HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 126-17 - OpusGroup.IncentiveDevelopFinalPlan.R2016-038CUP
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Opus Group applied for an Incentive Development Final Plan (#R2016-
038CUP) to permit the construction of a six-story, 238,717 square foot, 156-unit mixed use
building. The property is located at the intersection of Fifth Street S.W., and First Avenue S.W.,
between First Avenue S.W., and Broadway Avenue South; and,
WHEREAS, the property is described on the attachment; and,
WHEREAS, R.C.O. § 62.630 provides the criteria for incentive developments against which
this application must be analyzed; and,
WHEREAS, on February 22, 2017, the Rochester Planning and Zoning Commission held a
public hearing on this final plan, reviewed the application according to the criteria in R.C.O. §
62.630(2), and suggested the following findings of fact:
Final Development Plan Criteria:
a) Public Facility Design: With the proposed conditions of approval, the
design of public utilities and facilities will meet applicable requirements.
b) Geologic Hazard: There are no known geologic hazards on this site.
c) Access Effect: The design of vehicular ingress and egress to the site has
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resulted in the reduction of one access point on 1 Avenue. Two of the
three access points are shared driveways with uses to the north. The site
plan resubmittal on February 15, 2017, resulted in the reduction of the
driveway width along the north side of the building to 18 feet, which
complies with a condition of approval from the preliminary plan.
d) Pedestrian Circulation: Proposed sidewalk widths are consistent with
applicable plans and ordinances. Additionally, the applicant proposes a
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walkway connection along the north side of the building to connect the 1
Avenue and Broadway Avenue frontages.
e) Foundation and Site Plantings: The submitted landscape plan includes
landscaping along walkways and sidewalks on the north, east, and west
sides. Boulevard tree requirements for the number of required trees have
been met. Additional bufferyards are not required.
f) Site Status: The site and building will have one owner. Common space
owned and maintained by building owner.
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g) Screening and Bufferyards: Screening and bufferyards not required.
Traffic circulation within the site will occur within the interior parking
areas. These parking areas are screened from the outside by exterior
building walls and active uses along the adjacent street frontages.
Bufferyards are not required with this development within the CDC-FR
zoning district. However, the site plan includes tree and landscaping
planter areas along the north, east, and west sides of the development.
h) Final Building Design: The proposed building bulk would be generally
permitted within the CDC-FR zoning district. The Incentive Development
application is necessary to achieve the residential density proposed
within the development. The proposed building complies with all required
setbacks within the proposed CDC-FR zoning district. The proposed
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building identifies active retail uses along the 1 Avenue frontage and
uses related to the upper-story residential use along Broadway Avenue.
These uses will help to activate street frontages.
i) Internal Circulation Areas: The design of off-street parking and loading
areas complies with ordinance requirements for design.
j) Ordinance Requirements: The project meets most ordinance
requirements of the underlying CDC-FR zoning district. Landscape
percentage and parking requirements do not meet requirements as
described above. Landscaping provided on upper floors and in the right-
of-way is not included in the landscape percentage calculation, but
provides additional amenity within the site and along surrounding street
frontages. Total off-street parking complies with requirements, but no
retail parking is provided. The applicant justifies the lack of retail parking
spaces through the availability of alternate modes of transportation
(skyway/subway, nearby bus transit, bicycle parking available on-site)
and the availability of public parking spaces surrounding the site in public
structures and on surrounding streets. The applicant’s parking justification
is included in the narrative attachment. The Council could permit
adjustments to landscape percentage and parking requirements with
approval of a modification.
k) Non-Vehicular and Alternate Modes of Travel: The development
incorporates pedestrian entrances along both street frontages. A walkway
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proposed along the north side of the building is intended to connect 1
Avenue to Broadway Avenue.
l) Master Plan Consistency: A summary of applicable plans including the
site are provided below:
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Downtown Master Plan
The Downtown Master Plan was adopted by the City Council in January
of 2011. The Master Plan identifies this area, known as the Main Street
Mixed Use District, as a primary development location. The proposed
development shows consistency to the plan through the incorporation of
residential and retail uses, the proposal for curb bump-outs and street
landscaping, and the intent to foster a walkable district through the use of
pedestrian-scaled design at ground level.
Urban Village Overlay Zone Design Guidelines
The site is located within the Urban Village Overlay zone that was
developed in 2009. The development generally complies with the
objectives of the guidelines.
The building generally meets Building and Massing Recommendations
within the plan except for the recommendation for the façade of any floor
above the fourth floor to be set back from the right-of-way line at least one
foot for every one foot of building height. This recommendation is met
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along a majority of the 1 Avenue frontage, but is not met along the
Broadway Avenue frontage. The CDC-FR zoning district does not require
an upper-floor building setback.
The project meets several parking recommendations including the use of
angled parking on 1st Avenue, the use of enclosed parking within the site,
the placement of active uses between parking and street frontages, and
the use of off-street loading areas.
Building design recommendations within the plan that are incorporated
into the building’s design include the use of vertical proportions in the
building facade and the use of windows for more than 50% of the first
floor facades along street frontages.
The plan also contains recommendations for access to development,
stating that curb cuts should be eliminated and alleys serving multiple lots
or entire blocks should be re-established. The development would
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eliminate one existing curb cut on 1 Avenue and would utilize two
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existing shared driveway access points from 1 Avenue and Broadway
Avenue. However, an access point would be added on Broadway Avenue
to serve one of the two parking floors within the development. These
access points on Broadway permit only right-in, right-out turning
movements.
Destination Medical Center District Design Guidelines
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The following is a limited review of the proposed project in comparison to
the information contained in the DMC District Design Guidelines. The
information provided below is included here to provide a way to analyze
the streetscape space proposed along the roadway frontages.
The project meets the intent of the Destination Medical Center Plan for
aspects including the incorporation of public art (A.07), the development
of mixed-use neighborhoods (A.08), the articulation of the first floor
through the use of building entrances and the incorporation of windows
for more than 50% of the façade, and the design of buildings to establish
a sense of enclosure C.01.
There are aspects of the project that are not consistent with the intent of
the plan. The plan recommends additional setbacks for the upper floors
above the fourth floor for buildings that are constructed up to their lot lines
along street frontages. While the intent of this recommendation is mostly
met along 1st Avenue, a setback is not provided along Broadway Avenue.
The plan also recommends minimum sidewalk widths for the 1st Avenue
and Broadway Avenue frontages. With the resubmittal of a site plan on
February 15, 2017, the proposed sidewalk widths on both Broadway
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Avenue and 1 Avenue are consistent with the recommendations of the
plan. Related to sidewalks and pedestrian-oriented design, the plan also
recommends the minimization of driveways in the urban core to allow for
few or minimal disruption to pedestrian movement. The proposed
driveway access from Broadway Avenue along the north side of the site
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was shown as a relatively wide cut. The February 15 resubmittal shows
an 18 foot driveway width for that driveway, which meets the intent of the
plan and guidelines.
Elements recommended by the plan to enhance the pedestrian realm
such as the incorporation of street furniture and street lighting are
identified within the final plan submittal.
Downtown Parking Overlay Zone
The Downtown Parking Overlay Zone (DPOZ) identifies and more easily
defines the uniquely situated and expanding areas around the Central
Business District that have a high level of proximity to both publically
provided transportation facilities, public parking facilities, metered street
parking and to the major downtown employment centers that provide off-
street employee parking. At these locations, private off-street parking
requirements are regulated differently than in other parts of the City.
The project site is currently occupied by a surface parking lot. The
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applicant is providing 156 parking spaces for the use or benefit of the
project, which meets the parking requirement for the residential and retail
uses through the parking reductions available. Within the DPOZ there are
a number of options to allow a reduction in the proposed parking for a site
with a required offset of bicycle parking (1 car reduction to 6 bicycle
parking spaces) or other alternative mode of travel option provided. The
development proposal includes a bicycle valet room within the building for
bicycle parking.
In addition to providing reduced parking requirements, the DPOZ includes
design standards for parking facilities within the DPOZ. The proposed
development generally complies with the design intent of the DPOZ by
including active retail and residential uses to separate the parking facility
from street frontages and providing associated bicycle parking. The
DPOZ recommends that access to parking structures should involve
minimal interference with pedestrian movements and should not be
located along an active/pedestrian street frontage. The development
includes a new access point on Broadway Avenue to parking within the
site. Because Broadway Avenue is identified within the DPOZ as an
active/pedestrian street frontage, this new access would not meet the
requirements of the DPOZ; and,
WHEREAS, the Rochester Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval
subject to the following conditions:
1. Prior to Council approval, the applicant shall submit revised plans
incorporating the street frontage revisions submitted on February 15,
2017 with a revised site plan;
2. Public art locations identified on site shall not encroach to within ten feet
of the building;
3. Prior to building permit approval, the applicant shall re-plat the properties
into one new lot prior to Final Plan approval;
4. Signage within this development shall follow the Type C sign standards
and shall meet the following requirements:
A. Each use and/or tenant is allowed one sign per exterior building
elevation. For example, corner retail may have a sign on the west
and north elevation;
B. All signage to be mounted to “Sign Frieze” and use a landscape
orientation;
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C. Residential wayfinding signage, for example garage and bike
entries, will utilize the sign frieze for mounted lettering;
D. All signage proposed to be individual lettering and logos mounted
to sign frieze and above frieze base;
E. Additional pedestrian scale retail blade signs allowed: 1 per tenant.
Mounting locations identified on elevations. Maximum area 8
square feet per sign, minimum height 9 feet above sidewalk,
projection of 5 feet or less; and
F. Residential use to have option for roof sign mounted near top of
the building. One sign per street frontage for a total of two signs,
one on each street face. Building signs will be mounted to parapet
walls and not extend above roof line. Total roof signage shall be
limited to 150 square feet; and,
5. On and off site public facilities design and operations may require further
technical evaluation and the final design shall conform to the
requirements for facilities as determined by the City of Rochester
Departments of Public Works, Parks/Recreation, and/or Planning
Department;
6. The alley pavement shall not be asphalt and shall be designed to a
shared street concept;
7. Prior to building permit approval, the fire hydrant location shown needs to
be modified away from the sewers to meet MDH standards;
8. An approved grading and drainage plan and payment of any applicable
storm water management area charge is required prior to the final plat
submittal or issuance of a building permit if no plat is required;
9. There are inadequate on and off site public facilities, specifically Public
Roadways, Sanitary Sewer, Water, Parking, and Storm Water
Management Facilities, existing to accommodate the proposed re-
development of this Property. No re-development will be allowed to occur
until the City Council has determined that all required public facilities are
adequate for said re-development. Alternatively, the developer may
request to join with the City in making these inadequate public facilities
adequate for this re-development, and may enter into a Development
Agreement, prior to recording a Final Plat for the property (or final
development approval if there is no plat) that outlines the developer's and
City's obligations related, but not limited to: access, right-of-way
dedication, stormwater management, transportation improvements
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including obligations related to perimeter roadways, providing a turn-
around for the existing north/south alley that dead-ends at this Property,
pedestrian facilities and connections, street lighting, and financial
obligations related to development charges and improvements to public
infrastructure. Please contact me at (507) 328-2427 to obtain an
application to complete which will facilitate the process for preparation of
a Development Agreement;
10. Prior to approval of building permits, execution of a revocable permit is
required for any private facilities which will extend into the public right-of-
way, above, at or below grade;
11. Prior to the recording of a final plat, execution of a City Owner Contract is
required for any new public improvement for this proposed
redevelopment, as well as, for any reconstruction of exiting public
infrastructure; and,
12. Charges/fees applicable to the development of this property include the
following and unless otherwise stated shall be paid prior to issuance of
utility connection permit(s), or at the City’s discretion, within 30 days after
invoicing (rates are valid through 7/31/17 and subject to an ENR
adjustment thereafter):
Sewer Availability Charge (SAC)
Water Availability Charge (WAC)
Storm Water Management Area Charge
Plant Investment Fee (PIF)
Transportation Improvement Obligations; and,
WHEREAS, the Common Council held a public hearing on the incentive development
preliminary plan request on March 20, 2017, and gave all interested persons an opportunity to
give testimony and make presentations; and,
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WHEREAS, at the March 20 public hearing, the Applicant’s representative appeared at
the public hearing and testified that the Applicant agreed with all of the above recommended
conditions of approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Rochester
that it adopt the Planning and Zoning Commission's findings of fact and recommended conditions
of approval, and that Incentive Development Final Plan #R2016-038CUP requested by Opus
Group to permit the construction of a six-story, 238,717 square foot, 156-unit mixed use building to
be located at the intersection of Fifth Street S.W., and First Avenue S.W., between First Avenue
S.W., and Broadway Avenue South is granted subject to the 12 conditions of approval described
above.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS __________ DAY OF _______________, 2017.
___________________________________
PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST: __________________________
CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS _____ DAY OF ______________________, 2017.
__________________________________
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
(Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)
Zone15\\Incendev.16-038.final
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All that tract or parcel of land situate and lying in the County of Olmsted, State of Minnesota, described
as follows, to-wit:
Lot 1 and the South 15.50 feet of Lot 2, Block 9, Original Plat, Rochester, Minnesota, and that part of the
vacated alley described as: Commencing at the southeast corner of said Lot 1; thence north on the east
line of said Lot 1 to a point 2.38 feet south of the north line of said Lot 1; thence east 18 feet; thence
south parallel with the east line of said Lot 1 to the south line of said Lot 1 if extended east; thence west
on the south line of said Lot 1 if extended, to point of beginning.
Commencing for a place of beginning at the northwest corner of Lot 7, Block 102, Willson's Addition to
Rochester, Minnesota, thence north 75 feet to the southwest corner of Lot 1, Block 9, Original Plat,
thence easterly along the south line of Lot 1, Block 9, Original Plat, and continuing easterly along the
south line of Block 9, Willson's Addition, to the southeast corner of Lot 6, Block 9, Willson's Addition;
thence south 75 feet to the northeast corner of Lot 6, Block 102, Willson's Addition; thence westerly
along the north line of Block 102, Willson's Addition, to the northwest corner of said Lot 7, Block 102,
Willson's Addition, which is the place of beginning.
Lots 6, 7, and 8, all in Block 9, Willson's Addition.
That part of Block 102, Willson's Addition to Rochester, Minnesota, described as follows:
Beginning at the northwest corner of said Block, thence southerly on an assumed azimuth from north of
180 degrees 04 minutes 50 seconds along the west line of said Block, 36.00 feet; thence easterly 90
degrees 01 minutes 19 seconds azimuth parallel with the north line of said Block, 187.07 feet; thence
northeasterly 39 degrees 03 minutes 07 seconds azimuth 20.60 feet to a point 88.30 feet west of the
east line of and 20.00 feet south of the north line of said Block; thence easterly 90 degrees 01 minutes
19 seconds azimuth parallel with the north line of said Block, 88.30 feet to the east line of said Block;
thence northerly 00 degrees 05 minutes 05 seconds azimuth along the east line of said Block, 20.00 feet
to the northeast corner of said Block; thence westerly 270 degrees 01 minutes 19 seconds azimuth along
the north line of said Block, 288.32 feet to the place of beginning.
Registered Property
Certificate of Title No. 36124.0
Containing in all, 1.33 acres, more or less.