Consider Request for Site Plan Approval for Expansion of Ramsey Office Plaza Located at 7533 Sunwood Drive to Create Drive Through Window in Rear Yard; Case of PSD, LLC

The City has received a request to a minor expansion of the existing building located at 7533 Sunwood Drive NW, known as the Ramsey Office Plaza. The Owner desires to construct a corridor in order to create a drive through window for the space formerly known as The Falls Cafe. The Owner desires to open a restaurant that will also include a drive through window. The expanded area will not be used for public space, but for restaurant employees only. The existing space in the facility that could be used for a drive through window is currently being used by another tenant of the building.

Currently, City Code Section 117-118 does not permit drive thus in the COR-1 Sub-District, which is generally that area within a 1/4 mile radius of the rail station, where the Property is located. Staff is working on a case for Planning Commission on July 10 to consider amending City Code to begin to permit drive thrus within this sub-district with certain performance and design standards, as the Building Owner has applied for a Zoning Amendment. Drive thrus are permitted in COR-2 (retail) and COR-3 (office sub-districts).

Irregardless of any potential Zoning Amendment for a drive through in the COR-1 Sub-District, the Owner needs the additional space for the newly planned restaurant. The Owner understands that there is no guarantee that a Zoning Amendment will be approved for a drive through, but wishes to move forward with the expansion regardless. The Owner is willing to accept the liability if the amendment is not approved and would not be able to operate a drive through if the amendment does not move forward. The Owner had previously received an Interim Use Permit for the same use (drive through) circa 2006. However, that Permit was never executed and has since expired. Staff would recommend that the City Council consider a Zoning Amendment for the COR-1 Sub-District to allow for drive thrus, perhaps to be allowed in side or rear yards only, which is the case on this Property and was justification for the previous approval.

The proposed expansion does slightly expand the footprint of the facility. However, the expanded area is relatively minor, and Staff does not believe a full Site Plan Review is necessary. The materials are slightly different, color compatible to the existing building, and would generally match the materials of the detached trash enclosure for the existing building. The exterior materials would be rock faced block and inset brick with colors to match the existing building. The roofing materials would be a copper metal material to match the top of the existing building.

Given that the Property is located within the COR, it is subject to The COR Design Framework. Therefore, City Council should approve any newly expanded area, specifically the exterior materials.

Notification is not required.

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

Staff recommends approval of the minor expansion at 7533 Sunwood Drive, contingent upon the Owner acknowledging that there is no guarantee that the added space will be able to be utilized for drive through purposes, unless a Zoning Amendment is approved by the City Council.

Motion to approve the minor expansion at 7533 Sunwood Drive, contingent upon the Owner acknowledging that there is no guarantee that the added space will be able to be utilized for drive through purposes, unless a Zoning Amendment is approved by the City Council and direct the Planning Commission to schedule the necessary Public Hearing.