guidelines
All signs within Elk River Retail Center Planned Unit
Development (PUD) must consist of materials and a design
which compliments the architectural elements of the principle
building and character of the project.
All freestanding signs shall have a minimum ten (10) foot
setback from all property lines.
Prior to installing any signs, a sign permit must be obtained
from the City of Elk River Planning Department.
b. Development Sign (Along Highway 169)
One freestanding development sign identifying Elk River Retail
Center will be permitted along Highway 169.
This sign may have a maximum height of Twenty (20) feet and
width of Fifteen (15) feet. Multiple tenants may be identified
on this sign; in compliance with the City sign ordinance.
Attachment A, - an illustration of the preliminary
development sign.
c. Monument Sign for Restaurant Site.
The freestanding restaurant site within Elk River Retail
Center will be allowed to have a freestanding sign. The
freestanding sign must be of a monument style with a
maximum height often (10) feet and a maximum area of One
Hundred (100) square feet.
d. Wall Sig~s (Freestanding Sites)
Wall signage for each freestanding building must consist of
individual letters and shall not have more than One (1) wall
sign for each principal building.
eo
The gross surface area of a wall sign for freestanding buildings
shall not exceed Ten (10) percent of the area of a building wall,
including doors and windows, to which the sign is to be affixed.
No wall signage shall be permitted on any portion of the
building facing Dodge Street.
Wall Signs (Multi Tenant Building)
Fascia signs for individual retail tenants shall be for store
identity only.
Capital letters shall be no larger than 36" high, lower case
letters shall be no larger than 24" high. Signs may be located
on the west and south sides of the building in a symmetrical
manner, but in no case shall they extend closer than 3'-0" from
the projected lease line. (See Attachment B).
These signs may be internally illuminated, individual letters
placed on a 4" square electrical raceway, painted to match the
masonry facia.
No signage shall be permitted on any portion of the building
which faces Dodge Street.
Other Signs
All other signage that may occur within Elk River Retail
Center PUD and not specifically mentioned herein shall comply
with the City of Elk River sign regulations as setforth in the
Zoning Ordinance.
Requests for signage shall be consistent with the conditions,
character and intent of the Elk River Retail Center PUD
developer.
Signage not consistent with the Elk River Retail Center PUD
may be denied by the City.
s:plannin g:errcpud
ATTACHMENT B
Eo. t
FABRIC CANOPY
TYPICAL WALL SIGNAGE
the properties located within the Subdivision. Developer further represents that it intends to sell
some of the parcels within the Subdivision to third parties unrelated to Developer (Third Parties).
This PUD Agreement shall be binding on Third Parties.
2.) Development - The Project shall be developed in accordance with the following
plans attached as exhibits hereto, subject to obtaining site plan approval for each parcel within
the Subdivision as provided by this PUD Agreement:
Exhibit C - Site Plan and Setback Plan
Exhibit D - Landscape Plan
Exhibit E - Grading Plan
Exhibit F - Project Cross Sections
Exhibit G - Signage Standards
Exhibit H - Uses
O 3.) klses - The uses allowed as permitted, conditional and accessory uses in the C-2,
~ce District at the time of approval of the PUD (as shown on Exhibit H to this PUD
Agreement) shall be allowed as permitted, conditional and accessory uses within the Project.
The following uses shall also be allowed as conditional uses in the Project:
· Retail shops and stores
· Motor vehicle specialty shop
· Class I Restaurant
4.) Approval bv City.. - City hereby approves the Project as shown in the attached
exhibits provided, howeve}, that insofar as the exhibits vary from the written terms of this PUD
Agreement, the written terms shall govern. This approval is subject to individual site and
building plan review and approval as follows:
(a) Prior to the issuance of a building permit for any lot within the Project, both for
initial construction and for any subsequent expansion, exterior remodeling of a structure
or substantial revision of an approved site plan, the site plan for the proposed
development shall be reviewed and approved by the City through the Conditional Use
permit process.
(b) Each site plan approval request shall be accompanied by such plans and
supporting materials as City staff shall require, and shall be reviewed by the Planning
Commission and City Council in a public hearing held thereon before approval.
(c) Site plan approval shall be granted only if the City Council finds that the proposed
site plan is consistent with the terms and conditions of the Conditional Use Permit for the
Project, this PUD Agreement, applicable City Ordinance requirements and all other legal
requirements. City reserves the right to refuse approval of an individual site plan if, in
the City Council's judgment, this condition is not met.
ICE DISTRICT
OF PURPOSE: The C-2 Office District is intended to
buffer residential districts from arterial streets or from
commercial districts and to provide a district which is compatible
with and may reasonably adjoin residential districts. The Office
District provides for the location and development of offices and
other service and light commercial uses which are subject to more
restrictive controls.
A. permitted Uses
i. Governmental, business and professional offices
ii. Outpatient health care facilities
iii. Personal service establishments
iv. Public parks
B. Accessor~ Uses
i. Signs as permitted in Section 900.22
ii. Off-street parking facilities
iii. Off-street loading facilities
iv. Telephone booths
v. Private recreational facilities
vi. Public shelters and essential services
Conditional Uses
i. Licensed daycare facilities
ii. Institutional uses
iii. Residential dwellings (R-4 standards)
iv. Financial institutions
v. Funeral parlor
vi. Boarding house
vii. Governmental buildings and facilities
viii. Therapeutic massage and sauna establishments
EXHIBIT H
9.28