PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Create Sec. 117.117a. E-3 Employment (Office Park) District

Staff prepared a new E-3 Employment (Office Park) Zoning District as an implementation step of the Comprehensive Plan. This zoning district is necessary to implement the Pearson Office Park south of Highway 10 as indicated in the Comprehensive Plan. Generally, this district is similar to the existing employment districts, but focuses on corporate campuses, warehousing/logistics, and light manufacturing. Heavy manufacturing and outside storage are prohibited. In addition, unique to this district, is the provision for full-service restaurants as a conditional use to support the intent of the district and provide a mix of uses, particularly those that support a corporate campus style development.

The Public Hearing was properly notified in the Anoka County Union.

This proposed amendment creates a new E-3 Employment (Office Park) Zoning district. This action is a direct implementation item of the Comprehensive Plan. Both the Planning Commission and City Council expressed support for the inclusion of this new zoning district.

Item #12 within the Permitted Uses is language consistent with the E-1 and E-2 zoning districts.  However, this does permit motor vehicle, implement and recreational equipment sales or repair.  City Staff is seeking Planning Commission feedback on this particular use as it often times has an element of outside storage and/or display associated with it and outside storage is not permissible in the proposed E-3 Employment (Office Park) district.

All costs associated with the amendment are being handled as part of regular Staff duties.

Staff recommends approving the Zoning Ordinance amending City Code by establishing Section 117.117a. E-3 Employment (Office Park) District.

Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt the zoning ordinance establishing Section 117.117a. E-3 Employment (Office Park) District.