July 1, 2013 Regular Mtg - City of Anoka

June 17, 2013 (Regular)Page 18 of 32of the maximum setbacks in the B-1 district is to apply appropriatesetbacks between residential and commercial buildings that are permittedto a maximum height of 40 feet. The Planning Commission finds thevariance to be reasonable and meets the findings as outlined in the CityCode and Planning Commission staff report.The Planning Commission held a public hearing for this item on June 4,2013 and recommended approval of the proposal. The PlanningCommission discussed in detail the proposed landscaping plan and viewsfrom the adjacent townhomes. Ambient noise from Round Lake Boulevardwas a concern from the public, however, most felt that the developmentwould be an improvement to buffer and absorb some of the noise currentlyattributed to the high traffic volumes on Round Lake Boulevard.Councilmember Weaver asked for clarification on fencing and screening.Mr. Dunn said the second fence was never going to be on the entireproperty as his intent was to replace the west line fence with thetownhome association’s as the north line was just replaced. He said thefence was going to be a staggered pattern and will replace the entire westside with another fence on the south side. Mr. Dunn stated that he had nointention of removing the larger trees by the Association as they willcomplement the existing Black Hills spruce, although he intends toremove the lilacs. He said he is amenable to making this project the bestpossible on the north side, adding that his building cannot be seen from thewest side. Mr. Dunn noted the sound in the yards will be no louder as italready is because the decks are on the south side and the north sidealready has over 80 decibels of noise due to the traffic. He said they willinclude proper acoustic insulation to help block the sound as well as takingdirection from the last Planning Commission meeting by adding moretrees.Mayor Rice verified that the existing trees on the northwest corner willremain. Mr. Dunn said he had agreed to replace the fence, noting there isnot much elevation of berm on the north end and that additional treescould be added. He said there could be some drainage issues and that theycould have rain gardens in the north corner, adding there are no windowson the back side of the carwash.Mayor Rice inquired about the hours of operation. Mr. Dunn said theirhours will be from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., which is the maximum timeallowed for operation.Mayor Rice asked about the space on the northwest corner and noted thatspruce trees need enough sunlight. Mr. Dunn said they had not proposedall spruce trees but just needed more coverage. He said that most of thelandscape on the north side can remain and that they can prune the trees on39 of 360