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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,June 17,2002 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#02-2788 BRAD AND CAROL PASS,Continued) <br /> applicant to do what they need to do in terms of purchases while still providing the City with some <br /> written assurance. <br /> Mr.Alcon asked if proceeding to City Council to present the final access of conservation at the <br /> time of final plat could be added. Bremer seconded. VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. <br /> (#7)WJM PROPERTIES,260 WAYZATA BLVD.WEST,COMMERCIAL SITE PLAN/CUP <br /> 9:43 p.m.- 11:20 p.m. <br /> Attorney Peter Johnson and Steve Fichtel were present representing the Applicant. <br /> Weinberger reported that WJM Properties has applied for a Commercial Site Plan Review for changes to <br /> the use of the property located at 2605 West Wayzata Boulevard(formerly Washington Scientific). The <br /> request is to locate a wholesale distribution facility primarily serving the retail automotive operations <br /> under the Morries automotive sales group. The building is proposed to be used for auto prep, a body <br /> shop, storage, a central parts warehouse, offices, and a 32,800 s.f. indoor auto sales showroom for fleet <br /> sales and leasing to corporate customers. <br /> Weinberger noted that a conditional use permit is required for outside storage of vehicles that would be <br /> located in the south and southeast parking lots. The outside storage would be damaged cars and cars"in <br /> process". The outside storage area would include the parking areas south and southeast of the existing <br /> building. A second conditional use permit would be required for an"open sales lot"the outside <br /> storage/display of vehicles for the fleet sales and leasing operation. The intent of which is to have these <br /> vehicles available for fleet or business customers for demonstration or test drives. <br /> Weinberger reminded the Commission that the Orono zoning ordinance does not permit"retail sales"in <br /> the I, Industrial zoning district. Retail use of the property for general customer visits for the purposes of <br /> purchasing a vehicle or parts, is not permitted on the property. However,proposed uses such as the body <br /> shop, auto processing, and wholesale of cars and parts are permitted uses in the district. The I district <br /> lists"automobile and truck painting,major repair,body and fender work,upholstering,tire recapping and <br /> sales when completely enclosed within a building. <br /> Weinberger noted that the body shop would be in an area of approximately 45,000 s.f. and the auto prep <br /> area would occupy 18,300 s.f.,both within the building and permitted within the I zoning district. <br /> Mr. Johnson indicated that the property would not be used as a dealership and parts would be sold only <br /> as wholesale at the eastern portion of the building consisting of approximately 62,700 s.f. <br /> Weinberger referred to the outside storage and the proposed use of berming,plantings, and many existing <br /> trees along the north side of the parking section to give screening to that area. <br /> With regard to signage,while retail use relies on advertising signage to attract customers,wholesale <br /> operations normally provide signage to identify the site. Weinberger maintained that the proposed <br /> signage did not suggest that the building was a retail auto dealership,but rather identified the user of the <br /> facility. <br /> PAGE 19 OF 29 <br />