HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/23/2003 P&Z minutes 39-03MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
CASE NO. PZ-39-03
Hearing Date: October 23, 2003
PETITIONER:
Pochter Group Ltd
1601-1639 S. Busse Rd.
PUBLICATION DATE:
September 10, 2003
PIN #:
08-23-100-013
REQUEST:
Conditional Use for a PUD
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Arlene Juracek, Chairperson
Merrill Cotten
Joseph Donnelly
Leo Floros
Richard Rogers
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Matthew Sledz
Keith Youngquist
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Michael Jacobs, AICP, Deputy Director of Community Development
Judy Connolly, AICP, Senior Planner
INTERESTED PARTIES:
Stephen Comoran
Barbara Dickson
Chuck Martin
Keith Pochter
Todd Shaffer
Peter Uliasz
Dan Wander
Chairperson Arlene Juracek called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Merrill Cotten made a motion to approve the
minutes of the September 25 meeting, seconded by Richard Rogers. The September meeting minutes were approved
4-0, with one abstention by Leo Floros. At 7:37 pm, Ms. Juracek introduced Case No PZ-39-03, a request for a
Conditional Use for a PUD.
Judy Connolly, Senior Planner, presented the case and said the Petitioner's proposal calls for the development as a
Planned Unit Development (PUD). The review procedure for a PUD requires Preliminary Plan review and
recommendation by the P&Z Commission and final action by the Village Board. Following completion of the
Preliminary Plan process, the Petitioner will be required to obtain Final Plan approval. It's important that the
Commission keeps this in mind and that tonight's review is on a conceptual design. All details must be resolved prior
to review of the Final Plan. Final Plan approval entails review and recommendation by the P&Z Commission and final
action by the Village Board. The Petitioner is proposing a multi-use development consisting of: a 4,500 square-foot
bank with five drive-thru lanes; a two-story, 16,000 square-foot office building; and a 4,754 square-foot restaurant
with a drive-thru. In addition to these buildings, the development would include parking, landscaping and stormwater
detention improvements. The proposed development is consistent with the Village's Land Use Plan, which designates
the Subject Property as "Community - Commercial".
Ms. Connolly said the proposed development consists of three buildings located on a single lot of record. Since the
Zoning Ordinance requires each primary structure to be located on its own lot of record, the Petitioner is seeking
approval for a PUD to allow multiple structures on a single lot. The proposed PUD would result in a more cohesive
development of the irregular shaped property because it minimizes potential traffic impacts and allows for better
interior circulation between the three uses.
Planning & Zoning Commission PZ-39-03
Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 2
Ms. Connolly noted that the site plan indicates that each of the proposed buildings would meet the Zoning Ordinance's
minimum setback requirements. The B-3 District allows a maximum building height of 30 feet. In reviewing the
Petitioner's proposal, Staff found that the 28-foot building height of the proposed restaurant meets code, but the
proposed 2-story office building measures 34-feet in height. This exceeds the District's height limitations and requires
Variation approval. While the majority of the office building complies with the height limitations, the building
includes some design/entry features that extend to a height of 34-feet. Also, specific building elevations have not been
provided for the bank building. Without this information, Staff cannot confirm whether the building would meet the
District's height requirements. Since relief has not been requested, the bank building would be required to comply
with the District's maximum height limitation. Most of the proposed site plan complies with the Village's parking
setback requirements, but there are two areas that require approval of a Variation: The first area is the 19 angled
parking spaces along the east lot line of the site require a minimum setback of 10 feet, the Petitioner proposes a 5-½
foot setback.
Ms. Connolly noted that the proposed site plan includes parking spaces along the south and west sides of the office
building. These spaces would be accessed directly from the existing service drive that runs along the rear of the Plaza
United center. The Plat of Survey indicates that an existing easement along the south lot line of the Subject Property
allows access to/from the Plaza United Shopping Center, so vehicles are permitted to use this easement to access the
Petitioner's lot of record. The proposed parking spaces along the south and west sides of the office building have no
setback since they would be accessed directly from the adjacent service drive. The Petitioner is seeking relief from the
Village's 10-foot parking setback requirement, however, Staff is concerned that this proposed configuration may
conflict with delivery trucks or service vehicles using the existing service drive to gain access to the tenant spaces
within the Plaza United center. A potential solution may be to limit the parking spaces in this area to employee
parking only, which would restrict the amount of vehicle turnover. Another alternative would be to eliminate these
parking spaces altogether, which would eliminate potential traffic conflicts and provide additional
landscaping/screening opportunities for the office building Based on the calculations provided by the Petitioner, the
overall development would have a total lot coverage calculation of 74.18%, which falls just below the District's
maximum allowable lot coverage of 75%. The Preliminary Landscape Plan provides a conceptual design with regards
to the size, general type, and location of proposed plantings for the Subject Property. The information provided
indicates that the amount of the interior parking lot landscaping meets code. However, the Petitioner must submit a
more detailed landscape plan that includes specifics regarding the size and species for all landscaping as part of the
Final Plan submittal. It is important that the landscaping plan maintain a consistent theme throughout the entire
development and include hardy, salt-resistant ground cover and plants, that it provide more year-round screening, and
that the foundation landscaping for the office building consist of materials that are an appropriate height and species.
As a PUD, it is anticipated that the proposed development will contain cross access and shared parking agreements
between all three of the uses. Although the project would be a unified development, the Petitioner has provided a Site
Plan that delineates the 'parking fields' for each of the proposed uses. The Petitioner's proposal exceeds the an~ount of
required parking based on the combination of proposed uses. The Staff Report includes a detailed analysis of code
requirements vs. the Petitioner's proposal. Due to these circumstances Staff recommends the Petitioner revise the Site
Plan by eliminating the 12 parking spaces along the south and west sides of the office building as well as additional
spaces along the Dempster Street frontage. The removal of additional parking spaces will allow for some additional
green space both along the perimeter and within the interior of the proposed development, while the overall number of
available parking spaces would still exceed the amount of required parking.
The proposed PUD calls for a combined tenant sign at the comer of Busse & Dempster and a freestanding sign in front
of the Culver's restaurant. The size and location of the Culver's freestanding sign on the Dempster Street frontage
complies with the Sign Code regulations. However, the proposed 28 square-foot menu board sign (consisting of three
panel boards) exceeds the 16 square foot limitation. Recently, the P&Z approved an oversized menu board for a new
restaurant that featured three distinct restaurants/tenants. In comparison, Culver's would be the only tenant/user. Also,
the Petitioner is requesting a 16 square foot 'pre-order menu' board sign in addition to the oversized menu board.
While the request may be consistent with the drive-thru restaurant industry's expectations, the requests do not comply
with Village regulations. Reducing the size of the menu board to no more than 20 square feet would be consistent with
Planning & Zoning Commission PZ-39-03
Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 3
previous relief granted by the P&Z and still allow the Petitioner flexibility to promote menu items. The Petitioner
proposes a freestanding sign that would be shared by the bank, the Culver's restaurant, and up to four tenants of the
office building. The proposed sign's size, location and materials comply with the Village's Sign Code regulations.
Ms. Connolly pointed out that the Petitioner's submittal only included elevations for the office building and Culver's
restaurant. The office building elevations indicate that the building facade will be a tan colored brick and include stone
accents. The design incorporates large, expansive windows and curvilinear entrance features to provide architectural
relief for the flat roof. The elevations for the Culver's restaurant indicate the building will have a blue metal roof and
the facade will be constructed primarily of white brick Or Split faced CMU with some blue soldier course accents. To
ensure that the proposed development will have a consistent design theme, more detailed information and material
samples must be provided for each of the proposed buildings.
The proposed office building exceeds the 30-foot height limitation for the B-3 District. The design of the building is
primarily a flat-roofed structure with several curvilinear entrance features that are intended to soften the look of the
building. Although the proposed design features may improve the appearance of the building, there is no apparent
hardship that requires the building to exceed the 30-foot limitation: However, as part of the PUD approval process, the
Village Board may approve deviations from the bulk regulations when they find that the proposed exception would not
adversely impact the value or use of any other property.
The Petitioner's proposal would utilize the existing curb cuts on Busse and Dempster, in addition to maintaining access
to the adjacent Plaza United commercial development. Staff's preliminary analysis indicates that the eastern most
driveway must be modified to create a dedicated left-turn lane onto Dempster Street. The dedicated left-turn lane will
allow traffic to exit the site safely and minimize congestion within the development. Also, directional arrows must be
painted onto the pavement surface (per the Village's Traffic Engineer's direction) to ensure safe interior circulation
throughout the site.
The Petitioner's Site Plan indicates that the bank's drive-thru lanes would be located along the building's west
elevation. Staff reviewed access to the site and found that by eliminating one drive,thru lane that the bank could be
reconfigured by shifting the drive-thru lanes to the SOuth or east side of the building. This modification to the site plan
would make the highly visible west elevation of the bank building more aesthetically Pleasing while also creating a
safer interior circulation pattern. Also, the petitioner must address how traffic flow will function along the south
portion of the site. Twelve parking spaces are proposed with access off of a service alley that contains dumpsters,
delivery areas and an enclosed children's play area. The site plan must be redesigned to reflect the outdoor play area
and any other permanent structures in the service area that would impede traffic flow.
In conjunction with development projects the Village's Development Code requires right-of-way improvements such
as the installation of parkway trees and public sidewalks. The Subject Property currently contains public sidewalk
along a portion of the site's perimeter (along Busse Road frontage) and some parkway trees near the intersection of
Busse & Dempster. Prior to review of the Final Plan the Petitioner must revise the plans to include the required right-
of-way improvements.
In order to approve the proposed PUD request, it must meet the Conditional Use Standards listed in the Zoning
Ordinance. The standards relate to the Conditional Use not having a detrimental impact on the public health, safety,
morals, comfort or general welfare; the Conditional Use not being injurious to the use, enjoyment, or value of other
properties in the vicinity or impede the orderly development of those properties; that the design allows for providing
utilities, adequate drainage, with minimal congestion on Village streets; and compliance of the Conditional Use with
the provisions of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and other Village Ordinances.
The Petitioner's request to construct a bank with a drive-thru, a restaurant with a drive-thru, and an office building
requires Conditional Use approval for a Planned Unit Development (PUD), The information submitted for review
indicates that the proposed uses would work well together at this location. However, additional information is
required, as well as modifications to the plans, in order for the Petitioner to demonstrate that the proposed PUD
Planning & Zoning Commission PZ-39-03
Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 4
complies with the Village Code.
Based on these findings, Staff recommends that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommend approval of the
Petitioner's request for Preliminary Plan approval for the proposed uses as indicated on the site plan prepared by OKW
Architects dated October 10, 2003, relief from the Sign Code to allow an additional freestanding sign/pre-order menu
board as shown on Exhibit A, relief as needed from the parking setback requirements, relief from the B~3 District's
height limitations to allow a 34-foot office building, subject to the following modifications:
1. Revise the Site Plan to provide a dedicated left mm lane for the eastern most driveway and address any other
modifications required by Staff following a complete analysis of the Site Plan and Traffic Study;
2. Demonstrate that the 12 parking stalls along the south and west sides of the office building will function safely
or revise the plan to eliminate them.
3. Revise the Site Plan so the bank's drive-thru lanes are relocated to the south or east elevation of the building;
4. Revise the landscape plan to include: 1) at least 75% year-round foundation landscaping for all of the
buildings; 2) detail sheets for the various landscape features; and 3) viable, Iow-maintenance ground cover
within the parking lot landscape islands;
5. Provide detailed information (including building material samples, colors, etc.) for the proposed office, bank
and restaurant buildings prior to proceeding with the Final Plan approval process;
6. Revise the signage as follows: 1) modify the Culver's menu board so it has no more than two panels and
measures no more than 20 square feet; and 2) reduce the height of the directional signs to no more than three-
feet from grade or relocate the signs out of the sight triangle area; and 3) provide detailed information for the
proposed wall signs for all the buildings to document compliance with Sign Code regulations;
7. Develop the site in accordance with all applicable Village Codes and requirements, including, but not limited
to, detention requirements, Fire Prevention Code regulations, lighting regulations, Sign Code regulations
except as noted in the Staff Report; and building regulations; and
8. Obtain permits from MWRD, IDOT, and any other applicable agency as may be required to develop the site as
proposed.
The Village Board's decision is final for this case.
Keith Pochter, Pochter Group LTD, Northbrook, IL and Dan Wander, Terraco, Inc., 8707 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL,
were sworn in and testified Pochter had been in the development business over 40 years and Terraco for over 20 years.
They mentioned several large developments in the area they are currently working on. All anticipated witnesses were
sworn in at this time.
Peter Uliasz, Architect, came forward and highlighted some areas of the proposed project. He said landscaping had
been seasonally planned. He pointed out the building architecture had been planned to avoid a '~top-heavy"
appearance. He provided examples of proposed building materials: limestone for the base; masonry brick, pre-finished
aluminum coping; orange-red and brown-red brick; dark bronze architectural metals and pictures of wall sconces. He
said tenants would not be allowed to have their own sign. One sign will be used in the lobby. Board members had
questions about the building height and whether the HVAC was included in the height. Those questions were left to be
answered at a later date.
Todd Schaffer, Haeger Engineering, Rolling Meadows, IL, came forward and testified that 30% more above and below
ground storm water detention would be provided than was previously provided in the area of the proposed project. To
accommodate the buildings. This is in accordance with Mount Prospect Ordinance and MWRD Regulations.
Chuck Martin, Culvers, 599 Hawthorne Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL, came forward and testified he is a future Culvers
franchisee and is excited about opening in the Mount Prospect location and anticipates a high rate of success. He said
this restaurant will be a little larger than the standard Culvers. He held up a board showing the samples of the building
materials to be used on the building. Mr. Martin showed pictures of the Culvers Menu Board and reiterated their need
for their need at least a 28 sq.ft, menu board.
lanning & Zoning Commission PZ-39-03
Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 5
Steve Corcoran, Principal and Traffic Engineer with Metra Transportation, who prepared the traffic study for the
proposed project, testified this is a 3-frontage site with 4 existing access points. He explained how they determined
trip generation and capacity analysis. He explained why the 5' setback requested by the Board would not be feasible.
Board members had concerns about Day Care Center children playing in a playground adjacent to a driveway to the
center. Keith Pochter said he will talk to the Day Care Center owners about moving their playground.
Chair Juracek closed the hearing at 9:11 p.m.
Board members said they felt that, after some suggested changes are made, this would be a very attractive addition to
an area that is presently an eyesore in Mount Prospect.
Richard Rogers voted to recommend approval of a request for a Conditional Use for a PUD for 1601-1639 S. Busse
Rd., PZ-39-03, with the eight conditions imposed by staff (except #6); the Bank drive-up to be moved off of Dempster
or Busse; playlot to be worked out with the other owner and the building having a Dempster address. Joseph Donnelly
seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL:
AYES: Cotten, Donnelly, Floros, Rogers and Juracek
NAYS: None
Motion was approved 5-0.
Chuck Martin of Culvers asked to address the group again before voting on the menu board occurred. He asked the
group to consider allowing no pre-signage and allowing a total 32 sq. ft of signage and no visual clutter from the street.
Joseph Donnelly voted to recommend approval of one 32 sq. ft. sign as presented, with the condition that it is screened
with year round landscaping from the driveways and the roads and is only visible from the drive-up area for 1601-1639
S. Busse Rd., PZ-39-03. Richard Rogers seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL:
AYES: Cotten, Donnelly, Floros, Rogers and Juracek
NAYS: None
Motion was approved 5-0.
At 10:30 p.m, Richard Rogers made motion to adjourn, seconded by Leo Floros. The motion was approved by a voice
vote and the meeting was adjourned.
Michael Jacobs, AICP
Deputy Director Community Development
Judy Connolly, AICP, Senior Planner
H:~PLAN~lanning&Zoning COMM~&Z2003LMinutes~PZ-39-03 1601-39SBusseRd 10-23 mtg.doc