Agenda - Council - 07/27/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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openings acceptable. Community Development Director Frolik advised that a variance from the guidelines for 35% glass opening is not required. Community Development Director Frolik stated that City Staff recommends' approval of the preliminary site plan contingent upon compliance with the City Staff review letter. Community requirement Chairperson one lot with Development Director Frolik explained that a variance to the floor area ratio is required and could be heard at the August meeting. Nixt expressed concern as to how the floor area i~atio requirement can be applied to a number of uses, without having to seek a variance each time. He stated that while it is important to carry out the intent of the TC-2 district regulations, we do not want to see a large lot with only parking spaces if we amend the Code to reduce floor area ratio requirements in the TC-2 District. Chaiiq)erson Nixt stated the developer'should apply for a variance to the floor area ratio requirement for consideration by the Planning Commission in August. He stated that staff should review the TC-2 district regulations 'with respect t~)-.floor area ratio' and prepare recommendations fbr amending the TC-2 district regulations for public hearing ~n September. Community Development Director Frolik stated the developer requests two public access points on Sunwood Drive and two public access points and one truck access on Zeolite Street. She advised that because Sunwood Drive is a Municipal State.Aid road, access is limited and there can only be one access point on Sunwood Drive. In addition, the second public access on Zeolite Street needs to be eliminated from the plan for public safety reasons because of its proximity to the truck entrance and the comer intersection of Zeolite and Civic Center Drive. Keith McDonald, Shingobee Builders, expressed concern about only one access on Zeolite Street and asked that staff consider an egress only on Zeolite Street. In addition, he stated that he believes two access points on Sunwood Drive will be critical to traffic flow and alleviating congestion in the area. Mr. McDonald noted that the parking lot landscaping requirements require another 45 trees to be installed within the parking lot area. He expressed concern that 3.9 of the 45 required trees need to be incorporated along Annstrong Boulevard, which results in one tree every six feet. He felt this raises visibility concerns because potential customers may not be able to see the store fronts. Community Development Director Frolik stated that City Staff will work with the landscaper on this issue. Chairperson Nixt commented that there currently are no plantings proposed for the parking area. He noted it will be appropriate to review a phasing plan for landscaping that allows some flexibility while still maintaining the intent of the project. Mr. McDonald stated that Connexus Energy will prepare a lighting plan for the project to be submitted to the City for review. Planning Commission/July 12, 2004 Page 12 of 15