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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-01-02 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularA G E N D A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1991 7:30 P.M., EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. NEW BUSINESS: C-91-1 Conditional Use Permit Hennepin County Library 7001 York Avenue South Building Expansion C-91-2 Temporary Conditional Use Permit Dr. Joyce Anderson 7121 Glouchester Avenue LD -91-1 6610 and 6620 Normandale Road Rrentz and Simonson LD -91-2 5901-5903 View Lane II. NEXT MEETING DATE: Wednesday, January 30, 1991 III. ADJOURNMENT: MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 1991, 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PESENT: Chairman G. Johnson, Hale, Faust, McClelland, Runyan, Palmer, Shaw, Workinger, Shaw MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: I. NEW BUSINESS: L. Johnson, D. Byron Craig Larsen, City Planner Jackie Hoogenakker, Secretary C-91-1 Conditional Use Permit. Hennepin County Library 7001 York Avenue South Purpose: Building Expansion Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the requested Conditional Use Permit would allow for the expansion of the public library portion of the building. The courts and service center areas would not be enlarged. The proposed additions will have a total floor area of 15,246 square feet. Mr. Larsen explained an increase in parking spaces has also been requested, which would result in a loss of green space. Mr. Larsen added that normally, staff would hesitate to recommend replacing green space with additional parking above code requirements, but the County, however, is convinced that they will require all of the requested parking. This facility is obviously very active, and may create a parking demand beyond that anticipated by Ordinance. The multi -use nature of the facility may also increase total parking demand. Mr. Larsen concluded that based on the explanation provided by the County, staff would recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit including the requested 10 foot parking setback variance. Mr. Ray Johnson, representing Hennepin County was present to address any concerns of the Commission. Commissioner Palmer questioned if the City has noted any problems 1 with parking. He pointed out the City usually takes a stand on maintaining greenspace. Mr. Larsen said at this time the City has not actively policed the parking situation at the library. He added staff has relied on the information supplied by the County regarding parking at the site. Mr. Larsen agreed that in the past the City has been in favor of maintaining greenspace but as stated by the County, library staff indicate a real need for more parking. Mr. Ray Johnson told the Commission he did not visit the site on a daily basis, but library staff indicated throughout the year, for certain periods of time, there is a demand for additional parking spaces. Mr. Johnson pointed out the courts at different times need additional parking due to the individuality of each case being heard, and the amount of people involved in each case. Mr. Johnson added that the service center especially when vehicle license tabs are due can become very congested. Continuing, Mr. Johnson added that in the winter spaces are eliminated due to snow storage. Commissioner G. Johnson asked Mr. Johnson if library staff observed parking problems during the evening hours. Mr. Johnson said parking in the evening is adequate because the courts and service center only operate during the day. He added problems appear to occur when the library, courts, and service center are all operating at one time. Commissioner McClelland suggested that the County look into the possibility of keeping the drop-off window open during daytime hours. She added this would eliminate taking up a parking space thus reducing the need for additional parking. Commissioner McClelland stressed that the book drop-off situation is inadequate as it is now utilized and asked the County to look at a solution that would not require the parking of your vehicle if you just want to return books. Commissioner McClelland said she is in favor of maintaining as much greenspace as possible and in her opinion the County has not shown her more parking spaces are needed when other alternatives could be implemented. Mr. Johnson told Commissioner McClelland that at the present time library staff has not studied the possibility of having the book drop-off open during daytime hours. He said he believes the reason for this is a security precaution. Commissioner Byron arrived at 7:45 p.m. Commissioner G. Johnson asked Mr. Johnson if the County plans on re-striping the parking lot. Mr. Johnson said that is correct, after construction, the parking lot will be re-striped. Commissioner Runyan questioned Mr. Larsen on the parking formula implemented for the service center. Mr. Larsen said the parking formula for the library and it's uses is the same formula the City implements for office use. 2 Commissioner McClelland suggested that instead of the traditional angled parking spaces, maybe the County could consider parallel parking spaces instead, this would reduce the amount eliminated in the present area of greenspace. Mr. Johnson said another reason the County is requesting additional parking is because during construction parking spaces will be occupied by construction debris, and equipment. He added that completion for the addition has a target date of 1993. Commissioner Workinger noted that more parking could occur on site if the County would remove the snow, instead of store it on site. Mr. Johnson responded that that is correct, but that option would have to be reviewed due -to budget restraints. Commissioner Workinger indicated that if additional parking is approved he wants to make sure it is needed, as it has been suggested by library staff. Mr. Johnson told the Commission library staff is very sensitive to the greenspace and plantings, and library staff informed the County that there is a need for additional parking. Continuing, Mr. Johnson said new landscaping materials will be planted and maintained. Commissioner Runyan pointed out that because of the grade of the library, library staff, and patrons within the library will be the most impacted by additional parking spaces, people driving by at 30 mph may not notice the additional parking spaces. Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Johnson if any construction would occur on the first floor, near the entrance area. Mr. Johnson said there will be no change on grade level except in the rear. He explained that the "pods" are to be tacked on with posts which will be anchored in the ground. Continuing, Mr. Johnson said the first floor will remain the same and is expected to remain open during construction. Commissioner Shaw said the usage and success of the library is very important to the City of Edina and performs an excellent service for members of the community. Continuing, Commissioner Shaw said an important fact to consider is that the success of the library is the public's perception that parking is adequate and that during construction service will continue without interruption. Commissioner Shaw added adequate parking is a must and it may be wise to consider that library staff has requested`an increase in parking from what they have observed. Commissioner Shaw concluded that the County should consider reviewing the return book system and if possible operate a full time vehicle book drop-off. Mr. Johnson said another fact the Commission should consider is that the library will remain open during construction. He added he will past along to the County the Commission's view on the book K drop-off system and ask that it be reviewed. He added he is unsure of what stand would be taken regarding this suggestion. The book drop-off if open all day would take redesigning or possibly even a full time person to accept the books. , Commissioner Palmer questioned if there is a possibility that office requirements for parking could be too low for the type of use generated by the library. Commissioner Palmer added in his opinion the library is similar to a commercial use. Mr. Johnson agreed, adding that the courts and service area at times do draw a large volume of people. Commissioner Runyan moved to recommend Conditional Use Permit approval based on the need observed by library staff for an increase in parking spaces, and that the setback be reduced from 20 feet to 10 feet to allow for additional parking. Commissioner Palmer seconded the motion. Commissioner Faust asked County Staff to please look at a way to address the drop-off situation at the library. Commissioner McClelland told the Commission she feels there is no hardship in this instance regarding an increase in the setback requirement to accommodate additional parking. She added that by allowing the removal of greenspace to accommodate more parking, we are cooperating with the County in advance of any real proven need for additional parking. Commissioner Runyan moved to recommend attaching to his previous motion for approval that the architect for the County take back to County Staff comments made by Commission Members regarding a suggested redesign of the book drop-off system and the comments regarding a reduction in the setback to allow additional parking. Commissioner Palmer accepted Commissioner Runyan's addition to his motion. Ayes; Hale, Faust Byron, Ingwalson, Workinger, Palmer, Runyan, Shaw, G. Johnson. Nays, McClelland. Motion carried. C-91-2 Temporary Conditional Use Permit Dr. Joyce Anderson 7121 Glouchester Avenue Mr. Larsen reminded the Commission the 19, 1990, adopted an amendment to the for temporary conditional use permits permits are limited to persons who are full time basis outside the home. 4 City Council, on November Zoning Ordinance providing for home occupations. The unable to be employed on a Mr. Larsen reported that Dr. Anderson has submitted the required physician's statement as well as a description of the scope of her consulting business. She is requesting 20 trips per week, which is the maximum allowed under the permit. Mr. Larsen added Dr. Anderson has not requested any other variances from the home occupation performance standards. Mr. Larsen concluded that the required physicians statement and background information have been provided. The application indicates that Dr. Anderson will operate her counseling business within the parameters defined in the Zoning Ordinance. The permit should be granted with the condition that patient trips are limited to 20 per week. Dr. Anderson and neighbors in support of her request were present. Members of the Commission asked Mr. Larsen the time frame stipulated by Council for re-reviewal. Mr..Larsen responded that the Council will hear the request on the first anniversary following Council approval and every two years thereafter. Mr. Larsen noted that the permit runs with the occupant, not the property. Commissioner McClelland moved to recommend Conditional Use Permit approval with the condition that client trips be limited to 20 trips per week. Commissioner Palmer seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. LD -91-1 6610 And 6620 Normandale Road. Rrentz and Simonson Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the proposed lot division would transfer the southerly six feet of 6610 Normandale to the lot at 6620 Normandale Road. The transfer would allow the construction of a family room addition to 6620 which would comply with Zoning Ordinance setback requirements. Following the division both lots would comply with Zoning Ordinance standards.' Mr. Larsen said staff recommends approval. Commissioner Palmer moved to recommend approval of the land transfer. Commissioner Workinger seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. 5 LD -91-2 5901-5903 View Lane Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the applicant requests a party wall lot division of an existing double bungalow. The units have separate water service but share a single sewer service. The Building Board of Appeals approved a variance to continue the shared sewer on October 8, 1990. Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends approval. Commissioner Workinger noted that this is an unusual situation. He added approval for a party wall lot division usually requires separate utility services. Mr. Larsen responded that that is correct. He added in this instance each unit has individual water service, which provides the City the means to shut off water to any unit if the need arises without affecting the other unit. He added one sewer is not a problem and the bungalow is rather old. Commissioner Workinger moved to recommend lot division approval. Commissioner Hale seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. II. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. �]��. �_ X11. �� - Ho&ge-nakke-r i Secretary R