Plan Commission approves site plan and survey map for two 45,000-sq.-ft. buildings at Clement Business Park

The Fort Atkinson Plan Commission on April 14 voted to approve a certified survey map (CSM) and a site plan for two proposed light-industrial buildings at lots 12 and 13 of the Clement Business Park, subject to mapping corrections and a package of conditions from staff.

Director of Community Development Dreger presented the proposal, describing "a proposal for two 45,000 square feet" buildings and noting that the CSM has only minor mapping errors that staff will require corrected. Dreger said the applicants plans show the Janesville Avenue-facing elevation with roughly 25% glazing, exceeding the city's 15% frontage glazing standard, and that other elevations fall short because of overhead doors and the buildings' intended uses.

The commission granted several specific waivers and conditions: a variance to permit a 40-foot driveway throat on Milky Drive (the ordinance's 24-foot maximum may be waived by the planning commission for operational needs), a requirement that the applicant submit a photometric plan and lighting cut sheets, mechanical-equipment locations and proposed screening, dumpster-enclosure dimensions/materials (if applicable), and curbing along the east parking approach while allowing sheet drainage to the north and south as noted in the staff report. Staff also recommended and the commission accepted a percentage-based approach to class-one facade material requirements rather than strictly enforcing the previous per-face 15% rule for the Milky Drive elevation; minor mapping corrections in the CSM must be incorporated before final signing.

Commission discussion emphasized design details and future flexibility. Commissioner Schultz urged that roof design not preclude future solar installations, saying the city should "identify in your building design where solar would go if at some point in the future it makes sense for you," and cited local examples of rooftop solar on institutional and commercial buildings. Dreger replied that skylights were not anticipated on these buildings and that state code options (the IECC) could affect energy-design choices for large buildings. Commissioners also encouraged maximizing native plantings in bioswales and preserving pedestrian connections or grading that would allow future sidewalks as Janesville Avenue is redeveloped.

Staff noted the project expects about 50 employees per building, which yields space for roughly 100 parking stalls (with allowance for up to 25% more as needed), and reiterated that utility-connection designs must be approved by the director of public works. The commission moved and seconded approval of the CSM and then approved the site plan with the conditions listed by city staff; the votes were voice votes with the motions carrying. City staff said both the CSM and the site-plan action will be forwarded to the City Council, with Council consideration scheduled for the April 21 meeting.

The commission added an administrative condition allowing city staff to approve minor changes to the site plan and facade, while requiring that substantial changes return to the commission for review. The record shows staff will verify mapping corrections and the applicant must supply the outstanding photometric and mechanical-screening details before final approvals.

The commission's action is a recommendation to the City Council on the CSM and an approval of the site plan by the Plan Commission; the council will see the CSM and the site-plan referral on April 21.