HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-02 Planning Report TPC3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 EA�OSURE 3
Anoka, MN 55303
Phone: 763.231.5840
Facsimile: 763.427.0520
TPC@PlanningCo.com
PLANNING REPORT
TO: Eric Johnson
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: April 2, 2014
RE: Oak Park Heights — Parking Setback — Section 401.15.F of the
Zoning Ordinance— Clarify Language
TPC FILE: 236.01 — 14.01
BACKGROUND
The Planning Commission, at their March 13, 2014 meeting, held the public hearing and
discussed the site layout and the proposed building at 13999 60th Street North referred
to as the Gateway Building. At the meeting, Commissioner Thurmes asked where the
right of way easement line was on the east side of the property. The actual property
line is approximately 32 feet from the east edge of the proposed parking lot, but the
survey and the layout plans do not identify the right of way line. The Planning
Commission discussed whether the 10 foot setback for the parking lot was addressed in
the proposed plan. In that the location of the right of way line was not identified on the
survey or plans, the Planning Commission added a condition that the Applicant provides
a plan showing that information and for City Staff to determine if a variance is required.
The Applicant provided a revised layout plan indicating the Minnesota Department of
Transportation easement. It is directly adjacent to the east line of the proposed parking
lot. City Staff has reviewed the Zoning Ordinance and determined that a variance was
not required in this case. The Zoning Ordinance states in Section 401.15.F the
following:
17) 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 10 (ten) feet to any lot line. Grass
plantings and landscaping shall be provided in all areas bordering the parking area.
The language indicates that the setback for the parking area is 10 feet from a lot line. In
this case the parking lot is set back 32 feet from the lot line. The new frontage road and
trail in this area will be more than 25 feet from the proposed parking lot curb. The
setback was satisfied in terms of the Zoning Ordinance language. This issue was
addressed with the City Council when they considered the application for the Gateway
Building at their March 25, 2014 meeting. They agreed that a variance was not required
in this case, but the language should be clarified.
ANALYSIS
City Staff would suggest revised language that not only addresses property lines but
also right of way easement lines within Section 401.15.F.17 relating to parking lot
setbacks. Please find as follows the proposed new language
17) 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 10 (ten) feet to any lot line or right
of way line. Grass plantings and landscaping shall be provided in all areas bordering
the parking area.
CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission should discuss the clarification in language and set a public
hearing for the May meeting to make the change in the Zoning Ordinance.
pc: Julie Hultman
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