Adopt Resolution #18-223 Granting Revised Site Plan Approval of Regency Ponds Self Storage Facility - Tabled at the request of the applicant.

In 2017, the City approved an indoor self-storage facility at the northeast corner of the intersection of Bunker Lake Boulevard and Ramsey Boulevard (the "Subject Property"). To date, construction has not commenced. The original developer has chosen to sell the project to another party. The new developer has chosen to slightly modify the approved site plan. Generally speaking, all previous contingencies of approval have been satisfied. The project must still go through Building Permit Review.

Notification is not required.  However, Staff did attempt to notify all property owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property about the proposed modifications to the Site Plan via standard U.S. mail.

Attached to this case is the original case to the City Council. Also attached are revised summary sheets for the proposed revised site plan. The plans are largely the same, with changes in the phasing plan. There are minor modifications to the layout, but nothing of significance.

• Removal of exterior garage doors
• Elimination of one building
• Minor increase in setback to adjoining residential neighborhood (2.5 additional feet)

However, the new developer is also proposing modifications to the exterior finish of the building.  In the previous Site Plan approval, the buidling design included more glass and metal panelling with various colors and textures, in addition to masonry.  The enhanced building design was due, at least in part, to the fact that the Subject Property is adjacent to an existing residential neighborhood.  The proposed building design now mostly consists of precast concrete wall sections (with various textures and colors, yet to be determined), with less glass (a slightly more industrial look).  While the proposed building design does comply with the E-1 Employment District standards, it lacks some of the enhanced features the original proposal included. Staff is recommending modifications to the exterior facade to better match the original proposal. A reminder that the City granted flexibility on what would have ordinarily been a required full size cul-de-sac on the north east corner of the project.

A full set of the civil plans must be submitted to the City for review.  While the new developer has noted that there would not be any other changes than what is included in this case, the minor modifications will have some impacts to the overall plan set.  The modifications proposed should not have any impact on the proposed berming and landscaping along the eastern side of the Subject Property, which is required as buffering for the adjacent residential neighborhood.

The Planning Commission reviewed the request at their October 4, 2018 meeting and recommended approval of the revised Site Plan.

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #18-223 approving a revised Site Plan for a self-storage facility at the northeast corner of Ramsey Boulevard and Bunker Lake Boulevard.  The project was originally approved in 2017 and the modifications to the Site Plan itself are relatively.  However, the building design, while compliant with the standards of the zoning district, is more industrial in nature than what was originally proposed.  Staff is not necessarily opposed to this alternative.

Alternative 2: Adopt Resolution #18-223 approving a revised Site Plan for a self-storage facility at the northeast corner of Ramsey Boulevard and Bunker Lake Boulevard contingent upon upgrades to the building design.  While the revised building design does eliminate many of the exterior doors, it also elminated some of the 'softer' elements that were more aesthectically pleasing.  Staff believes that the developer should reincorporate more of the original elements back into the design, especially considering its proximity to surrounding residential neighborhoods.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 3: Do not approve the revised Site Plan.  Again, the original project did receive approval in 2017.  If the revised Site Plan is not approved, a self-storage facility could still move forward as long as it complied with the previously approved plans. The modifications, with the possible exception of the building design, appear to be more favorable for the adjacent residential neighborhood and thus, Staff does not support this alternative.

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

The Planning Commission recommends approval of the revised Site Plan.

Motion to adopt Resolution #18-223 granting approval of the revised Site Plan, contingent upon upgrades to the building design.