Commission approves variances and plats for 528 Western Ave. redevelopment; Burger King to be removed

The Fergus Falls City Planning Commission approved a package of entitlements for the planned redevelopment of 528 Western Avenue, the site of the former Burger King adjacent to the I-94 exits.

Planning staff described the applicant’s plan to split the lot into two parcels so co-located businesses can share parking. The applicants requested two variances: reduce the standard 10-foot parking setback to five feet along property lines and permit a zero-foot setback between the newly created parcels so parking areas can adjoin. Clara Beck explained the change is visually minor given existing site conditions and that an access easement to an adjacent parcel would remain.

Applicant representative Dave Carland said the existing Burger King building will be removed and that tenants prefer separate lots for ownership and lending reasons. Carland and the applicant team also asked the commission to strike a required five-foot interior utility/drainage easement along the new lot line, arguing it would be an unnecessary encumbrance running beneath what will be the shared parking area.

Commissioner Ryan stated he would abstain from the variance vote due to a client relationship with the lot owner; the remaining commissioners approved the parking setback variance by voice vote. The commission later approved the preliminary and final plat and agreed to remove the five-foot interior lot-line utility easement as requested, while requiring appropriate reciprocal cross-easements for parking ingress and egress to be recorded.

The approvals permit the applicant to proceed with lot splits and site work; staff noted the applicants must obtain a SWPPP permit (they will need a SWPPP because construction disturbs more than one acre) and address any remaining plat conditions prior to recordation and building permits.