2024-02-13 Planning Commission Agenda Packet-
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday February 13, 2024
7 PM
1.CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL – ADOPT AGENDA
2.MINUTES
a.October 10, 2023, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (pages 2-5)
3.PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Public hearing to consider a zoning text amendment to Section 1000.5.E pertaining
to hot tub fence requirements. (pages 6-8)
b. Public hearing to consider a sign code text amendment allowing signs within City
playfields within Central Park. (pages 9-12)
4.OTHER BUSINESS
a.Land Use Discussion regarding Costco Site plan and future adjoining land uses in
Albertville. (pages 13-21)
5.ADJOURNMENT
ALBERTVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2023
DRAFT MINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL 7:00 PM
1.CALL TO ORDER – ROLL CALL – ADOPT AGENDAChair Buhrmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Maeghan Becker conducted roll call.
Present: Chair Buhrmann and Commissioners Anderson, Huggins, Smith, Pinski and Council Liaison Hayden.
Absent: None.
Others Present: City Planner Al Brixius, Council member Zagorski and Building Permit Technician Maeghan Becker, Building Official Kevin Benshoof, Jason Michels, Skeeter Breitzmann, Tim Niemeyer and Dale Mason.
Motioned by Huggins, seconded by Anderson to approve the agenda as submitted. Ayes:
Buhrmann, Anderson, Huggins, Smith and Pinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
2.MINUTES
Motioned by Smith, seconded by Buhrmann to approve the September 12, 2023, Planning
Commission meeting minutes as presented. Ayes: Buhrmann, Anderson, Huggins, Smith
and Pinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION DECLARED CARRIED.
3.PUBLIC HEARINGS
Consideration of a request of Long-Haul Trucking for Site and Building plan
review, Conditional Use Permit for Outdoor Storage, Conditional Use Permit for
Accessory Retail Sales for the construction of a 58,100 sq. ft. industrial building
and a truck storage yard.Brixius presented the application from Long Haul Trucking who is pursuing the property at 6593 Kadler Avenue Ne to construct a 58,100 square foot industrial building to serve as their new business headquarters. This proposed project will require site and building plan review,
Agenda Page 2
conditional use permit for outdoor storage and conditional use permit for accessory retail sales. Brixius went through the exhibits and analysis of the planner’s report dated October 3, 2023 with Commissioners. In conclusion, the site is zoned I-1 Limited Industrial District, the proposed are all allowed as permitted uses or conditional uses. The proposed project will bring a quality industrial business and a 58,100 square foot industrial building into the City. Based on the review, Staff offers the following recommendations: Site and Building plan and Conditional Use Permit for outdoor storage is recommended approval with the following conditions being met. 1.The Applicant provide evidence of an approved WCA wetland permit andwetland replacement plan to the City.2.The Applicant provide a 33 feet wide Street easement for Kadler Avenue to bededicated to the City.3.Karson Way Ne shall be dedicated to the City, with the project site developmentand the payment of funds to the City and Niemeyer Trailer Sales to access thisstreet and its underlying utilities. A condition of approval will be the Applicantshall make payment of the amount identified by the City Engineer.4.The building and site plan shall show the location and screening of all groundmounted and rooftop mechanical equipment proposed for the site.5.The lighting plan is approved with the following conditions:a. The photometric plan shall be revised to illustrate cut sheets fixture tothe locations on the site. All exterior light fixtures must be 90-degreecutoff fixtures with a shielded light source.b.Applicant shall provide details on freestanding lighting. Pole mountedlight fixtures shall not exceed a height of 30 feet.c.Applicant shall provide description of the lighting on the exterior of thescreen wall. Concern is raised related to glare toward the residentialneighborhoods south of County Road 37.6.The location and size of the proposed wall signs are approved. The Applicantshall explain their freestanding sign request and the Planning Commission shallmake a recommendation on the sign’s acceptability.7.The site grading, drainage and utility plans shall be subject to the review andapproval of the City Engineer.8.The landscape plan is approved with the following conditions:a.All ornamental trees shall be 1.5 inches in diameter at initial planting.b.All shrubs shall be a minimum of 24 inches in height at initial planting.c.The site shall include a stormwater seed mix around the pond on thenorth end of the site.A conditional Use Permit for accessory retail sales is recommended for approval finding that it meets the City standards for said use.
Brixius did notice that there is a vehicle parked on the grass area towards the freeway and believes
it is meant to be signage. Brixius said that he will need clarification on what that is meant to be.
Commissioners discussed the storage area usage, and it was confirmed that area will be used for
trucks and trailers only. He also confirmed that the wall along County Road 37 will be taller than
any of the trucks and trailers parked in the lot.
Agenda Page 3
Commissioners asked the applicant what will become of the existing building they are currently in.
Jason Michels, Chief Executive Officer of Long Haul Trucking, informed that they are renting from
the building they are in now and they are not sure what the owner will do with the building once
they move out.
Commissioners asked about how many employees there will be at this facility. Michels responded
there will be around 60 employees and 20 techs in the shop.
Commissioners discussed the noise generated from the facility, and that the wall barrier should
screen all noise from the residents on the other side of the street. They informed that there are no
current complaints now and they do not have the wall barrier.
Commissioners discussed the day-to-day traffic and the typical commodities that Long Haul Truck
is hauling. Commissioners discussed the truck by the freeway on the site plan and that it would be used for a sign display. Commissioners recommend the approval of the truck display.
Motioned by Anderson, seconded by Buhrmann to open the Public Hearing. Ayes:
Buhrmann, Anderson, Huggins, Smith and Pinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
Dale Mason, resident of Albertville at 10109 Karston Cove Ne, informed commissioners he has no
concerns with the Long Haul Trucking. He did want to make note that the business next to the Long
Haul Trucking with the cement trucks are very loud. Brixius informed the resident that he will have
to speak with the City of Otsego regarding that complaint.
Motioned by Huggins, seconded by Smith to close the Public Hearing. Ayes: Buhrmann,
Anderson, Huggins, Smith and Pinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION DECLARED
CARRIED. Commissioners discussed the wall barrier that will be along County Road 37 with the new construction of this project.
Motioned by Huggins, seconded by Anderson to approve the Site and Building plan review,
Conditional Use Permit for Outdoor Storage, Conditional Use Permit for Accessory Retail
Sales for the construction of a 58,100 sq. ft. industrial building and a truck storage yard
with the conditions listed in the October 3, 2023 Planners Report and City Engineer
Report along with approval of a freestanding truck/tractor display sign. Ayes:
Buhrmann, Anderson, Huggins, Smith and Pinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
4.OTHER BUSINESS
A.None.
Agenda Page 4
5.ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Pinski, seconded by Smith to adjourn the meeting at 7:42pm. Ayes:
Buhrmann, Anderson, Huggins, Smith and Pinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED. Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________________ Maeghan M. Becker, Building Permit Technician
Agenda Page 5
Abcities LLc
PLANNING REPORT
TO: Adam Nafstad
FROM: Alan Brixius
DATE: January 25, 2024
RE: Albertville Zoning Amendment – Hot Tubs
FILE NO: 163.05 23.05
BACKGROUND
Currently all hot tubs are required to be located within a fenced area. The fence must be a
minimum of five feet in height. The City has received a number of requests for above
ground hot tubs without the required fence. In staff review of the issue, we agree that the
above ground hot tubs may provide restricted access without the fence. In this regard, the
attached zoning code amendment is being offered to remove the fencing requirement for
above ground hot tubs.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A: Draft Zoning Amendment – Hot Tubs.
ANALYSIS
The proposed zoning code amendment includes the following key issues.
1.In ground hot tubs will continue to be treated similar to swimming pools and will be
required to located within the fenced area. The minimum fence height shall be 5
feet tall and shall have a self-closing gate and latch. To fence and gate design is to
prevent access to the hot tub or swimming pool.
2.Above ground hot tubs with means to restrict access to the tub may be exempt from
the fence requirements.
3.The changes allow a property owner to install an above ground hot tub without the
expense of fence installation.
16405 78th Avenue n. MApLe Grove
teL: 763-242-6955
eMAiL ALbrixius@GMAiL.coM
Agenda Page 6
CONCLUSION
The attached zoning code amendment is provided for the Planning Commission and City
Council consideration. If acceptable, Staff recommend approval of the code amendment.
Cc. Maeghan Becker
Kris Luedke
Mike Couri
Agenda Page 7
CITY OF ALBERTVILLE
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-____
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1000.5.E.2.e ALBERTVILLE MUNICIPAL
CITY CODE, RELATING TO HOT TUB FENCES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALBERTVILLE, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Ordinance 1000.5.E.2.e., Hot Tubs of the Albertville City Code is hereby amended
to add the underlined text as follows:
1000.5 E: HOT TUBS:
E.Hot Tubs:
1. Hot tubs accessory to multiple-family residential uses and commercial uses shall comply
with swimming pool performance standards of subsection D of this section.
2. Hot tubs accessory to single- and two-family residential units may be allowed by
administrative permit and exempt from the swimming pool performance standards of this section
but shall meet the following standards:
a.Hot tubs shall not be located in front of the principal building.
b. Hot tubs shall not be located within the required side yard of any zoning district.
c.Hot tubs shall not be located any closer than ten feet (10') from any rear property line.
d. All filter units, heat units, pumps, and any noise generating equipment shall be enclosed
within the cabinet of the hot tub and insulated to buffer noise.
e.All outdoor in ground hot tubs shall be enclosed within a protective fence with a self-
locking gate or shall be secured with a locked cover when not in use. Outdoor above ground hot
tubs with means to secure access to the hot tub are exempt from the required fence and gate
requirements.
THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING ITS PASSAGE AND PUBLICATION.
Approved by the Albertville City Council this ____ day of ____, 2024.
Jillian Hendrickson, Mayor
____________________________
Kristine A. Luedke, City Clerk EXHIBIT A
Agenda Page 8
Abcities LLc
PLANNING REPORT
TO: Adam Nafstad
FROM: Alan Brixius
DATE: January 25, 2024
RE: Sign Code Amendment – Playfield
Signs
FILE NO: 163.05 23.05
BACKGROUND
The Albertville Sport Associations have inquired if the City would allow for the placement
of advertising signs on the inside of the playfields. This will allow the associations and
teams to sell advertising to local businesses and generate revenues to support their
activities and field improvements.
The Albertville Sign code does not address the playfield signs, as such these types of
signs are prohibited. The attached amendment outline provisions that may allow ballpark
signs.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A: Draft Sign Code Amendment – Playfield signs.
ANALYSIS
Many cities have sign regulations that allow playfield signs as means of generating
revenues for local sport associations or teams. In drafting the attached sign code
amendment, we researched other Cities to determine the type of sign requirements that
would be appropriate for Albertville.
Major points of the attached Sign Code amendment include:
16405 78th Avenue n. MApLe Grove
teL: 763-242-6955
eMAiL ALbrixius@GMAiL.coM
Agenda Page 9
1.The playfield signs shall only be allowed in Central Park. Central Park fields are
used in league play and are not surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The
code amendment does not introduce commercial signs into residential
neighborhoods.
2.The proposed sign location shall be limited to the internal face of the ballpark field
fences. This limits the exposure of the sign face to players and spectators on a
specific ball field.
3.Ballpark signs shall be reviewed and approved by City Staff. The sign approval
shall address the size, location and duration of any signs proposed within the
ballpark.
4.The City may remove any playfield sign that falls into disrepair or presents a public
safety concern.
5. The approval will include an agreement that outlines the conditions of approval.
CONCLUSION
The attached code is offered for Planning Commission and Council consideration. If the
code amendment is acceptable, Staff recommends approval.
Cc. Maeghan Becker
Kris Luedke
Mike Couri.
Agenda Page 10
CITY OF ALBERTVILLE
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-_____
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTER 7, SIGN REGULATIONS OF
THE ALBERTVILLE CITY CODE PERTAINING TO SECTION 10-7-6 DISTRICT
REGULATIONS PROVISION I, SIGNS ALLOWED WITHIN THE P/I DISTRICT
WITHOUT A PERMIT.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALBERTVILLE ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 10, Chapter 7, Section 10-7-6. I, In P/I Districts, the following signs are
allowed without permits is hereby amended to add the following:
7. Central Park / playfield advertising signs.
a.Temporary signs within Central Park playfields may be approved administratively
provided they meet the following conditions.
b. Temporary signs within the Central Park playfields shall be located internal to the
playfield and oriented toward the playfield.
c.The number, location, materials, and duration of advertising signs for each proposal
shall be determined on an individual basis and shall be based on the park layout,
natural surroundings, and potential visual impact to surrounding properties and scenic
views. Playfield advertising signs shall be subject to the review and approval of City
Zoning Administrator.
d. To the extent possible, signs shall only be installed during the playing season for
which the signs are intended.
e.The city shall have the right to remove signs if they exceed the duration of the sign
approval or the signs are not properly maintained as necessary for public health,
safety, and welfare, all as determined by the City’s Zoning Administrator.
f.A written agreement shall be prepared by the city to be signed by the city and all
involved parties, identifying the parameters of the advertising signs and
responsibilities of maintenance and financing for the advertising signs.
THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING ITS PASSAGE AND PUBLICATION.
Approved by the Albertville City Council this ____ day of ___________ 2024.
Agenda Page 11
__________________________
Jillian Hendrickson, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________
Kris Luedke, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
Agenda Page 12
Abcities LLc
PLANNING REPORT
TO: Adam Nafstad
FROM: Alan Brixius
DATE: January 29, 2024
RE: Costco Land Use Study.
FILE NO: 163.05 24.03
BACKGROUND
Costco has chosen a site in Otsego at Albertville’s northeast boundary. The attached site
plans illustrate the site location and proposed site design. The introduction of Costco has
spurred land use and development inquiries from property owners in Albertville. The
Planning Commission and Council is requested to give directions to staff on the land uses
for properties adjoining the Costco site.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A: Costco Site plan
Exhibit B: Albertville Land Use Plan
Exhibit C: Albertville Zoning Map
Exhibit D: Aerial Photo
ANALYSIS
Costco Site plan: Costco has chosen a 25.73 acre site at the corner of CR 137 and
McIver Avenue. The Site plan shows a 163,821 sq. ft. retail store, gas sales and 2 other
lots. The site plan shows site access points and needed improvements for CR 137. In our
staff review of this site plan, we are concerned with traffic generation, traffic movements
and site access. We are recommending the following:
1.Direct access onto CR 137 shall be limited to one intersection aligned with Lymon
Avenue.
16405 78th Avenue n. MApLe Grove
teL: 763-242-6955
eMAiL ALbrixius@GMAiL.coM
Agenda Page 13
2.Albertville Staff is recommending that CR 137 must be designed as a four-lane
highway between I-94 and McAver Avenue including the traffic circles to
accommodate traffic volumes from Costco and growing background traffic. Smooth
traffic flow must be maintained to ensure proper access through this corridor to
allow the build out of Albertville’s properties in this area.
Surrounding Land uses:
Albertville properties abut the Costco site on three sides, the following table identifies the
land uses and zoning of the adjoining properties.
Direction Land use Zoning
North 63rd Street / Sanitary Sewer
ponds
P/I Public-Institutional district
East McIver Avenue/ Residential
(Otsego)
South CR. 137 / Commercial /
Cemetery/ Rural Residential
B-3 Highway Commercial, P/I Public
Institutional. A-2 Agricultural
Transitional
West Commercial / Industrial B-3 Highway Commercial, I-2 General
industrial
North: The property north of 63rd Street is owned by the City of Albertville. It contains the
City’s Public Works department, waste treatment facilities and wastewater ponds and the
compost yard. With MPCA mandated improvements to the City’s waste treatment facility,
the wastewater ponds will no longer be needed and will be available for redevelopment.
The ponds and the compost site provide significant acreage (approximately 45 acres) that
may support new future land uses.
The types of preferred land use for this area must be determined. The following physical
characteristics will influence the land use planning for this area.
1.Towne Lakes and Hunter Pass Estates are residential neighborhoods that surround
the lakes. Residential development exists along the east side of McIver Avenue.
These residential uses will be impacted by future development in this area of the
City.
2.Abutting Costco, this area may offer opportunities for some commercial expansion.
However, this area is located away from the interstate and will not have convenient
access to other commercial lots.
3.Access to this area will be via McIver Avenue, which is a predominantly residential
thoroughfare.
Agenda Page 14
4.Site design and internal street access must be considered related to adjoining land
uses.
5.Abutting Hunters Lake portions of the property fall within the shoreland overlay
district. Future site development will need to be compliant with the shoreland zoning
requirements.
The aforementioned features will help guide the proposed future residential, commercial,
public land uses in this area of the City.
South: The area south of CR 137 is guided for commercial and public / institutional (the
Cemetery). The commercial land use is compatible with the Costco development and may
benefit from its proximity. The Commercial build out of this area will be reliant on the
market timing and the needed extension of utilities.
South of CR 137 and east of McKenzie Avenue has a number of larger lots (4+ acres) with
direct access to CR 137. Property owners of the two westernmost lots have inquired as to
whether the City would guide their properties for commercial land use with the new Costco
development project. The following physical characteristics will influence the future land
use for these lots.
1.The two lots are 4.2 and 5.5 acres in size. These lots exceed the lot area
requirements of the City’s commercial zoning districts.
2.The lots are oriented toward CR 137 away from the Green Haven Estates single
family neighborhood. The location, size, and the isolation of these sites would allow
for commercial development separate from the adjoining residential land uses.
3.Any commercial development would have to include design components to protect
single-family land uses. (building orientation, screening, parking lot design, lighting,
trash enclosures, etc.)
4.Site access must be oriented toward the adjoining streets away from the single-
family neighborhood.
5.These sites benefit from their proximity to the Costco site and traffic on CR 137 and
McIver Avenue
Expanded commercial land use may be appropriate in this area of the City to take
advantage of the Costco Development.
West: Albertville land uses west of the proposed Costco site consist of commercial and
industrial uses. The land uses in this area are established and appropriate. Any changes
in land use will be through infill development of the remaining vacant land or
redevelopment. In examining this area, a priority will be the protection of 62nd Street NE as
the residential entrance into the Towne Lakes neighborhood.
Agenda Page 15
East: The area east of the proposed Costco site is in Otsego. The land uses consist of
medium and low density residential neighborhood. While these neighborhoods are outside
of Albertville, they will influence the land use decisions made in Albertville.
CONCLUSION
The introduction of Costco near the CR137and I-94 interchange brings a significant
commercial anchor to this area of Albertville. This proposed use has created development
interests and inquiries for the surrounding properties. In this regard, the Planning
Commission and City Council is requested to review the proposed land uses and zoning
for the area and give directions to City Staff on land use goals for this area of the City.
Cc. Maeghan Becker
Kris Luedke
Mike Couri
Agenda Page 16
Agenda Page 17
Agenda Page 18
EXHIBIT CAgenda Page 19
EXHIBIT B
Agenda Page 20
Agenda Page 21