11-25-2003 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . Planning Commission Minutes November 25, 2003 Page 2 General Manager of the Elk River Star News & Shopper, indicating their support for the relocation of the entrance and sharing this access with the R & D Sales site. Mr. Harlicker reviewed the access and parking layout, landscaping, and building elevations. He noted that the landscaping plan needs to be revised to better comply with the ordinance requirements. Staff recommends approval of the request with the conditions listed in the staff report to the Commission dated November 25, 2003. Commissioner Franz asked if the building elevations meet the City's standards. Mr. Harlicker stated that there were no standards established for this Poo, but that the building's exterior complies with the City's C3 Commercial standards. Chair Pederson stated he did not feel the site could accommodate the number of trees required by code. He asked if the Arborvitae could be considered in the number of trees. Ms.McPherson stated that Arborvitae is actually a shrub, although some do grow as large as trees. Mr. Harlicker stated that credit could also be given if the applicant installed larger trees. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. Rich Schulz, applicant, stated that the proposed building will have a shingled roof and will be designed to make a good transition between the residential area and commercial businesses. He noted that he plans to occupy the building by July 1, 2004. Mr. Schulz explained that that he and the Star News decided to share a driveway due to the dangerous situation that currently exists on this curved section of Freeport Avenue. Mr. Schulz explained that there would be less parking needed for the Star News in the future, since the courier business that is currendy operating out of the basement of the Star News building will be leaving. Mr. Schulz noted that John Oliver and Associates has provided the drainage calculations requested by City Engineer T eny Maurer. He stated that the revised plans show the location of the dumpster on the rear of the property as suggested by staff. Mr. Schluz stated that it would be vety difficult to plant 23 trees on the site, due to the constraints on the property that include a sewer service line in the back of the property and the power lines. He explained that it would be difficult to plant trees near the Dolphin Car Wash property, since their paved surface is only 10 feet off the property line. Mr. Schulz discussed the number of trees on other properties in the Elk River Plaza Poo, noting that there are substantially fewer trees on other sites and they do not meet code. Commissioner Lemke asked for clarification on Mr. Schulz's business. Mr. Schulz explained. There being no further public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Anderson stated that he was confident that staff and the applicant could resolve the landscaping issue. He expressed his support for Mr. Schulz's proposal. Commissioner Franz concurred with Commissioner Anderson. Chair Pederson stated that the site constraints limit the number of trees which can be placed on the property. He stated that given the sewer line, and the power lines, he felt that large overstoty trees are not a good idea. He agreed with the applicant that other businesses in the area have vety lime landscaping.