Consider Request for Site Plan Approval for a Building Expansion on the Property Located at 14040 Azurite St NW; Case of MMI Precision

MMI Precision currently operates out of a 10,000 square foot facility located at 14040 Azurite St NW (the "Subject Property").  Due to the growth of their manufacturing business, they have submitted an application for Site Plan approval for a 6,600 square foot building expansion.

Notification is not required for site plan reviews.

The Subject Property is located in the E-1 Employment District.  The intent of this district is to accommodate general industrial activities.  The E-1 Employment District identifies warehousing and manufacturing as permitted uses.  The proposed expansion complies with all required building and parking setback standards and the exterior finish is designed to match the existing building with colored rock face concrete block.

The proposed expansion would be to the south of the existing building and will include expansion of the bituminous surface to provide complete access around the building.  The proposed expansion also includes an additional access to Azurite Street for better circulation.  Ten (10) new parking stalls are proposed, bringing the total number of parking spaces provided to twenty-eight (28), which exceeds the minimum requirement of twenty-three (23). 

A security fence is proposed around the rear portion of the site, including the paved maneuvering area.  Additional details regarding this fence will be necessary as outlined in the Staff Review File dated April 14, 2014.

The applicant has requested flexibility regarding the submittal of grading and utility plans.  A preliminary grading plan has been submitted and indicates that a portion of the existing storm water pond will be filled to accommodate access to the rear of the building from the new access.  A final grading plan and utility plans, subject to review and approval by City Staff, will be required prior prior to issuance of a building permit.  Additional detail and information, as outlined in the Staff Review File, dated April 14, 2014, will be necessary before issuance of a building permit.

The proposed landscaping plan is generally acceptable with requested revisions as outlined in the Staff Review File dated April 14, 2014.  Prior to issuance of a building permit, a tree preservation plan will need to be supplied for review and approval by City Staff.

Alternatives/Options

Alternative 1: Approve the proposed Site Plan for a 6,600 square foot building expansion contingent on compliance with the Staff Review File dated April 14, 2014.  The proposed building expansion meets all required setbacks (both building and parking) and matches the exterior finish of the existing building.  As long as the grading, utility, and tree preservation plans are submitted and found to be acceptable, Staff would support this option.

Alternative 2: Deny the proposed Site Plan.  There are no deficiencies with the proposal as it relates to City Code.  Staff will continue to work with the applicant to ensure that the grading, utility and tree preservation plans meet the intent of City Code and thus, Staff would not support this option.

All costs associated with processing the application are the responsibility of the Applicant.

The Planning Commission recommends approval of the Site Plan contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review File dated April 14, 2014 and execution of a Development Permit (draft is attached).

Motion to approve the site plan contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review File dated April 14, 2014, on review and approval of final grading, drainage, utility and tree preservation plans, and execution of a Development Permit.

(Note: this action is slightly different then a standard site plan approval. Staff is comfortable with providing this contingent approval, provided that the Applicant is aware that further amendments to the grading, drainage, and utility plans may be necessary upon review of these final plans and the Applicant has acknowledged understanding of this possibility).