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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-04 NAC Planning ReportNORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555. St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Telephone: 962,595,9636 Facsimile: 952.59 .9837 p anner na plannin .cocam PLANNING REPORT TO: Kimberly Kamper FROM: Scott Richards DATE: April 4, 2002 RE: Oak Park Heights Lodge Properties LLC Conditional Use Permit for Outdoor Used Auto Sales and Minor /Major Auto Repair 14621 60 Street North FILE NO: 798.02 — 02.06 BACKGROUND Anthony Lodge, representing Lodge Properties LLC, has requested a conditional use permit to allow for minor/major auto repair and outdoor used auto sales at 14621 60 Street North. The property is now unoccupied but most recently was the location of Karmann Jack's and the Pizza Man. In August of 1999, the City Council granted a conditional use permit for the subject property to allow outdoor used auto sates and minor auto repair. The City Council amended the B -2 District provisions in October of 1999 to allow for automobile repair major as a conditional use. The owner of Karmann Jack's then applied for and received a conditional use permit to allow major auto repair including a body shop, painting of vehicles, and mechanical repair for the subject property in November of 1999. After conducting an annual review of the Karmann Jack's operation at their December 11 and 27, 2001 meetings, the City Council revoked the conditional use permits for outdoor used auto sales and minor/major auto repair. The Council found that the business identified as Karmann Jack's was no longer operating at the subject property and there were numerous violations of the approved conditional use permits. The subject property is zoned B-2 District in which open and outdoor services, sale and rental, auto repair minor and auto repair major is an accessory use limited only to new and used automobile dealerships. The intent of the ordinance is that the new and used automobile sales is the principal use and the auto repair minor and major is intended as an accessory use. Attached for reference: Exhibit 1: Exhibit 2: Exhibit 3: Exhibit 4: Exhibit 5: Exhibit 6: Exhibit 7: ISSUES ANALYSIS Site Plan /Elevations Floor Plan Findings of Fact to Revoke Karmann Jack's Site Plan Karmann Jack's Floor Plan Comments from Kathy Widen, City Arborist Statement from Motorsport Automotive Ltd. Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map designates this area for commercial use. The Zoning Map has included this area within the B -2 District. The site has been and is proposed to be used for businesses that are permitted, conditional, or accessory in the B -2 District. Preferred Project. The applicant has proposed a division of the existing building into three tenant spaces. While no tenants have been identified for the tenant spaces labeled A and B, the tenant C space would be leased for used auto sales and major auto repair. The applicant has indicated the potential tenant would provide used cars for sale and conduct major auto repair work, to include general automotive and small engine repair work. No painting or body work would be conducted as part of this operation. Three spaces at the front of the lot would be dedicated for used car sales and the repair work would be conducted from the two existing and one new service door at the south side of the building. No other changes would occur to the building other than the replacement of signs. The applicant has proposed no changes to the existing site. City staff will need to verify that all of the site improvements were completed as part of the required approvals granted to Karmann Jack's. Parking. The site plan indicates a parking lot that includes 49 parking spaces, two of which are disability accessible. Auto repair uses are required to provide eight stalls, plus one stall per 800 square feet of floor area over 1,000 square feet. Based upon this requirement, nine stalls would be required for the auto repair portion of the building. The other two tenant spaces consist of 2,100 square feet each. If the office space requirement is applied to the other space, 13 stalls will be required. if the tenant spaces Lodge Properties LLC Planning Report Page 2 are used for retail, 10 spaces will be required. The 49 parking spaces on site would be adequate for auto repair and retail /office uses. The applicant has indicated that tenant space A could be utilized for a sandwich shop. If indoor seating is to be included, the parking would need to be re- verified at that time to determine if a restaurant use could be added. Signage. Section 401.15.G.9 specifies sign requirements for multiple occupancy business signs. Multiple signs on one wall are allowed if the businesses have an exclusive exterior entrance. Two wail signs are proposed, one 45 square foot and the other 15 square feet. The proposed sign area is significantly less than the allowable 150 square feet. The Planning Commission should consider whether the vestibule arrangement of the one entrance would preclude the allowance of three wall signs. The existing freestanding sign structure would be utilized. The said sign structure would allow for the three separate signs. The Planning Commission should comment if this existing situation should be allowed to continue or if the sign faces should be incorporated into one sign as allowed by the Ordinance. The total square feet of freestanding signage proposed is 91 square feet. A 150 square foot freestanding sign would be allowed. Environmental Issues. Any structure that includes a major auto repair wilt require special treatment of the other tenant spaces, especially if one of the other tenants is food related. The major auto repair will need to be totally separated and the ventilation systems cannot be shared between the major auto repair and other tenants. Additionally, any storage of materials would need to be totally separated. The building interior has been reconfigured such that a wall completely separates the auto use. The applicant's major auto repair tenant will be required to obtain all licenses required from Washington County to include a Hazardous Waste Generators License and possibly an air discharge permit. Building Code. The ventilation system and internal building separation wall will need to be addressed with the Building Official. Any improvements required to the building to comply with the Building Code and the Washington County requirements will need to be completed before any auto repair occurs. The building improvements are subject to review and approval of the Building Official. Exterior Storage. Approval of the conditional use permit will include a condition indicating that there will be no exterior storage of automobile parts, containers, or related items on the site. Alt storage related to the use shall be internal to the building. Any cars to be stored outside of the building shall be in full working order. Lighting. The subject site includes existing light structures in the parking lot and on the building. The light fixtures will need to be replaced or retrofitted to comply with Section 401.15.B.7 of the Zoning Ordinance. Lodge Properties LLC Planning Report Page 3 Sales Area The outside sales area of the automotive use is limited to 30 percent of the gross floor area. The auto business will consist of approximately 1 ,800 square feet of the overall building area. Thirty percent of that gross floor area allows for 540 square feet of outdoor sates or three parking stalls. The outdoor used car sales will be limited to a maximum of three vehicles for sale at one time. Design Guidelines. The improvements made to the building as part of the approvals for Karmann Jack's were consistent with the Design Guidelines for buildings in the B-2 District. The applicant will need to provide elevation plans for the south facade as part of the building permit application, subject to City staff review and approval. Landscaping. The City Arborist has reviewed the landscape plans and visited the site to confirm conformance. As indicated in the attached memo, there are issues with the existing landscaping material on site. The final landscaping and replacement of any plant materials on site will be subject to review and approval of the City Arborist. Criteria. I n evaluating the requested conditional use permit, Section 401.03.A.7 of the Zoning Ordinance directs the Planning Commission and City Council to consider the possible adverse effects of the proposed use, with their judgment based upon, but not limited to, the following factors: a. Relationship to the specific policies and provisions of the municipal Comprehensive Plan. b. The conformity with present and future land uses of the area. 0. The environmental issues and geographic area involved. d. Whether the use will tend to or actually depreciate the area in which it is proposed. e. The impact on character of the surrounding area. f. The demonstrate need for such use. g. Traffic generation by the use in relation to the capabilities of streets serving the property. h. The impact upon existing public services and facilities including parks, schools, streets, utilities and the City's service capacity. The proposed use's conformity with all performance standards contained (in the Zoning Ordinance). The Planning Commission should comment on the above listed criteria and evaluate whether the proposed use would be in conflict with any of the Ordinance provisions. Lodge Properties LLC Planning Report Page 4 Section 401.30.E, numbers 6 and 10 provide conditional use permit criteria for automotive sales and major auto repair. The criteria for both conditional use permit requests are identical. The criteria for review are as follows: a. Outside sales areas are fenced or screened from view of neighboring residential uses or an abutting residential district in compliance with Section 401.15.E of this Ordinance. Comment: There are no residential uses that would need to be screened in that the request is surrounded by commercial uses and Highway 36. b. Alt lighting shall be hooded and so directed that the light source shall not be visible from the public right -of -way or from neighboring residences and shall be in compliance with Section 401.15.B.7 of this Ordinance. Comment: The applicant will need to replace or retrofit the existing non- conforming light fixtures. Any changes or additions to the current exterior lighting will require conformance with Section 401.15.B.7 of this Zoning Ordinance. c. Sales and storage area is blacktopped or concrete surfaced and all paved areas are surrounding by concrete curbing. Comment: The previous owner made the required upgrades to the parking lot. d. The architectural appearance, scale, construction materials, and functional plan of the building and site shall not be dissimilar to the existing nearby commercial and residential buildings, and shall not cause impairment in property values, or constitute a blighting influence within a reasonable distance of the site. Comment: As per the requirements of the previous approvals, the exterior changes to the building have been approved in compliance with the Design Guidelines. e. Adequate analysis and provisions are made to resolve issues related to demand for services. No use shall be allowed that will exceed the City's ability to provide utility, police, fire, administrative, or other services to the site. Comment: There are no issues related to service demand. f. All islands in the parking lot shall be landscaped. Comment: Not applicable. g. A strip of not less than ten feet shall be landscaped at the edge of all parking/ driveway areas adjacent to lot lines and the public right -of -way. Lodge Properties LLC Planning Report Page 5 Comment: The site plan complies with this condition. h. All automobile repair activities shall be conducted within the principal structure and the doors to the service bays shall be kept closed except when vehicles are being moved in or out of the service areas. Comment: This provision will be made a condition of approval of this request. 1. Facilities on a site contiguous to any residential district shall not be operated between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, unless otherwise allowed by formal action of the City Council. Comment: Not applicable. Provisions are made to control and reduce noise in accordance with Section 401.15.8.11 of this Ordinance. Comment: Control of noise so that it is compliant with Zoning Ordinance noise requirements shall be made a condition of approval for this request. k. Vehicular access points shall create a minimum of conflict with through traffic, shall comply with Section 401.15.F of the Zoning Ordinance and shall be subject to the approval of the City Engineer. Comment: The existing access point is acceptable to the City Engineer. 1. A drainage system subject to the approval of the City shall be installed. Comment: The existing drainage systems are acceptable to the City Engineer. m. All signing and informational or visual communication devices shall be minimized and shalt be in compliance with Section 401.15.G of this Ordinance. Comment: The signage plan will be followed as tenant space is leased and sign permits are requested. n. The provisions of Section 401.03.A.7 of the Zoning Ordinance are considered and satisfactorily met. Comment: The Zoning Ordinance criteria are listed herein and should be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council with this request. Lodge Properties LLC Planning Report Page 6 CONCLUSION 1 RECOMMENDATION The proposed auto sales and minor /major auto repair are generally consistent with the conditions for such uses in the B -2 District. Based upon the factors outlined herein, our office recommends approval of the requested site /building plan and conditional use permit subject to the following conditions: 1. The outdoor sales area shall be limited to not more than three parking stalls. 2. All automobile repair activities shall be conducted within the principal structure and the doors to the service bays kept closed except when vehicles are being moved in or out of the service bays. 3. The landscape plan and existing plant materials are subject to review and approval of the City Arborist. 4. The bituminous parking surface and concrete curb are subject to Zoning Ordinance requirements and the review and approval of the City Engineer. 5. The exterior lighting to include wall mounted and freestanding light fixtures shall be retrofitted to conform to Section 401.15.B.7 of the Zoning Ordinance. 6. There shall be no exterior storage of automobile parts, parts cars, or related items on the site. Alt storage shall be internal to the building. Any cars to be stored outside of the building shall be in full working order. 7 All noise created from operations on the site shall be in conformance with Section 401.15.B.11 of the zoning Ordinance. 8. The automotive repair and any food operations shall be totally separated including all ventilation systems and storage of materials in conformance with the requirements of the Washington County Department of Health, Environment and Land Management, and the Building Official. 9. The applicant shall receive and retain a Hazardous Waste Generators License from Washington County, if required. 10. The applicant shall receive and retain an air discharge permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, if required. 11. Alt signage shall be subject to Section 401.15.G.9 of the Zoning Ordinance. 12. The applicant shalt provide building plans and elevations for the improvements subject to review and approval of the Building Official. pc: Kris Danielson Lodge Properties LLC Planning Report Page 7 !( q a:;; APR -02 -2002 11:55 CITY OF OPH 4 si \). r 1,\t ► ► \1tt1, \Mti%t % %kt \ \L \R1 ►t%%% tttt\\ tR\ t1► twiWitt\ itt\ t\ X ►'4w�R \ \R \St \ \Ri ►tiA. \ \ \R4 \ik� s P.02/02 y 10 EXHIBIT 2 TOTAL P.02 i RESOLUTION NO CITY COUNCIL CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FINDINGS OF FACT AND RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR KARMANN JACK'S INC. FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 14621 60 STREET BE REVOKED WHEREAS, the City of Oak Park Heights has documented violations of the conditional use permits issued to Karmann Jack's in August 1999 and November 1999, for property located at 14621 60 Street, and after conducting an annual review at their December 11, 2001 meeting, the City Council of Oak Park Heights makes the following findings of fact and resolution: and 1. The subject property is legally described as follows, to wit: SEE EXRIB IT A 2. A conditional use permit, approved by the City Council on August 24, 1999, was granted to the applicant for the subject property at 14621 60th Street to allow outdoor, used auto sales and minor auto repair subject to the following conditions: a. The outdoor sales area shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the gross floor area of the principal structure. b. All automobile repair activities shall be conducted within the principal structure and the doors to the service bays kept closed except when vehicles are being moved in or out of the service areas. c. The applicant specify the proposed colors for the building facades and canopies, subject to review and approval of City staff. d. The proposed neon accent on the building facade is removed. e. The landscape plan is subject to review and approval of the City Arborist. f. The bituminous parking surface and concrete curb are improved, subject to Zoning Ordinance requirements and the review and approval of the City Engineer. EXHIBIT 3 and 3. A conditional use permit, approved by the City Council on November 23, 1999, was granted to the applicant for the subject property at 14621 60th Street to allow major auto repair to include a body shop, painting of vehicles, and mechanical repair subject to the following conditions: and • a. The conditions for approval of the CUP for automobile sales and minor auto repair approved by the City Council on August 24, 1999 shall apply to the CUP for major auto repair. b. Approval of the CUP is subject to finalization and publication of the Zoning Ordinance amendment to allow major auto repair as a conditional use in the B-2, General Business District. c. Any changes to the exterior lighting will be required to conform to Section 401.15.B.7 of the Zoning Ordinance. d. All automobile repair activities shall be constructed within the principal structure and the doors to the service bays shall be kept closed except when vehicles are being moved in or out of the service areas. e. There shall be no exterior storage of automobile parts, parts cars, or related items on the site. All storage shall be internal to the building. Any cars to be stored outside of the building shall be in full working order. f. All nose created from operations on the site shall be in conformance with Section 401.15.B.11 of the Zoning Ordinance. g. Completion of the parking lot and curb /gutter improvements, subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. h. The automotive repair and food operations shall be totally separated including all ventilation systems and storage of materials in conformance with the requirements of the Washington County Department o f Health, Environment and Land Management and the Building official. i. The applicant shall receive and retain a Hazardous Waste Generators License from Washington County. The applicant shall receive and retain an air discharge permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 2 4. The business identified as Karmann Jack's is no longer operating at the subject property; and 5. The owner is in violation of the conditional use permits in that there is storage of non- operable vehicles, automobile parts, and trash in violation of the conditions of the conditional use permit approved November 23, 1999; and 6. Reports have been filed by the City Building Official and City Police Officers documenting the outside storage violations; and 7. The City Council held an annual review of the conditional use permits at their December 11, 2001 meeting, with proper written notification to the property owner in compliance with Section 40 1.03 of the Zoning Ordinance; and 8. After reviewing the violations of the conditional use permits and determining that the business known as Karmann Jack's no longer occupies the subject property, the City Council approves the following: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVES THE FOLLOWING: A. The conditional use permits approved by the City Council on August 24, 1999 and November 23, 1999 for Karmann Jack's at 14621 60 Street North and affecting the real property as follows Be and the same as hereby revoked. 2001. ATTEST: SEE EXHIBIT A Approved by the City Council of the City of Oak Park Heights this 27 day of December Kimberly Kamper, Acting City Administrator David B e audet,Mayor 3 'NI u1409 7 A- 0) g gl 12 a_ Q7 d Cn d' co 1 X w NAC From: "K.D. Ulfidin" <kwidin a@7mmmpcc.org> To: <srichards nacplanning.com> Sent: Monday, March 04, 2002 9:27 AM Subject: Landscape Plan Tony Lodge /old Karmann Jack's site . P Scott/Dan - the landscape plan submitted for the old I have reviewed p p �' I�armann Jack's site by Tony Lodge and visited the site again 3/1/02. I have the following comments: d is not the final approved landscape plan The plan submitted lan has a and does not match what is existing on site. The final p . 5/9/00 and I wrote a memo 5 revision date of 51910 /11/00 which indicates my plan. acceptance of the revised I later visited the site and inspected the installed plantings. p site to the site 3 / 1/02, I noticed several During my problems which will need to be remedied: most planted trees are exposed (no mulch or 1. Root balls of p soil over burlap. Root balls need to be coverd with an inch or two of soil and 4 inches of wood chip mulch. h of the parking lot is very weedy and this 2 . The area north p g area should d at least be mowed during the growing season. A better, more attractive option would be to re -seed the open areas with a turfgrass mix. 3. Any trees or shrubs which are dead by time of leaf-out in May should be replaced. Kathy Widin Municipal Arb on st City of Oak Park Heights Page 1 of 1 3/4/2002 EXHIBIT 6 MOTORSPORT AUTOMOTIVE, LTD. Bill & Julie Bisch, Owners 501 North Main Street Stillwater, MN 55082 651 - 275 -0960 Motorsport Automotive, Ltd. has been a successful business for over 13 years. Currently located in downtown Stillwater and looking to relocate due to development of the property. Operations include general auto repair including small engine service, brake repairs, water pumps, exhaust, engine replacement, rebuilding of transmissions, tune -ups, etc. This includes major auto repair but not auto body work. Over 95% of our work is by appointment which limits vehicles on site. Vehicles are normally dropped off the day of the appointment and picked up immediately when the job has been completed. Whenever possible, vehicles are kept inside to minimize outdoor exposure. All waste material is handled by a licensed contractor. Washington County Health & Land Management inspects the shop at least once per year for proper waste management and documentation. EXHIBIT 7