Maple Grove City Council — Transcript
Monday, August 31, 2026
Story
City Council unanimously approves three commercial property amendments
Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Outdoor Storage of Commercial Vehicles (U-Haul)
Variance to Parking Lot Setback Standards and Conditional Use Permit for Deferment of Required Parking
Review of Ordinance on Decks and Setbacks
Votes (4)
Planning Case 2605: Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Outdoor Storage at 3241 Wind Park Drive
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Redden [00:11:43,400] · Seconded by Unknown [00:11:51,570]
The applicant, Sanders property LLC, sought to reduce an approved outdoor storage area from 20,500 sq ft to 3,450 sq ft in the northern portion of the property. This change is to allow for the creation of additional parking (25 stalls, up from 18) for a new tenant. Staff highlighted that even with the reduction, the outdoor storage still exceeds 20% of the gross floor area, necessitating the CUP amendment. All previous conditions regarding setbacks, screening, snow storage, and hazardous materials remain in effect.
Planning Case 2606: Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Outdoor Storage of Commercial Vehicles at 3216 Winnetka Avenue North
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:22:31,000] · Seconded by Unknown [00:22:42,270]
U-Haul, operating a self-storage facility, sought to amend its CUP to allow the rental, storage, and display of up to four U-Haul trucks. The proposal includes adding three new parking stalls in the outdoor storage area and designating one stall along Winnetka Avenue North for drop-off and display. Staff noted that while the 2017 CUP prohibited commercial uses other than storage, the current request supports the comprehensive plan's goals for reinvestment. Existing fencing needs full screening, and a license for truck rentals is required.
Planning Case 2603: Variance to Parking Lot Setback Standards and Conditional Use Permit for Deferment of Required Parking at 4300 Quebec Avenue North
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:41:49,400] · Seconded by Unknown [00:41:53,970]
The applicant, Truex Group, LLC, sought variances for parking lot setbacks on the north and south property lines, and a CUP to defer striping 17 of 75 required personal vehicle stalls. The property's new tenants, including 'Air Movers,' increased parking demand. A unique 'dual-use' scenario was proposed where personal vehicles would park in commercial truck stalls when trucks are off-site, potentially accommodating up to 60 personal vehicles. Staff emphasized no new pavement is proposed, only restriping existing areas. Conditions included specific setback requirements, a restrictive covenant for deferred parking, and maintaining emergency vehicle access.
New Business: Discussion on Ordinance for Decks and Setbacks
Community Development Director Jeff Sargeant initiated a discussion on current ordinance discrepancies regarding setbacks for decks and other structures like balconies, open porches, and even garages. Staff's interpretation found that decks at or below ground level, or any height in the rear yard, could be located all the way to the property line, which was seen as problematic. Commissioners expressed strong sentiment that setbacks serve a vital purpose and should not be easily encroached upon, especially for elements like stairs or noisy equipment. There was a consensus for staff to thoroughly review and amend the ordinance to ensure clarity, uniformity, and greater restriction on encroachments.
Notable Quotes (12)
The applicant is requesting to amend the conditions for outdoor storage to actually reduce the amount of outdoor storage that’s currently on the site. This would provide, um, space and convert that some of that outdoor storage area into parking for a new tenant that’s going to be entering the property.
So even with this reduction of outdoor storage, they are still going to be above that 20% threshold. And that’s why the conditional use permit, at least the amendment to the conditions permit is needed.
Yes.
The applicant for this property is requesting an amendment to the conditional use permit for open outdoor storage to allow for the rental, storage and display of U-Haul trucks at 3216 Winnetka Avenue North.
A condition of approval that was associated with the 2017 Cup prohibited all commercial uses other than storage at this property.
Most of them, almost 99% of them are already done.
In addition to the parking setback variance, the applicant is requesting a conditional use Permit for the deferment of required parking based on the proposed and existing uses inside of the building.
The application describes a dual use system for the 30 commercial vehicle stalls in the area, circled on screen. When operators arrive for work, they would park their personal vehicles inside the same large stall that their assigned commercial truck occupies.
We will be able to abide by the conditions and we'll see you.
But if a deck is at or below the ground floor level, then the deck may be located essentially all the way to the property line. It doesn’t give any restrictions as far as how close that deck can be. If it’s a first floor and then in the rear yard, it says that decks of any height. It’s our interpretation that decks of any height may be located up to that rear property line as well. Doesn’t make sense in our estimate that we allow for structures that are essentially could be attached to the principal structure to have no setback requirements and allow an encroachment all the way up to a property line.
The stair thing, I mean, you don’t want it all the way to the property line. That would be silly, because if the stairs started at the property line, you’d have to be on the other property to get on the stairs. And if you don’t like your neighbor, that doesn’t happen. I also feel like it opens it up to people expanding what’s included in the stairs and kind of being like, oh look, it’s a whole like patio, you know, like, yeah. So I don’t know. In my mind it would be included as well.
I agree, I, I honestly, I don’t like anything that’s an encroachment to a setback. They’re there for a reason. And when you read the exceptions I was like, okay, what’s not an exception? Right. I think. That needs to be cleaned up even more than what we’re looking at for that piece.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Conditional Use Permit amendment for outdoor storage at 3241 Wind Park Drive.
Required for open outdoor storage exceeding 20% of gross floor area and for specific commercial uses.
Supports requested conditional uses and promotes reinvestment in industrial districts.
Governs requirements for conditional use permits, setbacks, and parking standards.
The current comprehensive plan for the city, influencing land use decisions.
Conditional Use Permit amendment for outdoor storage of commercial vehicles at 3216 Winnetka Avenue North.
Requires a license for the rental of trucks and trailers.
Variance to parking lot setback standards and conditional use permit for deferment of required parking at 4300 Quebec Avenue North.
Local newspaper where public hearing notices are published.
City ordinance under discussion for ambiguities regarding structural encroachments into required yards.
Mandates the construction of proof of parking area if demand exceeds supply for 4300 Quebec Avenue North.