Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/04/2014

Home

The Applicant goes to a cold storage facility in Fridley to pick up product in the morning (two vehicle trips, there and back). Two (2) employees come to the Subject Property to pick up the van (two vehicle trips) and then leave the Subject Property with their loaded van (two vehicle trips). They then return to the Subject Property at the end of the day (two vehicle trips) and then leave with their personal vehicles (two vehicle trips). Considering the location of the Subject Property, all vehicle trips associated with the Home Occupation have a very short distance from the Subject Property to Armstrong Blvd (e.g. they do not have to drive all the way through an entire neighborhood). The Applicant has stated that the business hours typically are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The Applicant has also provided evidence of their Retail Mobile Food Handler license issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The Applicant does not conduct sales within the City and thus, a Peddler, Solicitor, or Transient Merchant license from the City is not required. Finally, the Applicant is seeking a more permanent commercial location for his business but until then, he is trying to remain in compliance with City Code, which is why he is seeking the Home Occupation Permit. Alternatives: Option #1: Recommend adoption of Resolutions #14-12-248 and #14-12-249 approving the Home Occupation. The Home Occupation does not appear to generate excessive noise, traffic, nuisance or fire hazard. While the business exceeds the number of non-resident employees by one, the majority of their day is spent off -site doing door to door sales and deliveries. Furthermore, while the vehicles used in conjunction with the business provide exterior evidence of the Home Occupation, only one meets the definition of a commercial vehicle (and even then, it is a standard pick-up truck mounted with a refrigeration unit in the bed, similar to some camper units in size). The Subject Property is a corner lot off of Armstrong Blvd, and thus, it appears that the vehicle trips related to the business would provide little disruption to the neighborhood. Staff supports this option. Option #2: Recommend adoption of Resolutions #14-12-248 and #14-12-249, with modifications, approving the Home Occupation. If the Planning Commission supports the request but identifies additional conditions that would further help protect the peace, quiet and domestic tranquility of the neighborhood, the resolutions can be modified accordingly before forwarding on to City Council. Option #3: Recommend denial of the Home Occupation. While the Home Occupation was beyond a level that allowed for administrative approval, it does not appear that it would negatively impact the residential feel of the neighborhood. The off-street parking standards can be maintained (relating not only to location and surfacing, but also to total allowable items parked/stored outside on the Subject Property) and the Home Occupation does not generate excessive noise nor does it represent a fire hazard to adjacent properties. Staff does not support this option. Funding Source: All costs associated with reviewing the Application are the responsibility of the Applicant. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of Resolutions #14-12-248 and #14-12-249 adopting Findings of Fact and approving a Home Occupation Permit for a frozen foods sales and delivery business at 14920 Chameleon St NW. Action: Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt Resolutions #14-12-248 and #14-12-249 adopting Findings of Fact and approving a Home Occupation Permit for a frozen foods sales and delivery business at 14920 Chameleon St NW. Attachments Site Location Map Applicant's Business Summary Photos of Site