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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04h] Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center Council Agenda Item 4h MEETING DATE: July 17, 2017 AGENDA ITEM: Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center a. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Request b. Variance Request SUBMITTED BY: Community Development BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission (4-0) recommends approval of the Findings of Fact and CUP for a year round event center for private and public events and a variance from the off-street parking requirements. PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: On April 3, 2014 the City Council granted a special use permit to operate an event center as well as a variance from paving the parking lot at Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center after a review and recommendation to approve was made by the Planning Commission. The approved variance allowed for such relief from the zoning ordinance provided the events center was seasonal. Once the center becomes a year round facility, the property owner would be required to meet the city’s parking lot requirements. In June 2016, upon a request by the owner, the Planning Commission approved allowing one fall and winter season as a trial period without requiring a formal application to amend the special use permit or to pave, curb and stripe the parking lot. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Randy Schmitz, owner of Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center located at 31101 County Road 133 has requested a conditional use permit to amend the special use permit to allow for a year round business and hold special events open to the public. The approved special use permit is for a seasonal business operating from May 1 through October 31st annually and for private events only, including weddings and corporate events. The applicant indicated that his primary business would still be private events but would like the option to offer special events other than weddings or corporate parties, such as his recent Wood Fired Wednesday event. Currently, food and liquor is catered and the plan is to continue that. However, the applicant would like that requirement removed since it is within the current approved special use permit. The serving of alcohol is governed under the City’s liquor ordinance, including prohibiting outdoor music beyond 10 PM for all events open to the public. The use/property is also subject to the City’s noise ordinance, which does not prohibit outdoor music at specific times for private events but rather if the City receives a noise complaint the police department would follow-up accordingly. Additionally, a variance has been requested to allow for continued relief from paving, striping and curbing the parking area. A variance may be granted if enforcement of a zoning ordinance provision on a particular property would cause the landowner practical difficulties as defined by MN State Statute 462.357. The applicant must satisfy the statutory three-factor test for practical difficulties. The practical difficulties factors are as follows: 1) That the property owner proposes to use the property is a reasonable manner. This factor means that the landowner would like to use the property in a particular reasonable way but cannot do so under the rules of the ordinance. It does not mean that the land cannot be put to any reasonable use without the variance so focus on whether the request to continue to allow gravel for the parking area is reasonable. In this case, the venue is rural and a gravel parking area is reasonable in such a setting. 2) That the landowner’s problem is due to circumstances unique to the property not caused by the landowner. The barn and other buildings, as well as the property with its rolling hills and large open space is a country setting rather than a typical urban development and therefore, is unique. 3) That the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Under this factor consider whether the gravel parking area will be out of place, or otherwise inconsistent with the surrounding area. In this case, granting the variance will not be out of place with the surrounding area given the rural setting of the property and surrounding area. ATTACHMENTS: Request for Council Action Resolution 2017-033 adopting Findings of Fact and approving a CUP Resolution 2017-034 adopting Findings of Fact and approving a Variance Applications and Site Plan Existing Special Use Permit REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Move to Approve Resolution 2017-033 and Resolution 2017- 034 Administrator Notes: When the original CUP was approved the venue was limited to private events with the alcohol catered. The CUP at this time is amended to allow for public events and currently it is for one night a week and is labeled Wood Fire Wednesday. The alcohol is catered by Short Stop who has the necessary license. Therefore, a City license is not required. Staff met with Randy Schmitz and Short stop to discuss how the Liquor Ordinances apply now that the venue has an open to the public night. Of particular concern was the fencing requirement and hours of operation. During the discussion it was determined that the fencing requirement is satisfied as the entire property is fenced. The Police Chief has requested that signage be placed before reaching the parking lot indicating “no alcohol beyond this point”. Staff also discussed that since the Wednesday night event is open to the public, the police can complete compliance checks. It was also discussed that if the facility is open more than one night a week to the public, the City would consider if a City liquor license is required for the facility. In talking to MN Liquor Control, it is discretionary with the City. At this time that is not an issue, this is more of a discussion for the future. RESOLUTION 2017-033 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACT AND APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PURPOSES OF OPERATING AN EVENT CENTER. WHEREAS, Randy Schmitz, Rolling Ridge Properties LLC, owner, has properly applied for a conditional use permit for an event center on the property generally described as 31101 County Road 133, St. Joseph, MN and legally described as follows: The East ¾ of the SE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 2, Township 124, Range 29, Stearns County, Minnesota, lying northerly of the centerline of County Road 133, except any portion within the following described parcels: First Exception. That part of the East 60 rods of the West 100 rods of the South Half of the Southwest Quarter except the North 1-1/2 rods thereof, in Section 2, Township 124, Range 29, according to the government survey thereof, lying West of a line drawn North at an angle of 89 degrees, 48 minutes and 24 seconds with the South line of the Southeast Quarter of said Southwest Quarter, as measured from East to North, from a point thereon distant 981.48 feet West of the Southeast corner of Said Southwest Quarter. Second Exception. That part of the S1/2 of SW1/4 of Section 2 and of NW1/4 of Section 11, all in Township 124, Range 29 described as follows: Commencing at a point on the North line of said S1/2 of SW1/4 of Section 2, Township 124, Range 29, 330 feet East of the NW corner of SE1/4 of SW1/4 of said Section 2; thence due South 612.2 feet to the point of beginning of the tract hereby conveyed; thence running South 49° 55’ West 793.37 feet; thence running South 40° 05’ East 333.50 feet to the centerline of a County Road as now constructed and traveled; thence running North 49° 55’ East along the centerline of said County Road 512.70 feet; thence due North 434.50 feet to the point of beginning and there terminating. Subject to the right-of-way for County Road 133 “Subject Property” WHEREAS, the St. Joseph Planning Commission held a public hearing on the conditional use permit on July 10, 2017, at which time all persons wishing to be heard regarding the matter were given an opportunity to be heard; and WHEREAS, on July 10, 2017, the St. Joseph Planning Commission reviewed the proposed conditional use permit and adopted Findings of Fact in support of granting a conditional use permit and recommended approval of the request for a conditional use permit to the City Council. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH, MINNESOTA, hereby makes the following Findings of Fact: 1. That the Subject Property is zoned B-2, Highway Business District and recreational services, theaters, bowling establishments, clubs, and lodges and uses similar in nature, such as an event center is a permitted Conditional Use. 2. That a special use permit was issued for the Subject Property allowing a seasonal event st center from May 1 – October 31 for private events, including weddings and corporate events. 3. That Rolling Ridge Properties LLC, hereinafter referred to as “Applicant,” properly applied for a conditional use permit to amend the approved special use permit to allow for a year round event center for both private and public special events. 4. That the applicant appeared before the St. Joseph Planning Commission for a public hearing pursuant to City Code on July 10, 2017 and that said public hearing was properly advertised, and the minutes are hereby incorporated as part of these findings by reference. 5. That the conditional use will not be detrimental to or endanger public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare of the neighborhood and will be harmonious to the to the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan of the City. 6. That the event center is located within the existing facilities and grounds on the property and is designed, constructed, operated and maintained so as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with character of the area and will not be hazardous or disturbing to existing or future neighboring uses. 7. That adequate utilities and services, including utilities, streets, drainage and other necessary facilities have been provided and will not create excessive additional costs for services and/or be detrimental to the economic welfare of the community. 8. That the conditional use will not involve activities, processes, materials, equipment and conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons, property, or general welfare because of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke, fumes, glare or odors. 9. That the existing access from County Road 133 will continue to provide access and will not create traffic congestion or interfere with traffic or surrounding public thoroughfares. 10. That the existing parking lots will provide sufficient off-street parking and loading space to serve the proposed use. 11. That the conditional use will not result in the loss or damage of natural, scenic or historic feature and the soil conditions are adequate to accommodate the use. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH, MINNESOTA, as follows: 1. Based on the aforementioned Findings of Fact, a conditional use permit (“Permit”) to allow a year round event center for private and public special events on the Subject Property is hereby granted. 2. That granting and upon recording of this Conditional Use Permit shall rescind the recorded Special Use Permit, Document A1423111 as filed with Stearns County. 3. The event center shall be primarily for private special event with limited special events open to the public. 4. Insurance – The property owner shall provide the City annually with a certificate of insurance, providing proof of insurance as an events center or gathering space. 5. The City’s Noise Ordinance shall be met. 6. The City’s Liquor Ordinance shall be met. Alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas, 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.” 7. All parking must be in designated areas and parking on CR 133 is prohibited. 8. Guest Suite – The events center includes a guest suite for private events to be utilized by the Bride and Groom or CEO reserving the facility with the following restrictions: the suite can only be occupied for one night; the suite will serve as a bread and breakfast with no cooking facilities with all food catered; the rental inspector shall annually inspect the unit to assure that life safety measures are satisfied. Typical rental inspection fees shall apply. 9. Occupancy Restrictions – Per MN State Building Code the maximum occupancy load must be posted and adhered to at all times. 10. All lighting shall deflect away from adjacent properties. 11. Any recreational bonfire must be located in a designated area approved by the Fire Chief. Proper fire safety measures must be in place, such as a hose and water during use. 12. That the Applicant is responsible for meeting all Federal, State, Local, and City requirements and obtaining any and all permits and licenses. 13. Revocation: The City Council shall revoke a conditional use permit when it determines that the terms and conditions of the permit as issued are no longer being complied with. A certified copy of an order of the City revoking a conditional use permit shall be filed with the County Recorder for recording. 14. Expiration: The conditional use permit shall expire if the authorized use ceases for any reason for more than one (1) year. 15. The City Administrator and/or his/her designee shall have the right to inspect the premises for compliance and safety purposes annually or at any time upon reasonable request. Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted by the St. Joseph City Council this 17th day of July, 2017. CITY OF ST. JOSEPH By Rick Schultz, Mayor By City Administrator RESOLUTION 2017-034 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACT AND APPROVING A VARIANCE FROM THE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENT. WHEREAS, Randy Schmitz, Rolling Ridge Properties LLC, owner, has properly applied for a variance from the paving, striping and curbing off-street parking requirement established in the Code of Ordinances of the City of St. Joseph on the property generally described as 31101 County Road 133, St. Joseph, MN and legally described as follows: The East ¾ of the SE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 2, Township 124, Range 29, Stearns County, Minnesota, lying northerly of the centerline of County Road 133, except any portion within the following described parcels: First Exception. That part of the East 60 rods of the West 100 rods of the South Half of the Southwest Quarter except the North 1-1/2 rods thereof, in Section 2, Township 124, Range 29, according to the government survey thereof, lying West of a line drawn North at an angle of 89 degrees, 48 minutes and 24 seconds with the South line of the Southeast Quarter of said Southwest Quarter, as measured from East to North, from a point thereon distant 981.48 feet West of the Southeast corner of Said Southwest Quarter. Second Exception. That part of the S1/2 of SW1/4 of Section 2 and of NW1/4 of Section 11, all in Township 124, Range 29 described as follows: Commencing at a point on the North line of said S1/2 of SW1/4 of Section 2, Township 124, Range 29, 330 feet East of the NW corner of SE1/4 of SW1/4 of said Section 2; thence due South 612.2 feet to the point of beginning of the tract hereby conveyed; thence running South 49° 55’ West 793.37 feet; thence running South 40° 05’ East 333.50 feet to the centerline of a County Road as now constructed and traveled; thence running North 49° 55’ East along the centerline of said County Road 512.70 feet; thence due North 434.50 feet to the point of beginning and there terminating. Subject to the right-of-way for County Road 133 “Subject Property” WHEREAS, the St. Joseph Planning Commission held a public hearing on the variance request on July 10, 2017, at which time all persons wishing to be heard regarding the matter were given an opportunity to be heard; and WHEREAS, on July 10, 2017, the St. Joseph Planning Commission reviewed the proposed variance and adopted Findings of Fact in support of granting a variance and recommended approval of the request for a variance to the City Council. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH, MINNESOTA, hereby makes the following Findings of Fact: 1. That the Subject Property is zoned B-2, Highway Business District and a special use permit was issued for the Subject Property allowing a seasonal event center from May 1 – st October 31. 2. That City Ordinance requires parking lots to be paved with a hard surface, including bituminous or concrete material, have perimeter curbing, and parking spaces to be striped. 3. That a variance was granted relieving the paving, curbing and striping of the off-street parking area on the Subject Property provided the event center was seasonal. 4. That a gravel parking lot and a bituminous parking lot with 20 parking spaces provides off-street parking on the Subject Property. 5. That Rolling Ridge Properties LLC, hereinafter referred to as “Applicant,” properly applied for a conditional use permit to amend the approved special use permit to allow for a year round event center. 6. That the Applicant has properly applied for a variance from the parking lot requirements to include relief from paving, curbing and striping of the parking area related to a year round business. 7. That the variance is consistent with the St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan and in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Ordinance. 8. That Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center operates an indoor and outdoor wedding and events venue in the barn and outdoor gardens on the Subject Property. 9. That the Applicant has established that there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. 10. That the current gravel parking area is reasonable given the rural setting with 14+/- acres of open space with rolling hills, a barn, house, and outbuildings. 11. That the buildings and property are unique given it is a country venue with hosting barn weddings and with the large open green space, silo, and outbuildings. 12. That the variance will not alter the essential character of the area given the property and surrounding properties are rural in nature. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH, MINNESOTA, as follows: 1. Based on the aforementioned Findings of Fact, a variance to allow relief from paving, striping and curbing the off-street parking area on the Subject Property is hereby granted. 2. The paved parking lot with 20 spaces shall be maintained. 3. The gravel parking area shall be maintained and parking shall be on the paved or gravel parking lots. Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted by the St. Joseph City Council this 17th day of July, 2017. CITY OF ST. JOSEPH By Rick Schultz, Mayor By City Administrator CITY OF ST. JOSEPH Applicant Randy L. Schmitz City of St. Joseph Application for Conditional Use Permit Phone: 320-980-3124 Email: randys@scenicspgcialties.com Mailing Address: 31101 county road 133 Saint Joseph MN 56374 Property Owner: Rolling Ridge Properties LLC Phone: 320-980-3124 Email: randys@scenicspecialties.com Mailing Address: 36107 County Road 2 Saint Joseph MN 56374 PROJECT INFORMATION: Project/Development Name Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center Project Location 31101 County Road 133 Saint Joseph MN Parcel Identification Number (PIN): R 84.53350.0100 Legal Description of Property (attach a separate document if needed): Section 02 Township 124 Range 029 Legal Description: 14 26AC E3/4SE4SW4 Lying N of CO RD 133. 31101 County Road 13 Purpose of Conditional Use Permit: To clarify language in previously issued Conditional Use Permit to allow better use of property with an expanded use similar the already permitted use Hours of operation, including days and times: 8AM-Midnight every day of the week. Submission Requirements: Application for a Conditional Use Permit shall be on this form and include the established application fee. The application and copies of the site plan shall be submitted three (3) weeks prior to the next Planning Commission meeting. Ten (10) 11x17 copies of the site plan drawn to scale, along with an electronic copy to scale showing the property dimensions, wetlands, floodplains, grading and drainage, landscaping, location of utilities, location of all existing and proposed buildings and their sizes, including square footage; location of all existing and St. Joseph Application Conditional Use Page 3 proposed curb cuts, driveways, access roads, parking spaces, off-street loading areas, and sidewalks must be submitted in the initial application. The City may request additional data deemed reasonable and necessary related to the conditional use. A written narrative outlining the Conditional Use requested, along with any information explaining the operation is required to be submitted as part of your application. Review and Decision by the City Council. The City Council shall review the application after the Planning Commission has made its recommendation and will make a final determination to either approve or deny the application. In the granting of approval, the City Council may impose conditions regarding the location, character and other features of the proposed building, structure or use as it may deem necessary. This application must be signed by all owners of the subject property. We, the undersigned, have read and understand the above and that we are responsible for reimbursing the City for any additional legal, engineering, building inspection or planning fees related to the Conditional Use. 4 of L of Ow r (s) FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Fee: $500 Paid Date Date Date application submitted: Date application completed: Planning Commission Recommendation: Approved Denied Date of Action: City Council Action: Approved Denied Date of Action: Date Applicant/Property owner notified: A Joseph Application Conditional Use Page 14 Requested CUP changes or amendments • Use of facility year round January — December • Permanent relief from all parking lot provisions (regardless of month of year) • Allow use of property for events other than private events- remove verbiage that "excludes events that are exclusively entertainment in nature." Ability to provide service of food or alcoholic beverages through our own business with proper licensure and successful approval of appropriate application. Current verbiage states "All events will include catered food & alcohol" • Clarification / refinement on outdoor music as it is limited to Noise Ordinance 1002, noise. We would like to be able to play amplified music with use of lights until midnight (or 12:15) for private events. We want to make sure future residents or future uses of neighboring properties will not restrict our use of outdoor music as it remains a significant competitive advantage and has worked well for every wedding that has done it. We have thoughtfully restored our historic farm property and it has been successfully and practically used for events since the fall of 2015. We have had no issues or complaints from neighbors or neighboring properties. Prior to completing the restoration of our property, we were granted a Conditional use permit and a variance to host weddings and events on our property without the need to comply with traditional parking lot rules on a seasonal basis. Traditionally, weddings and events are held on Thursdays -Sundays and primarily during warm weather months. We'd like to make some Improvements to our business model to accommodate for use of our space during cold weather months and during days of the week that are less traditionally used for events for increased business stability and to avoid confusion regarding the use of our facility. Our current CUP and variance has specific language that limits the use to May -October and limits the type of events that can occur. We feel it is best to make changes to the verbiage so that we can successfully market our property and remain viable in a competitive market. We are often rejected by potential brides because the seasonal verbiage eludes to the fact that we are not temperature controlled or open to complete tours etc during November -April. Many of our brides and their families or wedding professionals need to view our property to accurately plan, measure or view our property prior to their scheduled event. Currently we are not "open to the public" which requires private appointments for these visits. We have created a revised business plan that would provide a reasonable opportunity for our booked guests to return on a consistent basis without the need to schedule a private appointment. According to our current CUP, this opportunity technically is considered an "open to the public" event. • Weddings average 3 guest per vehicle/ parking space • Many people car pool or shuttles are provided for guests by the wedding party • Current grass areas of field parking allows water to percolate and naturally drain • The recycled bituminous gravel that is used for the main driveway areas is dust free • Parking stripes are made by spraying the stripe / grass with roundup. No paint needed • No issues with dust, snow removal or vehicles getting stuck- 2 years of use • 20+ paved spaces are provided. Adequate for handicap use 11 tlomerlace Print page CALL TOLL-FREE 1-866-768-8465 Page 1 of 2 Variation ID: 6110, Variation Spec: 16 -ft x 20 -ft Wood, Options pictured: stain (Mahogany) Print http://www.homeplacestructures.com/frontsite/printpage.php?imageurl=http://www.homep... 6/16/2017 CITY OF ST. JOSEPH APPLICANT INFORMATION: Name (s): Randy L. Schmitz Address: 31101 County Road 133 City: Saint Joseph City of St. Joseph Application for Variance State: MN Email Address: randys@scenicspecialties.com INFORMATION ON PROPERTY OWNER (if different from Applicant): Property Owner: Rolling Ridge Properties LLC. Address: 36107 County Road 2 Saint Joseph MN 56374 Telephone: 320-980-3124 PROPERTY INFORMATION: Date: 6/16/2017 Zip: 56374 Email: randys@scenicspecialties.com Street Address of Subject Property: 31101 County Road 133 Saint Joseph MN 56374 Purpose of Variance: Permanent (Year Round) relief from required parking lot improvements including but not limited to paving, striping, curbing, Drainage or holding ponds for parking lot Legal Description of Property (may be attached instead of listed): 14.26AC E3/4SE4SW4 Lying N of CO RD 133 VARIANCE APPROVAL The City Council may allow a departure from the terms of the zoning ordinance pertaining to setbacks, height or width of structures or the size of yard and open spaces where such departure will still be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance. A variance may be granted if enforcement of a zoning ordinance provision as applied to a particular piece of property would cause the landowner "practical difficulties." For a variance to be granted, the applicant must satisfy a three -factor test for practical difficulties under state statute. All three factors must be satisfied to constitute practical difficulties. The factors are as follows: That the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner but cannot do so under the rules of the ordinance. Explain how this applies to your request: Current relief from parking lot provisions is limited to May -October which restricts use 6 months out of the year. St. Joseph Application for Variance page 14 2. That the landowner's problem is due to circumstances unique to the property not caused by the landowner. There are uniquely exceptional circumstances or conditions applying to the land, structure or building in question that do not generally apply to other properties in the same zoning district i.e. sloping topography or other natural features. Explain how this applies to your request: The historic farm property is rural in nature with rolling hills. maintaining the maximum amount of greenspace is essential to maintain the character of the property. Paving would adversely alter the organic characteristics of the area. That if the variance is granted it will not alter the essential character of the locality meaning the structure will not be out of scale, out of place, or otherwise inconsistent with the surrounding area. Explain how this applies to your request: The greenspace and lack of hard surface pavement enhances the look of the property Parking areas are used only during periods when the event space is rented. NOTE: Economic considerations alone shall not constitute practical difficulties. Rather, practical difficulties exist only when the three statutory factors are met. Additional conditions may be imposed to ensure compliance with the City Code and to protect adjacent properties. APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE APPROVAL Applications for Variance Approval shall be on this form and shall include the established fee. The application and copies of the site plan shall be submitted three (3) weeks prior to the next Planning Commission meeting. (Please see attached meeting schedule). The application shall contain twelve (12) copies (8.5"x11" or 11"x17") of exhibits, which will include the following information: ❑ Site Plan drawn at scale showing parcel, grading, landscaping and location of utilities, as applicable. ❑ Location of all buildings and their square footage. ❑ Curb cuts, driveways, access roads, parking spaces, off-street loading areas and sidewalks. ❑ Landscaping and screening plans. ❑ Sanitary sewer and water plan with estimated use per day. ❑ Drainage and grading plan; indicate soil type. ❑ Any additional information reasonably required by the City Staff, Planning Commission or City Council. We, the undersigned, hereby certify that we have read, examined and understand this application and that the information submitted herein and attached hereto is true, accurate, and correctly states my intentions. Signature of Applicant: Z Signature of Owner- TG�y G 6/16/2017 Date: 6/16/2017 STAFF USE ONLY Application Fee Due: $400.00 Application Fee Received by: Date Application Received: St. Joseph Application for Variance Page l 5 This page intentionally left blank 1