HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/07/27 - ADMIN - Minutes - Board of Zoning Appeals - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES OF JULY 27, 2017
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
Members Present: James Gainsley, Anthony Howard, Paul Roberts, Henry Solmer
Members Absent: Justin Kaufman
Staff Present: Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator
Nancy Sells, Office Assistant
1. Call to Order — Roll Call
Chair Gainsley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes: June 22, 2017
Commissioner Roberts made a motion to approve the minutes of June 22, 2017.
The motion passed on a vote of 4-0.
3. Consent Agenda: None
4. Unfinished Business
A. Variance: Variance to the side yard (continued from June 22, 2017)
Location: 9018 Minnehaha Circle North
Applicant: Tom Muralt
Case No.: 17 -18 -VAR
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator, stated that the applicant
withdrew the application on July 19, 2017. He said the application was presented
to the board on June 22, 2017. At that time the hearing was opened and the
applicant said he was considering alternatives for the garage remodeling and
asked that the application be tabled to a future meeting.
Commissioner Solmer made a motion to close the public hearing. The motion
passed on a vote of 4-0.
5. Public Hearings
A. Variance: Variance to required minimum number of parking spaces
Location: 3402 Library Lane
Applicant: Lara Dietrich
Case No.: 17 -15 -VAR
Official Minutes
Board of Zoning Appeals
July 27, 2017
Page 2
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator, stated the applicant
operates the Maestoso Music Studio at 3402 Library Lane. The applicant
is planning a 2,900 sq. ft. expansion into the existing space located
directly adjacent to the current business. The applicant requests a variance
to allow three parking spaces instead of the required seven spaces.
Mr. Morrison explained how the code addresses a use that is legally non-
conforming to parking. He noted the expansion needs to comply with the
additional amount of parking that is required. He reviewed existing and
proposed parking requirements for the multi -tenant building. He
discussed the ample on -street parking.
Mr. Morrison reviewed the criteria for granting of a variance. He stated
staff finds the requested variance to the parking requirements meets the
criterion and therefore recommends approval of the requested variance.
Chair Gainsley opened the public hearing.
Mr. Morrison noted a letter of support of the variance request received
July 11, 2017, from STEP, St. Louis Park Emergency Program, 6812 W.
Lake Street. The letter was distributed to the board.
As no one was present wishing to speak, the Chair closed the public
hearing.
All commissioners stated they concurred with the staff recommendation.
Commissioner Roberts made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 03-17
approving a variance from Section 36-361(c) to allow three parking spaces
instead of the required seven spaces for the Maestoso Music Studio
expansion. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0.
Mr. Morrison read the statement regarding appeal to the city council. The
10 day appeal period expires Aug. 6, 2017.
B. Variance: Variance to the maximum allowed floor area
Location: 3947 Excelsior Blvd.
Applicant: Patrick Crowe/Salt Salon Spa
Case No.: 17 -22 -VAR
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator, stated the applicant
requests a variance to increase the allowed floor area from 2,500 sq. ft. to
3,750 sq. ft. for the proposed salon business.
Official Minutes
Board of Zoning Appeals
July 27, 2017
Page 3
Mr. Morrison reviewed existing conditions and zoning regulations for the
site. He noted that as a property that is non -conforming to the parking
regulations, the uses inside the building can continue as is. They can also
change as long as the parking demand is not increased. He explained to
assist with the non -conforming parking situation, the property owner
secured 16 parking spaces on a vacant lot just 200 feet to the east of the
subject property. Mr. Morrison said the parking situation will be
improved by the salon use as peak demand time for parking of salon use is
different than a typical office use.
Mr. Morrison reviewed criterion for granting a variance. He stated the
proposed application does meet the required criterion for granting a
variance. Staff recommends approval.
Commissioner Roberts asked if the 3,750 sq. ft. of useable space is on the
first floor only and does not include the basement.
Mr. Morrison responded that the 3,750 sq. ft. of useable space is on the
first floor only, and the basement is occupied by another office use in its
entirety.
Chair Gainsley asked what would happen if the 16 off-site parking spaces
were lost.
Mr. Morrison said when staff reviewed the request they did not include the
16 spaces. The applicant secured the 16 spaces on their own initiative.
The Chair opened the public hearing.
Patrick Crowe, applicant, stated he was available to answer any questions.
As no one was present wishing to speak, the Chair closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Solmer said he was favor of granting the variance.
Commissioner Roberts remarked about two similar cases for that part of
the zoning code.
Mr. Morrison said staff plans to look at that.
Commissioner Solmer made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 04-17
approving a variance from Section 36-193(c)(11) to increase the
maximum allowed floor area from 2,500 sq. ft. to 3,750 sq. ft. for Salt
Salon Spa.
Official Minutes
Board of Zoning Appeals
July 27, 2017
Page 4
The motion passed on a vote of 4-0.
Mr. Morrison read the statement regarding appeal to the city council. The
10 day appeal period expires August 6.
6. New Business
7. Communications
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Sells
Recording Secretary