Council endorses modified Duffy site plan, directs building official to resolve ADA and fire-code issues

The City of St. Paul Park City Council on April 20 endorsed changes made to the Duffy site plan and instructed the city building official to work with the property owner to resolve code-compliance items, including Americans with Disabilities Act and fire-code issues.

Nate, planning staff, told the council that the Duffy project received a planned unit development and site plan approval in 2023 but that the site as built differs from that plan. He said parking was relocated, landscaping plans were modified and some plantings were omitted; the owner placed trap rock along the curb in locations the county has said are not allowed. Nate said the handicap parking space and site layout must be demonstrated to meet ADA and fire-code requirements.

Council members discussed options: accepting the as-built changes, sending the project back to the Planning Commission for a hearing, or asking the applicant to alter the site to conform to the original approval. The council ultimately moved to accept the site plan subject to resolution of the code-compliance items by the building official and to receive an update when those items are addressed.

Council noted that the county may remove rock placed in the right-of-way where not permitted, and that the letter of credit held by the city can be adjusted by the city administrator to secure funds necessary to correct outstanding issues. The motion to accept the modified site plan with those exceptions passed unanimously, 4-0.

The council did not order a full re-review by the Planning Commission; instead staff will work with Duffy’s representatives to ensure the handicap stall complies with ADA standards and that fire access and other code items are corrected before final acceptance.