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Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 2 <br /> June 27,2017 <br /> options regarding parking in order to transition the property to apartments. Mr. Carlton <br /> stated that they would have to expand parking to the south, or,potentially reducing the <br /> number of licensed units until the required parking can be met. He stated that they also <br /> have the option of changing the phasing of their project. He stated the existing Interim Use <br /> permit is good until 2019 which would allow them some time to meet the parking <br /> requirements. However,he stated,the application to move forward as an apartment <br /> building at this time would not be possible if the variance is denied. <br /> Acting Chair Larson-Vito opened the public hearing. <br /> Marla Weston, 633 Upland Avenue,representing the applicant—stated she had some <br /> additional information and was present to answer questions. Ms. Weston discussed the mix <br /> of units at the subject site,noting there are seven 1-bedrooms and 29 studios,with 95 <br /> percent of the studios having only one occupant. She stated that they have obtained <br /> approval to construct a 25-unit garage. She noted that this will be the first micro apartment <br /> building in Elk River. Ms.Weston stated that one parking space for each dwelling unit <br /> would be adequate. She explained that they are hoping to expand the building in future and <br /> provide more parking and that there are no concerns/constraints with parking at this time. <br /> She stated that since 95 percent have 1 occupant,that significantly lowers the number of <br /> parking stalls needed. She further explained that 26 percent of the tenants don't own <br /> vehicles and use the rail station. Ms. Weston stated that the adjacent property owner is <br /> willing to lease 20 stalls for next 20 years,if they have parking concerns in the future. She <br /> explained that the former Saxon Motors site has 360 parking stalls. The owner is willing to <br /> lease 20 stalls closest to apartment building. Ms. Weston state that she has spoken with <br /> Planning Manager Zack Carlton regarding a possible ordinance amendments to address <br /> micro apartment buildings. <br /> Mr. Carlton stated that he can see the applicant may not need that number of stalls required <br /> by the current ordinance,and he would support evaluating an ordinance amendment. <br /> Acting Chair Larson-Vito asked Mr. Carlton to confirm number of units. Mr. Carlton stated <br /> there were 43 units as hotel. He explained that during the transition, some units could not be <br /> used as apartments, so the number dropped down to 36 units. He noted that 90 parking <br /> stalls are required per ordinance. <br /> There being no further public comment,Acting Chair Larson-Vito closed the public hearing. <br /> Commissioner Feinstein asked for clarification on the total of stalls currently. Mr. Carlton <br /> explained,noting that the proposed leased 20 stalls are not included in proposal and are in <br /> addition to what will be provided on site and when the garage space is constructed. He <br /> stated that with the leased 20 spaces, they will be close to 87 stalls. <br /> Commissioner Rydberg asked if there is any provision for parking along the driveway,to add <br /> few more stalls. Mr. Carlton stated he has not seen including on street parking in the past. <br /> Commissioner Thiel stated that he recalled discussion on a ast proposal the Planning <br /> p p g <br /> Commission was firm on the number of required parking stalls. He stated that it is easy to <br /> reduce number of stalls in the planning phase,but in reality there can be problems later. He <br /> • <br />