2016.06.21 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Approved 7-0. Public Hearing — New Business: (A) Zahl Equipment requests consideration of a Site Plan, Special Use Permit, and Nonconforming Use Permit to install new gas pumps and a canopy, including various other signage and parking lot improvements in support of a conversion to the Minnoco brand at 574 Old Highway 8 NW (currently known as the EZ Stop gas station). Planning Director Janice Gundlach reported the applicant is requesting several land use approvals in support of a store rebranding from Express Stop (also known as EZ Stop) to Minnoco, at 574 Old Highway 8 NW. The applicant intends to install three new gas pumps (two exist today), a new -relocated gas canopy, a new underground ethanol tank, new wall and ground signs (refacing only), installation of LED lighting, and various improvements to the surface parking lot. These following land use applications were submitted: Site Plan — required in order to obtain a building permit. Special Use Permit — required in order to allow a reduced front yard setback for the proposed gas canopy. Nonconforming Use Permit — required in order to allow Planning Director Gundlach stated the property owner owns three gas stations throughout the metro and is working to convert all three to the Minnoco brand. The applicant completed the conversion to a station on Selby Avenue and has submitted before and after photos, which have been provided as part of the Applicant Narrative attached to the written Planning Commission. The applicant has indicated that conversion is representative of what can be expected at the New Brighton site. Lastly, the installation of the three new gas pumps and underground ethanol tank will require various permits from the state. Copies of these permits shall be submitted to the City for record keeping purposes. Staff recommends approval of the request as submitted, subject to the following conditions: 1. The Site Plan, Special Use Permit, and Nonconforming Use Permit are developed in accordance with the plans attached herein. 2. The drive -aisle between the store and gas pumps is labeled one-way to the north. 3. The applicant obtains a separate Permanent Sign Permit for the canopy signage, ground sign refacements, and wall/building mounted signs. 4. The applicant obtains prior City permits for the canopy and underground tank installation. The applicant must also submit copies of all state -issued permits related to the new gas pumps and underground ethanol tank for record keeping purposes. 5. The three parking stalls located in the rear of the building, accessible off the alleyway, shall be posted for employee -only parking. Commissioner McPherson requested further information on how traffic would flow through and under the new canopy. Planning Director Gundlach reviewed the site plan and traffic flow with the Commission. Mr. Ed Puchtel, speaking on behalf of the applicant, explained that the canopy and pumps could be shifted three feet to the north to increase the amount of access space from the street. Commissioner Deick agreed that the mostly southerly pump was a concern and recommended the canopy be shifted to the north. He questioned if the public would adhere to the one-way flow of traffic through the site. Mr. Puchtel discussed how traffic would flow through the site and explained the parking on the site would be angled in order to maximize the number of spaces.