Blaine planning commission approves preliminary plat and conditional use permit for two large office/industrial buildings

The City of Blaine Planning Commission voted Dec. 10 to recommend approval of case file 24-0065, a preliminary plat and conditional use permit to divide 12.45 acres into two parcels and allow two office/industrial buildings with a shared 0-foot lot line and combined parking arrangement.

Staff planner Shawn told commissioners the proposal converts two existing outlots into two buildable parcels and proposes roughly 84,000 square feet of building area on each. He said the proposal meets the Planned Business District architectural and landscape standards, and that parking requirements (141 stalls per parcel) are met through shared access even though Lot 2 individually provides 139 stalls. Shawn said park dedication will be required as a condition; the staff memo lists the required dedication amount but the specific dollar figure was not stated at the meeting.

Chair Gratki opened a brief public hearing; no members of the public spoke. Commissioners asked staff to confirm that the original designation as an outlot meant the parcel lacked an established stormwater feature; staff said there is no water on the parcel and explained the outlot history. Commissioner Olsen moved to approve the preliminary plat and conditional use permit with the conditions included in the staff report; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission listed the item for City Council consideration on Jan. 6, 2025.

The action is strictly advisory: the City Council will make the final land-use decision at its next meeting. Staff indicated that removal of any nonconforming site features, issuance of required permits and the listed conditions — including park dedication — must be satisfied before final plat recording.