1999-04-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 1999 Page 8 Council Business. continued Staff conducted a survey to determine how other cities regulate lot size and the number of gas pumps. The consensus identified such restrictions as setbacks, lot size, green space, and number of pumps. New Brighton does not have a green space requirement, and setbacks could be reduced through a landscape and streetscape plan. The Planning Commission recommends a six-pump maximum, and a canopy size not to exceed the building's footprint. The proposed Amoco Station at Hwy 96 and Old Hwy 8 involves a larger canopy with eight gas pumps. Benke believes the restriction referring to number of pumps should not be placed within the ordinance, but controlled through the site plan review or Special Use Permit process. LeFevere said conditional use permits are subjective with risks associated, and feels it is better to include restrictions within an ordinance as an enforcement method. Benke added that the original concept for the MX District was to provide creative land use planning, and questioned if specifics should be addressed within the ordinance. City Manager Matthew Fulton stated the amendment reflects issues which arose during the rezoning process, and the proposed draft applies specific standards and controls. The original intent of the district did not involve gas convenience stores. Benke feels there is reasonable and prudent criteria where such usage may fit in well with area uses. Larson said the Planning Commission was comfortable with the staff recommendation. Mark Lambert, representing client wishing to construct the Amoco, feels this 1.3 acre site would adequately accommodate an eight-pump station with larger gas canopy. He noted that diesel gas will not be sold at this site which could eliminate truck traffic. Teague explained the intent is to prevent a situation of a small gas station containing several pumps with very large gas canopy. Benke believes staff and Planning Commission was correct in apply some limitations, but feels there should be more flexibility. Benke suggested limiting the number of pumps to eight and allowing a canopy ratio size from 100% to 150% of the building's footprint. Benke noted the provision prohibiting the sale of diesel fuel, and asked if the amendment may present a problem when future fuel alternatives are introduced. Teague said the intent of the Planning Commission's recommendation was to prevent additional truck traffic traveling through the MX District and downtown area in search of diesel fuel. Samuelson asked how many stations within the City provide diesel fuel. Larson named two stations providing diesel fuel, Beaches and Hermann's Mobil. Benke added that because this site is adjacent to a major freeway with much truck traffic activity, he questioned whether diesel fuel should be allowed at this site. After discussion, Council consensus was to limit the number of gas pumps to eight, provide for a canopy which does not exceed 150% of the square footage of the principle structure, and allow for diesel fuel. Fulton added that the intent is to cater to a more neighborhood-type convenience store. Larson feels the pump's layout could be designed in such a way to eliminate large vehicle access. Council Business MX-G Amendment Report 99-10 1 Ordinance 657