Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout9A - Recreational Domes 16200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E. Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: FEBRUARY 22, 2005 9A DANETTE MOORE, PLANNING COORDINATOR AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL DOMES (Case File #04-79) DISCUSSION: Historv: The City Planning Department has received inquiries related to regulations for recreational domes. We expect that in the next year the City may receive an application to construct one or more recreational domes. Currently, the City Code does not define this use or specify requirements related to it. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on January 24, 2005 to consider the proposed amendment. The Commission recommended approval of this amendment with a vote of5-0. Current Circumstances: The multi-purpose recreational dome is a translucent or opaque fabric structure. The dome wall is supported by blowers, which create high volume and low pressure, and are used constantly to keep the structure at the proper operating pressure. Typically, the dome is moored with earth anchors. The structure can be permanent, or taken down and used seasonally. Multi-purpose recreational domes are often seen as a cost effective way to foster year round recreational activities in a controlled climate environment. Dome facilities are becoming increasingly common throughout the metropolitan area. Zoninfl District and Use: Recreational domes are most commonly constructed in close proximity to community centers, parks, and schools. For that reason, it would seem appropriate to allow domes as permitted uses within the same districts. The City Code permits schools, governmental buildings such as community centers, and parks within the residential districts. In addition, it would seem appropriate to require conditions that could mitigate possible impacts on adjacent land uses. Allowing domes as permitted accessory www.cityofpriorlake.com 1:\05 files\05 ordin amend\zonin~g~~ti~~~1V7~~23e801d~x 952.447.4245 uses by Conditional Use Permit within the residential districts would accomplish this. The staff has reviewed the zoning ordinance provIsIons of other communities, visited domes which exist in other communities, and discussed this subject extensively with planning and inspection personnel at various cities and the State. Outlined below are the zoning ordinance provisions that staff recommends: Setbacks: Minnesota Building Standards require a minimum of 60 feet of separation between dome structures and adj acent property lines. In addition, there may be merit to require dome structures that exceed 60 feet in height to have their setback increased by an additional foot for each foot in height that the structure exceeds 60 feet (i.e.: if the structure is 70 feet in height, the required setback would be 70 feet). Heieht: Currently, the metropolitan area has a vast range of dome heights. Near residential areas, most often they are 75 feet or less in height. Hours of Operation: Multi-purpose domes are often utilized by student athletes early and late in the day. Some communities have chosen to utilize similar hours of operation as their city curfew. It could be seen as appropriate to limit hours of operation for multi-purpose domes from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 5:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends. Noise/Liehtine: In order to curb energy loss, multi-purpose domes are often insulated. Insulating serves other purposes as well, it creates an opaque outer shell that limits the domes outer illumination (glowing) and noise. Insulating of all domes could be made a condition. However, it should be noted that when a dome is insulated, it becomes a year round structure. In addition, a requirement should be included that will limit the light and vibration emitted by the structure and its supporting equipment. Screenine/Landscapine: Due to their height, a multi-purpose dome can not be fully screened. However, their visual impact can be reduced. One way to do this is by requiring the outer shell of the dome be of a color that integrates the structure into its surrounding environment. The outer shell may not be used to advertise the name of the community, facility, home team, or for any other promotional purpose. Providing a landscape buffer between differing land uses can also be helpful. All mechanical/supporting equipment should be fully screened. 1:\05 files\05 ordin amend\zoning\recreational domes\cc report. doc 2 Parkin!!: Parking needs for this use will vary, based on the type of activity taking place in the dome at any given time. For that reason, it would seem appropriate to use the existing parking requirement detailed in Section 1107.303 of the City Code for play fields. The code requires 40 parking spaces for each play field. ISSUES An explanation of a few of the proposed regulations is in order. The 60 foot setback requirement considers the significant mass represented by the structure of the dome. It also recognizes that since such structures are fabric and not of a more durable material, that deflation could occur in the event of a compressor malfunction or weather event that could cause damage or destruction of the dome. The maximum 75 foot dome height is intended to restrict the maximum dome size allowed in the city. This maximum would accommodate a dome such as the Irish Dome in Rosemount. Other larger domes could not meet this standard. While recreational domes are a wonderful year round resource for a wide variety of athletic venues, they could present some problems. The domes can be used for year round tournaments. When tournaments are conducted, off street parking facilities will be incapable of providing the parking which would be needed by players and spectators. We should be aware of this possibility as we consider recreational domes. Section 1108.600 of the Zoning Ordinance states that recommendations of the Planning Commission and final determinations of the City Council shall be supported by findings addressing the relationship of the proposed amendment to the following policies: 1. There is a public need for the amendment. There is a public need for the amendment. Currently the City Code does not address this land use. Recent technology changes have increased the popularity of recreational domes. For that reason, providing zoning requirements will allow for a proactive approach to this possibility future land use. 2. The amendment will accomplish one or more of the purposes of this Ordinance, the Comprehensive Plan, or other adopted plans or policies of the City. Objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan include: 1:\05 files\05 ordin amend\zoning\recreational domes\cc report. doc 3 _._..__.____._._.....___..._.''0..........__.-+.......... ..,. . .__.'__....[". -'_.----..----..... I . Promote sound land use. . Enact and maintain policies and ordinances to protect the public safety, health, and welfare. . Enact and maintain policies and ordinances to ensure the safety and preservation of property. The amendment would strive to accomplish these objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan by providing dome requirements that reflect the need of the land use, while limiting impacts to neighboring land uses. 3. The adoption of the amendment is consistent with State and/or Federal requirements. This amendment is consistent with federal and state laws. CONCLUSION: Amending the code to provide regulations for recreational domes is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Ordinance and the enabling legislation set forth in Minnesota statutes. Based upon the findings set forth in this report, staff recommends amending the code to include recreational domes as accessory uses permitted by conditional use permit within the Residential Zoning Districts, with the following conditions: 1. The dome must be accessory to an existing use located within the same Zoning District. 2. No storage of any kind is permitted on the site. 3. A bufferyard, Type C as defined in subsection 1107.2005, shall be installed and maintained along all property lines abutting an "R" use district. 4. Hours of operation shall be limited to 5 :00 am to 1 0:00 pm on weekdays and 5 :00 am to 11 :00 pm on weekends. 5. All mechanical equipment shall be fully screened. 6. All structures shall be located a minimum of 60 feet from any adjacent lot line in an "R" use district, and the setback shall be increased by an additional foot for each foot in height that the structure exceeds 60 feet. 7. No light or vibration originating from the structure or supporting equipment shall be discernible at the property line. 8. The structure shall not exceed 75 feet in height. 9. The structure shall be of a color that provides for maximum integration within its surroundings and shall not be used for any promotional purpose. 10. The dome structure shall be fully insulated. In addition, staff recommends that multi-purpose recreational domes be a permitted use with conditions within the Industrial 1:\05 files\05 ordin amend\zoning\recreational domes\cc report. doc 4 " . ,.~~~---,~,._-~._~_.,~._,.--.._""~~--.~-~....._.,...-<..._-............._-_._.--~_..-~--_.~,-..,-~- -.,-- I AL TERNA TIVES: RECOMMENDED ACTION: REVIEWED BY: Zoning District. The conditions are outlined in the attached ordinance amendment. The City Council has the following alternatives: I. Adopt the ordinance amendment as recommended by the Planning Commission and the staff. 2. Deny the ordinance amendment. 3. Defer this item and provide staff with specific direction. Staff recommends Alternative # 1. This action requires the following motion: 1. A motion and second amending the Zoning Ordinance to approve the pro sed amendment as recommended by the Planning Co ission and staff, and indicated in the ach d ft (linance. 1:\05 files\05 ordin amend\zoning\recreational domes\cc report. doc 5 CITY OF PRIOR LAKE ORDINANCE NO. 05-XX AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 1101.400, 1102.503, 1102.603, 1102.703, 1102.1503, AND 1107.303 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain that: 1. Section 1101.400 of the Prior Lake City Code is hereby amended to add the following definition: Recreational Dome. A translucent or opaque fabric structure supported by air. The structure can be permanent. or taken down and used seasonally for multi-purpose recreational activities. 2. Sections 1102.403, 1102.503, 1102.603, and 1102.703 of the Prior Lake City Code, related to Uses Permitted With A Conditional Use Permit, is hereby amended to add the following: Recreational Dome. Conditions: a. The dome must be accessory to an existing use located within the same Zoning District. b. No storage of any kind is permitted on the site. c. A bufferyard. Tvoe C as defined in subsection 1107.2005. shall be installed and maintained along all property lines abutting an "R" use district. d.Hours of operation shall be limited to 5:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 5:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends. e. All mechanical equipment shall be fullv screened. f.All structures shall be located a minimum of 60 feet from anv adiacent lot line in an "R" use district. and the setback shall be increased bv an additional foot for each foot in height that the structure exceeds 60 feet. g. No light or vibration originating from the structure or supporting equipment shall be discernible at the property line. h. The structure shall not exceed 75 feet in height. i. The structure shall be of a color that provides for maximum integration within its surroundings. i. The dome structure shall be fully insulated. 3. Section 1102.1503 of the Prior Lake City Code, related to I-I Permitted Uses with Conditions, is hereby amended to add the following: Recreational Dome. Conditions: a. The dome must be accessory to an existing use located within the same Zoning District. b. No storage of any kind is permitted on the site. c. A bufferyard. Tvoe C as defined in subsection 1107.2005. shall be installed and maintained along all property lines abutting an "R" use district. d. Hours of operation shall be limited to 5 :00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 5 :00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends. 1:\04 files\04 ordin amend\04 zoning\athletic field domes\draftord.doc PAGEl e. All mechanical equipment shall be fullv screened. f.All structures shall be located a minimum of 60 feet from anv adi acent lot line in an "R" use district. and the setback shall be increased bv an additional foot for each foot in height that the structure exceeds 60 feet. g. No light or vibration originating from the structure or supporting equipment shall be discernible at the property line. h. The structure shall not exceed 75 feet in height. i. The structure shall be of a color that provides for maximum integration within its surroundings. i. The dome structure shall be fullv insulated. 4. Section 1107.303 of the Prior Lake City Code related to parking regulations is hereby amended to add the following: Playgrounds, Play Fields, and Recreational Domes This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication. Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this _ day of , 2005. ATTEST: City Manager Mayor Published in the Prior Lake American on the _ day of , 2005. Drafted By: City of Prior Lake Planning Department 16200 Eagle Creek Avenue Prior Lake, MN 55372 1:\04 files\04 ordin amend\04 zoning\athletic field domes\draftord.doc PAGE 2 January 24, 2005 Planning Commission Minutes C. #04-79 Consider a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to establish requirements for recreational domes. Planning Coordinator Danette Moore presented the Planning Report dated January 24, 2005, on file in the office of the City Planning Department. The City Planning Department has received inquiries related to regulations for multi- purpose recreational domes. Currently, the City Code does not define this use or specify requirements related to it. Multi-purpose recreational domes are often seen as a cost effective way to foster year round recreational activities in a controlled climate environment. Dome facilities are becoming increasingly common throughout the metropolitan area. For that reason, City staff has been reviewing the zoning requirements of other communities that currently have domes, such as Woodbury, Richfield, Eden Prairie, and Rosemount. Due to not having regulations in place, most communities have had to rely on similar uses to dictate dome requirements. Recreational domes are most commonly constructed in close proximity to community centers, parks, and schools. For that reason, it would seem appropriate to allow domes as permitted uses within the same districts. The City Code permits schools and parks within the residential districts. In addition, it would seem appropriate to require conditions that could mitigate possible impacts on adj acent land uses. Allowing domes as permitted accessory uses by Conditional Use Permit within the residential districts would accomplish this. Staff recommends multi-purpose recreational domes be considered accessory uses permitted by conditional use permit within the Residential Zoning Districts, with the following conditions: a) The dome must be accessory to an existing use located within the same Zoning District. b) No storage of any kind is permitted on the site. c) A bufferyard, Type C as defined in subsection 1107.2005, shall be installed and maintained along all property lines abutting an "R" use district. d) Hours of operation shall be limited to 5 :00 am to 1 0:00 p.m. on weekdays and 5:00 am to 11:00 p.m. on weekends. e) All mechanical equipment shall be fully screened. f) All structures shall be located a minimum of60 feet from any adjacent lot line in an "R" use district, and the setback shall be increased by an additional foot for each foot in height that the structure exceeds 60 feet. g) No light or vibration originating from the structure or supporting equipment shall be discernible at the property line. .."..."".,,_."_'__~__...,'__,..__.~~'"..__..."W~~._ h) The structure shall not exceed 75 feet in height. i) The structure shall be of a color that provides for maximum integration within its surroundings. In addition, staff recommends that multi-purpose recreational domes be a permitted use with conditions within the Industrial Zoning District. Questions from the Commissioners: Stamson: . Occasionally you see it on health clubs using them on tennis courts or cities with "Soccer Blast" facilities located in a more commercial or retail areas. Moore responded staff did look at the commercial areas in Prior Lake if it would be appropriate. Lemke: . Confused - we just talked to regulating building height and now we're talking about a 75 foot dome height. Moore responded this would be specific only to domes. This would be an average to maybe a little bit higher. . Questioned the lighting. You wouldn't be able to put a light on the outside of the dome if it is located near a residential area. Moore said it could be taken that way but the language could be specified a little clearer. There were no public comments and the hearing was closed at 7:21 p.m. Comments from the Public: Billington: . These are becoming more popular. From a cost standpoint they seem to work well. . With the safeguards I could support it. . Have seen some of these and they are very unsightly because of the color. This will have to be very carefully monitored. It can be obtrusive in certain types of environments. Lemke: . Being there are safeguards with a CUP for community input, I am neutral to it, but not opposed. Perez: . Nice to get year-round use with a dome rather than 5 or 6 months. It does promote some land use. . Would like to make insulation a condition. . The fact we are requesting a Conditional Use Permit is important. . Support. Ringstad: . There is a public need for this. The neighboring communities use them for all sports and activities. With the climate we live in it is necessary. . Kansier said there have been 2 requests. . Agree with amendment and will support. Stamson: . Agreed with Commissioners - there is a public need, especially with our climate. The alternative is to build a large expensive permanent structure. . The domes do serve a purpose. There is a greater use for the community. . Not going to pretend they are pretty. . Had some concerns as Lemke about height. . Comfortable with a CUP. . Support. Open Discussion: . Lighting, insulation and noise should be a condition near residential areas. . Staffbased the hours of operation is based on the curfew and park hours. . There was a brief discussion on hours of operation and noise ordinances. . Not sure of the insulation of this type of structure. It could be an issue for the developer. . Kansier explained the insulation and structure. She also commented on the height and the activity use. . Commissioners decided to make an insulation condition. MOTION BY BILLINGTON, SECOND BY PEREZ, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WITH CONDITIONS INCLUDING THE INSULATION REQUIREMENT. Vote taken indicated ayes by all. MOTION CARRIED.