HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2022-12 Approving Variance for St. ThereseCity of Corcoran
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-12
Motion By: Nichols
Seconded By; Vehrenkamp
February 24, 2022
APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR SAINT THERESE COMMUNITIES
AT 8200 COUNTY ROAD NO 116 (PID 24119-23-23-001) (CITY FILE NO. 2M61)
WHEREAS, Saint Therese Communities (the "applicant") has requested approval of a variance
from the required number of trees for the senior living community on the property legally described
as;
Lot 1, Block 1, Town Center Addition
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed the variance at a duly called public meeting
and recommends approval, and;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Corcoran City Council approves the request for a
variance subject to the following findings and conditions:
1. The applicants have requested a landscape variance for the construction of a senior
living community as show on the application received by the City on December 21, 2021.
2. The requested variance from the required number of trees is approved based on the
following findings:
a. That there are practical difficulties in complying with the Zoning Ordinance. The
urban nature of the Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) district and Town Center make
it difficult for the applicant to meet the landscaping requirements. The dense
nature of this development constricts available green space for tree planting.
Trees planted in land for future phases of development would be temporary
because they will be removed when these areas are developed in support of the
dense and urban guidelines of the DMU and Town Center districts.
b. That the conditions upon which a petition for a variation is based are unique to
the parcels of land for which the variance is sought and were not created by the
landowners. The requirement for trees does not consider the limited green space
available with higher density mixed -use developments. The mix of uses, design
elements and amenities provided by the applicant in support of the DMU and
Town Center district guidelines occupy space typically reserved for landscaping
features in less urban developments. Vacant areas should be reserved for future
developments that further support the Town Center as a dense urban
environment and gathering space for the community. Permanent tree plantings in
future development areas restricts the potential for future development in support
of the Town Center and DMU districts.
c. That the granting of the variation will not alter the essential character of the
locality. The variation will allow this development to maintain the urban and
dense character of the Town Center and DMU districts. The development site is
well landscaped and preserving areas for future development will allow the entire
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City of Corcoran February 24, 2022
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 2022A2
area to develop in a manner that supports the intent of the Town Center and
DMU districts.
d. The proposed variance would be in harmony with the general purposes and
intent of the ordinance. The intent of the DMU district is to establish a strong
identity for downtown through an orderly and integrated mix of high -quality land
uses. The landscape standards reflect a more suburban style of development
where more green space desired. Reducing the number of required trees will
allow for the orderly and integrated development of a high -quality downtown.
e. The variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The guidance for the
Mixed Use district is to combine residential and commercial uses into a
coordinated, planned development project. The Town Center is intended to
support the Downtown Core through walkable blocks, a variety of housing types
and densities and a unified public realm aesthetic. Reducing the number of
required trees for this development will maintain the Comprehensive Plan goals
for the Mixed Use district and Town Center.
VOTING AYE
® McKee, Tom
❑ Bottema, Jon
® Nichols, Jeremy
® Schultz, Alan
® Vehrenkamp, Dean
VOTING NAY
❑ McKee, Tom
❑ Bottema, Jon
❑ Nichols, Jeremy
❑ Schultz, Alan
❑ Vehrenkamp, Dean
Whereupon, said Resolution is hereby declared adopted this 24th day of Fe ary, 2022.
Toffi McKe ayor
ATTEST:
Jes�ca'Beise — Admi
Services Director
Cify Seal
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