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Mr. Williams asked if Staff knew what Baxter requires in their Ordinance for a retail <br /> store. Mr. Marohn will look that up. Mr. Williams asked the applicant how much space <br /> is for storage. Mr. Tucci guessed possibly 10%. Mr. Williams stated the 335 parking <br /> spaces may be inflated as not all of the building is retail. Mr. Marohn stated he had not <br /> considered that but that would only reduce a few stalls. <br /> When asked by Mr. Williams, Mr. Tucci stated there would be 15 to 20 employees <br /> depending on time and day. The hard surface in the rear could be striped for more <br /> employee parking. The handicapped stalls are based on square footage and is an ADA <br /> requirement. <br /> Discussion followed regarding non-patrons using the parking lot. Mr. Tucci stated it <br /> would be in the operators' best interest not to allow non-patron parking. <br /> Mr. Pederson stated he had gone to Cub and tried to count the parking spaces. There <br /> were less than 300. He didn't know how the size of Cub compares with this store. We <br /> should limit parking,not increase it. Both Number 2's should be removed. <br /> Mr. Adams stated the requirement is too high. The store itself wants to have sufficient <br /> parking and presumes the store has made a good assessment on their parking needs. We <br /> worry too much about parking; it would be nice if there were not enough parking. <br /> Mr. Hallan stated the distance in the back could be utilized to add parking. Four stalls for <br /> people with boats may not be enough but you cannot design for that. <br /> Chairman Woog stated he went to Schaefer's and counted 111 stalls with 6 being <br /> handicapped plus 20 at the liquor store with 2 handicapped spaces. Mr. Tucci stated he <br /> believes the two stores are similar in size. Chairman Woog stated he has seen their lot <br /> full with no parking on the highway or where they shouldn't. <br /> A motion was made by Scott Pederson, seconded by Tom Adams,to approve a Variance <br /> to 150 total stalls, based on the following Findings of Fact: <br /> 1. The required number of parking spaces is approximately 300. The applicant is <br /> proposing 136,which is the reason for variance request. <br /> 2. A deviation, with conditions would not be in keeping with the spirit and intent of <br /> the Ordinance. The applicant has indicated that the 136 stalls will meet their needs <br /> for parking. They make this claim based on their experience constructing similar <br /> stores. Since Pequot Lake's ordinance is based on experience with small <br /> developments, it is likely that the Code overestimates that number of stalls needed <br /> for a building of this size. <br /> 3. The proposed retail use is a conditional use in the Commercial Zoning District. <br /> 4. The variance will not alter the character of the neighborhood. Adjacent properties <br /> are zoned Commercial with commercial establishments. <br /> Minutes 3 <br /> Pequot Lakes Planning Commission <br /> September 17, 2009 <br />