Findings of Fact and Recommendation11 -G6
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
FINDINGS OF FACT
AND RECOMMENDATION
IN RE:
Application of CSM Corporation for Site Plan Review for a 155 -stall parking lot expansion in the
Industrial Office Park District (IOP).
On August 16, 2011, the Chanhassen Planning Commission met at its regularly scheduled
meeting to consider the application of CSM Corporation for Site Plan Review for a 155 -stall parking lot
expansion for property located at 950 Lake Drive. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing
on the site plan which was preceded by published and mailed notice. The Planning Commission heard
testimony from all interested persons wishing to speak and now makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The property is currently zoned Industrial Office Park District (IOP).
2. The property is guided by the Land Use Plan for Office Industrial use.
3. The legal description of the property is: Lot 1, Block 1, Empak Addition.
4. Site Plan Findings:
a. The proposed development is consistent with the elements and objectives of the City's
development guides, including the comprehensive plan, official road mapping, and other plans
that may be adopted;
Finding: The development of the site is consistent with the City's development guides and
comprehensive plan. The proposed parking expansion provides greater marketability and
flexibility in the use of the site for office and industrial users.
b. The proposed development is consistent with the site plan review requirements;
Finding: The site is consistent with the site plan review requirements and complies with all
zoning code requirements.
c. The proposed development preserves the site in its natural state to the extent practicable by
minimizing tree and soil removal and designing grade changes to be in keeping with the general
appearance of the neighboring developed or developing or developing areas;
Finding: The propose parking areas are in locations that have previously been altered with the
development of the site. The proposed development is in keeping with the general appearance of
the neighboring developed areas. The proposed development will incorporate surface water
treatment of runoff and additional site landscaping. Retaining walls are being incorporated to
reduce site grading.
d. The proposed development creates a harmonious relationship of building and open space with
natural site features and with existing and future buildings having a visual relationship to the
development;
Finding: The development will be harmonious with the existing site building and features.
e. The proposed development creates a functional and harmonious design for structures and site
features, with special attention to the following:
1) An internal sense of order for the buildings and use on the site and provision of a desirable
environment for occupants, visitors and general community;
Finding: The proposed expansion is in logical and practical locations on the site.
2) The amount and location of open space and landscaping;
Finding: The proposed parking lot expansion is located around the site. The proposed site
coverage is less than permitted by code. Additional landscaping is being provided around the
parking areas.
3) Materials, textures, colors and details of construction as an expression of the design concept
and the compatibility of the same with adjacent and neighboring structures and uses; and
Finding: The proposed parking lot expansion will provide additional flexibility with the use
of the existing building and is compatible with adjacent development.
4) Vehicular and pedestrian circulation, including walkways, interior drives and parking in
terms of location and number of access points to the public streets, width of interior drives
and access points, general interior circulation, separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
and arrangement and amount of parking.
Finding: Access to the site shall remain as exists. Parking areas and circulation comply with
code requirements and are being distributed around three sides of the building.
5) Protects adjacent and neighboring properties through reasonable provision for surface water
drainage, sound and sight buffers, preservation of views, light and air and those aspects of
design not adequately covered by other regulations which may have substantial effects on
neighboring land uses.
Finding: Surface water is being directed to an improved storm water system. The parking
areas are being served by adequate drainage improvements. Landscaping is provided around
the parking lot to buffer from public view.
P
5. The planning report, Planning Case #2011 -08 dated August 16, 2011, prepared by Robert Generous,
et al, is incorporated herein.
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve Planning Case #2011 -08 for Site
Plan approval for a 155 -space parking lot expansion, plans prepared by Alliant Engineering, Inc., dated
July 19, 2011, on property located at 950 Lake Drive subject to the recommended conditions of approval.
ADOPTED by the Chanhassen Planning Commission this 16` day of August, 2011.
CHANHASSEN PL MISSION
BI
Its Chairman
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