Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/04/2012

Home

A2012 -5 Staff Report May 1, 2012 Page 2 of 12 Included for your review: Area map showing area for 2012 -5 application, 22.5 acres of residentially zoned property and Anoka Nature Preserve; Survey and legal description of the areas; Potential Access road map, letter sent to property owners within the 350' notification area, City of Andover Future Land Use Map. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT The City of Anoka is proposing a zoning ordinance text amendment to establish Chapter 74, Article V, Division 3, Section 74 -240, B -5 Regional Business District. This is a new business district created specifically for this area. The purpose of the district is to provide an area intended to promote commercial development, including retail, office, entertainment, service and other complimentary uses serving a trade area beyond the City boundaries. Development should be designed in an integrated and unified manner according to an overall plan emphasizing minimal impacts to adjacent land use, encouraging pedestrian activity, and have attractive and high quality buildings, decorative lighting, landscaping, signage, sidewalks and trails. The following is a summary of the proposed ordinance. Definitions — There are three definitions special to this district that relate to restaurant uses. The reason is because each of these uses are permitted differently in the district. District Boundaries — It is anticipated a road will cut the property in half once developed. The north and south half are indentified in the ordinance separately and different uses are permitted in each part. Uses — The ordinance outlines permitted, conditional, interim and prohibited uses in the north and south parts of the district. Generally the uses are retail, service, and office related. Larger retail buildings are permitted in the south part because it is a greater distance from residential land uses. Notable prohibited uses include gas stations, auto sales, other auto oriented uses, and free - standing fast food restaurants. Height and Setback Regulations — Special consideration was taken into account for setbacks to the north city limits and Anoka Nature Preserve. For these two areas, a minimum building setback of 100 feet and minimum parking setback of 50 feet is required. Any building must be setback a minimum of 25' to County Road 116 and 7 Avenue. Parking is not permitted in front of the building along those roads. For development on the interior, a minimum building setback of 10' shall be provided to the right of way and adjacent property. This encourages compact development and buildings closer to interior roadways. Buildings are limited to 40' in height, however greater heights may be permitted if a conditional use permit is granted. Exterior Site Requirements — Outdoor storage is not permitted and screening shall be required for service areas, trash and mechanical equipment. Exterior lighting standards are the same