Planning commission backs parking variance for United Savings Credit Union, conditions easement and payment

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission voted to recommend a parking variance for United Savings Credit Union’s proposed branch and coffee shop at 100 Richwood Road, allowing 26 parking spaces where the city’s zoning ordinance requires 36.

Kelsey, city planning staff, told the commission the project is a redevelopment of a former car wash into a 4,668‑square‑foot bank co‑located with a coffee shop and two drive‑through lanes, and that the ordinance’s off‑street parking calculation produces a 36‑space requirement. Kelsey said staff’s recommendation reflected the site’s topography and tree preservation needs, nearby public parking at the adjacent city park, and a shared‑parking easement the applicant proposed with the Boys and Girls Club. Kelsey said the city’s standard payment in lieu of parking is currently $2,500 per space and that a negotiated reduction had been factored into staff’s recommendation.

James ("Jim") Schaffbauer, president and CEO of United Savings Credit Union, described the applicant’s rationale and operational expectations, including drive‑through‑heavy traffic and a desire to preserve trees. "We're about a $120,000,000 credit union. Been in business for over 90 years," Schaffbauer said, noting that comparable Fargo requirements would have produced fewer required spaces and asking the commission for some leeway while grading and excavation determine the final usable area.

Commissioners questioned how the parking calculation was derived, whether moving a transformer could add spaces, runoff and tree removal impacts, and whether the Boys and Girls Club could provide a recorded easement. Commissioner Dylan cautioned against drafting the applicant’s site design for them, while another commissioner emphasized that a variance applies to the property long term and that the commission must weigh legacy impacts.

A commission member moved to recommend the variance for 26 parking spaces, with a $5,000 payment in lieu of remaining spaces and a recorded easement to provide additional public parking for events at Croversure Park and the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes; the motion specified the easement be recorded prior to implementation. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Community Development Committee and then to the City Council for final action.

The chair noted the Community Development Committee meets the Monday before council and the City Council will consider the matter at a subsequent meeting; staff advised the applicant on recording and drafting timing for the easement.