Receive Update on O'Reilly Auto Parts Site Concept Plan

The purpose of this case is to receive an update on a proposal for a purchase agreement from O'Reilly Auto Parts. The current proposal is to buy a portion of the land directly west of Casey's off Sunwood Drive (see Site Location attachment) for a new store. The City of Ramsey currently owns the land, legally described as PID 28-32-25-41-0020 (the "Subject Property"). The Developer has proposed to purchase approximately .72 acres of the Subject Property, abutting Sunwood Drive to the north and Casey's to the east. The Subject Property would have a shared access off Sunwood Drive with Casey's.

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Purpose of Case
The purpose of this case is similar to that of Sketch Plan for a residential subdivision - to provide the Developer high level feedback, identify red flags, and comment on the proposal for incorporation into formal engineering plan sheets. This process allows the Developer to receive feedback on the viability of a project prior to investment in engineering plans and surveying costs for the site.

Use
O'Reilly Auto Parts is a retail/commercial use, with all internal operations (no outdoor storage anticipated). Staff heard from residents throughout the Comprehensive Planning process that they desired more commercial opportunities in the City of Ramsey, and Staff notes that many residents indicated the lack of hardware stores in Ramsey. Staff feels that this use meets the goals and needs of residents, and is a compatible use with Casey's next door. This use may require a Comprehensive Plan amendment, which Staff will process once there is a formal application.

Parking and Streets
The proposal includes 22 parking stalls, which appears to meet the requirements of the City Code for retail uses. Staff is not concerned about there being adequate space for parking onsite.

The use would have a shared access off Sunwood Drive with Casey's. The City of Ramsey currently owns this shared access location. Staff recommends that at a minimum, there is some sort of striping on the shared access location, including a southbound (into the site) arrow, and a northbound left turn and northbound right turn arrow to exit the site. Staff notes that cars attempting to turn west out of the site can struggle to find gaps and the lack of turn lanes painted in the exit can cause issues for cars turning into the site.

Staff is also considering a frontage road to Sunwood Drive to access this use, which would run south of the proposed site and allow for additional options in and out of the site.

Elevations
Please see the attached elevations. The proposed elevations include brick end-caps, a stucco and aluminum storefront, and rockface block in two colors for the main siding of the building. The building has a red front entrance area with tan and brown walls.

Staff is handling this update as part of regular duties. The Applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with review once there is a formal application in place.

Provide the Developer high level feedback and identify any red flags on the proposed site plan.

No formal action required. This case is meant as an update only and to allow the Developer to receive feedback from Staff and the Planning Commission prior to drawing up formal engineering plans.