Council approves variance and design review for Karmel Ave property to clear way for Clutch Golf

The Chisago City Council on April 22 approved a variance and design review permitting additions at 29173 Karmel Ave that will allow a new entertainment operator, Clutch Golf, to open alongside the existing All Ways Auto repair business.

Associate Planner Leah Nelson told the council the property is zoned Highway Commercial and in the Shoreland Overlay District and that the application requested relief for right-of-way and rear setbacks, exterior materials and a reduction in required parking. Nelson said the zoning code requires 62 parking stalls for the combined uses; the applicant proposed 54 stalls (47 outside, including two accessible stalls, and seven inside).

The Planning Commission recommended approval with staff conditions, including a requirement that any trash stored outside be screened to meet ordinance standards. Applicant Shane Banwarth told the council he had discussed a possible 5-foot adjustment with his contractor but said during the meeting that “we can possibly just slide it down to meet the current variance.” Nelson said if the project cannot be made to fit within the approved variance, the applicant would need to return for another hearing.

Council members discussed parking overlap between the two businesses, noting All Ways Auto’s weekend closure would free spaces for Clutch Golf. Council Member Meyers said the commission felt the additions would improve the property and bring entertainment to the area. Council Member Rivers pressed on the timing and whether the additional 5 feet could be handled under the current variance; the council adopted the recommended conditions and approved the motion (motion carried, all ayes).

The approval includes standard conditions: the applicant must record the council’s resolution and provide an attested copy to city staff, meet the screening and lighting requirements presented to the council, and comply with required exterior material percentages per the Highway Commercial district standards as explained by staff. Because the property abuts residential areas, Nelson also noted the ordinance requires facades visible from public rights-of-way or residential districts to contain a minimum percentage of higher-quality exterior materials.

The council separately approved the design review for the same property at the same meeting, following staff and Planning Commission recommendations.

The council’s action clears the way for the applicant to finalize building plans that reconcile materials and parking with the approved variance; if the project needs additional encroachment beyond the approved plan, the council will require another public hearing before approving that change.