Consider Natural Resources Elements of a Site Plan for a New Retail Building at 7912 Sunwood Drive NW (Project No. 22-101); Case of Northstar Marketplace Station LLC

The City has received an application from Northstar Marketplace Station LLC (the "Applicant") for a Site Plan for a new, 7,200 square foot, multi-tenant retail building located at 7912 Sunwood Drive NW (the "Subject Property").  The submittal also includes a request for a variance to deviate from the 'build-to' line required within The COR due to existing underground utilities that were not relocated when Sunwood Drive was realigned. 

The City attempted to notify all property owners, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, within 350 feet of the Subject Property of the request by U.S. Mail for the January 27, 2022 Planning Commission meeting (Public Hearing). The Public Hearing notice was also posted in the City's Official Newspaper, the Anoka County UnionHerald.

General Project Summary
The Applicant is proposing a 7,200 square foot, multi-tenant retail building, with a drive-thru lane.  The Subject Property is zoned COR-2 and both retail and restaurants/cafes are permitted used in this zoning district.  Access to the Subject Property will be from the existing Northstar Marketplace parking lot and the existing entrances off Sunwood Drive (no new access points are proposed).

Natural Resources Inventory
Per the City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI), there are no natural plant communities within the vicinity of the Subject Property.  Furthermore, the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) identifies the Subject Property as Urban with Little Vegetative Cover.

Wetlands and Floodplain
There do not appear to be any wetlands within the Subject Property; however, there is a stormwater pond at the north end of the Subject Property (along the south side of the access driveway).  The project would not impact this pond.  There are no designated floodplains on the Subject Property.

Tree Inventory
No formal tree inventory was submitted; however, there are very few existing trees on the Subject Property.  The submittal does identify seven (7) existing trees on the Subject Property (3 evergreen and 4 deciduous trees).  One deciduous tree is identified for relocation and if relocation is not possible, than the notes indicate it is to be replaced with the same species and diameter.  The other six (6) trees will remain.  Additionally, there are six (6) trees within the boulevard of Sunwood Drive as well that will remain.

Landscape Plan
The Landscape Plan proposes adding nine (9) trees (3 evergreens, 3 ornamental trees, and 3 shade trees) and fifty-one (51) shrubs (almost an even split between deciduous and evergreen).  All species are acceptable and sizes are acceptable.  Plantings are oriented in front of the building (south side), lining the drive-thru lane, and accenting the trash enclosure.

The COR Design Framework focuses primarily on streetscape plantings.  There are no minimum requirements for interior landscaping in terms of quantities and/or size.  The proposed landscaping seems to soften the hardscape elements while limiting concern with obstructing views from the public road (assumption is that signage may be proposed on the north (rear) elevation, which faces Sunwood Drive.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this request.

Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with Staff comments.