HomeMy WebLinkAbout[07] Rolling Ridge Properties - Events Center
7
Council Agenda Item
MEETING DATE:
February 5, 2015
AGENDA ITEM:
Rolling Ridge Properties – Events Center
PREVIOUS PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
In 2014 the Planning Commission conducted a
public hearing to consider a variance and PUD to allow an events center at the property known as Scenic
Specialties. The Planning Commission recommended and the Council approved the PUD and Variance.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Rolling Ridge Properties has submitted a request to revise the
original plan. Since the proposed use was granted through the PUD process with a specific site plan, the
Commission must review the amendment and determine whether the proposed change is consistent with
the existing PUD approved or if it is significant and a new hearing is required.
ATTACHMENTS:
Request for Planning Commission Consideration
Email Correspondence
Proposed Amendment
REQUESTED PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Review the proposed changes and determine
if the proposed changes are consistent with the approved PUD.
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From: Randy Schmitz \[mailto:randys@scenicspecialties.com\]
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2015 4:54 PM
To: Judy Weyrens
Subject: Planning Commission Agenda Item
To Whom it may concern,
Last February I attended a planning commission meeting to request a Special use permit and variance for our
Wedding & Event Center. Our request was approved in March. Upon completion of our plans we decided to make a
few modifications to original plans to better accommodate our existing business and to create a better separation
between our existing business (Scenic Specialties) and this new venture. Before moving forward with the project I
wanted to make sure the changes made would not affect the original ruling / approval of the conditional use for our
property. To help understand the changes I will attach an updated site sketch and bullet point list of the changes that
differ from my original request.
Thank You
List of Changes:
The Barn will be rotated and moved closer to our existing business buildings to be closer to the Fire Hydrant,
existing building infrastructure that includes existing plumbing and water connections and provide a better
means for us to contain guests to one side of the property. This will also allow us to maintain 3 of the existing
out buildings for photo backdrops
We no longer plan to use the lower level of the barn for events
Instead of building a new building to provide the serving kitchen, restrooms and serving space- we plan to use a
portion of our existing pole building.
The building code classification for our barn has changed form an A2 to a A3 which eliminates the need to
install fire suppression.
The remodeled service building will be an A2 classification with an occupancy of less than 100 thus it would not
require the use of fire suppression.
Randy
Randy Schmitz
www.scenicspecialties.com
1
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT
City of St. Joseph
25 College Avenue N
PO Box 668
St. Joseph, MN 56374
Phone (320)363-7201 or Fax (320)363-0342
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) ss
COUNTY OF STEARNS )
NAME: Randy L. Schmitz
ADDRESS: 31101 County Road 133 St. Joseph
Fee S
Paid
Date
PHONE: 320-980-3124
EMAIL: randys@scenicspecialties.com
I/We, the undersigned, hereby make the following application to the City Council and Planning Commission of the City of St. Joseph,
Stearns County, Minnesota. (Applicants have the responsibility of checking all applicable ordinances pertaining to their application
and complying with the ordinance requirements.)
1. Application is hereby made fora Special Use Permit to conduct the following:
In addition to our current uses we would like to use our property (including existing buildings and green spaces) to host outdoor
events such as weddings, reunions and fund raisers that include outdoor music, food & liquor with hours that extend to midnight.
2. Legal description of land to be affected by application, including acreage or square footage of land involved, and street address, if any
(attach additional sheet if necessary):
Property ID R 84.53350.0100 & a filed road 831.20617.005 Section 02 Township 124 Range 029 Legal Description: 14.26AC
E3/4SE4SW4 Lying N of CO RD 133. 31101 County Road 133 (current home to Scenic Specialties). The entire site is comprised of
approximately 14 acres. SEE ATTACHED AERIAL PHOTO
3. Presentzoning of the above described property is: I B 2 - Highway 75 Business
4. Name and address of the present owner of the above described property:
Rolling Ridge Properties LLC. 9670 Deerwood Road Rice MN 56367
5. Is the proposed use compatible with the future and present land uses of the area? Please explain:
� Yes No
This is a non residential area and a greater portion of the adjoining property is agricultural and some is part of the orderly
annexation area with proposed commercial use. Having a facility such as our proposed event center would further support the
addition of future businesses such as hotels, restaurants and shops.
_ ---
6. Will the proposed use depreciate the area in which it is proposed? Please explain:
F7 Yes F?<—I No
The requested use will put to use a historical piece of property. The area is / was overgrown with buckthorn but will be highly
manicured.
7. Can the proposed use be accomodated with existing City service without overburdening the system? Please explain:
rl Yes ri No
We intend on providing food and liquor services through a reputable business that is licensed and insured for operation in
Minnesota, Stearns County and St. Joseph.
8. Are local streets capable of handling traffic which is generated by the proposed use? Please explain:
r Yes r; No
are alongside a local county highway that was designed for significant traffic counts.
Attached to this application, and made a part thereof, are other material submission data requirements, as indicated.
Applicant Signature: Randy L. Schmitz
Date: Jan 20, 2014
Property Owner Signature: Randy L. Schmitza�°"
dte: 1 x:53:]. u6W
Date application submitted:
OFFICE USE ONLY
Date application completed:
Date: Jan 20, 2014
Planning Commission Action: F— Recommend Approval F— Recommend Disapproval Date of Action:
City Council Action: rl Approved r; Disapproved Date of Action:
Date Applicant/Property owner notified of City Council Action:
City of St. Joseph
Required Material Submission
Special Use Material
Completed applications for Special Use requests and required fees shall be submitted the City of St. Joseph Zoning Administrator at
least 20 days prior to the proposed date of consideration by the City. The twenty days allows the City to review the application,
forward the application to other entities for review as required and notify the public as required. Only completed applications will be
accepted. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit required materials. If an application is determined to be incomplete,
notification, which indicates which portion of the application is incomplete, will be mailed to the applicant within 10 days following
submission of the application.
REQUIRED MATERIALS - The applicant shall provide the following:
MATERIAL REQUIRED COMPLETE
1. Additional written or graphic data reasonably 17!, Yes
required by the Zoning Administrator or the Planning
Commission as described below: ( No
All applications must include a narrative of the
Special Use request. The Special Use application
must be completed in its entirety including the
reasons as to why the Planning Commission and
City Council should approve the request.
2. Site Plan containing the following: F Yes
- Legal description
- Site plan showing parcel & building dimensions No
- Location of buildings showing square footage,
easements, curb cuts, driveways, access roads, parking
spaces, off-street loading areas, sidewalks
- Landscaping and screening plans
- Drainage and erosion control plan with elevations
- Sanitary sewer and water plan with estimated use
- Soil type and location of wetlands
- Proof of ownership
3. Required Fee. F Yes
$400.00 (If held during a regular scheduled meeting) F—: No
$800.00 (Ifa special meeting is required)
4. Payment of Additional Fees.
COMMENTS
I/we understand that I/we are responsible for reimbursing the City for any additional legal, engineering, building inspection or
planning fees associated with my request.
Applicant Signature: Randy L. Schmitz.r�� xu
�m-�.a,.k�..�x.,k�.�.�..�.«�.,�..�.��. Date Jan 20, 2014
wi.:miaoi.ro�rs�s.aean
The Future of:
Wedding & Event Center
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To whom it may concern:
We purchased our 14 acre property (which had been previously designated as Century Farm) 12
years ago and annexed it into the city. We had to annex into the city because the nature of our business
(retail) didn't allow for us to remain within the township. Our goal was/ is to keep, maintain and put to
use the buildings that already exist on the property that have historical significance. Since these
buildings are very "agricultural" in nature, we would like to further embrace this unique feature by
hosting events that use the outdoor spaces (the wooded hillside, fields and barns).
I would like to renovate the barn (both levels) and use it for high end weddings and events. In
the future I would like to add a smaller two story building to the North East corner that would have
bathrooms on both levels, a small kitchen (for catering), an additional entrance / exit, access into the
silo, an observatory on the silo top. My intent is to rent the space for a fee and to work with a group of
exclusive vendors for the accompanying services such as valet, food, liquor, music, etc. In addition the
site can be used for photography exclusively for those who rent the facility. I would like to the
incorporate other elements of the farm site such as the other buildings, the pond, the woods etc. to
host tents, outdoor weddings and yard games (horse shoes, bean bags, playground) for attendees of
these events. I would like to keep my current retail and landscape operation at this location.
Initially the event portion of our business will occur on weekends during warm months. As the
business further establishes it is possible the nature of the business could extend to year round use -
however those events would likely be indoors. Most events will occur on Friday and Saturdays during
daylight hours until midnight. We would like to be able to have amplified music present during these
events up to or as close to midnight as possible. Our main goal is to be able to host weddings- we do
not intend on hosting outdoor rock concerts or street dance like events with huge crowds. Most
weddings last longer into the evening than what the current noise ordinance allows (9:30 PM I believe).
The food and beverage services will be provided by an exclusive (only one) reputable local business that
has and maintains the food and liquor licenses required by local and state authorities. We will not allow
private food or beverage (no BYOB). We already have in place an insurance policy, written contract with
a vendor and facility rental contracts that explain these rules in detail. We would also like to replace a
portion of the existing Scenic Specialties pylon sign (keep as a pylon) and replace it with an LED sign to
advertise for all businesses on the premise as opposed to installing multiple signs for the multiple
businesses. This sign would only advertise business that occurs on the property and to announce who
the names of the happy couple.
Regards,
Randy L. Schmitz
Rolling Ridge Properties LLC
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The Future of:
Wedding & Event Center
www.rollingridgeevents.com
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STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF STEARNS
In the matter of:
Randy Schmitz, Rolling Ridge Properties, LLC
Special Use Permit to allow for Events Center
OFFICE OF COUNTY RECORDER _
STEARNS COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Document: A1423111
Certified, Filed, and/or Recorded on _N
June 18, 201412:24 PM
DIANE GRUNDHOEFER �—
STEARNS COUNTY RECORDER �—
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
SPECIAL USE PROCEEDINGS
FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISON
On February 3, 2014, the St. Joseph Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to
consider the application of Randy Schmitz for special use to allow recreation services such as theaters,
bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The matter was duly published and notice was provided
to property owners within 350 feet of the above referenced property. Needing additional information,
the Planning Commission tabled action on the Special Use Request to Mach 3, 2014.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: That part of the East 990 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest
Quarter (SE Y4 SW'/<) of Section 2, Township 124, Range 29 lying Northerly of
County Road. Subject to Road Easement described as follows: The East 2 rods
of that part of S %2 of SW % of Section 2, Township 124, Range 29 lying North of
County Road 133. Also, the North 2 rods of the East 990 feet of said S Y2 of SW
%; Also, the Southerly 2 rods of the Easterly 675 feet of said S Y of SW % lying
Northerly of said County Road as measured along the Northerly right of way of
said road. Tract consisting of approximately 13.92 acres, more or less.
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 31101 County Road 133
ZONING CLASSIFICATION: B2, Highway Business
ORDINANCE REFERENCES:
I. St. Joseph Code of Ordinance 52.32 Subd. 1 states the Highway 75 Business District is
intended to control the use and development of land an improvements by creating a mixed
land use district near and adjacent to the County State Aid Highway 75 corridor in the City of
St. Joseph.
Qd-
RECEIVED
JUL v 1. 2014
CM- �- v,, f. JOSEPH SCR,�of�—
2. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. 4(i) requires issuance of a special use permit for
recreations services such as theaters, bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The
proposed events center is similar in nature to the aforementioned.
3. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.07 Subd. 3 identifies the process for,securing a special use
permits and the standards for granting the same.
a.
b. .....
c. .....
d.
e. Identifies standards for granting a special use permit and include: will not be
detrimental to or endanger public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general
welfare of the neighborhood; will be harmonious to the neighborhood; will not
change the characteristics of the neighborhood, will be adequately served by
facilities and services; will not create excessive additional costs for services; will not
involve activities that involve excessive noise, production of traffic, fumes, glare or
odors; will not create traffic congestion; will have adequate facilities for off street
parking; will not result in the loss or damage of historic property.
4. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.07 subd. 3
g. .....
h. provides the Planning Commission and City Council the authority to place conditions
when issuing a special use permit in order to protect the best interests of the
surrounding area or of the City as a whole and identifies examples of conditions
which include: traffic management for ingress and egress to the property; off-street
parking; refuse and service areas; fencing and landscaping; signage; open space
requirements; general compatibility conditions.
The Planning Commission accepted the following testimony:
1. Steve Gohman expressed concern that as an adjacent land owner with cattle he was
concerned about trespass. Through discussion it was determined that the property line
is fenced thereby reducing the trespass issue.
Upon -the hearing being closed, the Planning Commission deliberated the following:
1. Understanding of the type of events center and that it would be predominately weddings or
high end events. All events would include catered food and alcohol
2. Management of alcohol on the site, requesting additional information from the Police Chief
3. Management of the site in relation to traffic and impacts to CR 133
4. Assurance of life safety measures and fire protection
5. The special use would not grant development rights until the building code issues have been
resolved.
6. Requested additional information on overall sight management.
In an effort to gather additional information, the Planning Commission tabled action on the public
hearing to the March 3, 2014 Planning Commission meeting, at which the following information was
presented for deliberation:
SCR '�'- of --y—
1. Insurance —The property owner should provide the City annually with a certificate of
insurance, providing proof of insurance as an events center or gathering space.
2. Alcohol —The Rolling Ridge Conference Center will not include an on/off sale liquor license.
The facility is used for private parties only, not open to the public. Therefore, if alcohol is
served on the premise, it must be provided by a vendor with a current MN Caterers license.
The property owner is responsible for providing the City with a copy of the MN License for
each event. Additionally,
a. Alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas
b. Alcohol cannot be taken beyond the east pillars leading to the parking lot. The property
owner will mark the area with a sign indicating no "liquor beyond this point".
c. The property owner should further delineate the point where alcohol cannot leave the
property by adding plantings to each side of the pillars leading to the parking lot.
3. Noise — Outdoor music is allowed and shall be governed by St. Joseph Code of Ordinances
102, Noise.
4. Seasonal Business—The current special use permit allows special event venues from May 1
through October 31 annually.
5. Parking — All parking must be in designated areas and parking on CR 133 is prohibited.
6. Guest Suite —The proposed convention center includes a guest suite to be utilized by the
Bride and Groom or CEO reserving the facility.
a. The suite can only be occupied for one night
b. The suite will serve as a bread and breakfast with no cooking permitted in the suite.
Food must be catered.
c. The rental inspector shall annually inspect the unit to assure life safety measures are
satisfied. Typical rental inspection fees shall apply.
7. Recreational Bonfires — any recreational bonfire must be located in a designated area
approved by the Fire Chief. During use proper fire safety measures must be in place, such as
a hose and water.
8. Inspection — The City reserves the right to inspect the property at any time.
9. Signage — All signage must be in accordance to St. Joseph Code of Ordinance 52.11.
10. Development Rights—The special use permit does not become valid until all building code
issues have been resolved and the building is in conformance.
DECISION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the Finding of Fact, the St. Joseph Planning Commission recommends the St. Joseph
City Council issue a Special Use Permit based on the following conclusions:
1. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. 46) requires issuance of a special use permit for
recreations services such as theaters, bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The
proposed events center is similar in nature to the aforementioned.
2. The Special Use Permit allow for special events such as weddings and corporate events,
where food and beverages are part of the venue. The Special Use Permit excludes events
that are exclusively entertainment in nature.
3. The Special Use Permit is contingent upon meeting the requirements set forth in
deliberation items 1-10.
Based on the foregoing Finding of Fact of the St. Joseph Planning Commission, the request for Special
Use to allow recreation services such as theatres, bowling establishments and clubs and lodges at 31101
County Road 133 is hereby granted to Randy Schmitz, Rolling Ridge LLC with the conditions as stated
above.
SCR -? of'i -
Adopted this day of 240CL,
2014.
CITY OF ST. JO'"
7/,J a
Rick Schultz, Mayor 5 8 I
� a
r �
udy eyr ns, Admini rltpr.;
THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY:
City of St. Joseph
J PO Box 668
St. Joseph MN 56374
Telephone: (320) 363-7201
SCR '/ ofV.
OFFICE OF COUNTY RECORDER
STEARNS COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Document: A1423112
N
Certified, Filed, and/or Recorded on
June 18, 201412:24 PM
DIANE GRUNDHOEFER
STEARNS COUNTY RECORDER
STATE OF MINNESOTA CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
COUNTY OF STEARNS
In the matter of:
Randy Schmitz, Rolling Ridge Properties, LLC
Variance Requesting Parking Lot Improvement Relief
VARIANCE PROCEEDINGS
FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISON
On February 3, 2014, the St. Joseph Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to
consider the application of Randy Schmitz for a variance to relieve strict enforcement of the parking lot
requirements as they relate to his application for a special use permit to operate a events center in a
historical barn. The matter was duly published and notice was provided to property owners within 350
feet of the above referenced property. Needing additional information, the Planning Commission
tabled action on the Special Use Request to Mach 3, 2014.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: That part of the East 990 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest
Quarter (SE % SW %) of Section 2, Township 124, Range 29 lying Northerly of
County Road. Subject to Road Easement described as follows: The East 2 rods
of that part of S Y of SW X of Section 2, Township 124, Range 29 lying North of
County Road 133. Also, the North 2 rods of the East 990 feet of said S Y2 of SW
%; Also, the Southerly 2 rods of the Easterly 675 feet of said S %Z of SW % lying
Northerly of said County Road as measured along the Northerly right of way of
said road. Tract consisting of approximately 13.92 acres, more or less.
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 31101 County Road 133
ZONING CLASSIFICATION: B2, Highway Business
ORDINANCE REFERENCES:
1. St. Joseph Code of Ordinance 52.07 Subd. 2
a) Administration. A variance may be granted to allow a property owner to deviate from
the specific development standards applicable to a particular district. A variance shall
not be granted to allow a use that is not otherwise permitted in the district involved.
JUL 01 2014
CITY OF 81 JOSEPH
SCR _L_.of._--Y—
In granting a variance the Board, or the Council in reviewing the Board's decision, may
prescribe appropriate conditions in conformity with this Ordinance to protect properties
and the health and safety of persons residing or working in the neighborhood. In
recommending any adjustment or variance under the provision of this Section, the
Board of Zoning Adjustment shall designate such conditions in connection therewith as
well, in its opinion, secure substantially the objectives of the regulation.to which the
adjustment or variance is granted, as to light, air and the public health, safety, comfort,
convenience and general welfare.
When such conditions are made part of the terms under which the variance is granted,
violation of the conditions is a violation of this Ordinance. A variance shall not be
granted by the Board, or by the Council upon review, unless they find the following
facts:
1. The variance requested is consistent with the adopted St. Joseph Comprehensive
Plan.
2. The variance requested is harmonious with the general purposes and intent of the
governing Zoning District Ordinance.
3. The Applicant establishes that there are 'practical difficulties' in complying with the
zoning ordinance. Practical difficulties as used in connection with the granting of a
variance shall mean:
a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner
not permitted by the zoning ordinance.
b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property
not created by the landowner.
c. The variance, if granted will not alter the essential character of the locality.
4. Economic considerations alone shall not constitute practical difficulties under the
terms of this Ordinance.
5. Practical difficulties shall include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct
sunlight for solar energy systems.
6. Variances shall be granted for earth sheltered construction as defined in MN Statute
216C.06, Subd. 14 as may be amended, when in harmony with the zoning
ordinance.
2. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.10 Subd. 4(i) requires in all districts where off-street parking lots
are permitted or required such off-street parking shall be constructed and maintained subJect to
the following regulations:
a.
b. .....
C.
d. Such parking lots shall be constructed and maintained in a useable condition, with a
hard surface consisting of concrete, bituminous, pavement or paver stone designed to
drain and dispose of surface water. Recycled bituminous or concrete shall be prohibited
except as permitted in an industrial area by special use permit or variance.
3. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. 5 Conditions Applicable to all Special Use Permits:
requires:
b.
C.
SCR--2:-0f---V-
d.
e. The entire site other than that taken up by a building, structure or plantings shall be
surfaced so as to control dust subject to the approval of the City Engineer.
f. The entire area shall have a drainage system subject to the approval of the City
Engineer.
The Planning Commission accepted the following testimony:
1. Steve Gohman expressed concern that as an adjacent land owner with cattle he was
concerned about trespass. Through discussion it was determined that the property line
is fenced thereby reducing the trespass issue.
Upon the hearing being closed, the Planning Commission deliberated the following:
1. Application of zoning Ordinances and when variances are granted
2. Does the venue of a rural setting create a need for a variance
In an effort to gather additional information, the Planning Commission tabled action on the public
hearing to the March 3, 2014 Planning Commission meeting, at which the following information was
presented for deliberation:
1. The applicant is proposing to use the property consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
2. The variance requested is harmonious with the adjacent area as the property is part of a 40
acre farmstead.
3. The property owner is requesting relief from the parking lot provisions to keep the property
in a rural setting and paving the parking area would alter the characteristics of the area.
4. The events center is a seasonal business that only requires parking when events are
scheduled. The parking areas are not needed when the facility is not rented.
5. The property owner can provide 22 parking spaces that are paved and can be used for the
special events.
DECISION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the Finding of Fact, the St. Joseph Planning Commission recommended
approval/denial of the Variance based on the following conclusions:
1. The variance requested is harmonious with the general purposes and intent of the governing
Zoning District Ordinance
2. The unpaved parking lot fits the character of the facility.
Based on the foregoing Finding of Fact and Decision and Conclusion of the St. Joseph Planning
Commission, the request for variance on the strict enforcement of the parking requirement is being
forwarded as approval/denial with the following contingencies:
1. When the events center becomes a year round facility, the property owner will be required
to meet the parking lot requirements.
Therefore, based on the above findings, the St. Joseph City Council affirms the actions of the Planning
Commission granting a Variance to relieve strict enforcement of the parking lot requirements as they
relate to his application for a special use permit to operate a events center in a historical barn at 31101
County Road 133 is hereby granted to Randy Schmitz with the conditions as stated above.
Adopted this day of 2014.
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
SCR 3 of_Y---
THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY:
City of St. Joseph
PO Box 668
St. Joseph MN 56374
Telephone: (320) 363-7201
i�
C
r"s
BY
Rick Schultz, Mayor
Jud yre , Administr
5
SCR Vof._