HomeMy WebLinkAbout1142 - Commercial and Town Center Performance StandardsSECTION 1142
COMMERCIAL & TOWN CENTER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
SUBSECTIONS
1142.100: Introduction
1142.200: Commercial Restrictions and Performance Standards
1142.300: Town Center Dimensional Standards
1142.400: Transitional Town Center Dimensional Standards
1142.500: Neighborhood Business Dimensional Standards
1142.600: General Business Dimensional Standards
1142.700: Yard Encroachments
1142.800: Business Park Dimensional Standards
1142.900: Lighting
1142.100: INTRODUCTION. All properties must comply with all applicable provisions of the City
Code including but not limited to the performance standards in this Section and all
other applicable provisions of the Zoning Code.
1142.200: COMMERCIAL RESTRICTIONS AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. The
following Restrictions and Performance Standards shall govern uses permitted in
any C Commercial Zoning District.
(1) Goods produced on the premises in the C-1 Zoning District shall be sold only at
retail on the premises and the processes and equipment employed in production
shall be of such character that no offensive odor, dust, smoke, ash, gas, noise,
vibration, or waste matter are produced from the use of them.
(2) Uses shall front on a public way or an interior arcade.
(3) All delivery service entrances to a building in the C-1 Zoning District shall be from
a public alley, service-alley, off-street parking lot, or all deliveries shall be made
from the curb.
(4) There shall be no vehicular access within 50 feet of the intersection of the
projection of the nearest curb lines of any public streets to a parcel on which a
commercial use is operated.
(5) No storage, display or parking of vehicles shall be allowed in any of the required
yards or landscaped areas.
(6) New structures and structures which expand the gross square footage of the
structure by more than 50% shall be required to place all utility service lines
underground. Any new service to an existing building shall be placed underground.
(7) Access for all commercial uses shall be from a roadway identified in the
Comprehensive Plan as a collector or arterial or otherwise located so that access
can be provided without generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(8) Unless otherwise noted in the Zoning Code, all commercial uses shall maintain a
minimum setback of 60 feet from any side or rear lot line abutting a residential
Zoning District.
(9) Noxious Matter. The emission of noxious matter shall be controlled so that no
such emission crosses the lot line of the property from which it originates. Noxious
matter shall mean any solid, liquid or gaseous material, including but not limited to
gases, vapors, odor, dusts, fumes, mists or combinations thereof, the emission of
which is detrimental to or endangers the public health, safety, comfort or general
welfare, or causes damage to property. The owner of the property and/or the
manager of the business that generates noxious matter shall comply with a MPCA
(Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) regular inspection schedule as approved by
the City and shall submit reports of such inspections to the City.
(10) Restricted Operations. Noise, odors, smoke and particulate matter shall not
exceed Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards. Glare, whether directed or
reflected, such as from spotlights or high temperature processes, as differentiated
from general illumination, shall not be visible beyond the lot line of the property
from which it originates.
1142.300: TOWN CENTER DIMENSIONAL AND DESIGN STANDARDS. The following
standards shall apply to the TC Town Center District.
1142.301 Town Center Dimensional Standards.
Minimum Lot Width (ft.) 30
Front yard - Minimum Setback (ft.) 0
- Maximum Setback (ft.) 3 along Main Avenue
10 along Local Streets (except Main Avenue)
No Maximum along Highway 21
Side Yard - Minimum Setback (ft.) 0
- Maximum Setback (ft.) 10 along Main Avenue and Local Streets (unless
parking is located within the side yard)
No Maximum along County Highway 21
Rear Yard - Minimum (ft.) 0
Minimum Floor Area Ratio (ft.) 0.5
Build-To Line Along Main Avenue a build-to line is established
a distance of 3 feet from the inner edge of the
street right-of-way (in most cases, this is the inner
edge of the sidewalk). At least 70% of the building
façade that fronts Main Avenue must be built out
to this line.
Maximum Height (ft.) 55
Minimum Height (ft.) 17 on Main Avenue
1142.302 Town Center Design Standards. The purpose of this Subsection is to provide
guidance and direction in the development and redevelopment of lots within the
Town Center Zoning District. The long-term viability of materials, visual character
and sense of place of the Town Center Zoning District are important attributes to
the high quality of life in our community. The design of existing and new structures
shall be complementary and of high quality.
The design standards have been developed for the following purposes:
• To ensure new development compliments the established character of the
Town Center Zoning District;
• To set clear standards for the development and redevelopment that
reinforces the small town feel and character of the Town Center Zoning
District;
• To implement the community goals of the Comprehensive Plan; and
• To guide developers and property owners on expansions, renovations, or
new construction.
(1) Applicability. The design standards and the design review procedure per (3)
below apply only to the building(s) being developed or altered including:
a. All new commercial or mixed-use buildings.
b. Any renovation, expansion, or exterior changes to existing commercial or mixed-
use structures.
i. Existing façades and building features that are not compatible with the style
and period of the building shall be removed to the extent feasible. These may
include, but are not limited to, wood or plastic shake mansard roofs, plastic or
oddly shaped awnings, window opening infills, or surrounds designed to
reduce the size of window openings, modern siding materials inconsistent with
the original façade, and light fixtures inconsistent with the building’s original
style or a traditional downtown aesthetic.
• Masonry buildings shall be cleaned as necessary to lighten the overall
color.
• New masonry work shall match the color and materials or the original
façade.
• Wherever practical, façade renovations shall not destroy or cover
original details on a building. Brick and stone facades shall not be
covered with artificial siding or panels.
• Original window and door openings shall be maintained wherever
practical. New window and door openings shall maintain a similar
horizontal and vertical relationship as the original.
(2) Exemptions. The design standards do not apply to:
a. Internal alterations that do not result in a change to the building height, roofline,
or footprint.
b. Building additions of less than 50% gross floor area.
(3) Review Procedure.
In addition to the site plan review information required under Subsection 1150.100
the following items shall be submitted for review and approval:
a. Elevations. Complete exterior elevations of all proposed buildings and existing
buildings if they are joined to new development. Elevations should be drawn at an
appropriate scale (usually ¼” = 1’) and should show:
i. Designations of materials and colors proposed for all exterior facades;
ii. Percentage breakdown by material for each façade; and
iii. Proposed style, size, and location for all signs.
b. Materials Sample. Materials samples should be presented, including color and
material type for all walls and roof.
c. Color Samples. Samples of all principal and accent colors to be used.
d. Building Height and Context. Photographs of surrounding buildings on the same
block or street that shows the proposed construction or renovations in context.
(4) Design. Design criteria may be found in Section 1144, Architectural Design. (Ord. Amd.
123-01, pub. Date 2/18/2023)
(5) Screening. Utility service structures such as utility meters, transformers, above-ground
tanks, refuse handling, loading docks, maintenance structures and other ancillary
equipment must be inside a building or be entirely screened from abutting property views
by a decorative fence, wall, or screen of plant material of sufficient height. Fences and
walls shall be architecturally compatible with the primary structure. Loading docks or doors
should always be located on a side or rear elevation.
1142.400: TRANSITIONAL TOWN CENTER DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS.
1142.401 TC-T Transitional Town Center Use District. The purpose of the TC-T
Transitional Town Center Zoning District is to provide a special designation for the
fringe areas of the historical and recognized downtown business area. Eventually
redevelopment, stimulated in part by available City programs, should encourage
the complete transition of this district to commercial uses which are compatible
with the purposes of the Town Center. New development and redevelopment in
the TC-T Zoning District will only be permitted if it conforms to the uses allowed in
the TC Town Center Zoning District.
1142.402 Permitted Uses. Uses, whether commercial or residential, legally existing on
June 1, 2009 may continue. The intent of this provision is to allow existing uses to
remain and be maintained. To meet this intent, the following work is permitted:
(1) Work required bringing existing structures into compliance with current building
code;
(2) Interior remodeling;
(3) The addition of a two (2) car garage, either attached or detached to residential
structures.
(4) Existing residential uses may be converted to provide additional units.
a. A minimum of two (2) parking spots per unit must be provided on the site.
1142.403 Uses Permitted By Conditional Use Permit. No structure or land in a C-T
Transitional Town Center Zoning District may be used for any of the uses listed
below except by Conditional Use Permit. Conditional Uses must comply with all
provisions of the Zoning Code including but not limited to conditions, requirements,
performance standards and procedures and with any other conditions the Planning
Commission may impose that are intended to promote the health, safety, and
welfare of the residents within the City to maintain the characteristics of a
neighborhood.
(1) Conversion of existing residential uses to commercial uses may be permitted
subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
a. The use must be located completely within the existing structure. No additions
to the structure are permitted.
b. The exterior of the existing building shall maintain the residential character of
the structure.
c. No more than one wall sign shall be permitted.
1142.404 Redevelopment of Existing Structures and Uses. Development of properties
within the TC-T Zoning District for commercial use, shall not be permitted unless
the property is rezoned to the TC Zoning District.
1142.405 Dimensional Standards. Dimensional standards for uses in existence on June
1, 2009 in the TC-T Zoning District shall be the same as those standards in the
R-2 Zoning District.
1142.500: NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS.
(1) The following minimum requirements shall govern the use and development of lots
in the C-1 Zoning District.
Minimum
Lot Area
(sq. ft.)
Maximum
Building
Size (sq. ft.)
Maximum
Lot Area
(acres)
Maximum
Height
(ft.)
Front
Yard
(ft.)
Side Yard
(ft.)
Rear
Yard (ft.)
Parking
Setback
(ft.)
20,000 10,000 5 35 30 15 30 10
(2) Lots Adjacent to Residential Zoning Districts: The following setbacks shall
apply to developments and use of lots adjacent to Residential Zoning Districts:
Building Setback Adjacent to R Zoning
District (ft.)
Parking Setback Adjacent to R Zoning District
(ft.)
60 20
1142.600: GENERAL BUSINESS DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS.
(1) The following minimum requirements shall govern the use and development of lots
in the C-2 Zoning District.
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot Width
(ft.)
Maximum
Height
Front
Yard (ft.)
Side Yard
(ft.)
Rear
Yard (ft.)
Parking
Setback
(ft.)
0.5 Acre 100 45’ or 4
stories,
whichever
is greater
30 10 15 10
(2) Lots Adjacent to Residential Zoning Districts: The following setbacks shall apply
to developments on lots adjacent to Residential Zoning Districts:
Building Setback Adjacent to R Zoning District
(ft.)
Parking Setback Adjacent to R Zoning District
(ft.)
60 20
1142.700: BUSINESS PARK DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS.
1142.701 Dimensional Standards. The minimum lot size in the C-3 Zoning District shall be
one (1) acre, and the minimum lot width shall be 100 feet. No more than 50% of
any lot shall be covered by structures. Maximum Floor Area Ratio is 0.50. No
structure shall exceed four (4) stories or 45 feet in height, whichever is less.
1142.702 Required Setbacks. Within the C-3 Business Park Zoning District, the following
minimum setbacks shall apply:
FRONT
(ft.)
SIDE
(ft.)
REAR
(ft.)
ARTERIAL &
COLLECTOR ROADS
(ft.)
Structure 30 15 15 50
Structure abutting
an R" Zoning
District
30 50 50 50
Parking Lot, Drive
Aisle, Ground Sign
10
5
10
30
Parking Lot
abutting an R
Zoning District
10 20 20 NA
1142.800: YARD ENCROACHMENTS.
1142.801 The following shall not be deemed encroachments on yard requirements unless
located less than five (5) feet from a lot line, within a drainage and utility easement,
or in violation of regulations below or elsewhere in the City Code.
(1) All yards:
a. Appurtenances associated with a principal structure such as eaves, gutters,
basement egress windows, balconies, bay windows (at least 18” above the
corresponding floor level), fireplace bump-outs, and platforms
b. Yard lights, floodlights or other sources of light illuminating authorized illuminated
signs, parking areas, loading areas, or yards for safety and security purposes.
c. Flag poles, bird baths and other ornamental features detached from the principal
building.
d. Canopies no more than 12 feet wide are permitted in the C-1, C-2, and C-3
Zoning Districts if they are open at the sides and provide 14 feet of clearance if
located over any access roadway or fire lane.
(2) Front yards:
a. Awnings and door hoods which extend five (5) feet or less into the required front
yard.
b. A vestibule which extends five (5) feet or less into the required front yard under
the following conditions:
The vestibule shall be designed, constructed, and attached to the principal
structure in compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code.
The vestibule shall be constructed of materials compatible with those of the
principal structure.
The vestibule area, measured from the outside of the outside walls, shall not
exceed 30 square feet.
c. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment which extends less than six
(6) feet from the principal structure, is not more than 36 inches in height, and is
screened from view.
(3) Side yards, including side yards abutting streets:
a. Eaves which extend no more than six (6) inches into the required yard, and
gutters which extend no more than 12 inches into the required yard,
b. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment.
(4) Rear yards:
a. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment.
(5) Items not specifically listed in this Subsection but that are similar may be allowed
subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator
1142.900: LIGHTING. The purpose of this subsection is to minimize the adverse effect of light
and glare on operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and on residential and other
land uses in the vicinity of a light source in order to promote traffic safety and to
prevent the nuisances associated with the intrusion of spillover light and glare. The
requirements of this subsection apply to all exterior lighting except for the following:
holiday décor, lighting for signs which is regulated by the sign regulations of the
Zoning Code or street lighting within public rights-of-way.
1142.901 General Provisions.
(1) Lighting Plan
a. The City shall require submission of a light distribution plan to ensure
compliance with the intent of this subsection for all new commercial
development, redevelopment and additions which exceed 20% of the floor
area of the principal structure. The plan shall include the type and
arrangement of proposed lighting and proposed lighting levels in footcandles
at all locations on the site including at lot, property or parcel lines.
b. Upon completion of any project requiring a light distribution plan,
measurement of lighting levels of lots, properties or parcels within the project
area must be shown to be within Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
standards as specified in the most recent version of the IES Handbook and
shown to comply with the provisions of this subsection. Mitigating measures
shall be employed to limit glare and spill light to protect neighboring lots,
properties, or parcels and to maintain traffic safety on public streets and
roadways. These measures shall include lenses, shields, louvers, prismatic
control devices and limitations of the height and type of fixtures used.
(2) Measurements shall be made after dark at the lot, property, or parcel lines.
(3) Exterior lighting shall be designed and arranged to limit direct illumination and glare
to any contiguous lot, property or parcel of land. Reflected glare or spill light shall
not exceed one-half (0.5) footcandle when the source of light abuts any residential
parcel or one (1) footcandle when the source of light abuts any commercial or
industrial parcel or any public right of way all as measured at one (1) foot above
the ground.
(4) The City may limit the hours of operation of outdoor lighting equipment if the City
believes it necessary to reduce the impact of light on the surrounding
neighborhood.
(5) No flickering or flashing lights shall be permitted.
(6) Lighting equipment shall not be placed or permitted to remain on a site if the light
source or its reflected image can be viewed directly from a location off the site
unless ornamental light fixtures are installed in the manner provided in a site and
building plan approved by the City. Ornamental fixtures shall only be approved
when the developer can demonstrate that undesirable off-site impacts stemming
from direct or reflected view of the light source are eliminated by the fixture design
or location of the lighting fixture.
(7) No light source or luminaire shall be located within a bufferyard except on
pedestrian walkways unless it is demonstrated that no other alternative to provide
site lighting is available.
(8) Light poles or standards for exterior lighting shall not exceed a height of 45 feet,
except for outdoor recreational lighting as provided below.
1142.902 Outdoor Recreational Lighting. Outdoor recreational facilities, such as baseball
diamonds and other athletic playing fields which are in existence at the time of this
subsection, are exempted from the exterior light standards of this subsection
between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. because of their unique
requirements for nighttime visibility and their limited hours of operation. Any new
lighting or replacement lighting shall submit a lighting plan subject to the approval
of the Zoning Administrator. Lighting facilities for these outdoor recreational uses
shall not exceed a maximum height of 80 feet.