Agenda - Planning Commission - 11/02/2006

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Councilmember Elvig indicated he is fine with the site plan. He suggested a future work session include a discussion of including incentives on projects in the business park to maximize the value of the properties. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to grant approval of the proposed site plan for Minnesota Waterjet contingent upon compliance with City Staff Review Letter dated September 1, 2006, revised September 22, 2006. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Cook, Jeffrey, Elvig, Olson, Pearson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. Case #6: Request for Site Plan Review of GMI Expansion; Case of Sharp and Associates, LLC Associate Planner Geisler indicated Sharp and Associates have applied for site plan review for an expansion to the GMI manufacturing and office facility located at 6511 Bunker Lake Boulevard. The site plan is proposing to construct a 9,920 square foot addition onto GMI's existing facility, which is 10,000 square feet in size. The subject property is 2.3 acres and is located in the E-l Employment District. The addition is proposed to be used for storage and receiving, which are permitted uses in this district. The site plan is meeting all setback requirements, with the exception of the rear yard setback, which is 35 feet in the E-l District. The submitted site plan shows a setback of 20 feet. The applicant has submitted a variance request, which will be considered at the October Board of Adjustment meeting. Ms. Geisler indicated with the expansion, lot coverage on the site will be 19,920 square feet or 19%. The maximum lot coverage permitted by City Code requires one parking stall for every 1,000 square feet of manufacturing/warehouse space and one stall for every 300 square feet of office space. The site plan indicates that the expanded building will consist of 4,000 square feet of office space and 15,920 square feet of warehouse space, which requires a total of 29 parking stalls. There are 15 striped parking stalls currently on the site; the site plan indicates there is space for at least 46 parking stalls. Staff is recommending that at least 29 parking stalls be striped once the expansion plans are complete. Associate Planner Geisler explained the building currently has access on Bunker Lake Boulevard that will be reoriented slightly as part of the expansion. Because Bunker Lake Boulevard is a county road, Anoka County was notified of the site plan submittal. The existing building material consists of painted concrete block. The expansion is also proposed to be painted block. Painted block is not typically permitted in the E-l District but City Code does allow the City Council to approve other materials. The Planning Commission recommended that the Council approve the use of painted block to match the existing building. Ms. Geisler indicated a revised grading and drainage plan has been reviewed by the Engineering Department and some minor revisions are required, as noted in the City Staff Review Letter. The landscaping plan is generally acceptable. Ms. Geisler advised the Planning Commission recommended approval of the site plan, contingent on Council approval of the use of painted block, receipt of a variance to the rear yard setback, and compliance with the City Staff Review Letter. City Council / September 26, 2006 Page 9 of 38 P29