HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 08-16 Planning Commission Minutes Draft Minutes
Approved Minutes
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Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
��,_� s Planning Commission
•
Edina City Hall Council Chambers
August 16, 2017, 7:00 P.M.
I. Call To Order
Chair Olsen called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
II. Roll Call
Answering the roll were: Commissioners Hobbs, Lee, Thorsen, Strauss, Nemerov, Hamilton, Bennett,
Berube, Bennett, Chair Olsen. Student Members,Jones. Staff, City Planner, Teague, Assistant Planner,
Aaker Support Staff, Hoogenakker
Absent from roll: Peter Kivimaki
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Strauss to approve the August 16, 2017, meeting
agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lee. All voted aye. The motion
carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Nemerov to approve the minutes of the June 28,
2017, meeting, Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion
carried.
V. Public Hearings
A. Variance. 4536 France Avenue South, Edina, MN. Setback Variance
Staff Presentation
Planner Aaker reported that the subject property is located at 4536 France Ave. So., on the west side of
France Ave., south of Sunnyside Road consisting of a converted single dwelling unit with a detached garage.
The property was converted many years ago into an office building. The property was rezoned from a
single dwelling unit to an office use, causing most aspects of the property to be nonconforming
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regarding setbacks among other office requirements.
Aaker told the Commission the property was recently purchased with the new owner hoping to modify interior
and exterior spaces. Two of the major exterior improvements include adding expanded pavement towards the
building with a ramp for accessible parking, (conforming), and expanding a fire exit over the back of the building
for a rooftop deck, (needs north side yard setback variance). See attached Survey and plans for reference.
The owner is planning to continue office uses within the building which are permitted in the POD-I,
office zoning district.
The existing roof deck area is a walkway from a second floor door to access a staircase along the
back of the building. The plan is to maintain the required staircase while expanding deck area over the
entire roof. It should be noted that a 5-foot side yard setback is required for properties zoned R-1.
If the property were zoned R-I and functioned as a single dwelling unit as originally constructed,
the deck would conform to the minimum 5-foot side and rear yard setback requirement.
Planner Aaker concluded that staff recommends approval of the requested variance based on the following
findings:
1. The proposed location of the deck expansion is reasonable. It would be located in line and above
existing building area.
2. The property was rezoned from residential to office use years ago creating a nonconforming building.
3. The practical difficulty in this instance is the proposed deck setback conforms to residential zoning, (as
the home was originally constructed), but is nonconforming for an office district.
4. The proposed deck will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The proposed deck
expansion will be above an existing rooftop and will maintain existing setbacks.
Approval shall be subject to the following: Plans and survey dated stamped: July II, 2017.
Appearing for the Applicant
Bjorn Freudenthal
Applicant Presentation
Mr. Freudenthal addressed the Commission and explained the property owners wants to improve the site
to include expanding the deck area over the entire roof. Freudenthal said the proposed improved deck
area would be an amenity for staff and clients.
Public Hearing
Chair Olsen opened the public hearing. No one spoke to the issue.
A motion was made by Commissioner Strauss to close the public hearing. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Berube. All voted aye. The motion carried.
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Motion
Commissioner Lee moved to recommend approval of the requested variance based on staff
findings and subject to staff conditions. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. All
voted aye. The motion carried.
B. Zoning Ordinance Amendment—Temporary Health Care Dwellings
Planner Presentation
Planner Teague reported that the Council added to the Commission's 2017 Work Plan consideration of
temporary health care dwelling units and hold a public hearing. Teague said in response to the Council's
direction staff has drafted an Ordinance for Temporary Health Care Dwelling Units.
Planner Teague concluded that staff recommends that the City Council approve the proposed ordinance
amendment that would allow temporary healthcare dwelling units.
Discussion/Comments
Planner Teague asked the Commission to note that the Temporary Health Care Dwelling Ordinance in
the R-I Single Dwelling Unit District includes the following:
I. Requires a building permit.
2. Anchor temporary dwelling unit per Uniform Building Code
3. Require a site plan; not a full survey.
4. A temporary dwelling unit can be located in the front yard setback area if it cannot be located in the
rear yard.
5. The temporary care unit would not be included in lot coverage.
6. Two year maximum.
7. $400,00 building permit fee.
Commissioner Nemerov commented he thought that this Ordinance was a good benefit for the middle
class.
Commissioners raised the following:
• Are there uniform standards in the building code for anchoring the unit. Planner Teague
responded that at this time he did not know requirements for anchoring. It was suggested that
this information be available at the City Council hearing.
• Teague was asked to clarify the phrase exterior materials that are compatible in composition,
appearance, etc. Teague responded that term reflects State Statute adding he believes the intent
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was to ensure standard building materials are used on the exterior of the temporary unit. This
would ensure that the unit is built of materials compatible in quality to residential structures.
• Commissioners asked Planner Teague to clarify the "front yard" location. Teague explained that
the proposed Ordinance would permit a temporary unit to be located in the front yard setback
area if it cannot be physically located in the rear yard.
• It was stressed that it is very important the temporary units have access to all utilities and
connections. Teague explained that building officials would make sure the units have the correct
access. It was further suggested that the temporary health care dwelling permit include
information on what it needed.
• It was suggested that it would be good to notify neighbors that a temporary health care dwelling
unit permit was issued. It was acknowledged that this would be a courtesy and it was further
acknowledged if there was a notification process would neighbors think they could "weigh in" on
the permit process.
• It was suggested that the renewal fee stipulated at $100.00 be reduced to $50.00.
• An opinion was expressed that the two-year maximum may be too long. Acknowledging the 6-
month renewal requirement should remain.
Public Hearing
Chair Olsen opened the public hearing.
Janey Westin, 6136 Brookview Avenue addressed the Commission in support of allowing temporary
family health care dwellings in the R-1 zoning district. Ms. Westin presented a brochure depicting a
temporary health care unit on wheels.
Commissioner Hamilton moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Strauss
seconded the motion. All voted aye. Public hearing closed.
Motion
Commissioner Nemerov moved to recommend adopting the ordinance amendment
regarding Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings in the R-I, Single Dwelling Unit District
as proposed to include a change to item 5; reducing the application fee for renewal from
$100.00 to $50.00, with the suggestions that staff clarify minimum anchoring requirements,
encourage staff to identify steps to "speed up" the permit process and consider creating a
process and requirement check list. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thorsen.
Ayes; Hobbs, Thorsen, Strauss, Nemerov, Hamilton, Bennett, Berube, Olsen. Nay, Lee.
Motion carried. 8-1
C. Zoning Ordinance Amendment— PUD-9, 3200 Southdale Circle for Doran
Companies
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Planner Presentation
Planner Teague informed the Commission that Doran Companies are requesting an Ordinance
amendment to revise the height and setback requirements to their approved redevelopment project at
3200 Southdale Circle. (The old Best Buy site) The project was originally called "Gateway Pointe," but
has now been changed to "Envi Edina." They are also requesting a minor change to the elevation of the
south wall of the at grade parking area facing Taco Bell.
Specifically, the applicant is requesting a height change from 70 feet to 75 feet, and a decrease to the
required setbacks on Xerxes from I I feet to 6 feet for the first story, and from 23 feet to 13 feet on
stories 2-6.
Teague concluded staff supports the amendments and recommends that the City Council approve the
Ordinance Amendment and changes based on the following findings:
• The setback changes are due to platting requirements of Hennepin County. There would be no change
to the site plan that was originally approved.
• The height changes are due to the requirements of the watershed district and uniform building
requirements for enclosed parking. The increase in height is not significant.
• The changes to the south elevation are only a small portion of the wall, and are minor. This area faces
the drive-through at Taco Bell.
Appearing for the Applicant
Applicant Presentation
Stood for questions and delivered a fly over presentation.
Discussion/Comments
Planner Teague was asked if the walkway between the complex and Taco Bell was still present. Teague
responded in the affirmative. He said plantings and trees would be planted along this walkway.
Teague explained that Doran is the new development company and the project name was changed to: Envi
Edina". Teague further explained that exterior changes were made to the building which were approved
by the City Council.
Public Hearing
Chair Olsen opened the public hearing. No one spoke to the issue.
Commissioner Thorsen moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Strauss seconded
the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
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Motion
Commissioner Hamilton moved to recommend approval of the Ordinance Amendment and
changes to the south elevation based on staff findings. Commissioner Nemerov seconded
the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
A discussion ensued with the Commission requesting if changes are made to the exterior of developments
that the Commission would like to see those changes. Planner Teague said he was comfortable presenting
exterior changes to the Commission as well as Council.
VI. Community Comment
No one spoke at community comment.
Commissioner Thorsen moved to close Community Comment. Commissioner Lee
seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. 70th and Cahill Small Area Working Group
Planner Aaker briefed the Commission on the Working Group Greenprint for the 70th and Cahill Small
Area Plan. Aaker reported that Commissioners Lee and Strauss would be Commission liaisons for this
Small Area Plan.
Planner Aaker presented the following timeframe for the 70th and Cahill Small Area Plan.
• PC approve the "greenprint"
• August 13-23 write press release, social media, city extra, etc. would like this completed by
August 23rd.
• September 8th, application deadline
• September I I — review applications
• September 27—approve working group members
• September 28th — notify applicants
• October— I st working group meeting
• January 2018— SAP complete
A discussion ensued on if the timeline to complete the small area plans was too short. It was pointed out
that the consultant team may become overwhelmed with keeping up with multiple small area plans
overlapping; especially tying them to the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioners Berube and Bennett were asked if they felt confident with their timeline. Berube and
Bennett responded that although it appears that there will be more meetings then originally scheduled
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they feel confident with the timeline; noting that having a timeline does help to focus the group. It was
further noted that it would be difficult at this time to "pin down" when the writing of the conclusion
would be completed; however, it appears there is flexibility with the end date.
Commissioners Strauss and Lee noted that in viewing the 70th & Cahill area it appears that area could be
expanded to include some of the industrial areas. Lee said she wondered if the time to complete the small
area plan was adequate and could a "study" or a "report" be drafted and not tied to the Comprehensive
Plan.
Planner Teague noted that if any changes are made to the contract those "changes" would need to be
brought forward to the Council to amend the contract. Teague said the consultant contract also indicates
the small area plans are a big portion of the contract, adding the consultants have expressed that they are
looking forward to starting on the 70th and Cahill Plan.
Chair Olsen said she agrees that she does not want to see any of the small area plans "rushed", adding the
City wants to see quality work done; however, the Commission should stay on schedule to the best of its
ability. She pointed out that 70th and Cahill was "put on the back burner" during the last Comprehensive
Plan process and should proceed.
Commissioner Lee informed the Commission that for the majority of October she would not be available
to chair/co-chair the small area plan group. She explained if the I St meeting was moved up in October,
there is the possibility that she could attend that first group meeting.
A lengthy discussion occurred on the time line, greenprint and small area plans in general. The
Commission suggested the following changes to the Working Group Greenprint for 70th and Cahill.
Under Key Dates:
I. The planning process for the working group will take place over approximately four (4) months.
Change the greenprint to six (6) months.
2. It is anticipated that the Small Area Plan Work Group will meet at least six (6) times. Change to bi-weekly.
Under Duration of the Group:
I. Change approximately four (4) months to six (6) months.
Under Membership & time Commitment:
1. Time commitment will be attendance at six (6) orientation/planning meetings (approximately 1.5 hours each).
Change to (approximately 2-hours each), three workshops for approximately two hours each (add period)
Delete and approximately 4-8 hours over the study period for additional outreach.
Under Public Notice & Member Recruitment
I. Change date from September 28, 2017 to September 27th.
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2. Date for working group's first meeting: to be determined per Susan Lee.
Planner Teague said he can understand the stress that comes with revising the Comprehensive Plan and the
extra work; however, the consultants are aware of the commitment to small area plans. Teague further
indicated the City will be reasonable with the consultants and if needed can discuss their fee.
Commissioners agreed that the small area plans should proceed as indicated.
Motion
Commissioner Thorsen moved to approve the greenprint for the 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan
with the aforementioned changes. Commissioner Bennett seconded the motion. All voted aye.
The motion carried.
VIII.Correspondence And Petitions
Chair Olsen acknowledged back of packet materials.
IX. Chair And Member Comments
Commissioner Strauss told the Commission he enjoyed his public works tour, adding it was very
informative.
X. Staff Comments
Planner Teague reported that the "Villa's" on West 49th Street received final approval from the Council.
Commissioner Bennett said when that project proceeds the City should maybe look at cleaning up the
intersections.
Xl. Adjournment
Commissioner Thorsen moved adjournment of the Planning Commission Meeting at 9:00 PM. Commissioner
Hobbs seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted
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