HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-08-03 NAC Memorandum • .
NAC..,. NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC.
4800 Olson Memorial Highvvay, Suite 202. Golden. Valley, MN 55422
Telephone: 703.231 .2555 Facsimile: 703.231 .2551 plannersenac slanninc .cram
MEMORANDUM
TO: Eric Johnson
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: August 3, 2005
RE: Oak Park Heights — City Hall Accessory Parking /Storage
FILE NO: 798.11
BACKGROUND
The City is currently in need of a secure area for storage of vehicles behind City Hall. It
is anticipated that the City may want to construct an enclosed storage building at a later
date in the same location. One possible option for the City is to construct a slab with a
foundation at this time and enclose the area with a fence. When the storage building is
needed, the structure would be constructed over the slab and foundation.
As per your request, here are the applicable Zoning Ordinance and Design Guideline
provisions that would apply to the storage area /building for City Hall:
ZONING
The City Hall property is split between two zoning districts. Most of the City Hall
building is zoned R -1, Single Family Residential. In this district, the City Hall is a listed
conditional use. A portion of the rear of the City Hall building and the area to the north
is zoned 0, Open Space Conservation. In that district, essential services, which are
those "equipment and accessories in connection with the functioning and adequate
service by such private or public utilities or municipal departments" are a permitted use.
Accessory to that is "operation and storage of such vehicles, equipment and machinery
which are incidental to permitted or conditional uses allowed in this district." As such,
the storage area /building would be an allowable accessory use. The City Council may
consider zoning this entire property P - Public Institutional District in which city offices
are a listed permitted use.
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FENCE /BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
A fenced storage area would need to be 10 feet from any property line, would be paved,
and surrounded with a concrete curb and gutter if it were to remain as parking. If it were
to be constructed as a slab foundation, the City Engineer would need to be consulted as
to how it would be designed for drainage. A removable curb barrier system could be
provided so that cars would not drive off the surface. An accessory building would need
to be less than 12 feet in height (17 feet if it were to match the City Hall roof with
parapet), be five feet from side lot lines, eight feet from rear lot lines, and six feet from
any other building or structure or easement. It appears that if the slab /foundation
system is placed with the intent of constructing an accessory building, the 10 foot
setbacks would be applied.
In order to provide appropriate screening and security, the City would need to construct
a wood screening fence around the parking enclosure. A chain link fence would be
allowed behind the rear property line of City Hall if not required for screening, but the
City Hall property is adjacent to residentially zoned property, thus requiring the wood
fence to screen the vehicles. At 10 feet from the property line, the fence could be eight
feet in height. A screening gate would also need to be provided for the fence.
The City would also need to consider a grading and drainage plan for the project,
lighting that is compliant with the Zoning Ordinance provisions, and access issues. A
paved access driveway would need to be included as it would be required for private
development. The Design Guidelines would also need to be followed for building
construction. A masonry building would be compliant with both the Zoning Ordinance
and Design Guidelines requirements for an accessory building. The City could not build
a metal sided building.
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