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Council approves parking‑variance for United Savings Credit Union at 100 Richwood Road
Summary
The Detroit Lakes City Council approved a variance allowing 26 parking spaces instead of the 36 normally required for a planned United Savings Credit Union branch and coffee shop at 100 Richwood Road; the planning commission recommended approval with a $5,000 payment in lieu and an easement for overflow parking.
The Detroit Lakes City Council on Feb. 18 approved a zoning variance permitting 26 parking spaces, rather than the 36 required by ordinance, for a planned United Savings Credit Union branch and an associated coffee shop at 100 Richwood Road. Kelsey Clem, staff, told the council the planning commission unanimously recommended approval with a $5,000 payment in lieu of additional spaces and a requirement that the applicant grant an easement for overflow public parking to support events at Crover Park and the Boys and Girls Club.
Jim Schaebau, identified by the mayor as president of United Savings Credit Union, told the council the proposed layout is similar to other branches and that the coffee tenant is expected to be primarily drive‑through. "We think we'll be totally fine," Schaebau said, adding that the bank has experience with a combined layout and that shared overflow parking will be available to neighborhood organizations under the easement.
Clem summarized findings in the draft resolution supporting the variance: the reduced parking would be harmonious with the ordinance and comprehensive plan, the proposed uses (credit union and largely drive‑through coffee service) should function with the reduced on‑site parking, and the design preserves existing trees and topography by limiting excavation. The planning commission conditioned approval on the $5,000 payment and the easement being recorded before issuance of the variance.
Council members moved and seconded the resolution; the motion carried. No public opposition was recorded at the planning commission public hearing, staff said.
Because the coffee tenant had not been selected, council discussion focused on circulation, shared parking arrangements and preserving site trees; council did not change the planning commission's recommended condition. The variance allows the developers to proceed to next permitting steps subject to the conditions in the approved resolution.
