HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 10-14 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Regulara
MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OCTOBER 14, 2015
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
11. ROLL CALL
Answering the roll call were: Hobbs, Lee, Strauss, Thorsen, Ma, Kivimaki, Nemerov, Olsen, Carr, and
Platteter
Absent from roll: Forrest
111. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Commissioner Carr moved approval of the September 30, 2015, meeting agenda. Commissioner
Nemerov seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. a
IV. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Carr moved approval of September 9, 2015 meeting minutes. Commissioner Lee
seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT:
9
None
Commissioner Lee moved to close community comment. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion.
All voted aye; public comment period closed.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Site Plan with Variances. Bank of America. 6868 France Avenue, Edina,
MN. '
Planner Presentation
Planner Teague presented his staff report, findings and conditions for Bank of America, 6868 France
Avenue, Edina, MN.
Teague concluded that staff recommends site plan approval with variances based on the following
findings:
The proposal would meet the required standards and ordinances for a Site Plan with the
exception of the setback and parking space variances. ;
The findings for a variance are met. The practical difficulty is cause by the unique triangular
shape of the property with two street fronts on the two "long sides" of the site.
The variance is reasonable. The building could be located on the site to meet the required
setback. However, the City Code Section 36-618. (3) states that the City Council will consider
exceptions to the setback requirements if the use creates an active pedestrian and streetscape
environment. The applicant is proposing a boulevard style sidewalk along France and 69th, and
has provided sidewalk connection from that sidewalk to the building. The'applicant could
develop the site to meet the setback requirements. In granting to the requested variances, the
overall site plan is improved and provides more green space.
The project would be more pedestrian oriented with the conditions recommended by the city
engineer.
Approval of the Site Plan is subject to the following conditions:
I . Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance
with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below:
• Site plan date stamped October I, 2015.
• Grading plan date stamped October I, 2015.
• Landscaping plan date stamped October 1, 2015.
• Building elevations date stamped September 28 and October 1, 2015.
• Building materials board as presented at the Planning Commission and City
Council meeting.
2. Prior the issuance of a building permit, a final landscape plan must be submitted, subject to staff
approval. Landscape plan must meet all minimum Zoning Ordinance requirements. Additionally,
a performance bond, letter -of -credit, or cash deposit must be submitted for one and one-half
times the cost amount for completing the required landscaping, screening, or erosion control
measures.
3. The property owner is responsible for replacing any required landscaping that dies.
4. Submit a copy of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District permit. The Citypay require revisions
to the approved plans to meet the district's requirements.
5. Compliance with the conditions required by the city engineer in his memo dated November 4,
2013.
6. Building plans are subject to review and approval of the fire marshal at the time of building
permit.
7. Bike racks must be provided to meet minimum Zoning Ordinance requirements.
8. The Merrill Lynch Entrance on 691h Street shall be enhanced to resemble a storefront entry as
recommended in the Comprehensive Plan. This could be accomplished with an awning or
signage at the entry.
B. Recommend that the City Council approve the front setback variance from 35 feet to 20 feet for the
ATM drive through, and a variance to allow an ATM drive through to be located on a side of a building
that faces property zoned R-1, Single -dwelling unit district at 6868 France Avenue.
Approval is based on the following findings:
I . The variance criteria are met. The practical difficulty is cause by the unique triangular shape of
the property with two street frontages on the two "long sides" of the site. To meet city code,
the drive-through would have to be moved to behind the building toward France Avenue. In
doing so, the circulation in the parking lot could be compromised. Additionally, moving the
drive-through to the France Avenue side of the site could also compromise future development
on the site. The area between the Tavern on France and the proposed bank could be a potential
development site. Having a drive-through on France Avenue, similar to the existing drive-
through on the site, would not promote a pedestrian friendly environment.
2. The drive-through location would simply replace an area that currently exists with parking. Cars
are located there now. This area also sits lower than the street, and would be screened by
evergreens that would grow to be five (5) feet tall.
3. The residential area to the west is heavily screened already by vegetation and fencing.
Therefore, this drive-through would not be visible from existing homes. This area would be less
visible from France Avenue than the existing drive-through on the site.
4. The drive-through would be adequately screened without compromising security.
Approvals of the Variances are subject to the following conditions:
Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance
with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below:
• Site plan date stamped October I, 2015.
• Grading plan date stamped October I, 2015.
Landscaping plan date stamped October I, 2015.
• Building elevations date stamped September 28 and October I, 2015.
• Building materials board as presented at the Planning Commission and City
Council meeting.
2. Prior the issuance of a building permit, a final landscape plan must be submitted, subject to staff
approval. Landscape plan must meet all minimum Zoning Ordinance requirements. Additionally,
a performance bond, letter -of -credit, or cash deposit must be submitted for one and one-half
times the cost amount for completing the required landscaping, screening, or erosion control
measures.
3. The property owner is responsible for replacing any required land scaping'that dies.
4. Submit a copy of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District permit. The City may require
revisions to the approved plans to meet the district's requirements.
5. Compliance with the conditions required by the city engineer in his memo dated November 4,
2013.
Appearing for Applicant
Anita Thomas and Aaron Greene, with Gensler
Applicant Presentation
Ms. Thomas addressed the Commission informing them the proposed building is a ground up LEED
certified flagship Bank of America Financial Center located in Edina and is part of a larger Planned Office
District development. Thomas acknowledged the unique aspects of being part of a larger office
development that blends well with the existing components while being mindful of future development
opportunities. Thomas said the intent is to demolish the existing bank and drive through and replace it
with the new Bank of America and drive through. Thomas pointed out to the Commission the
landscaping, new seating areas and the additional entrance requested by the Commission and Council.
Mr. Greene with graphics illustrated the exterior materials, lighting features and landscaping.
Continuing, Thomas said the proposed development will include the constructions of new sidewalks,
parking spaces, a corresponding storm water management system, lighting and landscape/irrigation.
Thomas said the storm water management system would include both surface retention ponds and an
underground storm water storage system. She also noted the location of the proposed remote drive -up
ATM. Concluding, Thomas asked the Commission for their support.
Discussion
Commissioners raised the following:
• It is important that the sidewalk is extended past the drive-through ATM around the perimeter
of the site.
• Ensure that parking areas are screened from the road and parking areas are screened internally.
• Disappointment was expressed that the building wasn't better reoriented along France Avenue;
including relocation of the drive-through and that the plans presented were similar to the plans
submitted at sketch plan.
• Consider adding landscaping to the parking islands north of the proposed building.
• Acknowledgment that the site itself is a difficult site with regard to building orientation and the
drive-through location noting that the site is surrounded on three sides by a road.
• Acknowledgement that the exterior building materials are high quality stone; not metal panels.
• Consider redesigning the steel pole/column at the main entrance to the bank.
Public Hearing
Chair Platteter opened the public hearing.
No one spoke to the issue.
Commissioner Carr moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion.
All voted aye; public hearing closed.
Discussion
A discussion ensued with the majority of the Commissioners expressing support for the project pointing
out the difficulties faced with design options as it relates to the multiple street frontages and that the
site is also part of a larger office park development and any development in this area impacts not only
this corner but the entire site.
Motion
Commissioner Carr moved to recommend Site Plan Approval with variances subject to
staff findings and staff conditions including the additional conditions:
9. The three existing islands in the parking lot north of the proposed building shall be
landscaped including over -story trees.
10. Landscaping shall be added to the south side of the new parking `lot that is to be
west of the new building. This landscaping shall provide screening of the parking lot.
11. Boulevard trees must be included on the final landscape plan subject to review and
approval of the city forester.
12. The sidewalk on the east side of Wooddale/69th Street shall be continued to the
north within the limits of the proposed project. This sidewalk would eventually be
continued to 66th Street upon further development on this site.i
Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. Ayes; Hobbs, Lee, Thorsen, Strauss, Carr.
Nays; Olsen, Nemerov and Platteter. Motion carried.
B. Zoning Ordinance Amendment — Taprooms, Brewpubs, Wineries and Distilleries
Planner Teague delivered his presentation summarizing each section in the proposed Ordinance
Amendment:
• Section I. Definitions. Each of the uses are defined. They include: Brewery, Brewpub,
Distillery, Cocktail Room, Taproom, and Winery. These definitions are consistent with state
law, with each of the cities surveyed, and are recommended by the city attorney.
• Section 2. Parking Regulations — Parking regulations for each of the uses are defined. The
ordinance proposed for taprooms requires one (1) space per forth (40) square feet.
• Section 3. Brewpubs (Where would they be allowed). Brewpubs are proposed to be allowed in
the City's Commercial Zoning Districts (PCD -1, 2 and 3). They would be considered a
permitted use just like a restaurant. Teague noted an example of a brewpub would be Granite
City.
• Section 4. Brewery, Distillery, Taproom, Winery, Cocktail Room (Where would they be
allowed). A brewery distillery, cocktail room, taproom and winery would only be allowed in the
PID, Planned Industrial District.
• Section 5. Mobile Food Unit (Food Trucks). A licensed mobile food would is allowed as an
accessory use to a taproom, winery, distillery or cocktail room. This helps address the issue of
serving food at these establishments. A food truck is only allowed in the industrial district, if it
is accessory to these uses.
• Section 6. Provides the regulations for breweries, taprooms, wineries, distilleries, cocktail
rooms and brewpubs. Teague further noted that existing code standards would be applied;
restrictions, controls and design standard which because of the nature of their operation are
accompanied by an excess of noise, vibration, dust, dirt, smoke, odor, nodous gases, glare or
wastes shall not be permitted. These residual features shall be considered as "excessive" when
they either exceed or deviate from the limitations set forth in the performance specifications for
each issue.
Discussion
Chair Platteter inquired if food trucks were allowed would they need to be licensed. Planner Teague
responded in the affirmative, adding food trucks would be licensed by the City of Edina Health Division.
Commissioner Carr commented that as she viewed the ordinance language she suggested that
"mobility" be clarified with regard to the mobile food unit. She said she doesn't want the "trucks"
stored on site. Commissioner Nemerov agreed, adding language could be added that would read
"during hours of operation" or something like that. Commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Nemerov noted he was interested in the suggestion Commissioner Carr offered at the
last Planning Commission meeting that there should be a distance for taprooms, etc. from a school.
Continuing, Nemerov pointed out that in his opinion 36-113 dd "one space per 1,000 gross square feet
of production floor area; Spaces" doesn't flow right. Teague agreed and suggested adding the word
"and". Commissioners agreed "and" clarified the sentence; with regard to the distance from schools
Teague said he would check into that; however believed that is part of the liquor ordinance.
Chair Platteter opened the public hearing.
Public Hearing
No one spoke to the issue; Commissioner Thorsen moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner
Strauss seconded the motion. All voted aye; public hearing closed.
Discussion
Commissioners stated they felt that this ordinance amendment would be good for the City; noting that
there is interest in these types of facilities.
Motion
Commissioner Olsen moved to recommend amending the zoning ordinance based on staff
findings and subject to staff conditions including addressing the mobility issue of food
trucks in the industrial zoning district. Planner Teague said he would add a sentence in
36-1275 that addresses outdoor storage of food trucks. It was also suggested that the
ordinance be amended to add the word "and" to 36-1311 dd. Commissioner Strauss
seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
Chair Platteter acknowledged back of packet materials.
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Vill. CHAIR AND COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Carr updated Commissioners on the progress of the Greater Southdale Area Working
Group. Carr reported that the work group has divided the Greater Southdale Area into four quadrants
and will break up into sub teams to study each quadrant.
Commissioner Thorsen reported on the transportation element of the Grandview Area.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
Planner Teague reported the City Council approved the subdivision request for Crest Lane and
continues to work on the Affordable Housing plan.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Thorsen moved adjournment at 9:00 pm. Commissioner Strauss seconded
the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
"lull 10,
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