Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/01/2004

Home

Associate Planner Geisler indicated Staff has not received elevation drawings for the proposed buildings, and does not have enough information to determine if the site plan meets architectural standard requirements as outlined in City Code. The applicant has drawings available for the Planning Commission to review. Associate Planner Geisler stated the grading and drainage plan is generally acceptable with the revisions outlined in the City Staff Review Letter. She noted the landscaping plan will require significant revisions, including additional trees and shrubs on the entire site and more specifically in the bufferyard. She stated the site plan is proposing an 8-foot chain link fence around the perimeter of the site; however Staff would like the Planning Commission to consider requiring a privacy fence along the common property lines with the residential properties to the north and east. Associate Planner Geisler advised that because the issue of how the site will gain street access is so critical to overall site design, in addition to the outstanding landscaping issues, Staff is recommending the site plan be tabled until issues are worked out with Anoka County and a revised site plan submittal are received. She indicated Staff will continue to solicit input from the County. Commission Input Commissioner Jeffrey clarified that right now 148th Avenue does not connect to Ramsey Boulevard, and asked if it was the intent or if this is requesting a change to the plans. Associate Planner Geisler indicated it was not platted at the time of the residential development, so she does not know. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated the way this was built it was intended to have a road. He noted this parcel has different zoning than the rest of the area, and Staff feels strongly they want to see different access that does not have to go through the residential area. He stated this may be a mini -storage facility today, which may or may not have heavy traffic involved with it, but there is no guarantee it will always be used for a mini -storage. He noted they may also want to look at lining access up with 147th across the street. Vice Chair Johnson asked what the concern is from Anoka County. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated general opposition to access is the main thing. He stated this parcel is surrounded by County roads so there are some limits on what the applicant can do. Commissioner Brauer asked if Staff was just looking for guidance at this point. Associate Planner Geisler indicated they would like to know how the Planning Commission feels about the fence. Planning Commission/July 1, 2004 Page 5 of 13