Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/05/1999

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Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Dempsey, to recommend that City Council grant site plan approval to the proposal for Monarch Homes contingent upon compliance with the City Staff review letter dated September 28, 1999. Further discussion: Commissioner Jensen questioned what other businesses are in the area. Zoning Administrator Frolik replied that there is currently one across the street, Canvas Craft. Commissioner Jensen questioned what type of material is used on the exterior of Canvas Craft. Mr. Fritch replied rock faced stone. Commissioner Jensen inquired if the City would be setting a precedent for aluminum siding on commercial buildings. Zoning Administrator Frolik replied that maintenance free aluminum siding is compatible when a business backs up to a residential development. Commissioner Jensen stated that she is concerned that once the precedent is set in the area for aluminum siding, the City would have to adhere to it. She requested that more brick be added to the building. Mr. Fritch replied that if more brick were added to the building it would not be visible because of the privacy fence. Commissioner Jensen stated that she would like to see brick on all northern exposures. Mr. Fritch replied that he would be willing to add the additional brick. Commissioner Dempsey inquired if a wood privacy fence is required by City Code. Zoning Administrator Frolik replied no. Commissioner Dempsey questioned if Mr. Fritch has considered a vinyl fence. Mr. Fritch replied no, and questioned if there is an eight foot vinyl fence. Commissioner Dempsey replied that he was not aware of what sizes were available. Commissioner Jensen noted that one concern with a vinyl fence would be staining from water. Motion was amended by Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Dempsey to include that the lower four feet of all northern exposures of the building will be done in decorative brick or stone. Zoning Administrator Frolik noted that Staff would be willing to go down to six foot fence if a privacy fence was installed. Commissioner Dempsey stated that he would like to have the applicant work with Staff. He explained that he would prefer to see chain link over a wood fence only because of the maintenance required for a wood fence. In long term, it would be beneficial to have a vinyl fence. Mr. Fritch stated that he would be willing to research the idea of a vinyl fence. Community Development Director Sherman explained that it was Staff's intent to make the site blend well with the existing residential neighborhood. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioners Johnson, Dempsey, Jensen, Kociscak and Wivoda. Voting No: None. Case #2: Request for Site Plan Review; Case of Heritage Millwork, Inc. Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that Heritage Millwork is proposing an expansion to their building at 6190 McKinley Street Northwest in Business Park 95. The site plan proposes a 28,719 square foot expansion to the current 34,104 square foot facility, for a total of 62,823 square feet. Lot coverage is restricted to 35% and the expanded building equates to a lot coverage of 29%. Impervious surface is restricted to 85% in the Business Park and with the expansion, the Heritage Millwork facility will have an impervious surface calculation of 55%. The proposed addition meets or exceeds all required setbacks. The building addition includes four new loading bays and three overhead garage door bays that meet City Code. The exterior walls of the addition will be pre-cast concrete panels to match the existing building. There is a 30'x 50' metal canopy over the east garage door and this deviation from architectural standards requires the approval of the City Council. The parking plan proposes to add 40 spaces for the Planning Commission/October 5, 1999 Page 3 of 5