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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-11 Planning Commission Meeting Packet CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA Thursday, May 11, 2023 6:00 P.M. I. Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance II. Approval of Agenda III. Approve April 13, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (1) IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports V. Visitors/Public Comment This is an opportunity for the public to address the Commission with questions or comments on issues that are or are not part of the regular Agenda. Please limit comments to three minutes in length. VI. Public Hearings VII. New Business A. Annual Meeting: (2) • Elect Chair and Vice Chair to a two-year term. VIII. Old Business A. Continued Discussion - Urban Heat Islands: Consider Amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F Related to Off Street Parking, Loading and Landscape Requirements. (3) IX. Informational A. Upcoming Meetings (4) B. Council Representative • Tuesday, May 23, 2023 —Commissioner VanDyke • Tuesday, June 27, 2023 —Commissioner VanDenburgh X. Adjourn. EnCLOULM,- CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, April 13,2023 Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance: Acting Chair Husby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Freeman, Kremer and VanDyke; City Administrator Johnson and City Councilmember Liaison Representative Liljegren. Absent: Commissioner VanDenburgh and City Planner Richards. II. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner VanDyke,seconded by Commissioner Freeman,moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Carried 4-0. III. Approval of March 9, 2023 Meeting Minutes: Commissioner Freeman, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to approve the Minutes as amended. Carried 4-0. IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports: City Councilmember Liaison Representative Liljegren reported on activity taken by the City Council at their recent meeting, including approval of Party In the Park to be held at Brekke Park on June 8, 2023. V. Visitors /Public Comment: None. VI. Public Hearings: A. Continued Discussion- Urban Heat Islands— Consider Amendments to Zoning Ordinance 401.15.F. Related to Off-Street Parking, Loading and Landscape Requirements. Acting Chair Husby opened the public hearing at 6:07 p.m. It was clarified that the public hearing had actually been closed at the March meeting but that the Agenda advertised it as a Public Hearing versus Old Business, so that the hearing was being opened for any additional public comment. There being no additional public comment, Commissioner Freeman, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 4—0. Continued Commission discussion will be had at the May 11, 2023 Planning Commission meeting. Planning Commission Minutes April 13, 2023 Page 2 of 2 VII. New Business: None. VIII. Old Business: None. IX. Informational: A. Upcoming Meetings: Noted. A. Council Representative: • Tuesday, April 25, 2023 —Commissioner Freeman • Tuesday, May 23, 2023 —Commissioner VanDyke X. Adjourn: Commissioner Freeman, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to adjourn at 6:09 p.m. Carried 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Julie Hultman Planning& Code Enforcement Approved by the Planning Commission: EncinuAk itT; City of Oak Park Heights Memo To: Planning Commission From: Julie Hultman Date: May 5, 2023 Re: Annual Meeting - Officer Election Election of Chair and Vice Chair: Planning Commission Bylaws Article 4 Officers, Duties and Election of Officers, section D, states: "Terms. The Planning Commission officers shall be elected from among its appointed members for the term of two years. No member shall serve as Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson for more than two consecutive terms. The election shall occur at the Planning Commission's annual meeting." At is March, 2022 meeting, the Commission elected former Commissioner White as Chair and Commissioner VanDenburgh as Vice-Chair to two-year terms, concluding at the 2024 Annual Meeting. Vice Chair VanDenburgh has been acting as Chair with the departure of White and a new Chair has not yet been elected. At this time, the Commission should consider two motions for the Chair and Vice Chair roles and may wish to consider: 1. Having VanDenburgh continue as Vice Chair to the conclusion of his term in 2024 and electing a Chair for a 2-year term of 2023-2025; 2. Electing VanDenburgh for Chair, with a new term of 2023-2025 and also electing a Vice-Chair for the term of 2023-2025. All Commissioners, but Freeman are currently eligible for nomination and election to either Chair or Vice Chair positions for a two-year term. Freeman is currently serving a one-year extension to his Commission term and may be nominated and elected for a term of 2023 -2024, if desired by the Commission. TPC3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 W� �-' Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: 763.231.5840 Facsimile: 763.427.0520 TPC@PlanningCo.com MEMORANDUM TO: Eric Johnson FROM: Scott Richards DATE: May 3, 2023 RE: Oak Park Heights — Urban Heat Islands — Parking Requirements/Landscaping TPC FILE: 236.01 - 22.01 BACKGROUND The City Council, at their October 11, 2022, meeting discussed a request by Councilmember Carly Johnson to consider policies related to reducing the impact of the City's urban heat islands. As you are aware there are large areas of parking lots in the west commercial area of the City, centered around Walmart, Lowes, Menards, and the shopping center that includes the Kowalski's. The City Council has asked the Planning Commission to review the issue and especially the parking requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Commission discussed the urban heat island topic at their January 12, 2023, February 9, 2023, March 9, 2023, and April 13, 2023, meetings. They discussed the draft language and made corrections and suggestions. A public hearing was advertised and opened at the March 9, 2023, meeting. The Planning Commission continued the discussion on this item to the May meeting. This report does not include the background information that was provided with the January packet. Please refer to the January packet for that information. EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Air Photo —Aldi Exhibit 2: Air Photo — Stillwater Crossing Exhibit 3: Air Photo — Suds Car Wash Area Exhibit 4: Air Photo — Pizza Ranch Exhibit 5: Air Photo — Kohl's/Menards Parking Standards The Planning Commission agreed that the City should look to reduce the parking requirements, not only to provide more green space but also to provide pads for redevelopment. Although the commercial areas of the City are almost completely developed, there will be opportunities in the future to work with developers in re- imagining these areas with fewer parking spaces and more green space. The City has an opportunity now to revise its parking requirements as the first step in preparing for redevelopment opportunities. Staff would recommend the following changes to the parking requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. In most cases the parking requirements could be reduced by 50 percent. There are exceptions for some housing uses and schools where parking demand has not decreased. New language is in bold, and removed language is lined through. Language added and changes since the January meeting is in 401.15.F. Off-Street Parking and Loading. 1. Off-Street Parking Purpose. The regulation of off-street parking spaces in these zoning regulations is to alleviate or prevent congestion of the public right- of-way and to promote the safety and general welfare of the public, by establishing minimum requirements for off-street parking of motor vehicles in accordance with the utilization of various parcels of land or structures. 2. Application of Off-Street Parking Regulations. The regulations and requirements set forth herein shall apply to all off-street parking facilities in all of the zoning districts of the City. 3. Site Plan Drawing Necessary. All applications for a building or an occupancy permit in all zoning districts shall be accompanied by a site plan drawn to scale and dimension indicating the location of off-street parking and loading spaces in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section. All site plans for single family homes must provide for the location of a two (2) stall garage in compliance with this Chapter. 4. General Provisions. a. Floor Area. The term "floor area" for the purpose of calculating the number of off-street parking spaces required shall be determined on the basis of the exterior floor area dimensions of the buildings, structures or use times the number of floors, minus ten (10) percent, except as may hereinafter be provided or modified. b. - - .- - a - .. - '- - - -- - - - ' - . . - USC. 2 c. Non-Conforming Structures. Should a non-conforming structure or use be damaged or destroyed by fire, it may be re-established if elsewhere permitted in these zoning regulations and in Minnesota Statute, except that in doing so, any off-street parking or loading space which existed before shall be retained. d. Change of Use or Occupancy of Land. No change of use or occupancy of land already dedicated to a parking area, parking space, or loading spaces shall be made, nor shall any sale of land, division or subdivision of land be made which reduces area necessary for parking, parking stalls, or parking requirements below the minimum prescribed by these zoning regulations. e. Change of Use or Occupancy of Buildings. Any change of use or occupancy of any building or buildings, including additions thereto requiring more parking areas shall not be permitted until there is furnished such additional parking spaces as required by these zoning regulations. f. Residential Use Parking. 1) Except as provided below in Subsection 4.f.2 and except on a limited, temporary basis involving guests or work being performed on site, on and off-street parking facilities shall be utilized solely for the parking of licensed and operable passenger automobiles, vans, one (1) truck not to exceed gross capacity of twelve thousand (12,000) pounds; and recreational vehicles and equipment which are the property of the occupant, except as provided below in Subsection 4.f.2. Under no circumstances shall required facilities accessory to residential structures be used for the storage of non- qualifying commercial vehicles, commercial equipment, or for the parking of automobiles belonging to the employees, owners, tenants or customers of business or manufacturing establishments. 2) For detached single family uses in residential zoning districts, the off-street parking of vehicles other than those stipulated in Subsection 4.f.1 above may be allowed as an interim use permit pursuant to Section 401.05 of these zoning regulations, provided that: a) The property fronts on an improved public street which is determined by the City Engineer to be capable of carrying the vehicles in question without undue damage. b) The type of vehicle to be parked does not create an unreasonable safety hazard to neighboring residents or the public utilizing the street(s) servicing the property. 3 c) The site upon which the vehicle is parked has adequate space to allow turning movements and parking which does not result in the backing of vehicles from or onto the public street. d) The parking of such vehicles does not adversely affect neighboring property owners as it relates to noise. e) The parking of such vehicles is screened from neighboring properties and the public right-of-way to the extent determined as necessary by the City Council in compliance with Section 401.15.E. of this Ordinance. 0 The provisions of Section 401.05 of this Ordinance are considered and determined to be satisfied. g. Calculating Space. 1) When determining the number of off-street parking spaces results in a fraction, each fraction over.5 shall constitute another space. 2) In stadiums, sports arenas, churches and other places of public assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy benches, pews or other similar seating facilities, each twenty-two (22) inches of such seating facilities shall be counted as one seat for the purpose of determining requirements. 3) Except as provided for under joint parking and shopping centers, should a structure contain two (2) or more types of use, the sum of each shall be calculated separately and shall be used for determining the total off-street parking spaces required. h. Stall, Aisle and Driveway Design. 1) Parking Space Size. Except for handicapped parking spaces, each parking space shall not be less than nine (9) feet wide and twenty (20) feet in length, eighteen (18) feet in length adjacent to a curb, exclusive of access aisles, and each space shall be served adequately by access aisles. 2) Street Access. All off-street parking facilities shall be designed and constructed with appropriate means of vehicular access to a public street. Except in the case of a planned unit development, each lot shall have access directly onto an abutting, improved and City accepted public street. Exception to this access requirement may be allowed as a conditional use permit pursuant to Section 401.03 of this Ordinance. 4 3) Within Structures. The off-street parking requirements may be furnished by providing a space so designed within the principal building or one (1) structure attached thereto; however, unless provisions are made, no building permit shall be issued to convert said parking structure into a dwelling unit or living area or other activity until other adequate provisions are made to comply with the required off-street parking provisions of this Ordinance. 4) Lot Circulation. Except in the case of single, two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, parking areas shall be designed so that circulation between parking bays or aisles occurs within the designated parking lot and does not depend upon a public street or alley, unless allowed though a Conditional Use Permit. Except in the case of single, two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, parking area design which requires backing into the public street is prohibited. 5) Intersection Separation. No curb cut access shall be located less than sixty (60) feet from the intersection of two (2) or more street rights-of-way. This distance shall be measured from the intersection of lot lines. 6) Lot Design. Except in the case of single family, two family, townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, parking -- - ■ ..- - 7) Parallel Parking. Parallel parking spaces shall be at least twenty- two (22) feet in length. 8) Curb Cut Size. No curb cut access shall exceed twenty-four (24) feet in width, or thirty-two (32) feet when accessing a State highway, except by conditional use permit. approval of the City Engineer 9) Side Yard Setback. Except with special approval from the Zoning Administrator, curb cut openings shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from the side yard property line in all districts. Staff proposes the following table be eliminated. The City Engineer reviews site plans to determine if parking lot design is adequate based upon the individual circumstances. 5 PARKING LOT DIMENSIONS TABLE Curb Curb Angle of Stall Length Stall Aisle Angle of Stall Length Stall Aisle Parking Width Per Car Depth Width Parking Width Per Car Depth Width 8'6" 23'0" 8'6" 12'0" 8'6" 11'2" 20'0'' 12'6" 0° 9.6„ 23' '' 23'00" 99 ,6„ 12,0„ 50° 9'6" 12'5" 20,9„ 1212'0" 10'0" 23'0" 10'0" 12'0" 10'0" 13'2" 21'0" 12'0" 8'6" 24'11" 14'6" 11'0" 8'6" 9'10" 20'9" 18'6" 20° 9'6" 27'10" 15'6" 11'0" 60° 9'6" 110'0" 21'3" 18'0" 10'0" 29'3" 15'11" 11'0" 10'0" 11'6" 21'6" 18'0" 8'6" 17'0" 16'11" 11'0" 8'6" 9'0" 20'10" 19'6" 9'0" 18'0" 17'4" 11'0" 9'0" 9'8" 21'0" 19'0" 30° 9'6" 19'0" 17'10" 11'0" 70° 9'6" 10'2" 21'3" 18'6" 10'0" 20'0" 18'3" 11'0" 10'0" 10'8" 21'3" 18'0" 8'6" 13'3" 18'9" 12'0" 8'6" 8'8" 20'3" 24'0" 40° 9'0" 14'0" 19'2" 12'0 80° 9'0" 9'2" 20'4" 24'0" 9'6" 14'10" 19'6" 12'0 9'6" 9'8" 20'5" 24'0" 10'0" 15'8" 19'11" 12'0" 10'0" 10'3" 20'6" 24'0" 8'6" 12'0" 19'5" 13'6" 8'6" 8'6" 20'0" 24'0" 9'0" 12'9" 19'10" 13'0" 9'0" 9'0" 20'0" 22'0" 45° 9'6" 13'5" 20'2" 13'0" 90° 9'6" 9'6" 20'0" 22'0" 10'0" 14'2" 20'6" 13'0" 10'0" 10'0" 20'0" 22'0" *This table pertains to a wall to wall situation. In calculating dimensions, two (2)feet may be subtracted from each stall depth for each overhang and overlap. No subtraction for overlap is allowed for angles greater than sixty (60°)degrees. a. a Curb length per car 3 U a 4 b Stall width 0 d r • e d + g . i c Angle of parking 0 C \ h \ d Stall depth • '\` �f �•� i �� �\ e Aisle width % \�� \�\ �� / `� i i f Stall length 1Pir.\\ / \\ \ i / / \/ I 9 Overlap a i h Overhang \ AIII \\\ 6 10) Curb Cut Spacing. Driveway access curb openings on a public street except for single, two-family, quadraminium, manor home, and townhouse dwellings, shall not be located less than forty (40) feet from one another. 11) Grade. The grade elevation of any parking area or driveways shall not exceed ten (10) percent. 12) Number of Curb Cuts. Each property shall be allowed one (1) curb cut access for each one hundred twenty-five (125) feet of street frontage. All property shall be entitled to at least one curb cut. 13) Surfacing. All areas intended to be utilized for parking space and driveways shall be hard surfaced with materials suitable to control dust and drainage. Plans for surfacing and drainage of driveways and stalls for five (5) or more vehicles shall be submitted to the City Engineer for review and the final drainage plan shall be subject to written approval. The Planning Commission decided not to incorporate language related to pervious pavement. 14) Striping. Except for single, two-family townhouses, quadraminiums, all parking stalls shall be marked with white or yellow painted lines not less than four (4) inches wide. 15) Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area shall be hooded and so arranged as to reflect the light away from adjoining property, abutting residential uses, and public rights-of- way, and shall be in compliance with Section 401.15.8.7. of this Ordinance. 116) Signs. No sign shall be so located as to restrict the sight lines and orderly operation and traffic movement within any parking lot or driveway. All signs shall be in conformance with Section 401.15.G of this Ordinance. 3417) Curbing and Landscaping. Except for single and two-family dwellings, all open, off-street parking shall have a continuous concrete perimeter curb barrier around the entire parking lot; said curb barrier shall not be closer than ten (10) feet to any lot line or right of way line. Grass plantings and landscaping shall be provided in all areas bordering the parking area. 18) Required Screening. All open off-street parking areas of five (5) or more spaces shall be screened and landscaped from abutting or surrounding residential districts and uses, and the public right-of- way in compliance with Section 401.15.E. of this Ordinance. 7 19) Snow Storage. Adequate space for snow storage shall be provided on the site so as not to reduce the required minimum number of parking spaces. In those cases where excessive snow cannot be properly stored on site, it shall be immediately removed from the site. 20) Driveway Turn Around. In the case of single family, two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, which front on streets designated as collector, minor arterial, intermediate arterial and principal arterial by the City's Comprehensive Plan, the installation of a vehicle turn-around space, immediately adjacent to the access driveway is allowed and may be required by the City Council. Said space is to be no larger than ten (10) feet wide and ten (10) feet in length. Where possible, said space shall be located away from the principal structure and shall be no closer than twenty (20) feet from the street surface. Said space shall not to be utilized for parking or storage purposes. 5. Maintenance. It shall be the joint and several responsibility of the lessee and owner of the principal use, uses or buildings to maintain in a neat and adequate manner, the parking space, accessways, striping, landscaping and required fencing and screening. 16. Location. All accessory off-street parking facilities as required by this Ordinance shall be located and restricted as follows: a. Required accessory off-street parking shall be on the same lot under the same ownership easement and/or lease as the principal use being served, except under the provisions of Section 401.15.F.10. b. Except for single, two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, head-in parking, directly off of and adjacent to a public street, with each stall having its own direct access to the public street, shall be prohibited. c. The boulevard portion of the street right-of-way shall not be used for parking, except on a designated driveway. d. Setback Area - Required Accessory Off-street Parking. Required accessory off-street parking shall be provided for single family dwellings within the R-1 and R-2 Districts and for quadraminium and townhouse dwellings within R-3 and R-B Districts, in a garage, car port, or on a defined driveway leading directly into a garage or car port, and shall be constructed of concrete, asphalt, cobblestone, or paving block. e. Setback Area - Accessory Off-Street Parking (General). Accessory off- street parking provided above and beyond the requirements of this Ordinance for single family uses within R-1 and R-2 Districts and 8 quadraminium and townhouse dwellings within R-3 and R-B Districts shall be subject to -- _ _ _ _ . _ . _. _ . . - -- _ __ . the following: Accessory off-street parking shall be provided on a designated driveway leading directly into a garage and/or on one (1) designated parking pad contiguous to the driveway and located away from the principal use. Said accessory off-street parking area may be located within the front, side, or rear yard setback and must be constructed of concrete, asphalt, cobblestone, paving block or crushed rock that at a minimum meets Class Five (5) material specifications and has at least a four (4) inch deep base. Said parking pad must be set back at least five (5) feet from rear and side property lines. The exception to the provisions of this section is by conditional use permit as regulated by Section 401.03 of this Ordinance. f. Truck and Trailer Parking in Residential Areas. No more than one (1) truck and/or trailer not to exceed a gross capacity of twelve thousand (12,000) GVW shall be parked off-street in a residentially zoned district, except when loading, unloading or rendering a service. g. Violations may be enforced through tagging. h. Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, and Boat Parking in Residential Areas. Trailers, recreational vehicles or boats shall be allowed on a driveway or designated pad. All trailers, recreational vehicles and boats shall be parked at least five (5) feet from rear property lines. 7. Use of Required Area. Required accessory off-street parking spaces in any district shall not be utilized for open storage, sale or rental of goods, repair work, storage of inoperable vehicles. and/or storage of snow. 8. Handicapped Parking Spaces. Except for single family, two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, at I ast one handicapped parking space shall be provided for each use. P per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), - - - - ='- --- - - - -- - - -- : -- - - - {25) spaces in excess of the initial twenty five (25) spaces. Handicapped spaces shall be at minimum twelve (12) feet by twenty (20) feet, and shall be located so as to provide convenient, priority access to the principal use and shall conform to Minnesota Statutes, Section 168.021, as may be amended. 9. Number of Spaces Required. The following are the minimum/maximum required number of off-street parking spaces that shall be provided and maintained by ownership, easement and/or lease for and during the life of the respective uses hereinafter set forth. The City Council reserves the right to establish parking requirements for any use not specifically provided for hereafter, or after any requirement as necessary to meet the objectives of this Section. Factors to be considered in such a determination shall include (without limitation) size of buildings, type of use, number of employees, expected volume and 9 turnover of customer traffic and expected frequency and number of delivery or service vehicles. a. Auto Repair, Major Bus Terminal, Taxi Terminal, Bottling Company, Shop for a Trade Employing Six (6) or Less People, Garden Supply Store, Building Material Sales in Structure. Eight-0) Four (4) off-street parking spaces, plus one (1) additional space for each eight hundred (800) square feet of floor area over one thousand (1,000) square feet. b. Baseball Fields, Stadiums. At least ne (1) parking space for each eight (8) seats of design capacity. c. Boat and Marine Sales and Service. One (1) space for each four hundred (400) eight hundred (800) square feet of floor area for the first twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet, plus one (1) space for each six hundred (600) square feet thereafter. d. Boating Marinas and Yacht Clubs. Seven (7) Four (4) spaces for each ten (10) boat or mooring spaces. e. Banks. One space per two hundred fifty (250) five hundred (500) square feet of floor area. f. Banks (Drive-in). Two (2) One (1) space for each drive-in unit plus drive aisle stacking space of one hundred eighty (180) feet for each drive-in unit. g. Boarding and Lodging House. At least ,ne (1) parking space for each two (2) four(4) people for whom accommodation is provided for sleeping. h. Bowling Alley. At least five (5) :4 hree (3) parking spaces for each alley, plus additional spaces as may be required herein for related uses contained within the principal structure plus one space for every employee. i. Car Wash. (In addition to required magazining or stacking space). 1) Automobile Drive Through, Services. A minimum of ten (10) :R ive (5) spaces, or one (1) space for each employee on the maximum shift, whichever is greater. 2) Self-Service. A minimum of wo (2) spaces. 3) Motor Fuel Station Car Wash. Zero (0) in addition to that required for the station. j. Churches, Auditorium. At least ne parking space for each three (3) six (6) seats based on the design capacity of the main assembly hall. 10 Facilities as may be provided in conjunction with such buildings or uses shall be subject to additional requirements which are imposed by this Ordinance. k. Clinics. One (1) space per one hundred (100) two hundred (200) square feet of floor area. Community Centers, Physical Culture Studios, Libraries, Private Clubs, Lodges, Art Galleries. Ten (10) Five (5) spaces plus one for each one hundred fifty (150) square feet in excess of two thousand (2,000) square feet of floor area in the principal structure. m. Elderly (Senior Citizen) Housing. '---A. _ _ _ _ _ . . _ _ parking space per unit. Initial development is, however, required for only One-half (1/2) space per unit. _ •e ._ _ _ _ e .__ . . __ __ has been demonstrated. n. Funeral Home. At least twenty (20) en (10) parking spaces for each chapel or parlor, plus one (1) parking space for each funeral vehicle maintained on the premises. Aisle space shall also be provided off the street for making up a funeral procession. o. Furniture and Appliance Stores. One (1) space per four hundred (400) eight hundred(800) square feet of floor area. p. Golf course, Golf Clubhouse, Country Club, Swimming Club, Tennis Club, Public Swimming Pool. Twenty (20) Ten (10) spaces plus one (1) space for each five hundred (500) square feet of floor area in the principal structure. q. Golf Driving Range, Miniature Golf, Archery Range. Ten (10) Five (5) off- street parking spaces plus one (1) for each one hundred (100) five hundred (500) square feet of floor area. r. Hospitals. One space for each two (2) four (4) patient beds (excluding bassinets), plus one additional space for each doctor including visiting doctors, plus one space for each two (2) employees including nurses; loading and unloading space for hospital ambulances and similar vehicles are not included in the spaces required. s. Manufacturing, Fabricating or Processing of a Product or Material. At least Dight (8) our (4) spaces plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees on each shift based on maximum planned employment or at a minimum at least ight (8) spaces plus one (1) space for each five hundred (500) square feet of floor area. 11 t. Motels, Motor Hotels, Hotels, Resorts. One (1) space per each rental unit plus one (1) additional space for each ten (10) twenty (20) units and one (1) space for each employee shift. In addition, one (1) space per forty (40) one hundred(100) square feet of meeting and/or banquet room. u. Motor Fuel Station. At least our (4) off-street parking spaces plus two (2) one (1) off-street parking spaces for each service stall. Those facilities designed for sale of other items than strictly automotive products, parts or service shall be required to provide additional parking in compliance with other applicable provisions of this Ordinance. v. Multiple Family Dwellings. At least two (2) ne (1) free space per unit. w. Office Buildings, Animal Hospitals, Professional Offices, Medical and Dental Clinics. Three (3) spaces plus at (cast one space for each #we hundred (200) four hundred(400) square feet of floor area. x. Post Office. One space for each four hundred (400) eight hundred (800) square feet of floor area plus one space for each employee. y. Public Parks, Playgrounds and Playfields. At least five (5) t hree (3) parking spaces for each acre of park over one (1) acre; two (2) parking spaces per acre for playgrounds, and ten (10) five (5) spaces for each acre of playfield. When a public recreation site has more than one (1) use designation, the areas must be divided for determining the required parking spaces. z. Research, experimental or testing station. One (1) space per each employee on the largest shift or one (1) space per five hundred (500) one thousand(1,000) square feet of floor area whichever is greater. aa. Restaurants, Cafes, Private Clubs Serving Food and/or Drinks, Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs. At least ne (1) space for each forty (40) one hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area of dining and bar area and one (1) space for each eighty (80) one hundred twenty (120) square feet of kitchen area. bb. Drive-in Restaurant and Fast Food Restaurant. At least ne (1) parking space for each thirty five (35) one hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area of service and dining area, but not less than fifteen (15) ten (10) spaces. Two (2) additional parking spaces shall be added for drive- through services facilities and one (1) space for each eighty (80) one hundred twenty (120) square feet of kitchen/storage area. Additionally, one hundred eighty (180) feet of drive aisle stacking space shall be provided for drive-through facilities. 12 cc. Retail Store and Service Establishment. At least ne (1) off-street parking space for each two hundred (200) four hundred (400) square feet of floor area. dd. Retail Sales and Service Business with Fifty (50) Percent or More of Gross Floor Area Devoted to Storage, Warehouse and/or Industry. At least ight (8) spaces or one (1) space for each two hundred (200) four hundred (400) square feet devoted to public sales or service plus one (1) space for each five hundred (500) one thousand (1,000) square feet of storage area; or at I ast eight (8) spaces and one (1) space for each employee on the maximum shift, whichever is appropriate. ee. Sanitariums, Convalescent Home, Rest Home, Nursing Home or Day Nurseries. Four (4) spaces plus one (1) for each three (3) six (6) beds for which accommodations are offered and one space designated for emergency vehicles. ff. School, Elementary and Junior High. At least t ?ne (1) parking space for each classroom plus one additional space for each fifty (50) students. Auditorium or event space shall be subject to a separate, additional calculation. gg. School, High School through College and Private and Day or Church Schools. At least ne (1) parking space for each seven (7) students based on design capacity plus one (1) for each three (3) classrooms. Auditorium or event space shall be subject to a separate, additional calculation. 1 hh. Single Family, Two-Family, and Townhouse Unit. Two (2) spaces per unit, both of which are in a covered garage structure. ii. Shopping Centers. Six (6) Three (3) spaces per each one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross floor area. jj. Skating Rink, Dance Hall, or Public Auction Houses. Twenty (20) Ten (10) off-street parking spaces, plus one (1) additional off-street parking space for each two hundred (200) four hundred (400) square feet of floor space over two thousand (2,000) square feet. kk. Theaters, Civic Centers, Auditoriums, Stadiums, Sports Arenas or Similar Uses. One space for each four (4) six (6) seats, plus one space for each two (2) employees. ll. Warehousing, Storage or Handling of Bulk Goods. One (1) space per two (2) employees of the largest shift or one (1) space per each one thousand five hundred (1,500) two thousand (2,000) square feet of floor area, whichever is greater. 13 mm. Wholesale Business Establishments. One (1) space per cxch cmploycc two (2) employees on the largest shift or one (1) space per two thousand (2,000) square feet of floor area whichever is greater. In addition, one (1) space per company motor vehicle on the premises. nn. All other commercial. Ten (10) spaces per one thousand (1,000) two thousand (2,000) square feet of floor area. oo. Space Reductions. Space reductions or increases may be approved administratively by the Zoning Administrator for minor changes to the site plan not requiring Design Standards or other zoning review. The City may reduce or increase the number of required off-street parking spaces subject to the review and processing of a conditional use permit as regulated by Section 401.03 of this Ordinance when the use can demonstrate in documented form a need which is less or more than required. In such situations, the City may require land to be reserved for parking development should use or needs change. Off Street Loading Requirements Section 401.15.F.12 and 13 - Off-Street Loading Purpose and Location. The Zoning Ordinance also contains detailed provisions regarding off street loading. Staff would recommend these provisions be eliminated in that they are excessive for what is actually needed. If a retailer or wholesaler requires loading berths, they will provide what is needed for their business. It is suggested that these provisions, be eliminated. Design Guidelines/Zoning Ordinance Landscape Requirements The Design Guidelines provide some minimal standards for requiring landscaping within parking lots. It only addresses larger lots of over 50 or more stalls. The language in the guidelines is not mandatory and is as follows: Parking area shall be screened with a combination of landscape materials, landform, and decorative fencing or walls sufficient to screen parking cars on a year round basis while providing adequate visibility for pedestrians. Initial parking lot landscaping shall be incorporated when possible. Within off-street parking facilities with 50 or more stalls, landscape islands, peninsulas, or rain gardens (biofiltration islands) shall be provided at the rate of 180 square feet per 125 surface stalls or fraction thereof. Landscape islands shall be irrigated unless alternative stormwater management techniques are employed. The landscape island guideline is a minimal standard that would not mitigate the heat island effect to any degree. The issue with many of the landscape islands installed in Oak Park Heights and throughout the Twin Cities area is that they are too small to adequately allow for heathy trees and other plantings. 14 Staff suggest that the guidelines for landscaping within parking islands be moved out of the Design Guidelines and placed within the Zoning Ordinance where they can be enforced. The new ordinance standards could be added in Section 401.15.F.12 and be enhanced to address larger, more effective landscape islands that will support larger and healthier plantings. The following language is suggested: Section 401.15.F. 12. Parking Lot Landscaping. a. Parking areas shall be screened with a combination of landscape materials, landform, and decorative fencing or walls sufficient-te serer-parkin-g cars-en-a--year while providing adequate visibility for pedestrians. b. Within off-street parking facilities with fifty (50) twenty-five-RS) or more stalls, landscape islands, peninsulas, or rain gardens (biofiltration islands) where needed for storm water treatment, shall be provided at a minimum of nine hundred (900) three-hundred-sixty (69) square feet per fifty (50) twenty-five-(25) surface stalls or fraction thereof. c. Parking lot islands shall not be less than eight (8) eix-m-feet by eight six (6) feet in size and peninsulas must be a minimum of eight (8) x(6) feet wide. (The City Arborist, Lisa Danielson recommends an island width of at least eight feet to support larger tree size). All landscaping shall be maintained and kept in a healthy state subject to review of the City Arborist. Landscaping not maintained shall be replaced with suitable plantings approved by the City Arborist. e. All parking lot landscape design and plantings shall be approved by the City Arborist as per Ordinance 1304 and Ordinance 1307 of the City Code, the Landscape Guidelines for Developers, and the Design Guidelines. f. Parking lot landscaping requirements of this section may be varied subject to the review and processing of a conditional use permit as regulated by Section 401.03 of this Ordinance. 15 The standard for 900 square feet per 50 surface stalls comes from reviewing current parking lots in Oak Park Heights. For example, one row of 50 stalls of parking at Kohl's has two end landscape islands that are approximately three feet wide and 40 feet long, for a total of 120 square feet. If the islands were eight feet wide, which would accommodate more significant trees, the islands would be 320 square feet each or 640 square feet total. If you add another island in the middle to break up the pavement, the island's total would be 960 square feet. The 960 square foot total is rounded down to 900 square feet to accommodate the curve design of most islands. This standard would better address the heat island issue and make the parking lots more attractive. Staff have looked at smaller parking lots in the City to determine the impact of the landscape requirements. Note as attached air photos for the parking lots at Aldi, Stillwater Crossing, Pizza Ranch, and the area around Suds Car Wash. If the standard for parking lot landscaping is implemented as proposed, the area/number of stalls that would be removed is as follows: Parking Lot Number of Landscaped Total Number Current Area Stalls Area Required of Stalls in Islands Required to and Meet Peninsulas Requirement Aldi 83 1,494 sq ft 9 stalls 1,240 sq ft Stillwater Crossing 102 1,836 sq ft 11 stalls 0 sq ft Pizza Ranch 92 1,656 sq ft 10 stalls 280 sq ft Suds Car Wash Area 63 1,134 sq ft 7 stalls 2,280 sq ft Kohl's (One Short 50 900 sq ft 5 stalls 440 sq ft Row) Kohls (One Long Row) 74 1,332 sq ft 8 stalls 640 sq ft Staff does not anticipate that this requirement would have an adverse impact on most lots, especially since the required number of spaces will be reduced in most cases. The reduction in the required number of spaces with less pavement, curbing, and long term maintenance will be a significant cost savings for most lot owners offsetting the initial cost of installation and maintenance of the landscape areas. 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T, IM ,_ CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS End( Lu CITY COUNCIL & COMMISSIONS MEETINGS & WORKSESSIONS All meetings take place at City Hall unless otherwise noted Tuesday, May 9 5:00 p.m. City Council Worksession 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Thursday, May 11 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting Monday, May 15 5:30 p.m. Parks and Trails Commission Meeting Tuesday, May 23 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Thursday, June 8 4:30 p.m. —6:30 p.m. Party in the Park (Brekke Park) 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting Monday, June 19 5:30 p.m. Parks and Trails Commission Meeting Tuesday, June 27 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting POLICY NOTE: Items in red are expected to be SOCIAL EVENTS in nature and not an official City Council meeting. No official action or discussion may be undertaken by City Council Members who may attend such events. The City is listing such events so as the public is generally aware that there may be occasions when City Council members may desire to attend functions that are purely social-events.