A primary focus of the meeting was the application for a conditional use permit by SMNPT1 for a new commercial building in Heritage Commons, which will host a Chipotle and a new coffee brand, Seven Brew. The building, planned to be under 2,000 square feet, required the permit due to its size, and the commission was tasked with ensuring compliance with city regulations. The proposal included a double drive-through lane and adhered to all setback and open space requirements. The site plan also integrated an underground stormwater infiltration system, addressing environmental concerns and site efficiency.

During the meeting, there was a discussion about the site’s history as a former gas station. Environmental assessments, including a Phase One and Phase Two study, identified past petroleum use but confirmed that current contamination levels were below mitigation thresholds. A closure letter from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued in 1997 confirmed compliance after the removal of tanks. However, updated regulations prompted further vapor testing to ensure site safety for new developments. The commission acknowledged the challenges of developing brownfield sites, requiring careful scrutiny to ensure safety and environmental compliance.

The commission also approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance concerning outdoor storage for major automobile repair uses in the I1 light industrial district. This amendment was in response to a proposal by Caliber Collision, which sought to utilize outdoor storage for vehicles awaiting parts. The existing ordinance required storage areas to comply with building setbacks, causing operational challenges for Caliber Collision. The approved amendment allows for a reduced rear yard setback of 10 feet adjacent to industrial properties, easing implementation while maintaining compliance with setbacks near public rights-of-way and residential zones.

The discussion of Caliber Collision’s conditional use permit application highlighted the need for a designated storage area for vehicles awaiting repair. The proposed site, known as the “outdoor great room” building, included a fenced storage area accommodating up to 9,975 square feet, with a stipulation for either a no exposure certification or a valid industrial stormwater permit from the MPCA. These measures are intended to prevent environmental hazards from potential fluid leaks.

Another notable agenda item was CA Commercial Development’s application for a conditional use permit for a convenience restaurant with a drive-through in Heritage Commons. The project includes a 4,750 square foot building designed for two tenants, with Panera as the sole drive-through occupant. The commission ensured that the building design met all setback and parking requirements. The plan incorporated an underground stormwater system and landscaping measures to mitigate light pollution. The commission unanimously approved the permit, with members expressing enthusiasm for the design and the addition of Panera to the community.

The final public hearing addressed Ridian Credit Union’s application for a drive-through service window in the M2 mixed-use Cedar Corridor district. The proposal featured a design with three drive-through lanes, and the commission reviewed the site’s layout to ensure adequate vehicle queuing. The project received approval following the city’s forester’s review of the landscaping plan, which met species and location standards. The commission’s approval was unanimous, with members praising the landscaping design and discussing future traffic signal plans for Glenshaw Avenue access.