Minutes - Council - 08/08/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL BUSINESS Case #1: Request for an Interim Use Permit to Allow a Drive- Thru Facility to be Constructed in the TC-l Town Center Core Area; Case of Sharp and Associates Community Development Director Trudgeon stated Jim Deal and Sharp and Associates have requested that the City allow a drive-thru, order board, and pick up window on the rear of Ramsey Office Plaza in Town Center. This request was brought forward to a City Council work session because drive-thrus are prohibited within TC-I. At the May 30 work session, it was the consensus of the Council that drive-thrus should not be permitted within this district. However, the City Council met again at work session on June 27, 2006, and determined that it may be reasonable to allow this use on a use-specific basis through the use of an interim use permit. The applicant has come forward with a request for an interim use permit to allow the construction of a drive-thru specifically in association with the construction of a coffee shop. Mr. Trudgeon stated staff has requested revisions to the site plan to reduce the slope of the drive aisle from the building to the sidewalk to current street standards. The current grade could pose problems during icy conditions. Also, staff is requesting that the pick-up window be adjusted so that one car can safely queue to turn in front of the window without driving and stopping on the sidewalk. The installation of a stop sign on the east side of the sidewalk has been requested. A revised landscaping plan has also been requested to add pedestrian scale vegetation and fencing. These issues have been addressed in the revised site plan dated August 2, 2006. Community Development Director Trudgeon advised the Planning Commission met on August 3, 2006, and recommended that the City Council deny the interim use permit due to the inconsistency with the intent of the TC-1 zoning district. The concern is that the proposed drive- thru will change the intended character of the general vicinity and will change the essential character of the area. Mr. Trudgeon advised staff recommends that, although drive-thrus are not permitted in this district, a compromise would be to allow the drive-thru for a designated period of time through the use of an interim use permit. Following that designated timeframe, the City Council has the right to deny renewal of the interim use permit, based on the following land use considerations: 1) Parking and traffic increases and/or conflicts 2) Increase in the intensity and density of the area 3) Evolving land uses in the core area Community Development Director Trudgeon advised staff recommends that any approval be contingent upon addressing the issues listed in the City Staff Review Letter dated July 28, 2006. It appears that the revised site plan addresses these items. Councilmember Strommen stated she was not able to attend the work session on June 27, and may have a difference of opinion regarding this. Mr. Deal's building looks fabulous, and he has worked hard to mitigate the concerns, but she has a fundamental hang-up on the fact that the Town Center core really was intended to be pedestrian oriented. Town Center won awards based on the vision, and she cannot think of many things more opposing to the pedestrian vision than a drive-thru. City Council / August 8, 2006 Page 5 of 29