Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/26/2023

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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date: 01/26/2023 By: Todd Larson, Community Development Information 6. 1. Title: PUBLIC HEARING - ARAA Dome Site Plan, Plat, and Variance to Height - 14600 Ferret St. NW Purpose/Background: The Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) is proposing a large inflatable dome on a 12.89 acre site north of Highway 10 west of Armstrong Boulevard. The dome will primarily be used for practices and training sessions for its members. Occasional games, tournaments, and other events are likely to occur. The Planning Commission reviewed a rezoning request for the property in the summer of 2022. The City Council approved the rezoning to E-3, the same district as the adjacent Bunker Lake Industrial Park to the northwest. This district was selected due to the building design allowances and uses on the site (recreation and restaurant). A text amendment was also processed to allow medical clinics in the E-3 district in the event a sports medicine clinic were to co -locate on the site. The clinic and restaurant uses are not being proposed at this time and a new Land Use Application will be required at the time they are proposed. The site currently consists of two parcels. A plat is proposed to consolidate the lots into one large lot. Indoor recreation is a permitted use, therefore the site is subject to a Site Plan Review. Lastly, the dome exceeds the 65-foot height limit of the E-3 district and a variance is being requested. Previously, one of the parcels were used for recreation uses with a go-kart track and paintball, though that business has been closed for several years. Notification: Staff mailed notices to owners of property within 700 feet of the site. A legal notice was published in the Anoka Union Herald Newspaper on January 13, 2023. A Land Use Application sign was placed on the property. Observations/Alternatives: Use The use of the facility will primarily be used for youth sports training The applicant has stated that they will, from time -to -time, have games, tournaments, and other events, though nothing has been specified. Tournaments and other events must be limited in capacity due to the occupancy of the building per the Building Code and availability of parking on -site. During the 2022 rezoning application, it was anticipated that the site would include a sports medicine clinic and a restaurant. These uses are not proposed at this time. A concept plan is attached. When those users are identified, a new Land Use Application will be required for review of those uses and structures. It should also be noted that a telecommunications tower is located on the site and it will remain in place. Building Architectural Design & Variance The building consists of two parts --the dome and a support building. The 175,000 square foot air -supported fabric dome will be 78 feet in height. The nearly 3,700 square -foot one-story brick support building is proposed off the northeast corner of the dome. The support building houses the lobby, restrooms, a storage room, an office, and a pass -through garage bay. The maximum building height in the E-3 district is 65 feet. A height of 78 feet to the top is proposed (roughly the height of a six -story office building). The applicant's narrative addresses the considerations for justifying a variance according to City Code. The dome needs to have enough height (interior clearance) so that sports like