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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014/03/27 - ADMIN - Minutes - Board of Zoning Appeals - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES OF MARCH 27, 2014 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK The St. Louis Park Board of Zoning Appeals conducted a meeting on March 27, 2014, at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard, St. Louis Park, Minnesota – Council Chambers. Members Present: Susan Bloyer, James Gainsley, Justin Kaufman Members Absent: Paul Roberts, Henry Solmer Staff Present: Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator Nancy Sells, Administrative Secretary 1. CALL TO ORDER – ROLL CALL Chair Bloyer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 22, 2013 Commissioner Gainsley made a motion to approve the minutes of August 22, 2013. The motion passed on a vote of 2-0-1 (Bloyer abstained). 3. CONSENT AGENDA 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Variance: Berth Screening Requirements Location: 5100 West 35th Street Applicant: Ryan Politz (RJ Marco Construction, Inc.) Case No.: 14-05-VAR Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator, presented the staff report. He explained that the proposal is for the addition of six new loading berths (docks) to an existing building. There are 10 existing loading berths. The variance is requested to allow the six additional berths to be constructed without bringing the property into complete compliance with the screening requirements for loading docks and berths. The proposal is to construct a 12 foot, eight inch tall wall that will extend 38 feet from the building. The remaining screening would consist of vegetation as shown in the revised exhibit. Mr. Morrison said the landscaping plan has been revised. The planting of additional conifers was requested by staff and the revised plan was approved by the city’s Environmental Coordinator. Official Minutes Board of Zoning Appeals March 27, 2014 Page 2 Mr. Morrison presented his analysis of the criteria for granting variances found in Section 36-34 of the Zoning Ordinance. He stated staff found all criteria were satisfied and staff recommended adoption of the resolution approving the requested variance for the six additional truck berths. Mr. Morrison added that the intent of the reference to trucks in Condition No. 3 of the resolution is for semi-trucks, and it should be revised to semi-trucks. Commissioner Kaufman stated that his concern did not regard construction. He said he wondered if the additional bays would increase traffic in the area. He commented that when he went to look at the property there were two idling semis parked on W. 35th St. directly in front of the building. He said he wondered about the purpose of the wall or landscaping if trucks are going to be outside the property on a regular basis. Mr. Morrison remarked that was a concern that staff had initially. He said a discussion started with the applicant about a year ago about the truck traffic and additional berths and impact on the neighborhood. He said the vast majority of the deliveries occur at night so the truck volume is no longer a concern for staff. He said the applicant could speak to daytime traffic. Chair Bloyer asked if rain gardens are considered to be an easement. Mr. Morrison responded that rain gardens are required by the city and Watershed District but are not encumbered by an easement. Chair Bloyer opened the public hearing. Ryan Politz, RJ Marco Construction, Inc., said in answer to Commission Kaufman’s concern about trucks parking, the additional docks will help with that traffic so semis can be parked at the docks. He said the whole intent is to get the operation to run better inside by taking deliveries in staging. There won’t be an increase in vehicle traffic and there will be more places for the same number of vehicles. Commissioner Gainsley asked how the traffic pattern will be adjusted so it won’t cause a problem for the neighborhood and the site. Mr. Politz said the additional docks would be used to bring the trucks in. Mr. Morrison stated that trucks are parking on the street because they are waiting for a berth to open. Official Minutes Board of Zoning Appeals March 27, 2014 Page 3 Commissioner Kaufman said when he was there only one bay was being used and two trucks were on the street. He said it doesn’t seem like trucks can get in every bay. Mr. Politz said part of it has to do with staging and the new docks will provide more staging. Mr. Morrison commented that in an Industrial Park like this there are rarely complaints and he has yet to receive a complaint on Belt Line for anything other than outside storage. Commissioner Kaufman asked about landscaping and the ability to reduce noise. He added this might not be an issue at that location but he wondered about future development with SW LRT. Mr. Morrison responded that the noise question was never raised. But as the area becomes denser, the noise of increased traffic and truck traffic could be a concern. He added that square footage is not being added. The additional berths will make internal movement more efficient. He said the issue of multiple tenants was discussed with the applicant in terms of future planning. He said the current tenant has signed a long term lease. As no one else was present wishing to speak, Chair Bloyer closed the public hearing. Commissioner Gainsley said he liked the plan and found it to be usable. He added that he couldn’t think of a way to condition the variance to include enforcement regarding parking. Mr. Morrison said it is not uncommon for a truck to be parked on the street in an Industrial Park zone. It is legal as long as it isn’t posted for no-parking. If it becomes a problem, which happens occasionally throughout the city in all zoning districts, it can be brought to the City Council with a request for parking restrictions. Commissioner Gainsley made a motion to adopt a resolution approving a variance to not install a 10 foot screening wall for the berths, with conditions as recommended by staff. The motion was approved on a vote of 3-0. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Official Minutes Board of Zoning Appeals March 27, 2014 Page 4 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Officers Susan Bloyer made a motion nominating James Gainsley for Chair. The motion was approved 3-0. James Gainsley made a motion nominating Susan Bloyer for Vice Chair. The motion was approved 3-0. 7. COMMUNICATIONS 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Sells Administrative Secretary