06-12-2007 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes )Une 12, 200 Page 10 5.10. Discussion Re ardine Commercial Recreation Uses in the Business Park NIr. Barnhart provided background information regarding the development of the draft ordinance amendment. He noted that the draft will go to the city attorney for comments. Chair Stevens stated that he still has a problem with recreation uses in the business park district, and would like to see industrial uses. Commissioner Lemke asked if, as an example, Sherburne County wanted to put in a fitness center or pool for their employees. Mr. Barnhart stated that the predominant use of the property would not be affected. Commissioner Stevens stated that in business park properties with an underlying I-1 use, recreational uses were not appropriate. In predominantly manufacturing areas, the two uses may not even be compatible due to issues such as noise. Commissioner Scott stated that he was reluctant to lump all business park zoning t together, since the underlying land use can make them very different. He felt there should be criteria that would need to be met, such as a limit on the amount of these types of uses, and would favor a percentage of a structure. He asked what would be required if the use were a permitted use in a particular area. Mr. Barnhart stated that only site plan review by staff would be required. Discussion followed regarding the 5,000 square foot limitation for permitted and conditional uses in the business park district. Mr. Barnhart noted that no commercial outdoor recreation would be allowed, with the current wording of the proposed amendment. The suggestion was made to continue discussion of the proposed amendment to the next Planning Commission workshop. Chair Stevens opened the public hearing. Pat Briggs, Briggs Properties, property owner at 11110 Industrial Circle -Stated that his client, Pamela Sitts of P.S. Dance has been in the City of Elk River for over 10 years. He asked if her business would be permitted at his location if the business was less than 5,000 square feet, if the proposed ordinance was adopted. Mr. Barnhart stated that it would not be permitted, since the underlying land use of the property is industrial. Mr. Briggs asked where she could go. He stated that these types of uses in business parks were consistent in other cities such as Ramsey, Plymouth, St. Cloud, Clearwater and others. Commissioner Scott asked if there were business park-zoned properties with an underlying land use of commercial. Mr. Barnhart stated the Mulvany Point/Town Office Park site was zoned business park with an underlying land use of commercial. Mr. Briggs again questioned where there was an affordable site for his client could go. Chair Stevens stated that it was not the Planning Commission°s charge to find sites for businesses. Mr. Briggs stated that his application for a conditional use permit was denied and that he is looking for a viable solution for this business to stay in Elk River.