Consider the Natural Resources Aspects Associated with a Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit for Complete Auto Service (Project No. 24-102); Case of Classic Construction, Inc.

The City has received an application from Classic Construction, Inc. (the "Applicant") for Site Plan review and a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed motor vehicle service shop at 5195 142nd Ave NW (the "Subject Property"). 

General Project Overview
The Applicant is proposing an approximately 10,000 square foot building on the Subject Property, which is roughly one (1) acre in size.  The Subject Property is zoned B-2, which lists motor vehicle repair as a Conditional Use, which is why the application includes a request for a Conditional Use Permit.  There are two proposed accesses to the Subject Property, both off of 142nd Avenue NW.  The building will be situated in the northwest corner of the Subject Property and will include forty-seven (47) parking stalls.  The Subject Property is located within a Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA), and more specifically, within a ten (10) year capture zone.  Thus, stormwater infiltration will not be permissible.  The Subject Property is currently owned by the City of Ramsey.

Natural Resources Inventory and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
The City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) does not identify any native plant communities on the Subject Property.  The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) classifies the entirety of the Subject Property as 'Urban with Little Vegetative Cover'.  There are no wetlands or floodplains on the Subject Property.  There are a few scattered trees on the Subject Property, but these are proposed to be removed.

Landscape Plan
The submittal does include a Landscape Plan.  The plan includes a mix of tree species, including deciduous, ornamental, and evergreen trees, as well as shrubs.  All species are acceptable.  A few additional trees will be necessary as the plan did not account for parking lot plantings (City Code requires 1 tree for each 10 parking stalls).  Although not required by City Code, Staff is recommending that the proposed screening fence around the eastern portion of the parking lot be moved closer to the back of the curb of the parking lot and to place the landscaping outside the fence.  This will result in a more aesthetically pleasing view from Xkimo Street and the residential properties across the street.

Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan
The submittal is missing a Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan.  There are very few existing trees on the Subject Property.  It is likely that the proposed plantings will satisfy any required reforestation. However, an inventory should still be provided to verify if additional plantings would be necessary to assure compliance with the tree preservation requirements.  The applicant has been informed and is working on collecting the necessary information to put this plan sheet together.


 

All costs associated with this request are the Applicant's responsibility.

Staff recommends approving the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with Staff's review comments, which includes the need to provide the tree inventory and preservation plan.

Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan, contingent upon compliance with Staff's review comments.