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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-09 Planning Report TPC 3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: 763.231 .5840 Facsimile: 763.427.0520 TPC @PlanningCo.com PLANNING REPORT TO: Eric Johnson FROM: Scott Richards DATE: June 9, 2011 RE: Oak Park Heights — B -2 General Business District — Building Regulations TPC FILE: 236.01 — 11.01 BACKGROUND The City Council, at their May 24, 2011 meeting discussed the Planning Commission recommendation regarding a conditional use permit allowance for structures to exceed three stories and 35 feet. It was suggested that additional conditions be added related to energy efficiency, green space and building standards. The City Council approved a motion to send this matter back to the Planning Commission for further consideration. The City Council agreed that if the City allows a developer to achieve a building exceeding three stories and 35 feet, then enhancements to the building and to the site are warranted. The amendment that was recommended by the Planning Commission is as follows: B -2 District (Proposed Language) 401.30.E.11 11. Buildings in excess of three (3) stories or thirty -five (35) feet, provided that: a. The site is capable of accommodating the increased intensity of use. b. The increased intensity of use does not cause an increase in traffic volumes beyond the capacity of the surrounding streets. c. Public utilities and services are adequate. d. For each additional story over three (3) stories or for each additional ten (10) feet above thirty -five (35) feet, front and side yard setback requirements shall be increased ten (10) feet. e. The provisions of Section 401.03.A.8. of this Ordinance are considered and satisfactorily met. Staff would suggest that the following additional conditions be considered by the Planning Commission: Energy Efficiency: 1. The project shall comply with the Minnesota Sustainable Building 2030 (SB2030) energy standards and Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines (B3). Green Space: 1. There shall be no parking in the front yards facing Osgood Avenue and the Highway 36 frontage road. Building /Design Standards: 1. On the third and upper floors, windows and /or architectural features that provide interest shall be included on all four sides of the building when permitted within the building code. 2. Abrupt changes in building heights and/or roof orientation shall be diminished by offsets of building form and mass. 3. Recesses and projections to visually divide building surfaces into smaller scale elements shall be included. 4. Color shall be used to visually reduce the size, bulk and scale of the building. 5. Buildings forty (40) feet or over shall provide rooflines with articulated features. 6. Location of back flow prevention devices and the fire sprinkler riser shall be identified on project plans submitted for site and design review and shall be located inside the building. 2 CONCLUSION /RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission, at its June 16, 2011 meeting should consider the additional B -2 Zoning amendments requested by the City Council and drafted by Staff. 3